AU2002340804A1

AU2002340804A1 - Arylsulfonyl derivatives with 5-HT6 receptor affinity

Info

Publication number: AU2002340804A1
Application number: AU2002340804A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jacob Berger; Robin Douglas Clark; Shu Hai Zhao
Original assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Current assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG
Priority date: 2001-08-10
Filing date: 2002-08-05
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-05

Description

Arylsulfonyl derivatives with 5-HTς receptor affinity

This invention relates to (arylsulfonyl-phenyl)-piperazine derivatives of formula

wherein:

Ar is naphthyl or phenyl, optionally substituted by halogen or (Cι_C₆)-alkoxy;

R¹ is ( .Q -alkyl;

R² is hydrogen or (Cι.C₆)-alkyl;

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.

It has been shown that these compounds have a very good affinity to the 5-HT6 receptor. They are therefor suitable in the treatment of diseases, related to this receptor.

The actions of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) as a major modulatory neurotransmitter in the brain, are mediated through a number of receptor families termed 5-HTl, 5-HT2, 5- HT3, 5-HT4, 5-HT5, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7. Based on a high level of 5-HT6 receptor mRNA in the brain, it has been stated that the 5-HT6 receptor may play a role in the pathology and treatment of central nerve system disorders. In particular, 5- HT6 selective ligands have been identified as potentially useful in the treatment of certain CNS disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, anxiety, depression, manic depression, psychoses, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorders, migraine, Alzheimer's disease (enhancement of cognitive memory), sleep disorders, feeding disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, panic attacks, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), withdrawal from drug abuse such as cocaine, ethanol, nicotine and benzodiazepines, schizophrenia, and also disorders associated with spinal trauma and/or head injury such as hydrocephalus. Such compounds are also expected to be of use in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as functional bowel disorder. ( See for ex. B.L. Roth et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.1994, 268, pages 1403-14120, D. R. Sibley et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 1993, 43, 320-327, A.J. Sleight et al, Neurotransmission 1995, 11, 1-5, and A. J. Sleight et al. Serotonin ID Research Alert, 1997, 2 (3), 115-8. Furthermore, the effect of 5-HT6 antagonist and 5-HT6 antisense aligonucleotides to reduce food intake in rats has been reported (Br J Pharmac. 1999 Suppl 126, page 66 and J Psychopharmacol Suppl A64 1997, page 255).

Several arylsulfonyl compounds with 5-HT6 affinity have been disclosed, for example in EP 0 930 302 or in WOO 1/98279, but it has been surprisingly found that the novel compounds of formula I possess greater affinity, and therefore would be suitable and highly desirable for the treatment or prevention of central nervous disorders described herein.

Objects of the present invention are compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvents per se and as pharmaceutically active substances, their manufacture, medicamnets based on a compound in accordance with the invention and their production as well as the use of compounds of formula I in the control or prevention of illnesses based on the modulation of the 5-HT6 system, comprising Alzheimer's disease, central nervous disorders, such as for example, psychoses, schizophrenia, manic depressions, neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease, gastrointestinal disease comprising functional bowel disorder or disorders which require a reduction of food intake.

The invention also discloses all pharmaceutical acceptable prodrugs.

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in this application, including the specification and claims, have the definitions given below. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

"Alkyl" means the monovalent linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, having from one to twelve carbon atoms inclusive, unless otherwise indicated. Examples of alkyl radicals include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl, octyl, dodecyl, and the like. "(Cι-C₆)-alkyl" means the monovalent linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, having from one to six carbon atoms inclusive, unless otherwise indicated. Examples of lower alkyl radicals include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, and the like.

"Alkoxy" means the radical -O-R, wherein R is a lower alkyl radical as defined herein. Examples of alkoxy radicals include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and the like.

"Arylsulfonyl" means the radical -SO₂R, wherein R is an aryl radical as defined herein. Examples of arylsulfonyl radicals include, but are not limited to, benzenesulfonyl, 3- chlorobenzenesulfonyl, naphthalene-2-sulfonyl, naphthalene- 1-sulfonyl, and the like.

"Aryl" means phenyl, naphth-2-yl, naphth-1-yl, fluorophenyl, dichlorophenyl, and the like.

"Protective group" or "protecting group" means the group which selectively blocks one reactive site in a multifunctional compound such that a chemical reaction can be carried out selectively at another unprotected reactive site in the meaning conventionally associated with it in synthetic chemistry. Certain processes of this invention rely upon the protective groups to block reactive nitrogen atoms present in the reactants.

"Amino-protecting group" means the protecting group that refers to those organic groups intended to protect the nitrogen atom against undesirable reactions during synthetic procedures and includes, but is not limited to, trifluoroacetyl, acetamido, benzyl (Bn), benzyloxycarbonyl (carbobenzyloxy, CBZ), p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, tert- butoxycarbonyl (BOC), and the like. The artisan in the art will know how to chose a group for the ease of removal and for the ability to withstand the following reactions.

"Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

"Inert organic solvent" or "inert solvent" means the solvent is inert under the conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith, including for example, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, chloroform, methylene chloride or dichloromethane, dichloroethane, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, iΗethanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, dioxane, pyridine, and the like. Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions of the present invention are inert solvents.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable" means that which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic, and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes that which is acceptable for veterinary as well as human pharmaceutical use.

" Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" of a compound means salts that are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined herein, and that possess the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. Such salts include:

acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic, camphorsulfonic acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxynaphtoic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, mefhanesulfonic acid, muconic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, trimethylacetic acid, and the like; or

salts formed when an acidic proton present in the parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or coordinates with an organic or inorganic base. Acceptable organic bases include diethanolamine, ethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, and the like. Acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide.

It should be understood that all references to pharmaceutically acceptable salts include solvent addition forms (solvates) or crystal forms (polymorphs) as defined herein, of the same acid addition salt.

"Solvates" means solvent additions forms that contain either stoichiometric or non stoichiometric amounts of solvent. Some compounds have a tendency to trap a fixed molar ratio of solvent molecules in the crystalline solid state, thus forming a solvate. If the solvent is water the solvate formed is a hydrate, when the solvent is alcohol, the solvate formed is an alcoholate. Hydrates are formed by the combination of one or more molecules of water with one of the substances in which the water retains its molecular state as H₂O, such combination being able to form one or more hydrate.

"Prodrug" means a pharmacologically inactive form of a compound which must be metabolized in vivo, e.g., by biological fluids or enzymes, by a subject after administration into a pharmacologically active form of the compound in order to produce the desired pharmacological effect. The prodrug can be metabolized before absorption, during absorption, after absorption, or at a specific site. Although metabolism occurs for many compounds primarily in the liver, almost all other tissues and organs, especially the lung, are able to carry out varying degrees of metabolism. Prodrug forms of compounds may be utilized, for example, to improve bioavailability, improve subject acceptability such as by masking or reducing unpleasant characteristics such as bitter taste or gastrointestinal irritability, alter solubility such as for intravenous use, provide for prolonged or sustained release or delivery, improve ease of formulation, or provide site-specific delivery of the compound. Reference to a compound herein includes prodrug forms of a compound.

"Subject" means mammals and non-mammals. Mammals means any member of the mammalia class including, but not limited to, humans; non-human primates such as chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine; domestic animals such as rabbits, dogs, and cats; laboratory animals including rodents, such as rats, mice, and guinea pigs; and the like. Examples of non-mammals include, but are not limited to, birds, and the like. The term "subject" does not denote a particular age or sex.

"Therapeutically effective amount" means an amount of a compound that, when administered to a subject for treating a disease state, is sufficient to effect such treatment for the disease state. The "therapeutically effective amount" will vary depending on the compound, disease state being treated, the severity or the disease treated, the age and relative health of the subject, the route and form of administration, the judgement of the attending medical or veterinary practitioner, and other factors.

"Disease state" means any disease, condition, symptom, or indication.

Throughout the application the following abbreviations are used with the following meaning: DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide

DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide

Hal Halogen or halide

opt. Optionally

P Protective group

TFA Trifluoroacetic acid

TFAA Trifluoroacetic acid anhydride

THF Tetrahydrofuran

In general, the nomenclature used in this application is based on AUTONOM v.4.0, a Beilstein Institute computerized system for the generation of IUPAC systematic nomenclature.

For example, a compound of formula (I) wherein Ar is 3-chlorophenyl, R¹ is methyl and R² is hydrogen is named l-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesufonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine. .

Among compounds of the present invention certain compounds of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, are preferred:

Particularly preferred compounds, or individual isomers, racemic or non-racemic mixtures of isomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, include compounds, wherein R¹ is methyl. Especially preferred compounds are those, wherein the aryl group is unsubstituted naphthyl, for example the following compounds:

l -[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine or

l- [2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine.

Further preferred compounds are those, wherein the aryl group is naphthyl, substituted by fluoro or methoxy, for example the following compounds: l-[5-(4-fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-2-methoxyphenyl] -piperazine or

l-[2-methoxy-5-(4-methoxy-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine. Preferred compounds are further those, wherein the aryl group is unsubstituted phenyl, for example the following compound:

l-(5-benzenesulfonyl-2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazine.

Further preferred compounds are those, wherein the aryl group is phenyl, substituted by chloro, methoxy, fluoro or di-chloro, for example the following compounds: l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine,

l-[2-methoxy-5-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine,

l-[5-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine,

l-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine,

l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperazine,

l-[5-(3,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine,

l-[5-(3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine, or

4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperidine.

Compounds of the present invention may be made by the methods described below: ai) reacting a compound of formula (b)

wherein P is a protecting group and R is as defined above,

with a compound of formula

Ar-S(O)₂-Cl , wherein Ar is aryl as defined above, aii) deprotecting and

aiii) optionally alkylating

to provide a compound of formula (I)

wherein Ar, R¹ and R² are as defined above, or bi) reacting a compound of formula (b)

wherein P is a protecting group and R is as defined above with a compound of formula

S(O)₂-Cl,

bii) and further reacting with a Grignard reagent of formula

ArMgHal, wherein Ar is as defined above and Hal is a halide,

biii) deprotecting, and

biv) optionally alkylating

to provide a compound of formula (I)

wherein Ar, R^l and R are as defined above, and if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

The starting materials and reagents used in preparing these compounds generally are either available from commercial suppliers, such as Aldrich Chemical Co., or are prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieser and Ficser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis; Wiley 8c Sons: New York, 1991, Volumes 1-15; Road's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989, Volumes 1-5 and Supplementals; and Organic Reactions, Wiley & Sons: New York, 1991, Volumes 1-40. The following synthetic reaction schemes are merely illustrative of some methods by which the compounds of the present invention may be synthesized, and various modifications to these synthetic reaction schemes may be made and will be suggested to one skilled in the art having referred to the disclosure contained in this specification.

The starting materials and the intermediates of the synthetic reaction schemes may be isolated and purified if desired using conventional techniques, including but not limited to filtration, distillation, crystallization, chromatography, and the like. Such materials may be characterized using conventional means, including physical constants and spectral data.

Unless specified to the contrary, the reactions described herein preferably take place at atmospheric pressure over a temperature range from about -78 ° C to about 150 °C, more preferably from about 0 °C to about 125 °C, and most preferably and conveniently at about room (or ambient) temperature, e.g., about 20 °C.

Scheme

(R² = H)

(R² = Alk)

l-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)piperazine of general formula (a) can be protected with an acid resistant protecting group, for example trifluoroacetyl, to afford the protected piperazine or piperidine derivatives of general formula (b). If the compound of formula (I) wherein R is alkyl is desired, alkylation of the nitrogen can be performed at this point or during Step 5 of this scheme. In Step 2, chlorosulfonation of a compound of general formula (b) can afford the chlorosulfone of formula (c), that, as shown in Step 3, after treatment with a Grignard reagent of general formula ArMgHal, wherein the halide (Hal) is preferably a bromide, can afford the protected compound of formula (d). In Step 4, deprotection with a strong base such as sodium hyd oxyde can afford the piperazine or piperidine compound of general formula (I) wherein R² is hydrogen. Steps 3 and 4 can be performed sequentially without isolation of the protected compound of formula (d). In Step 5, if an alkylated piperazine or piperidine compound is desired, alkylation can be performed at this point by methods well known to the one skilled in the art, such as by the Eschweiler-Clarke procedure, i.e. treatment of the secondary amine with formaldehyde and formic acid, or by reaction with an appropriate alkylhalide in the presence of a base.

Alternatively compound of formula (b) can be reacted by procedures well known in the art with a compound of general formula ArSO Cl to afford the protected compound of formula (d), which after deprotection can afford a compound of formula (I), wherein R² is hydrogen. If the alkylated compound is desired, alkylation can be performed as described herein.

The compounds of the invention have selective 5-HT6 receptor affinity and as such are expected to be useful in the treatment of certain CNS disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, anxiety, depression, manic depression, psychosis, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorders, migraine, Alzheimer's disease (enhancement of cognitive memory), sleep disorders, feeding disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, panic attacks, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), withdrawal from drug abuse such as cocaine, ethanol, nicotine and benzodiazepines, schizophrenia, and also disorders associated with spinal trauma and/or head injury such as hydrocephalus. Such compounds are also expected to be of use in the treatment of cei-tain GI (gastrointestinal) disorders such functional bowel disorder or for reduction of food intake.

The pharmacology of the compounds of this invention was determined by art recognised procedures. The in vitro techniques for determining the affinities of test compounds at the 5- HT6 receptor in radioligand binding and functional assays are described in Example 12.

The present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the present invention, or an individual isomer, racemic or non-racemic mixture of isomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and optionally other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients.

In general, the compounds of the present invention will be administered in a therapeutically effective amount by any of the accepted modes of administration for agents that serve similar utilities. Suitable dosage ranges are typically 1-500 mg daily, preferably 1-100 mg daily, and most preferably 1-30 mg daily, depending upon numerous factors such as the severity of the disease to be treated, the age and relative health of the subject, the potency of the compound used, the route and form of administration, the indication towards which the administration is directed, and the preferences and experience of the medical practitioner involved. One of ordinary skill in the art of treating such diseases will be able, without undue experimentation and in reliance upon personal knowledge and the disclosure of this Application, to ascertain a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of the present invention for a given disease.

In general, compounds of the present invention will be administered as pharmaceutical formulations including those suitable for oral (including buccal and sub-lingual), rectal, nasal, topical, pulmonary, vaginal, or parenteral (including intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, subcutaneous and intravenous) administration or in a form suitable for administration by inhalation or insufflation. The preferred manner of administration is generally oral using a convenient daily dosage regimen which can be adjusted according to the degree of affliction.

A compound or compounds of the present invention, together with one or more conventional adjuvants, carriers, or diluents, may be placed into the form of pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages. The pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms may be comprised of conventional ingredients in conventional proportions, with or without additional active compounds or principles, and the unit dosage forms may contain any suitable effective amount of the active ingredient commensurate with the intended daily dosage range to be employed. The pharmaceutical compositions may be employed as solids, such as tablets or filled capsules, semisolids, powders, sustained release formulations, or liquids such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, or filled capsules for oral use; or in the form of suppositories for rectal or vaginal administration; or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral use. Formulations containing about one ( 1) milligram of active ingredient or, more broadly, about 0.01 to about one hundred (100) milligrams, per tablet, are accordingly suitable representative unit dosage forms.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated in a wide variety of oral administration dosage forms. The pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms may comprise a compound or compounds of the present invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as the active component. The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and dispersible granules. A solid carrier may be one or more substances which may also act as diluents, flavouring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, preservatives, tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material. In powders, the carrier generally is a finely divided solid which is a mixture with the finely divided active component. In tablets, the active component generally is mixed with the carrier having the necessary binding capacity in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from about one ( 1) to about seventy (70) percent of the active compound. Suitable carriers include but are not limited to magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatine, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like. The term "preparation" is intended to include the formulation of the active compound with encapsulating material as carrier, providing a capsule in which the active component, with or without carriers, is surrounded by a carrier, which is in association with it. Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Tablets, powders, capsules, pills, cachets, and lozenges may be as solid forms suitable for oral administration.

Other forms suitable for oral administration include liquid form preparations including emulsions, syrups, elixirs, aqueous solutions, aqueous suspensions, or solid form preparations which are intended to be converted shortly before use to liquid form preparations. Emulsions may be prepared in solutions, for example, in aqueous propylene glycol solutions or may contain emulsifying agents, for example, such as lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, or acacia. Aqueous solutions can be prepared by dissolving the active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavours, stabilising, and thickening agents. Aqueous suspensions can be prepared by dispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscous material, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and other well known suspending agents. Solid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, and may contain, in addition to the active component, colorants, flavours, stabilisers, buffers, artificial and natural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., by injection, for example bolus injection or continuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules, pre-filled syringes, small volume infusion or in multi-dose containers with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, for example solutions in aqueous polyethylene glycol. Examples of oily or nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil), and injectable organic esters (e.g., ethyl oleate), and may contain formulatory agents such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying or suspending, stabilising and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilisation from solution for constitution before use with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for topical administration to the epidermis as ointments, creams or lotions, or as a transdermal patch. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also containing one or more emulsifying agents, stabilising agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or colouring agents. Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising active agents in a flavoured base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatine and glycerine or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for administration as suppositories. A low melting wax, such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter is first melted and the active component is dispersed homogeneously, for example, by stirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds, allowed to cool, and to solidify.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for vaginal administration. Pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or sprays containing in addition to the active ingredient such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for nasal administration. The solutions or suspensions are applied directly to the nasal cavity by conventional means, for example, with a dropper, pipette or spray. The formulations may be provided in a single or multidose form. In the latter case of a dropper or pipette, this may be achieved by the patient administering an appropriate, predetermined volume of the solution or suspension. In the case of a spray, this may be achieved for example by means of a metering atomising spray pump.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated for aerosol administration, particularly to the respiratory tract and including intranasal administration. The compound will generally have a small particle size for example of the order of five (5) microns or less. Such a particle size may be obtained by means known in the art, for example by micronization. The active ingredient is provided in a pressurised pack with a suitable propellant such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), for example, dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, or dichlorotetrafluoroethane, or carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. The aerosol may conveniently also contain a surfactant such as lecithin. The dose of drug may be controlled by a metered valve. Alternatively the active ingredients may be provided in a form of a dry powder, for example a powder mix of the compound in a suitable powder base such as lactose, starch, starch derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP). The powder carrier will form a gel in the nasal cavity. The powder composition may be presented in unit dose form for example in capsules or cartridges of e.g., gelatine or blister packs from which the powder may be administered by means of an inhaler.

When desired, formulations can be prepared with enteric coatings adapted for sustained or controlled release administration of the active ingredient. For example, the compounds of the present invention can be formulated in transdermal or subcutaneous drug delivery devices. These delivery systems are advantageous when sustained release of the compound is necessary and when patient compliance with a treatment regimen is crucial. Compounds in transdermal delivery systems are frequently attached to an skin-adhesive solid support. The compound of interest can also be combined with a penetration enhancer, e.g., Azone

( l-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one). Sustained release delivery systems are inserted subcutaneously into the subdermal layer by surgery or injection. The subdermal implants encapsulate the compound in a lipid soluble membrane, e.g., silicone rubber, or a biodegradable polymer, e.g., polylactic acid.

The pharmaceutical preparations are preferably in unit dosage forms. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form.

Other suitable pharmaceutical carriers and their formulations are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 1995, edited by E. W. Martin, Mack Publishing Company, 19th edition, Easton, Pennsylvania. Representative pharmaceutical formulations containing a compound of the present invention are described in Examples 6-11. EXAMPLES The following preparations and examples are given to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and to practice the present invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as being illustrative and representative thereof.

Example 1

l-[2-Methoxy-4-(naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine

Step 1:

2,2,2-Trifluoro-l-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-l-yll-ethanone

Trifluoroacetic anhydride (23.07 g; 0.11 mol) was added dropwise under nitrogen atmosphere to an ice-cooled solution of l-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperazine ( 19.2 g; 0.1 mol) and pyridine (8.85 g; 0.11 mol) in dichloromethane (300 mL). After 1 h at ambient temperature a 10 % aqueous HC1 solution was added. The layers were separated and the organic phase was washed with water (2X 100 mL), dried (Na₂S0₄) and concentrated to give 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-[4- (2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-l-yl]-ethanone as a light red oil (28 g) which was used in Step 2 without purification.

Step 2:

4-Methoxy-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-piperazin-l-yll -benzenesulfonyl chloride

A solution of 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-l-yl]-ethanone ( 14 g; 0.48 mol) in dichloromethane (20 mL) was added to chlorosulfonic acid (75 mL) in such a rate that the inner temperature did no exceed -5 °C. After 10 min at this temperature, the solution was poured slowly onto ice-water (500 g), the precipitate was filtered and washed with cold water (2X 200 mL) and cold diethyl ether (200 mL). The resulting solid was recrystallized from diethyl ether to give 4-methoxy-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-piperazin-l-yl] -benzenesulfonyl chloride as white powder (7.7 g; 41 %), MS, MH⁺ 387, m. p. 125-127.3 °C.

Step 3:

2,2,2-Trifluoro-l-{4-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-l -sulfonyl)-phenvn -piperazin-l-yl)-ethanone

To a solution of 4-methoxy-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-piperazin-l-yl]-benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.19 g; 0.5 mmol) in THF (0.5 mL) at 0 °C under argon atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of 1-naphthylmagnesium bromide in THF (0.5 M, 2 mL; 1 mmol). After stirring at this temperature for 1 h, a saturated solution of ammonium chloride was added and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 mL). The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vaciio and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluting with hexane-ethyl acetate (7 : 3, v/v) to give 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-{4-[2-methoxy-5- (naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazin- l-yl}-ethanone ( l)as a white solid (0.110 g; 47 %), MS, MH⁺ 479.

Similarly following Step 3, but replacing naphthylmagnesium bromide with the appropriate aryl magnesium bromides the following compounds were prepared:

2,2,2-trifluoro-l-{4-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}- ethanone (2) as a white solid, MS, MH+ 479;

l-{4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (3) as a white solid, MS, MH⁺ 463; l-{4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (3a);

l-{4-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (4) as a white solid, MS, MH⁺ 463;

l-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (5) as a white solid, MS, MH ' 497,498;

l-{4-[5-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- 2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (6) as a white solid, MS, MH 459; or

l-{4-[5-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)2-methoxyphenyl]piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (7) as a white solid, MS, MH⁺ 447.

l-{4-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (8);

Step 4

1 -[2-Methoxy-5-(naphthaIene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyll -piperazine

A solution of 6N NaOH (0.5 mL) was added to a suspension of 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-{4-[2- methoxy-5-( naphthalene- l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-ethanone ( 1)

(0.1 10 g; 0.23 mmol ) in methanol. After stirring at 80 °C for 10 min water was added (10 ml) and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 ml). The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO ) and concentrated in vacuo to give l-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine ( 101 ) as a white solid (0.060 g ,68 %), MS, MH ^H 383. The hydrochloride salt was prepared from ethanol-hydrogen chloride, m. p. 154-158 °C.

Similarly replacing 2,2, 2-tri fluoro- l-{4-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl] - piperazin-l-yl}-ethanone ( 1) with the appropriate trifluoroethanone compounds of Step 3 the following compounds were prepared. 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-{4-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}- ethanone (2) afforded l-[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine ( 102) MS, MH⁺ 383, m. p. 279.9-283.3 °C.

l-{4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (3a) afforded l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -4-methyl- piperazine ( 103a) MS, MH⁺ 367, m. p. 263.4-272.1 °C.

l -{4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (3) afforded l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine ( 103) MS, MH⁺ 367, m. p. 263.4-272.1 °C.

l-{4- [5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (4) afforded l-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine ( 104) MS, MH⁺ 367, m. p. 265-266.3 °C.

l-{4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (5) afforded l-[5-(3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]- piperazine (105) MS, MH⁺ 402, m. p. 245.9-246.2 °C.

l-{4-[5-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)- 2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (6) l-[5-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine ( 106) MS, MH⁺ 363, m. p. 260.1-260.6 °C.

l-{4-[5-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)2-methoxyphenyl]piperazin-l-yl}2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanone (7) afforded l-[5-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-piperazine (107) MS, M H ' 351, m. p. 246.0-250.1 °C.

l-{4-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl}-2,2,2- trifluoro-ethanone (8) afforded l-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl- piperazine ( 108).

Example 2

l-[5-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)2-methoxyphenyl] piperazine

Alternate preparation without isolation of intermediate:

To a solution of 4-methoxy-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-piperazin-l-yl]-bezenesulfonyl chloride (0.19 g), prepared as in Example 1 Step 2, in THF (0.5 ml) at 0 °C under argon atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of 4-methoxyphenylmagnesium bromide in THF (0.5 M, 2 ml; 1 mmol). After stirring at this temperature for 1 h. A solution of 6N NaOH (0.5 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 h. Water was added ( 10 ml) and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 ml). The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give l-[5-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-2- methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine as a white solid (0.65 g, 36 %), MS, MH⁺ 363.

Similarly but replacing phenyl-magnesium bromide for methoxyphenyl-magnesium bromide, l-(5-benzenesulfonyl-2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazine, (201) MS, MH⁺ 333, m. p. 270.0-273.0 °C, was prepared.

Example 3

l-[5-(4-Fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)2-methoxyphenyl] -piperazine

To a solution of 4-methoxy-3-[4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-piperazin-l-yl]-bezenesulfonyl chloride (0.19 g; 0.5 mmol), prepared as in Example 1 Step 2, in THF (0.5 mL) at ambient temperature under argon atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of 4-fluoro-l- naphthylmagnesium bromide in THF (0.25 M, 4 mL; 1 mmol). After stirring at this temperature for 1 h a saturated solution of ammonium chloride was added and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 mL). The organic phase was dried (Na SO ) and concentrated in vacuo .The residue was dissolved in dioxane (2 mL) and a solution of 6N NaOH (0.5 mL) was added. After stirring at ambient temperature for 1 h water was added ( 10 ml) and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 ml). The organic phase was extracted into 2N aqueous HC1. The aqueous layer was adjusted with 6N NaOH solution to pH 14 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give the l-[5-(4-fluoro- naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-2-methoxyphenyl]-piperazine (301 ) as a white solid (0.060 g; 30 %). The hydrochloride salt was prepared from ethanol-hydrogen chloride, m. p. 155.0-159.0 °C.

Similarly replacing 4-fluoro-l-naphthylmagnesium bromide with 3,4-dichloro-l -phenyl magnesium bromide, l-[5-(3,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine (302), MS,MH⁺ 401, m.p. 260.0-263.0, was prepared.

Example 4

l-[2-Methoxy-5-(4-methoxy-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)phenyl]piperazine

To a solution of l-[5-(4-fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-2-methoxyphenyl]-piperazine (0.050 g; 0.12 mmol) prepared in example 4 in methanol (2 mL) was added a solution of 6N NaOH (0.5 mL). After stirring at 80 °C for 30 min water was added ( 10 ml) and the mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate (20 mL). The organic phase was extracted into 2N aqueous HC1. The aqueous layer was adjusted with 6N NaOH solution to pH 14 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to give l-[2-mefhoxy-5-(4- methoxy-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-piperazine (401) as a white solid (0.043 g; 88 %). The hydrochloride salt was prepared from ethanol-hydrogen chloride, m. p. 240.243.0°C.

Example 5

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are mixed and dispensed into capsules containing about 100 mg each; one capsule would approximate a total daily dosage.

Example 6

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are combined and granulated using a solvent such as methanol. The formulation is then dried and formed into tablets (containing about 20 mg of active compound) with an appropriate tablet machine. Example 7

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are mixed to form a suspension for oral administration.

Example 8 Parenteral Formulation (IV)

The active ingredient is dissolved in a portion of the water for injection. A sufficient quantity of sodium chloride is then added with stirring to make the solution isotonic. The solution is made up to weight with the remainder of the water for injection, filtered through a 0.2 micron membrane filter and packaged under sterile conditions.

Example 9 Suppository Formulation

The ingredients are melted together and mixed on a steam bath, and poured into molds containing 2.5 g total weight. Example 10 Topical Formulation

All of the ingredients, except water, are combined and heated to about 60 °C with stirring. A sufficient quantity of water at about 60 °C is then added with vigorous stirring to emulsify the ingredients, and water then added q.s. about 100 g.

Example 11

Nasal Spray Formulations

Several aqueous suspensions containing from about 0.025-0.5 percent active compound are prepared as nasal spray formulations. The formulations optionally contain inactive ingredients such as, for example, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, and the like. Hydrochloric acid maybe added to adjust pH. The nasal spray formulations maybe delivered via a nasal spray metered pump typically delivering about 50-100 microliters of formulation per actuation. A typical dosing schedule is 2-4 sprays every 4-12 hours.

Example 12

Radioligand binding studies

The binding activity of compounds of this invention in vitro was determined as follows.

Duplicate determinations of ligand affinity are made by competing for binding of [3H]LSD in cell membranes derived from HEK293 cells stably expressing recombinant human 5- HT6 receptor.

All determinations are made in assay buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM MgSO4, 0.5 mM EDTA, 1 mM ascorbic acid, pH 7.4 at 37 °C, in a 250 microliter reaction volume. Assay tubes containing [3H] LSD (5 nM), competing ligand, and membrane are incubated in a shaking water bath for 60 min. at 37 °C, filtered onto Packard GF-B plates (pre-soaked with 0.3 % PEI) using a Packard 96 well cell harvester and washed 3 times in ice cold 50 mM Tris-HCl. Bound | 3H] LSD is determined as radioactive counts per minute using Packard TopCount.

Displacement of [3H]LSD from the binding sites was quantified by fitting concentration- binding data to a 4-parameter logistic equation:

Bmax - basal binding = basal +

1 ₊ 1 o -W/7/(log[//gα/7-/]-log IC₅₀ where Hill is the Hill slope, [ligand] is the concentration of competing radioligand and IC50 is the concentration of radioligand producing half-maximal specific binding of radioligand. The specific binding window is the difference between the Bmax and the basal parameters.

Proceeding as in Example 12, compounds of formula (I) were tested and found to be active 5-HT6 antagonists. The affinity to the 5HT6 receptor, given as pKi, is in the scope of 8.1 to 9.9 for the preferred compounds.

The following data can be provided for the most preferred compounds:

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A compound of formula

wherein:

Ar is naphthyl or phenyl, optionally substituted by halogen or (Cι.C₆)-alkoxy;

R¹ is (Cι.C₆)-alkyl;

R² is hydrogen or (Cι.C₆)-alkyl;

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.

2. A compound of claim 1, wherein Ar is unsubstituted naphthyl.

3. A compound of claim 2, wherein the compound is l -[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene- l-sulfonyl)-phenyl] -piperazine or l -[2-methoxy-5-(naphthalene-2-sulfonyl)-phenyl] -piperazine.

4. A compound of claim 1, wherein Ar is naphthyl, substituted by fluoro or methoxy.

5. A compound of claim 2, wherein the compound is l -[5-(4-fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonyl)-2-methoxyphenyl] -piperazine or l-[2-methoxy-5-(4-methoxy-naphthalene-l -sulfonyl)-phenyl] -piperazine.

6. A compound of claim 1, wherein Ar is unsubstituted phenyl.

7. A compound of claim 6, wherein the compound is l -(5-benzenesulfonyl-2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazine.

8. A compound of claim 1, wherein Ar is phenyl, substituted by methoxy, fluoro or chloro.

. A compound of claim 8, wherein the compound is l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine, l-[2-methoxy-5-(4-methoxy-benzenesLilfonyl)-phenyl] -piperazine, l-[5-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine, l-[5-(3-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine, l-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -4-methyl-piperazine, l-[5-(3,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine, l-[5-(3,5-dichloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl] -piperazine, or 4-[5-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-methoxy-phenyl]-4-methyl-piperidine.

10. A medicament comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1 in admixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

1 1. A medicament according to claim 10 for the treatment of diseases related to the 5-HT6 receptor.

12. A process for preparing a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, which process comprises ai) reacting a compound of formula (b)

wherein P is a protecting group and R is as defined in claim 1,

with a compound of general formula

Ar-S(O)₂-Cl , wherein Ar is aryl as defined in claim 1,

aii) deprotecting and

aiii) optionally alkylating to provide a compound of formula (I)

wherein Ar, R and R are as defined in claim 1, or bi) reacting a compound of formula (b)

wherein P is a protecting group and R is as defined in claim 1 with a compound of formula

S(O)₂-Cl,

bii) and further reacting with a Grignard reagent of formula

ArMgHal, wherein Ar is as defined in claim 1 and Hal is a halide,

biii) deprotecting, and

biv) optionally alkylating

to provide a compound of formula (I)

wherein Ar, R¹ and R² are as defined in claim 1, and if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

13. A compound of formula I according to any one of claims 1 - 9, whenever prepared by a process as claimed in claim 12 or by an equivalent method.

14. The use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 - 9 for the treatment of diseases.

15. The use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 - 9 for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of diseases related to the 5-HT6 receptor.

16. The invention as hereinbefore described.