AU2001281970A1

AU2001281970A1 - Arylethene-sulfonamides, their preparation and their use as endothelin antagonists

Info

Publication number: AU2001281970A1
Application number: AU2001281970A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Martin Bolli; Christoph Boss; Martine Clozel; Walter Fischli; Thomas Weller
Original assignee: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Current assignee: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-21
Filing date: 2001-07-10
Publication date: 2002-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-10

Description

Novel Arylethene-Sulfonamides

The present invention relates to novel arylethene-sulfonamides of the general formula I and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects including processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of the general formula I and especially their use as endothelin antagonists.

Endothelins (ET-1 , ET-2, and ET-3) are 21-amino acid peptides produced and active in almost all tissues (Yanagisawa M et al.: Nature (1988) 332:411). Endothelins are potent vasoconstrictors and important mediators of cardiac, renal, endocrine and immune functions (McMillen MA et al.: J Am Coll Surg (1995) 180:621). They participate in bronchoconstriction and regulate neurotransmitter release, activation of inflammatory cells, fibrosis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation (Rubanyi GM et al.: Pharmacol Rev (1994) 46:328).

Two endothelin receptors have been cloned and characterized in mammals (ET_A> ET_B) (Arai H et al.: Nature (1990) 348:730; Sakurai T et al.: Nature (1990) 348:732). The ET_A receptor is characterized by higher affinity for ET-1 and ET-2 than for ET-3. It is predominant in vascular smooth muscle cells and mediates vasoconstricting and proliferative responses (Ohlstein EH et al.: Drug Dev Res (1993) 29:108). In contrast, the ET_B receptor has equivalent affinity for the 3 endothelin isopeptides and binds the linear form of endothelin, tetra-ala- endothelin, and sarafotoxin S6C (Ogawa Y et al.: BBRC (1991) 178:248). This receptor is located in the vascular endothelium and smooth muscles, and is also particularly abundant in lung and brain. The ETB receptor from endothelial cells mediates transient vasodilator responses to ET-1 and ET-3 through the release of nitric oxide and/or prostacyclin whereas the ET_B receptor from smooth muscle cells exerts vasoconstricting actions (Sumner MJ et al.: Brit J Pharmacol (1992) 107:858). ETA and ETB receptors are highly similar in structure and belong to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors.

A pathophysiological role has been suggested for ET-1 in view of its increased plasma and tissue levels in several disease states such as hypertension, sepsis, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, renal failure, migraine and asthma. As a consequence, endothelin receptor antagonists have been studied extensively as potential therapeutic agents. Endothelin receptor antagonists have demonstrated preclinical and/or clinical efficacy in various diseases such as cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage, heart failure, pulmonary and systemic hypertension, neurogenic inflammation, renal failure and myocardial infarction.

Today, no endothelin receptor antagonist is marketed yet, several are in clinical trials. However, these molecules possess a number of weaknesses such as complex synthesis, low solubility, high molecular weight, poor pharmacokinetics, or safety problems (e.g. liver enzyme increases).

The inhibitory activity of the compounds of general formula I on endothelin receptors can be demonstrated using the test procedures described hereinafter:

For the evaluation of the potency and efficacy of the compounds of the general formula I the following tests were used:

1) Inhibition of endothelin binding to membranes from CHO cells carrying human ET receptors:

For competition binding studies, membranes of CHO cells expressing human recombinant ETA or ETB receptors were used. Microsomal membranes from recombinant CHO cells were prepared and the binding assay made as previously described (Breu V., et al, FEBS Lett 1993; 334:210).

The assay was performed in 200 uL 50 mM Tris/HCI buffer, pH 7.4, including 25 mM MnCfe, 1 mM EDTA and 0.5% (w/v) BSA in polypropylene microtiter plates. Membranes containing 0.5 ug protein were incubated for 2 h at 20°C with 8 pM [¹²⁵I]ET-1 (4000 cpm) and increasing concentrations of unlabelled antagonists. Maximum and minimum binding were estimated in samples without and with 100 nM ET-1 , respectively. After 2 h, the membranes were filtered on filterplates containing GF/C filters (Unifilterplates from Canberra Packard S.A. Zurich, Switzerland). To each well, 50 uL of scintillation cocktail was added (MicroScint 20, Canberra Packard S.A. Zurich, Switzerland) and the filter plates counted in a microplate counter (TopCount, Canberra Packard S.A. Zurich, Switzerland).

All the test compounds were dissolved, diluted and added in DMSO. The assay was run in the presence of 2.5% DMSO which was found not to interfere significantly with the binding. IC₅o was calculated as the concentration of antagonist inhibiting 50 % of the specific binding of ET-1. For reference compounds, the following IC₅o values were found: ET_A cells: 0.075 nM (n=8) for ET-1 and 118 nM (n=8) for ET-3; ET_B cells: 0.067 nM (n=8) for ET-1 and 0.092 nM (n=3) for ET-3.

The IC₅₀ values obtained with compounds of general formula I are given in Table 1. Table 1:

Compound of Example IC₅₀[nM] ET_A ET_B

Example 1 1.8 569

Example 2 25.4 1835

Example 3 46.3 722

Example 6 82.4 1351

Example 13 28.7 3989

Example 4 273.4 8605

Example 11 18.53 264.2

Example 12 52.1 532

Example 5 12.8 129.5

Example 14 4.75 841

Example 15 17.98 2129

Example 16 62.2 1125

Example21 14.67 749

Example 23 8.2 270

Example 24 21.7 657

Example 27 11.5 193

Example 30 41.8 9075

Example 36 20 3392

Example 40 6.2 629

Example 41 5.4 1781

Example 43 4.6 408

Example 45 19.3 332

Example 46 41.7 541

Example 47 7.04 752

Example 48 10.6 832

Example 49 27.2 4143

Example 50 30.99 6894 Example 51 4.56 173

Example 52 7.5 1487

Example 53 21 1362

Example 54 14 183

Example 58 24 277

Example 60 30 558

Example 62 58 4905

Example 65 17 2517

Example 67 7.8 752

Example 69 6 1647

Example 70 16 258

Example 71 17 507

Example 72 9 2385

Example 73 7.6 4757

Example 74 7.8 3526

Example 75 17.6 >10000

Example 80 19.7 2569

Example 83 27.5 7589

Example 85 3.8 238

Example 86 4.6 193

Example 87 3.9 439

Example 88 6 496

Example 89 4.6 1221

Example 90 4.3 336

Example 92 20 7470

Example 95 33 8391

Example 101 30.7 8682

Example 104 54 8336

Example 107 8.5 4645

Example 109 39 >10000 2) Inhibition of endothelin-induced contractions on isolated rat aortic rings (ET_A receptors) and rat tracheal rings (ETB receptors):

The functional inhibitory potency of the endothelin antagonists was assessed by their inhibition of the contraction induced by endothelin-1 on rat aortic rings (ET_A receptors) and of the contraction induced by sarafotoxin S6c on rat tracheal rings (ETB receptors). Adult Wistar rats were anesthetized and exsanguinated. The thoracic aorta or trachea were excised, dissected and cut in 3-5 mm rings. The endothelium/epithelium was removed by gentle rubbing of the intimal surface. Each ring was suspended in a 10 ml isolated organ bath filled with Krebs- Henseleit solution (in mM; NaCl 115, KCI 4.7, MgS0₄ 1.2, KH₂PO₄ 1.5, NaHCO₃ 25, CaCI₂ 2.5, glucose 10) kept at 37° and gassed with 95% O₂ and 5% CO₂. The rings were connected to force transducers and isometric tension was recorded (EMKA Technologies SA, Paris, France). The rings were stretched to a resting tension of 3 g (aorta) or 2 g (trachea). Cumulative doses of ET-1 (aorta) or sarafotoxin S6c (trachea) , ere added after a 10 min incubation with the test compound or its vehicle. The functional inhibitory potency of the test compound was assessed by calculating the concentration ratio, i.e. the shift to the right of the EC₅₀ induced by different concentrations of test compound. EC50 is the concentration of endothelin needed to get a half-maximal contraction, pA₂ is the negative logarithm of the antagonist concentration which induces a two-fold shift in the EC50 value.

The pA₂ values obtained with compounds of formula I are given in Table 2.

Table 2:

Because of their ability to inhibit the endothelin binding, the described compounds can be used for treatment of diseases which are associated with an increase in vasoconstriction, proliferation or inflammation due to endothelin. Examples of such diseases are hypertension, coronary diseases, cardiac insufficiency, renal and myocardial ischemia, renal failure, cerebral ischemia, dementia, migraine, subarachnoidal hemorrhage, Raynaud's syndrome, portal hypertension and pulmonary hypertension. They can also be used for atherosclerosis, prevention of restenosis after balloon or stent angioplasty, inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcer, cancer, prostatic hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, amaurosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gram negative septicemia, shock, sickle cell anemia, glomerulonephritis, renal colic, glaucoma, therapy and prophylaxis of diabetic complications, complications of vascular or cardiac surgery or after organ transplantation, complications of cyclosporin treatment, pain as well as other diseases presently known to be related to endothelin.

The compounds can be administered orally, rectally, parenterally, e.g. by intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intrathecal or transdermal administration or sublingually or as ophthalmic preparation or administered as aerosol. Examples of applications are capsules, tablets, orally administered suspensions or solutions, suppositories, injections, eye-drops, ointments or aerosols/nebulizers.

Preferred applications are intravenous, intra-muscular, or oral administrations as well as eye drops. The dosage used depends upon the type of the specific active ingredient, the age and the requirements of the patient and the kind of application. Generally, dosages of 0.1 - 50 mg / kg body weight per day are considered. The preparations with compounds can contain inert or as well pharmacodynamically active excipients. Tablets or granules, for example, could contain a number of binding agents, filling excipients, carrier substances or diluents. The present invention relates to arylethene-sulfonamides of the general formula I,

General Formula

wherein

R >1 a πnnΛd D R2 represent aryl; heteroaryl;

R³ represents phenyl; mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, phenyl, lower alkyloxy, amino, lower alkylamino, amino-lower alkyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, halogen, lower alkylthio, hydroxy, hydroxy-lower alkyl, cyano, carboxyl, lower alkanoyl, formyl; benzofuranyl; aryl; heteroaryl;

R⁴ represents hydrogen; halogen; trifluoromethyl; lower alkyl; lower alkyl-amino; lower alkyloxy; lower alkyl-sulfono; lower alkyl-sulfinyl; lower alkylthio; lower alkylthio-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl; lower alkyl-oxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy- lower alkyl-oxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl-amino; lower alkyl-amino-lower alkyl; amino; di-lower alkyl-amino; [N-(hydroxy-lower alkyl)-N-(lower alkyl)]- amino; aryl; aryl-amino; aryl-lower alkyl-amino; aryl-thio; aryl-lower alkyl-thio; aryloxy; aryl-lower alkyl-oxy; aryl-lower alkyl; aryl-sulfinyl; heteroaryl; heteroaryl- oxy; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-oxy; heteroaryl-amino; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-amino; heteroaryl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl; heteroaryl- sulfinyl; heterocyclyl; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-oxy; heterocyclyl-oxy; heterocyclyl- amino; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-amino; heterocyclyl-thio; heterocyclyl-lower alkylthio; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl; heterocyclyl-sulfinyl; cycloalkyl; cycloalkyl-oxy; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-oxy; cycloalkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl; cycloalkyl- sulfinyl;

R⁵ and R⁶ represent hydrogen or lower alkyl and may be the same or different;

X represents oxygen; sulfur; NH; CH₂ or a bond;

Y represents oxygen; sulfur or -NH-;

Z represents oxygen; sulfur, -NH- or a bond;

Q represents -(CH₂)_n-; -(CH₂)_m-C≡C-(CH2)p-, in case p represents the whole number 0, Z represents a bond; -CH2-cyclopropylen-CH₂-;

n represents the whole numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;

m represents the whole numbers 1 , 2 or 3;

p represents the whole numbers 0, 1 , 2 or 3;

and pure diastereomers, mixtures of diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and the meso-forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In the definitions of the general formula I - if not otherwise stated - the expression lower means straight and branched chain groups with one to seven carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of lower alkyl and lower alkoxy groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec- butyl, tert.-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec.-butoxy and tert.-butoxy. Lower alkylendioxy-groups are preferably methylen- dioxy, ethylen-dioxy, propylen-dioxy and butylen-dioxy groups. Examples of lower alkanoyl-groups are acetyl, propanoyl and butanoyl. Lower alkenylen means e.g.vinylen, propenylen and butenylen. Lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl means groups like ethylen, propylen, butylen, 2-methyl-propenyl, and ethinylen, propinylen, butinylen, pentinylen, 2-methyl-pentinylen etc. Lower alkenyloxy means allyloxy, vinyloxy, propenyloxy and the like. The expression cycloalkyl means a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon ring with 3 to 7 carbon atoms, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl, which may be substituted with lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, amino-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy- lower alkyl and lower alkenylen groups. The expression heterocyclyl means saturated or unsaturated ( but not aromatic ) four, five-, six- or seven-membered rings containing one or two nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms which may be the same or different and which rings may be adequatly substituted with lower alkyl, amino, nitro, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, e.g. piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyrahyl, dihydropyranyl, 1 ,4-dioxanyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydropyrrolyl, dihydroimidazolyl, dihydropyrazolyl, pyrazolidinyl, 5-oxo-1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 5-oxo-1 ,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 5-thioxo-1 ,2,4- oxadiazolyl, 2-oxo-1 ,2,3,5-oxathiadiazolyl etc. and substituted derivatives of such rings with substituents as outlined above. The expression heteroaryl means six- membered aromatic rings containing one to four nitrogen atoms, benzofused six- membered aromatic rings containing one to three nitrogen atoms, five- membered aromatic rings containing one oxygen or one nitrogen or one sulfur atom, benzo- fused five-membered aromatic rings containing one oxygen or one nitrogen or one sulfur atom, five membered aromatic rings containig an oxygen and nitrogen atom and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five membred aromatic rings containing a sulfur and a nitrogen atom and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five- membered aromatic rings containing two nitrogen atoms and benzo fused derivatives thereof, five membered aromatic rings containing three nitrogen atoms and benzo fused derivatives thereof or the tetrazolyl ring; e.g. furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, thiazinyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazinyl, thiazinyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl etc. whereby such rings may be substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, amino, amino-lower alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethyl, carboxyl, carboxamidyl, thioamidyl, amidinyl, lower alkyl-methanoylate, cyano, hydroxy-lower alkyl, lower alkyl-oxy-lower alkyl or another heteroaryl- (preferrably tetrazolyl) or heterocyclyl-ring (preferrably 5- oxo-1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 5-oxo-1 ,2,4-triazolyl, 5-oxo-1 ,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 5-thioxo- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl or 2-oxo-1 ,2,3,5-oxathiadiazolyl). The expression aryl represents unsubstituted as well as mono-, di- or tri-substituted aromatic rings with 6 to 10 carbon atoms like phenyl or naphthyl rings which may be substituted with aryl, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkenyloxy, lower alkynyl-lower alkyl-oxy, lower alkenylen, lower alkylenoxy, lower alkylenoxy or lower alkylendioxy forming with the phenyl ring a five- or six-membered ring, hydroxy-lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkenyl, hydroxy- lower alkyl-lower alkynyl, lower alkyloxy-lower alkyl, lower alkyloxy-lower alkyloxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cycloalkyl, hydroxy-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl.

In the compounds of the present invention, there are geometrical isomers such as cis- and trans-compounds [or (E)- and (Z)-compounds] possible due to double bonds present in the compounds covered by general formula I. The present invention covers each of the separated isomers [(E)- or (Z)-compound], as well as mixtures of both isomers in any ratio. In the present invention the compounds according to general formula I, in which the groups R⁵ and R⁶ are in trans- configuration are especially preferred.

Especially preferred compounds are compounds of general formula I wherein R³ represents phenyl or mono-substituted phenyl substituted with lower alkyloxy, especially methoxy and X represents oxygen.

A second group of especially preferred compounds of general formula I are the compounds wherein R³ represents phenyl or mono-substituted phenyl substituted with lower alkoxy, especially methoxy and X, Y and Z represent oxygen.

A third group of especially preferred compounds of general formula I are the compounds wherein R³ represents phenyl or mono-substituted phenyl substituted with lower alkoxy, especially methoxy, X, Y and Z represent oxygen and Q represents -(CH₂)_n- with n = 2 or 3.

A fourth group of especially preferred compounds of general formula I are the compounds wherein R³ represents di-substituted phenyl substituted with one halogen and one lower alkoxy-group, especially one methoxy-group, X, Y and Z represent oxygen and Q represents -(CH₂)_n- with n = 2 or 3.

A fifth group of especially preferred compounds of general formula I are the compounds wherein R³ represents or mono- or di-substituted phenyl substituted with a chlorine atom and/or lower alkoxy, especially methoxy, X, Y and Z represent oxygen, Q represents -(CH₂)_n- with n = 2 or 3 and R² represents heteroaryl.

The expression pharmaceutically acceptable salts encompasses either salts with inorganic acids or organic acids like hydrohalogenic acids, e.g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid; sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, citric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, methylsulfonic acid, p- toluolsulfonic acid and the like or in case the compound of formula I is acidic in nature with an inorganic base like an alkali or earth alkali base, e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide etc. The compounds of the general formula I might have one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may be prepared in form of optically pure enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers or diastereomers, diastereomeric racemates, mixtures of diastereomeric racemates and also in the meso-form. The present invention encompasses all these forms. Mixtures may be separated in a manner known per se, i.e. by column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, HPLC, crystallization etc. Because of their ability to inhibit the endothelin binding, the described compounds of the general formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be used for treatment of diseases which are associated with an increase in vasoconstriction, proliferation or inflammation due to endothelin. Examples of such diseases are hypertension, coronary diseases, cardiac insufficiency, renal and myocardial ischemia, renal failure, cerebral ischemia, dementia, migraine, subarachnoidal hemorrhage, Raynaud's syndrome, portal hypertension and pulmonary hypertension. They can also be used for treatment of atherosclerosis, prevention of restenosis after balloon or stent angioplasty, inflammation, stomach and duodenal ulcer, cancer, prostatic hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, amaurosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, gram negative septicemia, shock, sickle cell anemia, glomerulonephritis, renal colic, glaucoma, therapy and prophylaxis of diabetic complications, complications of vascular or cardiac surgery or after organ transplantation, complications of cyclosporin treatment, pain, as well as other diseases presently known to be related to endothelin.

These compositions may be administered in enteral or oral form e.g. as tablets, dragees, gelatine capsules, emulsions, solutions or suspensions, in nasal form like sprays or rectally in form of suppositories. These compounds may also be administered in intramuscular, parenteral or intravenous form, e.g. in form of injectable solutions.

These pharmaceutical compositions may contain the compounds of formula I as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts in combination with inorganic and/or organic excipients which are usual in the pharmaceutical industry like lactose, maize or derivatives thereof, talcum, stearinic acid or salts of these materials.

For gelatine capsules vegetable oils, waxes, fats, liquid or half-liquid polyols etc. may be used. For the preparation of solutions and sirups e.g. water, polyols, saccharose, glucose etc. are used. Injectables are prepared by using e.g. water, polyols, alcohols, glycerin, vegetable oils, lecithin, liposomes etc. Suppositories are prepared by using natural or hydrogenated oils, waxes, fatty acids (fats), liquid or half-liquid polyols etc.

The compositions may contain in addition preservatives, stabilisation improving substances, viscosity improving or regulating substances, solubility improving substances, sweeteners, dyes, taste improving compounds, salts to change the osmotic pressure, buffer, anti-oxidants etc.

The compounds of formula I may also be used in combination with one or more other therapeutically useful substances e.g. α- and β-blockers like phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, atenolol, propranolol, timolol, metoprolol, carteolol etc.; Vasodilators like hydralazine, minoxidil, diazoxide, flosequinan etc.; Calcium- antagonists like diltiazem, nicardipine, nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine etc.; ACE-inhibitors like cilazapril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril etc.; Potassium activators like pinacidil etc.; Angiotensin II antagonists; Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, acetolamide, bumetanide, furosemide, metolazone, chlortalidone etc.; Sympatholitics like methyldopa, clonidine, guanabenz, reserpine etc.; and other therapeutics which serve to treat high blood pressure or any cardiac disorders.

The dosage may vary within wide limits but should be adapted to the specific situation. In general the dosage given daily in oral form should be between about 3 mg and about 3 g, preferably between about 10 mg and about 1 g, especially preferred between 5 mg and 300 mg, per adult with a body weight of about 70 kg. The dosage should be administered preferably in 1 to 3 doses per day which are of equal weight. As usual children should receive lower doses which are adapted to body weight and age. Preferred compounds are compounds of formula II

Formula II

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Y, Q and Z are as defined in general formula I above, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula II.

Also preferred are compounds of formula III

wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Y, Q and Z are as defined in general formula I above and T represents a chlorine-, a bromine- or a hydrogen-atom or a methyl group or a methoxy group, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula III. Also preferred are compounds of formula IV

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and Q are as defined in general formula I above, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula IV.

Another especially preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are as defined in general formula I above, and T represents a chlorine-, a bromine- or a hydrogen-atom or a methyl group or a methoxy group, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Especially preferred compounds among the group of compounds of formula V are those wherein R² represents heteroaryl.

Preferred compounds are:

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yrj-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimi- din-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- phenyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-chloro-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(4-bromo-phenoxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-toIyl- pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Thiophen-3-yl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; 2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (3-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-

(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-pyrazin-2-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-morphoIin-4-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-morpholin-4-yl-6- [2-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(2~methoxy-phenoxy)-6-[2-(pyrimidin-2- yloxy^ethoxyj-p^'lbipyrimidinyl^-ylj-amide; 2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)~ ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide;

2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-pyridin-4-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-chloro-5-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Especially preferred compounds are:

2-Phenyl-ethenesulforiic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-2- pyridin-4-yl-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Compounds of the general formula I of the present invention can be prepared according to the general sequence of reactions outlined below. For simplicity and clarity reasons sometimes only parts of the synthetic possibilities which lead to compounds of general formula I are described. The literature references given in brackets [ ] are set forth at the end of this paragraph.

Possibility A:

The desired compounds of general formula I can be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula 1 :

Formula 1

wherein G¹ is a reactive residue, preferentially a chloro atom, and the other symbols are as defined in general formula I above, with a compound of the formula 2:

H

/

-Q Y Formula 2

R

wherein the symbols are the same as defined in general formula I above, or a salt thereof. Possibility B:

The compounds of general formula I may also be prepared by reacting a compound of formula 3:

Formula 3

wherein the symbols are the same as defined in general formula I above, or a salt thereof, with a compound of the formula 4:

-R' Formula 4

wherein G² is a reactive residue, preferentially a halogen atom, and the other symbol is the same as defined in genral formula I above.

Possibility C:

The compounds of general formula I may also be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula 5:

Formula 5

Wherein G³ is a lower alkylsulfonyl group or a phenylsulfonyl group or a halogen atom, and the other symbols are the same as described in general formula I above, or a salt thereof, with a compound of the formula 6:

R^H -H Formula 6

wherein R j4 is the same as defined in general formula I above, or a salt thereof.

For possibilities A to C see also [5]

Schemel : Preparation of the precursors 1 and 3, with X, Y and Z representing oxygen:

Analog of Formula 3 a) NaOMe, MeOH then NH₄CI or LiN(Si(CH₃)₃)₂ then HCI/i-PrOH; b) K₂CO₃, acetone; c) NaOMe, MeOH; d) POCI₃; e) NH₃/THF then KOtBu, MeOH; f) DMSO; g) NaH, THF, DMF;

The amidines 8 were synthesized applying standard methodology [1] by reaction of the appropriate nitrile 7 either with sodium methylate in methanol followed by addition of ammonium chloride or by reaction with lithium hexamethyldisilazane followed by addidion of hydrochloric acid in /-propanol. The 2-substituted malonic esters 10 were prepared according to published procedures [2] by reacting dimethylchloromalonate (9) with the appropriate alcohol 11 in acetone and potassium carbonate as base. The compounds 10 were dissolved in methanol and sodium methylate was added and stirring was continued for about 30 min followed by the addition of an amidine derivative 8. Stirring at ambient temperature was continued for another 8 h. After acidic work up the 4,6- dihydroxypyrimidines 12 could be isolated in yields of 70 to 90% [2]. Compounds

12 or the tautomeric form thereof were transformed into the dichloro derivatives

13 with phosphorous oxychloride in the presence of N,N-dimethylaniline at elevated temperatures (60-120°C) in yields of 40 to 75% [3]. In some cases better yields were obtained by addition of PCI₅ or benzyl- triethylammoniumchloride. The dichlorides 13 were reacted with an excess of the appropriate sulfonamide potassium salt 15 (prepared according to standard methodology from the sulfochlorides 14) in DMSO at room temperature to give the pyrimidines 16 in yields of 70 to 90% either after recrystallization from ethyl acetate / diethylether or chromatography through silica gel with ethyl acetate / heptane. The pyrimidine derivatives 16 are the central intermediates which can be transformed to the desired final products of general formula I either by applying procedures outlined under Possibility A or they can be transformed to the derivatives 18 by reaction with a di-hydroxy-compound represented by formula 17 in the presence of a base like sodium hydride in a solvent like THF at 50 - 80°C and then transformed to final compounds according to the general formula I by applying procedures outlined under Possibility B above.

For further experimental descriptions see [1], [2], [3], [6].

The synthesis of compounds with X, Y or Z being another group than oxygen, can be carried out using analogous procedures.

Scheme 2: Preparation of the precursor 5, with X, Y and Z representing oxygen:

19 20 21

Ana og of Formula 5 a) i) thiourea, NaOMe, MeOH, rt; ii) CH₃I, DMSO, rt; iii) POCl₃, dimethylaniline, 100 - 120°C; b) (R¹)(R⁶)C=C(R⁵)SO₂-NHK, DMSO, rt; c) R²-O-Q-OH, NaH, THF/DMF, rt or 60-80°C or HO-Q-OH, NaH, THF/DMF, rt or 60-80°C followed by G²-R², NaH, THF, 60-80°C; d) MCPBA, DCM, rt.

For further experimental descriptions see [1], [2], [3], [5] [6]. For the substitution of the sulfono-group, see especially [5].

The synthesis of compounds with X, Y or Z being another group than oxygen, can be carried out in analogous procedures. Scheme 3: Preparation of the precursors for the synthesis of compounds of general formula I wherein X represents a bond [5]:

NaH diethylcarbonate

to the final products according to general formula I as described in scheme 1

In the schemes 1 to 3 the symbols represent the same as defined in general formula I above. Scheme 4: Preparation of Heteroaryl ethenylsulfonamides [11 - 13]

33 34

According to procedures described in the literature [11] - [13] the heteroaryl ethenylsufonamide derivatives 32 to 34 were prepared. The key step in this sequence is the palladium catalyzed coupling of vinylsulfonamide with the respective heteroaryl bromide. (In principle it is also possible to prepare the aryl ethenylsulfonamides via this procedure)

Scheme 5: Synthesis of substituted aryl ethenylsulfonamides [14 - 19]

35

36 37 38

According to procedures described in the literature [14 - 19], the substituted aryl ethenyl sulfonamides 35 to 38 were prepared. Other derivatives could be prepared from the respective styrene precursors. [I] W. Gόhring, J. Schildknecht, M. Federspiel; Chimia, 1996, 50, 538 - 543.

[2] W. Neidhart, V. Breu, D. Bur, K. Burri, M. Clozel, G. Hirth, M. Mϋller, H. P.

Wessel, H. Ramuz; Chimia, 1996, 50, 519 - 524 and references cited there.

[3] W. Neidhart, V. Breu, K. Burri, M. Clozel, G. Hirth, U. Klinkhammer, T. Giller, H. Ramuz; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett, 1997, 7, 2223 - 2228. R. A. Nugent, S. T.

Schlachter, M. J. Murphy, G. J. Cleek, T. J. Poel, D. G. Whishka, D. R. Graber,

Y. Yagi, B. J. Keiser, R. A. Olmsted, L. A. Kopta, S. M. Swaney, S. M. Poppe, J.

Morris, W. G. Tarpley, R. C. Thomas; J. Med. Chem., 1998, 41, 3793 - 3803.

[4] J. March; Advanced Organic Chemistry, 4^th Ed., 1994, p. 499 and references cited there.

[5] EP 0 743 307 A1 ; EP 0 658 548 B1 ; EP 0 959 072 A1 (Tanabe Seiyaku)

[6] EP 0 633 259 B1 ; EP 0 526 708 A1 ; WO 96/19459 (F. Hoffmann-LaRoche)

[7] for the Synthesis of 5-membered heterocycles see: Y. Kohara et al; J. Med.

Chem., 1996, 39, 5228 - 5235 and references cited there. [8] EP 0 882 719 A1 (Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd).

[9] WO 00/52007 (F. Hoffmann-LaRoche AG).

[10] WO 00/42035 (F. Hoffmann-LaRoche AG).

[I I] Longchambon, G. et al; Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr.; 1981, 71. [12] Matlack V. et al; J. Org. Chem.; 1958, 23, 729. [13] Syuzi, H., Yuzi, T. et al; Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn.; 1991, 64, 1431.

[14] M. V. Ramana Reddy et al.; Phosphorous, Sulfur and Silicon; 1990, 53, 285

- 290.

[15] S. S. Arogba; Organic Preparations and Procedures Int., 1991, 23(5), 639 -

643. [16] D. Bhaskar Reddy et al.; Phosphorous, Sulfur and Silicon; 1993, 84, 63 -

71.

[17] M. Kameyama et al.; Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn.; 1988, 61, 1231 - 1235.

[18] B. M. Culbertson et al.; J. Chem. Soc. (C), 1968, 992 - 993.

[19] D. Bhaskar Reddy et al.; Indian J. Chem.; 1995, 34B, 816 - 822. [20] J. M. Fox, X. Huang, A. Chieffi, S. L. Buchwald; J. Am. Chem. Soc; 2000,

122, 1360 - 1370. Referential Examples (Synthesis of precursors):

The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure described above and shown in Schemes 1 to 5. All compounds were characterized by 1 H- NMR (300MHz) and occasionally by 13C-NMR (75MHz) (Varian Oxford, 300MHz; chemical shifts are given in ppm relative to the solvent used; multiplicities: s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet; m = multiplet), by LC-MS (Waters Micromass; ZMD-platform with ESI-probe with Alliance 2790 HT; Colum: 2x30mm, Gromsil ODS4, 3μm, 120A; Gradient: 0 - 100% acetonitril in water, 6 min, with 0.05% formic acid, flow: 0.45 ml/min; t is given in min.), by TLC (TLC- plates from Merck, Silica gel 60 F₂₅ ) and occasionally by melting point.

The following Referential Examples illustrate the invention but do not at all limit the scope thereof. All temperatures are stated in °C.

Referential Example 1:

a) To a mixture of 1 ,2-dimethoxyethan (15 ml) and ethyleneglycol (40 ml) was added sodium (298 mg) in small portions. The mixture was stirred until the sodium was completely dissolved. Then DMF (15 ml), followed by 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid(6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide (1.0 g) was added. Stirring was continued for 4 days at 100°C. The mixture was evaporated and water (150 ml) was added to the residue followed by addition of acetic acid (1.0 ml). The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried. The crude material was purified by chromatography over silicagel with EtOAc / methanol / aqueous ammonia (25%) = 4 / 1 / 0.5 to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid[6-(2- hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (500 mg). t_R = 4.54 (LC); M⁺ = 412.38 (ES+).

b) To 4,6-dichloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidine (2.0 g) disolved in DMSO (35 ml) was added di-isopropyl-ethyl-amine (1.46 ml) followed by 2-phenyi- ethenesulfonamide potassium salt (2.78 g). The mixture was stirred for 48 h at rt then poured onto water (500 ml) and diethylether (250 ml) was added and the solution was stirred for 30 minutes. The layers were separated and the water layer was acidified with acetic acid (2.0 ml) and cooled to 0°C for 1 h. The precipitated product was filtered off and washed with water and diethylether and dried to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid(6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)- amide (2.02 g). t_R = 5.32 (LC); M⁺ = 386.23 (ES+); M^" = 384.22 (ES-).

c) To 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonylchloride (10 g, commercially available from Aldrich) in THF (115 ml) was slowly added aqueous ammonia (25%) at 0°C followed by stirring at rt for 30 min. The solvent was evaporated, the residue dissolved in EtOAc and washed with water (3x). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was taken up in methanol (55 ml) and potassium tert.-butoxide (4.88 g) was added in portions. Stirring was continued for 30 min, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was dried to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonamide potassium salt (9.65 g). 1 H-NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.7(m, 2H); 7.4(m, 3H); 7.3(d, 1 H); 7.2(d, 1 H); 7.05(s, 2H, NH₂).

d) 5-p-tolyl-pyrimidine-4,6-diol (17.2 g) was dissolved in phosphorus oxy chloride (250 ml) and N,N-dimethylaniline (25 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at 70°C for 16 h, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was poured onto ice- water and extracted with diethylether (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed with 1 N hydrochloric acid and with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The crude brown material was recrystallized from i-propanol to give 4,6-dichloro-5-p-tolyl- pyrimidine (13.5 g). 1 H-NMR (CDCI₃): 8.78(s, 1 H); 7.35(d, 2H); 7.20(d, 2H); 2.41 (s, 3H).

e) Sodium methylate (17 g) was dissolved in methanol (600 ml) at 0°C. 2-p-Tolyl- malonic acid diethyl ester (24.5 ml, commercially available from Aldrich), dissolved in 150 ml methanol, was added within 30 min. Stirring was continued for 1 h while slowly warming the mixture to rt. Formamidine hydrochloride (9.9 g, commercially available from Fluka) was added and stirring was continued for 16 h. The solvent was evaporated and 2 M hydrochloric acid (200 ml) was added to the residue followed by slow addition of 10 M sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 5. The precipitated product was filtered off and washed subsequently with water and diethylether and dried to give 5-p-tolyl-pyrimidine-4,6-diol (17.7 g). 1 H- NMR (d6-DMSO): 8.0(s, 1 H); 7.4(d, 2H); 7.1 (d, 2H); 2.25(s, 3H). Referential Example 2:

According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1a) 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [6-(3-hydroxy-propoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was prepared. t_R = 4.58 (LC); [M-H]⁺ = 424.10 (ES-).

Referential Example 3:

According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1a) 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [6-(4-hydroxy-butoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was prepared. t_R = 4.66 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 437.99 (ES+).

Referential Example 4:

a) According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1a) 2- Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]- amide was prepared. t_R = 4.36 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 418.15 (ES+).

b) According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1b), 2- thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-amide was prepared from 4,6-dichloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidine and thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid amide potassium salt. t_R = 5.05 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 392.11 (ES+).

2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid amide was prepared according to procedures described in the literature [11], [12], [13].

Referential Example 5:

a) According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1a), 2- thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyri- midinyl-4-yl]-amide was prepared. t_R = 4.39 (LC); [M+Hf = 496.16 (ES+).

b) According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1b, 2-thiophen- 2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid (6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl)-amide was prepared from 4,6-dichloro-5-p-tolyl-[2,2^r]bipyrimidinyl and 2-thiophen-2-yl- ethenesulfonic acid amide potassium salt. t_R = 4.84 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 470.00.

c) Accoridng to the procedure described in Referential Example 1c), 4,6- dichloro-5-p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl was prepared. t_R = 4.42 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 317.08.

d) According to the procedure described in Referential Example 1d), 5-p-tolyl- was prepared. t_R = 3.38 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 281.08.

Referential Example 6:

According to procedures described in the synthetic sequence in Referential Example 1a-e, by using isonicotinamidine hydrochloride instead of formamidine hydrochloride in the first step of the synthesis, 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6- (2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-2-pyridin-4-yl-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was prepared. t = 4.36 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 489.39.

Referential Example 7:

According to procedures described in the synthetic sequence in Referential Example 1a-e, by using cyclopropylformamidine hydrochloride instead of formamidine hydrochloride in the first step of the synthesis, 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid-[2-cyclopropyl-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]- amide was prepared. t_R = 5.12 (LC); [M-H]⁺ = 450.12 (ES-).

Referential Example 8:

According to procedures described in the synthetic sequence in Referential Example 1a-e, by using morpholinoformamidine hydrochloride instead of formamidine hydrochloride in the first step of the synthesis, 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-2-morpholin-4-yl-5-p-toIyl-pyrimidin-4- yl]-amide was prepared. t_R = 4.91 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 497.46 (ES+).

Referential Example 9:

According to procedures described in the synthetic sequence in Referential Example 1a-e, by using pyrazinylformamidine hydrochloride instead of formamidine hydrochloride in the first step of the synthesis, 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-2-pyrazin-2-yl-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]- amide was prepared. t_R = 4.59 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 490.31 (ES+).

Referential Example 10:

According to procedures described in the synthetic sequence in Referential Example 1a-e, by using pyrimidin-2-yl-formamidine hydrochloride instead of formamidine hydrochloride in the first step of the synthesis, 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide was prepared. t_R = 4.51 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 490.34 (ES+).

Referential Example 11:

a) 6.20 g of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin- 4-yl]-amide was added to a solution of 7.65 g of potassium-tert.-butylate in 100 ml of ethylene glycol. The resulting solution was heated to 110°C and stirred for 17h. The ethylene glycol was evaporated under high vacuum and the remaining residue was treated with 250 ml of cold water. The suspension was acidified by adding 10 g of citric acid monohydrate and stirred at 0°C for 15 min. The precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried to give 6.71 g of 2- phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-pyrimidin- 4-yl]-amide as a white powder. LC-MS: t_R = 4.55 min, [M+H]⁺ = 432.00 (ES+), [M-H]- = 429.98 (ES-).

b) A solution of 6.50 g of 4,6-dichloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrimidine and 9.43 g of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonamide potassium salt (Referential Example 1c) in 50 ml of DMSO and 4.4 ml of diisopropyl-ethylamine was stirred at rt for 65 h. The mixture was diluted with 500 ml of water and 250 ml of diethyl ether and was vigorously stirred for 15 min. The suspension was acidified by adding 8.5 g of citric acid monohydrate and stirring was continued at 5°C for 30 min. The precipitate was collected and washed with water. The crude product was crystallised from 2-propanol at 2-3°C. The crystals were collected, washed with cold 2-propanol and dried to give 6.23 g of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6- chloro-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide as a white powder. LC-MS: t_R = 5.24 min, [M+H]⁺ = 405.89 (ES+), [M-H]^' = 403.92 (ES-).

c) To a suspension of 16.44 g of 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrimidine-4,6-diol in 165 ml of POCI₃ was carefully added 16.5 ml of N, N-dimethylaniline. The mixture was refluxed for 1.5 h. The dark green solution was evaporated and the residue was poured onto ice/water. The suspension was diluted with 200 ml 2 N HCl and water to about 1000 ml and stirred at 2°C for 1 h. The precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried to give 18.66 g of 4,6-dichloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)- pyrimidine as a slightly green powder.

d) A solution of 18.90 g of 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-malonic acid dimethyl ester in 200 ml of methanol was added dropwise at 0°C to a solution of 14.60 g sodium methylate in 150 ml of methanol. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at 0°C before 7.66 g of formamidine hydrochloride was added. The suspension was stirred at rt for 20 h. The solvent was removed and the residue was suspended in 200 ml 2 N aq. HCl. The pH of the suspension was carfully adjusted to 4-5 by adding 20 ml of 10 M NaOH, stirring was continued for 30 min. The white precipitate was collected, washed with water and diethyl ether and dried to give 16.44 g of 5-(4- chlorophenyl)-pyrimidine-4,6-diol as a white powder. LC-MS: t_R = 2.75 min, [M+H]⁺ = 222.96 (ES+), [M-H]^" = 220.92 (ES-).

e) At 35°C a solution of 52 g of 4-chlorophenylacetic acid methyl ester in 170 ml of THF was carefully added over a period of 70 min to a suspension of 15.6 g NaH in 550 ml of dry THF. Stirring was continued for 40 min without heating and the temperature dropped to 29°C. The evolution of gas had stopped before 94.8 ml of dimethylcarbonate was added dropwise while the temperature of the mixture was maintained at 25-28°C. After the evolution of gas had ceased, the mixture was diluted with 200 ml of THF and stirring was continued for 72 h at rt. The mixture was carefully acidified with aq. HCl before bulk of the THF was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 1200 ml of diethyl ether, washed three times with 1 N aq. HCl and once with brine, dried over MgS0₄ and evaporated. The residue formed was collected, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 42 g of 2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-malonic acid dimethyl ester as white crystals.

Referential Example 12:

According to the procedures described in Referential Example 11a - e, by using 4-bromophenylacetic acid methyl ester as the initial starting material, 2- phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-pyrimidin- 4-yl]-amide was obtained. LC-MS: t_R = 4.57 min, [M+H]⁺ = 478.05 (ES+).

Referential Example 13:

According to the procedures described in Referential Example 11a - e, by using 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid methyl ester as the initial starting material, 2- phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)- pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was obtained. LC-MS: t_R = 4.29 min, [M+H]⁺ = 428.20 (ES+).

Referential Example 14:

According to the procedures described in Referential Example 11a - d, by using diethyl phenylmalonate as the initial starting material, 2-phenyl- ethenesulfonic acid [5-phehyl-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was obtained. LC-MS: t_R = 4.32 min, [M+H]⁺ = 398.17 (ES+).

Referential Example 15:

According to the procedures described in Referential Example 11a - d, by using 4-ethylphenylmalonic acid dimethylester, which can be prepared by methods described in [20], as the initial starting material, 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [5-(4-ethyl-phenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide was obtained. LC-MS: t_R = 4.68 min, [M+H]⁺ = 426.07 (ES+). Referential Example 16:

The precursors depicted in Table 3 below can be prepared according to procedures published in the literature [1; 2; 3; 6; 9; 10] and according to methods described in Referential Examples 1 to 15.

Examples:

The following examples illustrate the invention but do not at all limit the scope thereof. All temperatures are stated in °C. Reactions were checked by TLC and LC-MS. Reaction times can vary from 1 h to several days and reaction temperatures can vary from 20°C to reflux temperature of THF.

Example 1

To sodium hydride (220 mg, 55-65% in mineral oil) was added THF (35 ml) followed by addition of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p- tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yrj-amide (250 mg). The mixture was stirred for 1 h at rt. Then 5- bromo-2-chloro-pyrimidine (188 mg) was added and stirring continued for 21 h at 80°C. The solvent was evaporated and diethylether (20 ml) was added to the residue. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with diethylether, dissolved in water and acidified by citric acid. The precipitate was filtered off and the crude material was purified by chromatography over silicagel with hexane / EtOAc = 1 / 1 to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]- 5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (91 mg); t_R = 5.39 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 570.34 (ES+); [M-H]^" = 568.45 (ES-). Example 2:

To sodium hydride (26 mg, 55 - 65% in mineral oil) was added THF (10 ml) followed by the addition of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (100 mg). The mixture was stirred for 1 h at rt. Then 2-chloro-pyrimidine (46 mg) was added and stirring continued for 19 h at 80°C. The solvent was evaporated and diethylether (20 ml) was added to the residue. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with diethylether, dissolved in water and acidified by citric acid. The precipitate was filtered off and the crude material was purified by chromatography over silicagel with hexane / EtOAc = 1 / 1 to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl- pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (23.7 mg); t_R = 4.85 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 490.27 (ES+).

Example 3:

Ethyleneglycol-mono-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ether (112 mg) was dissolved in 1 ,2- dimethoxyethane (5 ml) and potassium tert.-butoxide (50 mg) was added and stirring continued for 1 h, followed by the addition of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-chloro-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (100 mg) and stirring was continued at 80°C for 24 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness, water (20 ml) was added followed by acidification with 10% citiric acid and extraction with ethyl acetate (2x, 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated. The crude product was recrystallized from 2- propanol and 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(4-bromo-phenoxy)-ethoxy]-5-p- tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (90 mg) was obtained as a white powder; t_R = 6.12 (LC); [M-H]⁺ = 565.75 (ES-).

Example 4:

To sodium hydride (65 mg, 55 - 65% in mineral oil) was added THF (35 ml) followed by the addition of 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide (200 mg). The mixture was stirred for 1 h at rt. Then 2-chloro-pyrazine (114 mg) was added and stirring continued for 18 h at 80°C. The solvent was evaporated and diethylether (20 ml) was added to the residue. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with diethylether, dissolved in water, acidified by citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo and the crude material was purified by chromatography over silicagel with hexane / EtOAc = 1 / 1 to give 2-phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(pyrazin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (86.5 mg); t_R = 5.13 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 490.21 (ES+).

Example 5:

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]- amide (150 mg) was dissolved in THF (10 ml) and sodium hydride (45 mg; 55 - 65% in mineral oil) was added. The mixture was stirred for 15 min at rt., followed by the addition of DMF (2 ml) and 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (146 mg) and heating to 75°C for 5 h. Then the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness and water (15 ml) and citric acid was added. The precipitated product was filtered off, washed with water and dried. 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-p- tolyl-6-[2-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide (130 mg) could be obtained as a white powder. t_R = 5.92 (LC); [M+H]⁺ = 557.38 (ES+).

Examples 6 - 240:

The corresponding starting materials are treated in a manner according to the procedures given in examples 1 - 5 to give the compounds as listed in Tables 4 - 45.

Table 4:

Table 5:

Table 6:

Table 7:

Table 8:

Table 9:

Table 10:

Table 11:

Table 12:

Table 13:

Table 14:

Table 15:

Table 16:

Table 17:

Table 20:

Table 21:

Table 22:

Table 23:

Table 24:

Table 25:

Table 26:

Table 27:

Table 28:

Table 29:

Table 30:

Table 31:

Table 32:

Table 33:

Table 34:

Table 35:

Table 36:

Table 37:

Table 38:

Table 39:

Table 40:

Table 41:

Table 42:

Table 43:

Table 44:

Table 45:

Example 242

Using methods described in the above Examples and in schemes 1 to 5 and the cited references, the compounds disclosed in Table 46 can be prepared:

Table 46:

R R 4.

-\- indicates the connection of the substituents to the respective atom of the core unit

Example 243

Using methods described in the above Examples and in schemes 1 to 5 and in the cited references, the compounds disclosed in Table 47 can be prepared:

Table 47:

R"

-j- indicates the connection of the substituents to the respective atom of the core unit

List of Abbreviations:

CyHex cyclohexane

DCM dichloromethane

DMF dimethylformamide

DMSO dimethylsulfoxide

EA ethyl acetate

Hex hexane

HV high vacuum conditions

MCPBA m-chloroperbenzoic acid min minutes rt room temperature

THF tetrahydrofuran tR retention time

Claims

1. Compounds of the general formula

General Formula I

wherein

R¹ and R² represent aryl; heteroaryl;

R⁴ represents hydrogen; halogen; trifluoromethyl; lower alkyl; lower alkyl-amino; lower alkyloxy; lower alkyl-sulfono; lower alkyl-sulfinyl; lower alkylthio; lower alkylthio-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl; lower alkyl-oxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy- lower alkyl-oxy-lower alkyl; hydroxy-lower alkyl-amino; lower alkyl-amino-lower alkyl; amino; di-lower alkyl-amino; [N-(hydroxy-lower alkyl)-N-(lower alkyl)]- amino; aryl; aryl-amino; aryl-lower alkyl-amino; aryl-thio; aryl-lower alkyl-thio; aryloxy; aryl-lower alkyl-oxy; aryl-lower alkyl; aryl-sulfinyl; heteroaryl; heteroaryl- oxy; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-oxy; heteroaryl-amino; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-amino; heteroaryl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl-thio; heteroaryl-lower alkyl; heteroaryl- sulfinyl; heterocyclyl; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-oxy; heterocyclyl-oxy; heterocyclyl- amino; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl-amino; heterocyclyl-thio; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl- thio; heterocyclyl-lower alkyl; heterocyclyl-sulfinyl; cycloalkyl; cycloalkyl-oxy; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-oxy; cycloalkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-amino; cycloalkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl-thio; cycloalkyl-lower alkyl; cycloalkyl- sulfinyl;

X represents oxygen; sulfur; NH; CH₂ or a bond;

Y represents oxygen; sulfur or -NH-;

Z represents oxygen; sulfur, -NH- or a bond;

Q represents -(CH₂)_n-; -(CH₂)m-C≡C-(CH₂)_p-, in case p represents the whole number 0, Z represents a bond; -CH₂-cyclopropylen-CH2-;

n represents the whole numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;

m represents the whole numbers 1 , 2 or 3;

p represents the whole numbers 0, 1 , 2 or 3;

2. Compounds of the formula I in claim 1 , wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Q, Y and Z are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 , X, represents oxygen and R³ represents phenyl or mono-substituted phenyl substituted with halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylen, lower alkoxy, amino, lower alkyl-amino, lower alkyl-thio, hydroxy, hydroxymethyl and lower alkanoyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of general formula I.

3. Compounds of the formula I in claim 1 , wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and Q are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 , X, Y and Z represent oxygen and R³ represents di-substituted phenyl substituted with halogen and lower alkoxy; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of general formula I.

4. Compounds of the formula I in claim 1 , wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and Q, are as defined in general formula I in claim 1, X, Y and Z represent oxygen and R³ represents mono-substituted phenyl substituted with halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of general formula I.

5. Compounds of the formula I in claim 1 , wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 , X, Y and Z represent oxygen, Q represents -(CH₂)_n- with n = 2 and R³ represents phenyl, mono- or di-substituted phenyl substituted with halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of general formula I.

6. Compounds of the formula I in claim 1 , wherein R¹, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 , X, Y and Z represent oxygen, Q represents -(CH₂)_n- with n = 2, R² represents heteroaryl and R³ represents phenyl, mono- or di-substituted phenyl substituted with halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of general formula I.

7. Compounds of formula II

Formula II

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Y, Q and Z are as defined in general formula I in claim 1, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula II.

8. Compounds of formula III

wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, Y, Q and Z are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 and T represents a chlorine-, a bromine- or a hydrogen-atom or a methyl group or a methoxy group, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula III.

9. Compounds of the formula IV

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and Q are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula IV.

10. Compounds of formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are as defined in general formula I in claim 1 and T represents a chlorine-, a bromine- or a hydrogen-atom or a methyl group or a methoxy group and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

11. Compounds according to claim 10, wherein R² in formula V represents heteroaryl and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

12. The compounds according to any one of claims 1 to 11

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yIoxy)-ethoxy]-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimi- din-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- phenyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-chloro-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(4-bromo-phenoxy)-ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl- pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide; 2-Thiophen-3-yl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5-

(3-methoxy-phenoxy)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-pyrazin-2-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-morpholin-4-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-2-morpholin-4-yl-6- [2-(5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-6-[2-(pyrimidin-2- yloxy)-ethoxy]-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl}-amide; 2-Thiophen-2-yl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)- ethoxy]-5-(2-methoxy-phenoxy)-[2,2']bipyrimidinyl-4-yl]-amide;

2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid [6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-5- (4-chloro-phenyl)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amide; 2-Phenyl-ethenesulfonic acid {6-[2-(5-bromo-pyrimidin-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-2- pyridin-4-yl-5-p-tolyl-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amide;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

13. A compound as described as end-product in any of the examples 1-243.

14. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders which are associated with a role of endothelin, especially circulatory disorders such as hypertension, ischaemia, vasospasm and angina pectoris as well as diabetic complications and proliferative disorders such as cancer, containing a compound of any one of claims 1 to 13 and usual carrier materials and adjuvants.

15. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders which are associated with a role of endothelin, such as migraine, asthma or inflammatory disorders, containing a compound of any one of claims 1 to 13 and usual carrier materials and adjuvants.

16. The compounds of any one of the claims 1 to 13 for use as medicaments for the treatment of disorders which are associated with a role of endothelin, especially circulatory disorders such as hypertension, ischaemia, vasospasm and angina pectoris, proliferative disorders such as cancer, migraine and inflammatory disorders as well as diabetic complications.

17. The compounds of any one of the claims 1 to 13 for use as medicaments for the treatment of disorders which are associated with a role of endothelin, and require mixed ET_A and ET_B blocking for treatment.

18. The compounds of any one of the claims 1 to 13 for use as medicaments for the treatment of disorders which are associated with a role of endothelin, and require selective ETA blocking for treatment.

19. The use of one or more compounds of any one of claims 1 to 13 as active ingredients for the production of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with a role of endothelin, especially circulatory disorders such as hypertension, ischaemia, vasospasm and angina pectoris as well as diabetic complications and proliferative disorders such as cancer.

20. The use of one or more compounds of any one of claims 1 to 13 as active ingredients for the production of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with endothelin activities, such as migraine, asthma or inflammatory disorders.

21. A process for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of disorders associated with a role of endothelin containing one or more compounds as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 as active ingredients which process comprises mixing one or more active ingredient with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients in a manner known per se.

22. The invention as hereinbefore described.