New rhein derivatives and new processes for producing rhein derivatives

Abstract: The present description relates to new anthraquinone-derivatives endowed with inhibitory activity of the serine proteinase enzymes, useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory syndrome of adult, and pulmonary emphysema, and to new processes for the preparation of rhein derivatives.

Description: Field of the invention The present invention relates to new rhein derivatives useful in the treatment of diseases associated with abnormal degeneration of the connective tissue, and to new processes for producing rhein derivatives from synthetic raw materials. Prior art Rhein and several analogues thereof, out of which diacerhein is particularly important from a commercial point of view, are known for use in the treatment of degenerative diseases of the joints, such as for example osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (GB 1,578,452). The only process for diacerhein synthesis utilized at present on a commercial scale is based on the use of aloin as raw material (European patent application No. 636,602 A1, by the Applicant). DE 80,407 and US 3,089,879-A describe ring closure of 2,4'-benzophenone dicarboxylic acid to 2-carboxy-antraquinone by treatment with sulphuric acid. Japanese Application JP 49/45050 reports acid catalyzed cyclization of 2-(2'aminobenzoyl)-benzoic acid to 1-aminoantraquinone. In principle, two isomeric substituted 1-aminoantraquinones can be formed by cyclization of 2-(2'-aminobenzyl)-benzoic acid. So, these documents do in no way suggest that ring closure to 1-aminoantraquinone of diarylketones of formula (II) according to step a) of the present process as below illustrated allows the isomeric 1-aminoantraquinone of formula (III) to be obtained in high yield and in pure form. Technical Problem Aloin is obtained from natural sources via laborious extraction and purification procedures consuming large amounts of vegetable raw materials. The periodical cost fluctuations of the raw material of vegetable origin is a serious disadvantage, the prices of pharmaceuticals being strictly governed by the regulations in force. Furthermore, with the use of vegetable raw materials it is not always possible to obtain rhein derivatives functionalized at will on the anthraquinone nucleus, the successive substitution reactions on said nucleus often occurring in low yields and/or not allowing substitutions at the desired positions. Therefore, the need for a commercial-scale process for the production of diacerhein derivatives of good purity and in satisfactory yields, which would not cause the inconveniences inherent in the known processes, is deeply felt. Summary The present invention is directed to new rhein derivatives of formula (I), where R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H and where: R 1 is -ORa or -OCORa, and R 8 is ORb or -OCORb, where Ra and Rb, which may be the same or different one from another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R 6 is -COORc, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 OCORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc, Rd, Re and Rf, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, and Rg is an alkyl or aromatic group, R 3 is H R 7 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or arylalkyl group, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The new rhein derivatives according to the present invention show substitutions on the aromatic rings of the anthraquinone structure at position 7. It was, therefore, impossible to obtain them by conventional syntheses using raw materials of natural origin, through substitutions on the aromatic rings of the preformed anthraquinone structure. It has been surprisingly found that the aforesaid new rhein derivatives significantly inhibit the serine proteinase enzymes, in particular the human leukocytal elastase (HLE) and cathepsin G (Cat G), said two enzymes being capable of restoring the proteinase-antiproteinase balance, which is extremely subjected to inactivation by oxidative stress promoters. Serine proteinase HLE and Cat G are involved in elastin degradation. The hypothesis has been proposed that they are involved in the connective tissue abnormal degeneration associated with various diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, acute respiratory syndrome of adult, and pulmonary emphysema. The aforesaid activity of the new rhein derivatives is especially unexpected since diacerhein, which from a commercial point of view, is the most interesting of all rhein derivatives, is substantially free from serin protease enzymes inhibitory activity. The present invention also includes: (i) rhein derivatives of formula (IA) as defined in claim 2. (ii) pharmaceutical compositions of rhein derivatives of formula (IB) as defined in claim 3. (iii) the use of a rhein derivative, having the formula (IB) defined in claim 3, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of a disease associated with an abnormal degeneration of the connective tissue. The Applicant has also surprisingly found a new process for producing rhein derivatives functionalized at will on the anthraquinone nucleus, meant in particular for the preparation of rhein derivatives of formula (IC) in which R 1 is -ORa or -O-CO-Ra and R 8 is, -ORb, -O-CO-Rb or halogen, where Ra and Rb, which are the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group; R 6 is -COOH, -COORc, -COSRf, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc is an alkyl or aromatic group, and Rd, Re, Rf, Rg, which are the same of different from one another, each represents H, or an alkyl or aromatic group; R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 , which are the same or different from one another, each represents H or a group selected out of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic and cyano group, provided that at least one of substituents R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 is different from H, comprising the steps of: 1) treating a derivative of formula (IX) in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , which may be the same of or different from one another, each represents H or a group selected out of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic or cyano group, Rc is an alkyl group, provided that at least one of substituents R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , is different from H, with a derivative of formula (X) in which R B is selected from the group consisting of -ORc, -NRdRe, and SRf, where Rc and Rf are alkyl or aromatic groups, and Rd and Re, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R D is an alkyl or aromatic group, and R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compound of formula (IC) in claim 10, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, to give the corresponding diarylketone; 2) treating the diarylketone obtained in step 1), with a strong base in an aqueous medium, followed by acidification; 3) treating the product of step 2), with an alchol, an amino compound or a thiol (for example, with RcOH, NH 3 , RdReNH or RfSH), where Rd, Re, and Rf, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H or an alkyl or aromatic group, and Rc is an alkyl or aromatic group; 4) treating the product of step 3) with a strong concentrated acid, to give the 1-aminoanthraquinone derivative of formula (III) in which R A , R B , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 are as defined in the present step; 5) converting the -NH 2 group into -OH, via the following steps: 5') treating the derivative of formula (III) obtained in strep a) with a diazotising agent; 5") warm treating the product resulting from step 5') with a strong acid in an aqueous medium to give the compound of formula (IV) in which R A , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 are as defined above, or alternatively 5"') when a compound (IC) wherein R 8 is halogen is to be prepared, subjecting the product resulting from step 5') to replacement of the diazonium group by halogen according to known techniques, e.g. by treatment with a cuprous halide such as CuCI or CuBr.. The present process may optionally include the additional steps illustrated below: step 6): when compounds (III) and (IV), wherein R A is a protective group are to be converted and the into the corresponding derivatives of formula (I), in which R 1 is -OH, the R A group is removed on the compound of formula (III) or (IV), in which R A is a protective group as defined above, to afford after steps 4), 5'), 5") and 6), a rhein derivative of formula (V) in which R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined in step 5") step 7): to obtain the derivative of formula (IC), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OCORa, where Ra is H, alkyl or aromatic group, the corresponding rhein derivative of formula (I) or (III) or (IV), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OH, in which R A is H, or the corresponding derivatives of formula (V) are treated with an acylating agent (e.g. acid halide or anhydride of a carboxylic acid RaCOOH or RbCOOH); step 7'): to obtain the derivatives of formula (IC), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -ORa or -ORb, where Ra and Rb represent an alkyl or aromatic group, the corresponding compounds of formula (I) or (III) or (IV), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OH, in which R A is H, or the corresponding derivatives of formula (V) are subjected to etherification (e.g. by treatment with a halide RaHal or RbHal, where Ra and Rb represent an alkyl or aromatic group, in the presence of a base capable of removing the phenol proton, e.g. NaH). In any case, acylation or etherification may be carried out by other conventional techniques. The derivatives of formula (IC) (I), in which R 6 is -COOH, may be converted, by known methods, into the corresponding derivatives of formula (I), in which R 6 represents -COORc, -COSRf, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg, which may be the same or different one from another, each represents H or an alkyl or aromatic group, and Rc is different from H, for instance by converting the -COOH group into the -COORc group, e.g. by treating derivative (I), in which R 6 is -COOH, with an alcohol RcOH, typically in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as H 2 SO 4 ; converting the -COOH or -COORc group into the -COORc, -COSRf, -CONRdRe, by treating them with the corresponding alcohol RcOH (Rc different from H), or with a compound RfSH, RdReNH, respectively, typically in the presence of a catalyst (e.g. acid or basic); converting the -COOH group into the -CH 2 OH group by reduction with LiAlH 4 or LiBH 4 , optionally followed by treatment with an acylating agent (RfCOOH acid halide or anhydride) or with an etherifying agent e.g. a halide RgHal (Rg different from H), where Rf and Rg are as defined above and Hal is a halogen, thus converting the CH 2 -OH group into -CH 2 -O-CORg or the -CH 2 ORg groups, respectively. The aforesaid conversions may be carried out not only on the derivatives of formula (I) but also on all the aforementioned synthesis intermediates of the present process [(III), (IV), (V)] or on intermediates (VI), that will be illustrated hereinafter. The present invention also includes the 1-aminoanthraquinones derivatives of formula (III), the compounds of formula (IV), (V) and the diazoderivatives of formula (VI) that will be described hereinafter. The process of the invention allows pure rhein derivatives to be obtained, in high yields, from synthetic reagents without using raw materials of extractive origin. While the products synthetically obtained by the processes of the prior art always contain at least trace amounts of aloe-amodin, an impurity exerting mutagenic action even in amounts as low as 70 ppm, the presence of which is due to the use of raw materials of natural origin (e.g. extracts of senna leaves, barbaloin), the intermediates and final products obtained by the present processes are totally free from aloe-emodin, which is not therein contained either in ppm or even in ppm fractions, since the present processes exclusively utilizes aloe-emodin free synthetic starting materials, which in no way can give rise to formation of said impurity by means of the steps of the present processes. Also, this invention further extends to (a) derivatives of formulas (III), (IV) and (V) as defined in claim 36, which are intermediates in the process of preparation of compounds of formula (IC), as above described (b) aloe emodin-free pharmaceutical compositions of rhein derivatives of formula (I) as defined in claim 39 (c) cosmetic compositions as defined in claim 40. The pharmaceutical compositions and cosmetic preparations of the present invention can be prepared by conventional methods. The present pharmaceutical compositions free from aloe-emodin and analogues thereof of formula (I) wherein R 6 is -CH 2 OH find the same therapeutic application (in particular in human therapy) known for compounds of formula (I) e.g. in the treatment of inflammatory states such as those of joints, and are administered at the same unit dosages and daily dosages known for compounds of formula (I). Detailed description of the invention As used herein, the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alcoxy and acyloxy groups typically contain 1 to 20 carbon atoms (C 1 -C 20 ), preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms (C 1 -C 6 ). The alkyl groups are typically saturated, straight or branched ones, e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl groups. The alkenyl and alkynyl groups contain one, or more, preferably one, unsaturation (double or triple bonds). The alkenyl is e.g. a -CH 2 CH=CH 2 allyl group. The alcoxy and acyloxy groups are typically -OCH 3 and -OCOCH 3 . As used herein, the aromatic groups, optionally present in the various substituents from R 1 to R 8 of the anthraquinone structure may be carbocyclic or heterocyclic, mono- or polycyclic, and preferably contain 5- or 6-membered rings (cycles). The carbocyclic aromatic groups are, for example, a phenyl group, optionally substituted or fused with another carbocyclic or heterocyclic group, with 5 or 6 atoms in the cycle, either carbocyclic (e.g. naphthyl) or heterocyclic. Heterocyclic aromatic groups are typically heterocycles with 5 or 6 membered rings, containing one or more (preferably 1 to 3) heteroatoms selected out of O, N and S, optionally fused or substituted with another carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic ring as defined above. Examples of aromatic heterocycles are oxazole, thiazole, imidazole, optionally fused with a phenyl, e.g. benzoimidazole. Furthermore, the aforesaid alkyl and aromatic groups may optionally be substituted, e.g. with alcoxy, phenoxy, vinyl or halogen groups. The arylalkyl group is an alkyl group substituted with one or more aromatic groups as defined above, and is preferably benzyl, C 6 H 5 -CH 2 -. Out of the pharmaceutical compositions indicated above as object of the invention, the preferred ones are those of formula (I), of claim 3 in which R 7 is H and R 3 is an -ORh or -OCORh group, where Rh is H, an alkyl or aromatic group (excluded the compounds already disclaimed in the Summary), also referred to herein as compounds (I)B; out of compounds (I)B, particularly preferred are the ones in which R 1 , R 8 and R 3 are different from -OH and are preferably -ORa, -ORb or -ORh groups, respectively, where Ra, Rb and Rh are preferably C 1 -C 3 alkyl groups. Out of the present new derivatives (I) of claim 1 or (I)A of claim 2, or the pharmaceutical compositions of claim 3, preferred are the ones in which: R, is -OH or -ORa or -OCORa, and R 8 is -OH or -ORb or -OCORb, where Ra and Rb, which may be the same or different one from another, each represents H or a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group, e.g. Ra or Rb are -CH 3 , -CH 2 CH 3 , -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 and -CH(CH 3 ) 2 ; R 6 is -OCORc, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 OCORf or -CH 2 ORg, where Rc and Rd, Re and Rf are H or a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group, and preferably are H, -CH 3 , or -CH 2 CH 3 , and Rg is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group, preferably -CH 3 ; R 3 is H or -ORh or -OCORh, where Rh is H or a C 1 -C 6 alkyl group, preferably -CH 3 ; R 7 is selected out of the group consisting of H, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkenyl (preferably allyl -CH 2 CH=CH 2 ); and arylalkyl, preferably benzyl. An example of preferred compositions according to claim 3 are those containing a compound of formula (IB) wherein R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H; R 7 = H; R 1 = R 3 = R 8 = -OCH 3 , and R 6 = -COOH. Examples of preferred compounds of formula (I) are as follows: D2: compound of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H, R, = -OCH(CH 3 ) 2 , R 6 = -COOCH 2 CH 3 , R 7 = -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 and R 8 = -OH; D3: compounds of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 = -O-CO-CH 3 , R 3 =H, R6 = -CONHR b , where R b is C 1 -C 3 alkyl; R 7 is C 3 -C 5 alkyl; and R 8 = -OH; D4: compound of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R, = -OH, R 3 =H, R 6 = -COOCH 3 , R 7 is CH 2 CH=CH 2 , and R 8 = -OH; D5: compound of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 = -OH, R 3 =H, R 6 = - COOH, R 7 is -CH 2 Ph, where Ph is phenyl, and R 8 = -OH; D6: compound of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 = -OCOCH 3 , R 3 =H, R 6 = -CH 2 OCO-CH 3 , R 7 is -CH 3 , and R 8 = -OCOCH 3 ; D7: compound of formula (I), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 = -OCH 3 , R 3 =H, R 6 = -COOH, R 7 is -CH 2 Ph where Ph is phenyl, and R 8 = -OH. The new derivatives and new compositions according to the present invention can be administered by various ways, e.g. by the oral, rectal, topical or parenteral way, e.g. by injection or infusion, to man and animals, in particular to man. The rhein derivatives herein described can be administered as such or in the form of pharmaceutical compositions including a therapeutically effective amount of at least the rhein derivative a salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in combination with one of more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The excipient can be solid or liquid, e.g. a diluent or a solvent Said compositions are prepared by conventional techniques, well known in the pharmaceutical art, as reported e.g. in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 18th Ed., 1990. For example, the rhein derivatives can be mixed, diluted and/or included in a carrier, which can be solid, semisolid or liquid, and enclosed, e.g. into capsules (such as soft or hard gelatin capsules), sachets, or other containers. The composition can also be in the form of tablets, pills, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, aerosols, unguents or oitments, containing e.g. up to 10% by weight of active ingredient, suppositories, preparations for injection in the form of solutions, suspensions or powders manufactured in sterile form. Examples of carriers are lactose, dextrose, sccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, acacia gum, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, methylcellulose, methyl- and propyl-parabens, talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil. The preparations for injection can be also formulated according to methods known to the art in forms providing immediate, controlled or delayed release of the active ingredient. The present compositions contain the active ingredient in a therapeutically effective amount. In the compositions formulated as a combination of unit doses, each unit dose preferably contains from about 5 mg to about 500 mg, e.g. from 25 mg to 200 mg of active ingredient. The new rhein derivatives of the invention are effective when administered within a wide range of daily doses, which depends on various factors, such as the type of disease, the patient's state, the way of administration, the single active ingredient selected, e.g. in quantities ranging about from 0.5 to 300 mg/kg, more usually from 5 to 100 mg/kg bodyweight/day. The compound (IX) used as a starting product in the claimed process can be synthetized according to known means, e.g. by : (i) oxidazing a dimethylbenzene derivative of formula (XII) in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, preferably a saturated, straight or branched C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 are as defined for the corresponding derivatives of formula (IC), by treatment with an oxidizing agent, preferably a hypochlorite (such as NaCIO), and with an alkyl halide, preferably containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms (such as n-butylbromide), in the presence of a transition metal salt (preferably a Ru(III) salt, such as RuCl 3 ), preferably operating in an aqueous medium, at alkaline pH, at a temperature preferably ranging from 30°C to 100°C, e.g. from 40°C to 60°C, thus obtaining a phthalic acid derivative of formula (VII). The oxidation of the compound of formula (XII) is generally carried out in water, preferably at a pH of about, this value being maintained by addition of a strong base, such as NaOH.Preferably, with respect to the derivative of formula (XII), the oxidant is used in amounts of 2 to 5 mol, e.g. 3 mol; the halide is used in a stoichiometric amount, the catalyst is used typically in an amount ranging from 1% to 30% by mol, preferably from 10% to 25% by mol.Several derivatives of formula (XII) are commercially available or, in any case, can be prepared by conventional methods, e.g. by known methods of substitution of the aromatic nucleus, on derivatives of formula (XII), in which R 2 = R 3 = R 4 = H and R A is a protective group of the -OH function, preferably a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group. (ii) treating the phthalic acid derivative of formula (VII) obtained in step (i) in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, and R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are as defined for the compound of formula (IC), with an R C OH compound, where R C is an alkyl group, in the presence of a Cu(I) salt, in an acid medium, to give the monoester of formula (VIII) in which R A , R C , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 are as defined above for this step; (iii) treating the derivative of formula (VIII) obtained in the preceding step with a halogenating agent of the carboxylic function to give the acyl halide of formula (IX). The temperature of step (ii) preferably ranges from about 30°C to 100°C, typically from about 50°C to 70°C. Furthermore, R C OH is preferably CH 3 OH and is preferably used as reaction solvent [e.g. 0.5-2 ml solvent per mmol substrate (VII)]. Preferably, the Cu(I) salt is a halide, such as CuCl, and the acid is an inorganic strong acid, typically a hydrogen halide acid, such as HCI; furthermore, the Cu(I) salt and the acid are preferably used in a stoichiometric amount with respect to the compound of formula (VII), as well as up to 2 mol per mol of (VII). The temperature of step (iii) preferably ranges from about 50°C to 120°C, more preferably from about 60°C to 90°C; the halogenating agent is, e.g., thionyl chloride or PCl 5 or PCI 3 . Typically, thionyl chloride is used, e.g., as a reaction medium [e.g. from 1 to 2 ml per 100 mmol of the derivative of formula (VIII)], preferably at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture (78°C to 80°C about). The R A , R B , R C , and R D groups present in the various chemical intermediates referred to in the present application may be varied, depending on the requirements, from one step to the other of the present processes, by means of known methods. Preferably, the reaction mixture obtained from diazotisation (step 5') is directly subjected to step 5") without prior isolation of the diazo derivative intermediate. Removal of the R A group through step 6) is preferably carried out on the compound of formula (IV) obtained in step 5"), in which R A is a protective group as defined above, after performing successively steps 4), 5') and 5"): derivatives of formula (IC), in which R 1 is -OH, are thus obtained. Preferably, R A is a protective group removable under acid conditions, in particular a C 1 -C 4 alkyl, such as CH 3 , and step c) is acid hydrolysis, e.g. by treatment with HBr. The compounds of formula (IC), in which R 1 is -ORa (different from -OH) or -OCORa, and typically R, is -OR a , in which Ra is an alkyl or aromatic group, are preferably prepared through the compounds of formulas (III), (IV), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX), (X), in which -OR A has the meaning corresponding to R 1 . Thus the compounds of formula (I), in which R 1 is different from -OH, and R 8 is -OH may be advantageously obtained. Acylation or etherification [steps 7) and 7')] described above are preferably carried out on the compounds of formula (IC), in which R 1 , R 2 or both are -OH, or on the compounds of formula (V), to give the derivatives of formula (I), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are acyl groups -OCORa and -OCORb, as defined above, or ether groups - ORa or -ORb, as defined above, where Ra and Rb are different from H. The compounds of formula (III), in which R B is -OH, can be converted into the corresponding compounds of formula (III), in which R B is different one from another from -OH, and is e.g. -ORc, -NRdRe or -SRf, by conventional methods, e.g. by treatment with an alcohol RcOH (Rc different from H), in the presence of an acid catalyst, or by treatment of compound (III) with RdReNH or RfSH, in which R B is -OH or -ORc, where Rc is different from H. Conversion of the derivatives of formula (III) wherein R B is different from -OH into the corresponding derivatives (III) wherein R B is -OH typically takes place in an aqueous acid medium, during steps 5') and/or 5"), in particular 5"), giving the phenol derivative of formula (IV) having a free carboxylic function; or, alternatively, said conversion may be obtained through a further hydrolysis, either acid or basic. The strong concentrated acids suitable for the conversion of diarylketone obtained in step 3) to the 1-aminoantraquinone derivative of formula (III) according to the present invention are for instance either mineral (inorganic) or organic acids, such as sulphuric acid and CF 3 SO 3 H. For the purposes of the present invention, concentrated acids are either acid solutions, e.g. acid solutions in water, with an acid concentration of about at feast 90% weight by weight, e.g. of about 95%-98% weight by weight (w/w), or superacids. In present step 4), superacids such as fuming sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 .SO 3 , also known as oleum, with variable amount of SO 3 ) or CF 3 SO 3 H can be used, or concentrated sulphuric acid (e.g. about 95%-98% w/w). More particularly, concentrated sulphuric acid or CF 3 SO 3 H can be used, more preferably CF 3 SO 3 H. Step 4) is for instance carried out at a temperature approximately ranging from 0°C to 250°C, preferably from 100°C to 200°C, and more preferably from about 140°C to 160°C. For example, the diarylketone obtained in step 3) and the strong concentrated acid (e.g. a superacid) are mixed under stirring at a temperature ranging from 0°C to room temperature (about 20°C to 30°C); then the temperature is gradually raised to a value preferably ranging from about 100° to about 200°C, typically from about 140°C to 160°C. The diarylketone concentrated acid ratio typically ranges from 0.5:1 to 4.75:1, e.g. about 1:3, expressed as mmol of diarylketone per ml of concentrated acid. The product of formula (III) is isolated by conventional methods: in particular, it precipitates from the reaction medium generally in the form of crystals, after neutralization with a strong base, e.g. NaOH, which is preferably added at a low temperature, e.g. 4°C to 8°C; then it is separated from the liquid phase by conventional methods, e.g. filtration. Diazotisation (step 5') is preferably carried out by treatment with nitrous acid, in an aqueous medium; the reaction temperature preferably ranges from 0°C to 8°C, e.g. from about 0°C to 5°C. Nitrous acid is preferably generated in the reaction medium by the action of a strong acid (e.g. an inorganic acid, such as H 2 SO 4 , or an organic acid, such as CF 3 SO 3 H, preferably H 2 SO 4 ) on a nitrite, typically an alkali metal nitrite, such as NaNO 2 . For example, step 5' is carried out with NaNO 2 , in a concentrated H 2 SO 4 /water mixture in a ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 (v/v = volume/volume). The diazotising agent is typically used in molar excess with respect to the compound of formula (III), e.g. in a quantity ranging from about 1.1 to 2.0 mol, preferably of about 1.5 mol per mol of (III). The diazotised intermediate of formula (VI) in which R A , R B , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 X,m,n are as defined in claim 36, can be isolated from the reaction medium of diazotisation (step 5'), e.g. by filtration. In step 5"), the strong acid is e.g. an inorganic acid, such as sulphuric acid, or an organic acid, such as CF 3 SO 3 H; sulphuric acid is typically used. Step 5") is carried out at a temperature generally ranging from 100°C to 250°C, preferably from 140°C to 150°C. Under typical conditions, the reaction medium of steps 5'), and 5") is a strong acid:water mixture in a ratio preferably ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:5 (v/v), more preferably from 1:1 to 1:3 (v/v). Furthermore, steps 5' and 5" are preferably carried out with substrate of formula (III), (IV) or (VI)/reaction medium (typically a strong acid/water mixture) ratios ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:5, typically of 1:3, expressed as mmol of the substrate of formula (III), (IV) or (VI) per ml of reaction medium. As mentioned above, step 5") is preferably carried out directly on the reaction mixture coming from step 5'). For example, diazotisation is carried out in an aqueous acid medium; then the reaction mixture from step 5', optionally diluted with an additional strong acid/water mixture, is heated to the temperature of step 5"). The resulting phenol derivative of formula (IV) is easily isolated from the acid reaction mixture by cooling to room temperature, followed by separation of the precipitate so obtained, e.g. by filtration. Acid hydrolysis as per step 6) is e.g. carried out at a temperature ranging from about 90°C to about 160°C, more preferably from about 100°C to about 120°C. Step 6) is typically a step meant for the removal of group R A = alkyl, and is preferably carried out with concentrated HBr (about 48% w/w HBr aqueous solution), preferably in glacial acetic acid as diluent (e.g. in a quantity of about 5 to 20 ml/mmol substrate); the temperature is preferably the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture. The quantity of concentrated HBr ranges, e.g., from about 0.1 ml to 10 ml, typically from 0.5 ml to 3 ml concentrated HBr per mmol of substrate of formula (III) or (IV). The reaction product from step 6) generally precipitates in the reaction medium at room temperature, wherefrom is separated, e.g. by filtration; then it is preferably purified by crystallization, e.g. from an alcohol, such as methanol. The reactions as per steps 4), 5'), 5") and 6) described above are completed within short times, generally ranging from about 15 min to 2-3 h, and give the corresponding highly pure products in high yields. Treatment with the acylating agent as per step 7) is carried out at temperatures preferably ranging from about 50°C to about 100°C, e.g. from about 70°C to 90°C. The acylating agent is, e.g., the anhydride or acyl halide of the acid R a COOH, where R a is as defined above, e.g. acetic anhydride, an acetyl halide (e.g. a chloride), or hexachloroacetone. Typically, the halide is used in the presence of a base as protons acceptor, and the anhydrides are used in the presence of an acid or of a base as a catalyst. The acid may be, e.g., acetic acid, methanesulphonic acid, trifluoromethanesulphonic acid, concentrated sulphuric acid, preferably H 2 SO 4 , and the base may be e.g. sodium acetate or NaHCO 3 . Preferably, acetic anhydride in glacial acetic acid is used as a reaction solvent (in a quantity e.g. ranging from about 0.5 to about 5 ml per mmol of substrate to be acylated, in the presence of a catalytic amount of conc. H 2 SO 4 The acylating agent is generally used in a stoichiometric excess with respect to the -OH groups to be acylated, e.g. in amounts from 2.0 to 5.0 mol, preferably to 3 mol per mol of substrate. The resulting acylated derivatives generally precipitate by cooling to room temperature and are then separated by conventional methods, such as filtration. Substituents R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , or R 7 , when different from H, may be inserted in the aromatic rings at various steps of the synthesis, prior to treatment with a superacid according to step 4), for example, said substituents may be inserted by conventional substitution reactions of the aromatic ring on unsubstituted reaction intermediates, corresponding to the compounds of formula (XIII), (XIV), (VII), (VIII), (IX), (X), in which at least one of R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 is H. The temperature of step 1) preferably ranges from about 40°C to 100°C, more preferably from about 40°C to 60°C. Furthermore, the catalyst is selected out of the catalysts commonly used in Friedel-Crafts alkylations or acylations and is typically an aluminium halide, such as AlCl 3 . Step 1) preferably utilizes stoichiometric ratios between the derivatives of formulas (X) and (IX) and amounts of Friedel-Crafts catalyst typically ranging from 0.1% to 10% by mol, more typically from about 1% to 2% by mol with respect to the derivative of formula (IX). According to a preferred embodiment, step 1) is carried out in the absence of solvents, by mixing the substrates of formulas (IX) and (X) with the catalyst, and raising the reaction temperature to the selected value. Step 1) may also be carried out in the presence of diluents or inert organic solvents. In the hydrolysis (step 2), the temperature preferably ranges from 30°C to 100°C and more preferably is of about 80°C. Furthermore, the base is preferably an alkaline hydroxide, such as NaOH, used in a quantity preferably ranging from about 0.5 to 1 mol per mol of the diarylketone obtained in step 1). Step 2) is preferably carried out in a water-alcohol mixture (the alcohol being, e.g., methanol, or ethanol) e.g. in a 50:50 v/v water/ethanol mixture. Once the reaction has been completed, the product is recovered from the reaction medium by acidification, typically with HCI. The derivatives of formula (X), in which R B is -NRdRe, -SRf or -OH, can be obtained from the corresponding derivatives of formula (X), in which R B is -ORc, by conventional methods. The derivatives of formula (X), in which R B is -ORc, where Rc is an alkyl or aromatic group, are typically obtained by esterification of a 3-aminobenzoic acid derivative of formula (XIV) in which R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I) to be prepared, followed by acylation of the amino function. For example, said 3-aminobenzoic acid derivative (XIV) is treated with an R B OH alcohol, where R B is an alkyl or aromatic group, preferably a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, such as CH 3 , in the presence of an acid catalyst, preferably at a temperature ranging from 30°C to 100°C, e.g. from 50°C to 70°C, to give the corresponding ester of formula (XIII) in which R B is as defined above and more preferably is CH 3 . R B OH is preferably an alkyl, CH 3 OH, and is typically used as a reaction solvent; furthermore, the acid catalyst is, e.g., concentrated H 2 SO 4 , in a quantity ranging from 1 to 5 ml, e.g. 3 ml, per 100 mmol of substrate. The resulting derivative of formula (XIII) is treated with an acylating agent, preferably with the anhydride of the acid R D COOH (preferably acetic anhydride), where R D is as defined above and is preferably a saturated C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, typically -CH 3 , preferably in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as the acid R D COOH (e.g. acetic acid), at a temperature preferably ranging from about 80°C to about 120°C, more preferably from about 100°C to 120°C. The anhydride and the acid are used, for instance as solvents, e.g., in an amount of about 2 to 10 ml acid, and from 1 to 2 ml anhydride per 100 mmol of substrate (XIII). The compounds of formula (X) can be, in any case, prepared by other conventional methods. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, compounds of formula (X) wherein R B is OR C , and R C is alkyl or aromatic group can be prepared by subjecting 3-aminobenzoic acid [compound (XIV) wherein R 5 = R 7 = H] to esterification and to acylation of the amino group, thus affording the corresponding compound (X) wherein R 5 = R 7 = H, which is them converted into the corresponding compound (X) wherein at least one of R 5 and R 7 is different from H by means of conventional techniques. Method A: Preparation of phthalic acid derivative of formula (VII) [where R A is a protective group of the -OH function] The following mixture was prepared: 0.1 mol of derivative of formula (XII), in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, was added with 0.3 mol NaCIO, as an aqueous solution containing 15% active Cl, 0.1 mol n-butylbromide, 0.02 mol RuCl 3 .3H 2 O. The mixture was stirred vigorously at 50°C and the solution pH was maintained at 8-9 by addition of 2M NaOH. When the pH of the solution remained constant, the reaction mixture was allowed to stir for an additional 1 h, cooled to room temperature and acidified with a conc. HCl-H 2 O mixture until complete precipitation of methoxyphthalic acid. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure. The yield generally ranged from 90% to 98%. Method B: Preparation of the derivative of formula (X) [R C = OCH 3 , R D = CH 3 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the desired derivatives of formula (I)] a) Preparation of the derivative of formula (XIII), in which R B is -OCH 3 , and R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I) Methanol (50 ml) was added to the 3-aminobenzoic acid derivative of formula (XIV), in which R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I) to be preferred (0.1 mol). The mixture was cooled in an ice bath, slowly added with conc. H 2 SO 4 (3 ml). The components were mixed and refluxed for 1 h. The solution was cooled, decanted in a separatory funnel containing 50 ml water, and taken up with t-butylmethylether (35 ml). Once mixing had been completed, the aqueous layer was drawn off and the ethereal phase was washed with water (25 ml) and then with 1.5 M NaHCO 3 (25 ml). The ethereal phase was then evaporated under a suction tube. b) Preparation of the derivative of formula (X), in which R C is -OCH 3 and R D is CH 3 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined for derivative (I) The derivative of formula (XIII) obtained in a) (0.1 mol) was added to acetic acid (5 ml). The resulting mixture was heated slightly above 100°C, stirred, cooled to 100°C, added with acetic anhydride (1.3 ml), stirred until the temperature decreased to 75°C, and added with water (1 ml). Water was removed under vacuum and the resulting oily syrup was resuspended in cyclohexane (5 ml). The temperature was raised while the syrup was freed from traces of water as cyclohexane-water azeotrope. Yields were about 89% to 95%. Method C: Conversion of phthalic acid derivatives of formula (VII), in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, into the corresponding diarylketones Step 1): Preparation of the derivative of formula (VIII) [R A = protective group of the -OH function; R C = -CH 3 , and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 are as defined for the desired derivative of formula (I) to be prepared] A solution of phthalic acid derivative of formula (VII), in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, prepared as per Example A (0.1 mol) in 100 ml methanol, was added with CuCl (0.1 mol) and HCl (0.1 mol). The resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 30 min. The clear solution obtained was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was dissolved in 1:3 water:methanol and acidified. The title product was separated by cooling, collected by filtration, and air dried. Yields were about 63% to 66%. Step 2): Preparation of the derivative of formula (IX) [R A = protective group of the -OH function; R C = -CH 3 , and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 are as defined for the derivatives of formula (I), and Hal = Cl] The derivative of formula (VIII) obtained in step 1) (0.1 mol) was suspended in thionyl chloride (1.5 ml). The resulting suspension was slowly heated to the reflux temperature and maintained at said temperature until complete dissolution of the solid material. After refluxing for further 30 min, excess thionyl chloride was removed under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was recrystallized from toluene. Yields were about 80% to 90%. Step 3): Preparation of the diarylketone [R A = protective group of the -OH function; R B = -OCH 3 , R C = CH 3 , R D = CH 3 , and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I) 0.1 mol of compound of formula (IX) obtained in Step 2) above and 0.1 mol of compound of formula (X) obtained as per Example B above were caused to react in a 10 x 100 mm test tube. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath and added with anhydrous AlCl 3 (200 mg). The tube was plugged with a baffle connected to a Teflon tube in a moistened cotton pad, used to entrap the HCl evolving during the reaction. The tube content was accurately mixed and cautiously heated in hot water. Gaseous HCI release was controlled by repeatedly heating and cooling the reaction mixture. The reaction was continued for about 15 min and the temperature was raised to 50°C until no further gas release was observed. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath and added with 1 g of ice in small pieces. Each piece of ice was allowed to react before addition of the next piece. The tube content was mixed accurately, cooled to room temperature, added with 0.5 ml water and 5 ml t-butylether. After mixing, the aqueous phase was drawn off. Extraction was repeated. Conc. HCI (0.2 ml) was added to 0.5 ml water. The organic layer was trasferred into a small test tube and evaporated to dryness. Yield was about 80%. Step 4): Preparation of the diarylketone [in which R A = protective group of the -OH function; R 2 , R 3 , R 4 R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I), to be prepared, corresponding to the diarylketone of formula (II), in which R A = protective group of the -OH function, R B = -OH and R C = H, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I)] The diarylketone obtained in 3) above (0.1 mol) was treated with a 50:50 water/ethanol mixture (3 ml) containing about 1.89 to 3.6 g NaOH. The mixture was cautiously heated to reflux in a sand bath for 30 min. Once the reaction had been completed, the solution was acidified, the precipitate was collected by filtration and air dried. The yield in the final product was about 90%. Method D: Preparation of compounds of formula (I) Step a): Preparation of the compound of formula (III) [R A = protective group of the -OH function; R B = -OH, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I)] 0.01 mol of the diarylketone obtained in 4) above, was suspensed in 30 ml of conc. strong acid, such as H 2 SO 4 or CF 3 SO 3 H, preferably CF 3 SO 3 H. The resulting mixture was heated to 150°C for 2 h under constant stirring. Two hours later, the solution was cooled to room temperature and neutralised with 10% aqueous NaOH. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and evaporated to dryness. A crystalline product was obtained corresponding to 0.0089 mol of the title intermediate of formula (III). Total yield: about 80% to 90%. The product was analysed by TLC on silica gel and identified by IR spectrometry. The analytical values were in agreement with the theoretical values. Steps b' and b"): Preparation of the compound of formula (IV) [R A = protective group of the -OH function, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4, R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the desired compounds of formula (I) to be prepared] The intermediate of formula (III) obtained in a) above (0.01 mol) was dissolved in a 1:3 v/v sulphuric acid/water mixture in a quantity about ranging from 20 to 35 ml. The resulting mixture was cooled to 0°C/5°C, stirred until complete dissolution of intermediate (III), added with 0.015 mol of NaNO 2 , dissolved in 10 ml cold water (5°C). The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 15 min and then added with 1:1 (v/v) sulphuric acid/water mixture (100 ml). The solution was heated to 150°C for 1 h under constant stirring. After cooling to room temperature, the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration under vacuum, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure at 50°C. A yellow-brown crystalline solid was obtained, corresponding to about 0.0085 mol of the title intermediate of formula (IV). Step c): Preparation of the compound of formula (V) [R 2 , R 3 , R 4, R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I)] The intermediate of formula (IV) obtained in b) above was suspended in 100 ml glacial acetic acid containing 10 ml of a 48% HBr solution in water. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 3 h, cooled to room temperature, and filtered. The precipitate obtained was collected by filtration under vacuum, washed with water, and dried under reduced pressure. Recrystallisation from methanol gave a yellow-greenish needle-shaped product. Yield was about 70% to 85%. The analytical, IR and Rf values were in agreement with the values of the title products. Step d): Preparation of the derivatives of formula (I) [R 1 = R 8 = -OCOCH 3 , R 6, = -COOH, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compounds of formula (I)] to be prepared The rhein derivative of formula (V) obtained in c) above (0.01 mol) was suspended in 100 ml glacial acetic acid, added with acetic anhydride (0.03 mol) and with one drop of conc. sulphuric acid, heated to 80°C under stirring for 1 h. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature. A yellow-greenish precipitate was collected by filtration under vacuum, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure. The total product yield was 90%-98%. IR spectrum: v max 1733 cm -1 (ester), 1701 cm -1 (carboxyl), 1689 cm -1 (carbonyl). EXAMPLE 1 The compounds of formula (I), where R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H and where R 1 , R 3 , R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are as defined in Table 1, were prepared by general methods A, B, C, and D described above. Compound R 1 R 3 R 6 R 7 R 8 D1 -OCH 3 -OCH 3 -COOH H -OCH 3 D2 -OiPr H -COOEt -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 -OH D3 -OAc H -CONHR 2 C 3 -C 5 alkyl -OH D4 -OH H -COOMe -CH 2 CH=CH 2 -OH D5 -OH H -COOH -CH 2 Ph -OH D6 -OAc H -CH 2 OAc -CH 3 -OAc D7 -OMe H -COOH CH 2 Ph -OH Me = methyl; Ac = -OCOCH 3 ; R 2 = C 1 -C 4 alkyl; iPr = isopropyl; Et = ethyl; Ph = C 6 H 5 phenyl. In particular, the starting raw materials used were the corresponding diphenylketones in which R B = OH, R C = H, R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1 for the desired compounds of formula (I), and -OR A corresponds to R 1 as defined in Table 1 for compounds D1, D2, D3, D6 and D7; or -OR A is -OCH 3 for compounds D4, D5 and D6. Steps a), b'), b"), and optionally c), were carried out as per Method D, to convert said materials into the corresponding derivatives of formulas (II), (IV) and (V). Acetylation, reduction of -COOH, esterification of -COOH, or conversion of -COOH into amide were carried out when required to obtain the compounds of formula (I) listed in Table 1. The preparation of the single compounds is described hereinafter in more detail. Example 1a: Preparation of compounds D1, D4, D5, D6, and D7 The diarylketones were prepared as per Methods A), B) and C). In particular, the procedures were as follows: Method A: the compounds of formula (VII), in which R A = CH 3 , and R 2 = R 4 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1 for the corresponding compounds of formula (I), were prepared. Method C, step 1 : the resulting compounds of formula (VII) were converted into the corresponding compounds of formula (VIII), in which R C = CH 3 [R A = CH 3 , R 2 = R 4 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1]; Method C, step 2 : the resulting compounds of formula (VIII) were converted into the corresponding compounds of formula (IX), in which Hal = Cl [R A = CH 3 , R C = CH 3 , R 2 = R 4 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1]; Method C, step 3 : the resulting compounds of formula (IX) were reacted with the derivatives of formula (X), in which R D = CH 3 , R B = -CH 3 , R 5 = H and R 7 is as defined in Table 1 for the corresponding desired derivative of formula (I), obtained as per Example B, to give the corresponding compounds in which R A = R C = R D = CH 3 , R B = OCH 3 , R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, and R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1; Method C, step 4 : the resulting compounds of step 3 were converted into the corresponding derivatives Method D, step a) : the resulting compounds of the preceding step gave the corresponding compounds of formula (III) [R A = CH 3 , R B = OH, R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1]; Method D, steps b') and b") : the resulting compounds of formula (III) gave the corresponding compounds of formula (IV) [R A = CH 3 , R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1]; Method D, step c) : the resulting compounds of formula (IV) gave the corresponding compounds of formula (V) [R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 and R 7 are as defined in Table 1]; Compound D1: the corresponding compound of formula (IV) obtained in step b") above, in which R A is CH 3 (and, therefore, -OR A corresponds to R 1 as defined in Table 1 for D1) was converted into D1 by etherification according to techniques conventionally adopted in the field of anthraquinone derivatives, e.g. by treatment with a base, such as NaH, and with a methylating agent, such as CH 3 I. Compound D4: the corresponding compound of formula (V) obtained in step c) above [in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H, R 7 = -CH 2 CH=CH 2 ] was converted into D4 by esterification according to conventional techniques, e.g. by treatment with methanol, in the presence of an acid as catalyst Compound D5: compound D5 corresponds to compound (V) obtained in step c) above, when compound (V), in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H, R 7 = -CH 2 Ph, where Ph is a phenyl, was used. Compound D6: the corresponding compound of formula (V) obtained in step c) above [in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H, R 7 = -CH 3 ] was converted into compound D6 by reduction with LiBH 4 , followed by treatment of the resulting compound with acetic anhydride, in the presence of a strong acid as catalyst, such as conc. sulphuric acid, e.g. under the operating conditions as per step d). Compound D7: the corresponding derivative of formula (IV) obtained in step b") above [in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H, R, = -CH 2 Ph, where Ph is a phenyl, -OR A = R 1 = -OCH 3 ], corresponds to compound D7 itself. EXAMPLE 1b - Preparation of compounds D2 and D3 Compound D2 Method A : the compound of formula (XII), in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = H, R 3 = H as defined in Table 1 for compound D2, was converted into the corresponding compound of formula (VII), in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = H; Method C, steps 1) and 2) : the resulting compound of formula (VII), was converted into the compound of formula (VIII), in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R3 = H, R C = CH 3 , and, respectively, into the compound of formula (IX), in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = H, R C = CH 3 , and Hal = Cl; Method C, step 3) : the resulting compound of formula (IX) was reacted with the compound of formula (X), in which R D is -CH 3 , R B is -OCH 3 , R 5 = H and R 7 is - (CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 , as defined in Table 1 for D2, obtained as per Example B, to give the corresponding derivative in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = R 5 = H, R C = R D = -CH 3 , R 7 = -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 ; Method C, step 4) : the resulting compound of step 3 was converted into the corresponding derivative Method D, steps a), b'), b") : the resulting compound of step 4 was converted into the compounds of formula (III), in which R B is OH, R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = R 5 = H, R 7 = -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 , and, respectively, into the compound of formula (IV), in which R A is iPr (isopropyl), R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = R 5 = H, R 7 = -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 . Esterification of compound (IV) : the resulting compound of formula (IV) was converted into compound D2 of formula (I), in which R 1 is -OiPr, R 8 is -OH, R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = R 5 = H, R 7 = -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 , R 8 = -COOEt, by conventional methods, e.g. by treatment with EtOH, in the presence of conc. H 2 SO 4 . Compound D3 Method C, steps 1 through 4) : using the compounds of formula (VII), in which R A is CH 3 , R 2 = R 4 = R 3 = H (obtained as per Example A) and the compounds of formula (X), in which R D is CH 3 , R B is OCH 3 , R 5 = H, and R 7 is a C 3 -C 5 alkyl group (obtained as per Example B), the corresponding diphenylketone Demethylation and acetylation : the resulting diphenylketone step 4 was treated with HBr in glacial acetic acid (under operating conditions analogous to those described for Method D), step c) and then converted by conventional methods into the corresponding compound in which R A is -COCH 3 , e.g. by treatment with acetic anhydride under operating conditions analogous to those described for Method D, step d). Method D, steps a), b') and b") : the resulting diphenylketone in which R A is -COCH 3 , R C = H, R B = OH, R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H and R7 = C 3 -C 5 alkyl, was converted into the corresponding compounds of formula (III), in which R A is -COCH 3 , R B = OH, R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H and R 7 = C 3 -C 5 alkyl; and of formula (IV) in which R A is -COCH 3 , R B = OH, R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 3 = H and R 7 = C 3 -C 5 alkyl; Preparation of amides : the resulting compounds of formula (IV) were converted into the corresponding compounds D3, by treatment with the corresponding amines R 2 NH, where R are C 1 -C 4 alkyl groups, by conventional methods, or else were first converted into esters by reaction with an alcohol and then into amides by reaction with the aforesaid amines.

Claims: A rhein derivative of formula (I) in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 is -ORa or -O-CO-Ra and R 8 is -ORb or -O-CO-Rb, where Ra and Rb, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R 6 is -COORc, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, which may be the same of different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, and Rg is an alkyl or aromatic group, R 3 is H; R 7 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A rhein derivative of formula (IA) in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 is -OH, -ORa or -O-CO-Ra and R 8 is -OH, -ORb or -O-CO-Rb, where Ra and Rb, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents -CH 3 , -CH 3 , -CH 2 CH 3 , -(CH 2 ) 2 CH 3 , or -CH(CH 3 ) 2 ; R 6 is -COORc, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, which may be the same of different from one another, each represents H, -CH 3 or - CH 2 CH 3 , and Rg is CH 3 , R 3 is CH 3 ,; R 7 is H, -CH 2 -CH=CH 2 and benzyl and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least a rhein derivative of formula (IB) in which R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H, R 1 is -ORa or -0-CO-Ra and R 8 is -ORb or -O-CO-Rb, where Ra and Rb, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R 6 is -COORc, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, which may be the same of different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, and Rg is an alkyl or aromatic group, R 3 is H, -ORh or -OCORh group, where Rh is H, alkyl or aromatic group; R 7 is H, or an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylalkyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, provided that at least R 3 or R 7 is different from H, and being further provided that the compounds of formula (IB), where R 2 = R 4 = R 5 = H are selected among those where: R 6 is -COOH or -CH 2 OH, and R 1 = R 8 = R 3 = -OH; R 6 is -COOCH 2 CH 3 or -CH 2 OCOCH 3 ; R 1 = R 3 = -OCH 3 and R 8 = -OH; and R 6 is -COOH, -COOCH 2 CH 3 or -CH 2 OCOCH 3 , R 3 = -OCH 3 , R 1 = R 8 = -OH, are excluded, said rhein derivative being in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 3, useful for the treatment of diseases associated with an abnormal degeneration of the connective tissue. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 4, useful for the treatment of inflammatory states of the joints and of the connective tissue, of acute respiratory syndrome of adult, or of pulmonary emphysema. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inflammatory states of the joints and of the connective tissue are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or osteoporosis. A composition as claimed in claim 5, containing a unit dose of rhein derivative ranging from 5 mg to 500 mg. Use of a rhein derivative of formula (IB) as defined in claim 3 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of a disease associated with an abnormal degeneration of the connective tissue. The use as claimed in claim 8, wherein said disease is selected among inflammatory states of the joints or of connective tissue, adult acute respiratory syndrome and pulmonary emphysema. Process for the preparation of rhein derivatives of formula (IC) in which R 1 is -ORa or -O-CO-Ra and R 8 is-ORb, -O-CO-Rb or halogen, where Ra and Rb, which are the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R 6 is -COOH, -COORc, -COSRf, -CONRdRe, -CH 2 -O-CORf, -CH 2 ORg, where Rc is an alkyl or aromatic group, and Rd, Re, Rf, Rg, which are the same of different from one another, each represents H, or an alkyl or aromatic group, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 , which are the same of or different from one another, each represents H or a group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic and cyano group, provided that at least one of substituents among R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 is different from H, comprising the steps of: 1) treating a derivative of formula (IX) in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , which may be the same of or different from one another, each represents H or a group selected out of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic or cyano group, Rc is an alkyl group, provided that at least one of substituents R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , is different from H, with a derivative of formula (X) in which R B is selected from the group consisting of -ORc, -NRdRe, and SRf, where Rc and Rf are alkyl or aromatic groups, and Rd and Re, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, R D is an alkyl or aromatic group, and R 5 and R 7 are as defined for the compound of formula (IC) in claim 10, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, to give the corresponding diarylketone; 2) treating the diarylketone obtained in step 1), with a strong base in an aqueous medium, followed by acidification; 3) treating the product of step 2), with an alchol, an amino compound or a thiol (for example, with RcOH, NH 3 , RdReNH or RfSH), where Rd, Re, and Rf, which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H or an alkyl or aromatic group, and Rc is an alkyl or aromatic group; 4) treating the product of step 3) with a strong concentrated acid, to give the 1-aminoanthraquinone derivative of formula (III) in which R A , R B, R 2, R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined in the present step; 5) converting the -NH 2 group into -OH, via the following steps: 5') treating the derivative of formula (III) obtained in strep a) with a diazotising agent; 5") warm treating the product resulting from step 5') with a strong acid in an aqueous medium to give the compound of formula (IV) in which R A , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 are as defined above, or alternatively 5"') when a compound (IC) wherein R 8 is halogen is to be prepared, subjecting the product resulting from step 5') to replacement of the diazonium group by halogen. The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reaction mixture obtained from diazotisation (step 5') is directly subjected to step 5") without isolating the diazo derivative intermediate. A process as claimed in any of claims 10 or 11, further comprising at least one of the following additional steps: step 6): when compounds (III) and (IV) wherein R A is a protective group are to be converted into the corresponding derivatives of formula (IC) in which R 1 is -OH, the R A group is removed on the compound of formula (III) or (IV), in which R A is a protective group as defined above, to afford after steps 4), 5'), 5") and 6), a rhein derivative of formula (V) in which R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R 7 are as defined in step 5"); step 7): to obtain the derivative of formula (IC), in which R 1 , R 6 or both are -OCORa, where Ra is H, alkyl or aromatic group, the corresponding rhein derivative of formula (I) or (III) or (IV), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OH, in which R A is H, or the corresponding derivatives of formula (V) are treated with an acylating agent; step 7'): to obtain the derivatives of formula (I), in which R 1 , R 6 or both are -ORa or -ORb, where Ra and Rb represent an alkyl or aromatic group, the corresponding compounds of formula (I) or (III) or (IV), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OH, in which R A is H, or the corresponding derivatives of formula (V) are etherified. A process as claimed in claim 12, wherein step 6) is carried out on the compound of formula (IV) obtained in step 5"), where R A is a protective group as defined above, after performing in turn steps 4), 5') and 5"), to give derivatives of formula (IC), in which R 1 is -OH. A process as claimed in claim 13, wherein acylation and ethenfication as per steps 7) and 7') are carried out on the compounds of formula (IC), in which R 1 , R 8 or both are -OH, or on the compounds of formula (V). A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compounds of formula (IC), in which R 1 is -ORa (different from -OH) or -OCORa, are prepared through the compounds of formulas (III), (IV), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX), (X), in which -OR A has the meaning corresponding to R 1 . A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein in step 4) the strong concentrated acid is selected among fuming H 2 SO 4 and CF 3 SO 3 H, preferably CF 3 SO 3 H, and the temperature ranges from 0°C to 250°C. A process as claimed in claim 16, wherein the temperature ranges from 100°C to 250°C. A process as claimed in claim 16, wherein the temperature is 140°C to 160°C. A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein diazotisation as per step 5') is carried out by cold treatment of the product of step 3) with nitrous acid, in an aqueous medium. A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the temperature of step 5') ranges from 0°C to 8°C. A process as claimed in claim 19, wherein in step 5') the nitrous acid is generated in the reaction medium by the action of a strong acid on an alkali metal nitrite. A process as claimed in claim 19, wherein the nitrite is NaNO 2 and the strong acid is H 2 SO 4 . A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the temperature of step 5") ranges from 100°C to 250°C. A process as claimed in claim 23, wherein the temperature ranges from 140°C to 150°C. A process as claimed in claim 23, wherein in step 5") the strong acid is H 2 SO 4 . A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein steps 5') and 5") are carried out in a strong acid:water mixture in ratios ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:5 (v/v). A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein R A is an alkyl group, and step 6) is an acid hydrolysis carried out at a temperature ranging from 90°C to 160°C. A process as claimed in claim 27, wherein concentrated HBr in glacial acetic acid is used as a diluent. A process as claimed in claim 12, wherein step 7) is carried out at a temperature ranging from 50°C to 100°C. A process as claimed in claim 29, wherein in step 7) the acylating agent is a acid halide or anhydride of the acid RaCOOH. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein step 7) utilizes acetic anhydride in glacial acetic acid, in the presence of a catalytic amount of concentrated H 2 SO 4 . A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein R A is a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group. A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein R A is a methyl. A process as claimed in claim 10, wherein: in step 1, the temperature ranges from 40°C to 100°C, the catalyst is an aluminium halide; in the hydrolysis (step 2), the temperature ranges from 30°C to 100°C, the base is an alkaline hydroxide, used in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 1 mol per mol of compound of formula (XI). A process as claimed in claim 34, wherein: in step 1, the temperature ranges from 40°C to 60°C, the catalyst is AlCl 3 ; step 2 is carried out at a temperature of about 80°C, a water/alcohol mixture. A derivative selected from the group consisting of: a derivative of formula (III) a derivative of formula (IV) a derivative of formula (V) a derivative of formula (VI) wherein in formulas (III), (IV), (V), and (VI): R A is H or a protective group of the -OH function, R B is selected out of -ORc, -NRdRe, -SRf, where Rc, Rd, Re, and Rf, which are the same or different from one another, each represents H, alkyl or aromatic group, and R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 , which may be the same or different from one another, each represents H or a group selected out of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic and cyano group, provided that at least one of substituents R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 is different from H; and in formula (VI) X is the anion of a strong acid; n is the number of negative charges of said anion; when R B is H, m is (n-1), or, when R B is different from H, m = n. A derivative as claimed in claim 36, selected out of the following ones: a derivative of formula (III) or (VI), in which R B = OH and R A is a protective group of the -OH function; a derivative of formula (IV), in which R A is a protective group of the -OH function. A derivative as claimed in any of claims 36 or 37, selected from the derivatives of formula (III) or (IV) or (VI), in which R A is a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group. Pharmaceutical composition for human or veterinary use containing a therapeutically effective amount of at least a derivative of formula (I) in which R 1 is -ORa or -O-CO-Ra and R 8 is -ORb, -O-CO-Rb where Ra and Rb, equal or different from one another are H, alkyl or aromatic group, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , and R 7 , equal or different from one another, are chosen from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, alcoxy, acyloxy, arylalkyl, aromatic and cyano, provided that at least one of them is different from H, R 6 is -COOH and salts, esters, amides or thioesters thereof, combined with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or diluents, and optionally with one or more auxiliary substances, characterized by being completely free from aloe-emodin and/or from the derivatives of formula (I), in which R 6 is - CH 2 OH. A cosmetic preparation comprising at least a derivative of formula (I) as defined in claim 39, characterized by being completely free from aloe-emodin and/or from the derivative of formula (I), in which R 6 is -CH 2 OH.

Inventors: DI NAPOLI GUIDO, DI NAPOLI, GUIDO
Applicants: MEDIDOM LAB, LABORATOIRE MEDIDOM S.A.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: C07C69
IPC codes: C07C235, C07C65, A61K31, C07C69, C07C233, C07C50, C07C205, C07C67, C07C229, C07C245