A COMBINATION OF A 5-HT UPTAKE INHIBITOR WITH A SELECTIVE 5-HT1A ANTAGONIST

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HT1A antagonist of general formula (I), wherein R1 is n-propyl or cyclobutyl; R2 is isopropyl, tertiary butyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl; R3 is hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen or methyl; as (R)-enantiomer in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical formulations containing said combination, use of and method of treatment of affective disorders such as depression, anxiety and OCD with said combination as well as a kit containing said combination.

Description: A combination of a 5-HT uptake inhibitor with a selective 5-HT- . antagonist . Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination of a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a selective 5-HT j ^ antagonist, more specific (R)-5- carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-N,N-disubstituted-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyrans in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, process for the preparation of the combination, pharmaceutical formulation containing said combination and to the use of said combination either by coadministration or by individual administration for improvement of the treatment of affective disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), etc. Background of the Invention Today, it is generally considered that antidepressants, including Selective 5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), take 2-4 weeks to reach full clinical effect. In contrast, the side effects occur immediately, and even reduce during this period. Thus, slow onset of action of antidepressants lead to a vulnerable period for patients in which they experience the side effects, but not the therapeutic effects of drugs. There is often a heavy burden on the treating physician to persuade the patient to continue with the treatment during this period. Furthermore, in suicidal patients, as the onset of action is gradual, they may regain initiative without experiencing full reversal symptoms, leading a window of risk for suicide and a frequent requirement for hospitalisation. An antidepressant with fast onset of action would not only be beniϋάal due to the faster symptom reduction, but would also be more acceptable to patients and physicians and reduce the need for and duration of hospitalisation. The same long period to reach full clinical effect has been shown in the treatment of other affective disorders such as anxiety and OCD. Prior art In Arch. Gen. Phsychiatry, vol. 51. Mar.1994 is described that a beta blocker such as pindolol which also has high affinity to 5-HT receptors and antagonize 5-HT**^ mediated responses induces a rapid improvement of depressed patients treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Summary of the Invention Antagonism of the acute 5-HT reuptake inhibitor induced decrease in 5- Selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) decrease the impulse propagation in 5-HT neurons via a negative feed-back reaction probably mediated by collateral 5-HT axons releasing 5-HT in raphe nuclei. By inhibiting the somatodendritic 5-HT**^ autoreceptors the selective antagonists counteract the decrease in 5-HT turnover caused by 5-HT reuptake inhibitors. This indicates that a selective blockade of somatodendritic autoreceptor i.e. 5-HT- j ^ antagonist may have a clinical potential to improve the efficacy of 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and offer a new rational for rapid onset of affective actions, for instance the antidepressant actions. The combination Thus, by combining a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor with a second component (b) which is a selective 5-HT j A antagonist of the formula wherein R is n-propyl or cyclobutyl; R2 is isopropyl, tertiary butyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl; R3 is hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen or methyl; said 5-HT j ^-antagonist being in the form of its (R)-enantiomer, and said components (a) and (b) being in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a faster onset of action will occur and consequently, a more efficacious treatment of the patients. Following 5-HT*^ antagonists may be included as component (b) in the combination of the invention: (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methylcarbamoyl-3,4- dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (R)-8-Huoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-5-carbamoyl-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (R)-5-Carbaxnoyl-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzop yran (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N,N-dicydobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-5-Carbaxnoyl-3-(N-cydobutyl-N-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3 / 4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (R)-5-Carbarnoyl-3-(N-cydobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran (R)-5-Carbaxnoyl-3-(X-cydopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-5*^arbaτrιoyl-3-(N-cydohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-( -cydopentyl-N-cydobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H- -benzopyran The (R)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-N_N-disubstituted-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1-benzopyrans disdosed herein are described in WO 95/11891 (PCT/SE94/01010). The (R)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-N,N-disubstituted-am o-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1-benzopyrans are in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Both organic and inorganic adds can be employed to form non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable add addition salts of the compounds of this invention. Illustrative adds are sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, oxalic, hydrochloric, formic, hydrobromic, dtric, acetic, lactic, tartaric, dibenzoyltartaric, diacetyltartaric, pamoic, ethane- disulfonic, sulfamic, sucάnic, propionic, glycollic, malic, gluconic, pyruvic, phenylacetic, 4-aminobenzoic, anthranilic, salicylic, 4- aminosalicylic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic, 3,5- dihydroxybenzoic, 3-hydroxy-2-naphtoic, nicotinic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, hydroxyethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, sulfanilic, naphthalenesulfonic, ascorbinic, cydohexyl- sulfamic, fumaric, maleic and benzoic adds. These salts are readily prepared by methods known in the art. Those (R)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-N, -disubstituted-amino-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyrans possess a high affinity to the specific subgroup of 5- HTI A receptor in CNS and act as antagonists on that 5-HT-ι A receptor, and as well show sufficient bioavailability after oral administration. Suitable known 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be used are norzimeldine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, dtalopram, domipramine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, alaprodate but component (a) in the combination according to the invention is not limited only to those SSRIs. The combination according to the present invention may be produced in one pharmaceutical formulation comprising both the active first component (a) and the active second component (b) or in two different pharmaceuticAl formulations, one for the active first component (a) and one for the active second component (b). The pharmaceutical formulation may be in the form of tablets or capsules, powders, mixtures, solutions or other suitable pharmaceutical formulation forms. The combination of the present invention can be prepared by that a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is incorporated into the same preparation as a selective 5-HT | ^ antagonist as defined above by e.g. mixing in a conventional way. The present invention also indudes a method of improving the onset of therapeutic action by coadministration of a combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HT*^ antagonist as herein described. A further embodiment of the present invention is a kit containing the combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HT- j ^ antagonist, optionally with instructions for use. Detailed Description of the Invention. Methods of preparation of the (R)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3-N t N- disubstituted-amino-3,4-dihvdro-2H-l-benzopyrans ( II ) ( III ) The preparation of (R)-3-amino-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (compound II) is described in WO93/07135. The contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The preferred method for the introduction of fluorine is by brominating the aromatic ring, selectively, in the 8-position. Bromination can be done by using bromine with or without a catalyst. Other brominating agents can be used e.g. HOBr and N-bromo amides (espedally N-bromosuccinimide). Suitable solvents for bromination are acetic add, dioxane and chlorinated solvents e.g. methylene chloride. Before fluorination the primary amine must be fully alkylated by Ri and by R2 as stated above or protected by a suitable group that can be removed later e.g. dibenzyl. Introduction of the alkyl groups on nitrogen can be done by reductive amination from the appropriate aldehyde or ketone using a suitable redudng agent e.g. NaCNBH or catalytically with H2 and a suitable catalyst containing palladium, platina or nickel in a suitable solvent e.g. tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxane, methanol or ethanol. Introduction of the alkyl groups can also be done by alkylation with the appropriate alkyl halide e.g. Cl, Br or I, or by an activated alcohol e.g. alkyl-mesylate or -tosylate in a suitable solvent e.g. dimethylformamide (DMF),acetone or acetonitrile with a suitable base e.g. K 2 C0 3 . Fluorination can then occur by lithiation of the bromo compound with an alkyllithium reagent e.g. n-butyllithium and followed by the reaction with a suitable fluorinating agent preferably a N-fluoro-N-alkyl- /arylsulfonamide e.g. N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide. The solvent for this reaction can be anhydrous alkyl ethers e.g. tetrahydrofuran (THF) or diethyl ether, or non-protic solvents e.g. hexane or benzene. The temperature range can vary from -100°C to room temperature but preferably -78°C to -20°C. The compounds may be prepared from the compound (R)-3-amino-8- fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (as described above) followed by known methods such as reductive amination, N-alkylation, demethylation and conversion to the leaving group Y to obtain compound IV. The compounds of formula I may be prepared according to the following methods: i, converting directly the compounds of formula IV wherein Y is a leaving group such as trifluoromethane sulfonate (OSO2CF3), halide e.g. Cl, Br or I by a catalytic cyde using a zerovalent transition metal (M) such as Pd or Ni, which may be generated in situ and undergoes an oxidative addition to the aryl-Y-bond. Treatment with carbon monoxide followed by amination with the proper amine (ammonia or methylamine) give the compounds of formula I, whereafter if desired it is converted to a salt. ii, Alternatively, the compounds of formula IV is converted to the compounds of formula V wherein Z is Cl, Br, OH or OR^, where R^ is C- j -Cg alkyl, by a catalytic cycle using a zerovalent transition metal, with ability to undergo oxidative addition to aryl-Y-bonds e.g. the aryl-OSθ2CF3 bonds. The aryl-CO-metal-Y complex is formed by treatment with carbon monoxide (CO). Further reagents are an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, a tertiary amine such as a trialkylamine e.g. triethylamine in an inert organic solvent preferentially a polar aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, acetonitrile etc. The reaction is normally performed at a temperature between +40 to +120 C C and at a pressure between 100 to 500 kPa (ii). This is optionally followed by hydrolysis and treatment with a thionyl halide e.g. thionyl chloride, to obtain the corresponding add halide derivative. The compounds of formula V is aminated (ϋ^) with the proper amine (ammonia or methylamine) in a solvent e.g. toluene, methylene chloride, benzene, water at reflux temperature or between 0-100°C to give the compounds of formula I. Pharmaceutical formulations According to the present invention the compounds in the combination will normally be administered orally, rectally or by injection, in the form of pharmaceutical formulations comprising the active ingredient either as a free base or a pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic add addition salt, e.g. the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, lactate, acetate, phosphate, sulfate, sulfamate, citrate, tartrate, oxalate and the like in a pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form. The dosage form may be a solid, semisolid or liquid formulation. Usually the active substances will constitute between 0.1 and 99% by weight of the formulation, more specifically between 0.5 and 20% by weight for formulations intended for injection and between 0.2 and 50% by weight for formulations suitable for oral administration. To produce pharmaceutical formulations of the combination of the invention in the form of dosage units for oral application, the selected compounds may be mixed with a solid exdpient, e.g. lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches such as potato starch, com starch or amylopectin, cellulose derivatives, a binder such as gelatine or poly- vinylpyrrolidone, disintegrants e.g. sodium starch glycolate, cross-linked PVP, cross-caramellose sodium and a lubricant such as magnesium stearate, caldum stearate, polyethylene glycol, waxes, paraffin, and the like, and then compressed into tablets. If coated tablets are required, the cores, prepared as described above, may be coated with a concentrated sugar solution which may contain e.g. gum arabic, gelatine, talcum, titanium dioxide, and the like. Alternatively, the tablets can be coated with a polymer known to the man skilled in the art, dissolved in a rea¬ dily volatile organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents. Dyestuffs may be added to these coatings in order to readily distinguish between tablets containing different active substances or different amounts of the active compounds. For the formulation of soft gelatine capsules, the active substances may be admixed with e.g. a vegetable oil or poly-ethylene glycol. Hard gelatine capsules may contain granules of the active substances using either the above mentioned exdpients for tablets e.g. lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches (e.g. potato starch, corn starch or amylopectin), cellulose derivatives or gelatine. Also liquids or semisolids of the drug can be filled into hard gelatine capsules. Dosage units for rectal application can be solutions or suspensions or can be prepared in the form of suppositories comprising the active substances in a mixture with a neutral fatty base, or gelatine rectal capsules comprising the active substances in admixture with vegetable oil or paraffin oil. Liquid formulations for oral application may be in the form of syrups or suspensions, for example solutions containing from about 0.2% to about 20%> by weight of the active substances herein described, the balance being sugar and mixture of ethanol, water, glycerol and propylene glycol. Optionally such liquid formulations may contain colouring agents, flavouring agents^ saccharine and carboxymethyl-cellulose as a thickening agent or other exdpients known to a person skilled in the art. Solutions for parenteral applications by injection can be prepared in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the active substances, preferably in a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight. These solutions may also contain stabilising agents and/or buffering agents and may conveniently be provided in various dosage unit ampoules. Suitable daily doses of the active compounds in the combination of the invention in therapeutical treatment of humans are about 0.01-100 mg/kg bodyweight at peroral administration and 0.001-100 mg/kg bodyweight at parenteral administration. The daily doses of the active 5-H ^ antagonist may very well differ from the daily doses of the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, but the doses can also be the same of both the active compounds. Preparation of Starting Materials for the 5-HT | ^-antagonists Preparation 1 (R)-3-Amino-8 ' fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihvdro-2H-l-benzopyτan a) (R)-3-Amino-8-bromo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (25 g, 0.14 mol; prepared as described in WO93/07135) and anhydrous sodium acetate (34 g, 0.42 mol) were dissolved in acetic add (500 mL). Bromine (23.4 g, 0.15 mol), dissolved in acetic add (500 mL), was added dropwise at room temperature. The addition of bromine continued for about 7 days. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in sodium hydroxide (25%)/diethyl ether (exothermic reaction, the mixture was cooled in an ice-bath). The layers were separated and the alkaline water- phase was extracted thrice with diethyl ether. The combined ether layers were dried and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give 35.5 g of an oily residue. The oil was dissolved in diethyl ether and the solution was cooled with an ice-bath (0°C). HC1, dissolved in diethyl ether, was added dropwise until the suspension became addic (controlled with pH paper). The crystals were filtered and then recrystallized from methanol to give the title compound in 70% yield (28.5 g). Mp: 281-282°C. The HC1 salt was partitioned between diethyl ether and 2 M NH, (aq) and the free base was obtained by extraxtions of the alkaline water phase with diethyl ether. [α] 21 D =+40° (C=0.1, HC1 salt in MeOH). GC-MS (70eV) M+l = 259 (53%). b) (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N,N-dibenzylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-8-bromo-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (11.5 g, 44 mmol) was dissolved in 400 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and to the reaction were benzyl bromide (13 mL, 110 mmol), anhydrous potassium carbonate (grounded) (16 g, 116 mmol), and a catalytic amount of KI added and then heated to 85°C for 48 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of NH and then extracted twice with ether. The combined ether portions were treated with brine, dried (MgSO^ filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: CH2CI2) gave 15 g (78% yield) of the title compound as a clear oU. [α] 21 D =-15.5° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70eV) M=437 (15%). c) (R)-3-(N,N-Dibenzylamino)-8-£luoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N^-diber^ylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2 H-l- benzopyran (4.35 g, 9.9 mmol) was dissolved in 45 mL of anhydrous THF and cooled to -78°C. To this was a 1.6 M n-BuLi solution (6.8 mL, 10.9 mmol) added dropwise and allowed to stir at -78°C for 1 h. N- Fluorobenzenesulfonimide (3.8 g, 11.9 mmol), dissolved in 30 mL anhydrous THF, was added dropwise under 45 min and allowed to stir at -78°C for 1 h. The reaction was stopped by adding 3 mL saturated NH4CI followed by 9 mL of a solution comprised of 2 g of N^OHxHCl and 8 g of Na2Cθ3 in 100 mL of H2O and allowing the reaction to warm to room temperature. A 2 M NH solution was added and the reaction was extracted twice with ether, treated with brine, dried (Na2SO, j ), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give the crude product. Purification of the 8-fluoro (desired) from the 8-hydrogen (15 %) compound was carried out by a crude chromatography (eluent: 25 % C^C^/hexane) to give 1.78 g. The crude was rechromatographed on silica (eluent: 3% acetone/hexane) to give 1.50 g (40% yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D = -112.1° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M=377 (37%). d) (R)-3-Amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan (R)-3-(N,N-Dibenzylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (13.0 g, 34.4 mmol) was dissolved in 265 mL methanol and 115 mL THF. To this was 10 % Pd/C (4 g) and ammonium formate (51.5 g, 0.817 mol) added. The reaction was heated to 50°C for 2.5 h. The reaction was filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of NaOH and then extracted twice with ether. The combined ether portions were treated with brine, dried filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give 6.2 g (91 % yield) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D = -15.3° (C=l, CHC1 3 ). GC-MS (70 eV) M=197 (51%). Preparation 2 (R)-8-FIuoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N-isopropylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Isopropylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (4.02 g, 18.2 mmol; prepared as described in WO93/07135) and anhydrous sodium acetate were dissolved in acetic add (80 mL). To the stirred mixture was bromine (0.93 mL, 18.2 mmol) dissolved in acetic acid (40 mL) added dropwise under 1.5 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, taken into a 2 M NaOH solution and extracted twice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were treated with brine, dried filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in diethyl ether and adding an excess of an ethereal HC1 solution to give a white solid. The salt was recrystallized twice from ethanol/ diethyl ether to give 3.8 g (62% yield). Mp: 257-8°C. [α] 21 D = -97.7° (C=0.1, CHCI3). The free base was made from the hydrochloride salt to give an oil. GC- MS (70 eV) M=301 (100%). b) (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyτan (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N-isopropylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (3.8 g, 11.3 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (80 mL) and to this was propanal (8.1 mL, 0.113 mol) added. The reaction was cooled (ice-bath) then sodium cyanoborohydride (1.3 g, 20.3 mmol) was added, the pH was adjusted to 5, and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 1 M solution of Na2Cθ and then extracted twice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were treated with brine, dried (Na2S0 4 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 7% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 3.75 g (97% yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. fα] 21 D =-82.5° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M=343 (29%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the base in diethyl ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HC1 solution. The salt was recrystallized from ethanol /diethyl ether to give a white solid. Mp: 177- 9°C. c) (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (R)-8-Bromo-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1 -benzopyran (2.3 g, 6.72 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (25 mL) and cooled to -78°C. To this was a 1.6 M n-BuLi solution (4.83 mL, 7.73 mmol) added dropwise and allowed to stir at -78°C for 1 h. N- Fluorobenzenesulfonimide (2.55 g, 8.06 mmol), dissolved in anhydrous THF (15 mL), was added dropwise under 20-30 nun and allowed to stir at -78°C for 4 h. The reaction was stopped by adding 1 mL of a saturated aqueous NH 4 C1 solution followed by 3 mL of a solution comprised of 2 g of NH 2 OHxHCl and 8 g of Na 2 C0 3 in 100 mL of H 2 0 and allowing the reaction to warm to room temperature. A 2 M NH solution was added and the reaction was extracted, twice, with diethyl ether, treated with brine, dried (Na2S0 ), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give the crude product. Chromatography on silica (eluent chloroform) gave 1.0 g (53% yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 1 D =-89.2° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M=281 (32%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in diethyl ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HC1 solution to give a white solid (sinters at 80°C). d) (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (R)-8-πuoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylar no)-5-methoxΛ'-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran hydrochloride (1.03 g, 3.24 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 Cl2 (30 mL) and cooled to -40 C C. To the solution was BBr 3 (0.77 mL, 8.1 mmol), dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 C1 2 (5 mL) added dropwise. The cooling-bath was removed and after 3 h at room temperature the reaction was complete. The reaction was poured out onto an ice/2 M H solution and the mixture was extracted, twice, with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were treated with brine, dried (Na2S0 4 -*, filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 207o ethyl acetate /hexane) gave 0.84 g (97% yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D =-94.2° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M=267 (26%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in diethyl ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HC1 solution. The salt was recrystallized from CHCI3/ diethyl ether /ethyl acetate to give a white solid. Mp: 220-2°C. e) <R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-propylamino)-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (0.71 g, 2.66 mmol) and collidine (0.49 mL, 3.72 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (25 mL) and cooled to -40°C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.54 mL, 3.2 mmol) was added dropwise and allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and after coming to 0°C the reaction was done. The reaction was diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with a saturated aqueous aHCθ3 solution, dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give a crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent CH2CI2) gave 0.82 g (77% yield) of the tide compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D = -85.5° (C=0.1, CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M=399 (6%). Example 1 (R)-3-(N-Cvclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8--fluoro-5-N-inethylcarbamoyl- 3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-3-N-Cyclopentylamino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (1.5 g, 7.6 mmol), acetic add (0.45 g, 7.6 mmol), and cydopentanone (2.5 g, 3 mmol) were dissolved in 30 ml of methanol. With stirring, sodiumcyanoborohydride (0.8 g, 13 mmol) was added in portions under a few minutes. Stirring was continued for 2 hours. A GC sample showed 1007o of a new product. The solvent was evaporated and water, 2 M NH3 and EtOAc were added. The organic layer was separated and washed with water. The layer was dried with Na2S0 and evaporated to give 1.3 g (64% yield) of a colourless oil. GC/MS with the molecular peak of 265 confirmed the title compound. b) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-N-Cydopentylamino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (1.3 g, 5 mmol), acetic add (0.3 g, 5 mmol) and propionaldehyde (1.5 g, 25 mmol) were dissolved in 30 ml of methanol. With stirring, sodiumcyanoborohydride (0.8 g, 13 mmol) was added in portions under a few minutes and stirring was continued. After 3 hours a GC sample showed 100% of a new product. The solvent was evaporated and water, 2 molar H and EtOAc were added. The organic layer was separated and washed neutral with water. The layer was dried with Na2S0 4 and evaporated to give 1 g (65% yield) of a colourless oil. GC/MS with the molecular peak of 307 confirmed the title compound. c) (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-n-propylammo)-8-fluoro-.-^hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylarnino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran (1 g, 5 mmol) was dissolved in 25 ml of C^C . An excess of etheric HC1 was added to form the HC1 salt. A solution of BBr^ (4 g, 15 mmol) in 10 ml of CH2CI2 was prepared and added dropwise under 10 minutes with stirring (ice-bath). The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature during continued stirring for 6 hours and the mixture was poured out into ice water and made alkaline by adding ammonia. The organic layer was separated, dried with Na2S0 4 and evaporated to afford a dark brown oil. Chromatography (Siθ2, di- isopropyl ether and hexane 1+1) afforded 1.1 g of an colourless oil. The HC1 salt was prepared from the base and etheric HC1 and rerystallized from acetonitrile to give 0.85 g (52% yield). Mp 220-221 °C d) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (0.7 g, 3 mmol) was dissolved in 25 ml of CH2C-2 and triethylamine (0.3 g, 3 mmol) was added. The solution of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1 g, 4 mmol) in 5 ml of CH2C-2 was added dropwise under 10 min (-20°C). Stirring was continued for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was poured out into ice water and the pH was adjusted to 8 by addition of ammonia and extracted by ether. The organic layer was separated, dried with Na2S0 4 and evaporated to afford a brown oil. Chromatography (S ^, CH 2 Cl2 + hexane, 1 + 3) afforded 0.5 g (44%> yield) of a colourless oil. GC/MS with the molecular peak of 425 confirmed the title compound. e) (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-n-propylarnino)-8-fluoro-5-N- methylcarbamoyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(X-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (0.5 g, 1 mmol) was dissolved in 15 ml of 1,4-dioxane. Palladium π acetate (10 mg), 1,3- bis (diphenylphosphino)-propane (20 mg), and methylamine (0.15 g, 5 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred in carbon monoxide atmosphere over night at 70 C C. Evaporation and chromatography (Siθ2, diethyl ether + hexane 1+3) afforded the final compound as a colourless oil. The HC1 salt was prepared to give 0.24 g (657o yield) of white crystals. Mp 108°C. Example 2 (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-5-carbamoyl-3,4-dihvdro- 2H-l-benzopyτan a) Methyl (R)-8-fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran- 5-carboxylate (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-5- trϋluoromethanesulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (2.4 g, 6.0 mmol), triethylamine (1.3 g, 12.9 mmol), 1,3- bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (95 mg, catalytic amount), palladium(II)acetate (48 mg, catalytic amount) and DMF/MeOH (30 mL, 3:1) were mixed in a 50 mL three necked round bottom flask. The flask was evacuated followed by the inlet of CO (repeated two times). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70°C for 7.5 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in diethyl ether/sat. NaHCθ3- The layers were separated and the water phase was extracted once with ether. The combined ether layers were dried (MgS0 4 ) and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a crude which was purified by flash chromatography (S-O2, hexane/EtOAC, 9:1) to give 1.3 g of the title compound (71% yield). b) (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-5-carbamoyl-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-8-πuoro-3-(N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino)-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (1.3 g, 4.2 mmol) and KOH (0.52 g, 8.4 mmol) were mixed in methanol (6 mL) and refluxed for 2.5 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water and made addic by the addition of 2M HC1. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in SOC_2 (30 mL) and refluxed for 2.5 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 and the solvent was removed in vacuo again (repeated three times in order to remove the excess of SOC^- The residue was then dissolved in diethyl ether (50 mL). The solution was cooled to -30°C before NH (g) was bubbled through it. Water was added, the layers were separated and the water-phase was extracted with ether. The combined ether layers were dried (K2CO ) and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a crude which was purified by flash chromatography (Si0 2 , EtOAc/hexane, 1 :1) to give 1.0 g of the title compound (yield 80%). Recrystallization from EtOAc/hexane gave crystals with Mp: 139- 140°C. Example 3 (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino) » 5-carbamoyl-8-fIuoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-8-Fluoro-5-methoxy-3-[N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-amino]-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (7.85 g, 39.8 mmol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (5.42 g, 39.8 mmol), anhydrous potassium carbonate (10.1 g) and absolute EtOH (200 mL) were stirred over night at reflux temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and ether (500 mL) was added. After stirring for 15 min the salt was filtered off and the solution was concentrated in vacuo to give an off- white solid (12.4 g). Recrystallization from i-P^O- hexane gave 10.8 g (86% yield) of the title compound as colourless needles. Mp: 96.8-97.3°C. [α] 21 D =+20.1° (C=l; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 315 (58%). b) (R)-8-Fluoro-3-hydroxylamino-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran 3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (85%; 7.6 g, 37.6 mmol) was added in portions to a stirred and cooled solution (+ 4°C) of (R)-8-fluoro-5- methoxy-3- [N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-amino]-3,4-dihydro-2H-l - benzopyran (10.8 g, 34 mmol) and methylene chloride (65 mL). The mixture was stirred over night at room temperature. Predpitated 3- chlorobenzoic add was filtered off and the dear yellow filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The oily residue was taken up in a solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (2.83 g, 40.8 mmol) and anhydrous methanol (60 mL) and the resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was evaporated to give a thick orange oil. Water was added to the oil, pH was adjusted to 8-9 with saturated aqueous Na2Cθ3 and the mixture was washed with ether (3x150 mL). The organic phases were combined, washed with brine, dried (Na 2 S0 4 ), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was flash chromatographed on silica with EtOAc (15 to 50%) in hexane as eluent. The resulting impure product was flash chromatographed a second time on silica with EtOH- CHCI3 (1:99) as eluent to give 6.45 g (897o yield) of the title compound as a colourless crystalline solid. Mp: 111-113°C. [α] 21 D =+66.4° (C= 1.3; CHCI3). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 213 (56%). c) (R)-3-tert-Butylammo-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-8-πuoro-3-hydroxylamino-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan (6.30 g, 29.6 mmol), anhydrous sodium sulfate (20 g) and acetone (500 mL) were refluxed under nitrogen for 4 days until TLC indicated a complete reaction. The salt was filtered off, ether (300 mL) was added to the filtrate and the solution, still containing finely suspended salt, was filtered through a sintered glass filter (grade 4). The dear filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Dry (sieves 3 A) benzene (50 mL) was added and the resulting solution was concentrated in vacuo (finally on the pump). The glassy residue was dissolved in dry (sieves 3A) benzene (150 mL) under nitrogen and the solution was cooled on an ice-bath (+4°C). MeMgBr in Et 2 0 (3.0 M; 32.0 mL, 96 mmol) was added to the stirred solution above at a rate that kept the internal temperature below +5°C (the reaction is exothermic). After the addition was complete (30 min) the solution was stirred at +4°C for 0.5 h. The cooling bath was taken away and 15 min later the solution was poured on saturated NaHCθ and ice (300 mL total). The mixture was washed repeatedly with ether (3x150 mL). The organic phases were combined, washed with brine, dried (Na2S0 4 ), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography on silica [eluent EtOAc (2 and 107 c ) in CHCI3] gave 2.9 g. of the tert -butyl hydroxylamine derivative. The latter was dissolved in CS (100 mL) under nitrogen and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 4.5 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give an orange oil. Acetone (approx. 50 mL) was added and the solution was stirred for a short time (15 min) at room temperature (to predpitate elemental sulfur), then filtered and concentrated to give an oil. Flash chromatography on silica [eluent EtOAc (10 to 25%) in hexane] gave 2.34 g (31 % total yield) of the title compound as a yellow oil. [α] 21 D =-82.8° (C= 1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 253 (53%). d) (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-tert-Butylamino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (2.20 g, 8.7 mmol), allyl bromide (7.5 mL, 87 mmol), finely ground anhydrous potassium carbonate (6.0 g, 43 mmol) and dry DMF (6.0 mL) were stirred under nitrogen at 65°C. After 70 h GC-analysis indicated partial conversion of the starting material (677 c product vs. 30%> starting material). At this stage the reaction was interrupted. The salt was sucked off, washed with a small portions of DMF and the dear filtrate was concentrated. The oil thus obtained was partitioned between saturated aqueous Na2Cθ3 and diethyl ether (4x70 mL). The organic phases were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatograpy on silica [eluent acetone (2 and 157o) in hexane] gave 0.80 g of starting material and 1.47 g (877o yield based on recovered starting material) of the allylated product as a colourless oil. [α] 21 D =-77.6° (C= 0.8, CHCI3). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 293 (40%). The allylated product (1.30 g) was mixed with DMF (50 mL) and 57o Rh on alumina (0.090 g) and hydrogenated at ambient pressure and temperature (21°C). After 5 h the reaction was complete according to GC and TLC. The catalyst was filtered off on C elite, the pad was washed with small portions of DMF and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography on silica of the crude product [eluent: EtOAc (0 and 37o) in CH 2 C1 2 ] gave 1.27 g (977 0 yield) of the saturated compound. GC-MS (70 eV) M= 295 (28%). [α] 21 D (base)=-83.4° (C= 0.9; CHC13). The base was dissolved in dry diethyl ether, the solution was cooled on an ice bath and an excess of ethereal HC1 was added to the stirred solution. The salt was filtered off, washed with dry diethyl ether and dried in vacuo at 50°C to give 1.39 g (98% yield) of the title compound, as white crystals. Mp: 175-176°C. e) (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1-benzopyran hydrochloride (1.3 g, 3.9 mmol) in dry methylene chloride (40 mL) under nitrogen was cooled on a dry ice-ErOH bath to -50°C. Boron tribromide (0.75 mL, 7.8 mmol) was added dropwise (in 1 min) to the stirred solution above. Five minutes after the addition of boron tribromide was complete, the dry-ice bath was changed to an ice bath (+4°C). After stirring for 4 h at the same temperature the solution was poured on ice (100 g) and solid aHCθ was added to adjust pH to 8-9. When the ice had melted the mixture was extracted with ether (4x75 mL). The ether extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried (Na2S0 4 ), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford 1.1 g (967c yield) of the title compound as a pale yellow oil. [α] 21 D =-91.7° (C= 1.0; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 281 (6%). f) (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1-benzopyτan (1.0 g, 3.6 mmol) and 2,4,6-collidine (0.52 mL, 3.9 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous methylene chloride (40 mL) and cooled to - 30°C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.66 mL, 3.9 mmol) dissolved in anhydrous methylene chloride (10 mL) was added dropwise during 20 min. The solution was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and after coming to 0°C the reaction was done. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with saturated aqueous NaHC0 (50 mL). The aqueous phase was re-extracted with ether (2x40 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give a crude residue. Flash chromatography on silica [eluent: EtOAc-hexane (3:97)] gave 1.40 g (95 % yield) of the title compound as a colourless oil. [α] 21 D =-73.7° (C= 1.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 413 (1 %). g) Methyl (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-δ-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (1.4 g, 3.3 mmol) and triethylamine (1.0 mL, 7.4 mmol) were dissolved in a solution of DMF/MeOH (6:2; 30 mL) and then degassed followed by the inlet of carbon monoxide (4x). With a slight positive pressure of carbon monoxide, palladium(II)-acetate (0.030 g) and 1,3- bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (0.060 g) were added and the reaction mixture was degassed and subjected to carbon monoxide once again. The reaction was heated to 70°C (oil-bath temperature) under carbon monoxide atmosphere with vigorous stirring for 12 h. GC indicating an incomplete reaction (68%- product vs. 217c starting material), the solution was cooled and then filtered through Celite. More palladium(II)-acetate (0.030 g) and l,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (0.060 g) were added and the reaction was resumed as described above. After another 3 h GC indicated a slight improvement of the ratio (777c vs. 127c) and the reaction was allowed to cool. The following day the solvent was removed in vacuo. The remaining red-brown oil was taken into saturated aqueous NaHCθ3 and then extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (MgS0 ) filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude ester. Flash chromatography on silica [eluent: EtOAc (15 and 307 c ) in hexane] gave 0.178 g of starting material and 0.842 g (897o yield based on recovered starting material) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D =-121.1° (C= 0.9; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 323 (14%). h) ( R)-3- ( N-tert-Butyl-N-n-propylamino)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(N-tert-butyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (0.84 g, 2.6 mmol), methanol (10 mL) and 1.7 M aqueous NaOH (3 0 mL, 5.2 mmol ) were refluxed for 3 h. The clear solution was cooled, the methanol was stripped, the aqueous remains were washed twice with ether-hexane (1:1), then addified with 2 M HC1 (pH≤ 2). The water was evaporated in vacuo and the remaining salt was dried in vacuum at 50 " C for 2 h. Dry methylene chloride (20 mL) and thionyl chloride (3.0 mL, 41 mmol) were added, the mixture refluxed under nitrogen for 11 h. The volatiles were evaporated, more dry methylene chloride was added and evaporated. This was repeated once. The crude acid chloride was dissolved (suspended) in dry methylene chloride (50 mL) and added dropwise to stirred concentrated aqueous ammonia (40 mL) cooled on an ice bath. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature, the organic phase was separated, and the aqueous phase was washed with methylene chloride (100 L) and ether (50 mL). The organic portions were combined, dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered and concentrated to give the crude amide. Flash chromatography on silica [eluent: EtOAc-hexane (4:5)]) gave 0.73 g (91 % yield) of (R)-3-(N- tert-but\-l-\ τ -propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5- carboxamide as a solid. Mp: 70-75 c C. [α] 21 D =-132.4° (C= 1.0; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 308 (3%). The base was dissolved in dry ether, the solution was cooled on a dry-ice bath (-20 C C) and an excess c( ethereal HC1 was added to the stirred solution. The salt was filtered off, washed with drv ether and dried in vacuo at 50°C to give 0.78 g (967o yield) of the hydrochloride salt as whi e crystals. Mp: 120 C C sinters. Example 4 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N,N-dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran a) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran and (R)-3-(N,N-Dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methox>'-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (1.67 g, 8.47 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (20 mL) and to this was cyclobutanone (5.0 g, 71.3 mmol) added. The reaction was cooled (ice-bath) then sodium cyanoborohydride (0.96 g, 15.3 mmol) was added and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. After 24 h the pH was adjusted to 4-5 with acetic add and the reaction was allowed to stir for one more day. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of H and then extracted thrice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried ( a2S0 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 157o ethyl acetate/hexane for dialkylated product followed by ethyl acetate for monoalkylated product) gave 1.01 g (487o yield) of the monoalkylated title compound as a clear oil [GC-MS (70 eV) M= 251 (67c )]. and 0.71 g (277c yield) of the dialkylated title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D = -101.0° (C= 0.1; CHCI3). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 305 (3%). b) (R)-S-Fluoro-3-(N,N-dic>'cIobutylamino)-5-hydroxy-3 / 4-dihydro-2H- 1-benzopyτan (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(NJvf-dicyclobutylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran hydrochloride (0.77 g, 2.26 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (20 mL) and cooled to -40°C. To the solution was BBr3 (0.54 mL, 5.7 mmol), dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (3 mL) added dropwise. The cooling-bath was removed and after 2 h at room temperature the reaction was complete. The reaction was poured out onto an ice/2 M NH3 solution and the mixture was extracted, twice, with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried (MgS0 4 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 50%> ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.58 g (897o yield) of the title compound as a white solid. Mp: 170-2°C. [α] 21 D =-114.4° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 291 (2% ). c) (R)-3-(N,N-Dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N,N τ -Dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (0.59 g, 2.02 mmol) and collidine (0.37 mL, 2.8 mmol ) were dissolved in anhvdrous CH2CI2 (40 mL ) and cooled to -40 : C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.41 mL, 2.4 mmol) was added dropwise and allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and after coming to 0°C the reaction was done. The reaction was diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCθ3 solution, dried (MgSO , filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give a crude residue. Chromatographv on silica (eluent: CH2CI2) gave 0.84 g (997c yield) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D =-90.9 c (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 423 (37c ). Methyl (R)-3-(N N-Dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3 / 4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(N,N-Dicvclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-trifluoromethylsulfonylox)'-3,4- dihvdro-2H-l-benzopyran (0 82 g, 1.94 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of DMF/methanol (6:2, 15 mL) and then degassed followed by the inlet of carbonmonoxide (x3). With a slight positive pressure of carbonmonoxide, palladium(II)-acetate (14 mg), 1,3- bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (25 mg) and triethylamine (0.60 mL, 4.3 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was degassed and subjected to carbonmonoxide once again. The reaction was heated to 70°C under carbonmonoxide atmosphere with vigorous stirring for 5.5 h. The reaction was allowed to cool and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The remains were taken into a 2 M solution of H3 and then extracted, twice, λvith diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 12.57c ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 501 mg (787o yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D =-138.2° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 333 (4%). e) (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N,N-dicyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyr n Methyl (R)-3-(N,N-dicydobutylaminc ) -8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (490 mg, 1.47 mmol) was refluxed with a 6 M solution of HCl (20 mL) for 3.5 h. Tne solution was cooled, concentrated to drvness in vacuo and anhydrous toluene was added and the solvent was removed in vacuo (x4). To the white solid was thionyl chloride (15 mL) added and the solution was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo, anhydrous toluene added and the solvent removed in vacuo. The acid chloride was dissolved in CH2CI2 (20 mL) and added dropwise to a cooled solution (ice-bath) of concentrated NH3 (20 mL). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 30 min. The CH2CI2 phase was separated and the aqueous por ion was re-extracted with CH2CI2 (x3). The combined CH--C1-, portions were dried (MgS04), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatographv on silica (eluent: ethyl acetate) gave 430 mg (927o yield) of a white solid. Mp: 141.2-142.2°C. [α] 21 D =-151.5° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 318 (3%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HCl solution. The salt was washed with diethyl ether to give a white solid. Mp: 120 C C sinters. Example 5 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cvclobutyl-N-n-propyIammo ) -8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan a) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclobut amino)-8-fluoro-5-methox -3 / 4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (1.01 g, 4.02 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (20 mL) and to this was n-propionaldehyde (3.0 L, 4C.2 mmol) added. After 1 h the reaction was cooled (ice-bath) then sodium cyanoborohydride (0.46 g, 7.24 mmol) was added, the pH was adjusted - to 4-5 with acetic acid and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature over the λveekend. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of H3 and then extracted thrice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried (MgS0 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 11 % ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.95 g (807c yield) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D =-95.4° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 293 (1 %). b) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cvclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-rr.ethoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-ber_zopvran hvdrochloride (1.0 g, 3.03 mmol * was dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (25 mL) and cooled to -40°C. To the solution was BBr 3 (0.72 mL, 7.6 mmol), dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 C1 2 (4 mL), added dropwise. The cooling-bath was removed and after 2 h at room temperature the reaction was complete. The reaction was poured out onto an ice/2 M H3 solution and the CH2CI2 portion was separated, the aqueous layer re-extracted, twice, with Q-^C^- The combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgS0 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 257o ethyl acetate/hexane followed by 50%» ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.83 g (987o yield) of the title compound as a gum. [α] 21 D =-80.5° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 279 (0.2%). c) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hvdroxy-3,4-dihvdro- 2H-1 -benzopyran (0.80 g, 2.86 mmol) and collidine (0.53 mL, 4.0 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI-) (30 mL) and cooled to -40 C C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.60 mL, 3.6 mmol) was added dropwise and allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and after coming to 0°C the reaction was done. The reaction was diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCθ solution, the aqueous was re-extracted, twice, with CH2CI2 the combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give a crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: CH2CI2) gave 1.01 g (867o yield) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D =-78.6° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 411 (1%). d) Methyl (R)-3-(N-Cydobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(\ τ -Cyclobutyl-.\ τ -n-propylamino)-δ-fluoro-3- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (1.00 g, 2.43 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of DMF/methanol (6:2, 20 mL) and then degassed followed by the inlet of carbonmonoxide (x3). With a slight positive pressure of carbonmonoxide, palladium(II)-acetate (18 mg), l,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (25 mg) and triethylamine (0.75 mL, 5.3 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was degassed and > subjected to carbonmonoxide once again. The reaction was heated to 70°C under carbonmonoxide atmosphere with vigorous stirring for 6 h. The reaction was allowed to cool and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The remains were taken into a 2 M solution of NH3 and then extracted, twice, with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 157o ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 0.73 mg (947o yield) of the title compound as a clear oil. [α] 21 D =-130.1° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 321 (2%). e) (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- - dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N-n-propylammo)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (0.71 mg. 2.21 mmol) was refluxed with a 6 M solution of HCl (30 mL) for 3.5 h. The solution was cooled, concentrated to dryness in vacuo and anhydrous toluene was added and the solvent was removed in vacuo (x4). To the white solid was thionyl chloride (20 mL) added and the solution was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo, anhydrous toluene added and the solvent removed in vacuo. The add d loride was dissolved in CH2CI2 (30 mL) and added dropwise to a cooled solution (ice-bath) of concentrated Η3 (30 mL). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 40 min. The CH2CI2 phase was separated and the aqueous portion was re-extracted with CH2CI2 (x3). The combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgSθ4), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: ethyl acetate) gave 622 mg (927c yield) of a white semi-crystalline solid. A portion was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane to give a feathery white solid. Mp: 107-9°C. [α] 21 D =-133.0° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 306 (0.5%). Example 6 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cvclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (R)-3-Amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (1.62 g, 8.21 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (20 mL) and to this was acetone (6.0 mL, 82.1 mmol) added. The reaction was cooled (ice- bath) then sodium cyanoborohydride (0.92 g, 14.8 mmol) was added, the pH was adjusted to 4-5 with acetic acid and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of H and then extracted thrice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried (MgSOi ), filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue that was used as is in the next reaction. GC-MS (70 eV) M= 239 (81 %). b) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-8-Fluoro-3-(N-isopropylamino)-5-methox -3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (1.96 g, 8.19 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (20 mL) and to this was cyclobutanone (6.1 mL, 81.9 mmol) added. The reaction was cooled (ice-bath) then sodium cyanoborohydride (2.0 g, 16.4 mmol) was added, the pH was adjusted to 4-5 with acetic add, 3 A molecular sieves were added and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. After 24 h the pH was again adjusted to 4-5 and the reaction was allowed to stir for 3 more days. The reaction was filtered, solvent was removed in vacuo, the remains were taken into a 2 M solution of NH3 and then extracted thrice with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried (MgS0 ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 10% ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 1.60 g (77% yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D =-95.1° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 293 (3%). c) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydrox -3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-X-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran hydrochloride (1.76 g, 5.34 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (45 mL) and cooled to -40°C. To the solution was BBr3 (1.3 mL, 13.4 mmol), dissolved in anhydrous CH (7 mL) added dropwise. The cooling-bath was removed and after 2 h at room temperature the reaction was complete. The reaction was poured out onto an ice/2 M H- solution and the CH2CI2 portion was separated, the aqueous layer re-extracted, twice, with CH ^ C^- The combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgSO n filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 307 c ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 1.46 g (987o yield) of the title compound as a gum. [α] 21 D =-95.7° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 279 (0.7%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HCl solution. The salt was washed with diethvl ether to give a white solid Mp: 120 C C sinters. d) (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-l-benzopyran (1.36 g, 4.87 mmol) and collidine (0.90 mL, 6.8 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2 (50 mL) and cooled to -40°C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.05 mL, 6.1 mmol) was added dropwise and allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and after coming to 0°C the reaction was done. The reaction was diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with a saturated aqueous NaHCθ3 solution, the aqueous was re-extracted, twice, with CH2CI2 the combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give a crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent 707o hexane /CH2CI2) gave 1.67 g (837o yield) of the title compound as a slightly yellow oil. [α] 21 D =-86.8° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 411 (0.3%). e) Methyl (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylarnino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(N-Cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (1.65 g, 4.01 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of DMF/methanol (6:2, 30 mL) and then degassed followed by the inlet of carbonmonoxide (x3). With a slight positive pressure of carbonmonoxide, palladiumdD-acetate (30 mg), l,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (55 mg) and triethylamine (1.25 mL, 8.8 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was degassed and subjected to carbonmonoxide once again. The reaction was heated to 70°C under carbonmonoxide atmosphere with \igorous stirring for 6 h. The reaction was allowed to cool and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The remains were taken into a 2 M solution of Η and then extracted, twice, with diethyl ether. The combined ether portions were dried (MgS0 4 - ) filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the crude . residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: 87o ethyl acetate/hexane) gave 1.18 mg (927o yield) of the title compound as a dear oil. [α] 21 D =-139.1 ° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 321 (3%). f) ( R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N-isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N-isopropylarnino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (1.16 mg, 3.61 mmol) was refluxed with a 6 M solution of HCl (30 mL) for 3.5 h. The solution w τ as cooled, concentrated to dryness in vacuo and anhydrous toluene was added and the solvent was removed in vacuo (x4). To the white gum was thionyl chloride (35 mL) added and the solution was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo, anhydrous toluene added and the solvent removed in vacuo. The add chloride was dissolved in C^C *, (50 mL) and added dropwise to a cooled solution (ice-bath) of concentrated NH (50 mL). The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 40 min. The CH2CI2 phase was separated and the aqueous portion was re-extracted with CH2C-2 (x3). The combined CH2CI2 portions were dried (MgS04), filtered, and evaporated in vacuo to give the crude residue. Chromatography on silica (eluent: ethyl acetate) gave 1.06 g (957c yield) of a white foam. The foam was crystallized using Q^C^/hexane to give a white solid. Mp: 127.8 * 128.4 C C [α] 21 D =-143.0° (C=0.1; CHC13). GC-MS (70 eV) M= 306 (0.3%). The hydrochloride salt was made by dissolving the pure base in ether and dropping an excess of an ethereal HCl solution. The salt was washed with diethvl ether to give a white solid. Mp: 120 = C sinters. Example 7 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cvdopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran To a solution of (R)-3-amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (2.5 g, 12 mmol), cydopentanone (3.3 g, 36 mmol) and HOAc (0.7 g, 12 mmol) in methanol (25 mL) was NaCNBH 3 (2.5 g, 40 mmol) added in portions at room temperature. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight to give a quantitative yield of the title compound. GC/MS (70 eV) M=265 (30%). b) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3 / 4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran To the solution of (R)-3-(N-cydopentylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan in methanol (25mL) were propanal (2 g, 36 mmol) and NaCNBH-. (2 g, 40 mmol) added. The solution was stirred overnight to give the desired compound in a 97% yield according to GC. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was worked up by extraction to give 3.7 g of the title compound as a colorless oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 307 (40%). c ) (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyτan The HCl salt of (R)-3-(\ * -cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-H-l-benzopyran was prepared by adding an excess of an ethereal HCl into an ethereal solution of the base. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in 487o aqueous HBr (50 mL). The solution was stirred at 120°C for 1.5 h. The solution was neutralized by carefully adding cone, ammonia. Extractive work-up gave a brown oil which was filtered through a plug of silica (ethyl acetate as the eluent). The title compound was isolated (3.7 g) as a slightly yellow oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 293 (40%). d) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopy an (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran was dissolved in diethyl ether (lOOmL). Triethylamine (3 g, 30 mmol) was added and the mixture was cooled to -20 °C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (4.2 g, 15 mmol), dissolved in diethyl ether (20 mL), was added dropwise (5 min). After stirring for 30 min, the dark-brownish mixture was poured into water. The organic layer was separated. Flash chromatography (ethyl acetate as the eluent) gave 3.7 g of the title compound as a yellow oil in a 697o yield. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 425 (10%). e) Methyl (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (3.7 g, 8.7 mmol), DMF (50 mL), triethylamine (2.5 g, 25 mmol), methanol (4 g, 130 mmol), palladiumODacetate (100 mg, 0.45 mmol) and 1,3-bis- (diphenylphosphino)propane (200 mg, 0.48 mmol) were placed in a round-bottomed flask. The solution was stirred at 75°C in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide for 4 h. After evaporation oi the solvent in vacuo and subjecting the crude to flash chromatography, 2.5 g (86 7c yield) of the title compound as a colorless oil was isolated. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 335 (20 %). f) (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(N-cyclopentyl-N-n-propylarr no)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (1.4 g, 4 mmol) was hydrolysed (6 M HCl, refluxed for 2 h) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude acid was treated with SOCl 2 (room temperature for 5 min) to form the add chloride which after removal of excess SOC2 in vacuo was added to cone, ammonia to form the amide. The crude product was isolated and purified bv flash chromatography. The HCl salt was prepared by adding an excess of ethereal HCl into an ethereal solution of the pure base to afford the title compound (0.5 g, yield 35%>) as white crystals. Mp: 85°C dec. [α] 20 D (base)= -91° (C= 0.2; CH 2 C1 2 ). GC/MS (70 eV) M= 320 (25%). Example 8 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cvclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran a) (R)-3-(N-Cydohexylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran To a solution of (R)-3-amino-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-?,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopy an (0.45 g, 2.2 mmol), cyclohexanone (0.7 g, 7.2 mmol) and HOAc (0.14 g, 2.3 mmol) in methanol (25 mL) was XaCNBH 3 (0.5 g, 8 mmol) added in portions at room temperature. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight to give a quantitative yield of the title compound. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 279 (30%). b) (R)-3-(N-Cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran To the solution of (R)-3-(N-cyclohexylamino)-8-Ωuoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran in methanol (25 mL) were propanal (1.3 g, 23 mmol) and NaCNB^ (0.15 g, 2.3 mmol) added. The solution was stirred overnight to give the desired compound in a 97% yield according to GC. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was worked up by extraction to give 0.7 g of the title compound as a colorless oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 321 (40%). c) (R)-3-(N-Cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran The HCl salt of the (R)-3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2-H-l-benzopyran was prepared by adding an excess of an ethereal HCl into an ethereal solution of the base. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in 48% aqueous HBr (20 mL). The solution was stirred at 120°C for 1.5 h. The solution was neutralized by carefully adding cone, ammonia. Extractive work-up gave a brown oil which was filtered through a plug oi silica (ethyl acetate as the eluent). The title compound was isolated (0.6 g) as a slightly yellow oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 307 (40%). d) (R)-3-(N-Cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclohexyl-X-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran was dissolved in diethyl ether (30 mL) and triethylamine (0.8 g, 8 mmol) was added and the mixture was cooled to - 20 °C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.8 g, 2.8 mmol), dissolved in diethyl ether (10 mL), was added dropwise (5 min). After stirring for 30 min, the dark-brownish mixture was poured into water. The organic layer was separated. Flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexane 1 + 1 as the eluent) gave 0.8 g of the title compound as a yellow oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 439 (20%). e) Methyl (R)-3-(N-Cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(X-Cyclohexyl-X-n-propyiamino)-S-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfor*yioxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzop\τan (0.8 g, 1.8 mmol) (4), DMF (30 mL), trie thy lamine (0.5 g, 5 mmol), methanol (0.8 g, 13 mmol), palladium(ll)acetate (30 mg, 0.14 mmol) and 1,3-bis- (diphenylphosphino)propane (60 mg, 0.14 nunol) were placed in a round- bottomed flask. The solution was stirred at 75 °C in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide for 4 h. After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo and ' subjecting the crude to flash chromatography, 0.6 g (767o yield) of the title compound as a colorless oil was isolated. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 349 (30 %). f) (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(N-cy r clohexyl-N-n-propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran-5-carboxylate (5) (0.6 g, 1.7 mmol) was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis (2% KOH in EtOH, refluxed for 2 h). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude add was treated with SOC (room temperature for 5 min) to form the acid chloride which after removal of excess SOCI2 in vacuo was added to cone, ammonia to form the amide. The crude product was isolated and purified by flash chromatography. The HCl salt was prepared by adding an excess of ethereal HCl into an ethereal solution of the pure base to afford the title compound (86 mg, yield 14%) as white crystals. Mp: 75 C dec. [α] 20 D = -73 c (C= 0.2, CH 2 C1 2 ). GC/MS (70 eV) M= 334 (35%). Example 9 (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cy , clopentyl-N-cvclobut amino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyr n a) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran To a solution of (R)-3-amino-S-fluoro-5-methox\ , -3,4-dihydro-2H-l- benzopyran (0.7 g. 3.4 mmol), cyclopentancne (0.7 g, 8.3 mmol) and HOAc (0.2 g, 3.5 mmol) in methanol (25 mL), NaCNBH 3 (0.7 g, 10 mmol) was added in portions at room temperature. The solution was stirred at room temperature over night. The methanol was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc and washed with water. The organic layer was dried with Na2S0 and the solvent was evaporated to give 0.9 g (1007o yield) of the title compound as a colourless oil. GC indicated 99.6 purity. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 265 (30%). b) (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2h-l-benzopyran To a solution of (R)-3-(N-cyclopentylamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (0.9 g, 3.4 mmol), HOAc (0.22 g, 3.6 mmol) and cyclobutanone (2g, 30 mmol) in methanol (25 mL), were NaCNBH (1 g, 16 mmol) added in portions at room temperature. After stirring for four days GC indicated 377 c product. pH was adjusted to 5 (HOAc) and additional (1 g, 15 mmol) cydobutanone was added. After stirring for further 6 days, GC indicated 64% conversion. The solvent was evaporated and the residue worked up by extraction. Flash chromatography (EtOAc/ P-ether, 1+1), gave 0.53 g (53% yield) of the title compound as a colourless oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 319 (3%). c) (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(X-Cyclopentyl-N-cyclobutyiamino)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H- -benzopyran (0.53 g, 1.6 mmol) was dissolved in 477o HBr (15 mL) and stirred at 120°C for 1.5 h. The solution was cooled by adding ice and alkalised by 14 M ammonia. Extractive work-up gave 0.5 g of the title compound as a slightly brown oil. IR contained a typical OH-band at 3654 cm '1 . d) (R)-3-(N-Cydopentyl-N-cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1 -benzopyran was dissolved in a mixture of diethyl ether and methylene chloride (90+10, 20 mL) and tiiethylamine (0.7 g, 7 mmol) was added and the mixture was cooled to -20 °C Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.85 g, 3 mmol), dissolved in diethyl ether (10 mL), was added dropwise (5 min). After stirring for 30 min, the dark-brownish mixture was poured into water. The solvent w τ as evaporated. The residue was dissolved in hexane and treated with active charcoal. Filtration trough celite and evaporation of the solvent afforded 0.67 g of the title compound as a colorless oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 437 (1%). e) Methyl (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-cydobutylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran-5-carboxylate (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyi-X-cyclobutylamino)-8-fluoro-5- trifluoromethylsulfonyioxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran (0.67 g, 1.5 mmol) (4), DMF (20 mL), triethylamine (0.6 g, 6 mmol), methanol (0.8 g, 12.7 mmol), palladium(ll)acetate (22 mg, 0.1 mmol) and 1,3-bis- (diphenylphosphino)propane (44 mg, 0.1 mmol) were placed in a round- bottomed flask. The solution was stirred at 75°C in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide for 4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in diethyl ether and treated with active charcoal. Evaporation of the solvent afforded 380 mg of the title compound as an uncolored oil. GC/MS (70 eV) M= 347 (3 %). f) (R)-5-Carbamoyl-3-(N-cydopentyl-N-cydobutylarnino)-8-fluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran Methyl (R)-3-(X-cyclopentyl-X-cyclobutyiamino)-8-Ωuoro-3,4-dihydro-2H- l-benzopyran-5-carboxvlate (1.4 g, 4 mmol ) was hydrolysed (6 M HCl, refluxed for 2 h) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. After drying in air at room temperature over night the crude amino acid hydrochloride was treated with SOCI2 (room temperature for 5 min) to form the add chloride which after removal of excess SOCI2 in vacuo was dissolved in CH2CI2 and added to cone, ammonia to form the amide. The crude product was isolated and purified by flash chromatography to give 220 mg of an uncolored oil which crystallized upon standing. Recrystallization from a mixture of diethyl eter and hexane gave white crystals of the title compound. Yield: 110 mg. Mp: 138-140°C [α] 20 D = - 146° (C= 0.2, CH 2 C1 2 ). Pharmacology Methods for testing (i) 5-HT- j ^ receptor binding assay In order to evaluate the affinity for the 5-HT- j ^-receptor the assay described below using rat brain can be used. Tissue preparation: Cerebral cortex and hippocampus from Sprague- Dawley rats are dissected and homogenized in 15 ml ice-cold 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.5, containing 4.0 mM CaC^ and 5.7 mM ascorbic add ("Buffer A") with an Ultra-Turrax (Janke & Kunkel, Staufen, FRG) for ten sec. After centrifugation for 12.5 min at 17,000 rpm (39,800 x g in a Beckman centrifuge with a chilled JA-17 rotor (Beckman, Palo Alto, CA, USA)), the pellets are resuspended in buffer A and homogenization and centrifugation repeated. Each pellet is suspended in 5 ml ice-cold 0.32 M sucrose and homogenized for 5 sec. The homogenized samples are kept- frozen at -70°C. When used, they are diluted with buffer A to 8 mg tissue/ml and homogenized for 10 sec. The tissue homogenates are incubated for ten min at 37°C and then supplied with 10 μm pargyline followed by reincubation for 10 min. The binding assay followed that described by Peroutka, J. Neurochem. 47, 529-540, (1986). Essentially this assay measures the ability of a given competitor molecule to inhibit the binding of 3 H-S-OH-DPAT to 5-HT 1A receptors. The incubation mixture (2 ml) contained ^i-δ-OH-DPAT (0.25 to 8 nM), the desired concentration of test (competitor) compound and 5 mg/ml tissue homogenate in 50 mM Tris-CHl buffer, pH 7.5, containing 4.0 mM CaC^ and 5.7 mM ascorbic acid. Six different concentrations of 3 H-8-OH-DPAT are analyzed. Binding experiments are started by the addition of tissue homogenate and followed by incubation at 37°C for ten min. The incubation mixtures are filtered through Whatman GF/B glass filters with a Brandel Cell Harvester (Gaithersburg, MD, USA). The filters are washed twice with 5 ml ice-cold 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.5, and counted with 5 ml Ultima Gold™ (Packard) in a Beckman LS 3801 scintillation counter. Nonspecific binding is measured by the addition of 10 μM 5-HT to the reaction mixture. The binding data is processed by non-linear least squares computer analysis (Munson and Rodbard, Anal. Biochem. 107, 220-239, (1980)). (ii) Antagonism of 8-OH-DPAT induced decrease in 5-HT synthesis via blockade of presynaptic 5-HT-*^ receptors. The rate of synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT: serotonin) and dopamine/noradrenaline (DA/XA) is measured as the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and (DOPA) 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, (5-HTP) respectively during 30 min after inhibition of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxyiase by m-hydroxbenzylhydrazine 2HC1 (100 mg/kg i.p.); purchased from Sigma. The test substance is administrated 75 min before, 8- H-DPAT 60 min before and m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine^HCl 30 min before the rats were killed. The regions of the brain to be examined are rapidly dissected, frozen on dry ice and stored at -70 C C until assaved. DOPA, 5-HTP and their metabolites are extracted from brain tissue with perchloric acid, containing an internal standard (Isoprenalin), The supernatant from brain homogenate is injected into a liquid chromatographic system comprising a precolumn and an analytical column. The catechol- and indolamines are detected by coulometric oxidation. (iii) Antagonism of the acute 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced decrease in 5-HT turnover by selective 5-HT***^ antagonists. Animals Male Sprague-Daw τ ley rats (B&K International AB, Sollentuna, Sweden), weighing 180-220 g, are housed 5 per cage under controlled temperature (21°C) and humidity with a 12 hr light-dark cycle (lights on 6 a.m.). Food and water are freely available. They are kept under these conditions at least four days prior to the experimentation. The compounds are administered orally (po) or subcutaneously (sc). 5-HT turnover Groups of 5 rats are administered with the 5-HT**^ antagonist 15 min before the injection of the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (e.g. norzimeldine = (Z)- 3-(4-Bromophenyl)-N-methvl-3-(3-pyridyl)-allylamine, dihydrochloride monohydrate). m-Hydroxybenzylhydrazine'"2HCl(NSD 1015) was injected 30 min. later and the rats are killed with a guillotine 30 min after injection of the reuptake inhibitor (XSD 1015). Brains are rapidly removed and the regions dissected are immediately frozen on dry ice. The samples are stored at -70° until assayed. The endogenous compounds, 5-HT and 5-HT1A in various brain regions are determined by use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection according to the method of Magnusson (J. Chromatogr. 1980; 221:237-247). The mobile phase is 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 2.5): methanol: acetonitπle - 89:9:2 v 'v, containing 1 nM octvlsulphate. The frozen samples are weighed and homogenized in 0.1 M perchloric add, containing 2.5 nM sodium bisulphite, 1 nM ethylendiaminetetraacetic add (EDTA). The supernatants are injected directly onto a Supelcosil C j g (3 μM) column, connected to a detector (ESA Coulochem 5100A), set to 0.05/0.30 V. The catechol- and indoleamines are detected by coulometric oxidation. Figure 1 shows that blocking 5-HT1A somatodendritic receptors by a selective antagonist such as (R)-3-(N-Cyclopentyl-N-n-propylamino)-8- fluoro-5-N-methylcarbamoyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran (Example 1; NDL 249), the dose-dependently augment the antidepressant efficacy of 5-HT uptake blockers by enabling serptoniniergic terminals to release more 5-HT and there by causing a basis for a rapid onset of therapeutic actions.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HTι A antagonist of the formula wherein R- j is n-propyl or cyclobutyl; R2 is isopropyl, tertiary butyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl; R is hydrogen; R is hydrogen or methyl; said 5-HT- j ^-antagonist being in the form of its R-enantiomer, and said components (a) and (b) being in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the selective 5-HT-. A antagonist is (R)-3- ( X-tert-butyi-X-n-propylamino)-5-carbamoyl-8-fluoro- 3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the 5-iπ " 2 A antagonist is (R)-5-carbamoyl-3-(X,X-d)cyclobutylamino)-8- fluorc-3,4-dihydro-2H- -benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 4. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the 5-HT 1A antagonist is (R)-5-carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N-n-propylamino)- 8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 5. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the 5-HT 1A antagonist is (R)-5-carbamoyl-3-(N-cyclobutyl-N- isopropylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 6. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the 5-HT 1A antagonist is (R)-5-carbamoyl-3-(X-cyclopentyl-X-n- propylamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l -benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 7. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the 5-HT- jA antagonist is (R)-5-carbamoyl-3-(X-cyclopentyl-X- cy'clobut\iamino)-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-l-benzopyran in the form of free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 8. The combination according any one of claims 1-7 wherein the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is fluoxetine, paroxit e, dtalopram, domipramine, sertraline or fluvoxamin. 9. Use of the combination according to any one of claims 1-8 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of affective disorders. 10. Use of the combination according to daim 9 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of depression. 11. A method for the treatment of affective disorders by administering to a patient suffering therefrom the combination defined in any one of claims 1-8 12. A method for the treatment of depression by administering to a patient suffering therefrom the combination defined in any one of claims 1-8. 13. A pharmaceutical formulation for use in the treatment of affective disorders wherein the active ingredients are the combination defined in any one of claims 1-8 optionally in association with diluents, exdpients and/or inert carriers. 14. A pharmaceutical formulation according to claim 13 for use in the treatment of depression. 15. A process for the preparation of the combination according to claim 1 whereby a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is incorporated into the same pharmaceutical formulation as a selective 5-HT*^ antagonist as defined in any one of claims 1- 16. A process for the preparation of the combination according to claim 1 whereby a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is in a pharmaceutical formulation and a selective 5-HT* jA antagonist as defined in any one of claims 1-8 is in a pharmaceutical formulation. 17. A kit containing the combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5- HT- A antagonist according to claim 1 optionally with instructions for use. 18. A method of improving the onset of therapeutic action by coadministration of a combination of a first component (a) which is a 5- HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5- HT A antagonist as described in claim 1. [received by the Internationa l Bureau on 13 August 1996 ( 13.08.96 ) ; original claim 15 amended ; remaining claims unchanged ( 1 page) ] 12. A method for the treatment of depression by administering to a patient suffering therefrom the combination defined in any one of claims 1-8. 13. A pharmaceutical formulation for use in the treatment of affective disorders wherein the active ingredients are the combination defined in any one of claims 1-8 optionally in association with diluents, exdpients and/or inert carriers. 14. A pharmaceutical formulation according to claim 13 for use in the treatment of depression. 15. A process for the preparation of the combination according to claim 1 whereby a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is incorporated into the same pharmaceutical formulation as a selective 5-HT j A antagonist as defined in any one of claims 1-8. 16. A process for the preparation of the combination according to claim 1 whereby a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor is in a pharmaceutical formulation and a selective 5-HT jA antagonist as defined in any one of claims 1-8 is in a pharmaceutical formulation. 17. A kit containing the combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HT jA antagonist according to claim 1 optionally with instructions for use. 18. A method of improving the onset of therapeutic action by coadministration of a combination of a first component (a) which is a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor and a second component (b) which is selective 5-HT jA antagonist as described in claim 1.

Inventors: EVENDEN JOHN, THORBERG SETH-OLOV, EVENDEN, JOHN, THORBERG, SETH-OLOV
Applicants: ASTRA AB, EVENDEN JOHN, THORBERG SETH OLOV, ASTRA AKTIEBOLAG, EVENDEN, JOHN, THORBERG, SETH-OLOV
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A61K31
IPC codes: A61K31, A61K45, A61P25, C07D311