Abstract:
This invention provides compounds of formula I 
                                 
where Ar 1  is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally substituted; where the —NR 3 R 4  group is situated ortho to the NHC(═X) group; n=1 or 2; X=O or S; Y is O or S; and q=1 or 0. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula I and/or salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof. These compounds modulate the activation and inactivation of potassium channels. The compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders—such as seizure disorders—which are affected by modulation of potassium ion channels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/810,114 filed Jun. 4, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,960,436, which in turn claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/811,463 filed on Jun. 5, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns novel compounds that modulate potassium ion channels. The compounds are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by regulation of potassium ion channels. One such malady is seizure disorders. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retigabine (N-[2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)phenyl]carbamic acid, ethyl ester] (U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,330) has been found to be an effective treatment of seizure disorders in children. Bialer, M., et al.,  Epilepsy Research  1999, 34, 1-41. Retigabine has also been found to be useful in treating pain, including neuropathic pain. Blackburn-Munro and Jensen,  Eur. J. Pharmacol.  2003, 460, 109-116. 
     “Benign familial neonatal convulsions” have been associated with mutations in the KCNQ2/3 channels. Biervert, C., et al.,  Science  1998, 27, 403-06; Singh, N. A., et al.,  Nat. Genet.  1998, 18, 25-29; Charlier, C., et al.,  Nat. Genet.  1998, 18, 53-55, Rogawski,  Trends in Neurosciences  2000, 23, 393-398. Subsequent investigations have established that the major site of action of retigabine is the KCNQ2/3 channel. Wickenden, A. D. et al.,  Mol. Pharmacol.  2000, 58, 591-600; Main, M. J., et al.,  Mol. Pharmcol.  2000, 58, 253-62. Retigabine has been shown to increase the conductance of the channels at the resting membrane potential and to bind the activation gate of the KCNQ 2/3 channel. Wuttke, T. V., et al.,  Mol. Pharmacol.  2005, 67, 1009-1017. 
     The recognition of the site of action of retigabine has prompted a search for other potassium channel modulators among compounds structurally related to retigabine. Several such searches have been reported in the patent literature, most notably the following: WO 2004/058739; WO 2004/80950; WO 2004/82677; WO 2004/96767; WO 2005/087754; and WO 2006/029623. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides compounds of formula I, 
                                
where Ar 1  is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; R 1  and R 2  are selected, independently, from H, CN, halogen, CH 2 CN, OH, NO 2 , CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , CF 2 CF 3 , C 1 -C 6  alkyl, OR 8 , C(═O)R 9 , C(═O)OR 10 , OC(═O)R 11 , SR 12 , NR 13 C(═O)R 14 , C(═O)NR 15 R 16 , CH 2 C(═O)NR 15 R 16 , NR 17 R 18 , SO 2 R 19 , N(R 20 )SO 2 R 21 , SO 2 NR 22 R 23 , C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, CH 2 C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, C 5 -C 6  cycloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkenyl, or C 2 -C 6  alkynyl; where the —NR 3 R 4  group is situated ortho to the NHC(═X) group and R 3  and R 4  are, independently, H or C 1-6  alkyl, which C 1-6  alkyl group is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 groups selected, independently, from methyl, halogen, methoxy, and hydroxy, or R 3  and R 4  together form a 5- or 6-membered ring, optionally substituted with halogen, methyl, methoxy, or hydroxy and optionally containing one or two double bonds; n=1 or 2; X is O or S; Y is O or S; q=1 or 0; R 5  is C 1 -C 6  alkyl, (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, (CHR 6 ) w CH 2 C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, (CHR 6 ) w C 5 -C 6  cycloalkenyl, CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w C 5 -C 6  cycloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, Ar 2 , (CHR 6 ) w Ar 2 , CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w Ar 2 , or (CHR 6 ) w CH 2 Ar 2 , where w=0-3, Ar 2  is a 5- to 10-member mono- or bicyclic aromatic group, optionally containing 1-4 ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S; R 6  is C 1 -C 3  alkyl; and R 8 -R 23  are, independently, H, C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, C 2 -C 6  alkenyl, C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, where all alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, groups are optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected independently from C 1 -C 3  alkyl, halogen, OH, OMe, CN, CH 2 F, and trifluoromethyl; where, additionally, the alkenyl and alkynyl groups are optionally substituted with phenyl or C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl; and where all cycloalkyl groups optionally contain one or two ring heteroatoms selected independently from N, O, and S. Such compounds are potassium channel modulators. By “modulators” is meant potassium channel openers or activators at the resting membrane potential, but inhibitors for peak current at the positive voltage range of action potential.
 
     In one generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)R 5 . 
     In another generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)OR 5 . 
     In another generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)SR 5 . 
     In another generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)R 5 . 
     In another generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)OR 5 . 
     In another generic embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)SR 5 . 
     In one subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA, 
                                
where Q=CR 7  or N, where R 7  is H or C 1 -C 6  alkyl.
 
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, 
                                
where L is O, S, or NH, and K is N or CH.
 
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IC-1 or IC-2, 
                                
where L is O, S, or NH, and K is N or CH.
 
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula ID-1 or ID-2, 
                                
where K and L are, independently, N or CH.
 
     In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IA, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)R 5  or NHC(═O)OR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IA, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)R 5  or NHC(═S)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IA, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)OR 5  or NHC(═O)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IB, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)R 5  or NHC(═O)OR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IB, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)R 5  or NHC(═S)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IB, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)OR 5  or NHC(═O)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IC-1 or IC-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)R 5  or NHC(═O)OR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IC-1 or IC-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)R 5  or NHC(═S)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula IC-1 or IC-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) 9 —R 5  is NHC(═S)OR 5  or NHC(═O)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula ID-1 or ID-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)R 5  or NHC(═O)OR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula ID-1 or ID-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)R 5  or NHC(═S)SR 5 . 
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides or contemplates compounds of formula ID-1 or ID-2, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═S)OR 5  or NHC(═O)SR 5 . 
     In a more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA, where NH—C(═X)—(Y) q —R 5  is NHC(═O)—C 1 -C 6  alkyl, NHC(═O)—OC 1 -C 6  alkyl, NHC(═O)—(CH 2 ) 2 C 5 -C 6  cycloalkyl, or NHC(═O)O)—(CH 2 ) 2 C 5 -C 6  cycloalkyl. 
     In another specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another more specific subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides compounds of formula IA according to the structure below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds of formula IA as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IC-2 as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another subgeneric embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula IC-2 as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In still more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds where Ar 1  is phenyl, as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional still more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds where Ar 1  is quinolyl, as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds where Ar 1  is pyridyl, as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional, more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional, more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In yet additional more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional more specific subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional subgeneric embodiments, the invention provides compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IB, where Ar 1  is a 2- or 3-thienyl or furanyl or a compound of formula IC-1, where Ar 1  is benzothienyl, which group may be substituted. Subgeneric compounds of that type are shown below. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional embodiments, the invention provides compounds in which Ar 1  is pyrrole or indole, as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional subgeneric embodiments, the invention contemplates compounds in which Ar 1  is purine, as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In additional subgeneric embodiments, the invention contemplates compounds as shown below 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is CN, CH 2 CN, or halogen, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, formula IB, formula IC-1, or formula IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is F, CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , or CF 2 CF 3 , q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, or formula IB, or formula IC-1 or IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is NHC 1 -C 6  alkyl or NHC(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, or formula IB, or formula IC-1 or IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)—NH—C 1 -C 6  alkyl, SO 2 C 1 -C 6 alkyl, SO 2 NHC 1 -C 6 alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, or formula IB, or formula IC-1 or IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is OH, OMe, OEt, SMe, or SEt, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, or formula IB, or formula IC-1 or IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is vinyl, allyl, methylethynyl, or phenylethynyl. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, or formula IB, or formula IC-1 or IC-2, where n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or OC(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a still more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)—NH—C 1 -C 4  alkyl, SO 2 C 1 -C 4 alkyl, SO 2 NHC 1 -C 4  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is OH, OMe, OEt, SMe, or SEt, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, and R 1  is vinyl, allyl, methylethynyl, or phenylethynyl. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)OC 1 -C 4  alkyl or OC(═O)C 1 -C 4 alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is C 2 -C 6  alkenyl or C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is C 1 -C 4  alkyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is SC 1 -C 6  alkyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is O, q is 1, and Y is S. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is O, q is 1, and Y is O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is O, and q is zero. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is S, q is 1, and Y is S. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is S, q is 1, and Y is O. 
     In another more specific embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, X is S, and q is zero. 
     In a still more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, R 1  is alkyl, monofluoroalkyl, difluoroalkyl, trifluoroalkyl, F, or Cl; R 3  and R 4  are both H; X is O; and q is zero. 
     In a still more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is monosubstituted phenyl, R 1  is alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or halo, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, X is O, q is 1, and Y is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is CN, CH 2 CN, or halogen, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , or CF 2 CF 3 , q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or C(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or OC(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is C 2 -C 6  alkenyl or C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is SC 1 -C 6  alkyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X and Y are both O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is zero, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is CN, CH 2 CN, or halogen, q is zero, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero, R 1  is F, CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , or CF 2 CF 3 , q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or C(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or OC(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is C 2 -C 6  alkenyl or C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is SC 1 -C 6  alkyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is CN, CH 2 CN, or halogen, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is 1, R 1  is F, CH 2 F, CHF 2 , CF 3 , or CF 2 CF 3 , q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or C(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, n is zero or 1, R 1  is C(═O)OC 1 -C 6  alkyl or OC(═O)C 1 -C 6  alkyl, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is C 2 -C 6  alkenyl or C 2 -C 6  alkynyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula I, where Ar 1  is phenyl or pyridyl, R 1  is SC 1 -C 6  alkyl, n is zero or 1, q is 1, and X is O. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is C 1 -C 6  alkyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w CH 2 C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 5 -C 6  oxacycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 5 -C 6  azacycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 5 -C 6  thiacycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w CH 2 C 5 -C 6  azacycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  azacycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w Z, where w is 1 or 2, R 6  is H or methyl, and Z is piperidinyl. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w Z, where w is 1 or 2, R 6  is H or methyl, and Z is 1-pyrrolidinyl or 1-piperidinyl. 
     In another more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w Z, where w is 1 or 2, R 6  is H or methyl, and Z is 2-pyrrolidinyl or 3-pyrrolidinyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w Z, where w is 1 or 2, R 6  is H or methyl, and Z is morpholyl, thiazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, or isoxazolidinyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w CH 2 C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH 2 (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where w is 1 or 2 and R 6  is H or methyl. 
     In a more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula IA, in which R 5  is (CH 2 ) w —C 5 -C 6  cycloalkyl. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH═CH—C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH═CH—C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH 2 —CH═CH—C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH 2 CH═CH—C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH═CH—CH 2 —C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the E configuration. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH═CH—CH 2 —C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the carbon-carbon double bond has the Z configuration. 
     In another, more specific embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is (CHR 6 ) w C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the cycloalkyl group is monosubstituted. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides or contemplates a compound of formula I, in which R 5  is CH═CH—CH 2 —C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl or CH═CH—C 3 -C 6  cycloalkyl, where the cycloalkyl group is monosubstituted. 
     In another embodiment, this invention provides a compound of formula IA, in which R 3  and R 4  are H or methyl, n is 1, q is 1, X is O and R 5  is C 5 -C 6  alkyl. 
     Illustrative examples of contemplated compounds of this invention are provided below. These are provided in order to indicate that a broad range of compounds and substitution patterns is contemplated. This group of examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Biological Results
 
     Several typical compounds of this invention were assayed as potassium channel modulators by measuring rhubidium release. 
     Methods: PC-12 cells were grown at 37° C. and 5% CO 2  in DMEM/F12 Medium supplemented with 10% horse serum, 5% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 U/ml streptomycin. They were plated in poly-D-lysine-coated 96-well cell culture microplates at a density of 40,000 cells/well and differentiated with 100 ng/ml NGF-7s for 2-5 days. For the assay, the medium was aspirated and the cells were washed once with 0.2 ml in wash buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM MgCl 2 , 0.8 mM NaH 2 PO 4 , 2 mM CaCl 2 ). The cells were then loaded with 0.2 ml Rb +  loading buffer (wash buffer plus 5.4 mM RbCl 2 , 5 mM glucose) and incubated at 37° C. for 2 h. Attached cells were quickly washed three times with buffer (same as Rb +  loading buffer, but containing 5.4 mM KCl instead of RbCl) to remove extracellular Rb + . Immediately following the wash, 0.2 ml of depolarization buffer (wash buffer plus 15 mM KCl) with or without compounds was added to the cells to activate efflux of potassium ion channels. After incubation for 10 min at room temperature, the supernatant was carefully removed and collected. Cells were lysed by the addition of 0.2 ml of lysis buffer (depolarization buffer plus 0.1% Triton X-100) and the cell lysates were also collected. If collected samples were not immediately analyzed for Rb +  contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy (see below), they were stored at 4° C. without any negative effects on subsequent Rb +  analysis. 
     The concentration of Rb +  in the supernatants (Rb +   Sup ) and cell lysates (Rb +   Lys ) was quantified using an ICR8000 flame atomic absorption spectrometer (Aurora Biomed Inc., Vancouver, B.C.) under conditions defined by the manufacturer. One 0.05 ml samples were processed automatically from microtiter plates by dilution with an equal volume of Rb +  sample analysis buffer and injection into an air-acetylene flame. The amount of Rb +  in the sample was measured by absorption at 780 nm using a hollow cathode lamp as light source and a PMT detector. A calibration curve covering the range 0-5 mg/L Rb +  in sample analysis buffer was generated with each set of plates. The percent Rb +  efflux (F) was defined by
 
 F=[Rb   +   Sup /( Rb   +   Sup   +Rb   +   Lys )]×100%
 
The effect (E) of a compound was defined by:  E =[( F   c   −F   b )/( F   s   −F   b )]×100%
 
where the F c  is the efflux in the presence of compound in depolarization buffer, F b  is the efflux in basal buffer, and F s  is the efflux in depolarization buffer, and F c  is the efflux in the presence of compound in depolarization buffer. The effect (E) and compound concentration relationship was plotted to calculate an EC 50  value, a compound&#39;s concentration for 50% of maximal Rb +  efflux.
 
                               TABLE 1                   ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED COMPOUNDS       legend: A: &lt;0.5 μM; B: 0.5-5 μM; C: &gt;5 μM            Structure   EC 50  (μM)                                             C                                             C                                             A                                             B                                             B                                             A                                             A                    
Synthetic Procedure
 
     Section I. The preparation of compound of formula IX is outlined in Scheme 1. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     Section II. The preparation of compound of formula XIII is outlined in Scheme 2. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     Section III. The preparation of compound of formula XVIII is outlined in Scheme 3. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     Section IV. The preparation of compound of formula XXVI is outlined in Scheme 4. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
     Section V. The preparation of compound of formula XXVII is outlined in Scheme 5. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     Section VI. The preparation of compound of formula XXXV is outlined in Scheme 6. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
     Section VII. The preparation of compound of formula XXXVIII is outlined in Scheme 7. 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
    
    
     Example 1 
     Scheme 1 
     Synthesis of N-[6-Amino-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     a. N-(6-Nitro-indan-5-yl)-acetamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of 5-aminoindane (13.3 g, 0.1 mol) in 150 ml of acetic anhydride was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., and an ice-cooled solution of 90% nitric acid (d1.4) (8.4 g, 0.12 mol) in 15 ml of acetic anhydride (HNO 3  was added dropwise to acetic anhydride with stirring at 0° C.) was added dropwise. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and then at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into 800 ml of ice-water with strong stirring. The precipitate was filtered and washed thoroughly with water and dried at 40° C. to give a yellow solid (20.9 g, 95%). 
     b. N-(6-Nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-acetamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A solution of CrO 3  (26.5 g) in a mixture of 15 ml of H 2 O and 235 ml of AcOH was prepared by sonicating the suspension for 45 min. The resulting solution was added dropwise to a cooled solution of N-(6-nitro-indan-5-yl)-acetamide (22 g, 0.1 mol) in Ac 2 0 (2.5 L) while maintaining the temperature between 15-20° C. After the addition was completed, the mixture was stirred at 25° C. overnight, poured into 10 L of water, and stirred for 1 h. The solution was then extracted with two 2-L portions of CH 2 Cl 2 . The organic layers were combined, and concentrated to 500 ml, washed with two 50-ml portions of 10% NaOH followed by water, and then dried (Na 2 SO 4 ). The solvent was removed, leaving a yellow powder (16 g, 75%), which was used for next step without further purification. 
     c. 5-Amino-6-nitro-indan-1-one 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A suspension of N-(6-nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-acetamide (10 g, 0.042 mol) in HCl (200 ml, 2 N)) and EtOH (100 ml) was refluxed for 30 min. The reaction was cooled to 15° C. and the resulting precipitate was isolated and recrystallized from dilute ethanol to give 7.9 g (97.5%) of yellow solid. 
     d. N-(6-Nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     Pyridine (0.1 g, 1.3 mmol) was added to a suspension of 5-amino-6-nitro-indan-1-one (0.19 g, 1 mmol) in 15 ml of anhydrous dichloroethane followed by the addition of 3-cyclopentylpropionyl chloride (0.193 mg, 1.2 mmol) at room temperature under argon. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 5:1) to give a yellow solid (0.26 g, 83%).  1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 10.47 (s, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.87 (s, 1H), 3.15 (m, 2H), 2.69 (m, 2H), 2.38 (t, 2H, J=7.8Hz), 1.74 (m, 2H), 1.59-1.46 (m, 7H), 1.08 (m, 2H). MS: 317 (M+1). 
     e. N-[6-Nitro-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of N-(6-nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide (0.57 g, 1.8 mmol), 4-trifluoromethylaniline (0.35 g, 2.2 mmol), and decaborane (200 mg) in 20 ml of anhydrous methanol was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 5:1) to give a pure product (0.65 g, 90%). 
     f. N-[6-Amino-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     To a solution of N-[6-nitro-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide (200 mg) in 20 ml of methanol was added a catalytic amount of Raney Nickel. The resulting mixture was hydrogenated under regular pressure at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite and washed with methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 3:1) to give a white solid product in a quantitative yield.  1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.01 (s, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.36 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.05 (s, 1H), 6.78 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.66 (d, 1H, NH, J=8.4 Hz, exchangeable with D 2 O), 6.31 (s, 1H), 4.88 (q, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 4.69 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 2.77 (ddd, 1H, J=15.3, 8.4, 3.6 Hz), 2.67 (m, 1H), 2.42 (m, 1H), 2.29 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 1.73 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.07 (m, 2H). MS: 432 (M+1). 
     The following compounds were prepared by the above procedure (Scheme 1) 
     Example 2 
     N-[6-Amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3-cyclopentyl-propionamide 
       1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.01 (s, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.03 (s, 1H), 6.89 (t, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.65 (dd, 2H, J=4.8, 9.0 Hz), 6.64 (s, 1H), 5.73 (d, 1H, NH, J=8.4 Hz, exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.74 (q, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 4.66 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 2.75 (ddd, 1H, J=15.0, 8.4, 3.3 Hz), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 2.29 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 1.74 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.07 (m, 2H). MS: 382 (M+1). 
     Example 3 
     N-[6-Amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-butyramide 
       1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.00 (s, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.01 (s, 1H), 6.89 (t, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.65 (dd, 2H, J=4.8, 9.0 Hz), 6.65 (s, 1H), 5.73 (d, 1H, NH, J=8.4 Hz, exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.74 (q, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 4.66 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 2.75 (ddd, 1H, J=15.0, 8.4, 3.3 Hz), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 2.15 (s, 2H), 1.68 (m, 1H), 1.01 (s, 9H). MS: 356 (M+1). 
     Example 4 
     N-[6-Amino-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-butyramide 
       1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.00 (s, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.35 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 7.03 (s, 1H), 6.77 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 6.64 (d, 1H, NH, J=8.4 Hz, exchangeable with D 2 O), 6.63 (s, 1H), 4.87 (q, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 4.67 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 2.77 (ddd, 1H, J=15.0, 8.4, 3.3 Hz), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 2.15 (s, 2H), 1.73 (m, 1H), 1.00 (s, 9H). MS: 406 (M+1). 
     Example 5 
     Scheme 2 
     Synthesis of ethyl 6-amino-1-(4-fluorophenylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     a. Ethyl 6-nitro-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of 5-amino-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (1.19 g, 6.2 mmol), of anhydrous ethanol (15 ml) and diethyl pyrocarbonate (1.2 g, 7.4 mmol) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product was dried under reduced pressure and used for next step without further purification. 
     b. Ethyl 1-(4-fluorophenylamino)-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of ethyl 6-nitro-1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate (0.47 g, 1.8 mmol), 4-fluoroaniline (0.24 g, 2.2 mmol), and decaborane (200 mg) in 20 ml of anhydrous methanol was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 5:1) to give a pure product (0.51 g, 81%). 
     c. Ethyl 6-amino-1-(4-fluorophenylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     To a solution of ethyl 1-(4-fluorophenylamino)-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate (250 mg) in 20 ml of methanol was added a catalytic amount of Raney Ni, and the resulting mixture was hydrogenated under ambient temperature and pressure for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite and washed with methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 3:1) to give a white solid product. MS: 330 (M+1). 
     The following compound was prepared by the above procedure (Scheme 2). 
     Example 6 
     Scheme 2 
     ethyl 6-amino-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-5-ylcarbamate 
     MS: 380 (M+1). 
     Example 7 
     Scheme 3 
     Synthesis of [4-Amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     a. (1-Oxo-indan-5-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     5-Amino-indan-1-one (0.91 g, 6.2 mmol) was dissolved in 15 ml of anhydrous ethanol and diethyl pyrocarbonate (1.2 g, 7.4 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring at room temperature. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product was dried under reduced pressure and used for next step without further purification. 
     b. (4-Nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     (1-Oxo-indan-5-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester (0.94 g, 4.3 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid and cooled to 0° C. using an ice-bath. Potassium nitrate (477 mg, 4.7 mmol) was added in small portions. After complete addition, the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 0° C. and then poured onto crushed ice. The yellow precipitate was filtered off, washed thoroughly with water and dried in vacuo to give a yellow solid product (0.85, 75%). 
     c. [4-Nitro-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of (4-nitro-1-oxo-indan-5-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester (0.47 g, 1.8 mmol), 4-fluoroaniline (0.24 g, 2.2 mmol), and decaborane (200 mg) in 20 ml of anhydrous methanol was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography using a mixture of hexane/EtOAc (5:1) as eluant to give a pure product (0.54 g, 83%). 
     d. [4-Amino-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A solution of [4-nitro-1-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-indan-5-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester (200 mg) in 20 ml of methanol was added a catalytic amount of Raney Ni. The resulting mixture was hydrogenated under regular pressure at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite and washed with methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was purified by column (hexane/EtOAc, 3:1) to give a white solid product.  1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.51 (brs, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 6.94 (dd, 2H, J=9.0, 18.6 Hz), 6.88 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 6.66 (dd, 2H, J=4.2, 9.0 Hz), 6.49 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 5.70 (brs, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.80 (m, 3H, NH 2  and CH)), 4.05 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.74 (ddd, 1H, J=3.6, 8.7, 15.6 Hz), 2.60-2.36 (m, 2H), 1.71 (m, 1H), 1.20 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). MS: 330 (M+1). 
     Example 8 
     Scheme 4 
     [1-Amino-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     a. (5-Oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture 6-Amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one (1 g, 6.2 mmol), anhydrous ethanol (15 ml) and diethyl pyrocarbonate (1.2 g, 7.4 mmol) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product was dried under reduced pressure and used for next step without further purification. 
     b. (1-Nitro-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester and (3-Nitro-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     (5-Oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester (1 g, 4.3 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid and cooled to 0° C. using an ice-bath. Potassium nitrate (477 mg, 4.7 mmol) was added in small portions. After complete addition, the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 0° C. and then poured onto crushed ice. The yellow precipitate was filtered off, washed thoroughly with water and dried in vacuo to give the product as a mixture in a 2:1 ratio (0.84 g, 70%). 
     c. [1-Nitro-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester and [3-Nitro-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     A mixture of (1-nitro-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester and (3-nitro-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester (0.5 g, 1.8 mmol), 4-trifluoromethylaniline (0.35 g, 2.2 mmol), and decaborane (200 mg) in 20 ml of anhydrous methanol was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography using a mixture of hexane/EtOAc (5:1) as eluant to give a pure product as a mixture (0.55 g, 85%). 
     d. [1-Amino-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester and [3-Amino-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     
       
                 
         
             
             
         
      
     
     To a solution of a mixture of [1-nitro-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester and [3-Nitro-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester (500 mg) in 20 ml of methanol was added a catalytic amount of Raney Ni. The resulting mixture was hydrogenated under regular pressure at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite and washed with methanol. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was separated by preparative HPLC to give two products as white solids in a quantitative yield. 
     [1-Amino-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester.  1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.50 (brs, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.33 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.95 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H, exchangeable with D 2 O), 6.74 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.59 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 6.49 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 4.57 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.53 (q, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 4.05 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.43-2.25 (m, 3H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.20 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). MS: 394 (M+1). 
     [3-Amino-5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]carbamic acid ethyl ester 
       1 H-NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.49 (brs, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 7.33 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 6.96 (s, 1H), 6.74 (d, 2H, J=8.7 Hz), 6.60 (s, 1H), 6.60 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.67 (brs, 2H, NH 2 , exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.06 (q, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.53 (m, 2H), 1.79 (m, 2H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.20 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). MS: 394 (M+1). 
     The following compound was prepared by the above procedure. 
     Example 9 
     Scheme 4 
     [1-Amino-5-(4-fluoro-phenylamino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
       1 H-NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.09 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 6.89 (m, 3H), 6.58 (m, 2H), 6.15 (brs, 1H, NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.22 (q, 1H, J=6.9 Hz), 3.76 (brs, 3H, NH 2  and NH, exchangeable with D 2 O), 2.54 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 4H), 1.31 (t, 3H, J=6.9 Hz). MS: 344 (M+1).