This invention relates to the fields of
pharmaceutical and organic chemistry and provides novel
naphthyl compounds which are useful for the treatment of the
various medical indications associated with post-menopausal
syndrome, and uterine fibroid disease, endometriosis, and
aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation. The present
invention further relates to intermediate compounds and
processes useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active
compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutical
compositions.
Background of the Invention
"Post-menopausal syndrome" is a term used to
describe various pathological conditions which frequently
affect women who have entered into or completed the
physiological metamorphosis known as menopause. Although
numerous pathologies are contemplated by the use of this
term, three major effects of post-menopausal syndrome are the
source of the greatest long-term medical concern:
osteoporosis, cardiovascular effects such as hyperlipidemia,
and estrogen-dependent cancer, particularly breast and
uterine cancer.
Osteoporosis describes a group of diseases which
arise from diverse etiologies, but which are characterized by
the net loss of bone mass per unit volume. The consequence
of this loss of bone mass and resulting bone fracture is the
failure of the skeleton to provide adequate structural
support for the body. One of the most common types of
osteoporosis is that associated with menopause. Most women
lose from about 20% to about 60% of the bone mass in the
trabecular compartment of the bone within 3 to 6 years after
the cessation of mensus. This rapid loss is generally
associated with an increase of bone resorption and formation.
However, the resorptive cycle is more dominant and the result
is a net loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a common and
serious disease among post-menopausal women.
There are an estimated 25 million women in the
United States, alone, who are afflicted with this disease.
The results of osteoporosis are personally harmful and also
account for a large economic loss due its chronicity and the
need for extensive and long term support (hospitalization and
nursing home care) from the disease sequelae. This is
especially true in more elderly patients. Additionally,
although osteoporosis is not generally thought of as a life
threatening condition, a 20% to 30% mortality rate is related
with hip fractures in elderly women. A large percentage of
this mortality rate can be directly associated with post-
menopausal osteoporosis.
The most vulnerable tissue in the bone to the
effects of post-menopausal osteoporosis is the trabecular
bone. This tissue is often referred to as spongy or
cancellous bone and is particularly concentrated near the
ends of the bone (near the joints) and in the vertebrae of
the spine. The trabecular tissue is characterized by small
osteoid structures which inter-connect with each other, as
well as the more solid and dense cortical tissue which makes
up the outer surface and central shaft of the bone. This
inter-connected network of trabeculae gives lateral support
to the outer cortical structure and is critical to the bio-
mechanical strength of the overall structure. In post-
menopausal osteoporosis, it is, primarily, the net resorption
and loss of the trabeculae which leads to the failure and
fracture of bone. In light of the loss of the trabeculae in
post-menopausal women, it is not surprising that the most
common fractures are those associated with bones which are
highly dependent on trabecular support, e.g., the vertebrae,
the neck of the weight bearing bones such as the femur and
the fore-arm. Indeed, hip fracture, collies fractures, and
vertebral crush fractures are hall-marks of post-menopausal
osteoporosis.
At this time, the only generally accepted method
for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis is estrogen
replacement therapy. Although therapy is generally
successful, patient compliance with the therapy is low
primarily because estrogen treatment frequently produces
undesirable side effects.
Throughout premenopausal time, most women have less
incidence of cardiovascular disease than age-matched men.
Following menopause, however, the rate of cardiovascular
disease in women slowly increases to match the rate seen in
men. This loss of protection has been linked to the loss of
estrogen and, in particular, to the loss of estrogen's
ability to regulate the levels of serum lipids. The nature
of estrogen's ability to regulate serum lipids is not well
understood, but evidence to date indicates that estrogen can
upregulate the low density lipid (LDL) receptors in the liver
to remove excess cholesterol. Additionally, estrogen appears
to have some effect on the biosynthesis of cholesterol, and
other beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
It has been reported in the literature that post-
menopausal women having estrogen replacement therapy have a
return of serum lipid levels to concentrations to those of
the pre-menopausal state. Thus, estrogen would appear to be
a reasonable treatment for this condition. However, the
side-effects of estrogen replacement therapy are not
acceptable to many women, thus limiting the use of this
therapy. An ideal therapy for this condition would be an
agent which would regulate the serum lipid level as does
estrogen, but would be devoid of the side-effects and risks
associated with estrogen therapy.
The third major pathology associated with post-
menopausal syndrome is estrogen-dependent breast cancer and,
to a lesser extent, estrogen-dependent cancers of other
organs, particularly the uterus. Although such neoplasms are
not solely limited to a post-menopausal women, they are more
prevalent in the older, post-menopausal population. Current
chemotherapy of these cancers has relied heavily on the use
of anti-estrogen compounds such as, for example, tamoxifen.
Although such mixed agonist-antagonists have beneficial
effects in the treatment of these cancers, and the estrogenic
side-effects are tolerable in acute life-threatening
situations, they are not ideal. For example, these agents
may have stimulatory effects on certain cancer cell
populations in the uterus due to their estrogenic (agonist)
properties and they may, therefore, be contraproductive in
some cases. A better therapy for the treatment of these
cancers would be an agent which is an anti-estrogen compound
having negligible or no estrogen agonist properties on
reproductive tissues.
In response to the clear need for new
pharmaceutical agents which are capable of alleviating the
symptoms of, inter alia, post-menopausal syndrome, the
present invention provides new naphthalene compounds,
pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using
such compounds for the treatment of post-menopausal syndrome
and other estrogen-related pathological conditions such as
those mentioned below.
Uterine fibrosis (uterine fibroid disease) is an
old and ever present clinical problem which goes under a
variety of names, including uterine fibroid disease, uterine
hypertrophy, uterine lieomyomata, myometrial hypertrophy,
fibrosis uteri, and fibrotic metritis. Essentially, uterine
fibrosis is a condition where there is an inappropriate
deposition of fibroid tissue on the wall of the uterus.
This condition is a cause of dysmenorrhea and
infertility in women. The exact cause of this condition is
poorly understood but evidence suggests that it is an
inappropriate response of fibroid tissue to estrogen. Such
condition has been produced in rabbits by daily
administrations of estrogen for 3 months. In guinea pigs,
the condition has been produced by daily administration of
estrogen for four months. Further, in rats, estrogen causes
similar hypertrophy.
The most common treatment of uterine fibrosis
involves surgical procedures both costly and sometimes a
source of complications such as the formation of abdominal
adhesions and infections. In some patients, initial surgery
is only a temporary treatment and the fibroids regrow. In
those cases a hysterectomy is performed which effectively
ends the fibroids but also the reproductive life of the
patient. Also, gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists
may be administered, yet their use is tempered by the fact.
they can lead to osteoporosis. Thus, there exists a need fo
new methods for treating uterine fibrosis, and the methods o
the present invention satisfy that need.
Endometriosis is a condition of severe
dysmenorrhea, which is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding
into the endometrial masses or peritoneal cavity and often
leads to infertility. The cause of the symptoms of this
condition appear to be ectopic endometrial growths which
respond inappropriately to normal hormonal control and are
located in inappropriate tissues. Because of the
inappropriate locations for endometrial growth, the tissue
seems to initiate local inflammatory-like responses causing
macrophage infiltration and a cascade of events leading to
initiation of the painful response. The exact etiology of
this disease is not well understood and its treatment by
hormonal therapy is diverse, poorly defined, and marked by
numerous unwanted and perhaps dangerous side effects.
One of the treatments for this disease is the use
of low dose estrogen to suppress endometrial growth through a
negative feedback effect on central gonadotropin release and
subsequent ovarian production of estrogen; however, it is
sometimes necessary to use continuous estrogen to control the
symptoms. This use of estrogen can often lead to undesirable
side effects and even the risk of endometrial cancer.
Another treatment consists of continuous
administration of progestins which induces amenorrhea and by
suppressing ovarian estrogen production can cause regressions
of the endometrial growths. The use of chronic progestin
therapy is often accompanied by the unpleasant CNS side
effects of progestins and often leads to infertility due to
suppression of ovarian function.
A third treatment consists of the administration of
weak androgens, which are effective in controlling the
endometriosis; however, they induce severe masculinizing
effects. Several of these treatments for endometriosis have
also been implicated in causing a mild degree of bone loss
with continued therapy. Therefore, new methods of treating
endometriosis are desirable.
Smooth aortal muscle cell proliferation plays an
important role in diseases such as atherosclerosis and
restenosis. Vascular restenosis after percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been shown to be
a tissue response characterized by an early and late phase.
The early phase occurring hours to days after PTCA is due to
thrombosis with some vasospasms while the late phase appears
to be dominated by excessive proliferation and migration of
aortal smooth muscle cells. In this disease, the increased
cell motility and colonization by such muscle cells and
macrophages contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of
the disease. The excessive proliferation and migration of
vascular aortal smooth muscle cells may be the primary
mechanism to the reocclusion of coronary arteries following
PTCA, atherectomy, laser angioplasty and arterial bypass
graft surgery. See "Intimal Proliferation of Smooth Muscle
Cells as an Explanation for Recurrent Coronary Artery-
Stenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary
Angioplasty," Austin et al., Journal of the American College
of Cardiology. 8: 369-375 (Aug. 1985).
Vascular restenosis remains a major long term
complication following surgical intervention of blocked
arteries by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
(PTCA), atherectomy, laser angioplasty and arterial bypass
graft surgery. In about 3 5% of the patients who undergo
PTCA, reocclusion occurs within three to six months after the
procedure. The current strategies for treating vascular
restenosis include mechanical intervention by devices such as
stents or pharmacologic therapies including heparin, low
molecular weight heparin, coumarin, aspirin, fish oil,
calcium antagonist, steroids, and prostacyclin. These
strategies have failed to curb the reocclusion rate and have
been ineffective for the treatment and prevention of vascular
restenosis. See "Prevention of Restenosis after Percutaneous
Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty: The Search for a 'Magic
Bullet'," Hermans et al., American Heart Journal, 122: 171-
187 (July 1991) .
In the pathogenesis of restenosis excessive cell
proliferation and migration occurs as a result of growth
factors produced by cellular constituents in the blood and
the damaged arterial vessel wall which mediate the
proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vascular restenosis.
Agents that inhibit the proliferation and/or
migration of smooth aortal muscle cells are useful in the
treatment and prevention of restenosis. The present
invention provides for the use of compounds as smooth aortal
muscle cell proliferation inhibitors and, thus inhibitors of
restenosis.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to compounds of
formula I
wherein
R1 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4
alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
R2 is -H, -OH, -CXC1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C6
alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
n is 2 or 3; and
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-
pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino,
dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Also provided by the present invention are
intermediate compounds of formula VI which are useful for
preparing the pharmaceutically active compounds of the
present invention, and are shown below
R2a is -H, -OH, or -0(Ci-C4 alkyl);
R3, Y, and n are as defined above;
or a pharmaceuticaly acceptable salt thereof.
The present invention further relates to
pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula
I, optionally containing estrogen or progestin, and the use
of such compounds, alone, or in combination with estrogen or
progestin, for alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal
syndrome, particularly osteoporosis, cardiovascular related
pathological conditions, and estrogen-dependent cancer. As
used herein, the term "estrogen" includes steroidal compounds
having estrogenic activity such as, for example, 17-
estradiol, estrone, conjugated estrogen (Premarin®) , equine
estrogen, 170-ethynyl estradiol, and the like. As used
herein, the term "progestin" includes compounds having
progestational activity such as, for example, progesterone,
norethylnodrel, nongestrel, megestrol acetate, norethindrone,
and the like.
The compounds of the present invention also are
useful for inhibiting uterine fibroid disease and
endometriosis in women and aortal smooth muscle cell
proliferation, particularly restenosis, in humans.
Also provided by the present invention is a process
for preparing a compound of formula la
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethylamino
diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; and
n is 2 or 3;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which
comprises
wherein
Rlb is -H or -O(C1-C4 alkyl);
R2b is -H or -O(C1-C4 alkyl); and
R3 and n are as defined above, with a reducing
agent in the presence of a solvent having a boiling point in
the range from about 150° C to about 200° C, and heating the
mixture to reflux;
b) when Rlb and/or R2b is -O(C1-C4 alkyl),
optionally removing the Rlb and/or R2b hydroxy protecting
groups; and
c) optionally salifying the reaction product
from step a) or b).
Detailed__Description of the Invention
One aspect of the present invention includes
compounds of formula I
wherein
R1 is -H, -OH, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C6
alkyl), or -OS02(C4-C6 alkyl);
R2 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4
alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
n is 2 or 3; and
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-
pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino,
dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexarnethyleneimino;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
General terms used in the description of compounds
herein described bear their usual meanings. For example,
"C1-C4 alkyl" refers to straight or branched aliphatic chains
of 1 to 6 carbon atoms including methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, n-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl,
isohexyl, and the like. Similarly, the term "C1-C4 alkoxy"
represents a C1-C4 alkyl group attached through an oxygen such
as, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, and
the like. Of these C3.-C4 alkoxy groups, methoxy is highly
preferred.
The starting material for one route of preparing
compounds of the present invention, compounds of formula II
below, are made essentially as described in United States
Pat. No. 4,230,862, issued October 28, 1980, which is herein
incorporated by reference.
wherein
Rlb is -H or -0(C1-C4 alkyl); and
Y is methoxy or R3-(CH2)n_O-, in which R3 and n are
as defined above. Preferably, Rlb is methoxy, Y is R3-(CH2)n~
0-, R3 is 1-piperidinyl, and n is 2.
In general, a readily available tetralone, or a
salt thereof, of the formula
wherein Rla is as defined above, is reacted with an acylating
agent such as a phenyl benzoate of the formula
wherein Y is as defined above. The reaction generally is
carried out in the presence of a moderately strong base such
as sodium amide and is run at ambient temperature or below.
For the next step, one option allows for the
selected formula II compound to be reacted, after conversion
to an enol phosphate derivative generation in situ, under
Grignard reaction conditions, with a Grignard reagent of the
formula
wherein R2b is -H or -O(C1-C4 alkyl), to provide compounds of
formula IIIa, below, which also are known in the art (see,
e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,862, supra) .
wherein Rlb, R2b, and Y are as defined above, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
When Y of a formula IIIa compound is R3-(CH2)n-0-,
such compounds can be reduced or deprotected as described
infra. When Y of formula III compounds is methoxy, one of
the synthetic routes shown in Scheme I below is first
utilized. In Scheme I, Rlb, R2b, R3, and n are as defined
above.
Each step of synthetic routes A and B of Scheme I
are carried out via procedures well known to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
For example, compounds of formula IIIc are prepared
by treating formula IIIb compounds with pyridine
hydrochloride at reflux. Under these conditions, should Rlb
and/or R2b be alkoxy, these groups will be dealkylated to
hydroxy groups. Using this procedure will eliminate the
deprotection step of such alkoxy group(s) at a later stage,
if desired.
Alternatively, the Y methoxy group of formula IIIb
can selectively be demethylated by treating the compound with
an equivalent of sodium thioethoxide in an inert solvent such
as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at a moderately elevated
temperature of about 80° C to about 100° C. The process of
this step can be monitored via standard chromatographic
techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC).
Once a formula IIIc compound is prepared, 1t can be
reacted with a compound of the formula
R3-(CH2)n-Q
wherein R3 is as defined above and Q is a bromo or,
preferably, a chloro moiety, to provide compounds of formula
IIId. This reaction is shown as the last step of route A of
Scheme I.
Under normal alkylation conditions, this reaction
will be effected at each of the hydroxy groups which may be
present in a formula IIIc molecule. However, selective
alkylation at the 4-hydroxybenzoyl group can be achieved by
carrying out the reaction in the presence of an excess of
finely powdered potassium carbonate and using an equivalent
to slight excess of the Q-(CH2)-R3 reactant.
To prepare compounds of formula IIIe, as shown in
route B of Scheme I, a formula IIIc compound is reacted with
an excess of an alkylating agent of the formula
Z-(CH2)n-Z'
wherein Z and Z' each are the same or different leaving
group, in an alkali solution.
Appropriate leaving groups include, for example,
the sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, 4-bromosulfonate,
toluenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, isopropanesulfonate, 4-
methoxybenzenesulfonate, 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate, 2-
chlorobenzene sulfonate, and the like, halogens such as
bromo, chloro, iodo, and the like, and other related groups.
A preferred alkylating agent is 1,2-dibromoethane, and at
least 2 equivalents, preferably, more than 2 equivalents, of
1,2-dibromoethane is used per equivalent of substrate.
A preferred alkali solution for this alkylation
reaction contains potassium carbonate in an inert solvent
such as, for example, methyethyl ketone (MEK) or DMF. In
this solution, the 4-hydroxy group of the benzoyl moiety of a
formula IIId compound exists as a phenoxide ion which
displaces one of the leaving groups of the alkylating agent.
This reaction is best run when the alkali solution
containing the reactants and reagents is brought to reflux
and allowed to run to completion. When using MEK as the
preferred solvent, reaction times run from about 6 hours to
about 20 hours.
The reaction product from this step, a compound of
formula IIIe, is then reacted with 1-piperidine, 1-
pyrrolidine, methyl-1-pyrrolidine, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidine, 4-
morpholine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, or 1-
hexamethyleneimine, via standard techniques, to form
compounds of formula IIId. Preferably, the hydrochloride
salt of piperidine is reacted with the formula IIIe compound
in an inert solvent, such as anhydrous DMF, and heated to a
temperature in the range from about 60° C to about 110° C.
When the mixture is heated to a preferred temperature of
about 90° C, the reaction only takes about 30 minutes to
about 1 hour. However, changes in the reaction conditions
will influence the amount of time this reaction needs to be
run to completion. Of course, the progress of this reaction
step can be monitored via standard chromatographic
techniques.
Compounds of formula IIId represent the starting
material for one process for preparing the pharmaceutically
active compounds of formula la, as shown in Scheme II below.
wherein Rla, R2a, R3, and n are as defined above.
In Scheme II, a formula IIId compound, or a salt
thereof, is added to an appropriate solvent and reacted with
a reducing agent such as, for example, lithium aluminum
hydride (LAH) . Although the free base of a formula IIId
compound may be used in this reaction, an acid addition salt,
preferably the hydrochloride salt, is often more convenient.
The amount of reducing agent used in this reaction
is an amount sufficient to reduce the carbonyl group of
formula IIId compound to form the novel carbinol compounds of
formula IV. Generally, a liberal excess of the reducing
agent per equivalent of the substrate is used.
Appropriate solvents include any solvent or mixture
of solvents which will remain inert under reducing
conditions. Suitable solvents include diethyl ether,
dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The anhydrous form of
these solvents is preferred, and anhydrous THF is especially
preferred.
The temperature employed in this step is that which
is sufficient to effect completion of the reduction reaction.
Ambient temperature, in the range from about 17° C to about
25° C, generally is adequate.
The length of time for this step is that amount
necessary for the reaction to occur. Typically, this
reaction takes from about 1 hour to about 20 hours. The
optimal time can be determined by monitoring the progress of
the reaction via conventional chromatographic techniques.
The carbinol products from this reaction step
(formula IV compounds) are extracted essentially via the
method described in Example 7, infra, are novel, and are
useful for the methods described herein.
Once a carbinol of the present invention is
prepared, such a compound is added to an inert solvent such
as, for example, ethyl acetate, followed by the addition of a
strong protic acid such as hydrochloric acid to provide novel
compounds of formula Ia. This reaction typically is run at
ambient temperature from about 17° C to about 25° C, and
generally only takes from about a few minutes to about 1 hour
to complete. Crystallization of the final product is carried
out through standard procedures, essentially as described in
Example 1, infra.
Dealkylation/deprotection of terminally-protected
hydroxy groups can be carried out prior to the preparation of
formula IV compounds, prior to the preparation of formula la
compounds, or after protected compounds of formula la are
prepared, via procedures known to one of ordinary skill in
the art. It is preferred, however, to dealkylate a protected
formula la compound after its formation.
The reaction shown in Scheme II provides novel,
pharmaceutically active compounds of formula la in which Rla
and R2a each are hydrogen, hydroxy or C1-C4 alkoxy. Preferred
formula la compounds are those in which Rla and R2a each are
methoxy, or Rla and R2a each are hydroxy, R3 is piperidinyl,
and n is 2. These preferred compounds, the latter being
especially preferred, as well as other formula la compounds,
can be used as pharmaceutical agents or can be further
derivitized to provide other formula I compounds which also
are useful for practicing the methods of the present
invention.
As an alternative to the reactions shown in Scheme
II, a novel, one-step process may be used to prepare formula
la compounds of the present invention by reducing a ketone of
formula V below. More particularly, when Rla and/or R2a are
-O(C1-C4 alkyl), these hydroxy protecting groups may be
removed prior to using the present novel process, or
optionally may be removed, in situ, following the present
one-step reduction process. Additionally, the product: from
this process, which may have 1 or 2 unprotected or protected
hydroxy moieties, optionally may be salified via known
procedures or as herein described.
In this process, a formula V compound
wherein Rla, R2a, R3 and n are as defined above,
or a salt thereof, is reacted with a reducing agent such as
lithium aluminum hydride or Red-Al®[sodium bis (2-
methoxyethoxylaluminum hydride)] in the presence of a solvent
having a boiling point in the range from about 150° C to
about 200° C.
A compound of formula V is prepared by reacting a
compound of formula IIIb (as described above) with about 2
equivalents of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-l,4-benzoquinone
(DDQ) in the presence of an inert solvent or mixture of
solvents such as, for example, dioxane, dichloromethane,
toluene, dichloroethane or benzene. The reaction mixture
generally is heated to reflux for about 1 to 2 hours, and
then allowed to stir at ambient temperature for a period from
about 36 to about 72 hours. The resulting compound of
formula VI
wherein Rlb and R2b are as defined above, is then demethylated
as described above, and alkylated with a compound of the
formula
R3-(CH2)n-Q
wherein R3 is as defined above, via the above described
procedures.
For the present reduction reaction, the amount of
reducing agent used in this reaction is an amount sufficient
to reduce the carbonyl group of a formula V compound to form
a compound of formula la. Generally, a liberal excess of the
reducing agent per equivalent of the substrate is used.
The solvent used in the process is required to have
a relatively high boiling point, in the range from about 150°
C to about 200° C, as represented by solvents such as, for
example n-propyl benzene, diglyme (1,1'-oxybis[2-
methoxyethane]), and anisole. Of these, n-propyl benzene is
the preferred solvent with formula V compounds when Rla and/or
R2a is -OCH3 and -C6H4-4' -O (C1-C4 alkyl) . Red-Al, used as
both a solvent and a reducing agent, is preferred when Rla is
-OH and/or R2a is -C6H4-4'-OH.
The temperature used in this reaction is that which
is sufficient to complete the reduction reaction.
Preferably, the reaction mixture is heated to reflux for
about 15 minutes to about 6 hours, allowed to cool to ambient
temperature, and worked up via standard procedures [see,
e.g., Fieser and Fieser, Reaqgnts for Organic Synthesis, Vol.
1, page 584 (1968)] and as further described in the Examples
herein. The optimal amount of time for this reaction to run,
typically from about 10 minutes to about 1 hour, can be
determined by monitoring the progress of the reaction via
standard techniques.
The formula la products from the one-step reaction
are extracted essentially as described in Example 2, infra.
Preferred formula la compounds from this reaction are the
same as those preferred formula la compounds described above,
and can be used as pharmaceutically active agents for the
methods herein described, or can be derivatized to provide
other novel compounds of formula I which also are useful for
the present methods.
For example, when Rla and/or R2a of a formula la
compound are C1-C4 alkyl hydroxy protecting groups (thus, not
having been dealkylated as one option in Scheme 1 provides),
such groups can be removed via standard dealkylation
techniques, as described in Example 2, infra, to prepare an
especially preferred compound of formula la.
Other preferred compounds of formula I are prepared
by replacing the newly formed Rla and/or R2a hydroxy groups of
a formula la compound with a moiety of the formula -0-CO-(C1-
C6 alkyl), or -O-SO2-(C4-C6 alkyl) via well known procedures.
See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,593.
For example, when an --O-CO (C1-C4 alkyl) group is
desired, the dihydroxy compound of formula la is reacted with
an agent such as acyl chloride, bromide, cyanide, or azide,
or with an appropriate anhydride or mixed anhydride. The
reactions are conveniently carried out in a basic solvent
such as pyridine, lutidine, quinoline or isoquinoline, or in
a tertiary amine solvent such as triethylamine,
tributylamine, methylpiperidine, and the like. The reaction
also may be carried out in an inert solvent such as ethyl
acetate, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane,
dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,
and the like, to which at least one equivalent of an acid
scavenger (except as noted below), such as a tertiary amine,
has been added. If desired, acylation catalysts such as 4-
dimethylaminopyridine or 4-pyrrolidinopyridine may be used.
see, e.g., Haslam, et al., Tetrahedron. M: 2409-2433 (1980).
The acylation reactions which provide the
aforementioned terminal R1 and R2 groups of compounds of
formula I are carried out at moderate temperatures in the
range from about -2 5° C to about 100° C, frequently under an
inert atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. However, ambient
temperature is usually adequate for the reaction to run.
Such acylations of these hydroxy group also may be
performed by acid-catalyzed reactions of the appropriate
carboxylic acids in inert organic solvents or heat. Acid
catalysts such as sulfuric acid, polyphosphoric acid,
methanesulfonic acid, and the like are used.
The aforementioned R1 and/or R2 groups of formula I
compounds also may be provided by forming an active ester of
the appropriate acid, such as the esters formed by such known
reagents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, acylimidazoles,
nitrophenols, pentachlorophenol, N-hydroxysuccinimide, and 1-
hydroxybenzotriazole. see, e.g., Bull. Chem. Soc. Janan.
38:1979 (1965), and Chem. Ber. . 788 and 2024 (1970).
Each of the above techniques which provide -O-CO-
(C1-C6 alkyl) moieties are carried out in solvents as
discussed above. Those techniques which do not produce an
acid product in the course of the reaction, of course, do not
call for the use of an acid scavenger in the reaction
mixture.
When a formula I compound is desired in which the
Rla and/or R2a group of a formula la compound is converted to
a group of the formula -O-SO2-(C1-C4 alkyl), the formula la
dihydroxy compound is reacted with, for example, a sulfonic
anhydride or h derivative of the appropriate sulfonic acid
such as a sulfonyl chloride, bromide, or sulfonyl ammonium
salt, as taught by King and Monoir, J. Am. Chem. Soc..
97:2566-2567 (1975). The dihydroxy compound also can be
reacted with the appropriate sulfonic anhydride or mixed
sulfonic anhydrides. Such reactions are carried out under
conditions such as were explained above in the discussion of
reaction with acid halides and the like.
Collectively, formula la compounds with their
various defined substituents, and their derivatized compounds
as described above, are represented as compounds of formula I
of the present invention.
Although the free-base form of formula I compounds
can be used in the methods of the present invention, it is
preferred to prepare and use a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt form. Thus, the compounds used in the methods of this
invention primarily form pharmaceutically acceptable acid
addition salts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic
acids, and include the physiologically acceptable salts which
are often used in pharmaceutical chemistry. Such salts are
also part of this invention. Typical inorganic acids used to
form such salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic,
hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric, and
the like. Salts derived from organic acids, such as
aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted
alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids,
aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids may
also be used. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus
include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate,
ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate,
hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o-
acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide,
isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate, p-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-
dioate, hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, chloride,
cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate,
heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate,
hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate,
isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, terephthalate,
phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate,
metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate, propionate,
phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate,
sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite,
sulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate,
chlorobenzenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-
hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1-
sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate,
xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. A preferred salt
is the hydrochloride salt.
The pharmaceutical^ acceptable acid addition salts
are typically formed by reacting a compound of formula I with
an equimolar or excess amount of acid. The reactants are
generally combined in a mutual solvent such as diethyl ether
or ethyl acetate. The salt normally precipitates out of
solution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated
by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off by
conventional means.
The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally
have enhanced solubility characteristics compared to the
compound from which they are derived, and thus are often more
amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.
The following examples are presented to further
illustrate the preparation of compounds of the present
invention. it is not intended that the invention be limited
in scope by reason of any of the following examples.
NMR data for the following Examples were generated
on a GE 300 MHz NMR instrument, and anhydrous d-6 DMSO was
used as the solvent unless otherwise indicated.
To a suspension of sodium hydride (12.75 g of a 60 % oil
dispersion pre-washed with hexanes, 0.32 mol) stirring in
tetrahydrofuran (THF) (650 mL) at 0° C was added a solution
of (3,4-dihydro-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-l-naphthylenyl)(4-
methoxyphenyDmethanone (90.0 g, 0.29 mmol See, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,230,862) and diphenylchlorophosphate (77.8 g, 0.29
mol) in THF (750 mL). The rate of addition was such that the
reaction temperature was maintained below 8° C. After
stirring for 3 hours at 0° C, 4-MeOC6H4MgBr (1.5 equivalents
of a 0.064 g/mL solution in THF) was added dropwise and the
resulting mixture allowed to gradually warm to room
temperature. After 12 hours, the solution was quenched by
addition of cold aqueous ammonium chloride. The organic
portion was separated from the mixture and the aqueous
portion extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic
extracts were dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, and
concentrated. To the resulting oil was added acetonitrile (1
L) upon which time a precipitate formed. The solids were
removed by filtration and the filtrate concentrated to give
an oil which was purified by flash chromatography (silica
gel, methylene chloride). The desired product was
subsequently purifed by crystallization from methanol to
provide 96.7 g (83 %) of the title compound as a yellow
crystalline solid: mp = 172-173° C; 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 7.75
(d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.60-6.90
To a solution of lithium ethanethiol [prepared by adding n-
BuLi (87.8 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexanes, 140 mmol) to a
solution of ethanethiol (12.1 mL, 164 mmol) stirring at 0° C
in ethyl ether (400 mL) followed by brief stirring and
concentration] stirring in dimethylformamide (400 mL) was
added the product of Preparation 1 (46.7 g, 117 mmol), The
mixture was then heated to 100° C. After 1 hour, the reaction
was concentrated and the resulting brown oil dissolved in
chloroform. This solution was extracted with aqueous
ammonium chloride. The aqueous portion was treated with 1 H
hydrochloric acid until pH 5 was obtained, and subsequently
extracted with chloroform. The combined organic extracts
were washed with brine, dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, and
concentrated. The resulting brown oil was purifed by flash
chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexanes gradient)
to give 30.0 g (66 %) of the title product as a yellow oil:
1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.74 (m, 2H) , 7.16 (m, 2H) , 6.85 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 6.77 (s, 1H), 6.65 (m, 5H) , 6.11 (s, 1H) ,
3.78 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.00 (m, 2H), 2.77 (m, 2H); 13C-
NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) 6 201.1, 162.4, 159.7, 159.6, 137.5,
137.2, 134.6, 134.2, 133.3, 130.6, 129.6, 127.6, 127.2,
116.5, 114.7, 114.5, 112.3, 56.2, 56.0, 30.7, 29.6; Anal.
Calc'd. for: C, 77.70; H, 5.74. Found: C, 77.46; H, 5.91.
MS (FD) m/e 386 (M+); IR (chloroform) 3400.94, 1641.63,
1601.12 cm"1.
To a solution of the product of Preparation 2 (36 g, 93 mmol)
stirring in dimethylformamide (DMF; 1 L) was added potassium
iodide (30 mg, 0.18 mmol) followed by potassium carbonate
(64.2 g, 465 mmol), and 1-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine
monohydrochloride (18.9 g, 102 mmol). The reaction mixture
was stirred at ambient temperature overnight then
concentrated and the resulting oil dissolved in the
chloroform. This solution was washed with thoroughly with
water, brine, dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, and
concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by flash
chromatography (silca gel, methanol/chloroform gradient) to
give 43 g (93 %) of the title product as a yellow foam: 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 7.72 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.15 (d, J
= 10 Hz, 3H), 6.87 (d, J = 11 Hz, 3H), 6.72 (d, J = 8 Hz,
2H), 6.62 (s, 2H), 4.05 (m, 2H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H),
2.95 (m2H), 2.62 (m, 4H), 2.38 (m, 4H), 1.44 (m, 4H), 1.33
(m, 2H) ; 13C-NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 197.2, 168.22, 168.18,
162.5, 162.3, 158.4, 158.3, 136.4, 134.9, 133.0, 133.0,
131.3, 129.6, 128.6, 125.9, 125.4, 114.4, 113.7, 113.6,
113.4, 111.5, 65.7, 62.5, 57.0, 55.0, 55.0, 54.9, 54.1, 29.1,
28.0, 25.4, 23.7; Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 77.24; H, 7.09; N,
2.81. Found: C, 77.44; H, 7.13; N, 2.75. MS (FD) m/e 497
(M+); IR (chloroform) 1672.5 cm-1.
To a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (3.80 g, 94.8
mmol) stirring at 0° C in dry THF (100 mL) was slowly added a
solution of the product of Preparation 3 (23.6 g,47.4 mmol)
in THF (50 mL) over a 45 minute period. The reaction mixture
was allowed to stir at ambient temperature for 14 hours,
cooled to 0° C, and quenched carefully with water (5 mL) . To
this solution, sodium hydroxide (15 mL of a 15 % w/w aqueous
solution) was added dropwise, followed by water (5 mL). The
mixture was stirred for 0.5 hours, filtered, and the solids
were washed thoroughly with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was
then concentrated to give 21 g (89%) of the intermediate
product (a carbinol) as a white foam, which was used without
further purification. To the intermediate product (23.6 g,
47.2 mmol) stirring at ambient temperature in ethyl acetate
(100 mL) was added hydrochloric acid [100 mL of a saturated
ethyl acetate solution]. A precipitate immediately formed
upon which time the mixture was concentrated. The resulting
solid was recrystallized from methanol to give 19.4 g (79 %)
of the title product as a white crystalline solid: J-H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 10.54 (br s, 1H) , 7.72-7.80 (complex,
2H) , 7.34-7.38 (complex, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.08
(dd, J = 8.4, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.80-6.96 (complex, 6H), 4.30 (br
s, 4H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.45 (complex, 4H)
2.90-2.99 (m, 2H) , 1.61-1.82 (complex, 5H),, 1.32-1.39 (m,
1H); MS (FD) m/e 481 (M+-hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd.
for: C, 74.19; H, 7.00; N, 2.70. Found: C, 74.28; H, 7.10;
N, 2.66.
To a solution of the product from Example 1 (5.0 g, 9.6 mmol)
stirring in 1,2-dichloroethane (50 mL) at room temperature
was added boron trichloride (20 mL, 234 mmol). The resulting
dark purple reaction was allowed to stir at ambient
temperature overnight then cooled to 0° C. Methanol (50 ml,)
was then carefully added dropwise over a 2 hours period
(caution: gas evolution) upon which time a precipitate
formed. The solid was filtered, washed with cold methanol
and then with diethyl ether. Recrystallization from methanol
gave the title product as a white powder: 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6) 8 10.38 (br s, 0.5 H) , 9.74 (s, 1H) , 9.52 (s, 1H) ,
7.61-7.68 (complex, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.14
(complex, 3H), 6.99 (dd, J = 9.1, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.75-6.91
(complex, 6H), 4.28-4.31 (complex, 4H), 3.34-3.45 (complex,
4H), 2.95 (m, 1H), 1.63-1.75 (complex, 5H), 1.35 (m, 1H); MS
(FD) m/e 454 (M+-hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd. for: C,
73.53; H, 6.58; N, 2.86. Found: C, 73.48; H, 6.57; N, 3.01.
To a suspension of the product of Example 2 (4.1 g, 8.4 mmol)
stirring in THF (200 mL) was added N,N-dimethylaminopyridine
(10 mg, catalytic). The mixture was cooled to 0° C and
triethylamine (8.5 g, 83.7 mmol) was added. After 10
minutes, benzoyl chloride (4.7 g, 33.5 mmol) was added
dropwise and the solution allowed to stir for 60 hours. The
precipitate was then filtered off and the filtrate
concentrated. Purification of this material by preparatory
HPLC (chloroform to 25% ethyl acetate in chloroform gradient)
followed by recrystallization from methanol gave 3.78 g of
the title compound as a white powder: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6) 5 8.18 (app t, J = 9.1 Hz, 4H), 7.91-8.05 (complex, 3H),
7.75 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.69 (m complex, 2H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.9 Hz,
1H), 7.42-7.50 (complex, 3H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.91
(d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 4.40 is, 2H),
3.97 (t, J = 3.5 Hz, 2H), 2.60 ft, J = 3.3 Hz, 2H), 2.39
(complex, 4H) , 1.31-1.52 (complex, 6H) ; MS (FD) m/e 661 (MM;
Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 79.86; H, 5.94; N, 2.12. Found: C,
79.59; H, 6.05; N, 1.96.
To a suspension of the product of Example 2 (0.250 g, 0.510
mmol) stirring in THF (25 ml) was added N,N-
dimethylaminopyridine (2 mg) followed by triethylamine (0.78
mL, 5.6 mmol) and trimethylacetyl chloride (0.25 mL, 2.0
mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at ambient
temperature for 2 hours then poured into ethyl acetate/water
(100 mL, 1:1 v/v). The organic layer was separated and the
aqueous portion was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL).
The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated
aqueous ammonium chloride (1 x 25 mL), saturated aqueous
sodium bicarbonate (2 x 25 mL), and brine (1 x 25 mL),
Purification by radial chromatography (silica gel, 2 mm,
10:8:1:1 ethyl acetate: hexanes: triethylamine: methanol)
gave 0.268 g. of the title compound (85%) as a thick oil: IR
(chloroform) 2977, 2939, 1746, 1510, 1167, 1146, 1122 cm"1; 1H
NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.87-7.90 (d, 1H, J = 9.3 Hz), 7.75-
7.78 (d, 1H, J = 8.6 HZ), 7.56-7.57 (d, 1H, J = 2.4 Hz),
7.43-7.46 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz), 7.28-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.10-7.14
(dd, 1H, J = 9.2 Hz, J = 2.4 Hz), 7.03-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.86-
6.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 6.71-6.74 (m, 2H), 4.34 (s, 2H),
4.10-4.15 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.83 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.57 (m, 4H) ,
1.65-1.68 (m, 4H), 1.45-1.51 (m, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.36 (s,
9H); MS (FD) m/e 621 (M+).
To a suspension of the product of Example 2 (0.250 g, 0.510
mmol) stirring in THF (25 mL) was added, in turn, N,N~
dimethylaminopyridine (2 mg), triethylamine (0.78 mL, 5.6
mmol), and butanesulfonyl chloride (0.26 mL, 2.04 mmol). The
reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2
hours then poured into ethyl acetate/water (100 mL, 1:1) and
the organic layer subsequently separated. The aqueous
portion was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL), and the
combined organic layers washed with saturated aqueous
ammonium chloride (1 x 25 mL), followed by saturated aqueous
sodium bicarbonate (2 x 2 5 mL) and brine (1 x 25 mL).
Purification by radial chromatography (silica gel, 2 mm,
10:8:1:1 ethyl acetate: hexanes: triethylamine: methanol)
gave 0.289 g (82%) of the title compound as a thick syrup: IR
(chloroform) 3032, 2966, 2940, 2879, 1609, 1510, 1375, 1245,
1171, 1149, 1129, 870, 839 cm"1; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8
7.92-7.95 (d, 1H, J = 9.3 Hz), 7.81-7.84 (d, 1H, J = 8.6 Hz),
7.77-7.78 (d, 1H, J = 2.5 Hz), 7.46-7.49 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz),
7.24-7.34 (m, 5H), 6.84-6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz), 6.74-6.77
(d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz), 4.33 (s, 2H), 4.05-4.09 (m, 2H), 3.25-
3.32 (m, 4H), 2.76-2.81 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.52 (m, 4H) , 1.93-2.06
(m, 4H), 1.44-1.61 (m, 10H), 0.96-1.01 (m, 3H); MS (FD) m/e
694 (M+).
To a solution of the product of Example 2 (0.49 g, 1.00 mmol)
stirring in THF (2 00 mL) at ambient temperature were
sequentially added N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mg),
triethylamine (0.50 g, 5 mmol), and hexylsulfonyl chloride
(0.46 g, 2.5 mmol). After 18 hours, the reaction mixture was
concentrated and the resulting dark oil partitioned between
ethyl acetate and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium
bicarbonate. The organic extract was separated, dried
(sodium sulfate), and concentrated. The crude material was
dissolved in ethyl acetate and ethereal hydrochloric acid
added (10 mL of a saturated solution). The resulting
precipitate was triturated with Et2O and dried to give 1.2 g
of the desired product as a thick, gummy solid: 1H NMR (3 00
MHz, CDC13) consistent with structure; MS (FD) m/e 938 (M+-
hydrochloric acid).
To a solution of lithium ethanethiol [prepared by adding n-
BuLi (63.7 ml of a 1.6 M solution in hexanes, 101.4 mmol) to
a solution of ethanethiol (101.4 mmol) stirring at 0° C in
Et20 (400 mL) followed by concentration] stirring in
dimethylformamide (400 mL) was added (3,4-dihydro-6-methoxy-
2-phenyl-1-naphthalenyl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone, prepared
as described in Jones. et al., J. Med. Chem., £2:931-938
(1992), supra. (30.0 g, 78.0 mmol) The mixture was then
heated to 85° C. After 0.5 hours, the mixture was
concentrated and the resulting brown solid dissolved in
chloroform. This solution was extracted with saturated
aqueous ammonium chloride. The aqueous portion was treated
with 1H hydrochloric acid until pH 5 was obtained, and was
subsequently extracted with chloroform. The combined organic
extracts were washed with brine, dried (sodium sulfate),
filtered, and concentrated. The resulting brown oil was
purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, ethyl
acetate/hexanes gradient) to give 2 4.7 g (87%) of the desired
product as a yellow foam: 1-H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.74 (d,
J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.18 (m, 2H), 7.05-7.18 (m, 3H), 6.86
(d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.78 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, 1H), 6.60-6.70 (m,
3H), 6,23 (br s, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.95-3.05 (m, 2H) , 2.75-
2.85 (m, 2H); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 80.87; H, 5.66. Found:
C, 80.66; H, 5.48; MS (FD) m/e 354 (M+).
To a solution of the product of Preparation 4 (20.4 g, 57.0
mmol) stirring in dimethylformamide (400 mL) at ambient
temperature was added potassium iodide (3 0 mg, 0.18 mmol)
followed by potassium carbonate (39.3 g, 285 mmol) and l-(2-
chloroethylpiperidine monohydrochloride (11.6 g, 62.7 mmol).
After 16 hours, the reaction mixture was concentrated and the
resulting oil dissolved in chloroform. This solution was
washed thoroughly with water, brine, dried (sodium sulfate),
filtered and concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by
flash chromatography (silica gel, methanol/chloroform
gradient) to give 25.1 g (94%) of the desired product as a
brown oil: l-H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.79 (d, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 7.20-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.04-7.20 (m, 3H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.5
Hz, 1H), 6.70-6.82 (m, 3H), 6.62 (m, 1H), 4.08 (t, J - 6.0
Hz, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.03 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.70-2.90
(m, 4H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 4H) , 1.55-1.65 (m, 4H), 1.40-1.52 (m,
2H) ; 13C-NMR (75 MHz, CDCI3) 8 198.33, 162.84, 158.97, 141.21,
136.71, 135.97, 137.78, 131.79, 130.44, 128.08, 127.48,
127.24, 126.59, 126.49, 114.17, 113.80, 111.37, 66.15, 57.68,
55.23, 55.05, 29.73, 28.80, 25.89, 24.12; Anal. Calc'd. for:
C, 79.63; H, 7.11; N, 2.99. Found: C, 79.92; H, 7.15; N,
3.07; MS (FD) m/e 467 (M+).
Reaction of the product of Preparation 4 (1.9 g, 5,3 mmol),
1-(2-chloroethyl)pyrrolidine monohydrochloride (0.99 g, 5.8
mmol), and potassium carbonate (3.65 g, 29.1 mmol) in
dimethylformamide (50 mL) according to the procedure in
Preparation 5 gave a 81 % yield of the title compound as a
thick oil: XH-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.79 (d, J = 7.8 Hz,
2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 2H) , 7.05-7.20 (m, 3H) , 6.87 (d, J - 8.6
Hz, 1H) , 6.73-6.84 (m, 3H), 6.60 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.08
(t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.00 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H),
2.76-2.96 (m, 4H), 2.50-2.70 (m, 4H), 1.75-1.85 (m, 4H); MS
(FD) m/e 453 (M+).
To a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (1.60 g, 42.8
mmol) stirring at 0° C in dry THF (2 00 mL) was added a
solution of the product of Preparation 5 (10.0 g, 21.4 mmol!
in THF (125 mL) dropwise over a 5 min period. The reaction
mixture was allowed to be warmed to ambient temperature and
subsequently stirred for 1 hour. The solution was then
cooled to 0° C and quenched carefully with water (1.6 mL).
To this solution, sodium hydroxide (4.8 mL of 15% w/w aqueous
solution) was added dropwise, followed by water (1.6 mL).
After stirring for 30 minutes, the mixture was filtered and
the solids washed thoroughly with THF. The filtrate was then
concentrated to give 8.7 g (87%) of the desired product as a
yellow oil which was used without further purification: 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 7.20-7.45 (m, 7H) , 6.82 (d, J = 8.3 Hz,
2H) , 6.71 (s, 1H) , 6.53 (m, 1H) , 5.83 (br s, 1H) , 4.07 (t, J
= 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.91 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H) , 2.60-
2.80 (m, 4H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 4H), 1.80-1.95 (m, 2H) , 1.52-1.70
(m, 4H) , 1.43 (s, 1H) ; MS (FD) m/e 469 (M+).
Reaction of the product of Preparation 4 (1.8 g, 4.0 mmol),
lithium aluminum hydride (0.31 g, 8.0 mmol) in THF (65 mL)
according to the preparation of the product of Example 7 gave
a 87% yield of the title compound as a white foam: 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.20-7.40 (m, 7H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.6 Hz,
2H) , 6.71 (s, 1H), 6.51 (m, 1H), 5.83 (d, J = 4.9 Hz, 1H) ,
4.07 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.82-2.95 (m, 4H) ,
2.55-2.73 (m, 6H), 2.27 (d, J = 3.8 Hz, 1H), 1.70-1.90 (m,
4H), 1.67 (s, 1H); MS (FD) m/e 455 (M+); HRMS FAB+ for
C30H33NO3 calculated 456.2539, found 456.2531.
To a solution of the product of Example 7 (8.7 g, 18.5 mmol)
stirring in ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added a saturated
solution of hydrochloric acid gas in ethyl acetate (2 50 mL).
After 0.5 min, the resulting solution was concentrated to
give 8.0 g (89%) of the desired product as a white foam which
was used without further purification: 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO) 8 7.70-7.85 (m, 4H), 7.30-7.50 (m, 7H), 7.10 (s, 1H),
6.80-7.00 (m, 2H), 4.25-4.40 (m, 4H), 4.00-4.20 (br s, 3H).
3.35-3.55 (m, 4H), 2.85-3.55 (m, 2H), 1.70-1.90 (m, 4H),
1.30-1.45 (m,2H); Anal. Calc'd for: C, 76.29; H, 7,02; N,
2.87. Found: C, 76.56; H, 7.18; N, 2.91; MS (FD) m/e 452
(M+ -hydrochloric acid).
Reaction of the (1.57 g, 3.4 iranol) with ethyl acetate/
hydrochloric acid according to the procedure in Example 9
gave a quantitative yield of the title product: 1H-NMR (3 00
MHz, DMSO) S 7.72-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.45 (m, 7H), 7.10 (m.
1H), 6.78-6.95 (m, 4H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 4.20-4.25 (m, 2H) , 3.84
(s, 3H), 3.40-3.60 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.80-2.02 (m,
6H); MS (FD) m/e 437 (M+ -hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd.
for: C, 76.01; H, 6.80; N, 2.95. Found: C, 75.71; H, 6.85;
N, 2.82.
To a solution of the product of Example 9 (4.0 g, 8.0 mmol)
stirring in 1,2-dichloroethane (50 mL) at 0° C was added
boron trichloride (10 mL, 117.0 mmol). The resulting dark
purple solution was stirred at room temperature overnight in
a sealed tube then cooled to 0° C. Methanol (50 mL) was
carefully added dropwise over a 30 minute period (caution:
gas evolution). The resulting solution was concentrated and
dissolved in ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed
with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, brine, dried
(sodium sulfate), filtered, and concentrated. The resulting
brown foam was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel,
methanol/chloroform gradient) to give 2.7 g (63%) of desired
product as a white foam: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) 8 9.72 (br s,
1H), 7.62-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.50 (m, 6H), 7.10-7.22 (m, 2H),
7.00 (m, 1H), 6.80-6.90 (m, 2H), 6.78 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H),
3.85-4.10 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.75 (m, 2H) , 2.25-2.50 (m, 4H) ,
1.25-1.56 (m, 6H); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 82.35; H, 7.14; N,
3.20. Found: C, 82.1.7; H, 7.11; N, 3.35; MS (FD) m/e 437
(M+); IR (KBr) 2935.07, 2855.01, 1621.38, 1597.26 cm"1.
Reaction of the product of Example 10 (1.27 g, 2.7 mmol) with
boron trichloride (10 mL, 117 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (30
mL) according to the procedure in Example 11 gave a 3 2% yield
of the desired product as a white solid: IR (KBr) 2932.17,
2876.23, 2815.47, 1620.41, 1597.26 cm'1; 3-H-NMR (300 MHz
CDC13) 8 7.74 (d, J = 8,5 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H),
7.20-7.40 (m, 7H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 7.00 (m, 1H), 6.85 (d, J =
8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.66 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 4.06 (t,
J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.95 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.65-2.80 (m, 4H),
1.77-1.90 (m, 4H); MS (FD) m/e 424 (M+); Anal. Calc'd. for:
C, 82.24; H, 6.90; N, 3.31. Found: C, 82.01; H, 6.84; N,
3.37.
To a suspension of [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydronaphth-l-
yl][4-2-(1-piperidenyl)ethoxy]phenyl] methanone mesylate
[Jones, fitfll., J. Med. Chem. 35:931 (1992), supra] (2..00 g,
3.35 mmol) stirring in THF (100 mL) at ambient temperature
was slowly added lithium aluminum hydride (1.0 g, 2 6 mmmol)
over a 20 minute period. After 18 hours, the solution was
concentrated to near dryness then carefully quenched with
water (50 mL). The resulting mixture was extracted with
ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic extracts
were washed with water, dried (sodium sulfate), and
concentrated. Purification by liquid chromatography (Waters
Prep 500, silica gel, gradient chloroform to 25% chloroform-
methanol) gave 1.0 g of the desired product as a tan
amorphous powder: 1H-NMR (3 00 MHz, CDCI3) consistent with
structure; MS (FD) m/e 469 (M+).
Reaction of [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydronaphth-l-yl][4-2-
(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl] methanone mesylate [Jones, et
al., J. Med. Chem, 25_:931 (1992), supra] (0.85 g, 1.9 mmol)
and lithium aluminum hydride (0.16 g, 4.0 mmol) in THF (150
mL) according to the experimental procedure for Experiment 13
gave 670 mg of the desired compound as a tan amorphous solid:
1H-NMR (CDCI3, 3 00 MHz) consistent with structure; MS (FD) m/e
455 (M+); Anal. Calc'd for: C, 79.20; H, 7.26; N, 3.08.
Found: C, 79.11; H, 7.47; N, 2.93.
To a solution of the product of Example 13 (1.90 g, 4.21
mmol) stirring in methanol (40 mL) at ambient temperature was
added methanolic hydrochloric acid (10 mL of a saturated
solution). After 48 hours, the reaction mixture was
concentrated and dried. Trituration with ether followed by
filtration and drying gave 580 mg of the desired compound as
a white powder: 1H-NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz) consistent with
structure; MS (FD) m/e 451 (M+-hydrochloric acid).
Example 16
[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-naphthalen-1-yl] [4- [2-(1-
pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methane hydrochloride
To a solution of the product of Example 14 (2.0 g, 4.58 mmol)
stirring in methanol (50 mL) at ambient temperature was added
methanolic hydrochloric acid (10 mL of a saturated solution).
The reaction mixture was then concentrated to 2 0 mL and
cooled to -20° C for several hours. Filtration gave 0.62 g of
the desired product as a white powder: 1H-NMR (CDCI3, 300
MHz) consistent with structure; MS (FD) m/e 437 (M+-
hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 76.01; H, 6.80; N,
2.96. Found: C, 75.95; H, 6.76; N, 2.98.
Preparation__7
[3,4-Dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl-6-methoxynaphthalen-1-
yl] [4- [2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]methanone
To a solution of the product of Preparation 2 (2.0 g, 5.2
mmol) stirring in dimethylformamide (50 mL) was added
potassium carbonate (3.6 g, 2 6 mmol) and l-(2-
chloroethyl)pyrrolidine monohydrochloride (0.8 g, 5.7 mmol).
The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at ambient
temperature and concentrated. The resulting oil was
dissolved in chloroform and the resulting solution washed
thoroughly with water, brine, dried (sodium sulfate),
filtered and concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by
flash chromatography (silica gel, methanol/ chloroform
gradient) to give 2.25 g (90%) of the desired product as a
brown oil: lH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.80 (d, J = 9.4 Hz,
2H) , 7.18 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) ,
6.65-6.85 (m, 4H), 6.60 (m, lH), 4.09 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H),
3.78 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.01 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.88
(t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.65-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.75 (m, 4H),
1.80-1.90 (m, 4H); MS (FD) m/e 483 (M+).
To a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.34 g, 8.80
mmol) stirring at 0° C in THF (40 mL) was slowly added a
solution of the product of Preparation 7 (2.14 g, 4.4 mmol)
in THF (25 mL) over a 5 minute period. The reaction mixture
was warmed to ambient temperature. After 1 hour, the mixture
was cooled to 0° C, and quenched carefully with water (0.4
mL). To this solution, sodium hydroxide (1.2 mL of 15% w/w
aqueous solution) was added dropwise, followed by water (0.4
mL). After stirring for 30 minutes, the mixture was filtered
and the solids were washed thoroughly with THF. The filtrate
was concentrated to give 1.60 g (75%) of the desired product
as a white foam which was used without further purification:
l-H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) 8 7.40 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J
= 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (d, J = 7.7 Hz,
2H), 6.75 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.66 (s, 1H), 6.45 (d, J = 7.6
Hz, 1H) , 5.69 (s, 1H), 5.64 (s, 1H) , 3.95 (t, J = 5.5 Hz,
2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.64 (s, 3H), 2.65-2.85 (m, 4H) , 2.40-2.65
(m, 6H), 1.60-1.80 (m, 4H); MS (FD) m/e 485 (M+).
To a solution of the product of Example 17 (1.61 g, 3.30
rrvmol) stirring in ethyl acetate (50 mL) at ambient
temperature was added a saturated solution of hydrochloric
acid gas in ethyl acetate (50 mL). The resulting mixture was
concentrated to give 1.66 g (100%) of the desired product as
a white foam which was used without further purification:
XH-NMR (300MHz, DMSO) 5 7.70-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.40 (m, 2H),
7.20-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.80-7.00 (m, 6H), 4.29 (s,
2H), 4.20-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.42-3.75
(m, 4H), 3.00-3.15 (m, 2H), 1.80-2.00 (m, 4H); MS (FD) m/e
467 (M+-hydrochloric acid) .
To a solution of the product of Example 18 (1.61 g, 2.60
mmol) in 1.2-dichloroethane (30 mL) stirring at 0° C was
added boron trichloride (10 ml, 117 mmol). The resulting
dark purple solution was stirred overnight at ambient:
temperature in a sealed tube. After cooling the solution to
0° C, methanol (25 mL) was carefully added over a period of
30 minutes (caution, gas evolution). The solution was
subsequently concentrated and the resulting material
dissolved in 30% isopropanol/chloroform then washed with
saturated sodium bicarbonate, brine, dried over anhydrous
sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude
material was purified by radial chromatography
(methanol/chloroform gradient) to give 0.34 g (27%) of the
desired product as a white foam: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-dg) 5
9.45 (s, 1H), 9.36 (s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.62
(d, J - 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.00-7,10 (m,
2H) , 6.80-6.90 (m, 2H) , 6.70-6.80 (m, 4H) , 5.45 (s, 1H), 4.84
(s, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 3.90-4.05 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.90 (m, 2H) ,
2..50-2.65 (m, 4H) , 1.60-1.80 (m, 4H) ; 13C-NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-
d6) 5 203.32, 191.97, 188.16, 186.14, 185.95, 177.43, 173.46,
169.60, 167.74, 163.48, 162.30, 159.87, 158.14, 154.98,
152.43, 60.50, 56.25, 54.00, 45.05, 41.00, 37.50, 35.00,
30.05, 27.50, 26.00, 22.50, 20.00; Anal. Calc'd. for: C,
79.24; H, 6.65; N, 3.19. Found: C, 78.99; H, 6.51; N, 2.92;
MS (FD) m/e 440 (M+); IR (KBr) 3382.61, 2964.00, 1610.77,
1509.49 cm"1..
Reaction of the product of Preparation 2 (1.6 g, 4.1 mmol),
2-diethylaminoethylchloride hydrochloride (0.8 g, 4.5 mmol),
and potassium carbonate (2.3 g, 16.4 mmol) in
dimethylformamide (50 mL) according to the preparation of
Preparation 3 gave a 95% yield of the desired product: 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.20 (d, J =
8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.65-6.80 (m, 5H),
6.62 (m, 1H), 4.03 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.72
(s, 3H), 3.03 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 2.75-2.90 (m, 4H), 2.61
(ABq, J = 7.2 Hz, Av = 14.4 Hz, 4H), 1.06 (t, J = 7.2 Hz,
6H); MS (FD) m/e 485 (M+); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 76.67; H,
7.2 6; N, 2.88. Found: C, 7 6.97; H, 7.43; N, 2.91.
Reaction of the product of Preparation 2 (1.6 g, 4.1 mmol),
1-(3-chloropropyl)piperidine hydrochloride (0.9 g, 4.5 mmol).
and potassium carbonate (2.3 g, 16.4 mmol) in DMF (50 mL)
according to the procedure in preparation 7 gave a 95% yield
of the desired product: 1-H-NMR (3 00 MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.80 (d, J
= 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J = 5.0 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, J = 8.4 Hz,
1H), 6.63-6.80 (m, 5H), 6.60 (m, 1H), 3.98 (t, J = 6.4 Hz,
2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.00 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H),
2.75-2.85 (m, 2H) , 2.30-2.50 (m, 6H), 1.90-2.00 (m, 2H),
1.50-1.65 (m, 4H), 1.40-1.50 (m, 2H); MS (FD) m/e 511 (M+);
Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 77.47; H, 7.29; N, 2.74. Found:
77.42; H, 7.36; N, 2.72.
Reaction of the product of Preparation 8 (1.7 g, 3.4 mmol)
with lithium aluminum hydride (0.3 g, 6.8 mmol) in THF (80
mL) according to the procedure in Example 17 gave a
quantitative yield of the desired product: 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
CDC13) 8 7.33 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.80-
6.90 (m, 4H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 6.50 (m, 1H), 5.85 (d, J = 3.9
Hz, 1H), 4.01 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s,
3H), 2.86 (ABq, J = 8.2 Hz, Av = 14.7 Hz, 4H), 2.60-2.70 (m,
6H) , 1.85 (m, 1H) , 1.05 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H); MS (FD) m/e 487
(M+) .
Reaction of the product of Preparation 9 (1.77 g, 3.50 mmol)
with lithium aluminum hydride (0.27 g, 7.00 mmol) in THF (50
mL) according to the procedure in Example 17 gave a 97% yield
of the desired product: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.32 (d, J
= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 4H), 6.80-6.90 (m, 3H), 6.70 (s,
1H), 6.50 (m, 1H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 3.96 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H),
3.78 is, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.70 (m,
2H), 2.25-2.50 (m, 6H), 1.90-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.54-1.60 (m, 4H),
1.43 is, 2H); MS (FD) m/e 514 (M+1).
Reaction of the product of Example 20 (1.6 g, 3.3 mmol) with
hydrochloric acid (100 mL of a saturated ethyl acetate
solution) in ethyl acetate (100 mL) according to the
procedure in Example 18 gave a 90% yield of the desired
product: IR (KBr) 3416.37, 2935.07, 2835.72, 2575.30,
2437.37, 1624.27, 1608.84, 1510.45 cm-1; 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
CDC13) 8 7.72 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.05 (m,
1H), 6.85-6.95 (m, 3H), 6.72 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.40-4.50
(m, 2H), 4.35 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.35-3.45
(m, 2H) , 3.20-3.35 (m, 4H) , 1.43 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H) ; MS (FD)
m/e 470 (M+ -hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd. for: C,
73.57; H, 7.17; N, 2.77. Found: C, 73.80; H, 7.35; N, 2.77.
Reaction of the product of Example 21 (1.5 g, 2.9 mmol) with
hydrochloric acid (50 mL of a saturated ethyl acetate
solution) in ethyl acetate (50 mL) according to the procedure
in Example 18 gave a 97% yield of the desired product: 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.70-7.80 (m, 2H) , 7.42 (d, J = 8.4 Hz,
1H), 7.15-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.85-6.95 (m, 4H), 6.69
(d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.34 (s, 2H), 3.97-4.03 (m, 2H), 3.92
(s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.50-3.60 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.20 (m, 2H),
2.57-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.50 (m, 4H), 1.80-2.00 (m, 4H); MS
(FD) m/e 495 (M+ -hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd. for: C,
74.49; H, 7.20; N, 2.63. Found: C, 74.74; H, 7.36; N, 2.75.
Reaction of the product of Example 22 (1.32 g, 2.60 mmol)
with boron trichloride (10.0 mL, 117.0 mmol) in 1,2-
dichloroethane (30 mL) according to the procedure in Example
19 gave a 7 6% yield of the desired product as a white powder:
IR (KBr) 3356.57, 2973.65, 1734.23, 1704.33, 1610.77, 1509.49
cm-1; -lH-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 9.62 (s, 1H) , 9.43 (s, 1H) ,
7.56-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.24 (d, J - 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.00-7.15 (m,
3H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.65-6.78 (m,
4H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 4.00 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.65-2.75 (m,
2H), 2.40-2.60 (m, 4H) , 0.90 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6H) ; 13C-NMR (75
MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 156.53, 156.45, 154.87, 136.65, 134.44,
133.49, 132.66, 132.28, 130.14, 128.90, 128.73, 126.93,
126.57, 125.18, 118.73, 115.01, 114.32, 109.43, 66.22, 51.43,
47.00, 39.00, 33.81, 11.87; MS (FD) m/e 442 (M+); HRMS (FAB+)
for C29H31NO3 calculated 442.2382, found 442.2381.
To a solution of the product of Preparation 2 (4.00 g, 10.0
mmol) stirring in 2-butanone (100 mL) at ambient temperature
was added potassium carbonate (2.76 g, 20.0 mmol) and 1,2-
dibromoethane (17.2 ml, 100 mmol). This solution was
refluxed overnight then filtered and concentrated. The
resulting brown oil was purified by flash chromatography
(silica gel, 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to give 4.40 g (89%)
of the desired product as a brown oil. 1H-NMR (3 00 MHz,
CDC13)8 7.81 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H),
6.86 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 3H), 6.78 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 6.60 (m, 1H), 4.26 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.78
(s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.60 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.01 (t, J =
7.7 Hz, 2H), 2.75-2.85 (m, 2H) ; Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 65.73;
H, 5.11. Found: C, 65.96; H, 5.28.
To a solution of the product of Preparation 10 (2.1 g, 4.3
mmol) stirring in dimethylformamide (50 mL) at ambient
temperature was added potassium carbonate (1.8 g, 13 rnmol}
and hexamethyleneimine (0.9 ml, 13 rnmol). The solution was
subsequently heated to 100° C. After stirring overnight, the
mixture was concentrated and the resulting brown oil
partitioned between chloroform and water. The organic
extract was washed with brine, dried, (sodium sulfate),
filtered, and concentrated. The resulting yellow oil was
purified by radial chromatography (ethyl
acetate/hexanes/methanol gradient) to give 0.95 g (43%) of
the desired product as a yellow oil: 1H-NMR (3 00 MHz,, CDCI3)
8 7.81 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (d,
J= 8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.60-6.85 (m, 7H), 4.00-4.50 (m, 2H), 3.80
(s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.85-3.10 (m, 4H), 2.70-2.85 (m, 6H),
1.50-1.80 (m, 8H); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 77.47; H, 7.29; N,
2.74. Found: C, 77.25; H, 7.16; N, 2.71; MS (FD) m/e 511
(M+) .
To a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.3 g, 7.2 mmol)
stirring at 0° C in THF (40 mL) was slowly added a solution
of the product of Preparation 11 (1.8 g, 3.6 mmol) in THF (25
mL) over a 5 minutes period. The reaction mixture was
allowed to warmed to ambient temperature. After 1 hour, the
mixture was cooled to 0° C and quenched carefully with water
(0.4 mL) . To this solution, sodium hydroxide (1.2 ml, of 15%
w/w aqueous solution) was slowly added followed by water (0.4
mL). After stirring for 30 minutes, the mixture was filtered
and the solids were washed thoroughly with THF. The filtrate
was concentrated to give 1.71 g (93 %) of the desired product
as a white foam which was used without further purification:
1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.34 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.30
(m, 3H), 6.80-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.73 (s, 1H), 6.55 (m, 1H), 5.88
(s, 1H), 4.06 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.7 6 (s,
3H), 2.85-3.00 (m, 4H), 2.75-2.85 (m, 4H), 2.63-2.75 (m, 2H),
2.95 (m, 1H), 1.60-1.75 (m, 8H); Anal. Calc'd. for; C,
77.16; H, 7.65; N, 2.73. Found: C, 77.33; H, 7.79; N, 2.71;
MS (FD) m/e 513 (M+).
To a solution of the product of Example 2 5 (1.7 g, 3.3 mmol)
stirring in ethyl acetate (100 mL) at ambient temperature was
added hydrochloric acid (100 mL of a saturated solution in
ethyl acetate). The resulting mixture was concentrated to
give 1.66 g (94%) of the desired product which was used
without purification: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.48 (t, J =
8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, lH), 7.20-7.35 (m, 3H) ,
7.10 (m, 1H), 6.85-7.00 (m 4H), 6.75 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H),
4.45-4.60 (m, 2H), 4.37 (s, 2H) , 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H),
3.55-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.50 (m, 2H), 3.00-3.20 (m, 2H),
2.10-2.25 (m, 2H) , 1.80-2.00 (m, 4H) , 1.60-1.80 (m, 2H); 13C-
NMR (75 MHz, DMSO) 5 155.6, 137.15, 134.29, 134.19, 134.08,
132.29, 130.15, 129.01, 128.79, 127.28, 126.91, 125.95,
124.94, 118.63, 114.61, 113.70, 106.79, 62.42, 55.20, 55.13,
55.10, 54.85, 54.10, 33.77, 30.44, 26.05, 22.72; Anal,
Calc'd. for: C, 74.49; H, 7.20; N, 2.63. Found: C, 74.73;
H, 7.16; N, 2.62; MS (FD) m/e 495 (M+ -hydrochloric acid); IR
(KBr) 2934.10, 2862.73, 2835.72, 2448.94, 1624.27, 1608.84,
1511.42 cm-1.
To a solution of the product of Example 2 6 (1.3 g, 2.4 mmol)
stirring in 1,2-dichloroethane (3 0 mL) at 0° C was added
boron trichloride (10 mL, 117 mmol). The resulting dark
purple solution was stirred overnight at ambient temperature
in a sealed tube then cooled to 0° C. Methanol (2 5 mL) was
slowly added over a period of 3 0 minutes (caution: gas
evolution) and the resulting solution was concentrated. The
crude material was dissolved in 20% methanol/chloroform and
subsequently washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and
brine. The organic extract was dried (sodium sulfate),
filtered, and concentrated. The resulting brown foam was
purified by radial chromatography (ethyl acetate
/triethylamine/methanol/hexanes gradient) to provide a tan
solid. This material was dissolved in ethyl acetate then
washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate. The organic
extract was concentrated to give 0.60 g (54%) of the desired
product as a white foam: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 9.64 (s,
1H), 9.41 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.5 Hz,
1H), 7.00-7.10 (m, 3H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 8.6 Hz,
2H), 6.70-6.78 (m, 4H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 3.91 (t, J = 6.0 Hz,
2H), 2.70-2.80 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 4H), 1.40-1.60 (m, 8H);
Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 79.63; H, 7.11; N, 2.99. Found: C,
79.35; H, 6.87; N, 2.75; MS (FD) m/e 468 (M+); IR (KBrS
3362.35, 2926.39, 2855.98, 1734.23, 1704.33, 1610.77, 1509.49
cm"1.
Reaction of the product of Preparation 10 (2.1 g, 4.3 mmol),
morpholine (1.13 mL, 12.9 mmol), and potassium carbonate
(1.78 g, 12.9 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) according to the procedure
in Preparation 11 gave a 80% yield of the desired product as
a thick oil: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.83 (d, J = 8.7 Hz,
2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.20 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.7
Hz, 1H), 6.65-6.80 (m, 5H), 4.05-4.20 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H),
3.73 (s, 3H), 3.70-3.80 (m, 4H), 2.90 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H),
2.75-2.85 (m, 4H), 2.50-2.60 (m, 4H); MS (FD) m/e 499 (M+);
Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 74.53; H, 6.66; N, 2.80. Found: C,
74.75; H, 6.58; N, 2.83.
Reaction of the product of Preparation 10 (2.1 g, 4.3 mmol),
3,3-dimethylpyrrolidine (1.2 g, 12 mmol), and potassium
carbonate (1.8 g, 13 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) according to the
procedure in Preparation 11 gave a 60% yield of the desired
product as a thick oil: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.80 (d, J
= 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (d, J = 8.6 Hz,
1H), 6.73-6.80 (m, 3H), 6.67 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.60 (m,
1H), 4.05 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 2.89-3.05 (m,
2H), 2.73-2.86 (m, 4H), 2.64-2.75 (m, 2H), 2.04 (s, 2H), 1.60
(t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H) , 1.07 (s, 6H) ; MS (FD) m/e 511 (M+).
Reaction of the product of Preparation 12 (1.6 g, 3.2 mmol)
with lithium aluminum hydride (0.3 g, 7.2 mmol) in THF (65
mL) according to the procedure in Example 25 gave a 98% yield
of the desired product as a white foam: 1H-NMR (300 Hz, CDCI3)
8 7.39 (d, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 4H), 6.80-7.00 (m, 3H),
6.73 (m, 1H) , 6.55 (m, 1H), 5.86 (d, J = 4.2 Hz, 1H), 4.09
(t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70-3.80 (m, 4H), 3.76
(s, 3H), 2.85-3.00 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 1H),
2.55-2.65 (m, 4H) , 1.05-1.10 (m, 2H); MS (FD) m/e 501 (M+);
Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 74.23; H, 7.03; N, 2.79. Found: C,
74.51; H, 7.18; N, 2.79.
Reaction of the product of Preparation 13 (1.3 g, 2.5 mmol)
with lithium aluminum hydride (0.2 g, 5.0 mmol) in THF (65
mli) according to the procedure in Example 25 gave a 98% yield
of the desired product as a white foam: 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
CDCI3) 8 3.33 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.80-
6.90 (m, 4H) , 6.70 (m, 1H), 6.52 (m, 1H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 4.04
(t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 2.80-2.95
(m, 4H), 2.60-2.75 (m, 4H), 2.42 (s, 2H), 2.20 (m, 1H), 1.85
(m, 1H) , 1.61 (m, 1H) , 1.08 (s, 6H) ; MS (FD) 513 (M+); Anal.
Calc'd. for: C, 77.16, H, 7.65, N, 2.73. Found: C, 77.33;
H, 7.51; N, 2.69.
Reaction of the product of Example 28 (1.58 g, 3.1 mmol) with
hydrochloric acid (100 mL of a saturated solution in ethyl
acetate) in ethyl acetate (100 mL) according to the procedure
in Example 2 6 gave a 94% yield of the desired product as a
white foam: 3-H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13)8 7.70-7.85 (m, 2.H) , 7.44
(d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.40 (m, 4H) , 6.86-7.15 (m, 4H),
6.70-6.86 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.65 (m, 2H), 4.25-4.50 (m, 4H) ,
3.83-4.10 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.50-3,70 (m,
2H), 3.40-3.50 (m, 2H), 3.00-3.20 (m, 2H); MS (FD) m/e 483
(M+ -hydrochloric acid).
Reaction of the product of Example 2 9 (1.2 g, 2.4 mmol) with
hydrochloric acid (100 mL of a saturated solution in ethyl
acetate) in ethyl acetate (100 mL) according to the procedure
in Example 26 gave a 92% yield of the desired product as a
white foam: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.29 (t, J = 9.3 Hz,
2H) , 7.41 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.15-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.19 (d, J
= 6.8 Hz, 1H), 6.85-7.00 (m, 4H), 6.73 (d, J = 7.52 Hz, 2H),
4.48 (s, 2H), 4.35 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.60
(m, 1H), 3.15-3.50 (m, 2H), 3.15 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.05
(m, 1H) , 1.85 (m, 1H) , 1.75 (m, 1H) , 1.33 (s, 3H) , 1.22 (s,
3H); MS (FD) m/e 495 (M+ -hydrochloric acid); Anal. Calc'd.
for: C, 74.49; H, 7.20; N, 2.63. Found: C, 74.70; H, 7.18;
N, 2.47.
Reaction of the product of Example 30 (1.28 g, 2.40 mmol)
with boron trichloride (10 mL, 117 mmol) in 1,2-
dichloroethane (30 mL) according to the procedure in Example
27 gave a 28% yield of the desired product as a white solid:
IR (KBr) 3317.99, 2927.35, 2868.51, 1610.77, 1509.49 cm-1; 1E-
NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.75 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H),
7.37 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.20 (m, 2H), 6.65-7.05 (m,
8H), 5.50 (br s, 2H), 4.32 (s, 2H), 4.00-4.20 (m, 2H), 3.70-
3.80 (m, 4H), 2.70-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.70 (m, 4H); MS (FD)
m/e 456 (M+); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 76.46; H, 6.42; N ,3.07.
Found: C, 76.75; H, 6.44; N, 3.02.
Reaction of the product of Example 31 (1.2 g, 2.3 mmol) with
boron trichloride (10 mL, 117 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (30
mL) according to the procedure in Example 27 gave a 58% yield
of the desired product as a white solid: IR (KBr) 3370.07,
2955.32, 2869.48, 1711.08, 1610.77, 1510.46 cm"1; 1H-NMR (300
MHz, CDC13) 8 7.71 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.5Hz,
1H), 7.32 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.15 (m, 3H), 6.98 (m,
1H), 6.75-6.85 (m, 4H), 6.58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 4.28 (s,
2H), 4.11 (t, J = 7.70 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) ,
2.82 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 1,66 ft,
J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.10 (s, 6H); MS (FD) m/e 468 (M+); Anal.
Calc'd. for: C, 79.63; H, 7.11; N, 3.00. Found: C, 79.65;
H, 7.24; N, 2.72.
To 50 mL of dioxane were added 6.0 g (15 mmol) of [3,4-
Dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxynaphthalen-l-yl] i,4-
methoxyphenyDmethanone and 7.3 g (32 mmol) of 2,3-dichloro-
5,6-dicyano-l,4-benzoquinone. The mixture was heated to
reflux for 2 hours, then allowed to stir at ambient
temperature for 60 hours. The mixture was then concentrated
to dryness and the residue was taken up in 50 0 mL of
methylene chloride and washed 3 times with 400 mL of 2N
sodium hydroxide followed by one washing with 500 mL of
deionized water. The resulting organic layer was separated,
dried on sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed under
vacuum. The resulting material was then purified by flash
chromatography (silica gel, 20% ethyl acetate/hexanes
gradient to yield 4.75 g (80%) of the title compound as a
white foam: NMR QE300 MHz in CDCl3: (3.80ppm, s, 3H»,
(4.00ppm, s, 3H),(6.75ppm, d, 2H), (6.85ppm, d, 2H),
(7.20ppm, dd, 1H) (7.30ppm, ds, 1H), (7.40ppm, d, 2H),
(7.60ppm, d, 1H), (7.75ppm, d, 2H), (7.95ppm, d, 1H). MS
(FD) me/e 398 (M+); Anal. Calc'd. for: C, 78.37; H, 5.57.
Found: C, 78.55; H, 5.78.
To 20 mL of propyl benzene were added 240 mg (6.01 mmol) of
95% lithium aluminum hydride and 240 mg (0.484 mmol) of the
compound from Preparation 14. The mixture was heated to
reflux for 35 minutes and allowed to cool to ambient
temperature. To the mixture was carefully added 1 mL of
deionized water followed by 3 mL of 15% sodium
hydroxide/deionized water (w/w), and then another 1 mL of
deionized water. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at
ambient temperature and the precipitate was removed by vacuum
filter. The mother liquor was then diluted with methylene
chloride (100 mL), washed once with brine, dried on sodium
sulfate, and rotovaped to dryness. The brown gum was
purified by radial chromatography on a 4 mm plate and 19:1
methylene chloride:methanol as eluent to provide the title
compound. NMR QE300 MHz in CDC13: (1.55ppm, m, 2H),
(1.75ppm, complex, 4H), (2.60 ppm, complex, 4H), (2.85ppm, t,
2H), (3.95ppm, s, 3H), (4.05ppm, s, 3H), 4.20ppm, t, 2H),
(4.45ppm, s, 2H), (6.85ppm, d, 2H) , (7.00ppm, complex, 4H).
(7.15ppm, dd, 1H), (7.25ppm, ds, 1H), (7.35ppm, d, 2H),
(7.50ppm, d, 1H), 7.80ppm, d, 1H), (7,90ppm, d, 1H). MS (FD)
me/e 481 (M+).
To a suspension of the deprotected product of Preparation 12,
such deprotection accomplished via standard procedures as
herein described, (0.51 g, 1.00 mmol) stirring in n-
propylbenzene is added Red-Al® (0.87 g, 6.00 mmol), and the
mixture is heated to reflux. After 3 hours, the solution is
cooled to ambient temperature and carefully quenched with
excess 1.0 N hydrochloric acid. The resulting biphasic
mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined
organic extracts washed with saturated aqueous bicarbonate,
brine, dried (MgSO4), filtered, and concentrated.
Purification of the crude material by radial chromatography
(silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexanes/methanol/ triethylamine
(2.5/2.5/0.7/0.3) provides the title material.
Test Procedure
general Preparation Procedure
In the examples illustrating the methods, a post-
menopausal model was used in which effects of different
treatments upon circulating lipids were determined.
Seventy-five day old female Sprague Dawley rats
(weight range of 200 to 225g) were obtained from Charles
River Laboratories (Portage, MI). The animals were either
bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or exposed to a Sham
surgical procedure at Charles River Laboratories, and then
shipped after one week. Upon arrival, they were housed in
metal hanging cages in groups of 3 or 4 per cage and had ad
libitum access to food (calcium content approximately 0.5%)
and water for one week. Room temperature was maintained at
22.2° ± 1.7° C with a minimum relative humidity of 40%. The
photoperiod in the room was 12 hours light and 12 hours dark.
Dosing Reaimen Tissue Collection. After a one week
acclimation period (therefore, two weeks post-OVX) daily
dosing with test compound was initiated. 17oc-ethynyl
estradiol or the test compound were given orally, unless
otherwise stated, as a suspension in 1%
carboxymethylcellulose or dissolved in 20% cyclodextrin.
Animals were dosed daily for 4 days. Following the dosing
regimen, animals were weighed and anesthetized with a
ketamine: Xylazine (2:1, V:V) mixture and a blood sample was
collected by cardiac puncture. The animals were then
sacrificed by asphyxiation with CO2, the uterus was removed
through a midline incision, and a wet uterine weight was
determined.
Cholesterol Analysis. Blood samples were allowed to clot at
room temperature for 2 hours, and serum was obtained
following centrifugation for 10 minutes at 3 000 rpm. Serum
cholesterol was determined using a Boehringer Mannheim
Diagnostics high performance cholesterol assay. Briefly the
cholesterol was oxidized to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen
peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide was then reacted with phenol
and 4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidase to produce
a p-quinone imine dye, which was read spectrophotemetrically
at 500 nm. Cholesterol concentration was then calculated
against a standard curve. The entire assay was automated
using a Biomek Automated Workstation.
Uterine Eosinophil Peroxidase (EPO) Assay. Uteri were kept
at 4° C until time of enzymatic analysis. The uteri were
then homogenized in 50 volumes of 50 mM Tris buffer (pH -
8.0) containing 0.005% Triton X-100. Upon addition of 0.01%
hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM O-phenylenediamine (final
concentrations) in Tris buffer, increase in absorbance was
monitored for one minute at 450 nm. The presence of
eosonophils in the uterus is an indication of estrogenic
activity of a compound. The maximal velocity of a 15 second
interval was determined over the initial, linear portion of
the reaction curve.
Source of Compound: 17a-ethynyl estradiol was obtained from
Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO.
Influence of Formula I Compounds on Serum Cholesterol and
Determination of Agonist/Non-Aaonist Activity
Data presented in Table 1 below show comparative
results among ovariectomized rats, rats treated with 17a-
ethynyl estradiol (EE2; an orally available form of estrogen),
and rats treated with certain compounds of the present
invention. Although EE2 caused a decrease in serum
cholesterol when orally administered at 0.1 mg/kg/day, it
also exerted a stimulatory action on the uterus so that EE2
uterine weight was substantially greater than the uterine
weight of ovariectomized test animals. This uterine response
to estrogen is well recognized in the art.
Not only did the compounds of the present invention
generally reduce serum cholesterol compared to the
ovariectomized control animals, but uterine weight was only
minimally increased to slightly decreased with the majority
of the formula compounds tested. Compared to estrogenic
compounds known in the art, the benefit of serum cholesterol
reduction without adversely affecting uterine weight is quite
rare and desirable.
As is expressed in the below data, estrogenicity
also was assessed by evaluating the adverse response of
eosinophil infiltration into the uterus. The compounds of
the present invention did not cause any increase in the
number of eosinophils observed in the stromal layer of
ovariectomized rats, while estradiol cause a substantial,
expected increase in eosinophil infiltration.
The data presented in the Tables 1 below reflects
the response of 5 to 6 rats per treatment.
In addition to the demonstrated benefits of the
compounds of the present invention, especially when compared
to estradiol, the above data clearly demonstrate that
compounds of Formula I are not estrogen mimetics.
Furthermore, no deleterious toxicological effects (survival)
were observed with any treatment.
Osteoporosis Test Procedure
Following the General Preparation Procedure, infra,
the rats were treated daily for 35 days (6 rats per treatment
group) and sacrificed by carbon dioxide asphyxiation on the
3 6th day. The 3 5 day time period was sufficient to allow
maximal reduction in bone density, measured as described
herein. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri were removed,
dissected free of extraneous tissue, and the fluid contents
were expelled before determination of wet weight in order to
confirm estrogen deficiency associated with complete
ovariectomy. Uterine weight was routinely reduced about 75%
in response to ovariectomy. The uteri were then placed in
10% neutral buffered formalin to allow for subsequent
histological analysis.
The right femurs were excised and digitilized x-
rays generated and analyzed by an image analysis program (NIH
image) at the distal metaphysis. The proximal aspect of the
tibiae from these animals were also scanned by quantitative
computed tomography.
In accordance with the above procedures, compounds
of the present invention and ethynyl estradiol (EE2) in 20%
hydroxypropyl p-cyclodextrin were orally administered to test
animals. Distal femur metaphysis data presented in Tables 2
and 3 below are the results of formula I compound treatments
compared to intact and ovariectomized test animals. Results
are reported as the mean ± the standard error of the mean.
In summary, ovariectomy of the test animals caused
a significant reduction in femur density compared to intact,
vehicle treated controls. Orally administered ethynyl
estradiol (EE2) prevented this loss, but the risk of uterine
stimulation with this treatment is ever-present.
The compounds of the present invention also
prevented bone loss in a general, dose-dependent manner.
Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention are
useful for the treatment of post-menopausal syndrome,
particularly osteoporosis.
MCF-7 Proliferation Assay
MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells (ATCC HTB 22)
were maintained in MEM (minimal essential medium, phenol red-
free, Sigma, St. Louis, MO) supplimented with 10% fetal
bovine serum (FBS) (V/V), L-glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate
(ImM), HEPES {(N-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N'-[2-
ethanesulfonic acid]10 mM}, non-essential amino acids and
bovine insulin (1 ug/mL) (maintenance medium). Ten days
prior to assay, MCF-7 cells were switched to maintenance
medium supplemented with 10% dextran coated charcoal stripped
fetal bovine serum (DCC-FBS) assay medium) in place of 10%
FBS to deplete internal stores of steroids. MCF-7 cells were
removed from maintenance flasks using cell dissociation
medium (Ca++/Mg++ free HBSS (phenol red-free) supplemented
with 10 mM HEPES and 2 mM EDTA). Cells were washed twice
with assay medium and adjusted to 80,000 cells/mL.
Approximately 100 µL (8,000 cells) were added to flat-bottom
microculture wells (Costar 359 6) and incubated at 3 7° C in a
5% CO2 humidified incubator for 48 hours to allow for cell
adherence and equilibration after transfer. Serial dilutions
of drugs or DMSO as a diluent control were prepared in assay
medium and 50 µL transferred to triplicate microcultures
followed by 50 µL assay medium for a final volume of 200 µL.
After an additional 48 hours at 37° C in a 5% CO2 humidified
incubator, microcultures were pulsed with tritiated thymidine
(1 uCi/well) for 4 hours. Cultures were terminated by
freezing at -70° C for 24 hours followed by thawing and
harvesting of microcultures using a Skatron Semiautomatic
Cell Harvester. Samples were counted by liquid scintillation
using a Wallac BetaPlace (3 counter. Results in Table 4 below
show the IC50 for certain compounds of the present invention.
DMBA-Induced Mammary Tumor Inhibition
Estrogen-dependent mammary tumors are produced in
female Sprague-Dawley rats which are purchased from Harlan
Industries, Indianapolis, Indiana. At about 55 days of age,
the rats receive a single oral feeding of 20 mg of 7,12-
dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). About 6 weeks after DMBA
administration, the mammary glands are palpated at weekly
intervals for the appearance of tumors. Whenever one or more
tumors appear, the longest and shortest diameters of each
tumor are measured with a metric caliper, the measurements
are recorded, and that animal is selected for
experimentation. An attempt is made to uniformly distribute
the various sizes of tumors in the treated and control groups
such that average-sized tumors are equivalently distributed
between test groups. Control groups and test groups for each
experiment contain 5 to 9 animals.
Compounds of Formula I are administered either
through intraperitoneal injections in 2% acacia, or orally.
Orally administered compounds are either dissolved or
suspended in 0.2 mL corn oil. Each treatment, including
acacia and corn oil control treatments, is administered once
daily to each test animal. Following the initial tumor
measurement and selection of test animals, tumors are
measured each week by the above-mentioned method. The
treatment and measurements of animals continue for 3 to 5
weeks at which time the final areas of the tumors are
determined. For each compound and control treatment, the
change in the mean tumor area is determined.
Uterine Fibrosis Test Procedures
Test 1
Between 3 and 20 women having uterine fibrosis are
administered a compound of the present invention. The amount
of compound administered is from 0.1 to 1000 mg/day, and the
period of administration is 3 months.
The women are observed during the period of
administration, and up to 3 months after discontinuance of
administration, for effects on uterine fibrosis.
Test 2
The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the
period of administration is 6 months.
Test; 3
The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the
period of administration is 1 year.
Test 4
A. Induction of fibroid tumors in guinea pig.
Prolonged estrogen stimulation is used to induce
leiomyomata in sexually mature female guinea pigs. Animals
are dosed with estradiol 3-5 times per week by injection for
2-4 months or until tumors arise. Treatments consisting of a
compound of the invention or vehicle is administered daily
for 3-16 weeks and then animals are sacrificed and the uteri
harvested and analyzed for tumor regression.
B. Implantation of human uterine fibroid tissue in nude
mice.
Tissue from human leiomyomas are implanted into the
peritoneal cavity and or uterine myometrium of sexually
mature, castrated, female, nude mice. Exogenous estrogen are
supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. In some
cases, the harvested tumor cells are cultured in vitro prior
to implantation. Treatment consisting of a compound of the
present invention or vehicle is supplied by gastric lavage on
a daily basis for 3-16 weeks and implants are removed and
measured for growth or regression. At the time of sacrifice,
the uteri is harvested to assess the status of the organ.
Test 5
A. Tissue from human uterine fibroid tumors is harvested
and maintained, in vitro, as primary nontransformed cultures.
Surgical specimens are pushed through a sterile mesh or
sieve, or alternately teased apart from surrounding tissue to
produce a single cell suspension. Cells are maintained in
media containing 10% serum and antibiotic. Rates of growth
in the presence and absence of estrogen are determined.
Cells are assayed for their ability to produce complement
component C3 and their response to growth factors and growth
hormone. In vitro cultures are assessed for their
proliferative response following treatment with progestins,
GnRH, a compound of the present invention and vehicle.
Levels of steroid hormone receptors are assessed weekly to
determine whether important cell characteristics are
maintained in vitro. Tissue from 5-25 patients are utilized.
Activity in at least one of the above tests
indicates the compounds of the present invention are of
potential in the treatment of uterine fibrosis.
Endometriosis Test Procedure
In Tests 1 and 2, effects of 14-day and 21-day
administration of compounds of the present invention on the
growth of explanted endometrial tissue can be examined.
Test 1
Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are
used as test animals. They are divided into three groups of
equal numbers. The estrous cycle of all animals is
monitored. On the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on
each female. Females in each group have the left uterine
horn removed, sectioned into small squares, and the squares
are loosely sutured at various sites adjacent to the
mesenteric blood flow. In addition, females in Group 2 have
the ovaries removed.
On the day following surgery, animals in Groups 1
and 2 receive intraperitoneal injections of water for 14 days
whereas animals in Group 3 receive intraperitoneal injections
of 1.0 mg of a compound of the present invention per kilogram
of body weight for the same duration. Following 14 days of
treatment, each female is sacrificed and the endometrial
explants, adrenals, remaining uterus, and ovaries, where
applicable, are removed and prepared for histological
examination. The ovaries and adrenals are weighed.
Test 2
Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are
used as test animals. They are divided into two equal
groups. The estrous cycle of all animals is monitored. On
the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on each female.
Females in each group have the left uterine horn removed,
sectioned into small squares, and the squares are loosely
sutured at various sites adjacent to the mesenteric blood
flow.
Approximately 50 days following surgery, animals
assigned to Group 1 receive intraperitoneal injections of
water for 21 days whereas animals in Group 2 receive
intraperitoneal injections of 1.0 mg of a compound of the
present invention per kilogram of body weight for the same
duration. Following 21 days of treatment, each female is
sacrificed and the endometrial explants and adrenals are
removed and weighed. The explants are measured as an
indication of growth. Estrous cycles are monitored.
A. Surgical induction of endometriosis
Autographs of endometrial tissue are used to induce
endometriosis in rats and/or rabbits. Female animals at
reproductive maturity undergo bilateral oophorectomy, and
estrogen is supplied exogenously thus providing a specific
and constant level of hormone. Autologous endometrial tissue
is implanted in the peritoneum of 5-150 animals and estrogen
supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. Treatment
consisting of a compound of the present invention is supplied
by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16 weeks, and
implants are removed and measured for growth or regression.
At the time of sacrifice, the intact horn of the uterus is
harvested to assess status of endometrium.
B. Implantation of human endometrial tissue in nude mice.
Tissue from human endometrial lesions is implanted
into the peritoneum of sexually mature, castrated, female,
nude mice. Exogenous estrogen is supplied to induce growth
of the explanted tissue. In some cases, the harvested
endometrial cells are cultured in vitro prior to
implantation. Treatment consisting of a compound of the
present invention supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis
for 3-16 weeks, and implants are removed and measured for
growth or regression. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri
is harvested to assess the status of the intact endometrium.
Test 4
A. Tissue from human endometrial lesions is harvested and
maintained in vitro as primary nontransformed cultures.
Surgical specimens are pushed through a sterile mesh or
sieve, or alternately teased apart from surrounding tissue to
produce a single cell suspension. Cells are maintained in
media containing 10% serum and antibiotic. Rates of growth
in the presence and absence of estrogen are determined.
Cells are assayed for their ability to produce complement
component C3 and their response to growth factors and growth
hormone. In vitro cultures are assessed for their
proliferative response following treatment with progestins,
GnRH, a compound of the invention, and vehicle. Levels of
steroid hormone receptors are assessed weekly to determine
whether important cell characteristics are maintained in
vitro. Tissue from 5-25 patients is utilized.
Activity in any of the above assays indicates that
the compounds of the present invention are useful in the
treatment of endometriosis.
Inhibition of Aortal Smooth Cell Proliferation/Restenosis
Test Procedure
Compounds of the present invention have capacity to
inhibit aortal smooth cell proliferation. This can be
demonstrated by using cultured smooth cells derived from
rabbit aorta, proliferation being determined by the
measurement of DNA synthesis. Cells are obtained by explant
method as described in Ross, J. of Cell Bio. 50: 172 (1971).
Cells are plated in 96 well microtiter plates for five days.
The cultures become confluent and growth arrested. The cells
are then transferred to Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium
(DMEM) containing 0.5 - 2% platelet poor plasma, 2 mM L-
glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 mg ml streptomycin, 1
mC/ml 3H-thymidine, 20 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor,
and varying concentrations of the present compounds. Stock
solution of the compounds is prepared in dimethyl sulphoxide
and then diluted to appropriate concentration (0.01 - 30 mM)
in the above assay medium. Cells are then incubated at 3 7°
C. for 24 hours under 5% C02/95% air. At the end of 24
hours, the cells are fixed in methanol. 3H thymidine
incorporation in DNA is then determined by scintillation
counting as described in Bonin, et al. , Exp. Cell Res, 181:
475-482 (1989) .
Inhibition of aortal smooth muscle cell
proliferation by the compounds of the present invention are
further demonstrated by determining their effects on
exponentially growing cells. Smooth muscle cells from rabbit
aortae are seeded in 12 well tissue culture plates in DMEM
containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml
penicillin, and 100 mg/ml streptomycin. After 24 hours, the
cells are attached and the medium is replaced with DMEM
containing 10% serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin,
100 mg/ml streptomycin, and desired concentrations of the
compounds. Cells are allowed to grow for four days. Cells
are treated with trypsin and the number of cells in each
culture is determined by counting using a ZM-Coulter counter.
Activity in the above tests indicates that the
compounds of the present invention are of potential in the
treatment of restenosis.
The present invention also provides a method of
alleviating post-menopausal syndrome in women which comprises
the aforementioned method using compounds of Formula I and
further comprises administering to a woman an effective
amount of estrogen or progestin. These treatments are
particularly useful for treating osteoporosis and lowering
serum cholesterol because the patient will receive the
benefits of each pharmaceutical agent while the compounds of
the present invention would inhibit undesirable side-effects
of estrogen and progestin. Activity of these combination
treatments in any of the post-menopausal tests, infra,
indicates that the combination treatments are useful for
alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal symptoms in
women.
Various forms of estrogen and progestin are
commercially available. Estrogen-based agents include, for
example, ethynyl estrogen (0.01 - 0.03 mg/day), mestranol
(0.05 - 0.15 mg/day), and conjugated estrogenic hormones such
as Premarin® (Wyeth-Ayerst; 0.3 - 2.5 mg/day). Progestin-
based agents include, for example, medroxyprogesterone such
as Provera® (Upjohn; 2.5 -10 mg/day), norethylnodrel (1.0 -
10.0 mg/day), and nonethindrone (0.5 - 2.0 mg/day). A
preferred estrogen-based compound is Premarin, and
norethylnodrel and norethindrone are preferred progestin-
based agents.
The method of administration of each estrogen- and
progestin-based agent is consistent with that which is known
in the art. For the majority of the methods of the present
invention, compounds of Formula I are administered
continuously, from 1 to 3 times daily. However, cyclical
therapy may especially be useful in the treatment of
endometriosis or may be used acutely during painful attacks
of the disease. In the case of restenosis, therapy may be
limited to short (1-6 months) intervals following medical
procedures such as angioplasty.
As used herein, the term "effective amount" means
an amount of compound of the present invention which is
capable of alleviating the symptoms of the various
pathological conditions herein described. The specific dose
of a compound administered according to this invention will,
of course, be determined by the particular circumstances
surrounding the case including, for example, the compound
administered, the route of administration, the state of being
of the patient, and the pathological condition being treated.
A typical daily dose will contain a nontoxic dosage level of
from about 5 mg to about 600 mg/day of a compound of the
present invention. Preferred daily doses generally will be
from about 15 mg to about 80 mg/day.
The compounds of this invention can be administered
by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal,
subucutaneus, intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal.
These compounds preferably are formulated prior to
administration, the selection of which will be decided by the
attending physician. Thus, another aspect of the present
invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an
effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally
containing an effective amount of estrogen or progestxn, and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.
The total active ingredients in such formulations
comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation.
By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier,
diluent, excipients and salt must be compatible with the
other ingredients of the formulation, and not deleterious to
the recipient thereof.
Pharmaceutical formulations of the present
invention can be prepared by procedures known in the art
using well known and readily available ingredients. For
example, the compounds of formula I, with or without an
estrogen or progestin compound, can be formulated with common
excipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets,
capsules, suspensions, powders, and the like. Examples of
excipients, diluents, and carriers that are suitable for such
formulations include the following: fillers and extenders
such as starch, sugars, mannitol, and silicic derivatives;
binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose and other
cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin, and polyvinyl-
pyrrolidone; moisturizing agents such as glycerol;
disintegrating agents such as calcium carbonate and sodium
bicarbonate; agents for retarding dissolution such as
paraffin; resorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium
compounds; surface active agents such as cetyl alcohol,
glycerol monostearate; adsorptive carriers such as kaolin and
bentonite; and lubricants such as talc, calcium and magnesium
stearate, and solid polyethyl glycols.
The compounds also can be formulated as elixirs or
solutions for convenient oral administration or as solutions
appropriate for parenteral administration, for example, by
intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous routes.
Additionally, the compounds are well suited to formulation as
sustained release dosage forms and the like. The
formulations can be so constituted that they release the
active ingredient only or preferably in a particular
physiological location, possibly over a period of time. The
coatings, envelopes, and protective matrices may be made, for
example, from polymeric substances or waxes.
Compounds of formula I, alone or in combination
with a pharmaceutical agent of the present invention,
generally will be administered in a convenient formulation.
The following formulation examples only are illustrative and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are
passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly.
The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the
resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh
U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50°-60° C
and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium
carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc,
previously passed through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added
to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a
tablet machine to yield tablets.
Suspensions each containing 0.1 - 1000 mg of
medicament per 5 ml dose are made as follows:
The medicament is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and
mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to
form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor, and
color are diluted with some of the water and added, with
stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the
required volume.
An aerosol solution is prepared containing the following
ingredients:
The active ingredient is mixed with ethanol and the
mixture added to a portion of the propellant 22, cooled to
30° C, and transferred to a filling device. The required
amount is then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted
with the remaining propellant. The valve units are then
fitted to the container.
Suppositories are prepared as follows:
The active ingredient is passed through a No. 6 0
mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid
glycerides previously melted using the minimal necessary
heat. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of
nominal 2 g capacity and allowed to cool.
An intravenous formulation is prepared as follows:
The solution of the above ingredients is
intravenously administered to a patient at a rate of about 1
mL per minute.
WE CLAIM Claims
1. A compound of formula I
wherein
R1 is -H, -OH, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C6
alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
R2 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4
alkyl) or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
n is 2 or 3; and
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-
pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino,
dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2 . A compound according to Claim 1 wherein n is 2
and R3 is 1-piperidinyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof.
3. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein R1 and
R2 each are -OH, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof.
4. A compound according to Claim 2 wherein R1 and
R2 each are -OCH3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof.
wherein
Rla is -H, -OH, or -O (C1-C4 alkyl);
R2a is -H, -OH, or -O (C1-C4 alkyl);
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolldinyl, dimethylamino,
diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; and
n is 2 or 3;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
6. A compound according to Claim 5 wherein R1 and
R2 each are -OH, R3 is 1-piperidinyl, and n is 2, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
7. A compound as claimed in any one of Ciaxms 1
to 6 wherein said salt thereof is the hydrochloride salt.
8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising as an
active ingredient a compound as claimed in any one of Claims
1 to 6, or a pharmaceutically salt thereof, and, optionally,
estrogen or progestin, associated with one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents, or
excipients.
9. A compound as claimed in any one of Claims 1
to 6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and,
optionally, estrogen or progestin, for use as an agent for
alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal syndrome,
particularly osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease including
hyperlipidemia, and estrogen-dependent cancer including
breast and uterine cancer, and inhibiting uterine fibroid
disease, endometriosis, aortal smooth muscle cell
proliferation, and restenosis.
10. A compound according to Claim 8 wherein said
salt is the hydrochloride salt.
11. A process for preparing a compound of formula
wherein
R1 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4
alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
R2 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4
alkyl) or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-
pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino,
dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;
M is -CH(OH)- or-CH2-; and
n is 2 or 3;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which
comprises
a) reacting a compound of formula IIId
wherein
Rlb is -H or -CXC1-C4 alkyl);
R2b is -H or -CXC1-C4 alkyl); and
R3 and n are as defined above, with a reducing
agent;
b) when Rlb and/or R2b is -0(C1-C4 alkyl),
optionally removing the Rlb and/or R2b hydroxy protecting
groups;
c) when R1 and R2 are -OH, optionally
replacing said hydroxy groups with a substituent of the
formula -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -COC6H5, -OCO(C1-C4 alkyl), or
-OSO2(C1-C4 alkyl); and
d) optionally salifying the reaction product
from step a), b), or c.
12. A process for preparing a compound of formula
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethylamino,
diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; and
n is 2 or 3;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which
comprises
a) reacting a compound of formula IIId
R3 and n are as defined above, with a reducing
agent in the presence of a solvent having a boiling point in
the range from about 150° C to about 200° C, and heating the
mixture to reflux;
b) when Rlb and/or R2b is -O(C1-C4 alkyl),
optionally removing the Rlb and/or R2b hydroxy protecting
groups; and
c) optionally salifying the reaction product
from step a) or b).
The present invention provides a compound of formula I
wherein
R1 is -H, -OH, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C6 alkyl), or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
R2 is -H, -OH, -0(C1-C4 alkyl), -OCOC6H5, -OCO(C1-C6 alkyl) or -OSO2(C4-C6 alkyl);
n is 2 or 3; and
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
Also provided are intermediate compounds of formula IV
wherein
Rla is -H, -OH, or -O(C1-C4 alkyl); R2a is -H, -OH, or -O(C1-C4 alkyl);
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; and
n is 2 or 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula I, optionally containing estrogen or progestin, and the use of such compounds alone, or in combination with estrogen or progestin, for alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal syndrome, particularly osteoporosis, cardiovascular related pathological conditions, and estrogen-dependent cancer. As used herein, the term "progestin" includes compounds having progestational activity such as, for example, pr ogesterone, norethylnodrel, nongestrel, megestrol acetate, norethindrone, and the like.
The compounds of the present invention also are useful for inhibiting uterine fibroid disease and endometriosis in women and aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly restenosis, in humans.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a novel process for preparing compounds of formula Ia
wherein
Rla is -H, -OH, or -O(C1-C4 alkyl);
R2a is -H, -OH, or -O(C1-C4 alkyl);
R3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethylamino, diethylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino; and
n is 2 or 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which comprises
a) reacting a compound of formula IIId
wherein
Rlb is -H or -O(C1-C4 alkyl);
R2b is -H or -O(C1-C4 alkyl); and
R3 and n are as defined above, with a reducing agent in the presence of a solvent having a boiling point in the range from about 150° C to about 200° C, and heating the mixture to reflux;
b) when Rlb and/or R2b is -O (C1-C4 alkyl), optionally removing the Rlb and/or R2b hydroxy protecting groups; and
c) optionally salifying the reaction product from step a) or b).