Patent Publication Number: US-5530025-A

Title: Diaminocyclobutene-3,4-diones

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S patent appliation Ser. No. 08/340,697, filed Nov. 16, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,867. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to novel 1, 2-diamino derivatives of cyclobutene 3-4-diones having pharmacological activity, to a process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their use in the treatment of disorders associated with smooth muscle contraction; via potassium channel modulation. Such disorders include, but are not limited to: urinary incontinence, hypertension, asthma, premature labor, irritable bowel syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, and cerebral vascular disease. 
     Stemp et al. disclose a class of amino substituted cyclobutenedione derivatives of chromans described as having blood pressure lowering activity and bronchodilatory activity in EP-426379-A2. Several series of 1-amino-2-phenylalkylamino-cyclobutene-3,4-diones are reported as H-2 receptor antagonists by Algieri et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,701. Several related 1-amino-2-phenoxyalkylamino derivatives are disclosed by Nohara et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,747. 
     The syntheses of variously substituted 1,2-diamino-cyclobutene-3,4-diones are described in the following publications: Tietze et al., Chem Ber. 1991, 124, 1215; Tietze et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 1991, 2, 148; Ehrhardt et al., Chem. Ber. 1977, 110, 2506, and Neuse et al., Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1973, 619. For example, Neuse et al. discloses 1-phenylamino-2-dimethylamino-cyclobut-1-ene-3,4-dione. The compounds of the present invention differ from the Neuse et al. compound in that they are N-acylated and they are useful as smooth muscle relaxants. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a group of compounds represented by the formula (I): ##STR3## wherein: R 1  and R 2  are, independent from each other, hydrogen, C 1-10  straight chain alkyl, C 1-10  branched alkyl, or C 3-10  cyclic or bicyclic alkyl; 
     R 3  is an acyl substituent selected from the group consisting of formyl, alkanoyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkenoyl of 3 to 7 carbon atoms, alkylsulfonyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, aroyl of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, arylalkenoyl of 9 to 20 carbon atoms, arylsulfonyl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, arylalkanoyl of 8 to 12 carbon atoms or arylalkylsulfonyl of 7 to 12 carbon atoms; 
     A is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR4## wherein: R 4  is hydrogen, C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  perfluoroalkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  perfluoroalkoxy, amino, C 1-6  alkylamino, C 2-12  dialkylamino, C 1-6  alkylsulfonamido, alkylcarboxamido containing 2 to 7 carbon atoms, nitro, cyano, carboxyl; 
     or, A is a substituted phenyl group of the following formula: ##STR5## wherein: R 5  and R 6 , independent from each other, are selected from the following: cyano, nitro, amino, C 1-6  alkyl, C 1-6  perfluoroalkyl, C 1-6  alkoxy, C 1-6  perfluoroalkoxy, C 1-6  alkylamino, C 2-12  dialkylamino, sulfamyl, C 1-6  alkylsulfonamido, C 6-12  arylsulfonamido, alkylcarboxamido containing 2 to 7 carbon atoms, arylcarboxamido containing 7 to 13 carbon atoms, C 2-6  alkanoyl, C 1-6  alkylsulfonyl, C 1-6  perfluoroalkylsulfonyl, C 6-12  arylsulfonyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, 1-imidazolyl, carboxyl or hydrogen; 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     A preferred aspect of this invention includes compounds of formula (I) wherein: 
     R 1  and R 2  are as stated above; 
     A is selected from the following: ##STR6## wherein: R 4  is as stated above; 
     or, A is a substituted phenyl group of the following formula: ##STR7## wherein: R 5  and R 6 , independent from each other, are selected from the following: cyano, nitro, amino, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, 1-imidazolyl, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkanoyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, carboxyl or hydrogen; 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     The most preferred aspect of this invention includes compounds of formula (I) wherein: 
     R 1  and R 2  are as stated above; 
     A is selected from the following: ##STR8## wherein: R 4  is as stated above; 
     or, A is a substituted phenyl group of the following formula: ##STR9## wherein: R 5  and R 6 , independent from each other, are selected from the following: cyano, nitro, amino, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, 1-imidazolyl, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkanoyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, carboxyl or hydrogen; 
     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     It is understood that the definition of the compounds of formula (I), when R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , or R 5  contain asymmetric carbons, encompass all possible stereoisomers and mixtures thereof which possess the activity discussed below. In particular, it encompasses racemic modifications and any optical isomers which possess the indicated activity. Optical isomers may be obtained in pure form by standard separation techniques or enantiomer specific synthesis. The compounds of this invention, throughout this specification, are equivalently name as 3,4-diones or 1,2-diones. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the basic compounds of this invention are those derived from such organic and inorganic acids as: lactic, citric, acetic, tartaric, succinic, maleic, malonic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, nitric, sulfuric, methanesulfonic, and similarly known acceptable acids. Where R 3 , R 4 , or R 5  is a carboxyl group, salts of the compounds of this invention may be formed with bases such as alkali metals (Na, K, Li) or the alkaline earth metals (Ca or Mg). 
     The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I). More particularly, the compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IIa): ##STR10## wherein X is a leaving group, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, halogen or a similar leaving group and A 1  is A and R a3  is R 3 , as defined hereinbefore or a group of atoms convertible thereto, with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR11## wherein R a1  and R a2  are R 1  and R 2 , respectively, as defined hereinbefore or a group of atoms convertible thereto and, where appropriate, converting A 1  into A or converting R a1  into R 1  or converting R a2  into R 2 , followed by reacylation if necessary and, where desired, converting a compound having formula (I) into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or converting a salt of a compound having formula (I) into a compound having formula (I). 
     The compounds having formula (IIa) may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (II): ##STR12## where X is as defined above with a compound of formula (III): 
     
         A.sub.1 --NH.sub.2                                         (III) 
    
     wherein A 1  is as defined above, followed by acylation to provide R a3 . Of course, acylation may also be conducted after reaction of the A 1  substituted compound with HNR a1  R a2 . 
     The reactions mentioned above may be carried out in a solvent such as acetonitrile, methanol or ethanol at elevated or ambient temperatures. 
     As mentioned previously, the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts have been found to relax smooth muscle. They are therefore useful in the treatment of disorders associated with smooth muscle contraction, disorders involving excessive smooth muscle contraction of the urinary tract (such as incontinence), or of the gastro-intestinal tract (such as irritable bowel syndrome), asthma, and hair loss. Furthermore, the compounds of formula (I) are active as potassium channel activators which render them useful for treatment of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, anxiety, cerebral anoxia and other neurodegenerative disorders. 
     The present invention accordingly provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of this invention in combination or association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In particular, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective amount of a compound of this invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     The compositions are preferably adapted for oral administration. However, they may be adapted for other modes of administration, for example, parenteral administration for patients suffering from heart failure. 
     In order to obtain consistency of administration, it is preferred that a composition of the invention is in the form of a unit dose. Suitable unit dose forms include tablets, capsules and powders in sachets or vials. Such unit dose forms may contain from 0.1 to 100 mg of a compound of the invention and preferably from 2 to 50 mg. Still further preferred unit dosage forms contain 5 to 25 mg of a compound of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention can be administered orally at a dose range of about 0.01 to 100 mg/kg or preferably at a dose range of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg. Such compositions may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, more usually from 1 to 4 times a day. 
     The compositions of the invention may be formulated with conventional excipients, such as a filler, a disintegrating agent, a binder, a lubricant, a flavoring agent and the like. They are formulated in conventional manner, for example, in a manner similar to that used for known antihypertensive agents, diuretics and β-blocking agents. 
     The present invention further provides a compound of the invention for use as an active therapeutic substance. Compounds of formula (I) are of particular use in the induction of smooth muscle relaxation. 
     The present invention further provides a method of treating smooth muscle disorders in mammals including man, which comprises administering to the afflicted mammal an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. 
    
    
     The following examples are presented to illustrate rather than limit the methods for production of representative compounds of the invention. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-propionamide 
     4-Aminobenzonitrile (17.58 g, 149 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (25.31 g, 149 mmol) in absolute ethanol (450 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux overnight and the resulting suspension filtered hot to remove a small amount of a dirty yellow solid (discarded). The tiltrate was gradually concentrated to afford several crops of 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile, as a bright yellow solid, which were collected by filtration and combined. Yield: 29.11 g (81%):  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 11.07 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.56 (d, 2H), 4.79 (q, 2H), 1.46 (t, 3H). 
     To the product of the preceding paragraph (13.00 g, 53.7 mmol) in ethanol (360 mL) was added 2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutane (7.2 mL, 54 mmol). The mixture was heated at reflux overnight. Gradual concentration of the reaction solution afforded two crops of 4-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile, as a yellow precipitate, which were collected by filtration and combined. Yield: 11.34 g (71%):  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.89 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 3.96 (m, 1H), 1.18 (d, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H). 
     To a solution of the product of preceding paragraph (1.20 g, 4.04 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (36 mL) was added, in one portion, sodium hydride (as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil; 0.179 g, 4.48 mmol). The frothy suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then at 0° C. for an additional hour. Propionic anhydride (0.57 mL, 4.45 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 minutes and then allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and water. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a yellow foam which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (Et 2  O) to afford 0.68 g (48%) of N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-propionamide as a light yellow solid: mp 211°-214° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.50-7.42 (m, 3H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.26 (d, 3H), 1.10 (t, 3H), 1.00 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3330, 2230, 1800, 1740, 1690, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 353 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 20  H 23  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 67.97; H, 6.56; N, 11.89. Found: C, 67.77; H, 6.35; N, 11.87. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-benzamide 
     To a solution of the intermediate produced in Example 1, second paragraph (1.20 g, 4.04 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (36 mL) was added, in one portion, sodium hydride (as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil; 0.178 g, 4.45 mmol). The frothy suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then at 0° C. for an additional hour. Benzoic anhydride (1.01 mL, 4.46 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 minutes and then allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and water. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a yellow foam which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (diethyl ether) to afford 0.71 g (44%) of product as a pale yellow solid: mp 229°-231° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.61-7.22 (m, 9H), 7.77 (d, 1H), 4.37 (m, 1H), 1.28 (d, 3H), 1.02 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3300, 2240, 1790, 1730, 1675, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 401 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 24  H 23  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 71.80; H, 5.74; N, 10.47. Found: C, 71.49; H, 5.91; N, 10.18. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-methanesulfonamide 
     To a solution of the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (1.20 g, 4.04 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (36 mL) was added, in one portion, sodium hydride (as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil; 0.178 g, 4.45 mmol). The frothy suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then at 0° C. for an additional hour. Methanesulfonic anhydride (0.82 g, 4.71 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 minutes and then allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine and water. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a yellow foam which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (diethyl ether) to afford 0.71 g (47%) of product as an off-white solid: mp 190°-191° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.79 (d, 2H), 7.54 (d, 2H), 6.77 (d, 1H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 1.24 (d, 3H), 0.96 (s, 9H), IR (KBr): 3350, 2220, 1800, 1725, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 375 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 21  N 3  O 4  S: Calc&#39;d: C, 57.58; H, 5.64; N, 11.19. Found: C, 57.60; H, 5.61; N, 11.10. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-formamide 
     To a solution of the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (1.20 g, 4.04 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (36 mL) was added, in one portion, sodium hydride (as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil; 0.178 g, 4.45 mmol). The frothy suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then at 0° C. for an additional hour. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.75 mL, 4.46 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 minutes and then allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring overnight, the reaction mixture was concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. Recovered starting material, which precipitated as a yellow solid during workup, was filtered away. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a brown residue which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ), trituration (diethyl ether) and recrystallization (EtOAc/Hex) to afford 0.12 g (9%) of product as a light yellow solid: mp 187°-190° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 10.28 (s, 1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 5.07 (m, 1H), 1.55 (d, 3H), 1.04 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3400, 2220, 1800, 1740, 1690, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 325 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 19  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 66.44; H, 5.89; N, 12.91. Found: C, 66.29; H, 5.76; N, 12.74. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Hexanoic aced (4-cyano-phenyl)-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-amide 
     To a suspension of the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (0.70 g, 2.35 mmol) in pyridine (9 mL) was added hexanoic anhydride (1.50 mL, 6.48 mmol). The mixture was stirred overnight, stripped free of solvent and diluted with diethyl ether. A yellow solid (recovered starting material) which remained undissolved was filtered away. The tiltrate was concentrated, dissolved in methylene chloride and stirred vigorously in the presence of an equal volume of dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate. After 30 minutes the organic layer was removed, dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated. The resulting yellow film was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) to afford 0.43 g (46%) of product as a pale yellow solid: mp 51°-65° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.48-7.38 (m, 3H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.13 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.29-1.13 (m, 7H), 0.99 (s, 9H), 0.86 (t, 3H). IR (KBr): 3340, 2230, 1800, 1725, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 395 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 23  H 29  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 69.85; H, 7.39; N, 10.62. Found: C, 69.69; H, 7.35; N, 10.50. 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-isobutyramide 
     To a solution of isoobutyric anhydride (0.42 mL, 2.53 mmol) in pyridine (9 mL) was added the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (0.75 g, 2.52 mmol). After stirring overnight additional anhydride (3.8 mL, 22.9 mmol) was added and stirring was continued for a second day. The mixture was stripped free of solvent and diluted with diethyl ether. A yellow solid (recovered starting material) which remained undissolved was filtered away. The tiltrate was concentrated and the resulting yellow oil was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (diethyl ether) to afford 0.47 g (51%) of product as a pale yellow solid: mp 175°-176° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.47 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.52 (m, 1H), 1.27 (d, 3H), 1.10 (m, 6H), 1.00 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3330, 2230, 1800, 1730, 1680, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 367 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 21  H 25  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 68.64; H, 6.86; N, 11.44. Found: C, 68.34; H, 6.75; N, 11.26. 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino) cyclobut-1-enyl]-3-phenyl-acrylamide 
     To a suspension of the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (0.50 g, 1.68 mmol) in pyridine (6 mL) was added cinnamic anhydride (0.94 g, 3.38 mmol). After stirring overnight, the mixture was concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a yellow gum which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (diethyl ether) to afford 0.24 g (47%) of product as an off-white solid: mp 235°-237° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.80-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.50-7.32 (m, 8H), 6.21 (d, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 1.29 (d, 3H), 1.03 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3330, 2220, 1800, 1730, 1620, 1600 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 427 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 26  H 25  N 3  O 3 .(0.06 CH 2  Cl 2 ).(0.13 Et 2  O): Calc&#39;d: C, 72.19; H, 6.02; N, 9.50. Found: C, 72.23; H, 5.96; N, 9.58. 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-carbamic acid ethyl ester 
     To a stirred solution of trimethylacetic acid (0.38 g, 3.72 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) at 0° C. was added, in order, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.65 mL, 3.73 mmol) and (after 10 minutes) ethyl chloroformate (0.36 mL, 3.77 mmol). The resulting suspension of trimethylacetyl ethyl carbonate was stirred for 30 minutes before use in the following step. 
     To a solution of the intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (1.00 g, 3.36 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (30 mL) was added, in one portion, sodium hydride (as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil; 0.150 g, 3.75 mmol). The frothy suspension was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and at 0° C. for an additional hour. The mixed anhydride suspension prepared in the preceding paragraph was added all at once. After stirring at room temperature overnight, additional sodium hydride (0.134 g, 3.35 mmol) was added and stirring was continued for a second night. The reaction solution was concentrated and the resulting residue was taken up in methylene chloride and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. Unreacted starting material, which precipitated as a yellow solid during workup, was filtered away. The organic layer was dried (Na 2  SO 4 ) and concentrated to afford a brown gum which was purified by chromatography (CH 3  OH/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (diethyl ether) to afford 0.20 g (16%) of N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester as a white solid: mp 158°-159° C.;  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.18 (d, 2H), 7.88 (d, 2H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 4.35-4.07 (m, 3H), 1.23 (t, 3H), 1.19 (d, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9 H). IR (KBr): 3340 2230, 1800, 1720, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 369 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 20  H 23  N 3  O 4  : Calc&#39;d: C, 65.03; H, 6.28; N, 11.37. Found: C, 64.97; H, 6.19; N, 11.17. 
     EXAMPLE 9 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     The intermediate of Example 1, second paragraph (1.0 g, 3.36 mmol), acetic anhydride (0.95 mL, 10.0 mmol), and pyridine (10 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the solid was washed with ethyl acetate yielding 0.84 g (76%) of a yellow solid: mp 284°-286° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.47 (d, 2H), 7.38 (br d, 1H), 4.27 (dq, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.25 (d, 3H), 0.99 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3358, 2978, 2236, 1804, 1739, 1685, 1614 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 339 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 21  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 67.24; H, 6.24; N, 12.38. Found: C, 67.15; H, 6.19; N, 12.38. 
     EXAMPLE 10 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     4-(3,4-Dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and a solution of (R)-1,2,2-trimethylpropylamine (8.2 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The resulting yellow slurry was filtered and rinsed with ethyl acetate to yield 0.92 g (75%) of (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile as a yellow solid: spectral data was identical to the product of Example 1, paragraph 2, except with [α] D   25  =+12° (DMSO, c 0.009). 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 9. From the intermediate of the preceding paragraph (0.22 g, 0.74 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.21 mL, 2.2 mmol) in pyridine (2.2 mL) there was obtained 0.1 g (40%) of a yellow solid: spectral data was identical to the product of Example 9, except with [α] D   25  =-264° (DMSO, c 0.009). 
     EXAMPLE 11 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-isopropylamino-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     4-(3,4-Dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and isopropylamine (5 g, 84.6 mmol) in acetonitrile (125 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The resulting yellow slurry was filtered to give 0.78 g (31% ) of 4-[3,4-dioxo-2-isopropylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile as a yellow solid: mp 290°-292° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.89 (br s, 1H), 7.77 (d overlapping a br d, 3H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 4.19 (m, 1H), 1.25 (d, 6H). IR (KBr): 3200, 3178, 2239, 1794, 1665, 1608, 1576, 1524 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 255 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 14  H 13  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 65.87; H, 5.13; N, 16.46. Found: C, 65.39; H, 4.92; N, 16.41. 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-isopropylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 9. From the reactant of the preceding paragraph (0.15 g, 0.59 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 2.9 mmol) in pyridine (1.8 mL) there was obtained 0.1 g (57%) of pale yellow crystals: mp 187°-188° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.22 (br d, 1H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.33 (d, 6H). IR (KBr): 3339, 2980, 2239, 1760, 1734, 1695, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 297 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 16  H 15  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 64.64; H, 5.08; N, 14.13. Found: C, 64.32; H, 4.83; N, 14.13. 
     EXAMPLE 12 
     N-{2-[Acetyl-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propyl)-amino]-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl}-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide 
     4-(3,4-Dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylamine (3 mL) in ethanol were refluxed for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and the resulting solid was triturated with diethyl ether to give 1.0 g (71%) of 4-[3,4-dioxo-2-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile as a yellow solid: mp 272°-275° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 10.15 (br s, 1H), 8.19 (br s, 1H), 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.79 (d, 2H), 4.54 (dt, 2H). IR (KBr): 3185, 2239, 1804, 1672, 1608, 1565, 1548 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 346 ([M+H] + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 14  H 8  F 5  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 48.71; H, 2.34; N, 12.17. Found: C, 48.89; H, 2.11; N, 12.21. 
     The product of the preceding paragraph (0.13 g, 0.38 mmol), acetic anhydride (0.11 mL, 1.1 mmol), and pyridine (1.1 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was taken up in hot ethyl acetate and filtered hot. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and hexanes was added to aid in the crystallization. The solid was filtered and rinsed sparingly with ethyl acetate to give 0.10 g (63%) of N-{2-[acetyl-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoro-propyl)-amino]-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl}-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide as a pale yellow solid: mp 187°-195° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.53 (d, 2H), 4.82 (br m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.07 (s, 3H). IR (KBr): 3435, 2237, 1805, 1772, 1734, 1707, 1603 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 429 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 12  F 5  N 3  O 4  : Calc&#39;d: C, 50.36; H, 2.82; N, 9.79. Found: C, 50.62; H, 2.64; N, 9.86. 
     EXAMPLE 13 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[2-(1,2-dimethyl-proplamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 11, first paragraph. 4-(3,4-Dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and (±)-1,2-dimethylpropylamine (5 g, 57.4 mmol) in acetonitrile (125 mL) there was obtained after trituration with methanol 0.28 g (24%) of 4-[2-(1,2-dimethyl-propylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile as a yellow solid: mp 222°-224° C.;  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.89 (br s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.73 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 3.98 (m, 1H), 1.76 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, 3H), 0.90 (d, 3H), 0.89 (d, 3H). IR (KBr): 2980, 2240, 1799, 1660, 1600, 1565, 1525 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 283 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 16  H 17  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 67.83; H, 6.05; N, 14.83. Found: C, 67.32; H, 5.94; N, 14.91. 
     N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[2-(1,2-dimethyl-propylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 9. From the product of the preceding paragraph(0.27 g, 0.95 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.27 mL, 2.9 mmol) in pyridine (2.9 mL) there was obtained 0.17 g (55%) of white crystals: mp 258°-262° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.46 (d, 2H), 7.29 (br d, 1H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.81 (m, 1H), 1.27 (d, 3H), 1.00 (d, 3H), 0.99 (d, 3H). IR (KBr): 3337, 2967, 2228, 1804, 1739, 1685, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 325 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 19  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 66.45; H, 5.87; N, 12.91. Found: C, 66.48; H, 5.82; N, 12.79. 
     EXAMPLE 14 
     N-(3-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     3-Aminobenzonitrile (2.06 g, 17.4 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (2.97 g, 17.5 mmol) in absolute ethanol (50 mL) was refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered hot, then allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered to give 3.4 g of a yellow solid which was used without further purification. This yellow solid (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and 2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutane (2 g, 19.8 mmol) in acetonitrile (125 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered to give 0.66 g (54%) of 3-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrileas a pale yellow solid: mp 296°-298° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.79 (br s, 1H), 7.94 (br s, 1H), 7.67 (d, 1H), 7.64 (dm, 1H), 7.53 (t, 1H), 7.45 (din, 1H), 3.98 (m, 1H), 1.17 (d, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3193, 3148, 2974, 2228, 1793, 1673, 1582, 1544 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 297 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 17  H 19  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 68.67; H, 6.44; N, 14.13. Found: C, 68.73; H, 6.36; N, 14.04. 
     N-(3-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 9. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.18 g, 0.61 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 3.0 mmol) in pyridine (1.8 mL) there was obtained 0.14 g (68%) of white crystals: mp 253°-254° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.81 (dt, 1H), 7.69-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.41 (br d, 1H), 4.27 (m, 1H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.25 (d, 3H), 0.99 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3337, 2965, 2237, 1804, 1739, 1684, 1619 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 339 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 21  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 67.24; H, 6.24; N, 12.38. Found: C, 67.21; H, 6.20; N, 12.38. 
     EXAMPLE 15 
     (R)-N-(4-Cyano-phenyl)-N-[2-(1-cyclohexyl-ethylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     (R)-4-[2-(1-Cyclohexyl-ethylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 10, first paragraph. From 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (0.36 g, 1.5 mmol) and (R)-(-)-1-cyclohexylethylamine (0.29 mL, 1.95 mmol) in absolute ethanol (5 mL) there was obtained after trituration with hot methanol 0.31 g (64%) of a yellow solid: mp 275°-280° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.87 (br s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 3.96 (m, 1H), 1.78-1.66 (m, 4H), 1.62 (m 1H), 1.34 (m, 1H), 1.24-0.90 (m including a doublet at δ 1.20, 8H). IR (KBr): 3200, 2920, 2850, 2220, 1790, 1660, 1600, 1560, 1528 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 323 (M +  ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 21  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 70.57; H, 6.55; N, 12.99. Found: C, 70.19; H, 6.60; N, 13.00. 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.33 g, 1.02 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.29 mL, 3.06 mmol) in pyridine (3.1 mL) there was obtained 0.62 g (40%) of (R)-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-N-[2-(1-cyclohexyl-ethylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide as a yellow solid: mp 194°-198° C.; [α] D   25  =-150.96° (DMSO, c 0.0084);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.46 (d, 2H), 7.25 (br m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.87-0.94 (m including a doublet at δ 1.27, 14H). IR (KBr): 3337, 2930, 2865, 2237, 1803, 1729, 1690, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 365 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 21  H 23  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 69.02; H, 6.34; N, 11.50. Found: C, 68.72; H, 6.10; N, 11.55. 
     EXAMPLE 16 
     N-(2-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide 
     4-[2-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 11, first paragraph. From 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and butylamine (3 g, 41.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (125 mL) there was obtained 0.64 g (58%) of a yellow solid: mp 256°-258° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 10.00 (br s, 1H), 7.81 (br s, 1H), 7.77 (d, 2H), 7.57 (d, 2H), 3.60 (br q, 2H), 1.55 (quintet, 2H), 1.34 (sextet, 2H), 0.90 (t, 3H). IR (KBr): 3240, 2980, 2240, 1800, 1670, 1625, cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 269 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 15  H 15  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 66.90; H, 5.61; N, 15.60. Found: C, 66.23; H, 5.80; N, 15.54. 
     N-(2-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, paragraph two. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.16 g, 0.59 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 2.96 mmol) in pyridine (1.8 mL) there was obtained 0.05 g (27%) of white solid: mp 194°-196° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.34 (br m, 1H), 3.78 (q, 2H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.65 (quintet, 2H), 1.44 (sextet, 2H), 0.98 (t, 3H). IR (KBr): 3315, 2957, 2228, 1796, 1727, 1696, 1598 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 311 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 17  H 17  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 65.58; H, 5.50; N, 13.50. Found: C, 65.45; H, 5.63; N, 13.45. 
     EXAMPLE 17 
     N-(endo)-4-[2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide 
     (endo)-4-[2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-benzonitrile was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 11, first paragraph. From 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile (0.37 g, 1.5 mmol) and (±)-endo-2-aminonorbornane (0.17 g, 1.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) there was obtained after trituration with diethyl ether 0.32 g (69%) of a yellow solid: mp 251°-252° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.88 (br s, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 4.35 (m, 1H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 2.2 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.91 (m, 1H). IR (KBr): 3200, 2942, 2220, 1798, 1668, 1600, 1565, 1535 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 307 (M.sup. +). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 17  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 70.34; H, 5.57; N, 13.67. Found: C, 70.03; H, 5.38; N, 13.97. 
     N-(endo)-[2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 9. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.02 1 g, 0.068 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.033 mL, 0.35 mmol) in pyridine (0.21 mL) there was obtained 0.014 g (59%) of pale yellow solid: mp 282°-285° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.51 (br d, 1H), 4.63 (m, 1H), 2.48 (m, 1H), 2.31 (m, 1H), 2.20 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.75-1.30 (m, 6H), 0.96 (m, 1H). IR (KBr): 3343, 2957, 2239, 1803, 1730, 1690, 1620 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 349 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 20  H 19  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 68.75; H, 5.48; N, 12.03. Found: C, 68.39; H, 5.39; N, 12.02. 
     EXAMPLE 18 
     N-(2-tert-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(isoquinolin-5-yl)-acetamide 
     5-Aminoisoquinoline (4.24 g, 29.4 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (5 g, 29.4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (100 mL) were refluxed overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered to give 2.3 g of a solid which was used without further purification. This solid (0.3 g, 1.12 mmol) in tert-butylamine (50 mL) was refluxed for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and triturated with diethyl ether to give 0.12 g (39%) of 3-tert-Butylamino-4-(isoquinolin-5-ylamino)-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione as a white solid 0.125 hydrate: mp 268°-270° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.75 (s, 1H), 9.35 (s, 1H), 8.62 (d, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 1.47 (s, 9 H). IR (KBr): 3200, 1785, 1670, 1600 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 295 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 17  H 17  N 3  O 2  ·0.125 H 2  O: Calc&#39;d: C, 69.14; H, 5.80; N, 14.23. Found: C, 68.08; H, 5.78; N, 13.75. 
     N-(2-tert-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(isoquinolin-5-yl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.30 g, 1.0 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.29 mL, 3.0 mmol) in pyridine (3 mL) there was obtained 0.18 g (53%) of off-white crystals: mp 210°-213° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 9.41 (s, 1H), 8.66 (d, 1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 8.09 (br s, 1H), 7.81-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.56 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3304, 2965, 1793, 1679, 1588 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 337 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 19  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 67.64; H, 5.68; N, 12.46. Found: C, 67.38; H, 5.65; N, 12.41. 
     EXAMPLE 19 
     N-(2-tert-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide 
     3-Aminopyridine (2.77 g, 29.4 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (5 g, 29.4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (150 mL) were refluxed for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed in hexanes/ethyl acetate (1/4) to give 3.15 g of a white solid. This solid (2.6 g, 11.9 mmol) in tert-butylamine (50 mL) was refluxed for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and triturated with diethyl ether to give 1.05 g (36%) of 3-tert-butylamino-4-(pyridin-3-ylamino)-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione as a white solid: mp 250°-252° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.37 (m, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 1790, 1685, 1600 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 245 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 13  H 15  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 63.66; H, 6.16; N, 17.13. Found: C, 63.28; H, 6.22; N, 17.07. 
     N-(2-tert-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(pyridin-3-yl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.20 g, 0.82 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.23 mL, 2.5 mmol) in pyridine (2.5 mL) there was obtained 0.15 g (68%) of white crystals: nap 194°-195° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 8.74 (d, 1H), 8.62 (s, 1H), 7.83 (br s, 1H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.47 (dd, 1H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.52 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3435, 3298, 1799, 1741, 1685, 1598 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 288 ([M+H] + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 15  H 17  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 62.71; H, 5.96; N, 14.62. Found: C, 62.78; H, 5.91; N, 14.67. 
     EXAMPLE 20 
     N-[3,4- Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl- propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(2- methoxy-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetamide 
     2-Methoxy-5-trifluoromethylaniline (5.62 g, 29.4 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (5 g, 29.4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (100 mL) were refluxed for 66 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and the precipitate was chromatographed in methanol/methylene chloride to give 1.88 g of a yellow solid. This solid (1.0 g, 3.2 mmol) and 2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutane (0.43 mL, 3.2 mmol) in absolute ethanol (20 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed with methylene chloride/methanol (96:4) to give 0.91 g (78%) of 3-ethoxy-4-(2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione as a white solid: mp 143°-155° C.;  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.36 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.35 (dd, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 1.18 (d, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3293, 2976, 1802, 1690, 1591, 1543 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 370 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 21  F 3  N 2  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 58.37; H, 5.72; N, 7.56. Found: C, 57.98; H, 5.65; N, 7.27. 
     N-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.20 g, 0.54 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.15 mL, 1.6 mmol) in pyridine (1.6 mL) there was obtained 0.16 g (73%) of white crystals: mp 76°-79° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.73 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.38 (br d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.24 (d, 3H), 1.00 and 0.99 (two singlets, 9H). IR (KBr): 3326, 2974, 1799, 1715, 1609 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 412 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 20  H 23  F 3  N 2  O 4  : Calc&#39;d: C, 58.25; H, 5.62; N, 6.79. Found: C, 58.44; H, 5.85; N, 6.47. 
     EXAMPLE 21 
     (endo)-N-[2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(pyridin-4-yl)-acetamide 
     4-Aminopyridine (2.77 g, 29.4 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (5 g, 29.4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (100 mL) were refluxed for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed in ethyl acetate to give 0.63 g of a white solid. This solid (0.33 g, 1.5 mmol) and (+)-(endo)-2-aminonorbornane (0.17 g, 1.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and triturated with diethyl ether to give 0.35 g (36%) of (±)-(endo)-3-(bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-4-(pyridin-4-ylamino)-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione as a pale yellow solid 1.56 hydrate: mp 270°-277° C. (dec);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.81 (br s, 1H), 8.41 (d, 2H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 2H), 4.34 (m,  1H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.20 (m, 6H), 0.90 (m, 1H). IR (KBr): 3365, 2957, 1799, 1691, 1630, 1599, 1533 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 283 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 16  H 17  N 3  O 2  ·1.56 H 2  O: Calc&#39;d: C, 61.71; H, 6.51; N, 13.49. Found: C, 61.76; H, 6.37 N, 13.27. 
     (endo)-N-[2-{Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylamino)-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl]-N-(pyridin-4-yl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.17 g, 0.60 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 3.0 mmol) in pyridine (1.8 mL) there was obtained 0.08 g (41%) of pale yellow solid: mp 192°-194° C.;  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 8.80 (dd, 2H), 7.49 (br d, 1H), 7.30 (dd, 2H), 4.63 (m, 1H), 2.48 (m, 1H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.75-1.30 (m, 6H), 0.97 (m, 1H). IR (KBr): 3348, 2954, 1799, 1735, 1696, 1621 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 325 ([M+H] + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 18  H 19  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 66.45; H, 5.89; N, 12.91. Found: C, 66.02; H, 5.87; N, 12.66. 
     EXAMPLE 22 
     N-(2-sec-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide 
     4-[2-sec-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-benzonitrile was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 11, first paragraph. From 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-l-enylamino)-benzonitrile (1 g, 4.1 mmol) and (±)-sec-butylamine (excess) in acetonitrile (125 mL) there was obtained 1.36 g of a yellow solid: mp 245°-247° C.;  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 9.89 (br s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.73 (d, 1H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 4.01 (m, 1H), 1.65-1.46 (m 2H), 1.23 (d, 3H), 0.89 (t, 3H), IR (KBr): 3217, 3185, 3000, 2228, 1798, 1664, 1609, 1527 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 269 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 15  H 15  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 66.90; H, 5.61; N, 15.60. Found: C, 66.78; H, 5.43; N, 15.61. 
     N-(2-sec-Butylamino-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enyl)-N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-acetamide was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.16 g, 0.52 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 2.96 mmol) in pyridine (1.8 mL) them was obtained 0.14 g (78%) of yellow crystals: mp 220°-225° C. (dec.);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.44 (d, 2H), 7.14 (br d, 1H), 4.36 (m, 1H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.71-1.53 (m, 2H), 1.30 (d, 3H), 0.98 (s, 3H). IR (KBr): 3348, 2978 2239, 1803, 1739, 1690, 1622 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 311 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 17  H 17  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 65.58; H, 5.50; N, 13.50. Found: C, 65.18; H, 5.31; N, 13.33. 
     EXAMPLE 23 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-2-ethyl-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-butyramide 
     4-Amino-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.86 g, 5.88 mmol) and 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (1.0 g, 5.88 mmol) in acetonitrile (2 mL) was heated in an oil bath at 110° C. for 21 hours. 3,4-Diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (0.5 g, 2.9 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and the temperature of the oil bath increased to 150° C. After 48 hours the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, then diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and the resulting solid was taken up in ethyl acetate (5 mL) and sonicated. Filtration gave 0.54 g (34%) of 4-(3,4-dioxo-2-ethoxy-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-3-ethylbenzonitrile as a light brown solid:  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 10.56 (br s, 1H), 7.70 (br s overlapping a doublet at δ 7.69, 2H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 4.71 (q, 2H), 2.74 (q, 2H), 1.37 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H). 
     4-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxo-cyclobut-1-enylamino)-3-ethylbenzonitrile (1.26 g, 4.66 mmol) and a solution of (R)-1,2,2-trimethylpropylamine (9.3 mmol) in ethanol (58 mL) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The resulting yellow solution was concentrated to a yellow oil, which was dissolved in acetonitrile (20 mL) and stirred at room temperature. The yellow solid which precipitated was filtered off and rinsed with ethyl acetate to yield 0.79 g (52%) of (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile as an off-white solid: mp 235°-237° C.; [α] D   25  =+68.20° (DMSO, c 0.0072);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.04 (br s, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.69-7.57 (m, 3H), 4.05 (m, 1H), 2.71 (q, 2H), 1.27-1.16 (overlapping doublet and triplet, 6H), 0.91 (s,  9H). IR (KBr): 3278, 2959, 2222, 1793, 1674, 1598, 1576, 1522 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 325 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 23  N 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 70.13; H, 7.12; N, 12.91. Found: C, 69.82; H, 7.17; N, 12.99. 
     A mixture of the product of the preceding paragraph (0.37 g, 1.14 g), butyric anhydride (0.47 mL, 2.87 mmol) and pyridine (10 mL) was stirred at rt overnight. The solution was stripped free of solvent and the resulting oil was taken up in hexanes. The precipitate which formed was filtered off and recrystallized (EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the title compound as 0.26 g (58%) of a white solid: mp 150°-152° C; [α] D   25  -193.90° (DMSO, c 0.0098);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ): δ 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.80-7.50 (m, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 2.53 (m, 2H), 2.18 (m, 1H), 1.97 (m, 1H), 1.53 (m, 2H), 1.20 (m, 3H), 1.14 (m, 3H), 0.93 (s, 9H), 0.80 (t, 3H). IR (KBr): 3340, 2980, 2230, 1800, 1730, 1690, 1600 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 395 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 23  H 29  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 69.85; H, 7.39; N, 10.62. Found: C, 69.70; H, 7.46; N, 10.60. 
     EXAMPLE 24 
     (R)-N-(4-Cyano-2-ethyl-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-propionamide 
     (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.40 g, 1.23 mmol), propionic anhydride (0.47 mL, 3.67 mmol) and pyridine (3.7 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered to remove undissolved solid material and the filtercake was rinsed with dichloromethane. The combined tiltrate was concentrated and the resulting yellow gum was crystallized with hexanes (20 mL). Solvent was decanted off and the solid material was triturated with hexanes to afford the title compound as 0.45 g (96%) of an off-white solid:  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.62 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.37 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.70-2.50 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.09 (m, 1H), 2.03-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.24 (m, 6H), 1.09 (t,  3H), 1.00 (d, 9H). IR (KBr): 3330, 2970, 2230, 1800, 1730, 1680, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 381 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 22  H 27  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 69.27; H, 7.13; N, 11.02. Found: C, 69.25; H, 7.30; N, 10.96. 
     EXAMPLE 25 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-2-ethylphenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-crotonamide 
     (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.40 g, 1.23 mmol), crotonic anhydride (0.55 mL, 3.71 mmol) and pyridine (3.7 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered to remove undissolved solid material and the filtercake was rinsed with dichloromethane. The combined tiltrate was concentrated and the resulting red-brown solid was triturated with hexanes to afford the title compound as 0.48 g (99%) of an off-white solid: [α] D   25  -245.1° (DMSO, c 0.011);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.34 (m, 1H), 7.22 (m, 1H), 5.54 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.67-2.48 (m, 2H), 1.84 (m, 3H), 1.27 (m, 3H), 1.24 (t, 3H), 1.00 (d, 9H). IR (KBr): 3450, 3300, 2980, 2230, 1790, 1725, 1675, 1625 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 393 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 23  H 27  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 70.21; H, 6.92; N, 10.68. Found: C, 69.91; H, 7.04; N, 10.49. 
     EXAMPLE 26 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-2-ethyl-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.36 g, 1.11 mmol), acetic anhydride (0.31 mL, 3.29 mmol) and pyridine (3.4 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered to remove undissolved solid material and the filtercake was rinsed with ethyl acetate. The combined filtrate was concentrated and the resulting solid was purified by recrystallization (EtOAc/CH 2  Cl 2 ) and trituration (EtOAc) to afford the title compound as 0.29 g (71%) of a white solid: mp 229°-231° C.; [α] D   25  -224.43° (DMSO, c 0.0092);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.64 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 4.37 (m, 1H), 2.72-2.53 (m, 2H), 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.32-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.99 (d, 9H). IR (KBr): 3450, 3340, 2970, 2240, 1800, 1725, 1680, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 367 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 21  H 25  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 68.64; H, 6.86; N, 11.43. Found: C, 68.31; H, 6.82; N, 11.25. 
     EXAMPLE 27 
     (R)-(-)-N-(4-Cyano-2-ethyl-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-pentanamide 
     (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.40 g, 1.23 mmol), valeric anhydride (0.73 mL, 3.62 mmol) and pyridine (3.7 mL) were mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered to remove undissolved solid material and the filtercake was rinsed with dichloromethane. The combined tiltrate was concentrated and the resulting yellow gum was crystallized with hexanes (20 mL). Solvent was decanted off and the solid was triturated with hexanes to afford the title compound as 0.47 g (93%) of an off-white solid: [α] D   25  -199.0° (DMSO, c 0.0098);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, 1H), 7.58-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.37 (t, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.69-2.50 (m, 2H), 2.17-2.05 (m, 1H), 2.01-1.90 (m,  1H), 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.30-1.20 (m, 8H), 0.99 (d, 9H), 0.85 (t, 3H). IR (KBr): 3430, 3330, 2970, 2240, 1800, 1730, 1690, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 409 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 24  H 31  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 70.39; H, 7.63; N, 10.26. Found: C, 70.31; H, 7.80; N, 10.20. 
     EXAMPLE 28 
     (R)-(-)-N,(4-cyano-2-ethyl-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-cyclohexanecarboxamide 
     (+)-(R)-4-[3,4-Dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-3-ethylbenzonitrile (0.50 g, 1.54 g), cyclohexanecarboxylic acid anhydride (0.92 g, 3.86 mmol) and pyridine (15 mL) were combined and stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The mixture was filtered and stripped free of solvent. The resulting oil was crystallized with diethyl ether/hexanes and the solid which formed was filtered off and recrystallized (EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the title compound as 0.39 g (58%) of a white solid: mp 156°-159° C.; [α] D   25  -226.61° (DMSO, c 0.0096);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.57-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 2.69-2.48 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.78-1.65 (m, 3H), 1.65-1.57 (m, 3H),  1.50-1.48 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.23 (m, 6H), 1.23-1.12 (m, 1H), 1.07-0.87 (m, 2H), 0.99 (d, 9H). IR (KBr): 3430, 3340, 2940, 2230, 1800, 1730, 1690, 1610 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 435 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 26  H 33  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 71.70; H, 7.64; N, 9.65. Found: C, 71.88; H, 7.64; N, 9.61. 
     EXAMPLE 29 
     (R)-(-)-N-(3-Chloro-4-cyano-phenyl)-N-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enyl]-acetamide 
     4-Amino-2-chlorobenzonitrile (3.14 g, 20.6 mmol) was added to a solution of 3,4-diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (3.5 g, 20.6 mmol) in absolute ethanol (41 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux overnight and the resulting suspension filtered hot. The tiltrate was concentrated to afford a yellow solid which was suspended in ethyl acetate, filtered, and washed several times with ethyl acetateto give 1.16 g of a yellow solid. This solid (0.5 g, 1.8 mmol) was stirred in a solution of (R)-1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamine (3.6 mmol) and ethanol (18 mL) at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and rinsed with ethyl acetate to give 0.53 g (88%) of (R)-(+)-4-[3,4-dioxo-2-(1,2,2-trimethyl-propylamino)-cyclobut-1-enylamino]-2-chlorobenzonitrile a yellow solid: mp &gt;300° C.; [α] D   25  =+1.87° (DMSO, c 0.010);  1  H NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 10.04 (brs, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.76 (brd, 1H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 3.98 (m, 1H), 1.18 (d, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3200, 2970, 2230, 1800, 1675, 1575 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 331 (M + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 17  H 18  ClN 3  O 2  : Calc&#39;d: C, 61.54; H, 5.47; N, 12.66. Found: C, 61.29; H, 5.46; N, 12.45. 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 12, second paragraph. From the product of the preceding paragraph (0.27 g, 0.81 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.23 mL, 2.4 mmol) in pyridine (2.5 mL) there was obtained 0.16 g (53%) of the title compound as a white solid: mp 232°-235° C. (dec); [α] D   25  =-307.5° (DMSO, c 0.010);  1  H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.38 (dd, 1H), 7.34 (brd, 1H), 4.26 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.25 (d, 3H), 0.99 (s, 9H). IR (KBr): 3330, 2980, 2220, 1795, 1745, 1625 cm -1  ; MS (m/z) 374 ([M+H] + ). 
     Elemental analysis for C 19  H 20  C 1  N 3  O 3  : Calc&#39;d: C, 61.04; H, 5.39; N, 11.24. Found: C, 60.83; H, 5.31; N, 11.10. 
     The smooth muscle relaxing activity of the compounds of this invention was established in accordance with standard pharmaceutically accepted test procedures with representative compounds as follows: 
     Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) are rendered unconscious by CO 2  asphyxiation and then euthanized by cervical dislocation. The bladder is removed into warm (37 deg. C.) physiological salt solution (PSS) of the following composition (mM): NaCl, 118.4; KCl, 4.7; CaCl 2 , 2.5; MgSO 4 , 4.7; H 2  O, 1.2; NaHCO 3 , 24.9; KH 2  PO 4 , 1.2; glucose, 11.1; EDTA, 0.023; gassed with 95% O 2  ; 2/5% CO 2  ; pH 7.4. The bladder is opened and then cut into strips 1-2 mm in width and 7-10 mm in length. The strips are subsequently suspended in a 10 mL tissue bath under an initial resting tension of 1.5 g. The strips are held in place by two surgical clips one of which is attached to a fixed hook while the other is attached to an isometric force transducer. The preparations, which usually exhibit small spontaneous contractions, are allowed to recover for a period of 1 hour prior to a challenge with 0.1 uM carbachol. The carbachol is then washed out and the tissue allowed to relax to its resting level of activity. Following a further 30 min period of recovery an additional 15 mM KCl are introduced into the tissue bath. This increase in KCl concentration results in a large increase in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions (and initiation of contractions in previously quiescent strips) superimposed upon a small increase in basal tone. Following stabilization of this enhanced level of contractile activity, incremental increases in the concentration of test compound or vehicle are introduced into the tissue bath. Contractile activity is measured for each compound or vehicle concentration during the last minute of a 30 minute challenge. 
     The isometric force developed by the bladder strips is measured using a concentration required to elicit 50% inhibition of pre-drug contractile activity (IC 50  concentration) is calculated from this concentration-response curve. The maximum percentage inhibition of contractile activity evoked by a test compound is also recorded for concentrations of test compound less than or equal to 30 μM. 
     The results of this study are shown in Table I. 
     
                       TABLE I                                                     
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Inhibition of Contractions in Isolated Rat Bladder Strips                 
Compound    n             IC.sub.50 μM                                 
______________________________________                                    
Example 1   2             0.50 ± 0.0                                   
Example 2   2             0.29 ± 0.04                                  
Example 5   2             0.35 ± 0.1                                   
Example 6   4             0.57 ± 0.2                                   
Example 7   2             0.37 ± 0.08                                  
Example 9   4             0.23 ± 0.05                                  
Example 10  2             0.31 ± 0.05                                  
Example 11  2             9.7 ± 4.1                                    
Example 13  2             0.2 ± 0.1                                    
Example 14  2             3.2 ± 0.92                                   
Example 16  2             1.24 ± 0.54                                  
Example 17  2             1.84 ± 0.36                                  
Example 23  2             0.17 ± 0.004                                 
Example 24  4             0.22 ± 0.2                                   
Example 25  2             0.27 ± 0.02                                  
Example 26  4             0.35 ± 0.1                                   
Example 27  3             0.61 ± 0.2                                   
Example 28  2             0.63 ± 0.065                                 
Example 29  2             0.19 ± 0.01                                  
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     Hence, the compounds of this invention have a pronounced effect on smooth muscle contractility and are useful in the treatment of urinary incontinence, irritable bladder and bowel disease, asthma, hypertension, stroke, and similar diseases as mentioned above, which are amenable to treatment with potassium channel activating compounds by administration, orally, parenterally, or by aspiration to a patient in need thereof.