AU2001296193A1 - 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-substituted-N1-(benzensulfonyl)indoles and their use in therapy - Google Patents

Description

2- , 3- , 4 - , or 5-substituted-Nl- (benzensulfonyl ) indoles and their use in therapy

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to novel 2- 3-, 4- or 5-substitιιted-Nl- (benzensulfonyl)indole compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and to the use of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of obesity and CNS disorders as well as method of treatment of these disorders.

BACKGROUND ART

Obesity is a condition characterized in an increase in body fat content resulting in excess body weight above accepted norms. Obesity is the most important nutritional disorder in the western world and represents a major health problem in all industrialized countries. This disorder leads to increased mortality due to increased incidences of diseases siidi as cardiovascular disease, digestive disease, respiratory disease, cancer and NIDDM (type II diabetes). Searching for compounds, which reduce body weight has been going on for many decades. One line of research has been activation of serotonergic systems, either by direct activation of serotonin receptor subtypes or by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. The exact receptor subtype profile required is however not known.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), a key transmitter of the peripheral and central nervous system, modulate a wide range of physiological and pathological functions, including anxiety, sleep regulation, aggression, feeding and depression. Multiple serotonin receptor subtypes have been identified and cloned. One of these, the 5-HT₍5 receptor, was cloned by several groups in 1993 (M Ruat, E Traiffort, J-M

Arrang, J Tardivel-Lacombe, J Diaz, R Leurs, J-C Shwartz. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1993, 193 (1) 268-276; M Sebben, H Ansanay, J Bockaert, A Dumuis, NeuroReport 5, 2553-2557 (1994).) This receptor is positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and displays affinity for antipsychotics such as clozapine. Recently, the effect of 5-HT5 antagonist and 5-HTg antisense oligonucleotides to reduce food intake in rats has been reported (JC Bentley, CA Mardsen, AJ Sleight and KC Fone. Effect of 5-HT₆ antagonist Ro 04-6790 on food consumption in rats trained to a fixed feeding regime. Br J Pharmacol. 1999 Suppl. 126, P66; JC Bentley, AJ Sleight, CA Mardsen, KCF Fone. 5-HT₆ antisense oligonucleotide ICV affects rat performance in the water maze and feeding. J Psychopharmacol Suppl A64, 1997, 255).

Compounds with enhanced affinity and selectivity for the 5-HT₆ receptor have been identified, e.g. in WO 00/34242 and by M. Isaac, A. Slassi, T. Xin, N. MacLean, J. Wilson, K. McCallum, H. Wang and L. Demchyshyn: 6-Bicyclopiperazinyl-l - arylsulfonylindoles and 6-Bicyclopiperidinyl-l-arylsulfonylindoles derivatives as novel, potent and selective 5-HT₆ receptor antagonists; Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemis y Letters 2000, 10, 1719-1721.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention it has been found that the compounds of formula (I) show affinity for the 5-HT₆ receptor as antagonists at a low nanomolar range. The 5-HTβ antagonist compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of obesity and for the treatment or prophylaxis of memory and CNS disorders (schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and depression), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD), drug abuse.

According to the invention a compound of the general formula (I) is provided:

wherein Ar is

( 1) phenyl,

(2) naphthyl,

(3) a 5- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, or

(4) -R⁹-phenyl; wherein each of phenyl, naphthyl, and heterocyclic ring is independently optionally substituted with halogen, C _l alkyl, CF , hydroxyl, C , alkoxyl, OCF₃, COCF₃, CN, N0₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, Cι_₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₂.₆ alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, Cι.₆ alkylcarboxyl, formyl, -C,.₆ alkyl-NH-CO-phenyl, -C,.₆ alkyl-CO-NH-phenyl, -NH-CO-Cι-₆ alkyl, - CO-NR⁷R⁸, or SR⁷; wherein each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or d.₆ alkyl; and R⁹ is C|.(, alkyl or C₂_₆ alkenyl, each of which being optionally substituted with phenyl or phenyloxy;

R is H, phenyl, I, or Cι_₆ alkyl;

R³ is H or 3-(l-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en)yl;

R is H or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

wherein R⁶ is H, C|_₆ alkyl, or benzyl; and

R⁵ is H, hydroxy, Cι. alkoxy, F, NO₂, CF₃, OCF₃, or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof, with the proviso that when R² is alkyl, R⁴ is not H.

The term "Cj.g alkyl" denotes a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of said lower alkyl include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso- propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl and straight- and branched-chain pentyl and hexyl.

The term C_\_ alkoxy" denotes a straight or branched alkoxy group having from

1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of said lower alkoxy include methoxy, ethoxy, n- propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy and straight- and branched-chain pentoxy and hexoxy.

The term "halogen" shall mean fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The term "heterocyclic ring" includes unsaturated, as well as saturated or partially saturated heterocyclic rings. Preferred compounds of the invention are compounds of the general formula (I) wherein:

Ar is

(1) phenyl,

(2) 1 -naphthyl or 2-naphthyl, (3) a 5- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, or

(4) -R⁹-phenyl; wherein each of phenyl, naphthyl, and heterocyclic ring is independently optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, Cι.₆ alkyl, CF₃, hydroxyl, Cι-₆ alkoxyl, OCF₃, phenyl, C2-₆ alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, -NH-CO-Cι.₆ alkyl, or SR⁷, wherein each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or Cι-₆ alkyl; and R⁹ is C 1,2 alkyl; R² is H, phenyl, I, or Cι_₆ alkyl; R is selected from the group consisting of:

R is C].₃ alkoxy or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

Other preferred compounds of the invention include those wherein: (a) Ar is phenyl, optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF , C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸, where each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or methyl.

(b) Ar is 1 -naphthyl or 2-naphthyl, each of which being optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, N0₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸, where each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or methyl.

(c) Ar is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of furyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, diazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, and benzoxadiazolyl, each of which being optionally substituted with halogen, Cι.₆ alkyl, CF₃, hydroxyl, Cι_₆ alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, Cι_₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₂-₆ alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, Ci.g alkylcarboxyl, formyl, -NH-CO-Cι„₆ alkyl, -CO-NR⁷R⁸, or SR⁷; wherein each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or Cι.₆ alkyl.

(d) Ar is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, benzothienyl, and benzoxadiazolyl, each of which being optionally substituted with halogens or Cι_₆ alkyl. (e) Ar is 2 -pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4-pyridyl.

(f) Ar is a 5- to 7-membered aromatic, partially saturated, or completely saturated heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ is H, d.₆ alkyl, -CO-CF₃, or absent.

(g) Ar is -R⁹-phenyl, wherein R⁹ is Cι_₃ alkyl or C₂-₃ alkenyl, each of which being optionally substituted with phenyl, and wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with F,

Cl, Br, methyl, CF , C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸; each of R⁷ and R⁸ being independently H or Cι_e alkyl.

Additional preferred compounds of the invention are compounds of the general formula (I) wherein each of R and R^" is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of: wherein R⁶ is H, C1.₃ alkyl, or benzyl.

The following compounds are particularly preferred embodiments of the invention: l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-[(5-chloro-3-methyl-l-benzothien-2-yl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole,

3-(l-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en-3-yl)-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indole

5-methoxy-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, 4-(4-ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indole, l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(4-methyl-l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-(phenylsulfonyl)-5~(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole,

4-(2,5-dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indole,

4-(2,6-dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(phenylsLilfonyl)-lH-indole, 4-(l,4-diazepan-l-yl)-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indole,

2-[l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indol-4-yl]octahydropyrrolo[l,2-a]pyrazinel-(2- naphthylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-(l-naphthylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, N-(l-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-N-{l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-lH-indol-4- yl} amine,

2-Ethyl-4-(4-ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-[(phenyl)sulfonyl]-lH-indole,

2-ethyl- 1 -(4-methyl-phenylsLil fonyl)-4-( 1-piperazinyl)- IFI-indole,

4-(2,5-dimethyl- 1 -piperazinyl)-2-ethyl- 1 -(phenylsulfonyl)- 1 H-indole, 4-(4-ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-5-fluoro-l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]- l H-indole,

5-fluoro-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l -{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}-l H-indole,

5-chloro-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-( l -piperazinyl)-lH-indole,

5-chloro- 1 -(phenylsul fonyl)-4-( 1 -piperazinyl)-l H-indole, l-[(5-chloro-3-methyl-l -benzothϊen-2-yl)sulfonyl]-5-methoxy-4-( 1-piperazinyl) -1 H- indole, l-[(5-chloro-3-methyl-l-benzothien-2-yl)sulfonyl]-5-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole, l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(3-methyl-l -piperazinyl)-l H-indole, l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(4-piperidinyloxy)-l H-indole, l-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(3-methyl- l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole. Most preferred embodiments of the invention are the compounds l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride, l-[(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

4-(l-piperazinyl)-l-(3-pyridinylsLilfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride.

Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms including diastereomers and enantiomers and the invention extends to each of these stereoisomeric forms and to mixtures thereof including racemates. The different stereoisomeric forms may be separated from each other by conventional methods. Any given isomer may be obtained by stereospecific or asymmetric synthesis. The invention also extends to any tautomeric forms and mixtures thereof. The compounds of the formula (I) can form acid addition salts with acids such as conventional pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for example maleic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, acetic, fumaric, salicylic, citric, lactic, mandelic, tartaric and methanesulfonic.

Compounds of formula (I) may also form solvates such as hydrates and the invention also extends to these forms. When referred to herein, it is understood that the term "compound of formula (I) " also includes these forms.

The compounds according to formula (I) can conveniently be administered in a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound in combination with pharmacologically and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Such pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by methods and contain carriers or excipients which are well known in the art. A generally recognized compendium of such methods and ingredients is Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E.W. Martin (Mark Publ. Co., 15^th Ed., 1975). The compounds and compositions can be administered orally, parenterally (for example, by intravenous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection), transdermally, or rectally.

For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained. The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain the following: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, com starch or gelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir may contain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound may be incoφorated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

The compounds or compositions can also be administered intravenously, or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the active compound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with a nontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and in oils.

Useful dosages of the compounds of formula I can be determined by comparing their /// vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art; for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,949. The compound can be administered in unit dosage form; for example, containing about 0.05 mg to about 500 mg, conveniently about 0.1 mg to about 250 mg, most conveniently, about 1 mg to about 150 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage fonn. The desired dose may be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals. The compositions can be administered orally, sublingually, transdermally, or parenterally at dose levels of about 0.01 to about 150 mg/kg, preferably about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg, and more preferably about 0.1 to about 30 mg/kg of mammal body weight.

TABLE I

Compounds prepared according to synthetic schemes 1 or 2. All compounds in Table I are hydrochlorides salts.

General synthetic schemes

Scheme 1 (1) NaH, THF, TBDMSCl or TIPSCl in CFLCL, (u) X = Br t-Bu₃P, Pd(OAc)₂, Diamine of choice, NaOt-Bu, xylene, (in) Bu₄NF I M, THF or NaF, Ethyl Acetate, (iv) Ar-SO₂Cl, Py or NaOH or NaH CH₂Cb, (v) HCl in ether

X = Br P2= Si(i-Pr)₃ (1 ) X = CI P1 = Si(Me)₂t-Bu (2)

(v) n = 1 ; R = Me; P2 (3) R = BOC, (5) R = H; Ar = see table n = 1 ; R = BOC; P1 (4) R = Me; (6) (7-29; 48-62)

Scheme 2: (i) (CF₃SO₂)2θ, Et₃N, CH₂C1₂; (ii) Ar-S0₂Cl, Py or NaOH or NaH CH₂C1₂; (iii) X = Br: t-Bu₃P, Pd(OAc)₂, Diamine of choice, Na-Ot-Bu, xylene; (iv) HCl in ether.

The assigned structures were confirmed by standard spectroscopical methods and elemental analysis and/or high resolution MS.

NMR spectra were obtained on Bruker 500 MHz or JEOL 270 MHz spectrometers at 25°C, and the chemical shift values are reported as parts per million (δ). MS spectra were acquired on a 2690 Separation Module (Waters) with a Platfoπn LCZ (Mϊcromass). Flash chromatography was performed on Silica gel 60 (Merck) or LiChroprep RP-18 (Merck). HPLC analysis were accomplished on a HP Series 1 100, with a GROM-SIL 100 ODS-0 AB column, 4.6x50mm. The HPLC purifications were performed on preparative HPLC/ Mass system using YMC Co bi prep ODS-AQ column, 56x20 mm, Gilson pumps, Dynamax UV-1 detector and Finnigan Mass detector. The used eluents were H₂0 and CH₃CN, both with 0.1% TFA. The purity of the compounds was determined by HPLC. Elemental analysis was performed at Structural Chemistry Department, Biovitrum AB, Stockholm. Melting points, when given, were obtained on a Bϋchi or a Gallenkamp melting point apparatus and are uncorrected.

General Synthetic Methods

Method 1 : Buchwald coupling between aryltriflates or arylahalides and amines

To a solution of the aryltriflate (1 equiv.) in xylene are added, under N₂ flush, Pd(OAc)₂ (0.6 equiv.), (R)-2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-l ,l '-binaphthyl (BINAP) (0.1 equiv.) and CS₂CO₃ (3 equiv.), followed by amine (2 equiv.). The mixtures are heated to 100 °C- 120 °C under stirring (TLC monitoring). Purification by flash chromatography [SiO₂, CHCI₃ to MeOH:CHCl₃:aq NH₃ (10:90: 0.4%)] afforded the final compounds. The final compounds are converted into their hydrochloride salts by dissolving the free bases in methanol and diethyl ether (1:9) followed by the addition of HCl in diethyl ether.

Method 2: Buchwald coupling between arylhalides and amines

To a mixture of 4-bromoindoles (1 equiv), /-Bu₃P (0.05 equiv.) or 2- (dicyclohexylphosphino)biphenyl (0.05 equiv.), and Pd (OAc)₂ ( 0.02 equiv.) in xylene are added amines (2.8 equiv.) and NaOt-Bu (2.8 equiv.). The reactions are heated at 120 °C for 4h, filtered through celite and the solvent is removed. The crude mixtures are purified by column chromatography (Si0₂, GHLCli/ eptane 1 :4) to yield final compounds. The final compounds are converted in their hydrochloride salts according to the same procedure as described in Method 1.

Method 3: Sulfonylation in the presence of NaOH

Arylsulfonyl chlorides (0.75 mmol) are added to a cold (0°C) solution of indole derivates (0.5 mmol), grounded NaOH (3 mmol) and tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.05 mmol) in CH₂CI2 (3 mL). The mixtures are shaken for 30 min at 0°C and 30 min at room temperature. Each mixture is then filtered through a bed of hydromatrix (Varian; 3 cm) and silica gel (0.5 cm). The system is washed with CH2CI₂ (2 x 3 mL) and the solvent is evaporated in vacuum. The resulting residues (final products as free base) are dissolved in CH₂CI₂ (3 mL) and HCl in ether is added (2 mL) and shaken for 2 h at room temperature. The resulting precipitates are collected by filtration to give the final compounds as hydrochloride salts. The purity of the compounds is analyzed by LC and eventually purified by LC/MS if required.

Method 4: Sulfonylation in the presence of NaH

Sulfonylchlorides (1.5 equiv.) are added to indoles derivatives (1 equiv.) and NaH 60%> dispersion in oil (2 equiv.) in CH₂CI₂ containing DMF (1%>). After 1 h at room temperature the reactions are quenched with water, filtered and the solvent is removed. Purification by column chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂θ₂:MeOH 9:1 :0.4 %> NH₃) gave the final compounds. The final compounds are transformed into their hydrochloride salts by the procedure described in Method 1.

Method 5: Sulfonylation of sodium salt of 4-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyI)-piperazinyl- indole (stock solution A). NaH (163 mg, 6.5 mmol) is added to a solution of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl- indole (1.50 g, 6.50 mmol) in THF (45 mL). The reaction is stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h. The suspension is diluted to 60 mL with THF and distributed into 30 reaction vials (stock solution A). Diverse sulfonylchlorides ( 0.25 mmol) in THF (2 mL) are added to the stock solution A (2 mL). The reactions are shaken for 3 h followed by addition of MeOH (100 μL). Polystyrene-trisamine (PS-trisamine) is added to the mixtures and the reactions are agitated at room temperature over night. The mixtures are filtered through a short silica column and the volatiles are removed. The crude products are dissolved in MeOH (2 mL) followed by addition of HCl/ether 2 M (4 mL). After 0.5 h the sample was centrifugated and the supernatant was decanted after 0.5 hrs. The remaining solid was washed with (ether) and dried in vaciio to afford the hydrochloride salts.

EXAMPLE 1 (Intermediate) 4-Bromo-l-(tri-isopropylsilyl)-lH-indoIe (Scheme 1 )

The NaH 60% dispersion in oil (0.94 g, 23.4 mmol) was added to a solution of 4- bromoindole (3.07 g, 15.6 mmol) and triisopropylsilyl chloride (3.62 g, 18.8 mmol) in

CH₂C1₂ (50 mL) and DMF (2 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and quenched with water. The insoluble material was filtered off and the solvent was removed. Purification by column chromatography (Si0₂, CH₂Cl₂/heptane 1 :4) yielded

3.44 g (63%) of the title compound: 1H NMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.42-6.63 (m, 5H), 1.66 (sept, J

= 8 Hz, 3H), 1.10 (d, J= 8 Hz, 18H; MS (ESI) 354.4 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 2 (Intermediate)

N-tert-Butyl-trimethylsilyl-4-chloroindole (Scheme 1)

4-Chloroindole (131.1 g, 0.871 mol) was dissolved in dry THF (0.5 L). The solution was chilled to 0 °C (ice bath, stirring). t-BuOK (97.6 g, 0.871 mol) was added in one portion and the stirring was continued for additional 5 minutes. Tert- butyldimethylchlorosilane (131.3 g, 0.871 mol) was added portionwise over 10 min with a good stirring. The reaction is exothermic. After 30 minutes the reaction was quenched with water (20 ml) and pH was adjusted to 8-9 and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 mL). The organic phases were dried (MgS0 ), filtered and the volatiles were eliminate by vacuum. The residue was triturated and crystallized from heptane to yield 181 g (78%) of the title compound. ^lR NMR (CDCI3) δ 7.45 (dd, J= 7.9 Hz, J = 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, J= 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.07 (m, 2H), 6.77 (d, 1H), 0.96 (s, 9H), 0.62 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (CDC1₃) 141.8; 131.7; 130.3; 125.9; 122.0; 119.7; 1 12.5; 103.5; 26.3; 19.5; -3.9; MS (ESI) 266.1 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 3 (Intermediate)

4-(4-Methyl-l -Piperazinyl)- 1 -(triisopropylsilyl)- 1 H-indole (Scheme 1)

The compound was prepared according to Method 2 from 4-bromo-l- (triisopropylsilyl)indole (0.090 g, 0.255 mmol), t-Bu₃P (3.6 mg, 0.014 mmol), and Pd (OAc)₂ (1 mg, 0.0036 mmol) in xylene (3 mL) and 4-methyl-l-piperazine (0.135 g, 0.73 mmol) and NaO/-Bu (69 mg, 0.72 mmol). The crude was purified by column chromatography (Si0₂, CHaCL/heptane 1 :4) to yield 90 mg (84%) of pure material: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.19-6.56 (m, 5H), 3.31-3.25 (m, 4H), 2.71-2.63 (m, 4H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.76 (sept, J- 8 Hz, 3H), 1.11 (d, J= 8 Hz, 18H); MS (ESI) 372.5 (M ^■+^■ H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 4 (Intermediate)

N-tert-ButyldirnethylsilyI-4-(4-Boc-piperazinyl)-indole (Scheme 1 ) The compound was prepared according to Method 2 from N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl -4- chloroindole (100 g, 376 mmol, 1 equiv.), tert-butyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate (84 g, 451 mmol), Palladium(II) acetate (1.26 g., 5.62 mmol, 2%), 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)- biphenyl (3.95 g., 11.28 mmol, 4 mol %), tert-BuONa (50 g, 520 mmol, 1.4 equiv.) in toluene. The solution was cooled to room temperature and KH2PO4 (150 mL, 13 % aqueous solution) was added and pH was adjusted (pH = 8-9 ) followed by extraction with toluene (2 x 100 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was crystallized from heptane to yield 124.4 g (79.6%). IjH NMR (CDCI3) δ 7.20 (d, J= 8.4

Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J= 3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (t, 1H), 6.60-6.57 (m, 2H), 3.65 (t, 4H), 3.16 (t,

4H), 1.48 (s, 9H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.58 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (CDCI3) δ 155.0; 145.5; 142.2;

129.9; 124.9; 122.0; 109.3; 107.2; 102.9; 79.8; 77.3; 51.5; 28.5; 26.4; 19.5; -3.8; MS (ESI) 416.4 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 5 (Intermediate)

4-(4-Boc-piperazinyl)-indole (Scheme 1)

A mixture of N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-4-(4-tert-butyloxylcarbonate-piperazinyl)-indole (4) (1 16.9 g., 281 mmol), NaF (30 g.₃ 714 mmol), AcOEt (440 g), water (200 mL) and B114NSO4 (2 g, 6 mmol) was heated under powerful stirring at 50-60^DC under N₂ for 2 h. The organic phase was separated and the water phase was extracted once more by AcOEt (100 mL). The organic phases were dried (MgSO₄), evaporated and co- evaporated with ethanol. The residue was crystallized from ether.hexane (1:3) to yield 81.0 g (95.6%) of the title compound. ^! H NMR (CDCI3) δ 8.59 (bs, HI); 7.12-7.02 (m,

3H), 6.58 (d, J= 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (t, 1 H), 3.69 (t, 4H), 3.19 (t, 4H), 1.53 (s, 9H);

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 155.1 ; 145.5; 137.1; 123.2; 122.6; 121.4; 106.9; 106.5; 100.8; 80.0; 77.4; 51.4; 28.6; MS (ESI) 302.2 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 6 (Intermediate)

4-(4-Methyl-l-piperazinyI)-lH-indole (Scheme 1)

A mixture of 4-(l -methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)- l-(triisopropylsilyl)-l H-indole (1 10 mg, 0.296 mmol) and Bu NF IM in THF (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. A mixture of C^C^/heptane 1 : 1 (10 mL) was added followed by filtration through silica. The product was purified by column chromatography (Siθ2, CH C1₂: MeOH 9: 1: 0.4%> NH₃) to yield 60 mg (94 %) of the title product: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.11-6.41 (m, 5H), 3.30-3.23 (m, 4H), 2.71-2.66 (m, 4H), 2.37 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 216.4 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 7

l-Phenylsulfonyl-4-piperazinylindole dihydrochloride

The title compound was prepared from 4-boc-piperazinyl-indole and phenylsulfonylchloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (DMSO-d_G) δ 9.64 (brs, 2H), 7.98-7.94 (m, 4H), 7.80-7.77 (m, IH), 7.70-7.65 (m, IH), 7.63-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.27-7.22 (m, IH), 6.95 (d, J = 3.76 Hz, IH), 6.81-6.77 (m, IH), 3.31-3.20 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d_c) δ 144.79, 137.02, 135.22, 134.62, 129.82, 126.65, 125.63, 125.54, 123.49, 1 11.15, 107.87, 107.76, 47.81, 42.86. Anal. (Cι₈Hi₉N₃0₂S ' 2HC1 ' 0.5 H₂0) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 8

l-[(2,5-DimethoxyphenyI)suIfonyI]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2,5- dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (500 MHz, OMSO-d₆) δ 8.95 (br, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (d, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.27 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.14 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.13 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.86 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.77 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.S 1 (s, 3 H), 3.64 (s, 3 H), 3.40-3.20 (m, 8 H); MS (ESH-) for m/z 402 (M+H)⁺ EXAMPLE 9

l-(MesitylsuIfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indoIe hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and mesitylsulfonylchloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, OMSO-d₆) δ 9.10 (br, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.40-7.20 (m, 3 H), 7.00-6.80 (m, 2 H), 6.51 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.30-3.20 ( , 8 H), 2.41 (s, 6 H), 2.27 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 384 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 10

l-(l-Naphthylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyI)-lH-indoIe hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and naphthylsulfonylchlonde according to Method 3 : Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-rf₆) δ 9.03 (br, 1 H), 8.63 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.43 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.34 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.15-8.05 (m, 2 H), 7.80-7.65 (m, 3 H), 7.41 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (t, J- 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.74 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.30-3.20 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 392 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 11

N,N-Dimethyl-5-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indoI-l-yI]sulfonyl}-l-naphthaIenamine hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 5-N,N- dimethyl-naphthalenamine-1 -sulfonylchloride according to Method 3: 'H MR (270 MHz, DMSO-ck) δ 9.25 (br, I H), 8.63 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.41 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 8.29 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 FI), 8.12 (m, 2 H), 7.80-7.65 (m, 3 H), 7.41 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.74 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.30-3.20 (m, 8 H), 2.82 (m, 6 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 435 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 12

l-[(4-PropoxyphenyI)sulfonyl|-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride (Scheme

1 ) The title compound was prepared according from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 4- propoxyphenylsylfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.03 (br, 1 H), 7.89 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2 H), 7.78 (d, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.25 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.07 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2 H), 6.93 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.67 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 4.01 (t, J= 7 Hz, 2 H), 3.28 (m, 8 H), 1.66 (m, 2 H), 1.38 (m, 2 H), 0,88 (t, J = 7 Hz, 2 H). MS (ESI+) for m/z 414 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 13

l-[(2,5-Dichloro-3-thienyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indoIe hydrochloride (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2,5-dichloro-3- thienylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 'H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.24 (br, 1 H), 7.78 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.72 (s, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.29 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.01 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.86 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.31 (m, 8 H). MS (ESI+) for m/z 416 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 14

l-[(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyI)-lH-indole hydrochloride (Scheme 1 )

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 4- mefhoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.07 (br, 1 H), 7.90 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2 H), 7.78 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.25 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.09 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2 H), 6.92 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.68 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.79 (s, 3 H), 3.24 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 371 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 15

l-[(2,4-DifluorophenyI)sulfonyl|-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2,4-di- fluorophenylsulfonylchloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-d_r7) δ

9.41 (br, 1 H), 8.24 (m, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 1 H), 7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.47 -7.33 (m, 2 H), 7.23 (t,

J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.99 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.70 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.25 (m, 8 H).

MS (ESI+) for m/z 378 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 16

l-([l, -BiphenyI]-4-yl-suIfonyI)-4-(l-piperazinyI)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 1,1 '-biphenyl- 4-ylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 1H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-ck) δ 9.26 (br, 1 H), 8.04 (m, 2 H), 7.88 (m, 3 H), 7.67 (m, 3 H), 7.46 (m, 3 H), 7.27 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.96 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.80 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.25 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 418 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 17

l-|(3,4-DimethoxyphenyI)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 3,4- dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 'H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.00 (br, 1 H), 7.82 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.66 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (m, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.10 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.90 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.78 (s, 6 H), 3.24 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 402 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 18

5-Methyl-2-methoxyl-{|4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]sulfonyl}phenyl ether hydrochloride (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 5-mefhyl-2- methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.45 (br, 1 H), 7.92 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.70 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.30 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.13 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.01-6.92 (m, 2H), 6.83 (d, J= 5 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3 H), 3.26 (m, 8 H), 3.32 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 386 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 19

l-[(2,5-DichIorophenyl)suIfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2,5- dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.09 (br, 1 H), 8.25 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.91-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.72 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.23 (t, J- 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.98 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.82 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.26 (m, 8 H).

EXAMPLE 20

l-[(5-Chloro-l,3-dimethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 5-chloro-l ,3- dimethyl-lH-pyrazol-4yl-sulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-c ) δ 9.17 (br, 1 H), 7.78 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.49 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (t, J = 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.87 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.28 (m, 8 H), 2.34 (s, 3H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 394 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 21

l-[(3-Chloro-2-methylphenyI)suIfonyll-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indoIe hydrochloride

(Scheme 1) The compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 3-chloro-2- methoxylphenylsLilfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₍7) δ 9.21 (br, 1 H), 7.89 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.82 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.51 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.19 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.10 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.01 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.81 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.29 (m, 8 H), 2.54 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 390 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 22

2-Chloro-5-(4-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)benzonitrile hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2-chloro-5-[(4- (piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]-sulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 'H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-^) δ 9.20 (br, 1 H), 8,06 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2 H), 7.81 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.75- 7.55 (m, 3 H), 7.30 - 7.15 (m, 4 H), 6.97 (d, J- 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.82 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.27 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 493 (M)⁺, 495.

EXAMPLE 23

4-Bromo-2-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]suIfonyI}phenyl methyl ether hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 4-bromo-2- phenylmethylethersulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 1H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-rtø δ 9.40 (br, 1 H), 8.12 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.88 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.72 (d, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 7.37 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.25 - 7.10 (m, 2 H)„ 6.89 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.71 (s, 3 H), 3.29 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 450 (M)⁺ , 452.

EXAMPLE 24

4-(l-Piperazinyl)-l-(3-pyridinylsulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride (Scheme The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 3- pyridinylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-d_fi) δ 9.37 (br, 1 H), 9.18 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 8.86 (d, J = 5 Hz, 1 H), 8.39 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.70 - 7.60 (m, 2 H), 7.27 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.00 (d, J= 3 Hz, H), 6.82 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.24 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 343 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 25

7-{[4-(l-PiperazinyI)-lH-indol-l-yl]sulfonyl}-2-(trifluoroacetyl)-l,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2- (trifluoroacetyl)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Η NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-^) The experiment was done at 100°C δ 9.25 (br, 1 H), 7.94 (br, 1 H), 7.75 (d, J- 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.63 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.41 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (t, J- 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.90 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.81 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 4.80 (s, 2 H), 3.79 (m, 2 H), 3.35 - 3.25 (m, 8 H), 2.97 (m, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 493 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 26

Methyl 2-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indoI-l-yl]sulfonyl}phenyl sulfone hydrochloride

(Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2- methylsulfonyl-phenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: 1H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-f/₆) δ 9.22 (br, 1 H), 8.29 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.99 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.90 - 7.80 (m, 2 FI), 7.43 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.30 - 7.15 (m, 2 H), 7.04 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.85 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.56 (s, 3 H), 3.29 (m, 8 FI); MS (ESI+) for m/z 420 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 27

l-[(4-fIuorophenyl)sulfonyI]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and 2- methylsulfonyl-phenylsLilfonyl chloride according to Method 4 yield the hydrochloride (yield 70%), HPLC purity >95%; 'H NMR (OMSO-dό) δ 3.26 (bs, 8H), 6.80 (bs, I H), 6.95 (bs, IH), 7.26 (bs, I H), 7.61 (app t, 2H), 7.80 (bs, I H), 8.06 (bs, IH), 9.30 (bs, IH); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-J6) δ 165.20, 144.94, 135.14, 133.31 , 130.06 (2C), 125.62 (2C), 123.50, 1 17.25, 1 17.06, 1 1 1.15, 107.92, 107.71 , 47.82 (2C), 42.98 (2C); MS 5 (posES-FlA) m/z 360 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 28

l-[(5-chIoro-3-methyI-l-benzothien-2-yI)su!fonyI]-4-(l-piperazinyI)-l H-indole

10 hydrochloride (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole and l-[(5-chloro-3- methyl-l-benzothien-2-yl)sulfonyl chloride according to Method 4 to afford the hydrochloride salt (yield 45%), HPLC purity >95%; Η NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 2.65 (s, 3H), 3.26 (bs, 8H), 6.82 (app d, IH), 7.00 (appd, IH), 7.28 (app t, IH), 7.60 (app dd,

15 2H), 7.87 (app d, IH), 8.08-8.12 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-f/6) δ 145.05, 139.82, 139.35, 137.46, 135.14, 133.31, 130.96, 128.70 (2C), 125.62, 124.89, 124.12, 123.52, 111.42, 107.91, 107.71, 47.87 (2C), 43.03 (2C), 12.27; MS (posES-FlA) m/z 446 (M+H).

20 EXAMPLE 29

4-(4-Methyl-l -piperazinyl)-! -(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

(Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared 4-(4-methyl-l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole and p- 25 methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride according to Method 4 (45 %): 1H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.81-6.77 (m, 9H), 3.62-3.02 (m, 8H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 370.5 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE (Intermediate) 30

J 0

Synthesis of 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyIoxy)indole (Scheme 2)

Et N (1.6 mL, 1 1.3 mmol) was added to a solution of 4-hydroxylindole (l .Og, 7.5 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (20 mL). The reaction was cooled (ice bath) followed by the careful addition of a solution N-phenyl-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonamide) (2.6g, 7.5 mmol) in CH2CI₂. The reaction was washed with aqueous K₂CO₃ after 10 minutes, dried (K₂CO₃) and filtered. The volatiles were eliminated by vacuum to give 2.9 g of a light brown oil that was purified by flash chromatography (Si0₂, CHCI₃). This gave 2.47g (62%) of the title product as a light orange oil. Purity according to GC analysis was 92%. Η NMR (MeOH-d3): δ 7.45 (d, I H), 7.35 (d, IH), 7.15 (t, I H), 7.00 (d, IH), 6.50 (d, IH).

EXAMPLE (Intermediate) 31

Synthesis of 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)(N-(4- trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)indole (Scheme 2)

A solution of 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)indole (2.28 g, 8.6 mmol) in CH₂CI₂ was added dropwise over 10 minutes to a mixture of NaH (619 mg, 25.8 mmol prewashed with heptane) in CH₂C1₂ (20 mL) and DMF (0.5 mL) under N₂. A solution of 4- (trifluoromethyl)-benzenesulfonyl chloride (2.31 g, 9.5 mmol) in CH₂CI₂ (1 mL) was then added slowly at 0°C. The mixture was left at room temperature under stirring for 1 h. The reaction was then quenched carefully with water, the organic phase isolated, dried, filtered through silica and concentrated to yield 3.3 g crude product as a red oil. The product was purified by flash chromatography (Siθ₂, heptane to heptane/EtOAc 10: 1 to yield 2.43 g (59%) of the title product as a colorless oil. HPLC analysis 100%. MS m/z =496 (M + Na⁺). 1H NMR (MeOH-d3): δ 8.20 (d, 2H), 8.1 (d, IH), 7.85 (m, 3H), 7.45 (t, IH), 7.30 (d, IH), 6.85 (d, IH).

EXAMPLE 32

4-Piperazino-N-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyI)indoIe hydrochloride (Scheme 2) The title compound was prepared from 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)(N-(4- trifluoromefhyl)-phenylsulfonyl)indole (200 mg, 0.42 mmol) and piperazine (72 mg, 0.84 mmol) according to Method 1. Purification by flash chromatography (SiO₂, CHC1₃ to MeOH:CHCl₃ 10:90: 0.4% aq NH₃) afforded to 10 mg of a yellow oil. This was dissolved in ethanol and HCl/ether was added and allowed to stir for a few hours. The solid was filtered to yield 10 mg final product as a beige solid that was further purified by preparative HPLC to give, after formation of the HCl salt, the final product (38 mg, 51 %) as an off-white solid. HPLC 97 %. MS (posEI) m/z=410 (M+H). 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.12 (d, 2H, J = 8.3 Hz), 7.84 (d, 2H, J = 8.3 Hz), 7.76-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.33- 7.27 (m, I H), 6.88- 6.85 (m, 2H) 3.44-3.30 (m, 8H, partly hidden).

EXAMPLE 33

4-(3-Methylpiperazine)-(N-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenylsuIfonyl)indole dihydrochloride (Scheme 2)

The title compound was prepared from 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)(N-(4- trifluoromethyl)-phenylsulfonyl)indole and røc-2-methylpiperazine according to

Method 1. Filtration through silica using CHCI₃ to MeOH:CHCl₃ 10:90: 0.4% aq NH₃ as eluent gave 48 mg of final product as a beige solid, mp 145°C (dec); Η NMR (MeOH-d3): δ 8.10 (d, 2H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.75 (d, IH), 7.65 (d, IH), 7.30 (t, IH), 6.85 (m, 2H), 3.50 (m, 5H), 3.00 (t, IH), 2.85 (t, IH), 1.35 (d, 3H); ). HPLC 94%; MS (posEI) m/z=424 (M+H). Anal. (C₂₀H₂₀F₃N₃O₂S.2HCI) C,H,N,S. N calcd. 8.47, found 9.32.

EXAMPLE (Intermediate) 34

4-Bromo-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole (Scheme 2)

4-Bromo-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole was prepared from 4-bromoindole and phenylsulfonyl chloride according to Method 4 to afford 3.1 g (91 %) of a light purple solid: 'HNMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.94 (d, J = 8 Hz, IH), 7.89-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 4 Hz, IH), 7.57-7.51 (m, IH), 7.46-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.19-7.13 (m, IH), 6.72 (dd, J = 1, 4 Hz, IH); MS (ESI) 419.9 + 421.9 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE (Intermediate) 35

4-Bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 2) The compound was prepared from 4-bromoindole (1.02g, 5.25 mmol) and 0- methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (a 9: 1 mixture of ortho andpara methyl isomers) (1.29 g, 6.78 mmol) according to method 4. Purification by column chromatography (S1O₂, CH₂CI₂:heptane) gave 1.6 g (87 %) of the title compound which contains ca 10 % of the -methyl isomer) as a light purple viscous oil: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.94-6.68 (m, 9H), 2.52 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 352.3 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 36

4-(4-Methyl-l-piperazinyI)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyI)-lH-indoIe (Scheme 2) The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H- indole (0.135 mg, 0.385 mmol) and 4-methyl- l-piperazine (0.143 mg, 0.77 mmol) according to Method 2. The product purified by flash column chromatography (Siθ₂, CH Cl₂:MeOH 9:1: 0.4% NH₃) and converted into its HCl salt to afford 15 mg (10 %): 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.97-6.79 (m, 9H), 3.72-3.07 (m, 8H), 3.01 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 370.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 37

4-(4-EthyI-l-piperazinyI)-l-(2-methyIbenzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole (Scheme 1) The compounds was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole and 4-ethyl-l-piperazine according to Method 1. The product was isolated by column chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂:MeOH/heptane:0.4%o NH₃) and converted into its hydrochloride salt by addition of HCl/ether to give 85 mg (40%>) of a white solid:

'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.95-6.61 (m, 9H), 3.41-3.26 (m, 8H), 3.20-3.07 (m, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 1.42 (t, J= 7 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) 384.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 38

4-(l-Piperazinyl)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl~benzenesulfonyl)-lH~ indole and piperazine according to Method 1 to give 25 mg (12 %) of a white solid: ΗNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.91-6.79 (m, 9H), 3.49-3.30 (m, 8H), 2.48 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 356.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 39 4-(5-Aza-indoIizidinyl)-l-(2-methyIbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H- indole and 5-aza-indolizidinyl according to Method 1 to give 30 mg (13 %) of a white solid: Η NMR on free base (CDC1₃) δ 7.85-7.66 (m, 9H), 3.63-3.47 (m, IH), 3.16-2.93 (m, 3H), 2.67-2.45 (m, 5H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.33-2.19 (m, 2H), 1.92- 1.74 (m, 4H), 1.52-

1.44 (m, IH); MS (ESI) 396.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 40

4-(4-Methyl-l-homopiperazinyI)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole (scheme

1)

The compounds was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole and 4-methyl-l-homopiperazine according Method 1 to give 20 mg (13%) of a white solid: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.91 -6.73 (m, 9H), 3.74-3.45 (m, 8H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 2.34-2.26 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) 384.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 41

4-(3-Methyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-mefhyl-benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole and 3-methylpiperazine according to Method 1 to give 110 mg (38 %) of a white solid: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.92-6.82 (m, 9FI), 3.64-3.39 (m, 5H), 3.12-3.03 (m, IH), 2.92- 2.83 (m, IH), 2.47 (s, 3H), 1.40 (d, J= 7 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) 370.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity

(HPLC) 94 %.

EXAMPLE 42

4-(c/s-3,5-Dimethyl-l-piperazinyI)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-lH-indoIe (Scheme

1) The compound was prepared according from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-

1 H-indole and l-piperazine according to Method 1 to give 10 mg (4

%) of a white solid: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.90-6.82 (m, 9H), 3.69-3.58 (m, 4H), 2.83- 2.74 (m, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.41 (d, J= 7 Hz, 6H); MS (ESI) 492.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95%.

EXAMPLE 43

4-(4-Isopropyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole (Scheme 1) The compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole and 4-isopropyl-l-piperazine according to Method 1 to give 75 mg (56 %) of a white solid: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.92-6.81 (m, 9H), 3.75-3.56 (m, 5H), 3.48-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.19-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 1.44 (d, J= 7 Hz, 6H); MS (ESI) 398.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 44

4-((lS,4S)-2-Methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-

1 H-indole (Scheme 1)

The compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(2-methyl-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole and (lS,4S)-2-methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane according to Method 1 to give 25 mg (19 %) of a white solid: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.91-6.44 (m, 9H), 4.67-4.63 (m, IH), 4.35-4.33 (m, IH), 4.09-4.07 (m, IH), 3.99-3.95 (m, IH), 3.72-3.70 (m, IH), 3.21 -3.17 (m, IH), 2.95 (s, 3H), 2.33-2.31 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) 382.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 45

4-(4-Methyl-l-homopiperazinyI)-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-lPI-indole and 4- methyl-1 -homopiperazine according to Method 1 to give 4 mg (2 %) of a white solid: Η NMR for free base (CDC1₃) δ 7.86-7.11 (m, 8H), 6.71 (d, J= 4 Hz, IH) 6.54 (d, J = 8 Hz, IH), 3.60-3.57 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.48 (m, 2H), 2.81 -2.78 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.64 (m, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.04-2.00 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) 370.1 (M + H)⁴; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 46 4-(cis 3,5-Dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(benzenesulfonyI)-lH-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole and cis 3,5-dimethyl-l-piperazine according to Method 1 to give 138 mg (52 %>) of a white solid: ΗNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.93-6.82 (m, 10 H), 3.64-3.59 (m, 4 H), 2.77-2.68 (m, 2 FI), 1.36 (d, J= 6 Hz, 6 H); MS (ESI) 370.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 47

4-(4-Ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(benzenesulfonyI)-lH-indole (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole and 4- ethylpiperazine according to Method 1 to afford 129 mg (48 %) of a white solid: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.94-6.81 (m, 10 H), 3.69-3.62 (m, 4 H), 2.34-3.26 (partly hidden) (m, 4 H), 3.14-3.04 (m, 2 H), 1.40 (t, J= 7 Hz, 3 H); MS (ESI) 370.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) >95%.

EXAMPLE 48

4-PiperazinyI-l-(4-nitro-benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 60.3 mg (86 %) as HCl salt: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.34 (d, 2 H, J = 9.0 Hz), 8.18 (d, 2 H, J = 9.0 Hz), 7.76-7.69 (m, 2 H), 7.33-7.27 (m, IH), 6.90- 6.85 (m, 2 H) 3.44-3.30 (m, 8 H, partly obscured); MS (ESI) 386.9 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95%.

EXAMPLE 49

4-Piperazinyl-l-(4-bromo-benzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinylindole (stock solution A) to give 40.3 mg (53 %) as HCl salt ; 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.81-7.61 (m, 6 H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 1 H), 6.86- 6.83 (m, 2 H) 3.44-3.30 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI) 419.9, 421.9 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 98 %.

EXAMPLE 50

4-Piperazinyl-l-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indoIe (Scheme 1 ) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 42 mg (61 %) as HCl salt: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.88 (d, 2 H, J = 8.7 Hz), 7.72-7.63 (m, 2 H), 7.50 (d, 2 H, J = 8.7 Hz), 7.30-7.24 (m, 1 H), 6.86-6.84 (m, 2 H) 3.44-3.31 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI) 375.9, 377.9 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95%.

EXAMPLE 51

4-Piperazinyl-l-(E 2-phenyl-ethensulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 1-(E 2-phenyl- ethensulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl- indole (stock solution A) to give 8 mg (11 %) as HCl salt: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.78 (d, 1 H, J = 15.4 Hz) 7.68-7.25 (m, 9 H), 7.16 (d, 1 H, J = 15.4), 6.88- 6.84 (m, 2 H) 3.46- 3.34 (m, 8 H); MS (ΕSI) 368.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 97%.

EXAMPLE 52

4-Piperazinyl-l-(3-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyI)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 3-trifluoromethyl- benzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl- indole (stock solution A) to give 42 mg (61 %) of a white solid: ' HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.21-8.16 (m, 2 H) 7.96-7.93 (m, 1 H), 7.34-7.27 (m, 1 H), 6.89- 6.85 (m, 2 H) 3.44- 3.32 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI) 410.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95%.

EXAMPLE 53

4 -Piperazinyl-l-(4-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indoIe (Scheme The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-cyanobenzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 28 mg (42 %) of a white solid: MS (ESI) 367.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95 %.

EXAMPLE 54

4-Piperazinyl-l-(4-chIoro-7-chloro-2,l,3-b^enzoxadiazole sulfonyI)-lH-indoIe

(Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-chloro-7- chlorosulfonyl-2,l,3-benzoxadiazole sulfonylchloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-t- butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 12 mg (16 %) of a white solid: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.42 (d, 2 H, J = 7.1 Hz), 7.84-7.63 (m, 3 H), 7.27- 7.21 (m, 1 H), 6.85- 6.81 (m, 2 H) 3.43-3.27 (m, 8 H, partly hidden); MS (ESI) 418.0 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 91%.

EXAMPLE 55

4-Piperazinyl-l-(3-cyanobenzenesulfonyI)-lH-indoIe (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4-trifluoromethyl- benzenesulfonyl chloride and sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl- indole (stock solution A) to give 68 mg (50 %) of a white solid: MS (ESI) 367.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 93%.

EXAMPLE 56

4-PiperazinyI-l-(4-phenoxybenzenesuIfonyl)-lH-indoIe (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4- phenoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride and sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)- piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 68 mg (87 %) of a white solid: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) 7.82-7.59 (m, 4 H), 7.76-7.34 (m, 4 H), 6.88- 6.78 (m, 6 H) 3.45-3.30 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI) 434.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95%.

EXAMPLE 57 4-Piperazinyl-l~(4-chIorophenylmethanesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1 ) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4- chlorophenylmethanesulfonyl chloride and sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)- piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 3 mg (4 %>) of a white solid: Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.44 (d, 1 H, J = 8.2 Hz) 7.24-7.18 (m, 4 H), 6.87-6.84 (m, 3 H), 6.69-6.67 (m, 1 H) 4.72 (s, 2 H) 3.43-3.31 (m, 8 H, partly hidden); MS (ESI) 390.0, 392.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 91%.

EXAMPLE 58

4-Piperazinyl-l-(4-methylphenylmethanesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4- methylphenylmethanesulfonyl chloride and sodium salt of 4-(4-t-butyloxycarbonyl)- piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 9 mg (13 %>) of a white solid: 'HNMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.46 (d, 1 H, J = 8.4 Hz) 7.24-7.18 (m, 1 H), 7.06 (d, 1 H, J = 4.0 Hz) 6.95- 6.85 (m, 3 H), 6.76-6.64 (m, 3 H) 4.65 (s, 2 H) 3.47-3.35 (m, 8 H) 2.24 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI) 370.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 95 %.

EXAMPLE 59

4-Piperazinyl-l-(l,l-diphenylethanesulfonyl)-lH-indole (Scheme 1) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 1 ,1- diphenylethanesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-/-butyloxycarbonyl)- piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 57 mg (71 %) of a white solid: 'H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.59 (d, 1 H, J = 8.4 Hz), 7.31 -7.25 (m, 1 H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 10 H), 6.86- 6.83 (m, 1 H) 6.50-6.48 (m, 1 H) 6.42 (t, 1 H, J = 6.6 Hz) 4.28 (d, 2 H, J = 6.6 Hz) 3.47- 3.32 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI) 446.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 92 %.

EXAMPLE 60

4-PiperazinyI-l-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole (Scheme 1 ) The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 4- trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-/- butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 46 mg (60 %) of a white solid: ΗNMR (CD₃OD) δ 8.07-8.04 (m, 2 H), 7.75-7.72 (m, 1 H) 7.67-7.68 (m, 1 H) 7.43-7.40 (m, 2 H), 7.32-7.20 (m, 1 H) 6.87- 6.85 (m, 2 H) 3.44-3.31 (m, 8 H, partly hidden); MS (ESI) 426.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 93%.

EXAMPLE 61

4-Piperazinyl-l-(5-[(benzoylamino)methyl]thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-lH-indoIe

(Scheme 1)

The title compound was prepared according to Method 5 from 5- [(benzoylamino)methyl]thiophene-2-sulfonylchloride and the sodium salt of 4-(4-t- butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazinyl-indole (stock solution A) to give 5 mg (6 %>) of a white solid: 1H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.79-7.42 (m, 8 H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 1 H) 7.00-6.98 (m, 1 H) 6.85-6.81 (m, 2 H) 3.39-3.28 (m, 8 H, partly hidden); MS (ESI) 481.1 (M + H)⁺; Purity (HPLC) 91%.

EXAMPLE 62

l-[(N-methyl-lH-imidazol-4-yl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride

The compound was prepared from 4-(4-boc-piperazinyl)-indole 1 -methyl- lH-imidazol- 4-yl)sulfonyl chloride according to Method 3: Yield: 74 %.Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.23 (br, 1 H), 8.25 (s, 1 H), 7.75 (s, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.22 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.86 (d, J= 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.79 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.27 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 346 (M+H)⁺.

Scheme 3 (i) (iPr)₃Si, NaH, dimethylformamide/dichlorometane; R⁵ (when it is different than H) (tBu)₃P, Pd(OAc)₂, NaOtBu; (iii) Bu₄NF in THF, acetonitrile; (iv) R¹ (ArSO₂- as indicated in Table II), NaOH, dichlorometane.

TABLE II

Compounds prepared according to synthetic scheme 3.

EXAMPLE 63 (Intermediate)

5-Bromo-l-triisopropylsilyl-indole

5-Bromoindole (3.92 g; 20 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (100 mL) and DMF (1 mL). NaH (0.88 g, 22 mmol; 60% in oil) was added to the cooled solution. After stirring for 15 minutes, triisopropylsilyl chloride (3.86 g, 20 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture. After 3 h, water (1 mL) was added, followed by MgS0 . The mixture was filtered and concentrated and the residue put through a silica column with hexane as eluent. The product was obtained as a pale yellow oil (5.96 g, 17 mmol; yield 85 %>). Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 1.13 (18 H, d, J=8), 1.67 (3 H, m), 6.55 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.21 (1 H, dd, J=9, 2), 7.24 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.36 (1 H, d, J=9) and 7.74 (1 H, d, J=2).

EXAMPLE 64 (Intermediate)

5-(4-MethyIpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

5-Bromo-l -triisopropyIsilyl-indole (5.8 g, 16.4 mmol), N-methylpiperazine (1.8 g, 18 mmol), NaOt-Bu (2.2 g, 23 mmol), Pd(OAc)₂ (37 mg, 0.16 mmol), P/-Bu₃ (66 mg, 0.33 mmol) and xylene (30 mL) were mixed and heated to 130 °C under stirring for 5 h. The crude material was chromatographed on a silica column using DCM/MeOH 95/5 as eluent. Concentration of the main fractions left 5.6 g of an oil which was dissolved in MeCN (10 mL), 20 mL of a 1 M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF was added and the mixture left over-night. The reaction mixture was put on a silica column and eluted with DCM/MeOH 95/5 to give the product as an oil (2 g, 9.3 mmol; yield 57 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.37 (3 H, s), 2.64 (4 H, t, J=5), 3.19 (4 H, t, J=5), 6.44-6.48 (1 H, m), 6.95-7.00 (1 H, m), 7.16 ( 1 H, d, J=3), 7.18 (1 H, d, J=2), 7.29 (1 H, d, J=9) and 8.12 (1 H, bs).

Intermediates 65-67 were prepared using the same method as for intermediate 64. EXAMPLE 65 (Intermediate)

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole (0.46 g, 1.9 mmol; yield 63 %), Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 1.12 (6 H, d, J=7), 2.70-2.78 (5 H, m), 3.15-3.22 (4 H, m), 6.45-6.49 (I H, m), 6.97-7.01 (1 H, dm), 7.14-7.19 (2 H, m), 7.30 (1 H, d, J=9) and 8.05 (1 H, bs).

EXAMPLE 66 (Intermediate)

5-(4-BenzyIpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

(3.6 g, 12.4 mmol; yield 55 %), 'H NMR (CDCI₃) δ 2.67 (4 H, t, J=5), 3.18 (4 H, t, J=5), 3.60 (2 H, s), 6.44-6.47 (1 H, m), 6.97 (2 H, dd, J=9, 3), 7.13-7.17 (2 H, m), 7.25- 7.39 (5 H, m) and 8.01 (1 H, bs).

EXAMPLE 67 (Intermediate)

5-(4-Propylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

(0.54 g, 2.2 mmol; yield 24 %), Η NMR (CDCI₃) δ 0.94 (3 H, t, J=7), 1.53-1.62 (2 H, m), 2.37-2.43 (2 H, m), 2.65-2.73 (4 H, m), 3.17-3.22 (4 H, m), 6.45-6.48 (1 H, m), 6.96-7.00 (1 H, dm), 7.14-7.19 (2 H, m), 7.30 (1 H, d, J=9) and 8.13 (1 H, bs).

EXAMPLE 68

N-Benzenesulfonyl-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

5-(4-Methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole (215 mg, lmmol), benzenesulfonylchloride (265 mg, 1.5 mmol) and Aliquat 336 (10 mg) were dissolved in DCM (10 mL). Aqueous NaOFI (20 %, 2 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 6 h. The organic layer was separated, dried and concentrated to give the crude as an oil that was purified on a silica column using DCM and MeOH as eluent. The pure fractions were concentrated to give an oil (260 mg, 0.66 mmol) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.35 (3 H, s), 2.59 (4 H, t, J=5), 3.18 (4 H, t, J=5), 6.57 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.98-7.03 (2 H, m), 7.38-7.54 (4 H, m), 7.82-7.90 (3 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 355.1345 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

Examples 69-87 were prepared using the same method as for Example 1. Examples 72- 87 are reported as hydrochloride salts.

EXAMPLE 69

N-(4-Methylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole (0.24 g, yield 59 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.33 (3 H, s), 2.37 (3 H, s), 2.61 (4 H, t, J=5), 3.18 (4 H, t, J=5), 6.55 (1 H, d, J=3), 6.98-7.30 (2 H, m), 7.19 (2 H, d, 7.47 (IH, d, J=4), 7.72 (2 H, d, 3=9) and 7.86 (1 H, d, J=9); MS (posES-FIA) 369.1502 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 70

N-Benzenesulfonyl-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

(0.24 g, yield 57 %), Η NMR (CDCI₃) δ 1.12 (6 H, d, J=7), 2.68-2.77 (5 H, m), 3.15- 3.25 (4 H, m), 6.57 (1 H, d, J=5), 6.98-7.04 (2 H, m), 7.39-7.44 (2 H, m), 7.46-7.54 (1 H, m) and 7.81-7.89 (3 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 383.1655 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 71

N-(4-MethylbenzenesulfonyI)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole

(0.29 g, yield 67 %), Η NMR (CDCI₃) δ 1.11 (6 H, d, J=6), 2.33 (3 H, s), 2.67-2.78 (5 H, m), 3.15-3.25 (4 H, m), 6.54 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.97-7.03 (2 H, m), 7.19 (2 H, d, J=8), 7.46 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.67-7.81 (3 H, m) and 7.86 (1 H, d, J=9); MS (posES-FIA) 397.1823 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >90%.

EXAMPLE 72 N-(3,4-DimethoxybenzenesuIfonyI)-5-(4-propylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.27 g, yield 67 %), ' H NMR (CDC1₃) δ 1.10 (3 H, t, J=7), 1.93-2.03 (2 H, m), 3.10- 3.20 (2 H, m), 3.63-3.70 (4 H, m), 3.88 (3 H, s), 3.90 (3 H, s), 4.30-4.42 (2 H, m), 4.82- 4.94 (2 H, m), 6.76 ( 1 H, d, .1=4), 6.87-6.94 (2 H, m), 7.53-7.60 (2 PI, m), 7.72-7.76 (1 H, m), 7.83-7.88 (1 H, m), 8.08-8.12 (1 H, m), 8.16-8.20 (1 H, m) and 13.45 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 443.1871 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >75%.

EXAMPLE 73

N-(3-Fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-propylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.16 g, yield 67 %), Η NMR (MeOH d6) δ 1.02 (3 H, t, =7), 1.72-1.84 (2 H, m), 3.02-3.18 (4 H, m), 3.19-3.26 (2 H, m), 3.60-3.68 (2 H, m), 3.71-3.80 (2 H, m), 6.67 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.08-7.13 (1 H, m), 7.15-7.18 (1 H, m), 7.30-7.37 (1 H, m), 7.46-7.54 (1 H, m), 7.58-7.64 (2 H, m), 7.66-7.72 (1 H, m) and 7.86-7.91 (1 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 401.1585 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >90%.

EXAMPLE 74

N-(4-Propylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methyIpiperazin-l -yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.15 g, yield 38 %) 'H NMR (CDC1₃) δ 0.90 (3 H, t, J=7), 1.56- 1.66 (2 H, m), 2.60 (2 H, t, J=8), 2.98 (3 H, s), 3.56-3.68 (4 H, m), 4.27-4.40 (2 H, m), 4.64-4.74 (2 H, m), 6.74 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.25-7.29 (2 H, m), 7.71-7.81 (4 H, m), 8.06-8.13 (2 H, m) and 13.89 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 397.1813 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >93%.

EXAMPLE 75

N-(l-NaphtaIenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indoIe, hydrochloride

(0.18 g, yield 45 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.97 (3 H, s), 3.59 (4 H, t, J=15), 4.35-4.46 (2 H, m), 4.68-4.78 (2 H₃ m), 6.75 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.50-7.76 (4 H, m), 7.88-7.98 (3 H, m), 8.1 1-8.15 (2 H, m), 8.34-8.38 (1 H, m), 8.62 (1 H, d, J=9) and 13.94 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 405.1503 M*^"; Purity (HPLC chromsil C I S) >90%.

EXAMPLE 76

N-(Biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.13 g, yield 30 %) Η NMR (MeOH-d₆) δ 2.93 (3 H, s), 3.05-3.15 (2 H, m), 3.20-3.30 (2 H, m), 3.50-3.60 (2 H, m), 3.70-3.80 (2 H, m), 6.66 (1 H, d, J=5), 7.1 1 (1 H, dd, J=9, 3), 7.16 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.32-7.43 (3 H, m), 7.51 -7.56 (2 H, m), 7.61 ( 1 H, d, J=4), 7.66- 7.70 (2 H, m) and 7.88-7.94 (3 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 431.1662 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 77

N-(4-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.17 g, yield 44 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.98 (3 H, s), 3.55-3.68 (4 H, m), 3.82 (3 H, s), 4.30-4.45 (2 H, m), 4.66-4.76 (2 H, m), 6.72 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.93 (2 H, d, J=9), 7.71 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.74-7.79 (1 H, m), 7.83 (2 H, d, J=9), 8.10 (2 H, d, J=9) and 13.97 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 385.1456 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >95%.

EXAMPLE 78

N-(3,4-DimethoxybenzenesuIfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yI)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.13 g, yield 28 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.98 (3 H, s), 3.55-3.70 (4 H, m), 3.88 (3 H, s), 3.89 (3 H, s), 4.32-4.45 (2 H, m), 4.66-4.78 (2 H, m), 6.75 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.85-6.93 (2 H, m), 7.53-7.58 (1 H, m), 7.73 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.77-7.82 (1 H, m), 8.08-8.14 (2 H, m) and 13.97 (IH, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 415.1561 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >80%.

EXAMPLE 79

N-(2,4-Difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride (0.23 g, yield 53 %) Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 2.2.99 (3 H, s), 3.55-3.68 (4 H, m), 4.35-4.45 (2 H, m), 4.71-4.82 (2 H, m), 6.77 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.84-6.93 (2 H, m), 7.04-7.12 (1 H, m), 7.75-7.82 (2 H, m), 7.98 (1 H, d, J=9), 8.10-8.20 (2 H, m) and 13.88 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 391.1 155 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >88%. EXAMPLE 80

N-(4-MethoxybenzenesuIfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indoIe, hydrochloride (0.34 g, yield 61 %). Η NMR (CD₃OD) δ 3.26-3.29 (8 H, m), 3.76 (3 H, s), 4.40 (2 H, s), 6.93 (1 H, d, J=9), 7.08 (1 H, dd, J=9, 3), 7.17 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.46-7.51 (3 H, m), 7.52-7.57 (3 H, m), 7.76 (2 H, d, J=9) and 7.86 (1 H, d, J=9); MS (posES-FIA) 461.1763 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >90%.

EXAMPLE 81

N-(2,4-DifluorobenzenesulfonyI)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.30 g, yield 64 %). 'H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 3.30-3.80 (8 H, m), 4.40 (2 H, s), 6.66 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.04-7.15 (3 H, m), 7.30 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.43-7.47 (3 H, m), 7.52-7.56 (2 H, m), 7.57-7.66 (1 H, m), 7.74 (1 H, d, J=9) and 8.06-8.14 (1 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 467.1492 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 82

N-(4-ButoxybenzenesulfonyI)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.30 g, yield 64 %). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 0.86 (3 H, t, J=7), 1.29-1.42 (2 H, m), 1.55-

1.69 (2 H, m), 3.05-3.37 (6 H, m), 3.60-3.70 (2 H, m), 3.97 (2 H, t, J=6), 4.35 (2 H, s),

6.70 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.02-7.15 (4 H, m), 7.43-7.50 (3 H, m), 7.65-7.71 (3 H, m), 7.78- 7.86 (3 H, m) and 11.45 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 503.2236 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >95%.

EXAMPLE 83

N-(3,4-Dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.36 g, yield 68 %). 'H NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.10-3.40 (6 H, m), 3.65-3.85 (2 H, m), 3.76 (6 H, s), 4.35 (2 H, s), 6.70 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.04-7.14 (3 H, m), 7.34 (1 H, d, J=2), 7.42-7.47 (3 H, m), 7.50 ( 1 H, dd, J=9, 2), 7.65-7.70 (2 H, m), 7.73 (1 H, d, .1=4), 7.83 (I H, d, 3=9) and 1 1.65 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 491.1875 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 84

N-(Biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.35 g, yield 64 %). ^lH NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.10-3.20 (4 H, m), 3.30-3.40 (2 H, m), 3.70-3.80 (2 H, m), 4.36 (2 H, s), 6.74 (I H, d, J=4), 7.05-7.13 (2 H, m), 7.40-7.50 (6 H, m), 7.58-7.63 (2 H, m), 7.63-7.68 (2 H, m), 7.76 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.82-7.87 (3 H, m), 7.98 (2 H, d, 3=9) and 10.81 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 507.1981 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 85

N-(Napthalene-2-suIfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiper zin-1 -yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(0.40 g, yield 55 %). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.05-3.35 (6 H, m), 3.66 (2 H, d, J=12), 4.33 (2 H, s), 6.71 (1 H, d, J=4), 6.99 (1 H, dd, 3=9, 2), 7.10 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.41-7.45 (3H, m), 7.58-7.75 (6 H, m), 8.00 (1 H, d, .1=4), 8.07 (1 H, d, J=8), 8.29 (1 H, d, J=9), 8.32 (1 H, d, J=7), 8.62 (1 H, d, 3=9) and 11.53 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 481.1842 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil Cl 8) >98%.

EXAMPLE 86

N-(4-Propylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride (0.49 g, yield 63 %). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 0.81 (3 H, t, 3=1), 1.44-1.56 (2 H, m), 2.54 (2 H, t, J=8), 3.10-3.27 (6 H, m), 3.28-3.38 (2 H, m), 4.35 (2 H, s), 6.70 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.05-7.09 (1 H, m), 7.10-7.12 (1 H, m), 7.37 (2 H, d, J=8), 7.43-7.48 (3 H, m), 7.63-7.67 (2 H, m), 7.69 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.77-7.84 (3 H, m), and 1 1.37 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 473.2152 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 87

N-(3-Fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride (0.36 g, yield 70 %). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.10-3.23 (2 H, m), 3.26-3.40 (4 H, m), 3.65-3.77 (2 H, m), 4.37 (2 H, s), 6.75 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.1 1 (1 H, dd, J=9, 2), 7.17 ( 1 H, d, 3=2), 7.40-7.45 (3 H, m), 7.48-7.56 (1 H, m), 7.58-7.65 (1 H, m), 7.65-7.71 (2 H, m), 7.73-7.78 (2 H, m), 7.80-7.86 (2 H, m) and 1 1.79 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 449.1595 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil Cl 8) >98%.

EXAMPLE 88

N-(4-MethoxybenzenesuIfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indoIe, hydrochloride N-(4-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole (0.25g, 0.54 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (4 L), α-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.150 g, 1.05 mmol) was added and the mixture left at room temperature for 2 h after which it was concentrated. MeOH (10 mL) was added and the mixture refluxed for 2 hrs and then concentrated to give the product (0.22 g, quantitative yield). Η NMR (MeOH d₆) δ 3.39-3.47 (8 H, m), 3.77 (3 H, s), 6.64 (1 H, d, J=3), 6.94 (2 H, d, J=9), 7.15 (1 H, dd, 3=9, 2), 7.26 (1 H, d, J=2), 7.59 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.80 (2 H, d, J=9) and 7.90 (1 H, d, J=9); MS (posES-FIA) 371.1304 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

Examples 89-95 were prepared using the same procedure as in example 88.

EXAMPLE 89

N-(2,4-DifTuorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(Isolated 0.20 g). Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 3.49-3.54 (4 H, m), 3.57-3.62 (4 H, m), 6.71 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.04-7.15 (2 H, m), 7.28 (1 H, dd, J=9,3), 7.51 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.62-7.65 (1 H, m), 7.81 (1 H, d, 3=9) and 8.08-8.16 (1 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 377.1012 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 90

N-(4-Butoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride

(Isolated 0.30 g) Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 0.84 (3 H, t, J=8), 1.28-1.39 (2 H, m), 1.55- 1.65 (2 H, m), 3.22-3.30 (4 H, m), 3.40-3.48 (4 H, m), 3.95 (2 H, t, J=7), 6.73 (1 H, cl, J=4), 7.00 (2 H, d, J=9), 7.19 (1 H, d, J=9), 7.29 (1 H, bs), 7.71 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.84 (3 H, d, J=9) and 9.64 (1 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 413.1770 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >88%.

EXAMPLE 91

N-(3,4-Dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride

(Isolated 0.24 g ). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.28-3.36 (4 H, m), 3.48-3.55 (4 H, m), 3.75 (3 H, s), 3.76 (3 H, s), 6.76 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.05 (1 H, d, 3=9), 7.23-7.44 (3 H, m), 7.53 (1 H, dd, J=9, 3), 7.80 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.93 (1 H, d, J=9), and 9.81 (2 H, bs); MS (posES- FIA) 401.1401 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 92

N-(BiphenyI-4-sulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride

(Isolated 0.21 g). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.16-3.23 (4 H, m), 3.27.3.32 (4 H, m), 6.74 (1 H, d, .1=4), 7.07-7.14 (2 H, m), 7.38-7.49 (3 H, m), 7.63-7.68 (2 H, m), 7.75 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.82-7.87 (3 H, m), 7.98 (2 H, d, .1=9) and 9.00 (2 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 417.1519 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 93

N-(NapthaIene-2-sulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indoIe, dihydrochloride

(Isolated 0.25 g). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.15-3.25 (4 H, m), 3.30-3.36 (4 H, m), 6.73 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.05 (1 H, dd, 3=9, 3), 7.17 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.61-7.74 (4 H, m), 8.02 (1 H, d, J=4), 8.07 ( 1 H, d, J=8), 8.30 (1 H, d, J=8), 8.33 (1 H, d, J=8), 8.62 (1 H, d, 3=9) and 9.46 (2 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 391.1349 M ^"; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 94

N-(4-PropylbenzenesulfonyI)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride

(Isolated 0.24 g). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 0.80 (3 H, t, J=8), 1.44-1.55 (2 H, m), 2.53 (2 H, t, J=8), 3.18-3.26 (4 H, m), 3.36-3.42 (4 H, m), 6.73 (1 H, d, .1=4), 7.14 ( 1 H, dd, J=9, 2), 7.21 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.36 (2 H, d, J=8), 7.71 (1 H, d, J=4), 7.79-7.85 (3 H, m), 9.52 (2 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 383.1679 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 95

N-(3-FluorobenzenesuIfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride

(Isolated 0.18 g). Η NMR (DMSO d₆) δ 3.31-3.28 (4 H, m), 3.32-3.43 (4 H, m), 6.77 (1 H, d, 3=4), 7.14 (1 H, dd, 3=9, 3), 7.19 (1 H, d, J=2), 7.50-7.58 (1 H, m), 7.59-7.66 (1 H, m), 7.73-7.79 (2 H, m), 7.80-7.87 (1 H, m) and 9.53 (2 H, bs); MS (posES-FIA) 359.1109 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C18) >98%.

EXAMPLE 96

N-Benzenesulfonyl-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride l-BenzenesLilfonyl-5-bromo-indole (0.336 g, 1 mmol), piperazine (0.516 g, 6 mmol), CsCO₃ (0.456 g, 1.4 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (46 mg, 0.05 mmol), BINAP (62 mg, 0.1 mmol) and xylene (10 mL) were mixed and heated to 120 °C under stirring for 18 h. The product was isolated as the hydrochloride salt (0.05 g). Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 3.00-3.16 (8 H, m), 6.57 (1 H, d, J=3), 6.99 (1 H, s), 7.02 (1 H, d, J=3), 7.40 (2 H, t, J=8), 7.47-7.53 (2 H, m) and 7.81-7.90 (3 H, m); MS (posES-FIA) 341.1187 M⁺; Purity (HPLC chromsil C 18) >98%.

Scheme 4

EXAMPLE 98

Preparation of 3-substituted- l-arylsulfonyl indole, hydrochloride. (i) /?-Fluoro-sulfonylchloride, NaH, DMF. EXAMPLE 97 (Intermediate)

3-(l-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en-3-yl)-l H-indole, oxalate

The compound was obtained according to the procedure described in the literature ( ////, V.O. Synthesis 1979, 136; Boettcher, H.; Sey fried, C; Minck, K.O.; Wolf H. P. Ger. Offen. (1991), DE 90-4009565). Η NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-c ) δ 1 1.48 (s, 1 H), 7.75 - 7.70 (m, 2 H), 7.42 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.20 - 7.05 (m, 2 H), 6.92 (s, 1 H), 3.34 (s, IH), 3,26 (br, 2 H), 2.84 (br, 2 H), 1.88 (br, 2 H), 1.63 (br, 2H).

EXAMPLE 98

3-(l-AzabicycIo[2.2.2]oct-2-en-3-yl)-l-[(4-fluorophenyI)sulfonyI]-lH-indoIe

At 0°C 3-(3-indolyl)-2,3-dihydroquinuclidine (179 mg, 0.80 mmol) was added to a suspension of NaH (20 mg, 0.85 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) and stirred for 15 min. Then the 4-fluorophenylsulfonyl chloride (174 mg, 0.90 mmol) was added and the resulting solution was stirred for 30 min at 0°C and 3h at room temperature. The DMF was evaporated and the resulting solid was chromatographed (Eluant CH₂CI₂ /MeOH, 90/10) to afford 100 mg (32%) of the desired compound. Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 8.25 - 8.10 (m, 3 H), 7.99 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.83 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.65 - 7.30 (m, 3 H), 7.20 - 7.05 (m, 2 H), 3,18 (br, 2 H), 2.75 (br, 2 H), 1.78 (br, 2 H), 1.50 (br, 2H); MS (ESI+) for m/z 383 (M+H)⁺.

Scheme 5

EXAMPLE 99 (Intermediate) tert-Butyl 4-[2-iodo-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-l H-indol-4-yl]-l-piperazinecarboxylate

A mixture of butylmagnesium chloride (1 mL, lmmol, 2.0 M in ether) and di-isopropyl amine (0.279 mL, 2 mmol) in dry THF (5 mL) was stirred for 4 h under inert atmosphere at room temperature. A solution of tert-butyl 4-[l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH- indol-4-yl]-l-piperazinecarboxylate (220 mg, 0.5 mmol) in THE (2 mL) was added slowly and the resulting mixture stirred for 2 h at room temperature. A solution of iodine (380 mg, 2.2 mmol) in THE (2 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred overnight. After evaporation of the solvent in vacuo, the residue was treated with an aqueous solution ofNH₄Cl (10 mL). The mixture was extracted with CH₂CL (3x 10 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried (MgS0₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Siθ ) using CFLCL as eluent to give 100 mg (35%). Η NMR (500 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.05-7.80 (m, 3 H), 7.60-7.35 (m, 3 H), 7.19 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.98 (s, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.62 (m, 4 H), 3.05 (m, 4 H), 1.47 (m, 9 H); MS (ESH-) for m/z 568 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 100

2-Iodo-l-(phenylsulfonyI)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride In CH₂C1₂ (1 mL) tert-butyl 4-[2-iodo-l-(phenylsulfonyl)- lH-indol-4-yl]-l- piperazinecarboxylate (25 mg, 0.044 mmol) and HCl in ether (1 mL) were added and shaken for 2 h at room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and washed with ether giving 20 mg of the desired compound. Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 9.02 (br, IH), 7.90-7.80 (m, 3 H), 7.75-7.55 (m, 3 H), 7.32 (s, 1 H), 7.22 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.79 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.35-310 (m, 8 FI); MS (ESI+) for m/z 468 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 101 (Intermediate)

tert-Butyl 4-[2-phenyl-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indol-4-yl]-l-piperazinecarboxylate tert-Butyl 4-[2-iodo-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-lH-indol-4-yl]-l-piperazinecarboxylate(40 mg, 0.07 mmol), phenyl boronic acid (12 mg, 0.1 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (2 mg, 0.002 mmol) and a 2M aqueous solution of K2CO (0.075 mL) were stirred for 3 days at 80 °C in dimethoxyethane (2 mL),. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude was purified by column chromatography (Si0₂) and led to 30 mg of the desired compound (80%>). Η NMR (270 MHz, 32>MSO-d₆) δ 8.02 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.55-7.20 (m, 11 H), 6.78 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (s, 1 H), 3.58 (m, 4 H), 3.02 (m, 4 H), 1.48 (m, 9 H). MS (ESI+) for m/z 518 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 102

2-Phenyl-l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride tert-Butyl 4-[2-phenyl-l -(phenylsulfonyl)- lH-indol-4-yl]-l-piperazinecarboxylate (30 mg, 0.058 mmol) was dissolved in CHjC (1 mL) followed by addition of HCl in ether (1 mL). The reaction was shaken for 2 h at room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and washed with ether giving 20 mg of the desired compound (80%). Η NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-r/_ή) δ 9.02 (br, 1 H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 3 H), 7.75-7.55 (m, 3 H), 7.32 (s, 1 H), 7.22 (t, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.79 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.35-310 (m, 8 H). MS (ESI+) for m/z 418 (M+H)⁺. EXAMPLE 103 (Intermediate)

4- Trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-2-methyl-l-tetrabutyIdimethyIsilylindole 4-Hydroxy-2-methylindole (3.0g, 20 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of DCM followed by addition of triethylamine (4.2 mL). Solution was cooled (ice bath) and a solution of trifluoromethanesLilfonic anhydride (6.3 g, 22 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was slowly added under stirring. After 10 minutes the solution was washed by aqueous K₂C0₃, dried (K₂CO₃) and solvent was evaporated. Compound was dissolved in THF (10 mL) and NaH (0.8 g of 80% suspension in oil) was added. TBDMSCl (3.3g, 22 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added. The solution was diluted by 20 mL of DCM, washed by aqueous NH₄CI. Organic phase was dried and evaporated. The compound was purified by chromatography (SiO₂ hexane-ether). Yield 5.7 g (75%): *H NMR (CDCI3) δ 7.48 (d, J

= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.10-6.96 (m, 2 H), 6.44 (s, 1 H), 2.50 (s, 3 H), 0.96 (s, 9 H), 0.64 (s, 6 H); MS (ESI) 381.1 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 104 (Intermediate)

4- (N-Boc-piperazinyl)-2-methyl-l-tetrabutyIdimethyIsilylindole 4- trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-2-methyl-l-tetrabutyldimethylsilylindole (1.0 g, 2.6 mmol) and boc-piperazine (0.73 g, 3.9 mmol) were reacted according to Method 1 to give 0.75 g (67%) of a solid: ¹HNMR (CDCI3) δ 7.20 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.96 (t, 1

H), 6.55 (d, J= 7.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.31 (s, 1 H), 3.63 (pt, 4 H), 3.11 (pt, 4 H), 2.47 (s, 3 H), 1.48 (s, 9 H), 0.94 (s, 9 H), 0.64 (s, 6 H); MS (ESI) 417.4 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 105

4-Piperazinyl-2-methyl-l-benzosulfonyIindole trifluoroacetate

4- (N-Boc-piperazinyl)-2-methyl-l-tetrabutyldimethylsilylindole (0.2 g, 0.48 mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (5 ml) followed by the addition of a solution of sodium fluoride (OT g) in water (1 mL). Mixture was vigorously stirred (50°C) for 2 h. The organic phase was separated, dried and evaporated. The crude was dissolved in DCM ( 10 mL) followed by the addition of benzosulfonylchloride (0.1 g, 0.58 mmol) and aqueous NaOH (0.5 mL, 50% water solution). The mixture was vigorously stirred for 1 h. Water (5 mL) was added, the organic phase was separated, dried and evaporated. The crude was dissolved in DCM (10 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid ( 1 mL) was added. After 3 h solvent was evaporated and compound was crystallized from ethanol. Yield 60 mg (54%): 1 H NMR (CDCI3) δ 7.83-7.77 (m, 3 H), 7.59-7.56 (m, 1 H), 7.50-7.46 (m, 2 H),

7.19 (t, 1 H), 6.81 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.52 (s, 1 H), 3.41 (pt, 4 H), 3.30 (pt, 4 H), 2.61 (s, 3 H); ¹³CNMR (CDCI3) δ 143.7, 138.8, 138.0, 136.6, 133.9, 129.2, 126.1, 124.3, 123.5, 1 1 1.5, 1 10.0, 107.3, 48. 5, 43.8, 14.6; MS (ESI) 356.4 (M + H).

EXAMPLE 105

EXAMPLE 106 (Intermediate)

N-(t-Butyl-dimethylsilyI-4-(4-boc-homopiperazinyl)-indole

The title compound was prepared according as Example 4.

Η NMR (D₂0) δ 9.37 (bs, 2 H) NH; 7.95 (m, 2 H); 7.73-7.56 (m, 4 H); 7.44 (d, J = 8.2, 1 H); 7.18 (t, J = 8.2, 1 H); 6.84 (m, 1 H); 6.65 (d, J = 7.9, 1 H); 3.65 (m, 2 H); 3.46 (m, 2 H); 3.31 (m, 2 H); 3.19 (m, 2 H); 2.13 (m, 2 H). ¹³C NMR (D₂O) : 145.7, 137.5,

136.3, 135.2, 130.4, 127.3, 126.2, 125.1, 121.3, 109.3, 105.4, 100.0, 50.8, 48.7, 46.6, 45.1, 25.6. MS (ESI) 356 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 107 (Intermediate)

1- Phenylsulfonyl-N-(t-butyl-dimethylsiIyl-4-(4-boc-homopiperazinyl)-indole

Η NMR (CDCI₃) δ 7.86 (m, 2 H); 7.54-7.38 (m, 6 H); 7.4 (t, j - 8.2, 1 H); 6.65-6.62 (m, 1 H); 3.63-3.41 (in, 8 H); 1.97 (m, 2 H); 1.43 (s, 9 H); MS (ESI) 456 (M+H). EXAMPLE 108

1- Phenylsulfonyl-4-(homopiperazinyl)-indole hydrochloride

Η NMR (CDC1₃): 7.24 (m, 2 H); 7.09-7.07 ( m, 6 H); 7.01 (t, J = 8.1 , 1 H); 6.53 (m, H); 3.69-3.28 (m, 8 H); 2.06 (m, 2 H);l .42 (s, 9 H); 0.91 (s, 9 H); 0.56 (s, 6 FI). MS (ESI) 430 (M+H).

AMPLE 10:

Pharmacological tests

The ability of a compound of the invention to bind the 5HT₆ receptor can be determined using in vivo and in vitro assays known in the art. The biological activity of compounds prepared in the Examples was tested using different tests. 5-HTό Intrinsic Activity Assay

Antagonists at the 5HT_& receptor were characterized by measuring inhibition of 5- HT induced increase in cAMP in HEK 293 cells expressing the human 5-HT₆ receptor (see Boess et al. (1997) Neuropharmacology 36: 713-720). Briefly, HEK293/5-HT₆ cells were seeded in polylysine coated 96-well plates at a density of 25 000 / well and grown in DMEM (Dubecco's Modified Eagle Medium) (without phenol-red) containing 5% dialyzed Foetal Bovine Serum for 48 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. The medium was then aspirated and replaced by 0.1 ml assay medium (Hanks Balance Salt Solution containing 20 mM HEPES, 1.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine and 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin). After addition of test substances, 50 μl dissolved in assay medium, the cells were incubated for 10 min at 37°C in a 5% CO incubator. The medium was again aspirated and the cAMP content was determined using a radioactive cAMP kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, BIOTRAR RPA559). The potency of antagonists was quantified by determining the concentration that caused 50% inhibition of 5-HT (at [5-HT]= 8 times EC₅₀) evoked increase in cAMP, using the formula

Ki=IC₅o/(l+[5HT]/EC₅o). Typically, the 5-HT₆ receptor affinity values (Kj) were in the range of from 0.1 nM to 2 μM.

Method for in vivo assay of reduction of food intake

Animals

Obese (ob/ob) mouse is selected as the primary animal model for screening as this mutant mouse consumes high amounts of food resulting in a high signal to noise ratio. To further substantiate and compare efficacy data, the effect of the compounds on food consumption is also studied in wild type (C57BL/6J) mice. The amount of food consumed during 15 hours of infusion of compounds is recorded.

Male mice (obese C57BL/6JBom-Lep^ob and lean wild-type C57Bl/6JBom; Bomholtsgaard, Denmark) 8-9 weeks with an average body weight of 50 g (obese) and 25 g (lean) are used in all the studies. The animals are housed singly in cages at 23+1 °C, 40-60 % humidity and have free access to water and standard laboratory chow. The 12/12-h light/dark cycle is set to lights off at 5 p.m. The animals are conditioned for at least one week before start of study.

Compounds

The test compounds are dissolved in solvents suitable for each specific compound such as cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin/methane sulfonic acid, polyethylene glycol/methane sulfonic acid, saline. Fresh solutions are made for each study. Doses of 30, 50 and 100 mg kg^" day^" are used. The purity of the test compounds is of analytical grade.

Minipump implantation

The animals are weighed at the start of the study and randomized based on body weight. Alzet osmotic minipumps (Model 200 ID; infusion rate 8 ul/h) are used and loaded essentially as recommended by the Alzet technical information manual (Alza Scientific Products, 1997; Teeuwes and Yam, 1976). Continuous subcutaneous infusion with 24 hours duration is used. The minipumps are either filled with different concentrations of test compounds dissolved in vehicle or with only vehicle solution and maintained in vehicle pre-waπned to 37°C (approx. Ih). The minipumps are implanted subcutaneously in the neck/back region under short acting anesthesia (metofane/enflurane). This surgical procedure lasts approximately 5 min. It takes about 3 h to reach steady state delivery of the compound. Food intake measurements

The weight of the food pellets are measured at 5 p.m. and at 8 p. m. for two days before (baseline) and one day after the implantation of the osmotic minipumps. The weigh-in is performed with a computer assisted Mettler Toledo PR 5002 balance. Occasional spillage is corrected for. At the end of the study the animals are killed by neck dislocation and trunk blood sampled for later analysis of plasma drug concentrations.

Determination of plasma concentration

The plasma sample proteins are precipitated with methanol, centrifuged and the supernatant is transferred to HPLC vials and injected into the liquid chromatography /mass spectrometric system. The mass spectrometer is set for electrospray positive ion mode and Multiple Reaction Monitoring is used.

A linear regression analysis of the standards forced through the origin is used to calculate the concentrations of the unknown samples. Statistical evaluation

Food consumption for 15 hours is measured for the three consecutive days and the percentage of basal level values is derived for each animal from the day before and after treatment. The values are expressed as mean + SD and + SEM from eight animals per dose group. Statistical evaluation is performed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA using the per cent basal values. If statistical significance is reached at the level of p<0.05, Mann- Whitney U-test for statistical comparison between control and treatment groups is performed.

Claims (25)

1. A compound of formula (I):

   wherein Ar is

   (1) phenyl,

   (2) naphthyl,

   (3) a 5- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, or

   (4) -R⁹-phenyl; wherein each of phenyl, naphthyl, and heterocyclic ring is independently optionally substituted with halogen, Cι_₆ alkyl, CF₃, hydroxyl, Cι.₆ alkoxyl, OCF₃, COCF₃, CN, NO2, phenyloxy, phenyl, Cι_₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₂-₆ alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, Cι.₆ alkylcarboxyl, formyl, -Cι-₆ alkyl-NH-CO-phenyl, -C,._e alkyl-CO-NH-phenyl, -NH-CO-C,-₆ alkyl, - CO-NR⁷R⁸, or SR⁷; wherein each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or Cι-₆ alkyl; and R⁹ is Ci-e alkyl or C₂.₆ alkenyl, each of which being optionally substituted with phenyl or phenyloxy;

   R² is H, phenyl, I, or Cι-₆ alkyl;

   R³ is H or 3-(l-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en)yl;

   R is H or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of: wherein R is H, -e alkyl, or benzyl; and

   R⁵ is H, hydroxy, Cι-₃ alkoxy, F, NO2, CF₃, OCF , or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof, with the proviso that when R2 is alkyl, R^ is not H.
2. 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein

   Ar is

   (1 ) phenyl,

   (2) 1 -naphthyl or 2-naphthyl,

   (3) a 5- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, or

   (4) -R⁹-phenyl; wherein each of phenyl, naphthyl, and heterocyclic ring is independently optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, C , alkyl, CF₃, hydroxyl. C_M, alkoxyl, OCF₃, phenyl, C₂.₀ alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, -NH-CO-Ci-o alkyl, or SR⁷, wherein each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or Cι-₆ alkyl; and R⁹ is Cι-₂ alkyl; R~ is H, phenyl, I, or Cι_₆ alkyl;

   R is selected from the group consisting of:

   R5 i ^•s Cι-₃ alkoxy or a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:
3. 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is phenyl, optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, N0₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR R , where each of R and R is independently H or methyl.
4. 4. A compound according to claim 1 , wherein Ar is 1 -naphthyl or 2-naphthyl, each of which being optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, Cι_ alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸, where each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or methyl.
5. 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of furyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, diazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, and benzoxadiazolyl, each of which being optionally substituted with halogen, C₁-₀ alkyl, CF₃, hydroxyl, Cι.₆ alkoxyl, OCF3, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, Cuo alkylsulfonyl, C2.6 alkenyl, -NR⁷R⁸, Cι_₆ alkylcarboxyl, formyl, -NH-CO-Cι.₆ alkyl, -CO-NR⁷R⁸, or SR⁷;

   7 X • wherein each of R and R is independently H or Ci.₍, alkyl.
6. 6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein Ar is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, benzothienyl, and benzoxadiazolyl, each of which being optionally substituted with halogens or Cι_₆ alkyl.
7. 7. A compound according to claim 6, wherein Ar is 2 -pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4- pyridyl.
8. 8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is a 5- to 7-membered aromatic, partially saturated, or completely saturated heterocyclic ring having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ is H, Cι.₆ alkyl, -CO- CF₃, or absent.
9. 9. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is -R⁹-phenyl, wherein R° is Cι_₃ alkyl or C₂-₃ alkenyl, each of which being optionally substituted with phenyl, and wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸; each of R⁷ and R⁸ being independently H or Cι_₆ alkyl.
10. 10. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of R" and R is H.
11. 11. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of R and R is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R 1 ' i ^•s H, C₁.₃ alkyl, or benzyl.
12. 12. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is phenyl, optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, N0₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸ where each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or methyl; each of R² and R³ is H; and each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R > : is H, C alkyl, or benzyl.
13. 13. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl, each of which being optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO₂, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or -NR⁷R⁸, where each of R⁷ and R⁸ is independently H or methyl; each of R² and R³ is H; and each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R is H, Cι_₃ alkyl, or benzyl.
14. 14. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, benzothienyl, and benzoxadiazolyl, each of which being optionally substituted with halogens or C_M alkyl; each of R and R is H; and each of R and R is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R is H, C_M alkyl, or benzyl.
15. 15. A compound according to claim 14, wherein Ar is 2 -pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, or 4- pyridyl; each of R² and R³ is H; and each of R⁴ and R^*"" is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R is H, C M alkyl, or benzyl.
16. 16. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is -R⁹-phenyl; each of R² and R³ is H; and each of R and R⁵ is independently a heterocyclic ring selected from the group consisting of:

    wherein R⁶ is H, C M alkyl, or benzyl; R⁹ is C alkyl or C₂-₃ alkenyl, each of which being optionally substituted with phenyl; and phenyl is optionally substituted with F, Cl, Br, methyl, CF₃, C alkoxyl, OCF₃, CN, NO_2, phenyloxy, phenyl, methylsulfonyl, or - NR⁷R⁸; each of R⁷ and R⁸ being independently H or C alkyl.
17. 17. A compound according to claim 1 , said compound being

    1 -phenylsulfonyl-4-piperazinylindole hydrochloride, l-[(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

    1 -(mesitylsul fonyl)-4-(l -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, l -(l-naphthylsulfonyl)-4-(l -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    N,N-dimefhyl-5- { [4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- IH-indol-l -yljsulfonylj - 1 - naphthalenamine hydrochloride, l-[(4-propoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    1 -[(2, 5-dichloro-3-thienyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l -piperazinyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride, l -[(4-mefhoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-( l -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    1 -[(2,4-di fluorophenyl )sul onyl]-4-( 1 -piperazinyl )- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, l-([l ,l '-biphenyl]-4-ylsulfonyl)-4-(l -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, l-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-( l -piperazinyl)- I H-indole hydrochloride,

    5-methyl-2-mefhoxyl- { [4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indol- 1 -yl]sul fonyl } phenyl ether hydrochloride, l-[(2,5-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-( 1-piperazinyl)- I H-indole hydrochloride,

    1 -[(5-chloro-l , 3-dimethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl)sulfonyl]-4-(l -piperazinyl)- IH- indole hydrochloride, l-[(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride, 2-chloro-5-(4-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l- yl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)benzonitrile hydrochloride,

    4-bromo-2-{[4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]sulfonyl}phenyl methyl ether hydrochloride,

    4-(l-piperazinyl)-l-(3-pyridylsulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride, 7- { [4-( 1 -piperazinyl)-l H-indol- 1 -yl] sul fonyl} -2-(trifluoroacetyl)- 1 ,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride, methyl 2-{[4-(l -piperazinyl)-lH-indol-l-yl]sulfonyl}phenyl sulfone hydrochloride, l-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(l-piperazinyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride, l-[(5-chloro-3-methyl-l-benzothien-2-yl)sulfonyl]-4-(l -piperazinyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(4-methyl-l -piperazinyl)-l-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride hydrochloride,

    4-piperazino-N-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)indole hydrochloride, 4-(3-methylpiperazine)-(N-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)indole dihydrochloride,

    4-(4-methyl-l-piperazinyl)- 1 -(2-methylbenzenesul fonyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(4-ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(l-piperazinyl)-l -(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(5-aza-indolizidinyl)-l -(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(4-methyl-l-homopiperazinyl)-l -(2-methylbenzenesul fonyl)- I H-indole hydrochloride, 4-(3-methyl-l -piperazinyl)- 1 -(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl )- I H-indole hydrochloride, 4-(cts-3,5-dimethyl- 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -(2-methylbenzenesulfonyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(4-isopropyl- 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 -(2-methylbenzenesul fonyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, 4-(( l S,4S)-2-methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl)- l-(2- methylbenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole hydroGhloride,

    4-(4-methyl-l-homopiperazinyl)-l-(benzenesulfonyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(cis 3, 5-dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(benzenesLilfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-(4-ethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-(benzenesulfonyl)-lH~indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l -(4-nitro-benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l-(4-bromo-benzenesulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl- 1 -(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl- 1 -(E 2-phenyl-ethensulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l -(3-trifluoromethyl-benzenesLilfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl- l-(4-cyanobenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l -(4-chloro-7-chloro-2,l,3-benzoxadiazole sulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-l -(3-cyanobenzenesul fonyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l-(4-phenoxybenzenesulfonyl)- I H-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-l-(4-chlorophenylmethanesulfonyl)- IH-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-l -(4-methylphenylmethanesulfonyl)-lH-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-l-(l,l-diphenylethanesulfonyι)-lH-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-l -(4-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride,

    4-piperazinyl-l -(5-[(benzoylamino)methyl]thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-l H-indole hydrochloride,

    1 -[(N-methyl- 1 H-imidazol-4-yl)sulfonyl]-4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, N-benzenesulfonyl-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole,

    N-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin- l-yl)-indole,

    N-benzenesulfonyI-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-indole,

    N-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-isopropylpiperazin- l -yl)-indole, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-propylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(3-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-propylpiperazin-l -yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-propylbenzenesLilfonyl)-5-(4-mcthylpiperazin- l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-( l-naphtalenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin- l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l -yl)-indole, hydrochloride, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(2,4-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin- l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(2,4-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-butoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(napthalene-2-sulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-propylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(3-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(4-benzylpiperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(2_J4-difluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l -yl)-indole, hydrochloride,

    N-(4-butoxybenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, hydrochloride, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzenesLilfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride,

    N-(biphenyI-4-sulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l -yl)-indole, dihydrochloride, N-(napthalene-2-SLilfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride, N-(4-propylbenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l-yl)-indole, dihydrochloride, N-(3-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-5-(piperazin-l -yl)-indole, dihydrochloride, N-benzenesul fonyl-5-(piperazin- l -yl)-indole, dihydrochloride. 3-(l-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-en-3-yl)-l-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-lH-indole, 2-iodo- 1 -(phenylsulfonyl)-4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, 2-phenyl- 1 -(phenylsulfonyl)-4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride, 4-piperazinyl-2 -methyl- 1-benzosulfonylindole trifluoroacetate, or l-phenylsulfonyl-4-(homopiperazinyl)-indole hydrochloride.
18. 18. A compound according to claim 1, said compound being l-(phenylsulfonyl)-4- ( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole.
19. 19. A compound according to claim 1 , said compound being l-[(2,5- dimethoxyphenyl)sulfonyl]-4-( 1 -piperazinyl)- 1 H-indole.
20. 20. A compound according to claim 1, said compound being 4-( 1-piperazinyl)- 1 -(3- pyridylsulfonyl)- 1 H-indole hydrochloride.
21. 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
22. 22. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for use in therapy.
23. 23. Use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a disease related to the serotonin related 5-HTδ receptor.
24. 24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the disease is obesity.
25. 25. The use according to claim 23, wherein the disease is a CNS disorder.