EP1228064A1

EP1228064A1 - N-aryl-(homopiperazinyl)-cyclohexyl amines as 5-ht transporters

Info

Publication number: EP1228064A1
Application number: EP00936166A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adam Matthew Gilbert; Richard Eric Mewshaw
Original assignee: Wyeth LLC
Current assignee: Wyeth LLC
Priority date: 1999-11-08
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2002-08-07
Also published as: AU5152300A; CA2390530A1; WO2001034597A1; CN1420883A; JP2003513969A; BR0015425A; MXPA02004554A

Abstract

This invention provides novel compounds and methods and compositions using them in the treatment of central nervous system disorders, including depression and anxiety, the compounds having the formula (I) wherein Ar is an aryl, arylalkyl or a heteroaryl group; R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be substituted or cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted; R3 is H, alkyl which may be substituted, cyclic alkyl which may be substituted, halogen, alkoxy, haloalkyl, OH, nitro, amino, CN, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, aminocarbonyl and alkylaminocarbonyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Description

N-ARYL-( H0M0PIPERAZINYL )-CYCL0HEXYL AMINES AS 5-HT TRANSPORTERS

The present invention relates to N-aryl-homopiperazinyl-cyclohexylamine derivatives having pharmacological activity, processes for preparing them and pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of diseases affected by disorders of the serotonin affected neurological systems, such as depression and anxiety.

Background of Invention

Pharmaceuticals with enhance serotonergic neurotransmission are of useful benefit for the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. The first generation of non-selective serotonin-affection drugs operated through a variety of physiological functions which endowed them with several side effect liabilities. The more currently prescribed drugs, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), act predominately by inhibiting 5-HT, which is released at the synapses, from being actively removed from the synaptic cleft via a presynaptic serotonin transport carrier.

Wustrow et al.. have disclosed a series of 3-[[4-aryl-l- piperazinyl)alkyl]cyclohexyl]-lH-indoles as dopamine D₂ partial agonists in J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 250.

Cipollina et al.. have disclosed a series of indolylcycloalkylamines as serotonergic vasoconstrictors for the treatment of vascular or migraine headaches in European Patent Application EP 666258.

Shiota et al.. have disclosed a series of cyclic diarylalkyl derivatives

(including aryl homopiperazines) as chemokine receptor antagonists in PCT Int. Patent Application WO 9744329. Hidaka et al.. have disclosed a series of aryl cyclic diamines (including aryl homopiperazines) as anti-ulcer agents in US Patent 5244895 and European Patent Application 513691. Hidaka et al.. have also disclosed a series of aryl cyclic diamines (including aryl homopiperazines) as blood vessel relaxants in US patents 5,081,246; 5,216,150 and 5,245,034.

Description of the Invention

The present invention provides N-aryl-homopiperazinyl-cyclohexylamine derivatives having pharmacological activity as 5-HT transporters, and to their use in the treatment of diseases affected by disorders of the serotonin affected neurological systems, such as depression and anxiety.

In accordance with this invention there, is provided a group of compounds represented by the formula I:

I wherein:

Ar is an aryl or arylalkyl group wherein the aryl moiety has 5 to 14 carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety has 1 to 6 carbon atoms or Ar is a heteroaryl group of 5 to 10 ring atoms in which the heteroatom(s) is/are the same or different selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur; the aryl, heteroaryl or aryl portion of arylalkyl being optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 substituents the same or different selected from alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be optionally substituted by halogen, hydroxy, nitro, amino or cyano; alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, thioalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; hydroxy; nitro; halogen; amino, or cyano; R and R₂ are independently, hydrogen; alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, hydroxy, nitro, amino or cyano; or cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms haloalkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy nitro cyano, amino, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkyl carbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkyl of 3 to 13 carbon atoms, or alkylcarbonyloxy of 2 to 7 carbon atoms;

R₃ is H; alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, hydroxy. nitro, cyano or amino; cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkyl of 3 to 13 carbon atoms or alkylcarbonyloxy of 2 to 7 carbon atoms; or R₃ is halogen, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, nitrile, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, aminocarbonyl or alkylaminocarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and all crystalline forms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Examples of Ar are: mono-, bi or tricyclic aryl groups of 6 to 14 carbon atoms, including mono or bicyclic of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, indacenyl, antracenyl and phenanthrenyl; arylalkyl group where the aryl portion is as described herein and the alkyl portion has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g methyl; and mono- or bi- cyclic heteroaryl groups of 5 to 10 ring atoms in which 1 to 3 atoms are selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur such as described herein. Examples of substituents on Ar are: alkyl such as alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, e.g methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl, which alkyl groups may be substituted by halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano and nitro; alkoxy such as alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, e.g methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, pentoxy and hexyloxy; thioalkyl such as SMe, SEt, SPr, S'Pr, SBu; perfluoroalkyl such as CF₃, C₂F₅, C₃F₇, i-C₃F₇; halogen such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine; nitro; amino and cyano.

Examples of R, (and independently R₂) are hydrogen; alkyl groups of 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl which alkyl groups may be optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy or cyano; cycloalkyl groups, e.g. of 3 to 8 carbon atoms such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl which cycloalkyl groups may be substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl or ethyl, halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy or cyano.

Examples of R₃ are hydrogen, alkyl groups of 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl which alkyl groups may be substituted by halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy or cyano; cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl which cycloalkyl groups may be substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl or ethyl, halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy or cyano; chlorine, fluorine; bromine; alkoxy groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy; haloalkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl; haloalkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g trifluoromethoxy; hydroxy; nitro; amino, cyano; carboxy; alkoxycarbonyl such as methoxycarbonyl; ethoxycarbonyl; alkylcarbonyl such as acetyl; propionyl;

-CONH. and alkylaminocarbonyl, such as MeNHCO.

Among the preferred compounds of this invention are those of formula I wherein:

Ar is an aryl group of 5 or 6 carbon atoms or a heteroaryl group of 5 to 10 ring atoms; and/or

R_j and R₂ are independently, H, straight chain alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons or branched alkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms; and/or R₃ is H, straight chain alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, nitrile, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, aminocarbonyl and alkylaminocarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and all crystalline forms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In still more preferred aspects of the invention are provided compounds of formula I wherein: Ar is an aryl group of 6 carbon atoms or a heteroaryl group or a heteroaryl group of 5 to 10 ring atoms; and/or

R and R~, are independently, H, straight chain alkyl of 1 to 3 carbons or branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and/or

R₃ is H, halogen, cyano, CONH,, or CO₂H; and all crystalline forms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Except as defined otherwise alkyl, whether used alone or as part of another group include straight and branched chain alkyl groups containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms (e.g 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as 1-4 carbon atoms). For example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, /-butyl and t-butyl are encompassed by the term alkyl. In some embodiments of the present invention alkyl may refer to substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. Carbon number refers to carbon backbone and does not include carbon atoms of substituents such as alkoxy substitutions and the like. Halogen, as used herein means chlorine, bromine, iodine and fluorine.

Aryl, as used herein or in connection with arylalkyl refers to single or multiple ring 5 to 14 membered radicals, e.g 6 to 10 carbon aromatic rings, including but not limited to phenyl, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, indene and indacene. Arylalkyl groups may have 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl portion, e.g benzyl. Preferred aryl or arylalkyl are phenyl, benzyl and naphthalene. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aryl group or portion may be substituted by alkyl groups, perfluoroalkyl groups, preferably trifluoromethyl groups, alkoxy groups, and halogens.

Heteroaryl as used herein includes to single or multiple 5 to 10 membered aromatic ring radicals having from 1 to 3 heteroatoms the same or different selected from S, O or N including, but not limited to, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, isoquinoline, cinnoline, phthalazine, quinazoline, quinoxaline, napthyridine, pteridine, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyran, triazine, indole, isoindole, indazole, indolizine, and isobenzofuran. Preferred heteroaryls include furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, and isoquinoline. More preferred heteroaryls include furan, thiophene, imidazole, isoxazole, quinoline and pyrazole. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heteroaryl group is substituted.

Preferably, the substituted aryl group is substituted with from 1 to 3 groups. The substituted heteroaryl group is preferably substituted with 1 to 3 groups and more preferably 1 to 2 groups. Alkyl and cycloalkyl groups may also be substituted. Suitable substitutions include, but are not limited to halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, nitrile, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl and alkylcarbonyloxy.

Among the most preferred compounds of the present invention are: 3- { 4- [4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)- [ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl]-cyclohexyl } -7H-indole;

8-{4-[4-(lΗ-Indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl}-quinoline;

-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl }-5-fluoro-7H-indole;

- { 4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl]-cyclohexyl } -5-cyano-iH-indole;

- { 4- [4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)- [ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl]-cyclohexyl } -6-fluoro-iH-indole;

- { 4- [4-(5-Fluoro- lΗ-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl] -[1,4] diazepan- 1 -yl } -quinoline;

- { 4-[4-(5-Cyano- lH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl } -quinoline;

-{4-[4-(6-Fluoro-lH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl}-quinoline;

-{4-[4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-fluoro-iH- indole; 3-{4-[4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-cyano-7H- indole;

3-{4-[4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-6-fluoro-iH- indole; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of one of these compounds.

The cyclohexane compounds of this invention can exist as 1,4 cis or trans isomers. Such isomers and mixtures thereof are within the scope of this invention. It is understood that the definition of the compounds of formula I, when R_p R₂ or R₃ contain asymmetric carbons, encompass all possible stereoisomers and mixtures thereof which possess the activity discussed below. In particular, it encompasses racemic modifications and any optical isomers which possess the indicated activity. Optical and stereo isomers may be obtained in pure form by standard separation techniques.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those derived from such organic and inorganic acids as: lactic, citric, acetic, tartaric, succinic, maleic, malonic, oxalic, fumaric, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, nitric, sulfuric, methanesulfonic, and similarly known acceptable acids. Where R,, R, or R₄ contain a carboxyl group, salts of the compounds of this invention may be formed with bases such as alkali metals (Na, K, Li) or the alkaline earth metals (Ca or Mg).

As mentioned previously, the compounds of formula I have affinity for the 5- ΗT reuptake transporter and are useful in the treatment of diseases affected by disorders of the serotonin affected neurological systems, such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, alcohol and cocaine addiction, cognition enhancement and related problems. The present invention accordingly also provides pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a compound of this invention in combination or association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The compositions are preferably adapted for oral or subcutaneous administration. However, they may be adapted for other modes of administration.

The compositions of the invention may be formulated with conventional excipients, such as a filler, a disintegrating agent , a binder, a lubricant, a flavoring agent and the like. They are formulated in conventional manner, for example, in a manner similar to that use for known antihypertensive agents, diuretics and β- blocking agents. Applicable solid carriers or excipients can include one or more substances which may also act as flavoring agents, lubricants, solubilizers, suspending agents, fillers, glidants, compression aids, binders or tablet-disintergrating agents or an encapsulating material. In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid which is in admixture with the finely divided active ingredient. In tablets, the active ingredient is mixed with a carrier having the necessary compression properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain up to 99% of the active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers include, for example, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugars, lactose, dextrin, starch, gelatin, cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidine, low melting waxes and ion exchange resins.

Liquid carriers may be used in preparing solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups and elixirs. The active ingredient of this invention can be dissolved or suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier such as water, an organic solvent, a mixture of both or pharmaceutically acceptable oils or fat. The liquid carrier can contain other suitable pharmaceutical additives such as solubilizers, emulsifiers, buffers, preservatives, sweeteners, flavoring agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, colors, viscosity regulators, stabilizers or osmo-regulators.

Suitable examples of liquid carriers for oral and parenteral administration include water (particularly containing additives as above e.g. cellulose derivatives, preferably sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution), alcohols (including monohydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohols e.g. glycols) and their derivatives, and oils (e.g. fractionated coconut oil and arachis oil). For parenteral administration the carrier can also be an oily ester such as ethyl oleate and isopropyl myristate. Sterile liquid carriers are used in sterile liquid form compositions for parenteral administration.

Liquid pharmaceutical compositions which are sterile solutions or suspensions can be utilized by, for example, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Sterile solutions can also be administered intravenously. Oral administration may be either liquid or solid composition form.

Preferably the pharmaceutical composition is in unit dosage form, e.g. as tablets or capsules. In such form, the composition is sub-divided in unit dose containing appropriate quantities of the active ingredient; the unit dosage forms can be packaged compositions, for example packeted powders, vials, ampoules, prefilled syringes or sachets containing liquids. The unit dosage form can be, for example, a capsule or tablet itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any such compositions in package form.

In order to obtain consistency of administration, it is preferred that a composition of the invention is in the form of a unit dose. Suitable unit dose forms include tablets, capsules and powders in sachets or vials. Such unit dose forms may contain from 0.1 to 100 mg of a compound of the invention and preferably from 2 to 50 mg. Still further preferred unit dosage forms contain 5 to 25 mg of a compound of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention can be administered orally at a dose range of about 0.01 to 100 mg/kg or preferably at a dose range of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg. Such compositions may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, more usually from 1 to 4 times a day.

This invention also provides processes for preparing the compounds of formula I, which processes include: reacting a compound of formula II

(II) wherein Ar is as defined above, with a compound of formula III

wherein R R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, and if desired isolating as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof

Generally, the compounds of formula I are conveniently synthesized as described below:

In accordance with the present invention, compounds of formula I may be prepared to the following Scheme I. Scheme

Thus, compound of formula II is reacted with compound of formula III, acetic acid in dichloroethane at 23 °C to give a compound of formula I in accordance with the procedure described by Abdel-Magid, Carson, Harris, Maryanoff and Shah in J. Org. Chem. 1996, 61, 3849.

In accordance with the present invention, compounds of formula II may be prepared to the following Scheme II.

Thus compounds of formula IV are reacted with 1,4-cyclohexanedione monoethylene ketal, potassium hydroxide in methanol at 65 °C to give compounds of formula V as described by Wustrow et al.. in J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 250. Hydrogenation to compounds of formula VI can be realized by treatment in suitable solvents such as an alcohol, but not limited to EtOH with H₂ and 5% Pd/C. Hydrolysis to compounds of formula III can be carried out using IN HC1 in a 1: 1 mixture of THF and water. In accordance with the present invention, compounds of formula II may be prepared to the following Scheme III.

Scheme III

(VII I)

(VII)

(IX) (ID

Thus the compound of formula VII is treated with (Boc),O in a suitable solvent such as chloroform, THF or an alcohol, but not limited to MeOH to give the compound of formula VII. Conversion to compounds of formula IX can be realized by treatment with an aryl bromide, catalytic Pd₂dba₃, catalytic BINAP, NaOt-Bu, in toluene at 80 ^QC according to the procedure of Buchwald et al.. in Anew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1995, 34, 1348. Deprotection to give compounds of formula II can be accomplished via treatment with TFA in CH₂C1₂ at 23 ^eC.

The present invention further provides a compound of the invention for use as an active therapeutic substance. Compounds of formula (I) are of particular use in the treatment of diseases affected by disorders of the serotonin.

The present invention further provides a method of treating depression and anxiety in mammals including man, which comprises administering to the afflicted mammal an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. The following examples are presented to illustrate rather than limit the present invention.

EXAMPLES

The 5-HT transporter affinity of the compounds of this invention was established in accordance with standard pharmaceutically accepted test procedures with representative compounds as follows:

Rat Brain ³H-Paroxetine Binding Assay (RB 5HT Transporter):

The following assay was used to determine a compound's affinity of the 5-HT transporter.

A protocol similar to that used by Cheetham et. al. (Neuropharmacol. 1993, 32, 737) was used. Briefly, frontal cortical membranes prepared from male S.D. rats were incubated with ³H-parxetine (0.1 nM) for 60 min. at 25 °C. All tubes also contained either vehicle, test compound (one to eight concentrations), or a saturating concentration of fluoxetine (10 μM) to define specific binding. All reactions are terminated by the addition of ice cold Tris buffer followed by rapid filtration using a Tom Tech filtration device to separate bound from free ³H-paroxetine. Bound radioactivity was quantitated using a Wallac 1205 Beta Plate^® counter. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to determine IC₅₀ values which were converted to K values using the method of Cheng and Prusoff (Biochem. Pharmacol. 1973, 22, 3099);

ιc₅₀

K = Radioligand concentration^ 1+KD)

Inhibition of ³H-5-HT Uptake by cells Possessing the Human 5-HT Transporter (HC 5-HT Transporter): A human carcinoma cell line (Jar cells) possessing low endogenous levels of the 5-HT-transporter are seeded into 96 well plates and treated with staurosporine at least 18 h prior to assay. [Staurosporine greatly increases the expression of the 5-HT- transporter.] On the day of assay, vehicle, excess of fluoxetine, or test compound is added to various wells on the plate. All wells then receive ³H-5-HT and are incubated at 37°C for 5 min. The wells are then washed with ice cold 50 mM Tris HC1 (pH 7.4) buffer and aspirated to remove free ³H-5-HT. 25 μl of 0.25 M NaOH is then added to each well to lyse the cells and 75 μl scintillation cocktail (Microscint™ 20) added prior to quantitation on a Packard TopCount machine. Tubes with vehicle represent total possible uptake, radioactivity counted in tubes with fluoxetine represent nonspecific binding/uptake and is subtracted from the total possible uptake to give total possible specific uptake. This nonspecific binding (usual low in number) is then subtracted from the counts obtained in wells with various test compounds (or different concentrations of test drug) to give specific uptake in the presence of drug. Specific uptake is then expressed as a % of control values and is analyzed using nonlinear regression analysis (Prizm) to determine IC₅₀ values. If the compound is active at inhibiting 5-HT uptake, its counts will be close to that obtained with fluoxetine.

Results from these two assays are presented below in Table I.

Table I

Compound n RB 5-HT Transporter HC 5-HT Transporter K (nM) IC,_n (nM)

Example 1 1 42.0 578

Example 2 I 9.0 399

Example 3 L 12.0 1144

Example 4 I 27.0 -

Example 5 1 4.9 272

Example 6 ] L 9.0 602

Example 7 1 11.0 -

Example 8 I 2.7 317

Example 9 L 86.0 4470

Example 10 1 207 3765

Example 11 27.0 1284

Hence the compounds of this invention have substantial affinity for the 5-HT transporter and are useful in the treatment of diseases affected by disorders of the serotonin affected neurological systems, such as depression and anxiety., by administration orally, parenterally, or by aspiration to a patient in need thereof.

The following Examples illustrate the invention:

EXAMPLE 1 3-{4-r4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-ri,41diazepan-l-yl1-cvclohexyl}-_^fH-indole

Step l 3-(l,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-2H-indole

Indole (22.6 g, 190 mmol), 1,4-cyclohexanedione monoethylene ketal (22.8 g, 145 mmol) and KOH (4.6 g, 80 mmol) were heated to reflux in 50 mL of MeOH for 6 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 23 °C, a solid precipitated and was collected by vacuum filtration. This solid was washed with 3 x 30 mL of H₂O to give 33.3 g (130.5 mmol, a 90% yield) of the title compound as a white solid. MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 256 (M⁺+H, 100).

Step 2 3-(l,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-2H-indole

A mixture of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-_H-indole (10.0 g, 39.2 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (1.0 g) in 100 mL of EtOΗ was placed under 40 psi of Η. and shaken at 23 °C for 3 h. The Pd/C was removed via filtration, and the solvent evaporated. Flash chromatography (CΗ-Ck/MeOΗ) gave 8.66 g (33.7 mmol, an 86% yield) of the title compound as a white solid. MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 258 (M + H, 100).

Step 3 4-(lH-Indol-3-yl)-cycIohexanone

To a 23 °C solution of 8.66 g (33.7 mmol) 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)- iH-indole and 200 mL TΗF was added 200 mL of IN ΗC1. After stirring for 12 h, the organics were evaporated and the resulting slurry was extracted with 2 x 150 mL EtOAc. The combined organics were washed with 2 x 100 mL of IN NaOΗ, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to an off-white solid. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with hexanes EtOAc (1/1) gave 5.89 g (27.6 mmol, an 82% yield) of the title compound as a white solid, mp 123-125 °C; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 214 (M⁺+Η, 100. Step 4 [l,4]Diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To 5.0 g (50 mmol) of homopiperazine in 200 mL MeOH at 0 °C was added a solution of 11.93 g (54.7 mmol) of (Boc)₂O and 100 mL MeOH in drops over 1 h. The mixture was warmed to 23 °C and then warmed to 50 °C for 3 h. After cooling to 23 °C, the resulting reaction mixture was filtered through Cehte and the solvent was evaporated to a volume of 100 mL. This solution was extracted with 3 x 100 mL of IN citric acid, the combined aqueous layers are washed with 1 x 100 mL EtOAc and then the aqueous solution was basified to pH = 11 with solid Na₂CO₃. The resulting slurry was extracted with 3 x 100 mL EtOAc, the combined organics were dπed over N_L,SO₄, filtered and evaporated to give 3.2 g (15.9 mmol, a 32% yield) of the title compounds as a light yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.70- 1.85 (m, 2H), 2.81-2.96 (m, 4H), 3.37-3.53 (m, 4H); IR (KBr, cm ¹): 3348w, 1690s; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 201 (M⁺+H, 100).

Step 5 4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

To 1.6 g (7.99 mmol) [l,4]dιazepane-l-carboxyhc acid tert-butyl ester was added 1.09 mL (1.64 g, 8.79 mmol) of 2-bromoanιsole, 37 mg (0.04 mmol) of Pd₂dba₃, 75 mg (0.12 mmol) of (±)-BINAP, 1.08 g (11.19 mmol) of NaOt-Bu, 20 mL of toluene and resulting slurry was heated to 80 °C for 20 h. After cooling to 23 °C, the reaction mixture was filtered through Cehte and evaporated to leave a dark brown oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, elutmg with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (1/0 to 40/1 to 20/1) gave 2.17 g (7.08 mmol, an 89% yield) of the title compound as a light yellow oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.45 and 1.47 (singlets, 9H - rotational isomers), 1.91-2.07 (m, 2H), 3.16-3.31 (m, 4H), 3.47-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 6.72-6.96 (m, 4H); IR (KBr, cm '):1691s; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 307 (M H, 100). Anal. Calcd. for C_{ll 26}N₂O_r C, 66.64; H, 8.55; N, 9.14. Found. C, 66.18; H, 8.54; N, 8.80. Step 6 1 - (2-Methoxy-pheny I)- [ 1 ,4] diazepane

To 2.03 g (6.62 mmol) of 4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 30 mL CR,C1₂ at 23 °C was added 5 mL trifluoroacetic acid. After stirring at 23 °C for 30 min, 4 additional mL of trifluoroacetic acid were added. After a total of 1 h, the reaction solution was poured into 200 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ and extracted with 3 x 100 mL of EtOAc. The combined organics were washed with 1 x 200 mL EL,O, 1 x 200 mL brine, dried over Na.SO₄, filtered and evaporated to give 1.01 g (4.90 mmol, a 74% yield) of the title compound as a yellow oil. . Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.99 (pent, J=4.5 Hz, 2H), 2.82 (brs, 1H), 3.06 (t, J= 4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.08-3.13 (m, 2H), 3.29-3.36 (m, 4H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 6.83-6.96 (m, 4H); IR (KBr, cm^"1): 3335w; ; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 207 (M⁺+ H, 100).

Step 7 3-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-iH-indole

To 150 mg (0.727 mmol) of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane and 155 mg (0.727 mmol) of 4-(lH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexanone is added 7 mL of 1,2- dichloroethane, 0.06 mL (66 mg, 1.091 mmol) of HOAc, 231 mg (1.091 mmol) of

NaBH(OAc)₃ and the resulting mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 19 h. The reaction mixture was then quenched by adding 2 mL of IN NaOH and poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO₃. Extraction with 2 x 50 mL CH-C1₂, drying of the combined organics over Na-SO₄, filtration and evaporation gave a yellow oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with EtOAc/MeOHxonc. NH₄OH (10/1:0% to

10/1:0.5%) gave 227 mg (0.56 mmol, a 77% yield of the title compound as a white foam. The hydrochloride salt was prepared by dissolving the title compound in 10 mL EtOAc and treating with 0.6 mL (0.6 mmol) of 1M HCl/Et₂O. A white solid precipitates from solution and was collected, mp 148-160 °C; IR (KBr, cm^"1): 3407w, 2529m; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 404 (M⁺+H, 100). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₆H₃₃N₃O₃ ^«HCl-C₄H₈O₂ ^»2H₂O: C, 63.87; H, 8.22; N, 7.45. Found: C, 63.87; H, 7.85; N, 8.43.

EXAMPLE 2 8-l4-r4-(lH-Indol-3-yl)-cvclohexyl]-rL41diazepan-l-yl>-quinoline

Step l 4-Quinolin-8-yl-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 8-bromoquinoline was used in place of 2-bromoanisole. Yield: 68%; Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.41 and 1.47 (s, 9H - rotational isomers), 2.05- 2.19 (m, 4H), 3.52-3.87 (complex m, 6H), 7.13 (dd, J=1.4, 7.4 Hz, IH), 7.27-7.41 (m, 3H), 8.07 (d, J=7.4 Hz, IH), 8.83 (d, J=1.4 Hz, IH); IR (KBr, cm ¹): 1689s; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 328 (M⁺+H, 100). Anal. Calcd. for C^iy^O,: C, 69.70; H, 7.70; N, 12.83. Found: C, 70.21; H, 7.63; N, 12.17.

Step 2 8-[l,4]Diazepan-l-yl-quinoline

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 6 except that 4-quinolin-8-yl-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester was used in place of 4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester. Yield: 100%; Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 2.05 (pent, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.11 (t, J=5.7, Hz, 2H), 3.31 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.47 (brs, IH), 7.09 (dd, J=1.4, 7.4 Hz, IH), 7.28-7.39 (m, 3H), 8.02 (dd, J=1.5, 7,5 Hz, IH), 8.78 (d, J=1.4 Hz, IH); IR (KBr, cm ¹): 3309w; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 228 (M⁺+H, 60). Step 3 8-{4-[4-(lH-Indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl}-quinoline

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 7 except that 8-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl-quinoline was used in place of l-(2-methoxy- phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane. Yield: 65%. The hydrochloride salt was formed according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 7. mp 152-165 °C; IR (KBr, cm ¹): 3406w, 3245w, 2671; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 425 (M⁺+H, 100). Anal. Calcd. for C_2gH₃₂N₄-HCl-C₄H-O₂-1.5H₂O: C, 66.71; H, 7.70; N, 9.72. Found: C, 66.54; H, 7.39; N, 11.19.

EXAMPLE 3 3-{4.[4.(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-ri,41diazepan-l-yl1-cvclohexyl}-5-fluoro-lH-indole

Step 1

4-(5-Fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohex-3-ene-ethylene ketal

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 1 except that 5-fluroindole was used in place of indole. Yield: 86%. mp 153- 155 °C.

Step 2 4-(5-Fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone ethylene ketal

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1,

Step 2 except that 4-(5-fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohex-3-ene-ethylene ketal was used in place of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-iH-indole. Yield: 82%. mp 183- 185 °C. Step 3 4-(5-Fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 , Step 3 except that 4-(5-fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone ethylene ketal was used instead of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-lH-indole. Yield: 91%. mp 112-114 °C.

Step 4 3-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-fluoro-2H-indole

l-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane (103 mg, 0.5 mmol), 4-(5-fluoro-lH-3- indolyl)-cyclohexanone (116 mg, 0.5 mmol) 5 mL 1 ,2-dichloroethane and 159 mg (0.75 mmol) of NaBH(OAc)₃ were stirred at 23 °C in a 20 mL scintillation vial for 21 h. The reaction was quenched with 2 mL IN NaOH, the vial capped, shaken and the organic layer (bottom layer) was removed with an automatic pipet. The organics were removed in a Speed Vac and pumped down overnight to afford 169 mg (0.4 mmol, an 80% yield) of the title compound as an off-white solid. MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 422 (M⁺+ H, 100).

EXAMPLE 4

3-.4-r4-(2-Methoxy-phenvI)-ri.41diazepan-l-yl1-cvclohexyl|-5-cvano-lH-indoIe

Step l 4-(5-Cyano-lH-3-indoIyl)-cyclohex-3-ene-ethylene ketal

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1 , Step 1 except that 5-cyanoindole was used in place of indole. Yield: 50%; mp 158- 160 °C. Step 2 4-(5-Cyano-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone ethylene ketal

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 2 except that 4-(5-cyano-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohex-3-ene-ethylene ketal was used in place of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-lH-indole. Yield: 95%; mp 153- 155 °C.

Step 3 3-(4-Oxo-cyclohexyl)-lH-indole-5-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 3 except that 4-(5-cyano-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone ethylene ketal was used instead of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-lH-indole. Yield: 81%; mp 162-164 °C.

Step 4 3-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-cyano-_'H-indole The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 3, Step 4 except that 3-(4-oxo-cyclohexyl)-lH-indole-5-carbonitrile was used instead of 4-(5-fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 60%; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 429 (M⁺+H, 100).

EXAMPLE 5 3-{4_[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyl)-ri.,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cvclohexyl}-6-fluoro-7H-indole

Step 1 3-(l,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-6-fluoro-iH-indole

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 1 except that 6-fluoroindole was used in place of indole. Yield: 96%; mp 196- 197 °C.

Step 2 3-(l,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-6-fluoro-/H-indole

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 2 except that 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-6-fluoro-iH-indole was used in place of 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-7-en-8-yl)-lΗ-indole. Yield: 60%; mp 183- 185 °C.

Step 3 4-(6-Fluoro-lH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexanone

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 3 except that 3-(l,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-6-fluoro-iH-indole was used instead 3-(l,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-lΗ-indole. Yield: 60%; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 429 (M⁺+H, 100). Step 4 3-{4-[4-(2-Methoxy-phenyI)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-6-fluoro-lH-indole

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 3, Step 4 except that 4-(6-fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone ethylene ketal was used instead of 4-(5-fluoro-iH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 38%; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 422 (M⁺+Η, 100).

EXAMPLE 6

8-{4-r4-(5-Fluoro-lH-indol-3-yl)-cvclohexyl1-ri,41diazepan-l-yl|-quinoline

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except that 8-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl-quinoline is used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)- [l,4]diazepane. Yield: 43%; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 443 (M⁺+H, 100).

EXAMPLE 7 8-{4-r4-(5-Cvano-lH-indol-3-yl)-cvclohexyl1-π,41diazepan-l-yl>-quinoline

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except that

8-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl-quinoline was used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-

[l,4]diazepane and 3-(4-oxo-cyclohexyl)-lH-indole-5-carbonitrile was used in place of 4-(5-fluoro-iH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 92%; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 450 (NT+Η, 100). EXAMPLE 8 8-{4-r4-(6-Fluoro-lH-indol-3-yl)-cvclohexyl1-n,41diazepan-l-yl)-quinoline

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except that 8-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl-quinoline was used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)- [l,4]diazepane and 4-(6-fluoro-iH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexanone was used in place of 4- (5-fluoro-lΗ-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 89%; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 443 (M⁺+H, 100).

EXAMPLE 9

3-.4-r4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ri,41diazepan-l-yl1-cvclohexyl|-5- fluoro-iH-indole

Step l 4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that l-bromo-3-trifluoromethylbenzene was used in place of 2- bromoanisole. Yield: 73%; Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.33 and 1.43 (s, 9H - rotational isomers), 1.95-2.03 (m, 4H), 3.22 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.34 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.53-3.64 (m, 4H), 6.79-6.91 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.33 (m, 2H); IR (KBr, cm^"1): 1693s; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 345 (M⁺+H, 100). Anal. Calcd. for .iy^N.O.: C, 59.29; H, 6.73; N, 8.13. Found: C, 59.24; H, 6.68; N, 8.11.

Step 2 l-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 6 except that 4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert- butyl ester was used in place of 4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester. Yield: 91%; Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 1.77 (brs, IH), 1.92 (pent, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.84 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 3.56-3.62 (m, 4H), 6.77-6.88 (m, 3H), 7.29 (d, J=7.7 Hz, IH); IR (KBr, cm^"1): 3286w; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 245 (M⁺+H, 60). Anal. Calcd. for C₁₂H_I5F₃N₂: C, 59.01; H, 6.19; N, 11.47. Found: C, 58.56; H, 6.03; N, 10.98.

Step 3 3-{4-[4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-fluoro-lH- indole

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except l-(3- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane was used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)- [l,4]diazepane. Yield: 86%; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 460 (M⁺+H, 100).

EXAMPLE 10 3-{4-r4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ri,41diazepan-l-vn-cvclohexyl)-5-cvano-iH- indole

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except l-(3- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane was used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)- [l,4]diazepane and 3-(4-oxo-cyclohexyl)-iH-indole-5-carbonitrile was used in place of 4-(5-fluoro-lΗ-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 80%; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 467 (M⁺+H, 100).

EXAMPLE 11

3-{4-r4-(3-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1.41diazepan-l-yl1-cvclohexyl|-6-fluoro-iH- indole

The title compound was prepared according to Example 3, Step 4 except l-(3- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepane was used instead of l-(2-methoxy-phenyl)- [l,4]diazepane and 4-(6-fluoro-lH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexanone was used in place of 4- (5-fluoro-lH-3-indolyl)-cyclohexanone. Yield: 64%; MS (ES) m z (relative intensity): 460 (M⁺+H, 100).

Claims

CLAIMS:

A compound of the formula:

wherein:

Ar is aryl of 5 to 14 carbon atoms; arylalkyl in which the aryl moiety has 5 to 14 carbon atoms and the alkyl moiety has 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or heteroaryl of 5 to 10 ring atoms in which the heteroatom(s) is(are) selected from one or more the same or different, of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; wherein said aryl or heteroaryl moieties are optionally substituted by one to three substituents, the same or different, selected from: alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, hydroxy, nitro, amino or cyano, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, thioalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, halogen, amino and cyano; R and R₂ are independently selected from hydrogen; alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms .which may be substituted by halogen, hydroxy, nitro, amino or cyano; or cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkyl of 3 to 13 carbon atoms or alkylcarbonyloxy of 2 to 7 carbon atoms;

R₃ is hydrogen; alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, hydroxy, nitro, amino or cyano; cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted by halogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 7 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkyl of 3 to 13 carbon atoms or alkylcarbonyloxy of 2 to 7 carbon atoms; halogen; alkoxy group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; haloalkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; hydroxy; nitro; nitrile; amino; cyano; carboxy; alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms; alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms; aminocarbonyl or alkylaminocarbonyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 wherein Ar is mono-

, bi- or tri-cyclic aryl- or aryl-alkyl wherein aryl has 6 to 14 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted as defined in claim 1, and alkyl has 1 to 4 carbon atoms or Ar is mono- or bi-cyclic heteroaryl optionally substituted as defined in claim 1.

3. A compound of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein Ar is selected from furanyl, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, and isoquinoline, each optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 groups selected from alkyl of

1 to 12 carbon atoms, -CF₃, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and halogen.

4. A compound of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein Ar is selected from phenyl, benzyl, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, indene or indacene, each optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 groups selected from alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, -CF₃, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and halogen.

5. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein Ar is optionally substituted by one or more of the following: alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or perfluoromethyl.

6. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which R_j and R₂ are each independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

7. A compound of formula (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 in which R₃ is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, CONH, or COOH.

8. A compound according to Claim 1 of formula I wherein:

Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group of 5 or 6 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group of 5 to 10 carbon atoms;

R_j and R_j are independently, H, straight chain alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons or branched alkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms; R₃ is H, straight chain alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, halogen, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, haloalkoxy or 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, nitro, nitrile, amino, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms , alkylcarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, aminocarbonyl and alkylaminocarbonyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

9. A compound according to Claim 1 of formula I wherein:

Ar is an aryl group of 6 carbon atoms or a heteroaryl group or a heteroaryl group of 5 to 10 carbon atoms;

R and R_, are independently, H, straight chain alkyls of 1 to 3 carbons or branched alkyls of 3 to 6 carbon atoms;

R₃ is H, halogen, cyano, CONH,, or CO₂H; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

10. A compound of Claim 1 which is one of the following: 3-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-iH-indole;

8-{4-[4-(iH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl}-quinoline;

3-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-fluoro-iH-indole;

3-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-cyano-iH-indole;

3-{4-[4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl }-6-fluoro-iH-indole;

8-{4-[4-(5-fluoro-iH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl}-quinoline;

8- { 4-[4-(5-cyano-iH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl } -quinoline;

8- { 4- [4-(6-fluoro-iH-indol-3-yl)-cyclohexyl]-[ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl } -quinoline;

3- { 4-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[ 1 ,4]diazepan- 1 -yl] -cyclohexyl } -5-fluoro-iH- indole;

3-{4-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-5-cyano-iH- indole or

3-{4-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[l,4]diazepan-l-yl]-cyclohexyl}-6-fluoro-iH- indole;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Claim 1 as defined in any one of claim 1 to 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

12. A method of treating depression in a mammal, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 1 to 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

13. A method of treating anxiety in a mammal, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 1 to 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

14. A process for preparing a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1 which comprises reacting a compound of formula II

N \

NH

(II) wherein Ar is as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula III

wherein R,, R. and R₃ are as defined in claim 1, and if desired isolating as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof