CA2471910A1 - Benzocyclodecane derivatives with antitumor activity - Google Patents

Abstract

A compound which is a benzocyclodecane of the formula I wherein: ----- at positions 8-9 and 11-12 independently represents a single or double bond, -R 1 is =O, or -OR7, R7 is H, C1-C7 alkanoyl, benzoyl, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alken yl or COCH=CHR8, R8 is aryl or heterocyclyl;-R2 and -R3 are H, =O or -OR9, R9 i s H, C1-C7 alkanoyl or benzoyl; when at position 11-12 there is a single bond, then -R4 represents=O, =CH2, =CHCOOR10, R10 is C1-C10 alkyl or aryl; =CH(OCH3), -OR9; -CH2OR11, R11 is H or a sugar residue, -COR12 , R12 is H, - OH or -OR10; or when at position 11-12 there is a double bond, then -R4 is - CH2OR11 or -COR12; - R5 and -R6 are H or, when at position 8-9 there is a single bond, taken together form a cyclopropane ring; R13 is H or 1-3 substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, phenyl, phenyl C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, C1-C6 alkoxy, aryloxy, cyano, nitro, amino, C1-C10 alkylamino, arylamino, C1-C7 alkanoylamino, aroylamino, hydroxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylaminosulfonyl and arylaminosulfonyl group; with the provisos that if R1 and R4 =O, then one of R2, R3, R5, R6 and R13 is not H atom; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These benzocyclodecane derivatives are endowed with antitumor activity; a process and new intermediates fortheir preparation, the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the prevention , control and treatment of cancer are also provided.

Description

Benzocyclodecane derivatives with antitumor activity The present invention relates to benzocyclodecane derivatives, to a process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to the use of such compounds in the prevention, control and treatment of cancer.
In the field of antitumor compounds, a specific class comprises compounds from natural sources acting by mitotic arrest through induced tubulin polymerization.
Examples of these natural product:.-ire p~W taxel, isolated from Taxus Brevifolia, Sarcodictyins A and B, isolated in 1987 by Pietra et al. from the Mediterranean stoloniferan coral Sarcodictyon to f~oseufn, and the diterpene glycoside eleutherobin, isolated from an Eleutlaerobia species of australian soft coral.
Now, there is a strong need for simplified molecules, which nevertheless maintain the useful properties referred to above characterizing the natural products.
In J.Chem. Soc. 1967 (7), 565-568 there is described the synthesis of benzocyclodecenone derivatives, whithout any suggestion on their pharmacoloigcal activity.
The present invention relates to a new class of antitumor compounds. In particular, the present invention provides a compound which is a benzocyclodecane of formula (I) R, ~

Ra ( wherein:
----- at positions 8-9 and 11-12 independently represents a single or double bond, -Rl represents oxygen (=O), or a residue -OR7, wherein R7 represents hydrogen, linear or branched C1-C7 alkanoyl, benzoyl, Cl-Clo alkyl, CZ-Clo alkenyl or a residue of the formula O

wherein R8 is an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclyl;
-R2 and -R3 independently represents hydrogen, oxygen atom (=O) or a residue -OR9, wherein R9 represents hydrogen, CI-C7 alkanoyl or benzoyl;
when ----- at position 11-12 represents a single bond, then -R4 represents - oxygen atom (=O), - methylene (=CHz), - =CHCOORIn, wherein RIO represents CI-CIO alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;
=CH(OCH3), - or a residue of formula -OR9, wherein R~ is as defined above; -CH20RI1 wherein RI l l0 represents hydrogen or a sugar residue, -CORIZ wherein RIZ represents hydrogen, -OH or -ORIO, wherein RIO is as defined above; or when ----- at position 11-12 represents a double bond, then -R4 represents a residue of formula -CH20RI1 or -CORI2 as defined above;
- RS and -R6 are both hydrogen atoms or, when ----- at position 8-9 represents a single bond, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclopropane ring;
RI3 represents hydrogen or from one to three substituents selected from CI-C6 alkyl, Cz-C~
alkenyl, optionally substituted phenyl, phenyl CI-C6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, CI-C6 alkoxy, aryloxy, cyano, vitro, amino, CI-CIO alkylamino, arylamino, CI-C7 allcanoylamino, aroylamino, hydroxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, CI-C6 alkylcarbonyl, CI-C6 alkylaminosulfonyl and arylaminosulfonyl group;
with the provisos that if RI and R4 are both oxygen atom (=O), then one of R2, R3, R5, Rb and RI3 is not hydrogen atom; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
As used herein the teens "CI-CIO alkyl" and "CI-C6 alkyl" refer to a straight or branched chain alkyl moiety having respectively from 1 to 10 or from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, including for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl and n-octyl.
The terms "CZ-CIO alkenyl" and "C2-C6 alkenyl" as used herein refer to a straight or branched chain alkenyl moiety having respectively from 2 to 10 and from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having in addition one double bond of either E or Z stereochemistry where applicable. Examples of alkenyl groups include: vinyl, allyl, metallyl, butenyl and crotyl.
The term "aryl" as used herein refers to a monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon group of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl; furthermore, "aryl" as used herein may refer to a diphenyl group (-C6Hq.-C6H5). The term "C1-C7 alkanoyl" refers to acyl residues such as formyl, acetyl, and pentanoyl groups.
The term "heterocyclyl" as used herein refers to a 3- to 7-membered, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated heterocyclyl ring, containing at least one heteroatom selected from O, S and N, any ring carbon may be oxidized as a carbonyl, and wherein said heterocyclyl ring may be optionally fused to a second 5- or 6-membered, saturated or unsaturated heterocyclyl ring, or to a C3 -C7 cycloalkyl ring, or to a benzene or naphthalene ring. Examples of heterocyclyl groups are pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thienyl, .
to tetrahydrothienyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, aziridinyl, oxiranyl, azetidilryl, succinimido, pyridyl, piperidinyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, pyridazinyl, hexahydropyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, benzothienyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, isobenzofuranyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, chromenyl, indolyl, oxindolyl, phthalimido, 1-oxo-2-isoindolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, tetrahydroisoquinolyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 2-oxoisoindolyl, 1,2-(methylenedioxy)phenyl, quinuclidinyl, hydantoinyl, saccarinyl, cinnolinyl, purinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, dioxanyl, dithianyl and azepinyl.
Most preferred heterocyclyl groups are N-methyl-imidazolyl, 2-methyl-thiazolyl, 2-methyl-oxazolyl and pyridyl group. The term "C3 -C7 cycloalkyl" as used herein refers to a 3- to 7-membered, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated carbon ring. Examples of 2o cycloalkyl groups include: cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl groups.
Preferably, when ORl1 is a sugar residue, it has the formula -O
O
~O Ra O
O Rb wherein Ra and Rb independently represent hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, or Cl-C7 alkanoyl.
From all of the above, it is clear to the skilled man that any of the groups or substituents being defined, for instance, as alkoxy, allcylaminocarbonyl, alkylaminosulphonyl, arylaminosulphonyl and the like, have to be construed from the names of the groups from which they originate.
Substituents which may be present in the aryl or heterocyclyl groups in any of the above definitions of Rl-R13 include the following:
- halo (i.e., fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo);
- hydroxy;
- nitro;
- azido;
- mercapto (i.e., -SH), and acetyl or phenylacetyl esters thereof (i.e., -SCOCH3 and -1o SCOCHZC6H5);
- amino (i.e., -NH2 or -NHRI or -NRIRII, wherein RI and RII, which are the same or different, are straight or branched C~-C6 alkyl, phenyh biphenyl (i.e., -C6H4-C6H5), or benzyl groups, optionally substituted by hydroxy, methoxy, methyl, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, chloro or fluoro; or RI and RII taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a heterocyclic riilg such as morpholino, pyrrolidino, piperidino, pyperazino or N-methylpyperazino;
- guanidino, i.e., -NHC(--NH)NH2;
- formyl (i.e. -CHO);
- cyano;
- carboxy (i.e. -COOH), or esters thereof (i.e., -COORI), or amides thereof (i.e., -CONH2, -CONHRI or -CONHRIRII), wherein RI and RII are as defined above, and including morpholino-amides, pynolidino-amides, and carboxymethylamides -CONHCHZCOOH;
- sulfo (i.e., -S03H);
- acyl, i.e., -C(O)RI, wherein RI is as defined above, including monofluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, trifluoroacetyl;
- carbamoyloxy (i.e., -OCONHZ) and N-methylcarbamoyloxy;
- acyloxy, i.e., -OC(O)RI wherein RI is as defined above, or formyloxy;
- acylamino, i.e., -NHC(O)RI, or -NHC(O)ORI , wherein RI is as defined above or is a group -(CH2)tCOOH where t is l, 2 or 3;
- ureido, i.e., -NH(CO)NHZ , -NH(CO)NHRI, -NH(CO)NRIRII, wherein RI and RII
are as defined above, including -NH(CO)-(4-morpholino), -NH(CO)-(1-pyrrolidino), -NH(CO)-(1-piperazino), -NH(CO)-(4-methyl-1-piperazino);

- sulfonamido, i.e., -NHS02RI wherein RI is as defined above;
- a group -(CHZ)tCOOH, and esters and amides thereof, i.e., -(CH2)tCOORI and -(CH2)tCONH2 , -(CHZ)tCONHRI, -(CHZ)tCONRIRII, wherein t, RI and RII are as defined above;
5 - a group -NH(S02)NHa , -NH(SO2)NHRI, -NH(SO2)NRjRII, wherein RI and RII are as defined above, including -NH(S02)-(4-morpholino), -NH(S02)-(1-pyrrolidino), -NH(S02)-(1-piperazino), -NH(SOZ)-(4-methyl-1-piperazino);
- a group -OC(O)ORI, wherein RI is as defined above;
- a group -ORI, wherein RI is as defined above, including -OCHZCOOH;
to - a group -SRI, wherein RI is as defined above, including -SCHZCOOH;
- a group -S(O)RI, wherein RI is as defined above;
- a group -S(OZ )RI, wherein RI is as defined above;
- a group -SOZNHZ , -SO2NHRI, or - SO2NRIRII, wherein RI and RII are as defined above;
- CI -C6 alkyl or C2 -C6 allcenyl;
- C3 -C7 cycloalkyl;
- substituted methyl selected from chloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, aminomethyl, N,N-dimethylaminomethyl, azidomethyl, cyanomethyl, carboxymethyl, sulfomethyl, carbamoylmethyl, carbamoyloxymethyl, hydroxyrnethyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonyhnethyl, tert-butoxycarbonylmethyl and guanidinomethyl.
When present, carboxy, hydroxy, mercapto and amino groups may be either free or in a protected form. Protected forms of said groups are any of those generally known in the art.
Preferably, carboxy groups are protected as esters thereof, in particular methyl, ethyl, tert-butyl, benzyl, and 4-nitrobenzyl esters. Preferably, hydroxy groups are protected as silyl-ethers, ethers or esters thereof, in particular trimethyl silyl, tert-butyldiphenyl silyl, triethyl silyl, triisopropyl silyl or tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers, methoxyrnethyl ethers, tetrahydropyranyl ethers, benzyl ethers, acetates or benzoates. Preferably, mercapto groups are protected as tluoethers or thioesters, in particular tert-butyl thioethers, thioacetates or thiobenzoates. Preferably, amino groups are protected as carbamates, e.g. tert-butoxycarbonyl 3o derivatives, or as amides, e.g. acetamides and benzamides.
As stated above, the present invention provides the salts of those compounds of formula (~
that have salt-forming groups, especially the salts of the compounds having a carboxylic group or the salts of the compounds having a basic group, especially an amino.
The salts are especially physiologically tolerable salts, for example all~ali metal and alkaline earth metal salts (e.g. sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium and magnesium salts), ammonium salts and salts with an appropriate organic amine or amino acid (e.g. arginine, procaine salts), and the addition salts formed with suitable inorganic acids (e.g. hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulfates, phosphates) or carboxylic and sulfonic organic acids (e.g. acetates, trifluoroacetates, citrates, succinates, malonates, lactates, tartxates, fumarates, maleates, methanesulfonates, p-toluenesulfonates).
Furthermore, hydrates, solvates of compounds of formula (I), and physiologically to hydrolysable derivatives (i.e., prodrugs) of compounds of formula (I) are included within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be noted that the Rl, R2, R3 , R4, RS and R6 substituents may be above or under the plane, so that the present invention encompasses all the possible stereo isomers (e.g.
diastereoisomers, epimers, geometrical isomers) of the compounds of formula (I), as well as their racemic or optically active mixtures related to these substituents.
In the preferred configuration Rl, which is the substituent at ring position 6, is under the plane:
R~

Rs Ra 2o In a preferred compound of the present invention, the benzocyclodecane has the following formula (IA.):

R~
Ra ( wherein:
----- at positions 8-9 and 11-12 independently represents a single or double bond, R7 represents a residue of the formula O
R$
wherein R8 is N-methyl imidazolyl, phenyl, methyl-thiazolyl, methyl-oxazolyl or pyridyl group;
one of -R2 and -R3 represents hydrogen and the other one is hydrogen or oxygen (=O), hydroxy or acetoxy group;
when ----- at position 11-12 represents a single bond, then -R4 represents oxygen (=O), - methylene (=CHZ), =CHCOORia, wherein Rlorepresents methyl or ethyl, =CH(OCH3), -CHO, hydroxy, acetoxy, or -CHZORlI wherein Rl I represents hydrogen or a sugar residue having the formula -O
O
~ORa O
ORb wherein Ra and Rb independently represent hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, or Cl-C7 alkanoyl, or when ----- at position 11-12 represents a double bond, then -R4 represents a residue of formula -C02CzH5; and - RS and -R6 are both hydrogen atoms or, when ----- at position 8-9 represents a single bond, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclopropane ring;
R13 represents hydrogen atom, two methyl groups at positions 1 and 4, one methyl group at position 4 and one isopropyl group at position 1.
The present invention also provides a process for preparing a compound of the invention as defined above, which process comprises:
cyclizing a compound of formula II
R~
ORd II
wherein R~ represents hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, C1-C7 allcanoyl or benzoyl or, taken together with Re, forms an acetonide ring; Ra represents hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, CI-C~ alkanoyl, or benzoyl, or , taken together with Rf, forms an acetonide ring; Re represents hydrogen atom and Rf represents hydrogen atom or a free or protected hydroxy group, or is linked to the adj acent ORd substituent as defined above; Rf represents hydrogen atom and Re represents hydrogen atom or a free or protected hydroxy group or is linked to the adjacent ORS substituent as defined above;
and, if desired, converting the resultant compound of formula I', R

Ra I, wherein Rl is ORS, RZ is Re, R3 is Rf, R4 is ORd, in which R~, Rd, Re and Rf are as defined above and R5 and R6 are hydrogen atoms, into another different compound of formula I as defined above; and/or if desired, converting a compound of formula I' or I
into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt therof; and/or, if desired convertiilg a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula I or I' into the corresponding free compound.
Preferably, the hydroxy protecting groups are silyl or methoxymethyl group; R~
represents a C1-C6 alkanoyl group, more preferably an acetyl group, or a silyl protecting group, more preferably a t-butyldiphenylsilyl group. The cyclization to give the compound of formula I' as single Z isomer can be performed through the Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM) reaction. In to particular, the RCM reaction is carried out in the presence of an appropriate catalyst, more preferably aNolan and Grubb's catalyst, described for example in,LAm.Chem.Soc.,1999, 121, 2674 and in Org. Lett.,1999, 1, 953.
CY3 Cy3 CI CI ,, , ( ( , , , .
~ ~
~ ~

CI CI
~ ~
Ph Ph Mst-NON-Mst Mst-NON-Mst U U

RCM Catalyst A RCM Catalyst B
1s [Mst=C6H2-2,4,6-(CH3)3]
The conversion of a compound of formula I' or I into another different final compound of formula I may be carried out in several ways, depending on the meanings of the substituents and the presence of the unsaturated bonds in the ring. Such conversions follow conventional procedures known in the art.
2o For example, a compound of formula I wherein -Rl represents a residue of the formula O
_O Ra wherein R$ is as defined above, can be obtained by condensing a corresponding compound of the formula I or I' wherein -Rl represents hydroxy group with a the appropriate derivative of formula III
O
III
25 H-O R$

wherein R8 is as above defined. These compounds of formula III are known or can be prepared according to known procedures.
Therefore, it is a further object of the present invention a process for obtaining a compound of 5 formula I"' O
~R
O
Re Ri3 ~ w Rf OH
I"' wherein Re, Rf, R13 and R8 are as defined above, which process comprises deprotecting a compound of formula I":
R~
ORd 10 wherein R~, Re, R~ , Rf and R13 are as defined above, condensing the resultant compound of formula f R~
ORd wherein Re, Ra , Rf and R13 are as defined above, with a compound of formula III or an activated form thereof O
III
H-O Rs wherein R$ is as above defined, optionally in presence of a condensing agent;
and, if necessary, deprotecting the resultant compound of formula I°.
O ~ R
a ORd IV
wherein Re, Rd , Rf , R8 and R13 are as defined above, and Rd represents a hydroxy protecting group, Cl-C6 all~anoyl, or benzoyl, or , talcen together with Rf, forms an acetonide ring; to give the desired compound of formula I"' as above defined.
As a more specific example, the process for preparing a compound of formula I
wherein -Rl represents a residue of the formula O
_ . _O /
N-CHs N ~/
is depicted in the scheme 1 below:
Scheme 1 O'I
DCC /
ORc OH DMAP O~~~N-CH3 deprotection ~ DCM N~/
I/ I ~ I/ I
ORd ORd -N~COOH I /
~N
ORd I~a deprotection N-CH3 OH
la The reaction with (E)-N-methylurocanic acid can be carried out in dichloromethane (DCM) in presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimmide (DCC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). The deprotection steps can be basic hydrolysis in case R~ and/or Rd are acetyl groups.
A compound of formula I wherein R2, R3 or -R4 represents an oxygen atom =O can be obtained from a corresponding compound of formula I or I' as defined above wherein -R2, -R3 or -R4 represents a hydroxy group by means of oxidation, for example with Dess-Martin to periodinane, pyridinium dichromate (PDC) or pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) or under Swern oxidation conditions (dimethylsulfoxide/oxalyl chloride), provided that the other hydroxy groups in the molecule, if any, are protected. A compound of formula I
wherein -R4 represents an oxygen atom =O can be conveniently converted into a corresponding compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents methylene (=CH2), =CHCOORto wherein Rto is as defined above, or =CH(OCH3) by reaction with a suitable Wittig reagent, such as for example, respectively, Ph3P=CH2, Ph3P=CHCOORto, wherein Rto is as defined above and Ph3P=CH(OCH3). A compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents =CH(OCH3) can be then converted by acidic hydrolysis into a corresponding compound of formula I
wherein -R4 represents -CHO, which in turn may be either reacted with a reducing agent to give a 2o compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents -CHZOH, or oxidised with a suitable reagent such as NaC102 to give a compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents -COOH. A
compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents an oxygen atom =O can also be converted into a compound of formula I wherein -R4 represents a-COORto group wherein Rto is as defined above and the bond at position 11-12 is double by treatment with triflic anhydride in the presence of a base followed by reaction of the resultant enol-triflate with CO
and Rlo-OH
wherein Rlo is as defined above in the presence of Palladium catalyst and a base such as triethylamine according to known procedures as those described in J.Claem.Soc.PeYkin Ty°a~s.
I, 1991 (5), 969-979. Such compounds of formula I wherein -R4 represents a -COOH group and the bond at position 11-12 is double can be converted by selective reduction into the corresponding 11-12 unsaturated compounds of formula I wherein -R4 represents a -CH20H
group, for example by treatment with C1COOEt/NaBH4, A compound of formula I' or I wherein the bond at position 8-9 is double may be converted to into the corresponding compound of formula I with a single bond at the 8-9 position and wherein RS and R6 are hydrogen atoms by hydrogenation, such as by treatment with HZ and a suitable catalyst like a Palladium on charcoal catalyst according to the methods known in the art; or into the corresponding compounds of formula I with a single bond at the 8-9 position wherein RS and R6 taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a cyclopropane ring by treatment with a suitable reactant such as a zinc carbenoid (J.ATn.CIZem.Soc. 2001, 123, 8139-8140).
A compound of formula I may be converted into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof using conventional techniques. Suitable salts include those mentioned above.
A compound of the formula II rnay be prepared as described in any one of the following 2o schemes, in which R~ , Rd, Re , Rf and R13 have the meanings above defined:
Scheme 2 R~3 \ / Rl~ \ O

R ORc R OR~
13 ~ / 1 ~ /
\ ~ ~ \
ORa ORd II, R~=Ra H II

Compound 1 where Ri3 represents hydrogen atom is known and can be prepared according to known procedures (Tety~ahed~on Lett. (2000), 41(5), 729-731). Compound 1 can also be obtained by the copper mediated reaction of a vinyl organometallic reagent, such as vinyl magnesium bromide, with the appropriate 1,2 dibromomethyl-phenyl derivative (see for example J. Ag~ic. Food Cl2em. 45, 1422, I997). Compound 1 can be conveniently transformed into compound 2 by oxidation, for example by treatment with an inorganic or organic peracid, such as meta-chloroperbenzoic acid, and then compound 2 can be converted into the compound II, wherein R~ and Rd are both hydrogen atoms, by the addition of a vinyl organometallic reagent, such as vinyl magnesium bromide.
The to resultant compound II is then protected to yield the desired compound of formula II
wherein R~ and Rd are hydroxy protecting groups as defined above. By the above process, fox example, there are obtained compounds of formula II wherein R~ and Rd are both acetyl groups and Re and Rfare hydrogen atoms. It is a further object of the present invention an intermediate compound of formula IT
OR~
Rl \\ . ~.
ORd wherein R~ and Rd are hydrogen atoms or hydroxy protecting groups, and Rl3 has the meanings above defined.
Scheme 3 O oP ORS
R~s H (A>ze~ (4) Rts OP
g OPT 5 U~'~ 6 OH
R~ R
--n U
II>Rd-N II
Compound 3 wherein R13 represents hydrogen atom and P1 represents acetyl group is known, other compounds 3 can be analogously prepared as described in the literature (Tet~°alaedrora 1988, 44, 7027). To the properly protected compound 3, wherein P1 5 represents a hydroxy protecting group such as an acetyl or a silyl protecting group, is added the appropriate allylic boronate of formula (4) wherein P represents a hydroxy protecting group and A represents a suitable organic residue. These compounds of formula (4) are known or can be prepared according to known procedures.
_ Depending on the Z or E stereochemistry of the starting allylic boronate (4) in scheme 3;
to both syn and anti allylic derivatives 6 can be obtained. Alternatively, a Compound 3 can be submitted to Brown's stereoselective allylation reaction, (J. Or~g. Claetn.
1982, 47, 5065).
In this case the desired stereochemistry of the two oxygenated vicinal substituents can be controlled in the resultant compound of formula 5 just by choosing the suitable absolute stereochemistry of an alpha-pinene-derived allylic reagent (4), wherein A
represents 1-Ipc 15 from (-)-alpha-pinene or d-Ipc from (+)-alpha-pinene.
All possible stereoisomers can be synthesized as a mixture and obtained as single stereoisomers also by chromatographic separation. In particular enantiomers can be obtained by chiral chromatographic separation (by using for example chiral solid support).
Compound 5 is protected (introduction of R.~ group) and then deprotected (removal of PI) 2o to yield Compound 6, that is then oxidized to give the aldehyde derivative 7, for example under Swern oxidation conditions (dimethylsulfoxide/oxalyl chloride) or with PCC.

Addition to the Compound 7 of an allylic organometallic species (for example allyl magnesium bromide) affords the compound II (Rd=H), that is suitably protected to be converted into another compound II. By the above process, for example, there are obtained compounds of formula II wherein R~, Rd and Re are hydroxy protecting groups and Rfis hydrogen atom.
BIOLOGICAL TESTS
Microtubule assembly and disassembly assay.
Pig brain tubulin was prepared by two cycles of assembly and disassembly and it was stored in liquid nitrogen in Microtubule Assembly Buffer (MAB: 0.1 M MES, 2.5 mM
to EGTA, 0.5 mM MgS04, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.1 mM DTT pH 6.4). Assembly was monitored by the method of Gaskin et al.(Gaskin F, Cantor CR, Shelanski M L, 1974,:
Turbidimetric studies of the in vitro assembly and disassembly of porcine neurotubules. J.
Mol. Biol. 89:
737-758). The cuvette (1 cm path) containing 0.5 mglml tubulin and 1 mM GTP
was shifted to 37 °C and continuous turbidity measurements were made at 340 nm on a spectrophotometer equipped with an automatic recorder and a thermostatically regulated sample chamber. After 30 min CaCl2 (5 mM) was added and disassembly was monitored for 10 min as decreased turbidity. Scalar doses of test compounds were monitored at regular intervals of 15 min.
Data were expressed as percentage of reassembly induced by the tested compounds and the dose effecting tubulin assembly by 90% at 37 °C (ED~o) was calculated on this curve.
The compound Ira prepared in Example 9 showed an ED~o of 10 microM.
Cytotoxicity A2780 cells (2000/well) were seeded in mufti-well plates (96 wells) in the presence of 200 q,l of the complete medium RPMI 1640 + 10% FCS. After 24 h, the cells were treated with the compounds: the compounds' solution (200 x) was prepared in DMSO 100% and 1 p.l/well was added. 5 scalar concentrations for each compound were tested in four replicates. The cells were incubated at 37°C, 5% COZ for 72 h.
Colorimetric assay (SRB: sulforhodamine B): cell cultures were fixed with trichloroacetic acid, stained with 0.4% SRB dissolved in 1 % acetic acid. Unbound dye was removed by four washes with 1 % acetic acid and protein-bound dye was extracted with l OmM Tris base for determination of optical density in a 96-well microtiter plate reader. ICso and IC9o (concentration inhibiting cell proliferation by 50 or 90 %) were determined by data analysis in the Microsoft Excel 97 program.
Effect on cell cycle progression Human colon carcinoma HCTl 16 cells were seeded in culture flasks and treated 24 h after incubation at 37°C. At the end of the treatment (24 or 48 or 72 hours), cells were counted and resuspended in propidium iodide (PI) staining solution (0.1 % sodium cifirate; 0.1 nonidet P40, 6.5 ~.glml Rnasi A, 50 ~,g/ml PI). After incubation in the dark at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, samples were then analyzed for cell cycle on FacScan (Becton Dickinson) flow cytometer.
to Compounds~of formula I of the invention show enhanced antitumor activity and acceptable toxicity. They are useful as antitumour agents in the prevention, treatment and/or control of cancer, for instance in the treatment of leulcemia and solid tumors, such as colon, colo-rectal, ovarian, mammary, prostate, lung, kidney and also melanoma tumors. A
human can be treated by a method comprising administering thereto a therapeutically effective amount i5 of a compound of the invention. The invention therefore provides a method of treating a patient in need of an antitumour agent, which method comprises the administration thereto of a compound as defined above. The condition of the human patient can thus be improved. The invention also provides the use of a compound of the invention as defined above in the manufacture of a medicament for use as an antitumour agent.
2o The dosage range adopted will depend on the route of administration and on the age, weight and condition of the patient being treated. The compound of formula (~
is typically administered by parenteral route, for example intramuscularly, intravenously or by bolus infusion. A suitable dose range is from 1 to 1000 mg of equivalent per m2 body surface area of active drug, for instance from 10 to 500 mg/m2.
25 The compounds of formula (I) may be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition together with a pharmaceutically carrier or diluent. The invention therefore further provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier and, as an active ingredient, a compound as defined above.
The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are prepared by conventional methods and 3o are administered in a pharmaceutically acceptable form. For example, the solid oral forms may contain, together with the active compound, diluents, e.g. lactose, dextrose, saccharose, sucrose, cellulose, corn starch or potato starch; lubricants, e.g.
silica, talc, stearic, magnesium or calcium stearate, and/or polyethylene glycols; binding agents, e.g.
starches, arabic gum, gelatine, methylcellulose, carboxyrnethylcellulose or polyvinyl pyrrolidone; disaggregating agents, e.g. a starch, alginic, alginates or sodium starch glycolate; effervescing mixtures; dyestuffs; sweeteners; wetting agents such as lecithin, polysorbates, laurylsulphates; and, in general, non-toxic and pharmacologically inactive substances used in pharmaceutical formulations. Said pharmaceutical preparations may be manufactured in known manner, for example, by means of mixing, granulating, tabletting, sugar-coating, or film-coating processes.
The liquid dispersions for oral administration may be e.g. syrups, emulsions and suspensions.
The syrups may contain as carrier, for example, saccharose or saccharose with glycerine and/or mannitol and/or sorbitol.
The suspensions and the emulsions may contain as carrier, for example, a natural gum, agar, sodium alginate, pectin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, or polyvinyl alcohol.
The suspension or solutions for intramuscular injections may contain, together with the active compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g. sterile water, olive oil, ethyl oleate, glycols, e.g. propylene glycol, and, if desired, a suitable amount of lidocaine hydrochloride. The solutions for intravenous injections or infusions may contain as carrier, 2o for example, sterile water or preferably they may be in the form of sterile, aqueous, isotonic saline solutions or they may contain as a carrier propylene glycol.
The suppositories may contain together with the active compound a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g. cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty ester surfactant or lecithin.
Typically the pharmaceutical compositions are formulated for parenteral administration, for example by dissolution in water for injection or physiological saline.
The following examples illustrate the invention without limiting it.
Example 1: 1,2-Diallyl-benzene.

A 1.0 M tetrahydrofurane (THF) solution of vinyl bromide (300 ml, 0.30 mol) was added to a flask containing magnesium turnings (7.01 g, 0.29 mol) in freshly dried THF (100 ml) under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was heated under reflux until all the magnesium disappeared (2 hours) and copper (I) iodide (28.5 g, 0.15 mol) was added drop-s wise to the resulting slurry keeping the temperature below -30 °C. A
solution of b'-dibrornoxylene (13.75 g, 0.052 mol) in dry THF (100 ml) was then slowly dropped into the green slurry at -60 °C. The resulting mixture was stirred at -60 °C for 1 hour and at 0 °C
for a further 3 hours. When TLC analysis showed no starting material left, the mixture was quenched with a saturated solution of ammonium chloride (100 ml) and extracted with 1o diethyl ether (3 x 100 ml). The etheral layer was dried over Na2S04, filtered and evaporated (no heating, the product is volatile). Flash chromatography (silicagel, hexane) afforded the title compound 1,2-diallyl-benzene in 77% yield (6.3 g); ~H (300 MHz, CDC13) 7.18 (4H, m, Ph), 5.90-6.05 (2H, iim, 2 x CH=), 4.97-5.10 (4H, m, 2 x CHZ=), 2.40 (4H, m, 2 x CHI,). ' i5 Example 2: 2-f2-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)benzylloxirane.
O
w O
To a_ solution. of 1,2-diallyl-benzene __prepared in Example 1(0.55. g, 3.48 mmol) -in- dr-y- -DCM (50 ml) was added fn-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (3.15 g, 9.10 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 16 hours. A saturated solution of 2o NaHC03 (50 ml) was added arid the mixture was stirred for a further 15 minutes. The organic layer was then dried over Na2S04, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give 2-[2-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)benzyl]oxirane in 82% yield (0.54 g); 8H (300 MHz, CDC13) 7.20-7.30 (4H, m, Ph), 3.12-3.22 (2H, m, 2 x CH), 2.94 (4H, m, 2 x CHZ), 2.80 (2H, m, 2 x CHaHb), 25 2.53 (2H, m, 2 x CHaHb); rnlz 208.3 (M+NH~+, 100%), 191.3 (M+H+, 10%).
Example 3: 1-[2'-(2"-Hydroxy-pent-4"-enyl~phenyll-pent-4-en-2-ol.
OH
v OH

A 1.0 M THF solution of vinyl bromide (220 ml, 0.22 mol) was added to magnesium turnings (5.0 g, 0.21 mol) in freshly dried THF (80 ml) under an atmosphere of nitrogen.
The mixture was heated under reflux until all the magnesium disappeared.
Copper (I) iodide (19.58 g, 0.10 mol) in dry THF (50 ml) was added drop-wise to the vinyl 5 magnesium bromide at -50 °C and the greenish slurry was stirred for 10 minutes. 2-[2-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)benzyl]oxirane prepared in Example 2 (3.9 g, 0.02 mol) in dry THF (50 ml) was added drop-wise to the slurry keeping the temperature below -65 °C, stirred 1 hour at this temperature and at 0 °C until all starting material disappeared by TLC analysis.
The mixture was then quenched with a saturated solution of ammonium chloride and 1o extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 75 ml). The etheral layer was filtered through a 5-cm pad of silicagel, dried over Na2S04, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to furnish 1-[2'-(2"-hydroxy-pent-4"-enyl)-phenyl]-pent-4-en-2-of in 85% yield (4.3 g) as a yellowish powder; 8H (300 MHz, CDC13) 7.21 (4H, m, Ph), 5.90 (2H, m, 2 x CH=), 5.18 (4H, m, 2 x 15 CH2), 3.89 (2H, q, J 6 Hz, CH), 2.83 (4H, d; J 6 Hz, CH2), 2.37 (4H, m, 2 x CHZ), 2.23 (2H, bs, 2 x OH); mlz 305.3 (M+CH3C00-, 100%), 264.3 (M+NHø+, 100%), 247.3 (M+H+, 60%).
Example 4: Acetic acid 1-[2' ~2"-acetoxy_pent-4"-enyl)-benz~]-but-3-enyl ester.
OAc / _ _ . _ .
OAc 2o A solution of 1-[2'-(2"-hydroxy-pent-4"-enyl)-phenyl]-pent-4-en-2-of prepared in Example 3 (0.57 g, 2.32 mmol), acetic anhydride (1 ml), pyridine (0.5 ml), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2 mg) in dichloromethane (DCM, 20 ml) was stirred at room temperature (RT) for 4 hours, washed with a saturated solution of NaHC03 (20 ml), water (20 ml), dried over NaZS04, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to furnish the desired acetic acid 1-[2'-(2"-acetoxy-pent-4"-enyl)-benzyl]-but-3-enyl ester in 89% yield (0.68 g); ~H (300 MHz, CDCl3) 7.13 (4H, s, Ph), 5.78 (2H, m, 2 x CH=), 5.10 (4H, m, 2 x CHZ=), 3.73 (2H, m, 2 x CH), 2.92 (4H, d, J 7 Hz, 2 x CH2), 2.35 (4H, m, 2 x CH2).

Example 5: Acetic acid 11-acetoxy-5,6,7,101112-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-ester.
OAc OAc To a solution of acetic acid 1-[2'-(2"-acetoxy-pent-4"-enyl)-benzyl]-but-3-enyl ester prepared in Example 4 (0.68 g, 2.06 mmol) in dry DCM (200 ml) was added Grubbs II
catalyst B (35.4 mg, 2 mol%). The flask was flushed with nitrogen and the pink solution was stirred at RT under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 2 hours. After stirring at ambient air until the solution turned brown (decomposed catalyst), the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 10% ethyl acette in hexane) to furnished the cis-cyclized product acetic acid 11-acetoxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester in 74% yield (0.46 g); 8H (300 MHz, CDC13) 7.29 (2H, m, Ph), 7.19 (2H, m, Ph), 5.78 (2H, m, 2 x CH=), 5.30 (2H, m, CH), 3.04 (2H, t, J
12 Hz, 2 x CHaHb), 2.75 (2H, dd, J 5, 12 Hz, 2 x CHaHb), 2.04-2.18 (1 OH; m, 2 x CH2, 2 x CH3); mlz (EI) 302 (M+, 10%), 242 [(M-CH3COOH)+, 25], 182 [(M-2 x CH3COOH)+, 55], 43 (CH3C0+, 100); X-ray.
Example 6: Acetic acid 11-h day-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-ester.
OH
OAc To a stirred solution of acetic acid 11-acetoxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-2o en-6-yl ester prepared in Example 5 (30.6 mg, 0.101 mmol) in dry methanol (5 ml) was added potassium carbonate (13.2 mg, 0.096 mmol). After 30 minutes, the solution was quenched with water (10 ml), acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with DCM (2 x 10 ml).
The organic layer was dried over Na2S04, filtered and evaporated. Flash chromatography (silicagel, 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) afforded acetic acid 11-hydroxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester as a white powder in 84% yield (22 mg); 8H (300 MHz, CDCl3) 7.10-7.30 (4H, m, Ph), 5.77-5.99 (2H, m, 2 x CH=), 5.23 (1H, m, CH), 4.22 (1H, rn, CH), 2.95-3.17 (2H, m, CH2), 2.88 (2H, m, CH2), 2.19 (3H, s, CH3), 2.02-2.18 (4H, m, 2 x CHZ); fnlz 319.3 [(M+CH3C00-, 100%), 278.3 [(M+NH4)+, 100%].
Example 7: Acetic acid 11-oxo-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydro-benzocyclodecen-6-yl ester.
O
\
OAc To a solution of acetic acid 11-acetoxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester prepared in Example 5 (110.2 mg, 0.365 mmol) in dry methanol (10 ml) was added potassium carbonate (49.7 mg, 0.360 mmol). The solution was stirred at RT for minutes, quenched with water (10 ml) and extracted with DCM (2 x 20 ml). The organic layer was dried over NaZSO4, filtered and evaporated to give crude acetic acid 11-hydroxy-l0 5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester. The crude acetic acid 11-hydroxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester was redissolved in DCM
(10 ml) and pyridinium chlorochromate (78.2 mg, 0.363 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 hours, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 5% ethyl acetate in hexane) to afford the tiltle compound in 46% yield (43 mg); 8H (300 MHz, CDC13) 7.12-7.42 (4H, m, Ph), 5.80 (1H, m, CH=), 5.63 (1H, m, CH=), 5.38 (1H, m, CH-O), 3.99 (1H, d, J 7 Hz, CHaHb), 3.48 (1H, d, J
7 Hz, CHaHb), 3.00 (2H, m, CHZ), 2.08 (3H, s, CH3), 2.00-2.22 (4H, m, 2 x CH2); fnlz 276.4 [(M+NH4)+, 100%].
Example 8: 11-Hydroxy-7 10 11 12-tetrahydro-SH-benzocyclodecen-6-one.
OH
O
To a solution of acetic acid 11-oxo-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodecen-6-yl ester prepared in Example 7 (36 mg, 0.140 mmol) in dry methanol (5 ml) was added potassium carbonate (30 mg). The mixture was stirred at RT for 1 hour, quenched with water (10 ml) and extracted with DCM (2 x 15 ml). The organic layer was dried over Na2S04, filtered, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, 30% ethyl acetate in hexane) to furnish the title compound in 83% yield (25 mg); 8H (300 MHz, CDCl3) 7.14-7.34 (4H, m, Ph), 5.88 (1H, q, J 8 Hz, CH=), 5.62 (1H, q, J 8 Hz, CH=), 4.35 (1H, m, CH-O), 3.94 (1H, d, J 8 Hz, CHaHb), 3.54 (1H, d, J 8 Hz, CHaHb), 2.82 -3.07 (4H, m, 2 x CH2), 2.15 (2H, m, CH2), 1.87 (1H, bs, OH); m/z 275.3 [(M+CH3C00)-, 100%], 234.3 [(M+NH4)+, 100%].
Example 9: 11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.
O
O
~/N_CHs OAc Acetic acid 11-hydroxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydro-benzocyclodec-8-en-6-yl ester prepared in Example 6 (22 mg, 0.085 mmol) and 3-(1'-Methyl-1'H-imidazol-4'-yl)-acrylic acid prepared as described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 121, No. 28, p.6563-6579, 1999 (65 mg) were stirred in DCM (10 ml) in the presence of DCC (106 mg) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (106 mg) at RT under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 2 days. The mixture was quenched with a saturated solution of ammonium chloride (10 ml), dried over Na2S04, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by HPLC to afford >98% pure title compound (0.80 mg); 8H (300 MHz, CDCl3) 7.60 (1H, d, J 15 Hz, CH=), 7.46 (1H, bs, CH=), 7.15-7.30 (4H, m, Ph), 7.09 (1H, bs, CH=), 6.60 (1H, d, J 15 Hz, CH=), 5.80 (2H, m, 2 x CH), 5.42 (1H, m, CH-O), 5.35 (1H, m, CH-O), 3.23 (3H, s, CH3), 3.12 (2H, td, J 1, 7 Hz, CHZ), 2.81 (2H, m, CHZ), 2.18 (3H, s, CH3), 2.00-2.15 (4H, m, 2 x CH2);
nalz 395.3 [(M+H)+, 100%].
Unequivocal assignment of cis stereochemistry of the double bond has been determined 2o through X-Ray crystal structure.
Example 10: 11-Hydroxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate (Ia).
O
O
~ N_CHs N=/
OH

11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate prepared in Example 9, was treated with potassium carbonate as described in example 6, to give the title compound.
Operating as described in the previous examples, the following compounds are prepared:
Ib) 11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,10 11 12-hexahydrobenzoL].[10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoate.
O
O
w O
O
Molecular Weight =390.48 Exact Mass =390 Molecular Formula =C25H26O4 Molecular Composition =C 76.90% H 6.71 % O 16.39%
to Ic) 11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-)prop-2-enoate ~ .
O ~ / S
O N
O
O
Molecular Weight =411.52 Exact Mass =411 Molecular Formula =C23H25N04S
Molecular Composition =C 67.13% H 6.12% N 3.40% O 15.55% S 7.79%

Id) I l-(Acetyloxy)-5,6 7,10 11 I2-hexahydrobenzoL][10]~annulen-6-~(2E)-3-(2-methyl-1 3-oxazol-4-y~pro~-2-enoate.
O / / O
O N
O
O

Molecular Weight =395.46 Exact Mass =395 Molecular Formula =C23H25N05 Molecular Composition =C 69.86% H 6.37% N 3.54% O 20.23%
Ie) 11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzoL][10]annulen-6-~(2E)-3=pyridin-2-~prop-2-enoate.
O ~
N
O
O
O
Molecular Weight =391.47 Exact Mass =391 Molecular Formula =C24H25N04 Molecular Composition =C 73.64% H 6.44% N 3.58% O 16.35%
to I~ 11-(Acetyloxy)-7-hydroxy-5,6 7 10 11 I2-hexahydrobenzo[a1f lOlannulen-6-yI (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)~ro~-2-enoate.
\ //
N
O
Molecular Weight =410.47 Exact Mass =410 Molecular Formula =C23H26N2O5 Molecular Composition =C 67.30% H 6.38% N 6.82% O 19.49%

Ig) 11-(Acetyloxy)-7-oxo-5,6,7101112-hexahydrobenzo[a][l0~lannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-~l-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pro~-2-enoate.
\ //
N
Molecular Weight =408.46 Exact Mass =408 Molecular Formula =C23H24N205 Molecular Composition =C 67.63% H 5.92% N 6.86% O 19.59%
Ih) 711-Bis(acetyloxy)-5,6,7,101112-hexahydrobenzo[a][1~'annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.
O
\
N
Molecular Weight =452.51 Exact Mass =452 Molecular Formula =C25H28N2O6 Molecular Composition =C 66.36% H 6.24% N 6.19% O 21.21 Ii) 11-(Acetyloxy)-5,6,7,8,9,I0,11,12-octahydrobenzo[a][lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-)prop-2-enoate.

N
Molecular Weight =396.49 Exact Mass =396 Molecular Formula =C23H28N2O4 Molecular Composition =C 69.68% H 7.12% N 7.07% O 16.14%
Il) 10-(Acetyloxy)-la 2 3 4 9 10 11 11a-octahydro-1H-benzoLlcyclopropaLf~f 10]annulen-3 -~(2E)-3-( 1-methyl-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-eno ate.

N
Molecular Weight =408.50 Exact Mass =408 Molecular Formula =C24H28N2O4 Molecular Composition =C 70.57% H 6.91 % N 6.86% O 15.67%
Im) 11-(acetyloxy)-10-hydroxy-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzoLlf 10]!annulen-6-~~
l0 3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.

O
N O
O f OH
O
Molecular Weight =410.47 Exact Mass =410 Molecular Formula =C23H26N2O5 Molecular Composition =C 67.30% H 6.38% N 6.82% O 19.49%
In) 10 11-Bis~acetyloxy)-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[al[lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.

N
Molecular Weight =452.51 Exact Mass =452 Molecular Formula =C25H28N206 Molecular Composition =C 66.36% H 6.24% N 6.19% O 21.21%
To) 11-(Ace~loxy~l0-oxo-5 6,7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzofa][lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pro~-2-enoate.
\ o N O
O II
O
O
Molecular Weight =408.46 Exact Mass =408 Molecular Formula =C23H24N205 Molecular Composition =C 67.63% H 5.92% N 6.86% O 19.59%

Ip) 1-1-Hydroxy-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzoLlf 10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl 1H
imidazol-4-)prop-2-enoate.
\ o N O
OH
Molecular Weight =352.44 Exact Mass =352 Molecular Formula =C21 H24N2O3 Molecular Composition =C 71.57% H 6.86% N 7.95% O 13.62%
s Iq) 11-Oxo-s,6,7,101112-hexahydrobenzo[a]'[lOlannulen-6-~(2E)-3-(1-methyllH
imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.
\ o N O
O
Molecular Weight =350.42 Exact Mass =350 -- - - Molecular Formula =C21 H22N2O3 Molecular Composition =C 71.98% H 6.33% N 7.99% O 13.70%
Ir) 11-Methylene-5,6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a]I[l~annulen-6-~(2E)-3-(1 methyl i 0 1H-imidazol-4-)prop-2-enoate.

N O
i Molecular Weight =348.45 Exact Mass =348 Molecular Formula =C22H24N202 Molecular Composition =C 75.83% H 6.94% N 8.04% O 9.18%
Is) 11-(2-Methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen 6 yl (2E)-3-( 1-methyl-1 H-imidazol-4-)prop-2-eno ate \ O
N O
' O
,O
Molecular Weight =406.49 Exact Mass =406 Molecular Forri~ula =C24H26N204 Molecular Composition =C 70.92% H 6.45% N 6.89% O 15.74%
It) 11-(Methoxymethylene)-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a]j10]annulen 6 y~2E) 3~1 methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate O
N O
O
Molecular Weight =378.48 _ Exact Mass =378 _ _ _ _ Molecular Formula =C23H26N2O3 Molecular Composition =C 72.99% H 6.92% N 7.40% O 12.68%
Iu) 11-(2-Ethoxy-2-oxoethylidene)-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a~[1 ~annulen 6 yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate \ O
N
Molecular Weight =420.51 Exact Mass =420 Molecular Formula =C25H28N2O4 Molecular Composition =C 71.41 % H 6.71 % N 6.66% O 15.22%
Iv) l l-Formyl-5,6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a]_[10]annulen-6-yl ~2EL1-methyl imidazol-4-yl~rop-2-enoate.

N O
O H
Molecular Weight =364.45 Exact Mass =364 Molecular Formula =C22H24N2O3 Molecular Composition =C 72.51 % H 6.64% N 7.69% O 13.17%
_5 Iw) __ 1_1-(Hydroxymethyl)-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo[a]'[10]annulen-6-yl-- (2E) 3- (1 methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate N O
HO
Molecular Weight =366.46 Exact Mass =366 Molecular Formula =C22H26N2O3 Molecular Composition =C 72.11 % H 7.15% N 7.64% O 13.10%
Iy)11-f ~(2-O-acetylpentoF~yl)oxy~!methyll-5 6 7 10 11 12-hexahydrobenzo to fal~lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl~pro~-2-enoate O
N O
O
~00~
OH
O
OH
Molecular Weight =540,62 Exact Mass =540 Molecular Formula =C29H36N2O8 Molecular Composition =C 64.43% H 6.71 % N 5.18% O 23.68%
Iz) Ethyl 11-ff(2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-irnidazol-4-y~ ro -2-enoylloxK~-5 6 7 10 11 hexahydrobenzo[a1 10] annulene-6-carboxylate N O

Molecular Weight =408.50 Exact Mass =408 -- -- Molecular Formula -=C24H28N204 _ _ _ Molecular Composition =C 70.57% H 6.91% N 6.86% O 15.67%
Iaa) Ethyl 7-hydroxy-11-f f(ZE)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)~rop-2-en~lloxy)-7,10,11,12-tetrahydrobenzo [aj jl 0] annulene-6-carboxylate ' -N O
w i O OH
O
Molecular Weight =422.49 Exact Mass =422 Molecular Formula =C24H26N2O5 Molecular Composition =C 68.23% H 6.20% N 6.63% O 18.93%

Ibb) 11-(Acetyloxy.-1-isopro~yl-4-methyl-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[al~lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.
\ o N O
O' /O
Molecular Weight =450.58 Exact Mass =450 Molecular Formula =C27H34N2O4 Molecular Composition =C 71.97% H 7.61 % N 6.22% O 14.20%
Icc) 7,11-Bis acetyloxy)-1-isopropyl-4-methyl-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo [al('10]annulen-6-yl (2E~1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.

w ~N \ /
Molecular Weight =508.62 Exact Mass =508 Molecular Formula =C29H36N2O6 Molecular Composition =C 68.48% H 7.13% N 5.51 % O 18.87%
Idd) 10,11-Bis(acetyloxy)-1-isopro~yl-4-methyl-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo Ll[lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.
to \ o N
O
Molecular Weight =508.62 Exact Mass =508 Molecular Formula =C29H36N2O6 Molecular Composition =C 68.48% H 7.13% N 5.51 % O 18.87%

Iee) 11-(Acetyloxy)-1 4-dimethyl-5 6 7 10 11,12-hexahydrobenzo[al[,-lOlannulen-6-yl (2E)-3 -( 1-meth-1 H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.

N O
O O
Molecular Weight =422.53 Exact Mass =422 Molecular Formula =C25H30N204 Molecular Composition =C 71.07% H 7.16% N 6.63% O 15.15%
Iff) 7,11-bis(acetyloxy)-1,4-dimethyl-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-yl (2E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate wN \ O
~N \ O O
O O
Molecular Weight =480.57 Exact Mass =480 Molecular Formula =C27H32N2O6 Molecular Composition =C 67.48% H 6.71 % N 5.83% O 19.98%
Igg) 1011-Bis(acetyloxy)-14-dimethyl-5,6,7,10,11,12-hexahydrobenzo[a][10]annulen-6-_~2E~ 3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoate.

O
N
Molecular Weight =480.57 Exact Mass =480 Molecular Formula =C27H32N2O6 Molecular Composition =C 67.48% H 6.71 % N 5.83% O 19.98%

Claims (12)

36

1. A compound which is a benzocyclodecane of formula (I) wherein:
at positions 8-9 and 11-12 independently represents a single or double bond, -R1 represents oxygen (=O), or a residue -OR7, wherein R7 represents hydrogen, linear or branched C1-C7 alkanoyl, benzoyl, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl or a residue of the formula wherein R8 is an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclyl;
-R2 and -R3 independently represents hydrogen, oxygen atom (=O) or a residue -OR9, wherein R9 represents hydrogen, C1-C7 alkanoyl or benzoyl;
when at position 11-12 represents a single bond, then -R4-represents - oxygen atom (=O), - methylene (=CH2), - =CHCOOR10, wherein R10 represents C1-C10 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;
=CH(OCH3), - or a residue of formula -OR9, wherein R9 is as defined above; -CH2OR11 wherein R11 represents hydrogen or a sugar residue, -COR12 wherein R12 represents hydrogen, - OH or -OR10, wherein R10 is as defined above; or when at position 11-12 represents a double bond, then -R4 represents a residue of formula - CH2OR11 or -COR12 as defined above;
- R5 and -R6 are both hydrogen atoms or, when at position 8-9 represents a single bond, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclopropane ring;

R13 represents hydrogen or from one to three substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, optionally substituted phenyl, phenyl C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, C1-C6 alkoxy, aryloxy, cyano, nitro, amino, C1-C10 alkylamino, arylamino, C1-C7 alkanoylamino, aroylamino, hydroxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylaminosulfonyl and arylaminosulfonyl group;
with the provisos that if R1 and R4 are both oxygen atom (=O), then one of R2, R3, R5, R6 and R13 is not hydrogen atom; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the benzocyclodecane has the formula IA
wherein:
at positions 8-9 and 11-12 independently represents a single or double bond, R7 represents a residue of the formula wherein R8 is N-methyl imidazolyl, phenyl, methyl-thiazolyl, methyl-oxazolyl or pyridyl group;
one of -R2 and -R3 represents hydrogen and the other one is hydrogen or oxygen (=O), hydroxy or acetoxy group;
when at position 11-12 represents a single bond, then -R4 represents oxygen (=O), methylene (=CH2), =CHCOOR10, wherein R10 represents methyl or ethyl, =CH(OCH3), ~CHO, hydroxy, acetoxy, or -CH2OR11 wherein R11 represents hydrogen or a sugar residue having the formula wherein R a and R b independently represent hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, or C1-C7 alkanoyl, or when at position 11-12 represents a double bond, then -R4 represents a residue of formula -CO2C2H5; and - R5 and -R6 are both hydrogen atoms or, when at position 8-9 represents a single bond, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclopropane ring;
R13 represents hydrogen atom, two methyl groups at positions 1 and 4, one methyl group at position 4 and one isopropyl group at position 1:

3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the substituent at ring position 6 is under the plane and R8 is N-methyl imidazolyl group.

4. A process for preparing a compound of the formula I as defined in claim 1, which process comprises cyclizing a compound of formula II
wherein R c represents hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, C1-C7 alkanoyl or benzoyl or, taken together with R e, forms an acetonide ring; R d represents hydrogen, a hydroxy protecting group, C1-C6 alkanoyl, or benzoyl, or, taken together with R f, forms an acetonide ring; R e represents hydrogen atom and R f represents hydrogen atom or a free or protected hydroxy group, or is linked to the adjacent OR d substituent as defined above; R f represents hydrogen atom and R e represents hydrogen atom or a free or protected hydroxy group or is linked to the adjacent OR c substituent as defined above; and, if desired, converting the resultant compound of formula I':
wherein R1 is OR c, R2 is R e, R3 is R f, R4 is OR d, in which R c, R d, R e and R f are as defined above and R5 and R6 are hydrogen atoms, into another different compound of formula I as defined in claim 1 by suitable reactions; and/or, if desired, recovering a single stereoisomer of a compound of formula I or I' from a mixture of such stereoisomers; and/or if desired, converting a compound of formula I' or I into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt therof;
and/or, if desired converting a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula I or I' into the corresponding free compound.

5. A process according to claim 4 characterized in that the cyclization is carried out through the Ring Closing Metathesis (RCM) reaction.

6. A process according to claim 5 in which RCM reaction is carried out in the presence of a Nolan and Grubb's catalyst.

7. A process for preparing a compound of the formula I"':
wherein R e, R f and R13 are as defined in claim 4, and R8 is as defined in claim 1, which process comprises deprotecting a compound of formula I":

wherein R c, R e, R d, R f and R13 are as defined in claim 4, condensing the resultant compound of formula I iv wherein R e, R d, R f and R13 are as defined above, with a compound of formula III or an activated form thereof:
wherein R8 is as above defined, optionally in presence of a condensing agent;
and, if necessary, deprotecting the resultant compound of formula I v.
wherein R e, R d, R f, R8 and R13 are as defined above, and R d represents a hydroxy protecting group, C1-C6 alkanoyl, or benzoyl, or, taken together with R f, forms an acetonide ring; to give the desired compound of formula I"' as above defined.

8. A compound of formula II
wherein R c and R d are hydrogen atoms or hydroxy protecting groups, and R13 is as defined in claim 1.

9. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier and, as an active ingredient, a compound as defined in any of claims 1 to 3.

10. A compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3 for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.

11. Use of a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the prevention, treatment and/or control of cancer.

12. A method of treating a patient in need of an antitumour agent, which method comprises the administration thereto of a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3.