EP0975629A1 - Treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia with selective estrogen receptor modulators - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic cancer in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering a selective estrogen receptor modulating compound of formula (I), in which R?1 and R2¿ are independently hydroxy and alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms; and R?3 and R4¿ are independently methyl or ethyl, or R?3 and R4¿, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a pyrrolidino, methyl-pyrrolidino, dimethylpyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, or hexamethyleneimino ring.

Description

Treatment or Prophylaxis of Prostatic Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Technical Field

The present application relates to the use of a class of biologically active compounds for antagonizing the proliferation of benign and malignant prostatic cells. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of a class of substituted benzo [£] thiophene compounds for the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Background of the Invention Mortality due to prostatic cancer when the strategem of watchful waiting is adopted is generally low (9%-15%) in men who have localized tumors. However, these rates pertain to patients with localized disease; they do not necessarily apply to younger men at higher risk. Younger men with stage Tla tumors have a longer projected period of risk than older men with the same stage of the disease and are therefore candidates for a potentially curative treatment. In studies of watchful waiting, the high rates of disease progression (34%-80%) indicate that few clinically evident prostate cancers are dormant.

Radiation therapy has been widely used for Stage TI or T2 clinically localized disease, and has been preferentially used in older, less healthy patients and those with higher grade, more clinically advanced tumors. However, this treatment neither cures nor eradicates all cancer cells in men with occult metasteses.

Administration of estrogens to decrease circulating androgens is an effective hormonal ablative therapy for disseminated prostatic cancer (J. axman, J. R. Soc. Med., 78: 129-135 (1985)). Estrogen antitumor responses are mediated primarily through decreases in circulating testosterone which result from inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion.

Administration of 6-hydroxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-pyrrolidinoethoxy)benzoyl]benzo [Jb] thiophene, 1_, or 6-hydroxy-2- ( 4-hydroxyphenyl ) -3- [ 4- (2-piperidinoethoxy) - benzoyl]benzo [Jb] thiophene, (2) , both selective estrogen receptor modulating (SERM) compounds, to PAIII tumor-bearing male Lobund- istar rats has been shown to produce significant inhibition of tumor metastasis from the primary tumor in the tails to the gluteal and iliac lymph nodes and to the lungs. (See B. L. Neubauer, et al . , Prostate, 27: 220-229 (1995) .

1 n = 2

2 n = 3

"Selective estrogen receptor modulators" are defined as compounds producing estrogen agonism in one or more desired target tissues, together with estrogen antagonism and/or minimal (i.e. clinically insignificant) agonism in reproductuve tissues. Raloxifene possesses, in addition to its antiestrogenic activity, the ability to act as a physiological antagonist of androgen action in intact male animals .

The PAIII adenocarcinoma in Lobund-Wistar rats is a model that is useful in evaluating agents to treat metastatic prostate cancer. When PAIII cells are injected subcutaneously into the tails of male Lobund-Wistar rats, a reproducible, time-dependent sequential spread of the tumor through the gluteal and iliac lymph nodes to the lungs is observed.

The morphology of the PAIII tumor resembles anaplastic lesions in humans, supporting the utility of the tumor as a model in evaluating cytotoxic and antimetastatic agents for human use.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign neoplasm in men. It has been estimated that approximately 50% of American men over the age of 50 years suffer from BPH.

BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland caused by benign overgrowth of the stromal tissue of the prostate and leads to symptoms which include increased urinary urgency and frequency which, if left untreated, can lead to associated complications which include bladder and kidney damage .

The typical treatment for BPH is transurethral prostatectomy, a procedure which is both expensive and time- consuming. The mortality for transurethral resection of the prostate has been reduced to 0.2% over the past thirty years, but the procedure itself has not changed significantly in that time, and postoperative morbidity has remained unchanged at about 18%.

An estimated 29% of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia will require surgical treatment. This translates into more than 400,000 surgical procedures per year. It has been estimated that, if current rates prevail, a 40-year old man in the United States lives to age 80 will have a 29% chance of a prostatectomy. The high cost of this procedure, both in time and money, has generated considerable interest in seeking less expensive and morbid means for treating BPH.

Brief Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a selective estrogen receptor modulating compound of the structure

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof.

In the structure shown above, R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms.

R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from methyl or ethyl, or R³ and R⁴, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a pyrrolidino, methylpyrrolidino, dimethylpyrrolidino, piperidino, orpholino, or hexamethyleneimino ring.

Brief Description of the Drawing

In the drawing: FIGURE 1 is a plot of E₂ b binding activity in the

LNCaP human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line.

Detailed Description

Throughout this specification and the appended claims, general terms bear their usual meanings. The term "alkyl" denotes a monovalent radical derived by removal of one hydrogen atom from methane, ethane, or a straight or branched hydrocarbon and includes such groups as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso- butyl, tert-butyl and the like.

"Alkoxy" means an alkyl group, as defined above, attached to the parent molecular moiety through an oxygen atom and includes such groups as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, iso-butoxy, tert-butoxy and the like. In the present invention, methoxy is the preferred alkoxy group.

The term "pro-drug, " as used herein means a compound of the present invention bearing a group which is metabolically cleaved in a human to produce a therapeutically active compound of the present invention. In particular, such pro- drug compounds include those in which either or both of the substituent groups R and R of the structure shown above are hydroxy groups which have been protected by a pharmaceutically acceptable hydroxy protecting group which is metabolically cleaved in the body to yield a corresponding monohydroxy or dihydroxy compound of the present invention. Hydroxy protecting groups are described in Chapter 2 of T. W. Greene, et al . , "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis," Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1991. Simple ether and ester groups are preferred as pro-drug hydroxy protecting groups.

Preferred compounds of the present invention include 6-hydroxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidino- ethoxy)phenoxy]benzo [jb] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof; and 6-hydroxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidino- ethoxy) phenoxy]benzo [ ] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof.

Preparation of Compounds of the Invention The starting material for one route for preparing compounds of the present invention is prepared essentially as described by C. D. Jones in U.S. Patents. No's.

4,418,068, and 4,133,814. The starting materials have the formula 1_:

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently -H or a hydroxy protecting group.

The R⁵ and R⁶ hydroxy protecting groups are moieties which are intentionally introduced during a portion of the synthetic process to protect a group which otherwise might react in the course of chemical manipulations, and is then removed at a later stage of the synthesis. Since compounds bearing such protecting groups are of importance primarily as chemical intermediates (although some derivatives also exhibit biological activity) , their precise structure is not critical. Numerous reactions for the formation, removal, and reformation of such protecting groups are described in a number of standard works including, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, Plenum Press (London and New York, 1973); Greene, T.W., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley (New York, 1981); and The Peptides, Vol. I, Schrooder and Lubke, Academic Press, (London and New York, 1965) .

Representative hydroxy protecting groups include, for example, -C₁-C₄ alkyl, -C₁-C₄ alkoxy, -CO- (C₁-C₆ alkyl), - SO₂- (C₄-C₆ alkyl), and -CO-Ar in which Ar is benzyl or optionally substituted phenyl . The term "substituted phenyl" refers to a phenyl group having one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, halo, and tri(chloro or fluoro) methyl. The term "halo" refers to bromo, chloro, fluoro, and iodo.

For compounds of formula 1_, preferred R⁵ and R⁶ substituents are methyl, isopropyl, benzyl, and methoxymethyl. Compounds in which R⁵ and R⁶ each are methyl are prepared via the procedure described in the above- referenced Jones patent.

Compounds of formula 1_ are also prepared in which the R⁵ hydroxy protecting group is selectively removed, leaving R⁶ as a hydroxy protecting group as part of the final product. The same is true in the case in which the R⁶ hydroxy protecting group is selectively removed, leaving the R⁵ hydroxy protecting group in place. For example, R⁵ can be isopropyl or benzyl and R⁶ methyl. The isopropyl or benzyl moiety is selectively removed via standard procedures, and the R⁶ methyl protecting group is left as part of the final product.

As shown in Reaction Scheme I, the first steps of the present process for preparing certain compounds of the present invention include selectively placing a leaving group, R⁷ at the 3 position of a compound of formula 1_, to form a compound of formula 2_, coupling the product of that reaction with a 4- (protected-hydroxy) phenol, 3, to form a compound of formula _, and selectively removing the R⁸ hydroxy protecting group to form a compound of formula 5>. In the sequence of steps shown in Reaction Scheme I, the hydroxy protecting groups R⁵, R⁶ and R⁸ are chosen in such a manner that, in the final step, the hydroxy protecting group R⁸ can be selectively removed in the presence of hydroxy protecting groups R⁵ and R⁶.

Reaction Scheme I

In the first step of Reaction Scheme I, an appropriate leaving group is selectively placed at the 3-position of the formula 1_ starting material via standard procedures. Appropriate R⁷ leaving groups include the sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, 4-bromobenzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, isopropanesulfonate, 4-methoxybenzene- sulfonate, 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate, 2- chlorobenzenesulfonate, triflate, and the like, halogens such as bromo, chloro, and iodo, and other related leaving groups. However, to insure proper placement of the leaving group, the named halogens are preferred, and bromo is especially preferred.

The present reaction is carried out using standard procedures. For example, when the preferred halogenating agents are used, an equivalent of such a halogenating agent, preferably bromine, is reacted with an equivalent of the formula 1_ substrate, in a suitable solvent such as, for example, chloroform or acetic acid. The reaction is typically run at a temperature from about 40°C to about 80°C.

The reaction product from the above process step, a compound of formula 2_, is then reacted with a 4- (protected- hydroxy) phenol, 3, to form compounds of formula 4_ in which R⁸ is a selectively removable hydroxy protecting group.

Generally, the 4-hydroxy protecting moiety of the phenol may be any known protecting group which can be selectively removed without removing, in this instance, the R⁵ and, when present, R⁶ moieties of a formula 3 compound. Preferred R⁸ protecting groups include methoxymethyl, when R⁵ and/or R⁶ are not methoxymethyl, and benzyl. Of these, benzyl is especially preferred. The 4- (protected-hydroxy) phenol reactants are commercially available or can be prepared via standard procedures. The coupling reaction between compounds of formula 2 and those of formula 3_ is known in the art as an Ullman reaction and is generally run according to standard procedures [see, e.g., "Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure," Fourth Edition, 3-16, (J. March, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1992); Jones, CD., J. Chem. Soc. Perk. Trans. I, 4.: 407 (1992)].

In general, equivalent amounts of the two aryl substrates, in the presence of up to an equimolar amount of a copper (I) oxide catalyst and an appropriate solvent, are heated to reflux under an inert atmosphere. Preferably, an equivalent of a formula 2_ compound in which R⁷ is bromo is reacted with an equivalent amount of 4-benzyloxyphenol in the presence of an equivalent of cuprous oxide.

Appropriate solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. Typically, organic bases, particularly a hindered base such as, for example, 2,4,6- collidine, are preferred solvents.

The temperature employed in this step is generally sufficient to effect completion of this coupling reaction, and will influence the amount of time required therefore.

When the reaction mixture is heated to reflux under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, the time-to-completion is usually from about 20 to about 60 hours.

Following coupling of a compound of formula 2 with one of formula ^, to form a formula _ compound, formula 5_ compounds are prepared by selectively removing the R⁸ hydroxy protecting group of a formula 4_ compound via well known reduction procedures. It is imperative that the selected procedure will not affect the R⁵ and, when present, R⁶ hydroxy protecting groups.

When R⁸ is the preferred benzyl moiety, and R⁵ and, when present, R⁶ each are methyl, the present process step is carried out via standard hydrogenolysis procedures. Typically, the formula 4_ substrate is added to a suitable solvent or mixture of solvents, followed by the addition of a proton donor to accelerate the reaction and an appropriate hydrogenation catalyst.

Appropriate catalysts include noble metals and oxides such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium oxide on a support such as carbon or calcium carbonate. Of these, palladium- on-carbon, particularly 10% palladium-on-carbon, is preferred. Solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. Typically, ethylacetate and C₁-C₄ aliphatic alcohols, particularly ethanol, is preferred. For the present reaction, hydrochloric acid serves as an adequate and preferred proton donor.

When run at ambient temperature and a pressure ranging form about 30 psi (206.8 kilopascals) to about 50 psi 344.7 kilopascals) , the present reaction runs quite rapidly. Progress of this reaction may be monitored by standard chromatographic techniques such as thin layer chromatography.

As shown in Reaction Scheme II, upon preparation of a formula £5 compound, it is reacted with a compound of formula

R⁴R⁵N-⁽CH₂ ⁾ ₂-Q 6

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined above, and Q is a bromo or, preferably, chloro, to form a compound of formula 1_. The formula 1_ compound is then deprotected to form a compound of formula I.

Reaction Scheme II

la, R⁵ = R⁶ = H lb, R⁵ = H Ic, R⁶ = H In the first step of the process shown in Reaction Scheme II, the reaction is carried out via standard procedures. Compounds of formula are commercially available or are prepared by means well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the hydrochloride salt of a formula 6> compound is used. In a particularly preferred case of the compounds of the present invention, 2- chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride, is used.

Generally, at least about 1 equivalent of a formula 5_ substrate is reacted with 2 equivalents of a formula jϊ compound in the presence of at least about 4 equivalents of an alkali metal carbonate, preferably cesium carbonate, and an appropriate solvent.

Suitable solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. N, N-dimethylformamide, especially the anhydrous form thereof, is preferred. The temperature employed in this step should be sufficient to effect completion of this alkylation reaction. Typically, ambient temperature is sufficient and preferred. The present reaction preferably is run under an inert atmosphere, particularly nitrogen.

Under the preferred reaction conditions, this reaction will run to completion in about 16 to about 20 hours. The progress of the reaction can be monitored via standard chromatographic techniques. In an alternative process for preparing compounds of the present invention, shown in Reaction Scheme III below, a formula compound is reacted in an alkali solution with an excess of an alkylating agent of formula £3:

Q- ( CH₂ ) _n-QJ

8 in which Q and QJ are the same or different leaving groups. Appropriate leaving groups are those mentioned above.

Reaction Scheme III

Ia, R^b = R° = H lb, R H

Ic, R^b = H

A preferred alkali solution for this alkylation reaction contains potassium carbonate in an inert solvent such as, for example, methyethyl ketone (MEK) or DMF. In this solution, the unprotected hydroxy group of the formula J5 compound is converted to a phenoxide ion which displaces one of the leaving groups of the alkylating agent.

This reaction proceeds best when the alkali solution containing the reactants and reagents is brought to reflux and allowed to run to completion. When using MEK as the preferred solvent, reaction times range from about β hours to about 20 hours. The reaction product from this step, a compound of formula £ is then reacted with a compound of formula _1 selected from 1-piperidine, 1-pyrrolidine, methyl-1- pyrrolidine, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidine, 4-morpholine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diisopropylamine, or 1- hexamethyleneimine, via standard techniques, to form compounds of formula 1_. Preferably, the hydrochloride salt of a compound of formula ^0 is employed, with piperidine hydrochloride being particularly preferred. The reaction is typically carried out with the alkylated compound of formula in an inert solvent, such as anhydrous DMF, and heated to a temperature in the range from about 60°C to about 110°C. When the mixture is heated to a preferred temperature of about 90°C, the reaction only takes about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. However, changes in the reaction conditions will influence the amount of time this reaction needs to be run for completion. The progress of this reaction step can be monitored via standard chromatographic techniques.

Certain preferred compounds of formula I are obtained by cleaving the R⁵ and, when present, R⁶ hydroxy protecting groups of formula _I_ compounds via well known procedures. Numerous reactions for the formation and removal of such protecting groups are described in a number of standard works including, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, Plenum Press (London and New York, 1973) ; Greene, T.W., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley, (New York, 1981); and The Peptides, Vol. I, Schrooder and Lubke, Academic Press (London and New York, 1965) . Methods for removing preferred R⁷ and/or R⁸ hydroxy protecting groups, particularly methyl and methoxymethyl, are essentially as described in the Examples, infra .

An alternative, and preferred, method for the preparation of compounds of the present invention is shown in Reaction Scheme IV. In the process shown there, the sulfur atom of a formula 2_ compound is oxidized to form a sulfoxide, 1 , which is then reacted with a nucleophilic group to introduce the oxygen atom linker of formula I compounds. The sulfoxide moiety of formula 1^ compounds is then reduced to provide certain compounds of the present invention.

Reaction Scheme IV

la , R⁵ = R⁶ = H lb , R⁵ = H Ic , R⁶ = H

In the first step of this process, a compound of formula 2_ is selectively oxidized to the sulfoxide, _ι12_. A number of known methods are available for the process step [see, e.g., Madesclaire, M., Tetrahedron, 42 (20); 5459-5495 (1986); Trost, B.M., et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 22 (14); 1287-1290 (1981); Drabowicz, J., et al. , Synthetic Communications, 11 (12); 1025-1030 (1981); Kramer, J.B., et al . , 34th National Organic Symposium, Williamsburg, VA. , June 11-15, 1995] . However, many oxidants provide only poor conversion to the desired product as well as significant over-oxidation to the sulfone. The preferred process, however, converts a formula 2_ compound to a sulfoxide of formula ]__. iⁿ high yield with little or no formation of sulfones. This process involves the reaction of a formula 2_ compound with about 1 to about 1.5 equivalents of hydrogen peroxide in a mixture of about 20% to about 50% trifluoroacetic acid in methylene chloride. The reaction is run at a temperature from about 10° C to about 50° C, and usually required from about 1 to about 2 hours to run to completion.

Next, the 3-position leaving group, R⁷, is displaced by the desired nucleophilic derivative of formula _ι13_. Such nucleophilic derivatives are prepared via standard methods. In this step of the process, the acidic proton of the nucleophilic group is removed by treatment with a base, preferably a slight excess of sodium hydride or potassium tertbutoxide, in a polar aprotic solvent, preferably DMF or tetrahydrofuran. Other bases that can be employed include potassium carbonate and cesium carbonate. Additionally, other solvents such as dioxane or dimethylsulfoxide can be employed. The deprotonation is usually run at a temperature between about 0° C and about 30° C, and usually requires about 30 minutes for completion. A compound of formula XIV is then added to the solution of the nucleophile. The displacement reaction is run at a temperature between 0° C and about 50° C, and is usually run in about 1 to about 2 hours. The product is isolated by standard procedures.

In the next step of the present process, the sulfoxide of formula 1 is reduced to a benzothiophene compound of formula _I.

When desired, the hydroxy protecting group or groups of the products of the process shown in Reaction Scheme IV can be removed, and a salt of the product of any step of the process . Pro-drug ester compounds of formula _I are prepared by replacing the 6- and/or 4' -position hydroxy moieties, when present, with a moiety of the formula -0C0(Cι~C₆ alkyl), or -OSO₂ (C₂-C₆ alkyl) via well known procedures. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,593.

For example, when an -0C0(Cι-C6 alkyl) group is desired, a mono- or dihydroxy compound of formula 1_^ is reacted with an agent such as acyl chloride, bromide, cyanide, or azide, or with an appropriate anhydride or mixed anhydride. The reactions are conveniently carried out in a basic solvent such as pyridine, lutidine, quinoline or isoquinoline, or in a tertiary amine solvent such as triethylamine, tributylamine, methylpiperidine, and the like. The reaction also may be carried out in an inert solvent such as ethyl acetate, dimethylforma ide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and the like, to which at least one equivalent of an acid scavenger (except as noted below) , such as a tertiary amine, has been added. If desired, acylation catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine or 4-pyrrolidinopyridine may be used. See, e.g., Hasla , e_t al., Tetrahedron, ^5:2409-2433 (1980).

These reactions are carried out at moderate temperatures, in the range from about -25° C to about 100° C, frequently under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. However, ambient temperature is usually adequate for the reaction to run.

Acylation of a β-position and/or 4' -position hydroxy group also may be performed by acid-catalyzed reactions of the appropriate carboxylic acids in inert organic solvents.

Acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, polyphosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and the like are used.

The aforementioned ester pro-drug compounds also may be provided by forming an active ester of the appropriate acid, such as the esters formed by such known reagents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, acylimidazoles, nitrophenols, pentachlorophenol, N-hydroxysuccinimide, and 1- hydroxybenzotriazole. See, e.g., Bull. Chem. Soc. Japan, _38_:1979 (1965), and Chem. Ber., 788 and 2024 (1970).

Each of the above techniques which provide -OCO(Cι~C₆ alkyl) moieties are carried out in solvents as discussed above. Those techniques which do not produce an acid product in the course of the reaction, of course, do not call for the use of an acid scavenger in the reaction mixture.

When a formula _I compound is desired in which the 6- and/or 4' -position hydroxy group of a formula I compound is converted to a group of the formula -OS0₂ (C2-C₆ alkyl), the mono- or dihydroxy compound is reacted with, for example, a sulfonic anhydride or a derivative of the appropriate sulfonic acid such as a sulfonyl chloride, bromide, or sulfonyl ammonium salt, as taught by King and Monoir, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 91_: 2566-2567 (1975). The dihydroxy compound also can be reacted with the appropriate sulfonic anhydride or mixed sulfonic anhydrides. Such reactions are carried out under conditions such as were explained above in the discussion of reaction with acid halides and the like.

Preparation of Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts of Compounds of the Present Invention

Although the free-base form of formula I compounds can be used in the medical methods of treatment of the present invention, it is preferred to prepare and use a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. The compounds used in the methods of this invention primarily form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic acids. Such salts are also contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" as used throughout this specification and the appended claims denotes salts of the types disclosed in the article by Berge, et al . , J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 66(1): 1-19 (1977) . Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts include salts formed by typical inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric, and the like as well as salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids. Such pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salts include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate, ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o- acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate, b-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4- dioate, hexyne-1, 4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, chloride, cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate, heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, terephthalate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate, propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate, sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, sulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate, chlorobenzenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2- hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1- sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluene-sulfonate, xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. Preferred salts are the hydrochloride and oxalate salts.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formed by reacting a compound of formula I with an equimolar or slight molar excess of acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutual solvent such as diethyl ether or ethyl acetate. The salt normally precipitates out of solution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off by conventional means . The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubility characteristics compared to the compound from which they are derived, and thus are often more amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

The compounds of this invention are administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subucutaneus, intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. These compounds preferably are formulated prior to administration, the selection of which will be decided by the attending physician. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally containing an effective amount of estrogen or progestin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient .

The total active ingredients in such formulations comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation. By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier, diluent, excipients and salt must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation, and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. Pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention are prepared by procedures known in the art using well known and readily available ingredients. For example, the compounds of Formula I, either alone, or in combination with an estrogen or progestin compound, are formulated with common excipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules, suspensions, solutions, injectables, aerosols, powders, and the like.

The total active ingredients in such formulations comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation. By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier, diluent, excipients and salt must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation, and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The formulations may be specially formulated for oral administration, in solid or liquid form, for parenteral injection, topical or aerosol administration, or for rectal or vaginal administration by means of a suppository.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be administered to humans and other mammals orally, rectally, intravaginally, parenterally, topically (by means of powders, ointments, creams, or drops) , bucally or sublingually, or as an oral or nasal spray. The term "parenteral administration" refers herein to modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, instrasternal, subcutaneous, or intraarticular injection or infusion.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention for parenteral administration comprise sterile aqueous or non- aqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions, or emulsions, as well as sterile powders which are reconstituted immediately prior to use into sterile solutions or suspensions. Examples of suitable sterile aqueous and non- aqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, physiological saline solution, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol) , and the like) , and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils

(such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity is maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials such as lecithin, by the maintenance of proper particle size in the case of dispersions and suspensions, and by the use of surfactants. Parenteral compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms is ensured by the inclusion of antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorption of injectable formulations may be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin. In some cases, in order to prolong the effect of the drug, it is desirable to slow the absorption of the drug following subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension or crystalline or amorphous material of low water solubility or by dissolving or suspending the drug in an oil vehicle. In the case of the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of a suspension containing a form of the drug with low water solubility, the rate of absorption of the drug depends upon its rate of dissolution. Injectable "depot" formulations of the compounds of this invention are made by forming microencapsulated matrices of the drug in biodegradable polymers such as poly (lactic acid), poly (glycolic acid), copolymers of lactic and glycolic acid, poly (orthoesters) , and poly (anhydrides) these materials which are described in the art. Depending upon the ratio of drug to polymer and the characteristics of the particular polymer employed, the rate of drug release can be controlled.

Injectable formulations are sterilized, for example, by filtration through bacterial-retaining filters, or by presterilization of the components of the mixture prior to their admixture, either at the time of manufacture or just prior to administration (as in the example of a dual chamber syringe package) . Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active component is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as sodium citrate, or dicalcium phosphate, and/or (a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, (b) binding agents such as carboxymethyl- cellulose, alginates, gelatin, poly (vinylpyrrolidine) , sucrose and acacia, (c) humectants such as glycerol, (d) disintegrating agents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, silicates and sodium carbonate, (e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, (f) absorption accelerating agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds, (g) wetting agents such as cetyl alcohol and glycerin monostearate, (h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and (i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid poly (ethylene glycols) , sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also contain buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also comprise the fill in soft or hard gelatin capsules using excipients such as lactose as well as high molecular weight poly (ethylene glycols) and the like.

Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dragees, capsules, pills and granules can also be prepared with coatings or shells such as enteric coatings or other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. The coatings may contain opacifying agents or agents which release the active ingredient (s) in a particular part of the digestive tract, as for example, acid soluble coatings for release of the active ingredient (s) in the stomach, or base soluble coatings for release of the active ingredient (s) in the intestinal tract.

The active ingredient (s) may also be microencapsulated in a sustained-release coating, with the microcapsules being made part of a pill of capsule formulation. Liquid dosage forms for oral administration of the compounds of this invention include solution, emulsions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active components, liquid formulations may include inert diluents commonly used in the art such as water or other pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethanol, isopropanol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethyl formamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, ground nut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils) , glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, poly (ethylene glycols), fatty acid esters of sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.

Besides inert diluents, the liquid oral formulations may also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, and sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents. Liquid suspension, in addition to the active ingredient (s) may contain suspending agents such as ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, macrocrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite clay, agar-agar, and tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

Compositions for rectal or intravaginal administration are prepared by mixing one or more compounds of the present invention with suitable non-irritating excipients such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or any suppository wax which is a solid at room temperature, but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity to release the active component (s) . The compounds are dissolved in the melted wax, formed into the desired shape, and allowed to harden into the finished suppository formulation.

Compounds of the present invention may also be administered in the form of liposomes. As is know in the art, liposomes are generally derived from phospholipids or other lipid substances. Lipososome formulations are formed by mono- or multilamellar hydrated liquid crystals which are dispersed in an aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable, and metabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. The present compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to one or more active compounds of the present invention, stabilizers, excipients, preservatives, and the like. The preferred lipids are phospholipids and the phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic.

Methods for forming liposomes are know in the art as described, for example, in Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biol ogy, Volume XIV, Academic Press, New York, N. Y. (1976), p. 33 et seq.

Method of the Present Invention

BPH - The fibromuscular stroma of male accessory sex organs from several species is sensitive to the stimulatory effects of androgens and estrogens. This tissue is believed to play an important role in both the initial development and subsequent progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) . Target organ estrogenic responses can be inhibited by certain non-steroidal antagonists such as tamoxifen or clomiphene, but the utility of these compounds in males may be limited by their feminizing effects related to their inherent estrogen agonist properties.

Pharmacological antagonism of estrogen action may be useful in the treatment of BPH. Tamoxifen administered to human BPH patients was relatively ineffective in altering the relative distribution of prostatic glandular and stromal tissue, but these results may flow from the partial agonistic activity of the compound with the attendant stimulation of prostatic fibromuscular stroma.

Prostate carcinoma - Recently G. G. Kuiper, et al . Proc. NAt'l. Acad. Sci. USA, 93: 5925-5930 (1996) have reported the cloning from rat prostateic and ovarian tissue the gene sequence for a novel estrophilic protein. This new estrophile, which has been designated ERb, shares a >95% DNA binding domain ho ology and about 55% ligand binding domain homology with uterine estrogen receptor (ER) . ERb may be the principal receptor mediating estrogen action in the prostate. Interestingly, ERb mRNA expression has also been demonstrated in the LNCaP human prostatic cancer cell line in our laboratories. This observation that human prostatic cancer cells express ERb indicates that a selective estrogen receptor modulating compound of the present invention is useful in the treatment and prevention of prostatic cancer.

Selective estrogen receptor modulating compounds of the present invention have a relatively pure antagonistic profile with high affinity for estrogen receptors, but lack the detrimental cardiovascular and feminizing liabilities of estrogen agonists. Administration of an effective amount of a compound of the present invention is effective in the management or treatment of both benign and malignant hormone-sensitive urogenital neoplasms.

In the experiments described below, the abilities of compounds of the present invention to bind at estrogen receptors in several human prostatic cancer cell lines were evaluated. Lysates of the LNCaP, DU-45 and PC-3 human prostatic cancer cell lines were prepared in a TEG medium comprising 50 nM TrisΗCl pH 7.4, 1.5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) 0.4 M KC1, 10% glycerol, 0.5 mM 2-ME, and 10 mM sodium molybdate further containing the protease inhibitors pepstatin (1 mg/mL), leupeptin (2 mg/mL), aprotinin (5 mg/mL) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF, 0.1 M) (TEGP) .

The cell lysates were centrifuged and the pellets resuspended in cold TEGP (1 mL TEGP/100 mg of pellet) and sonicated for 30 seconds (duty cycle 70%, output 1.8) on a Branson Model 450 Sonifier. Lysates were pelleted by centrifugation at 10,000 x G for 15 minutes at 4_C after which the supernates were withdrawn and either used immediately or stored at -70°C. Competitive Binding Assay

The binding buffer was TEG in which the 0.4 M KC1 was replaced by 50 mM NaCl and to which 1 mg/mL of ovalbumin had been further added (TEGO) . Selected compounds of the present invention were diluted to 20 nM in TEGO from which 3-fold serial dilutions were prepared. Assays were performed in round-bottom polyprolylene microplates in triplicate microwells. Each well received 35 mL of tritiated 17b-estradiol (0.5 nM, specific activity 60.1 Ci/mmol, DuPont-New England Nuclear, Boston, MA) and 35 mL of cold competitot test compound (0.1 nM - 5 mM) or TEGO, and following incubation for 5 minutes at 4°C with shaking, 70 mL of MCF-7 cell line lysate.

Plates were incubated for 24 hours at 4°C after which time 70 L of dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) was added to each well followed by vigorous shaking for 8 minutes at 4°C. The plates were then centrifuged at 1500 x G for 10 minutes at 4°C. Supernate was harvested from each well into a flexible polystyrene microplate for scintillation counting in a Wallac Micobeta Model 1450 counter. Radioactivity was expressed as disintegrations per minute (DPM) after correcting for counting efficiency (35-40%) and background. Additional controls were total counts and total counts + DCC to defined the lower limit of DCC extractabke counts. The results of these competitive binding assays are expressed as mean percent bound (% Bound) +/- standard deviation using the formula:

etest _compouncι- DP^ otal count + DCC

% Bound = X 100

DP^jyijjQ test compound- ^ "-^total count + DCC

In Figure 1 there is shown a plot of E₂Rb binding activity in the LNCaP human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line. In this study, high affinity (i.e. dissociation constant (K_p = 6.5 nM) , saturable (B_max = 160 fmol/mg cellular protein or about 37,000 receptors per cell) binding of tritiated E wass demonstrated in cultures of LNCaP cells . As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an amount of compound of the present invention which is capable of alleviating the symptoms of the conditions herein described. The specific dose of a compound administered according to this invention is determined by the particular circumstances surrounding the case including, for example, the potency of the compound administered, the route of administration, the state of being of the patient, and the pathological condition being treated. A typical daily dose will contain a nontoxic dosage level of from about 5 mg to about 600 mg/day of a compound of the present invention.

Preferred daily doses generally will be from about 15 mg to about 80 mg/day.

The exact dose is determined, in accordance with the standard practice in the medical arts of dose titrating" the patient; that is, initially administering a low dose of the compound, and gradually increasing the does until the desired therapeutic effect is observed.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate the preparation of compounds of the present invention. The Examples are not to be read as limiting the scope of the invention as it is defined by the appended claims .

NMR data for the following Examples were generated on a GE 300 MHz NMR instrument, and anhydrous hexadeutero- dimethylsulfoxide was used as the solvent unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1 Preparation of [ 6-methoxy-3- [ 4- [2- ( 1-piperidinyl ) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- ( 4-methoxyphenyl ) ] benzo [b] thiophene oxalate salt

Step a: Preparation of [ 6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxy-phenyl) -3- bromo]benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ]benzo- [b] thiophene (27.0 g, 100 mmol)in 1.10 L of chloroform at 60° C was added bromine (15.98 g, 100 mmol) dropwise as a solution in 200 mL of chloroform. After the addition was complete, the reaction was cooled to room temperature, and the solvent removed in vacuo to provide 34.2 g (100%) of [6- methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3-bromo]benzo [b] thiophene as a white solid. mp 83-85° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO- g) d 7.70-7.62 (m,

4H) , 7.17 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.09 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H) . FD mass spec: 349, 350. Anal . Calcd. for Ci₆Hι₃θ₂SBr:

C, 55.03; H, 3.75. Found: C, 54.79; H, 3.76.

Step b) : Preparation of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4-benzyloxy) phenoxy]benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- bromo] benzo [b] thiophene (34.00 g, 97.4 mmol) in 60 mL of collidine under N₂ was added 4-benzyloxyphenol (38.96 g, 194.8 mmol) and cuprous oxide (14.5 g, 97.4 mmol). The resultant mixture was heated to reflux for 48 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature, the mixture was dissolved in acetone (200 mL) , and the inorganic solids were removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue dissolved in methylene chloride (500 L) . The methylene chloride solution was washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3 X 300 mL) , followed by IN sodium hydroxide (3 x 300 mL) . The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) , and concentrated in vacuo . The residue was taken up in 100 mL of ethyl acetate whereupon a white solid formed that was collected by filtration [recovered [6-methoxy-2- (4- methoxyphenyl) ]benzo- [b] thiophene (4.62 g, 17.11 mmol]. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and then passed through a short pad of silica gel (methylene chloride as eluant) to remove baseline material. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue crystallized from hexanes/ethyl acetate to provide initially 7.19 g of [6-methoxy-2- (4- methoxyphenyl) -3- (4-benzyloxy) phenoxy] benzo [b] -thiophene as an off-white crystalline solid. The mother liquor was concentrated and chromatographed on silica gel (hexanes/ethyl acetate 80:20) to provide an additional 1.81 g of product. Total yield of [ 6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) - 3- (4-benzyloxy) phenoxy] -benzo [b] thiophene was 9.00 g (24% based on recovered starting material) . The basic extract was acidified to pH = 4 with 5N hydrochloric acid, and the resultant precipitate collected by filtration and dried to give 13.3 g of recovered 4-benzyloxyphenol . mp 100-103° C. ^!H NMR (CDC1₃) : d 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.39-7.24 (m, IE) , 6.90-6.85 (m, 7H) , 4.98 (s, 2H) , 3.86 (s, 3H) 3.81 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec: 468. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₉H₂₄O₄S: C, 74.34; H, 5.16. Found: C, 74.64; H, 5.29. Step c) : Preparation of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4-hydroxy) phenoxy] benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4- benzyloxy) phenoxy] benzo [b] thiophene (1.50 g, 3.20 mmol) in 50 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of 1% concentrated hydrochloric acid in ethanol was added 10% palladium-on- carbon (300 mg) . The mixture was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 20 minutes, after which time the reaction was judged complete by thin layer chromatography. The mixture was passed through Celite to remove catalyst, and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to a white solid. The crude product was passed through a pad of silica gel (chloroform as eluant) . Concentration provided 1.10 g (91%) of [6-methoxy- 2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4-hydroxy) henoxy] benzo [b] -thiophene as a white solid. mp 123-126° C. ^XE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.10

(s, 1H) , 7.59 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.52 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.14 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H) , 6.95 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 6.89 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H) , 6.72 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 6.63 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.72 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec: 378. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂H₁₈O₄S : C, 69.82; H, 4.79.

Found: C, 70.06; H, 4.98.

Step d) : Preparation of [6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] - thiophene oxalate salt To a solution of [ 6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4- hydroxy) phenoxy] benzo [b] thiophene (1.12 g, 2.97 mmol) in 7 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide under N₂ was added cesium carbonate (3.86 g, 11.88 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes, 2-chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride (1.10 g, 1.48 mmol) was added. The resultant mixture was stirred for 18 hours at ambient temperature. The reaction was the distributed between chloroform/water (100 mL each) . The layers were separated and the aqueous extracted with chloroform (3 x 50 mL) . The organic was combined and washed with water (2 x 100 mL) . Drying of the organic (sodium sulfate) and concentration provided an oil that was chromatographed on silica gel (2% methanol/chloroform) . The desired fractions were concentrated to an oil that was dissolved in 10 mL of ethyl acetate and treated with oxalic acid (311 mg, 3.4 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes, a white precipitate formed and was collected by filtration and dried to provide 1.17 g (70%) overall of [ 6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] -phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ]benzo [b] thiophene as the oxalate salt, mp 197-200° C (dec) . ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.60 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 7.55 (d, J = 1.1 Hz,

1H) , 7.14 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.06 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 6.91 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H) , 6.87 (s, 4H) , 4.19 (broad t, 2H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.72 (s, 3H) , 3.32 (broad t, 2H) , 3.12- 3.06 (m, 4H) , 1.69-1.47 (m, 4H) , 1.44-1.38 (m, 2H) . FD mass spec: 489 . Anal . Calcd. for C₂₉H₃₁NO₄S • 0.88 H0₂CC0₂H: C,

64.95; H, 5.80; N, 2.46. Found: C, 64.92; H, 5.77; N, 2.54.

Example 2

Preparation of [ 6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride salt

Treatment of the oxalate salt from Example 1 with aqueous base to produce the free base, followed by reaction with diethyl ether saturated with HCl yielded the title salt, mp 216-220° C. ^XH NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.20 (bs, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 7.59 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.18 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.00 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) , 6.96 (dd, J = 9.0, 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.92 (q, J_AB = 9.0 Hz, 4H) , 4.31 (m, 2H) , 3.83 (s, 3H) , 3.77 (s, 3H) , 3.43 (m, 4H) , 2.97 (m, 2H) , 1.77 ( , 5H) , 1.37 ( , 1H) . FD mass spec: 489 . Anal . Calcd. for C₂₉H^" _3lNO S^»1.0 HCl: C, 66.21; H, 6.13; N, 2.66. Found:

C, 66. ,46; H, 6.16; N, 2.74.

Example 3

Preparation of [6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-pyrolodinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as the compound of Example 1, mp 95-98° C. ^-H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.64 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.58 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.18 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.00 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 6.94 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 6.86 (s, 4H) , 3.97 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.83 ( s, 3H) , 3.76 (s, 3H) , 2.73 (t, J - 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.51 ( , 4H) , 1.66 (m, 4H) . FD mass spec: 477. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₈H₂₉N0 S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.99. Found: C, 70.59; H, 6.15; N, 3.01.

Example 4

Preparation of [ 6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-hexamethyleneimino) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

:

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as the compound of Example 1, mp 189-192° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.55 (bs, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.58 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.19 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.00 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 6.95 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, H) , 6.86 (s, 4H) , 3.94 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.83 (s, 3H) , 3.76 (s, 3H) , 2.80 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.66 (m, 4H) , 1.53 (m, 8H) . Anal . Calcd. for

C₃oH₃3Nθ4S^»1.0 HCl: C, 66.71; H, 6.35; N, 2.59. Found: C, 66.43; H, 6.46; N, 2.84.

Example 5

Preparation of [ 6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- ( 1-N, N-diethylamino) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

:

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as the compound of Example 1, mp 196-198° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.48 (bs, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.59 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.19 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.00 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 6.97 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 6.87 (q, J_AB - 9.0 Hz, 4H) , 4.25 (m, 2H) , 3.83 (s, 3H) , 3.77 (s, 3H) , 3.54 (m, 2H) , 3.09 (m, 4H) , 2.00 (m, 3H) , 1.88 (m, 3H) . Anal . Calcd. for

C₂₈H₃iN0₄S^»1.5 HCl: C, 63.18; H, 6.15; N, 2.63. Found: C,

63.46; H, 5.79; N, 2.85.

Example 6

Preparation of [6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- (morpholino) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

:

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as the compound of Example 1, mp 208-211° C. ^J-H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.6 (bs, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.60 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, lH) , 7.20 (J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.00 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 6.97 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 6.91 (q, J_AB = 9.0 Hz, 4H) , 4.29 (m, 2H) , 4.08-3.91 ( , 4H) , 3.82 (s, 3H) , 3.77 (s, 3H) , 3.59-3.42 (m, 4H) , 3.21-3.10 (m, 2H) . Anal . Calcd. for C₂8H₂9NO₅S'1.0 HCl: C, 63.09; H, 5.73; N, 2.65. Found: C, 63.39; H, 5.80; N, 2.40.

Example 7

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

[6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4- methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride (10.00 g, 19.05 mmol) was dissolved in 500 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride and cooled to 8° C. To this solution was added boron tribromide (7.20 L, 76.20 mmol). The resultant mixture was stirred at 8° C for 2.5 hours. The reaction was quenched by pouring into a stirring solution of saturated sodium bicarbonate (1 L) , cooled to 0° C. The methylene chloride layer was separated, and the remaining solids were dissolved in methanol/ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was then extracted with 5% methanol/ethyl acetate (3 x 500 mL) . All of the organic extracts (ethyl acetate and methylene chloride) were combined and dried (sodium sulfate) . Concentration in vacuo provided a tan solid that was chromatographed (silicon dioxide, 1-7% methanol/chloroform) to provide 7.13 g (81 %) of [6-hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1- piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b]- thiophene as a white solid. mp 93° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d

9.73 (bs, 1H) , 9.68 (bs, 1H) , 7.45 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.21 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.04 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 1H) , 6.84 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H (masked)), 6.81 (s, 4H) , 6.75 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.56 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.36 (m. 4H) , 1.43 (m, 4H) , 1.32 ( , 2H) . FD mass spec: 462. Anal. Calcd. for C ₇H₂₇N0 S: C, 70.20; H, 5.90; N, 3.03. Found: C, 69.96; H, 5.90; N, 3.14.

Example 8

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene oxalate salt

The title compound was prepared in 80% yield from the free base, mp 246-249° C (dec). ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.45 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.22 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.05 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H) , 6.87 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H (masked)), 6.84 (s, 4H) , 6.75 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 4.08 (bt, 2H) , 3.01 (bt, 2H) , 2.79 (m, 4H) , 1.56 (m, 4H) , 1.40 (m, 2H) . FD mass spec 462. Anal. Calcd. for C₂₇H₂₇N0 S' 0.75 H0₂CC0₂H: C, 64.63; H, 5.42; N, 2.64. Found: C, 64.61; H, 5.55; N, 2.62.

Example 9

Preparation of [ 6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- ( 1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

The title compound was prepared in 91% yield by treatment of the corresponding free base with HCl saturated diethyl ether, mp 158-165° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.79 (s,

1H) , 9.74 (s, 1H) , 7.40 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.23 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.04 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H) , 6.86 (q, JAB = 9.3 Hz, 4H) , 6.76 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1), 6.74 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 4.26 (bt, 2H) , 3.37 (m, 4H) , 2.91 (m, 2H) , 1.72 ( , 5 H) , 1.25 (m, 1H) . FD mass spec 461. Anal . Calcd. for

C₂₇H₂₇NO S^»1.0 HCl: C, 65.11; H, 5.67; N, 2.81. Found: C, 64.84; H, 5.64; N, 2.91.

Example 10

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-pyrolidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 3 in a manner similar to that employed in Example 7 above; mp 99-113° C. ^XH NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.75 (s, IH) , 9.71

(s, IH) , 7.50 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.25 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.09 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH) , 6.85 (s, IH) , 6.80 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, IH) , 6.79 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.93 (m, 2H) , 2.73 (m, 2H) , 2.53 (m, 4H) , 0.96 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H) . Anal . Calcd. for C₂₆H₂₅Nθ₄S» 0.5 H₂0: C, 68.40; H, 5.74; N, 3.07.

Found: C, 68.52; H, 6.00; N, 3.34.

Example 11

Preparation of [ 6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-hexamethyleneimino) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 4 in a manner similar to that employed in Example 7 above; mp 125-130° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.75 (s, IH) , 9.71 (s, IH) , 7.50 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.26 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.09 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH) , 6.85 (s, 3H) , 6.80 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, IH) , 6.79 (d, J = 9.0 Hz), 3.94 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.80 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.66 (m, 4H) , 1.53 (m, 8H) . Anal . Calcd. for C₂₈H₂₉N0 S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.94. Found:

C, 70.67; H, 6.31; N, 2.93.

Example 12

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-N,N- diethylamino) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4- hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 5 in a manner similar to that employed in Example 7 above; mp 137-141° C. ^J-H NMR (DMSO-d<j) d 9.75 (s, IH) , 9.71 (s, IH) , 7.49 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH) , 7.25 (d, j = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.09 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH) , 6.85 (s, 4H) , 6.80 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, IH) , 6.79 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.95 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.74 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 2.51 (m, 4H) , 1.66 (m, 6H) . Anal . Calcd. for C₂6H₂₇NO₄S: C, 69.46; H, 6.05; N, 3.12. Found: C, 69.76; H, 5.85; N, 3.40.

Example 13

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (morpholino) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 6 in a manner similar to that employed in Example 7 above; mp 157-162° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.60 (bs, IH) ,

9.80 (s, IH) , 9.75 (s, IH) , 7.50 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 7.28 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.10 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH) , 6.92 (q. J_AB = 9.0 Hz, 4H) , 6.81 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.0 Hz, IH) , 6.80 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H) , 4.30 (m, 2H) , 3.95 (m, 2H) , 3.75 ( , 2H) , 3.51 (m, 4H) , 3.18 (m, 2H) . Anal . Calcd. for C₂₆H₂₅N0₅S»HC1 : C, 62.46; H, 5.24; N, 2.80. Found: C, 69.69; H, 5.43; N, 2.92

Example 14

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) -ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

Step a) : Preparation of 6-Methoxybenzo [b] thiophene-2- boronic acid

HCO XX SxB OH OH

To a solution of 6-methoxybenzo [b] thiophene (18.13 g, 0.111 mol) in 150 L of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) at - 60° C was added n-butyllithium (76.2 mL, .122 mol, 1.6 M solution in hexanes) , dropwise via syringe. After stirring for 30 minutes, triisopropyl borate (28.2 mL, .122 mol) was introduced via syringe. The resulting mixture was allowed to gradually warm to 0° C and then distributed between IN hydrochloric acid and ethyl acetate (300 mL each) . The layers were separated, and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate. Concentration in vacuo produced a white solid that was triturated from ethyl ether hexanes. Filtration provided 16.4 g (71%) of 6-methoxybenzo [b] thiophene-2-boronic acid as a white solid, mp 200° C (dec) . ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.83 (s, IH) , 7.78 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH) , 7 . 51 (d, J = 2 . 0 Hz, IH) , 6 . 97 (dd, J - 8 . 6 , 2 . 0 Hz , IH) , 3 . 82 ( s , 3H) . FD mass spec : 208 .

Step b ) : Preparation of [ 6-Methoxy-2- ( 4-methanesul fonyl- oxyphenyl ) ] benzo [b ] thiophene

To a solution of 6-methoxybenzo [b] thiophene-2-boronic acid (3.00 g, 14.4 mmol) in 100 mL of toluene was added 4- (methanesulfonyloxy) phenylbromide (3.98 g, 15.8 mmol) followed by 16 mL of 2.0 N sodium carbonate solution. After stirring for 10 minutes, tetrakistriphenylphosphinepalladium (0.60 g, 0.52 mmol) was added, and the resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool to ambient temperature whereupon the product precipitated from the organic phase. The aqueous phase was removed and the organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to a solid. Trituration from ethyl ether yielded a solid that was filtered and dried in vacuo to provide 3.70 g (77%) of

[6-methoxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxy-phenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as a tan solid. mp 197-201° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.82-

7.77 (m, 3H) , 7.71 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, IH) , 7.54 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH) , 7.40 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 6.98 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.5 Hz, IH) , 3.80 (s, 3H) , 3.39 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 334. Anal .

Calcd. for C₁₆H₁₄O₄S₂: C, 57.46; H, 4.21. Found: C, 57.76; H, 4.21.

Step c) : Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyl- oxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxy- phenyl) ]benzo [b] thiophene (9.50 g, 28.40 mmol) in anhydrous methylene chloride (200 mL) at room under nitrogen gas was added boron tribromide (14.20 g, 5.36 mL, 56.8 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The reaction was quenched by slowly pouring into excess ice water. After vigorously stirring for 30 minutes, the white precipitate was collected by filtration, washed several times with water, and then dried in vacuo to provide 8.92 g (98%) of [ 6-hydroxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as a white solid. mp 239-243° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.70 (s, IH) , 7.76 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 7.72 (s, IH) , 7.62 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, IH) , 7.38 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 7.24 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, IH) , 6.86 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.7 Hz, IH) , 3.38 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 320. Anal . Calcd. for C₁₅H₁₂O₄S₂: C, 56.23; H, 3.77. Found: C, 56.49; H, 3.68.

Step d) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [ 6-hydroxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene (3.20 g, 10.0 mmol) in 75 mL of anhydrous DMF was added CS₂CO₃ (5.75 g, 17.7 mmol) followed by benzylchloride (1.72 mL, 11.0 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred vigorously for 24 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the solid residue was suspended in 200 mL of water. The white precipitate was collected by filtration and washed several times with water. Upon drying in vacuo, the crude product was suspended in 1 : 1 hexanes : ethyl ether. The solid was collected to provide 3.72 g (91%) of [ 6-benzyloxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxy- phenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as a white solid, mp 198-202° C. ^J-H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.81-7.78 (m, 3H) , 7.72 (d, J = 8.7 Hz,

IH) , 7.64 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.47-7.30 (m, 7H) , 5.15 (s, 2H) , 3.39 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 410.

Step e) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] - benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [6-benzyloxy-2- (4-methanesulfonyloxy- phenyl) ]benzo [b] thiophene (12.50 g, 30.50 mmol) in 300 mL of anhydrous THF under nitrogen gas at ambient temperature was added lithium aluminum hydride (2.32 g, 61.0 mmol) in small portions. The mixture was then stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours and then quenched by carefully pouring the mixture into an excess of cold 1.0 N hydrochloric acid. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic was then washed several times with water and then dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a solid. Chromatography (silicon dioxide, chloroform) provided 8.75 g (87%) of [ 6-benzyloxy-2- (4- hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as a white solid, mp 212- 216° C. ^!H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.70 (s, IH) , 7.63 (d, J = 8.7

Hz, IH) , 7.56 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.51-7.30 (m, 8H) , 7.00 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 6.80 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 5.13 (s, 2H) . FD mass spec 331. Anal . Calcd. for C₂ιHi₆θ₂S: C, 75.88; H, 4.85. Found: C, 75.64; H, 4.85.

Step f) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] - benzo [b] thiophene

To a solution of [ 6-benzyloxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene (8.50 g, 26.40 mmol) in 200 mL of anhydrous DMF under nitrogen gas at ambient temperature was added sodium hydride (1.66 g, 41.5 mmol) in small portions. Once gas evolution had ceased, iodomethane (3.25 mL, 52.18 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred for 3 hours at ambient temperature. The solvent was then removed in vacuo, and the residue distributed between water/ethyl acetate. The layers were separated, and the organic phase was washed several times with water. The organic layer was then dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to provide 9.00 g (98%) of [ β-benzyloxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as a white solid. mp 180-185° C. ^λ NMR (DMSO-ds) d 7.67-7.58 (m, 5H) , 7.46-7.29 (m, 5H) , 7.02 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 6.98 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 5.13 (s, 2H) , 3.76 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 346. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂Hι₈0₂S: C, 76.27; H, 5.24. Found: C, 76.54; H, 5.43.

Step g) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- bromo] benzo [b] thiophene

[6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene (10.0 g, 28.9 mmol) was placed in 200 L of chloroform along with 10.0 g of solid sodium bicarbonate at ambient temperature. To this suspension was added bromine (1.50 mL, 29.1 mmol) dropwise over 30 minutes as a solution in 100 mL of chloroform. Upon completion of the addition, water (200 mL) was added and the layers were separated. The organic phase was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a white solid. Crystallization from methylene chloride/ methanol provided 10.50 g (85%) of [ 6-benzyloxy-2- (4- methoxyphenyl) -3-bromo] benzo- [b] thiophene as a white solid, mp 146-150° C. ^XH NMR (DMSO-d^) d 7.70 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) ,

7.65-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.47-7.30 (m, 5H) , 7.19 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 5.17 (s, 2H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 346. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂Hi₇θ₂SBr: C,

62.13; H, 4.03. Found: C, 61.87; H, 4.00.

Step h) : Preparation of [ 6-Benzyloxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- bromo]benzo [b] thiophene- (S-oxide)

,

The title compound was prepared by oxidation of the product from step g) with 1.5 equivalents of hydrogen peroxide in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid in methylene chloride. The product was isolated as a yellow solid by crystallization from ethyl acetate, mp 202-205° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-d<s) d 7.80 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.68 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 7.55(d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH) 7.47-7.32 (m, 6H) , 7.10 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 5.23 (s, 2H) , 3.80 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 441. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂Hι₇0₃SBr: C, 59.87; H, 3.88. Found: C, 59.59; H, 3.78. Step i) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-3- [4- [2- (1- piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene- (S-oxide)

Reaction of the product of step i) above with 4- (2- piperidinoethoxy) phenol in base yielded the title compound as a yellow oil. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.76 (d, J = 2.2 Hz,

IH) , 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.44-7.30 (m, 5H) , 7.12 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.03-6.93 (m, 5H) , 6.85 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 5.18 (s, 2H) , 3.94 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.73 (s, 3H) , 2.56 (bt, J - 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.37-2.34 (m, 4H) , 1.45-1.32 (m, 6H) . FD mass spec 592. Anal . Calcd. for C₃₅H₃₅NO₅S: C,

72.26; H, 6.06; N, 2.41. Found: C, 72.19; H, 5.99; N, 2.11.

Step j ) : Preparation of [6-Benzyloxy-3- [4- [2- (1- piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] - benzo [b] thiophene

,

Reduction of the product of step i) above yielded the title compound, isolated in 95% overall yield. Purification by chromatography (Siθ₂, 1-5% methanol/chloroform) provided an off-white solid, mp 105-108°C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.62

(d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.59 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.45-7.30 (m, 5H) , 7.15 (dd, J = 8.6 Hz, IH) , 7.00-6.94 (m, 3H) , 6.82 (s, 4H) , 5.13 (s, 2H) , 3.92 (bt, J - 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.72 (s, 3H) , 2.55 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.37-2.34 (m, 4H) , 1.44-1.31 ( , 4H) . FD mass spec 565. Anal . Calcd. for C₃₅H₃₅NO₄S: C,

74.31; H, 6.24; N, 2.48. Found: C, 74.35; H, 6.07; N, 2.76.

Step k) : Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] - thiophene

,

To a solution of [6-benzyloxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ]benzo [b] thiophene (8.50 g, 15.0 mmol) in 300 mL of 5:1 ethanol/ethyl acetate was added palladium black (1.50 g) , ammonium formate (3.50 g, 55.6 mmol), and 30 mL of water. The resulting mixture was heated to reflux and monitored by TLC. After approximately 3 hours, the reaction was judged complete and the solution was cooled to ambient temperature. The reaction was filtered through a pad of Celite to remove catalyst, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to a solid. The concentrate was distributed between saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and 5% ethanol/ethyl acetate. The layers were separated, and the organic phase was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo . The crude product was chromatographed (silicon dioxide, 1-5% methanol/chloroform) to provide 6.50 g (91%) of [6-hydroxy- 3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4- methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene as foam that converted to solid upon trituration with hexanes. mp 174-176° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.77 (s, IH) , 7.56 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.23 (d,

J = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.07 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH) , 6.93 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 6.81 (s, 4H) , 6.76 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.0 Hz, IH) , 3.91 (bt, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) , 3.71 (s, 3H) , 2.55 (bt, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) , 2.38-2.33 (m, 4H) , 1.46-1.28 (m, 6H) . FD mass spec 475. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₈H₂₉NO₄S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.94.

Found: C, 70.46; H, 5.93; N, 2.71.

Example 15

Preparation of [6-Hydroxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-methoxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride salt

The product of Example 14 was converted to the corresponding hydrochloride salt in 85% yield by treatment with a mixture of HCl saturated diethyl ether in ethyl acetate followed by crystallization from ethanol/ethyl acetate; mp 156-160° C. E NMR (DMSO-d₆) d 10.28 (bs, IH) , 9.85 (s, IH) ,

7.56 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.25 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, IH) , 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, IH) , 6.93 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 6.87 (q. JAB = 9.3 Hz, 4H) , 4.27 (bt, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) , 3.71 (s, 3H) , 3.44- 3.31 (m, 4H) , 2.98-2.88 (m, 2H) , 1.74-1.60 (m, 5H) , 1.36- 1.29 (m, IH) FD mass spec 475. Anal . Calcd. for C₂8H₂9NO₄S*1.0 HCl: C, 65.68; H, 5.90; N, 2.73. Found: C, 65.98; H, 6.11; N, 2.64. Example 16

Preparation of [6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

Step a) : Preparation of [6-methoxy-2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

Following the general procedures of steps a) through g) of Example 14, the title compound was obtained in 73% yield, mp 217-221°C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-ds) d 7.63-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.59- 7.26 (m, 7H) , 7.02 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H) , 6.96 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 5.11 (s, 2H) , 3.88 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 346. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂H₁₈O₂S: C, 76.27; H, 5.24. Found: C, 76.00; H, 5.25. Step b) : [6-methoxy-2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl) -3-bromo]benzo- [b] thiophene

The title compound was obtained in 91% yield, mp 125- 127°C. ^XH NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.64-7.61 (m, 4H) , 7.46-7.31 (m,

5H) , 7.15-7.09 (m, 3H) , 5.15 (s, 2H) , 3.82 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 346. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂Hι₇0₂SBr: C, 62.13; H, 4.03. Found: C, 62.33; H, 3.93.

Step c) : [6-Methoxy-2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl) -3-bromo] benzo [b] - thiophene- (S-oxide)

The title compound was isolated as a yellow solid by chromatography (Si0₂, CHCI₃) . mp 119-123° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO- d₆) d 7.73 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.68 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.55 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH) 7.46-7.31 (m, 5), 7.26 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.18 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 5.16 (s, 2H) , 3.86 (s, 3H) . FD mass spec 441. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₂Hι₇0₃SBr: C, 59.87; H, 3.88. Found: C, 60.13; H, 4.10. Step d) : [ 6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] - 2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl) ]benzo [b] thiophene- (S-oxide)

The title compound was obtained as a yellow solid, mp 89-93° C. ^λE NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.68 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.62

(d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.42-7.28 (m, 5H) , 7.08-6.92 (m, 6H) , 6.86 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 5.09 (s, 2H) , 3.94 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.81 (s, 3H) , 2.56 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.37-2.34 (m, 4H) , 1.45-1.31 ( , 6H) . FD mass spec 592. Anal . Calcd. for C₃₅H₃₅Nθ₅S^«0.25 EtOAc: C, 71.62; H, 6.18; N, 2.32. Found: C, 71.32; E, 5.96; N, 2.71.

Step e) : [6-Methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] phenoxy] - 2- (4-benzyloxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was obtained in 91% yield, mp 106- 110°C. E NMR (DMSO-dg) d 7.59 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 7.54

(d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.42-7.28 (m, 5H) , 7.13 (d, J - 8.8 Hz, IH) , 7.03 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) , 6.82 (s, 4H) , 5.08 (s, 2H) , 3.92 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 2.55 (bt, J = 5.8

Hz, 2H) , 2.37-2.33 (m, 4H) , 1.44-1.31 ( , 4H) . FD mass spec 565. Anal . Calcd. for C₃₅H₃₅NO₄S: C, 74.31; H, 6.24; N, 2.48.

Found: C, 74.26; H, 6.17; N, 2.73.

Step f) : Preparation of [6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) - ethoxy] phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene

The title compound was obtained in 88% yield, mp 147- 150° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-dg) d 9.72 (s, IH) , 7.51 (d, J = 2.0

Hz, IH) , 7.48 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.11 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, IH) , 6.88 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, IH) , 6.81 (s, 4H) , 6.76 (d, J = 8.6, 2H) , 3.91 (bt, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) , 3.77 (s, 3H) , 2.55 (bt, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) , 2.38-2.33 (m, 4H) , 1.46-1.28 (m, 6H) . FD mass spec 475. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₈H₂₉ O₄S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.94. Found: C, 71.00; H, 6.17; N, 2.94.

Example 17

Preparation of [6-methoxy-3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy] - phenoxy] -2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) ] benzo [b] thiophene hydrochloride

The title compound was prepared in a manner analogous to that employed in Example 15 to yield the title compound, mp 215-217° C. E NMR (DMSO-dg) d 10.28 (bs, IH) , 9.80 (s, IH) , 7.52 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH) , 7.47 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.12 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH) , 6.91-6.80 (m, 5H) , 6.78 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 4.27 (bt, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.43- 3.34 (m, 4H) , 2.97-2.91 ( , 2H) , 1.78-1.61 (m, 5H) , 1.36- 1.29 (m, IH) . FD mass spec 475. Anal . Calcd. for C₂₈H₂₉NO₄S^»1.0 HCl: C, 65.68; H, 5.90; N, 2.73. Found: C,

65.87; H, 5.79; N, 2.99. Formulation Examples

In the formulations which follow, "active ingredient" means a compound of formula I, or a salt or solvate thereof,

Formulation Example 1

Gelatin Capsules

Ingredient Quantity (mg/capsule)

Active ingredient 0.1 1000

Starch, NF 0 650

Starch flowable powder 0 650

Silicone fluid 350 centistokes 0 15

Formulation Example 2

Tablets

Ingredient Quantity (mg/tablet)

Active ingredient 2.5 1000 Cellulose, microcrystalline 200 650 Silicon dioxide, fumed 10 650 Stearate acid 5 15

Formulation Example 3

Tablets

Ingredient Quantity (mg/tablet)

Active ingredient 25 1000

Starch 45

Cellulose, microcrystalline 35

Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4

(as 10% solution in water)

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 4.

Magnesium stearate 0.

Talc 1 The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No . 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50°-60° C and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No . 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets.

Formulation Example 4

Suspensions

Ingredient Quantity (mg/5 ml)

Active ingredient 0.1 - 1000 mg

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 50 mg

Syrup 1.25 mg

Benzoic acid solution 0.10 mL

Flavor q.v.

Color q.v.

Purified water to 5 mL

The medicament is passed through a No.45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added, with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

Formulation Example 5 Aerosol

Ingredient Quantity (% by weight)

Active ingredient 0.25

Ethanol 25.75

Propellant 22 (Chlorodifluoro ethane 70.00 The active ingredient is mixed with ethanol and the mixture added to a portion of the propellant 22, cooled to 30° C, and transferred to a filling device. The required amount is then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted with the remaining propellant. The valve units are then fitted to the container.

Formulation Example 6

Suppositories

Ingredient Quantity (mg/suppository)

Active ingredient 250 Saturated fatty acid 2,000 glycerides

The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimal necessary heat. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2 g capacity and allowed to cool.

Formulation Example 7

Injectable Formulations

Ingredient Quantity

Active ingredient 50 mg Isotonic saline 1,000 mL

The solution of the above ingredients is intravenously administered to a patient at a rate of about 1 mL per minute.

Claims

WE CLAIM :

1. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic cancer in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the structure

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro- drug thereof, wherein

R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy and alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms; and

R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from methyl or ethyl, or R³ and R⁴, taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a pyrrolidino, methylpyrrolidino, dimethylpyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, or hexa- methyleneimino ring.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein said method comprises the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic cancer in a patient in need of such treatment.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein said method comprises the treatment or prophylaxis of benign prostatic hyperplasia in a patient in need of such treatment.

4. The method of Claim 1 wherein R¹ and R² are both hydroxy.

5. The method of Claim 2 wherein R¹ and R² are both hydroxy.

6. The method of Claim 3 wherein R¹ and R² are both hydroxy.

7. The method of Claim 1 wherein R¹ is hydroxy and R² is alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms.

8. The method of Claim 2 wherein R¹ is hydroxy and R² is alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms.

9. The method of Claim 3 wherein R¹ is hydroxy and R² is alkoxy of one to four carbon atoms.

10. The method of Claim 1 wherein R³ and R⁴ combine with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a piperidino ring.

11. The method of Claim 2 wherein R³ and R⁴ combine with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a piperidino ring.

12. The method of Claim 3 wherein R³ and R⁴ combine with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form a piperidino ring.

13. A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of prostatic cancer in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the structure

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof,

wherein R² is hydroxy or methoxy.

14. The method of Claim 13 wherein said compound is 6-hydroxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidinoethoxy) - phenoxy] benzo [b] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

15. The method of Claim 13 wherein said compound is 6-hydroxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidinoethoxy) - phenoxy] benzo [b] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

16. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound having the structure

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or pro-drug thereof, wherein R² is hydroxy or methoxy.

17. The method of Claim 16 wherein said compound is 6-hydroxy-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidinoethoxy) - phenoxy] benzo [Jb] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

18. The method of Claim 16 wherein said compound is 6-hydroxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- [4- (2-piperidinoethoxy) - phenoxy] benzo [jb] thiophene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.