Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D403/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D401/00
  • C07D403/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D401/00 containing two hetero rings
  • C07D403/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D401/00 containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
  • A61P25/04—Centrally acting analgesics, e.g. opioids
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D233/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,3-diazole or hydrogenated 1,3-diazole rings, not condensed with other rings
  • C07D233/54—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,3-diazole or hydrogenated 1,3-diazole rings, not condensed with other rings having two double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
  • C07D233/66—Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,3-diazole or hydrogenated 1,3-diazole rings, not condensed with other rings having two double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members with hetero atoms or with carbon atoms having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most one bond to halogen, e.g. ester or nitrile radicals, directly attached to ring carbon atoms
  • C07D233/90—Carbon atoms having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most one bond to halogen, e.g. ester or nitrile radicals
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
  • C07D401/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings
  • C07D401/06—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings linked by a carbon chain containing only aliphatic carbon atoms
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
  • C07D401/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings
  • C07D401/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D405/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
  • C07D405/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings
  • C07D405/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings directly linked by a ring-member-to-ring-member bond
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D405/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
  • C07D405/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings
  • C07D405/06—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings linked by a carbon chain containing only aliphatic carbon atoms
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D405/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom
  • C07D405/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings
  • C07D405/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing both one or more hetero rings having oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, and one or more rings having nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
  • C07D417/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00
  • C07D417/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00 containing two hetero rings
  • C07D417/04—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00 containing two hetero rings directly linked by a ring-member-to-ring-member bond

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a group of 1 H-imidazole derivatives which are modulators of cannabinoid CB 2 receptors, to methods for the preparation of these compounds, to novel intermediates useful for the synthesis of said imidazole derivatives.
• the invention also relates to the use of a compound disclosed herein for the manufacture of a medicament giving a beneficial effect. A beneficial effect is disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art.
• the invention also relates to the use of a compound of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease or condition.
• the invention relates to a new use for the treatment of a disease or condition disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art.
• specific compounds disclosed herein are used for the manufacture of a medicament useful in the treatment of disorders in which cannabinoid CB 2 receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors.
• 1 H-lmidazole derivatives as CB 1 receptor modulators are known from WO 03/027076, WO 03/063781 , WO 03/040107 and WO 03/007887.
• (Morpholin-4-yl)alkyl-(1H)-imidazole derivatives have been claimed as CB 2 receptor modulators in WO 01/58869 disclosing three specific imidazoles (examples 64, 65 and 66) all containing a n L -phenylalanine derived carboxamide group at the 4-position of their (IH)-imidazole moiety.
• 1 -Aryl-(1H)-imidazole derivatives have been claimed in US 4,952,698 as CNS active compounds. Recent advances in the field of CB 2 receptor selective ligands have been reviewed by K.H. Raitio et al. (Curr. Med. Chem. 2005, 12, 1217-1237).
• novel 1 H-imidazole derivatives have been found which bind to the CB 2 receptor, including compounds having approximately hundred-fold higher CB 2 receptor affinities as compared to the prior art compounds which were exemplified in WO 01/58869.
• many of the compounds within this invention are highly CB 2 receptor subtype selective which means that they bind with a much higher affinity to the CB 2 receptor than to the CB 1 receptor.
• the compounds within this invention are either CB 2 receptor agonists, CB 2 receptor partial agonists, CB 2 receptor antagonists or CB 2 receptor inverse agonists.
• the invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I)
• - Ri represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a Ci -3 -alkyl group, which d -3 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group
• R 1 represents a C 2-3 - alkynyl group, a C 2-3 -alkenyl group, which C 2-3 -alkynyl group or C 2-3 -alkenyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 1 represents an acetyl, cyclopropyl, cyano, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl trifluoromethylsulfanyl, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl group, formyl group or a C 2-4 -heteroalkyl group,
• R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano, or R 2 represents a heteroaryl group which heteroaryl group may be substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents Y, wherein Y has the meaning as defined above, with the proviso that R 2 is not a 6-methyl- 2-pyridyl group, or R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic carbocyclic ring system, or
• R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro, or R 2 represents a group of general formula CH 2 -R 5 wherein R 5 represents a phenyl group which is substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y as defined above, or R 5 represents a heteroaryl group or a 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group, which heteroaryl group or 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y as defined above or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic 4-10 membered
• R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system, which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems are optionally substituted with 1 -5 substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro, or
• R 2 represents a methylsulfonylaminoalkyl group, methylsulfonylalkyl or a acetamidoalkyl group
• - R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a formyl
• Ci -6 -alkylsulfonyl Ci -6 - alkylsulfinyl
• Ci -6 -alkylsulfanyl trifluoromethylsulfanyl, benzylsulfanyl or cyano group
• R 3 represents Ci -8 -alkyl group, which d -8 -alkyl group may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, hydroxy or amino
• R 3 represents a C 2-6 -alkynyl, C 2-6 -alkenyl, Ci -6 -alkanoyl, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl, C 5-8 -heterocycloalkyl or a C
• R 6 represents a C 4-8 branched or linear alkyl group, C 3-8 cycloalkyl group, C 3-8 - cycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-7 -heterocycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-I0 bicycloalkyl group, C 5- io-bicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5- i 0 -heterobicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6-I o tricycloalkyl group, C 6- i 0 -tricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6- i 0 -heterotricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group which groups may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, hydroxy, ethyl, trifluoromethyl or fluoro, or R 6 represents a phenyl
• the invention relates to racemates, mixtures of diastereomers as well as the individual stereoisomers of the compounds having formula (I).
• alkyl means a linear or branched alkyl group.
• heteroaryl means monocyclic or fused bicyclic heteroaromatic groups, including but not limited to furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzo[b]furanyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, 1 ,3-benzodioxolyl, 2,3- dihydro-1,4-benzodioxinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, purinyl, quinolinyl, isochinolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin
• the abbreviation 'halogen' means chloro, fluoro, bromo or iodo.
• the abbreviation 'C 3 . 8 - cycloalkyl' means cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl.
• the abbreviation 'C 5 means cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl.
• heterocycloalkyl' refers to (N, O, S) heteroatom containing rings, including but not limited to piperidinyl, morpholinyl , azepanyl, pyrrolidinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl.
• the abbreviation 'C 5 .i 0 bicycloalkyl group' refers to carbo-bicyclic ring systems, including but not limited to bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, bicyclo[3.3.0]octanyl or the bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanyl group.
• the abbreviation 'C 6 -io tricycloalkyl group' refers to carbo-tricyclic ring systems such as the 1-adamantyl, noradamantyl or the 2-adamantyl group.
• the abbreviation 'C 2-4 heteroalkyl' refers to (N, O, S) heteroatom containing linear or branched C 2 ⁇ -alkyl groups, including but not limited to methoxy methyl, dimethylaminomethyl and ethylsulfanylmethyl.
• Prodrugs of the compounds mentioned above are in the scope of the present invention.
• Prodrugs are therapeutic agents which are inactive per se but are transformed into one or more active metabolites.
• Prodrugs are bioreversible derivatives of drug molecules used to overcome some barriers to the utility of the parent drug molecule. These barriers include, but are not limited to, solubility, permeability, stability, presystemic metabolism and targeting limitations (Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice, 1994, ISBN 0-85186-494-5, Ed.: F. D. King, p. 215; J. Stella, "Prodrugs as therapeutics", Expert Opin. Ther. Patents, 14(3), 277- 280, 2004; P.
• Pro-drugs i.e. compounds which when administered to humans by any known route, are metabolised to compounds having formula (I), belong to the invention.
• this relates to compounds with primary or secondary amino or hydroxy groups.
• Such compounds can be reacted with organic acids to yield compounds having formula (I) wherein an additional group is present which is easily removed after administration, for instance, but not limited to amidine, enamine, a Mannich base, a hydroxyl-methylene derivative, an O-(acyloxymethylene carbamate) derivative, carbamate, ester, amide or enaminone.
• N-oxides of the compounds mentioned above are in the scope of the present invention.
• Tertiary amines may or may not give rise to N-oxide metabolites. The extend to what N- oxidation takes place varies from trace amounts to a near quantitative conversion.
• N-oxides may be more active than their corresponding tertiary amines or less active. Whilst N-oxides are easily reduced to their corresponding tertiary amines by chemical means, in the human body this happens to varying degrees. Some N-oxides undergo nearly quantitative reductive conversion to the corresponding tertiary amines, in other cases the conversion is a mere trace reaction or even completely absent. (M. H. Bickel: "The pharmacology and Biochemistry of N-oxides", Pharmacological Reviews, 21.(4), 325 - 355, 1969).
• the invention particularly relates to compounds of the general formula (1):
• - Ri represents a halogen atom or a d -3 -alkyl group, which Ci -3 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group
• R 1 represents a C 2-3 -alkynyl group, a C 2-3 -alkenyl group, which C 2-3 -alkynyl group or C 2-3 -alkenyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 1 represents an acetyl, cyclopropyl, cyano, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl trifluoromethylsulfanyl, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl group, formyl group or a C 2-4 -heteroalkyl group
• R 2 , R 3 and R 4 have the meanings as given above. More in particular, the invention
• R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a formyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl or cyano group, or R 3 represents Ci -6 -alkyl group, which d -6 -alkyl group may contain 1 -3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group, or R 3 represents a C 2-6 -alkynyl, C 2-6 -alkenyl, Ci -6 - alkanoyl, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl, C 5-8 -heterocycloalkyl or a C 2-6 -heteroalkyl group, which groups are optionally substituted with 1-3 methyl groups, an ethyl, amino or hydroxy group or with 1-3 fluoro
• R 7 represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci -6 linear alkyl group or an isopropyl group
• R 8 represents a C 2-6 alkyl group which group is substituted with a hydroxy or amino group or with 1-3 fluoro atoms, or R 8 represents a C 7-I0 branched alkyl group, C 3-8 cycloalkyl group, C 5-8 heterocycloalkyl group, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-7 - heterocycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-I0 bicycloalkyl group, C 5- i 0 -bicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5- io-heterobicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6-I0 tricycloalkyl group, C 6-I0 - tricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6- i 0 -heterotricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group which groups may
• - Ri represents a halogen atom or a Ci -3 -alkyl group, which d -3 -alkyl group may contain 1- 3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy group, or R 1 represents a C 2-3 -alkynyl group, a C 2-3 -alkenyl group, acetyl, cyclopropyl, cyano, methylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, methylsulfanyl or a C 2-4 - heteroalkyl group,
• R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano, or R 2 represents a monocyclic heteroaryl group which heteroaryl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y, wherein Y has the meaning as defined above, with the proviso that R 2 is not a 6-methyl-2-pyridyl group, or R 2 represents a mono -unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic carbocyclic ring system, or
• R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro, or R 2 represents a group of general formula CH 2 -R 5 wherein R 5 represents a phenyl group which is substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y as defined above, or R 5 represents a heteroaryl group or a 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group, which heteroaryl group or 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y as defined above or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic 4-10 membered
• R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system, which carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings systems are optionally substituted with 1-3 methyl groups, an ethyl, amino or hydroxy group or with a fluoro atom
• - R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a methylsulfanyl or cyano group
• R 3 represents Ci -6 -alkyl group, which Ci -6 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group
• R 3 represents a C 2-6 -alkynyl or C 2-6 -alkenyl group, which groups are optionally substituted with 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 4 represents subgroup (ii)
• R 7 represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci -3 linear alkyl group
• - R 8 represents a C 2-6 alkyl group which group is substituted with a hydroxy or amino group or with 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 8 represents a C 7-I0 branched alkyl group, C 3-8 cycloalkyl group, C 5-8 heterocycloalkyl group, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-7 - heterocycloalkyl-d- 2 -alkyl group, C 5-I0 bicycloalkyl group, group, Ce-io-heterobicycloalkyl-Ci ⁇ -alkyl group, C 6- io tricycloalkyl group, C 6- io- tricycloalkyl-Ci- 2 -alkyl group, Ce-io-heterotricycloalkyl-Ci ⁇ -alkyl group which groups may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected
• Ci -3 -alkyl group may contain 1- 3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy group, or R 1 represents a cyano, or methylsulfanyl group,
• R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 5-7 membered monocyclic carbocyclic ring system which may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro or R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano,
• R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a methylsulfanyl or cyano group, or R 3 represents Ci -6 -alkyl group, which Ci -6 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group,
• R 7 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group
• - R 8 represents a C 2-6 alkyl group which group is substituted with 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 8 represents a C 7- io branched alkyl group, C 3-8 cycloalkyl group, C 5-8 heterocycloalkyl group, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-7 -heterocycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-I0 bicycloalkyl group, C 5- i 0 -bicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5- i 0 -heterobicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6- io tricycloalkyl group, C 6- i 0 -tricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6-I0 - group which groups may be substituted with 1
• - Ri represents a halogen atom or a Ci -3 -alkyl group, which d -3 -alkyl group may contain 1- 3 fluoro atoms, or R 1 represents a cyano, or methylsulfanyl group,
• R 2 represents a saturated six-membered monocyclic carbocyclic ring or R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano,
• R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a methylsulfanyl or cyano group, or R 3 represents Ci -4 -alkyl group, which Ci -4 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms,
• R 7 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group
• - R 8 represents a C 2-6 alkyl group which group is substituted with 1-3 fluoro atoms
• R 8 represents a C 7-I0 branched alkyl group, C 3-8 cycloalkyl group, C 5-8 heterocycloalkyl group, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-7 -heterocycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5-I0 bicycloalkyl group, C 5- i 0 -bicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 5- i 0 -heterobicycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl group, C 6- io tricycloalkyl group, Ce- ⁇ -tricycloalkyl-C ⁇ -alkyl group, C 6-I0 - heterotricycloalkyl-Ci -2 -alkyl
• R 2 represents a saturated six-membered monocyclic carbocyclic ring or R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano, and all other symbols have the meanings as described above.
• the invention relates to compounds of the general formula (XIV)
• - Ri represents a halogen atom or a Ci -3 -alkyl group, which d -3 -alkyl group may contain 1- 3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group, or R 1 represents a C 2-3 -alkynyl group, a C 2- 3 -alkenyl group, which C 2-3 -alkynyl group or C 2-3 -alkenyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms, or R 1 represents an acetyl, cyclopropyl, cyano, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl trifluoromethylsulfanyl, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl group, formyl group or a C 2-4 -heteroalkyl group,
• R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bronrio, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano, or R 2 represents a heteroaryl group which heteroaryl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y, wherein Y has the meaning as defined above, with the proviso that R 2 is not a 6-methyl- 2-pyridyl group, or
• R 2 represents a mono -unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic carbocyclic ring system, or
• R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro, or
• R 2 represents a group of general formula CH 2 -R 5 wherein R 5 represents a phenyl group which is substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y as defined above, or R 5 represents a heteroaryl group or a 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group, which heteroaryl group or 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y as defined above or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic 4-10 membered carbocyclic ring system, or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system, which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems are optionally substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl,
• R 2 represents a methylsulfonylaminoalkyl group, methylsulfonylalkyl or a acetamidoalkyl group, With the proviso that R 2 re presents not a phenyl, 4-methylphenyl or 4-methoxyphenyl group
• R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a formyl, d -6 -alkylsulfonyl, Ci -6 - alkylsulfinyl, Ci -6 -alkylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl, benzylsulfanyl or cyano group
• R 3 represents Ci -8 -alkyl group, which Ci -8 -alkyl group may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, hydroxy or amino, or R 3 represents a C 2-6 -alkynyl, C 2-6 -alkenyl, Ci -6 -alkan
• - Z represents a chloro atom or a Ci_ 3 alkyl group, a hydroxy group, or a -O-Na, -O-K, -O- Li, or -O-Cs group, or Z represents a N-methoxy-N-methyl-amino group, such compounds being useful in the synthesis of compounds of general formula (I) wherein:
• - Ri represents a halogen atom or a d -3 -alkyl group, which Ci -3 -alkyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms or a hydroxy or amino group, or R 1 represents a C 2-3 -alkynyl group, a C 2-3 -alkenyl group, which C 2-3 -alkynyl group or C 2-3 -alkenyl group may contain 1-3 fluoro atoms, or R 1 represents an acetyl, cyclopropyl, cyano, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl trifluoromethylsulfanyl, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl group, formyl group or a C 2-4 -heteroalkyl group,
• R 2 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y, which can be the same or different, selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, methylsulfonyl, carbamoyl, phenyl and cyano, or R 2 represents a heteroaryl group which heteroaryl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y, wherein Y has the meaning as defined above, with the proviso that R 2 is not a 6-methyl- 2-pyridyl group, or R 2 represents a mono -unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic carbocyclic ring system, or
• R 2 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from methyl, ethyl, amino, hydroxy or fluoro, or
• R 2 represents a group of general formula CH 2 -R 5 wherein R 5 represents a phenyl group which is substituted with 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents Y as defined above, or R 5 represents a heteroaryl group or a 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group, which heteroaryl group or 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtyl or indanyl group may be substituted with 1 , 2 or 3 substituents Y as defined above or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic 4-10 membered carbocyclic ring system, or R 5 represents a mono-unsaturated or fully saturated 4-10 membered monocyclic, fused bicyclic or fused tricyclic heterocyclic ring system, which carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring systems are optionally substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl,
• R 3 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a formyl, d -6 -alkylsulfonyl, Ci -6 - alkylsulfinyl, Ci -6 -alkylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl, benzylsulfanyl or cyano group, or R 3 represents Ci -8 -alkyl group, which Ci -8 -alkyl group may be substituted with 1-5 substituents selected from the group consisting of fluoro, hydroxy or amino, or R 3 represents a C 2-6 -alkynyl, C 2-6 -alkenyl, Ci -6 -alkanoyl, C 3-8 -cycloalkyl, Cs-s-heterocycloalkyl or a C 2-6 -heteroalkyl group, which groups are optionally substituted with 1-3 methyl groups, an ethyl, amino or hydroxy group or with 1-3 fluoro atom
• Compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by different methodologies. The selection of the particular method depends on factors such as the compatibility of functional groups with the reagents used, the possibility to use protecting groups, catalysts, activating and coupling reagents and the ultimate structural features present in the final compound being prepared.
• Imidazole derivatives can be obtained according to methods known. Relevant articles are:
• Nitroenamine derivatives of general formula (II) can be prepared according to the procedure published by Gomez-Sanchez et al., J. Heterocyclic Chem. (1987), 24, 1757-1763. Nitroenamine derivatives of general formula (II) can be reacted with ortho-esters of general formula (III) to give imidazole derivatives of general formula (IV) (Scheme 1). Subsequent basic ester hydrolysis, for example using lithium hydroxide (LiOH), NaOH, KOH or CsOH can provide intermediate imidazolecarboxylic acid alkali salts, which can be acidified by an acid such as aqueous hydrochloride (HCI) to give imidazolecarboxylic acid derivatives of general formula (V).
• Imidazolecarboxylic acid derivatives of general formula (V) or their corresponding alkali salts can be reacted with an amine of general formula R 7 R 8 NH into a compound of general formula (I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) as defined above.
• This particular reaction preferably proceeds via activating and coupling methods such as formation of an active ester, or in the presence of a so-called coupling reagent, such as for example, DCC, HBTU (O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N, N, N', N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate), TBTU, HOAt (N- hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole), PyBOP (benzotriazol-1 -yloxytris(pyrrolidino)-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate), BOP, CIP (2-chloro-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate), 2-chloro-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium chloride, PyAOP (7-azabenzotriazol-1- yloxytris(pyrrolidino)-phosphonium hexafluoro-phosphate) and the like.
• a compound having general formula (V) or the corresponding alkali salts can be reacted with a so-called halogenating agent such as for example thionyl chloride (SOCI 2 ) or oxalyl chloride. This reaction gives the corresponding carbonyl chloride (acid chloride)
• R 7 and R 8 have the meanings as described above, to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) as defined above.
• Such reactions can be catalyzed by pyridine or 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP).
• a compound having general formula (V) can be reacted with N-methoxy-N-methylamine in the presence of a coupling reagent to yield the corresponding N-methoxy-N-methylamide of general formula (Vl) and subsequently reacted with a lithium reagent of general formula Re- Li or a Grignard reagent to give a compound of general formula (I), wherein X represents subgroup (i) as defined above.
• a compound having general formula (VII) can be reacted with a compound of general formula (VIII), wherein L represents a so-called leaving group, such as chloro, bromo, iodo or mesyloxy (Scheme 2).
• a compound having general formula (VII) can also be reacted with a methylsulfonylaminoalkyl halogenide or methylsulfonylalkyl halogenide to add a methylsulfonylaminoalkyl group or methylsulfonylalkyl group to the 1 -position of the imidazole nucleus.
• Such reactions are preferably carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydride or potassium carbonate to facilitate the nucleophilic attack of compound (VII) to produce a compound of formula (IV), wherein R 2 represents a group -CH 2 R 5 and R 5 has the abovementioned meaning.
• a base such as sodium hydride or potassium carbonate
• a compound having general formula (VII) can be reacted with compound of general formula R 2 -B(OH) 2 wherein R 2 represents an optionally substituted phenyl or heteroaryl group, a so-called Suzuki reagent, to produce a compound of general formula (IV).
• Compounds of general formula (IV) can be converted to compounds of general formula (I) according to Scheme 1. Such reactions may be metal -catalyzed.
• a compoun d having general formula (IX) can be reacted with a nitrite derivative such as sodium nitrite (NaNO 2 ) to give a compound of general formula (X).
• a nitrite derivative such as sodium nitrite (NaNO 2 )
• a compound of general formula (X) can be reacted with an anhydride of general formula (RiCO) 2 O in the presence of a reducing agent such as hydrogen and a catalyst such as Pd on carbon (Pd/C) and the like, in an inert organic solvent such as ethanol to give a compound of general formula (Xl).
• a compound having general formula (Xl) can be reacted with an amine of general formula R 2 NH 2 in an inert solvent such as butyronitrile, to give a compound of general formula (IV).
• a compound of general formula (Xl) can be obtained in a two-pot reaction from a compound of general formula (XII).
• a compound of general formula (XII) can be deprotonated with a strong base such as potassium tert-butoxide (KO-t-Bu) and subsequently reacted with an acylating compound of general formula R 3 COL, wherein L represents a leaving group such as chloride, followed by treatment with an acid such as hydrochloric acid and the like.
• the resulting compound of general formula (XIII) can be reacted with an anhydride of general formula (RiCO) 2 O to give a compound of formula (Xl).
• a compound having general formula (X) can be reacted with a reducing agent such as hydrogen and a catalyst such as Pd on carbon (Pd/C) and the like, in an inert organic solvent such as ethanol in the presence of an acid such as hydrochloric acid to give a compound of general formula (XIII).
• a reducing agent such as hydrogen and a catalyst such as Pd on carbon (Pd/C) and the like
• Pd/C Pd on carbon
• an inert organic solvent such as ethanol
• an acid such as hydrochloric acid
• a compound having general formula (I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) and wherein the 5-position of the imidazole moiety contains a hydrogen atom can be deprotonated with a strong non-nucleophilic base such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), followed by treatment with a group R 3 -L wherein L represents a leaving group to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) and wherein the 5-position of the imidazole moiety contains a substituent R 3 (Scheme 4).
• a strong non-nucleophilic base such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)
• LDA lithium diisopropylamide
• An imidazole derivative of general formula (IV) wherein R 1 and R 3 re present hydrogen and wherein R 9 has the abovementioned meaning can be converted via ester hydrolysis, for example by using lithium hydroxide (LiOH), NaOH, KOH or CsOH to provide intermediate imidazolecarboxylic acid alkali salts, which salts can be acidified by an acid such as aqueous hydrochloride (HCI) to give imidazolecarboxylic acid derivatives of general formula (V).
• Imidazolecarboxylic acid derivatives of general formula (V) can be amidated to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein R 1 and R 3 represent hydrogen and R 2 , R 7 and R 8 have the abovementioned meaning.
• This compound of general formula (I) wherein R 1 and R 3 represent hydrogen and R 2 , R 7 and R 8 have the abovementioned meaning can be deprotonated with a strong non-nucleophilic base such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) or n-Buli, followed by treatment with a group E-L wherein L represents a leaving group, such as iodide, bromide, or S-alkyl and E represents an electrophilic group, including but not limited to -S-alkyl, primary alkyl, chloro, bromo, iodo or cyano to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein X represents subgroup (ii) and wherein the 2/5-position of the imidazole moiety represent a substituent E and/or a hydrogen atom, depending on the type of group E- L applied in this reaction (Scheme 5).
• a strong non-nucleophilic base such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA
• the definition of the group E is part of the definition of R 1 and R 3 and does not exceed the definitions of R 1 and R 3 given above.
• the mixtures of compounds that may be formed in the last reaction step in Scheme 5 can be separated and purified, for example by chromatographic methods or by crystallisation techniques.
• a compound of general formula (I) wherein R 1 and R 3 represent hydrogen and R 2 , R 7 and R 8 have the abovementioned meaning can be reacted with a halogenating agent such as N- chlorosuccinimide (NCS) or bromine (Br 2 ) in an inert organic solvent such as dichloromethane to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein R 3 represents Cl or Br and Ri represents a hydrogen atom.
• a halogenating agent such as N- chlorosuccinimide (NCS) or bromine (Br 2 )
• an inert organic solvent such as dichloromethane
• a compound of general formula (I) wherein R 3 represents Cl or Br and Ri represents a hydrogen atom can be reacted with a halogenating agent such as NCS or Br 2 in an inert organic solvent such as dichloromethane to give a compound of general formula (I) wherein R 3 represents Cl or Br and Ri represents Cl or Br (Scheme 6).
• salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example by mixing a compound of the present invention with a suitable acid, for instance an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, or with an organic acid such as fumaric acid.
• a suitable acid for instance an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, or with an organic acid such as fumaric acid.
• the compounds of the invention can be brought into forms suitable for administration by means of usual processes using auxiliary substances such as liquid or solid carrier material.
• the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered enterally, orally, parenterally (intramuscularly or intravenously), rectally or locally (topically). They can be administered in the form of solutions, powders, tablets, capsules (including microcapsules), ointments (creams or gel) or suppositories.
• Suitable excipients for such formulations are the pharmaceutically customary liquid or solid fillers and extenders, solvents, emulsifiers, lubricants, flavorings, colorings and/or buffer substances.
• auxiliary substances which may be mentioned are magnesium carbonate, titanium dioxide, lactose, mannitol and other sugars or sugar alcohols, talc, lactoprotein, gelatin, starch, cellulose and its derivatives, animal and vegetable oils such as fish liver oil, sunflower, groundnut or sesame oil, polyethylene glycol and solvents such as, for example, sterile water and mono- or polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol.
• compositions which are important and novel embodiments of the invention because of the presence of the compounds, more particularly specific compounds disclosed herein.
• Types of pharmaceutical compositions that may be used include but are not limited to tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, solutions, parenteral solutions, suppositories, suspensions, and other types disclosed herein or apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification and general knowledge in the art.
• a pharmaceutical pack or kit is provided comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
• Associated with such container(s) can be various written materials such as instructions for use, or a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use, or sale for human or veterinary administration.
• the affinity of the compounds of the invention for cannabinoid CB 1 receptors can be determined using membrane preparations of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in which the human cannabinoid CB 1 receptor is stably transfected in conjunction with [ 3 H]CP-55,940 as radioligand. After incubation of a freshly prepared cell membrane preparation with the
• [ 3 H]-ligand with or without addition of compounds of the invention, separation of bound and free ligand is performed by filtration over glassfiber filters. Radioactivity on the filter is measured by liquid scintillation counting.
• the affinity of the compounds of the invention for cannabinoid CB 2 receptors can be determined using membrane preparations of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in which the human cannabinoid CB 2 receptor is stably transfected in conjunction with [ 3 H]CP-55,940 as radioligand. After incubation of a freshly prepared cell membrane preparation with the
• [ 3 H]-ligand with or without addition of compounds of the invention, separation of bound and free ligand is performed by filtration over glassfiber filters. Radioactivity on the filter is measured by liquid scintillation counting.
• the compounds according to the invention are suitable for use in the treatment of immune system disorders, inflammatory disorders, allergies, pain, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, dystonia, muscle spasticity, tremor, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, cerebral ischaemia, cerebral apoplexy, craniocerebral trauma, spinal cord injury, neuroinflammatory disorders, brainstem neurodegeneration, plaque sclerosis, viral encephalitis, demyelinisation related disorders, and other neurological disorders as well as in the treatment of cancers, diabetes, gastric diseases, lung diseases, asthma and cardiovascular diseases as well as other diseases wherein CB 2 receptor neurotransmission is involved.
• the compounds of the invention can be brought into forms suitable for administration by means of usual processes using auxiliary substances and/or liquid or solid carrier materials.
• the affinity of the compounds of the invention for cannabinoid CB 2 receptors was determined as described above. From the binding affinity measured for a given compound of formula (I), one can estimate a theoretical lowest effective dose. At a concentration of the compound equal to twice the measured Kj-value, 100% of the cannabinoid CB 2 receptors likely will be occupied by the compound. Converting that concentration to mg of compound per kg of patient yields a theoretical lowest effective dose, assuming ideal bioavailability. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and other considerations may alter the dose actually administered to a higher or lower value. The dosage expediently administered is 0.001 -
• treatment refers to any treatment of a mammalian, preferably human condition or disease, and includes: (1) preventing the disease or condition from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it, (2) inhibiting the disease or condition, i.e., arresting its development, (3) relieving the disease or condition, i.e., causing regression of the condition, or (4) relieving the conditions caused by the disease, i.e., stopping the symptoms of the disease.
• Sciex API 150 EX masspectrometer with electron spray, 2 Shimadzu LC8A LC pump,
• Shimadzu SCL-10A VP system controller Shimadzu SPD-10A VP UV meter, Gilson 215 injector/collector,
• MS scan from 100 - 900 amu step 1 amu scan time 1 sec.
• Part A A magnetically stirred mixture of ethyl 5-methyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (13.875 g, 0.090 mol), phenylboronic acid (13.16 g, 0.108 mol) and CuI (0.85 g, 0.0045 mol) in ethanol/water (900 ml, 1/1 (v/v)) was divided in 12 equal portions and reacted in parallel at 85 0 C for 60 hours. After cooling to room temperature the 12 portions were combined and concentrated in vacuo.
• Part B (-)-Cis-myrtanylamine (CAS 38235-68-6) (0.95 ml, 5.7 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) and (CHs) 3 AI (2.9 ml of a 2 M solution in heptane, 5.8 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was magnetically stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature and ethyl 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (1.1 gram, 4.8 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at 35 0 C for 16 hours, poured into an aqueous NaHCO 3 solution, stirred for 30 minutes and filtered over hyflo.
• Ethyl 2-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (4.8 gram, 21 % yield) was prepared according to the procedure described (in J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1987, 24, 1757- 1763) from ethyl 3-anilino-2-nitro-acrylate (23.6 gram, 0.01 mol) and triethylorthoacetate (150 ml).
• the initially formed crude product was purified by flash chromatography (eluent: diethyl ether). Rf (diethylether ⁇ 0.15) to give pure ethyl 2-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4- carboxylate as an oil.
• N-Adamantyl ⁇ -methyl-i-phenyl-I H-imidazole ⁇ -carboxamide (0.33 gram, 0.001 mol) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (25 ml). The resulting solution was slowly added to a solution of lithium diisopropylamide (1.25 ml of a 2 M solution in heptane/THF, 0.0025 mol LDA) under N 2 at -70 0 C. A solution of methyl iodide (0.14 gram, 0.001 mol) in anhydrous THF was added and the resulting solution was stirred for 1 hour at - 70 0 C.
• Compound 11 was prepared more efficiently by reacting ethyl 2,5-dimethyl-i- phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylate (Cf. the corresponding methyl ester 3j in J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1987, 24, 1757-1763) with AIMe 3 and 1-adamantane-amine.HCI, according to the Weinreb amidation procedure described hereinabove for compound 1 , Part B. Melting point: 201-204 0 C.
• Ethyl 2,5-dimethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylate was prepared analogously to the procedure described (in J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1987, 24, 1757-1763) from ethyl 3-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-3-methyl-2-nitro-acrylate and triethylorthoacetate.
• Part A To a magnetically stirred suspension of ethyl 4-methyl-1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate
• Compound 22 was prepared via the coupling of 3-(methylsulfonylamino)propyl chloride with ethyl 4-methyl-1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate using K 2 CO 3 as the base in DMF at 90 0 C for 20 hours, subsequent separation of the two formed regioisomers by flash chromatography
• PyBOP benzotriazol-
• Part B To a magnetically stirred solution of N-benzyl-5-methyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (6.77 gram, 0.031 mol) in anhydrous acetonitrile (35 ml) was successively added diisopropylethylamine (DIPE ⁇ A) (17.2 ml, 0.0992 mol), HBTU (14.098 gram, 0.0372 mol) and methoxy-methylamine (3.63 gram, 0.0372 mol). The resulting mixture was reacted at 20 0 C for 16 hours and subsequently concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in ethylacetate and successively washed with 5 % aqueous NaHCO 3 solution and water.
• DIPE ⁇ A diisopropylethylamine
• Part A NaNO 2 (13.8 gram) was dissolved in water (48 ml) at 4 0 C. The resulting solution was slowly added to a magnetically stirred solution of 3-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester (17.4 gram, 0.15 mol) while keeping the temperature ⁇ 5 0 C. After stirring the mixture for two hours water (120 ml) was added and the resulting mixture was extracted twice with diethyl ether. The combined organic layers were successively washed with water and a 5 % aqueous NaHCO 3 solution.
• Part B Crude 2-hydroxyimino-3-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester (24 gram, - 0.15 mol) dissolved in a magnetically stirred mixture of acetic acid (293 ml), acetic acid anhydride (110 ml) and Pd/C (4 gram) was hydrogenated for 20 hours at room temperature at 1 atmosphere H 2 pressure. After filtration over hyflo, the acetic acid and acetic acid anhydride were removed by concentration in vacuo.
• Part C To a magnetically stirred solution of 2-acetylamino-3-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester (5 gram, 28.9 mmol) in butyronitrile was added aniline (3.42 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (2.89 ml) and the resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 45 minutes. The butyronitrile was removed in vacuo at room temperature and the resulting residues was taken up dichloromethane and washed twice with an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 , filtered and concentrated in vacuo.
• Part D To a magnetically stirred solution of methyl 2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4- carboxylate (8.0 gram, 0.035 mol) in THF (100 ml) was added a solution of LiOH (1.68 gram) in water (100 ml). The resulting mixture was heated at 70 0 C for 16 hours, allowed to attain room temperature and acidified with 2 molar equivalents of a 1 N HCI solution. The formed precipitate was collected to give crude 2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (7.0 gram, 93 % yield).
• 1 H-NMR 400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): ⁇ 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 7.56-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.71 (m, 3H).
• Part D To a magnetically stirred solution of 2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (0.6 gram, 0.0028 mol) in acetonitrile (35 ml) was successively added diisopropylethylamine (DIPE ⁇ A, H ⁇ nig's base) (1.27 gram), O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N, N, N', N'- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) (1.27 gram) and (-)-cis-myrtanylamine (1.05 ml, 0.0028 mol).
• DIPE ⁇ A diisopropylethylamine
• HBTU O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N, N, N', N'- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate
• HBTU O-benzotriazol-1-yl-N, N, N',
• Compound 52 (from noradamantylamine): Melting point: 147-150 0 C.
• Compound 70 (from racemic endo-2-amino-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane. Melting point: 165-167 0 C.
• Compound 80 Melting point: 214-217 0 C.
• Compound 86 was derived from racemic exo-2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2-acetylamino-3-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester analogously to the synthesis as described herein above for compound 36 , part C.
• Compound 87 was derived from (-)- cis-myrtanylamine (CAS 38235-68-6) and 2-acetylamino-3-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester analogously to the synthesis as described herein above for compound 36, part C.
• Part A To a magnetically stirred suspension of 2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1 H-imidazole-4- carboxylic acid (0.4 gram, 1.85 mmol) in CHCI 3 (4 ml) was added oxalyl chloride (0.34 gram, 2.685 mmol) and the resulting mixture was reacted at 58 0 C for 2 hours and subsequently concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in dichloromethane and diisopropylethylamine (0.28 gram, 2.148 mmol) was subsequently added.
• BMS-1, BMS-II and BMS-III are the three exemplified imidazoles in WO 01/58869 (examples 64, 65 and 66 therein, respectively). These three specific imidazole derivatives all contain a L-phenylalanine derived carboxamide moiety at the 4- position of their (I H)-imidazole moiety as shown below.
• Our invention includes novel 1H- imidazole derivatives which lack such a L-phenylalanine derived carboxamide moiety but have approximately hundred-fold higher CB 2 receptor affinities as compared to the prior art compounds exemplified in WO 01/58869 as becomes clear from the data depicted in Table 1.

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