GB2073176A - Piperidine Derivatives - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns compounds of formula <IMAGE> and acid addition and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, wherein the dotted line represents an optional bond, Ar represents a ring system of formula <IMAGE> in which Q is O, S, -CR<7>=CR<8>, -N=CR<8>- and -N=N-; R<4>, R<5> and substituents and additionally either R<4> and R<5> when adjacent or R<5> and R<8> when adjacent, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached also represent a fused five or six membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally carrying one or more defined substituents; R is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical or a cycloalkyl radical containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms; R<1>, R<2>, R<3> and R<9> are each hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; n is 0 or a direct bond and Z is -CO- or -CH2- with the proviso that when Ar is unsubstituted phenyl and R<9> is hydrogen then Y is -O-. The compounds of formula I exhibit psychotropic activity and are useful as antidepressants. Processes for preparing the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are disclosed.

Description

SPECIFICATION Piperidine Derivatives This invention relates to new piperidine derivatives, to processes for preparing them and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

More particularly this invention provides piperidino ureas, thioureas and guanidines which exhibit pharmaceutical activity especially psychotropic activity in standard pharmacological test procedures, and are potentially useful as anti-depressants. In general the compounds are specific inhibitors of 5hydroxytryptamine re-uptake in vitro and in vivo, and therefore may also be useful in any other therapeutic applications where such pharmacological specificity may be beneficial.

The invention provides compounds of formula:

and acid addition and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, wherein the dotted line represents an optional bond, Ar represents a ring system of formula

in which 0 is O, S, CR7=CR8-, -N-CR8- and -N=N-; R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 when present, each represent hydrogen or a substituent selected from lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkoxy, NO2, NH2, haloloweralkyl, hydroxyloweralkyl, aminoloweralkyl, substituted aminoloweralkoxycarbonyl, cyano1 CONH2 and hydroxy; and additionally either R4 and R5 when adjacent or R6 and R8 when adjacent, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached also represent a fused five or six membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally carrying one or more substituents as defined above;R is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical or a cycloalkyl radical containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms; Ra, R2, R3 and R9 are each hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; n is O or 1; X is =O, =S or =NH; Y is -0- or a direct bond and Z is -CO- or H2-, with the proviso that when Ar is unsubstituted phenyl and R9 is hydrogen then Y is --OO-.

The term 'lower' as used in connection with alkyl or alkoxy groups means that such groups contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms especially 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 'Substituted amino' includes groups such as alkyl- or dialkyl-amino, acylamino e.g. lower alkylcarbonylamino, ureido or sulphonylamino, e.g.

lower alkylsulphonamido or di-lower-alkylsulphonylamino.

Examples of lower alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl n-propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, neo-pentyl and nhexyl. Examples of lower alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy and hexoxy. Examples of cycloalkyl groups are cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl.

'Hydroxyloweralkyl' includes groups such as HO(CH2)mwhere m is 1 to 4, e.g. hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl.

Examples of lower alkylamino and di-lower-alkylamino groups are MeNH-, EtNH-, dimethylamino, isopropylamino and butylamino.

Examples of lower alkenyl groups are vinyl, propenyl, but-1-enyl and but-2-enyl.

Examples of haloloweralkyl groups are chloroethyl and trifluoromethyl.

'Aminoalkyl' includes groups such as NH2(CH2)rn-where m is 1 to 4, e.g. aminomethyl, aminoethyl.

Examples of lower alkoxycarbonyl groups are methoxy and ethoxycarbonyl.

Preferred halogen substituents are chlorine and bromine.

Examples of the group Ar when Q is O or S are

furan-2-yl, thiophen-2-yl, benzo[b]furan-3-yl, benzo[b]-thiophen-3-yl. Examples of Ar when Q is -CR7=CR8-are

Examples of Ar when Q is -N=CR8- are

When Q is -N=N- examples are

When monosubstituted phenyl or pyridyl the group Ar may be for example 4-t-butylphenyl, 4cumenyl, 4-n-butoxyphenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 3-vinylphenyl, 3-methylpyrid-2-yl, 4-methylpyrid-2-yl, 4-methylpyrid-3-yl, 4-chloropyrid-2-yl, 2-methylpyrid-4-yl or 2-bromopyrid-4-yl.

When multi-substituted phenyl or pyridyl the group Ar may be for example 3,4-dichlorophenyl; 3,4,5 trimethylphenyl; 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl; 3,4-dichloro-2-methylphenyl; 2,3-diethyiphenyl, 3-methyl-4vinylphenyl, 2,4-dichloropyrid-6-yl, 2,4-dimethylpyrid-6-yl. Examples of Ar when phenyl having a fused 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring are naphth-1 -yl; naphth-2-yl; benzo[1,4]dioxan-6-yl; 3,4-methylene-dioxyphenyl; 1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphth-6-yl; 1,4dihydronaphth-6-yl; benzo[b]thiophen-6-yl; indol-6-yl; benzo[b]furan-6-yl; quinol-6-yl and quinol-5-yl.

Examples of Ar when pyridyl having a fused 5 or 6 membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring are quinol-4-yl, quinol-2-yl, 5,6,7 ,8-tetrahydro-quinol-4-yl or 5,6,7 ,8-tetrahydro-quinol-2-yl. Examples of such groups when substituted in the fused ring are 6-methoxy-naphth-2-yl, 7-methoxy-naphth-2-yl and 4-methylnaphth-2-yl. Preferred fused heterocyclic 'Ar' rings have oxygen,-nitrogen or sulphur as heteroatom(s).

The group R is exemplified by aryl radicals such as phenyl which can be substituted for example by the substituents listed for R4, e.g. methyl (such as 4-methyl) ethyl, propyl, nitro (such as 3- or 4-nitro), hydroxy (such as 4-hydroxy), methoxy, ethoxy, fluorine, bromine, or chlorine (such as 3,4-dichloro).

Heteroaryl radicals for R include thienyl (e.g. thien-2-yl), furyl (e.g. fur-2-yl) and pyridyl (e.g. pyrid-2-yl), which radicals may be substituted as described above for the phenyl radical Ar.

Preferred values for Ar are phenyl substituted by one or more alkyl or alkoxy groups of 2 or more carbon atoms, e.g. 4-ethylphenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl; phenyl having a fused 5 or 6 membered carbocyclic ring, e.g. naphth-1 -yl, naphth-2-yl, such groups being optionally substituted by lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, nitro, trifluoromethyl, amino, lower alkylamino (e.g.

methylamino) diloweralkylamino (e.g. dimethylamino) and cyano.

Preferably n is 0, R9 is hydrogen or methyl and R' is hydrogen. Preferably X is oxygen.

Preferably Z is -CO- and R is phenyl or phenyl substituted in the position by lower alkoxy, e.g. methoxy.

Y is preferably a direct bond.

When Z is -CH2-, R is preferably phenyl.

Preferred compounds of the invention are 1-benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(naphth) 1 -ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]u rea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -[4-isopropylbenzyl)piperid-4- yljurea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -( 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphth-2-ylmethyl)-piperid-4-yljurea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4- dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]u rea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(indan-5-yl methyl)piperid-4-yl]urea; 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 - (1 -(naphth-2-yl)ethyl)piperid-4-yl]u rea; and 1 -benzoyl-3-1 -(4-ethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

Examples of acid addition salts are those formed from inorganic and organic acids and in particular pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts such as the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, sulphonate (such as the methanesulphonate and ptoluenesulphonate), acetate, maleate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, malonate and formate.

Compounds of formula I were tested for psychotropic activity by their ability to inhibit pchloroamphetamine (pCA) induced hyperactivity and/or by their ability to inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake in brain slices.

The following test procedure was used to test for ability to inhibit p-chloroamphetamine induced hyperactivity.

Three groups of 4 female mice (20--24 g) receive the test compounds (50 mg/kg po) and a fourth group the requisite volume of vehicle. Thirty minutes later all the animals are given 20 mg/kg p chloroamphetamine (pCA) ip. The grouped mice are placed immediately in square plastic cages in activity monitors and their motor activity recorded over the period 10-30 minutes post pCA. This procedure is repeated three more times so that four groups of mice are used per treatment and each activity monitor is used with all treatments in turn. The inhibition of pCA induced hyperactivity is calculated thus:- C-T 100% C where C=mean activity of control groups 10-30 minutes post pCA.

T=mean activity of treated groups 10-30 minutes post pCA.

This test is used as an in vivo screen for detection of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibitors.

Compounds giving > 50% inhibition are considered of special interest. In such a test the following compounds were particularly active: % Inhibition of pCA induced Compound hyperactivity 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyi)-piperid-4-yl] urea 67.5% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-1 -yl methyl)-piperid-4-yl] urea 56.4% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(4-isopropylbenzyl)-piperid-4-yljurea 49% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea 69.4%, 73.5% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-piperid-4-yl] urea 68.9% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(indan-5-ylmethyl)-piperid-4-yl] urea 59.3% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(1 -naphth-2-yl)ethyl]-piperid-4-ylj urea 71.7% 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(4-ethylbenzyl)-piperid-4-yl]urea 72.9% Compounds of formula I were tested for ability to inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake in brain slices using the following procedure: The effects of test compound on the neuronal uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine into slices of cerebral cortex prepared from rat brain is determined according to the method described by Snyder, Green and Hendley, Kinetics of H3-norepinephrine accumulation into slices from different regions of the rat brain (J.Pharm. exp. Therap. 164: 90-102) (1968). Concentration-response curves for the test compound and for the standard agent, imipramine are obtained. The potency of the test compound is expressed in proportion to that of imipramine. Thus, the potency ratio for the test compound: Molar concentration of imipramine giving 50% inhibition of 5HT uptake Molar concentration of test drug giving 50% inhibition of 5HT uptake Compounds not achieving 50% inhibition are considered inactive.

In such a test the compound 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea above was particularly active having a potency ratio of 8.8 (imipramine=1.0).

In vivo 5-HT uptake inhibition was also demonstrated for compounds of the invention by a procedure involving 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) induced behavioural syndrome. Mice given a high dose of 5-HTP exhibit a behavioural syndrome consisting of tremor, hind limb abduction, lateral head weaving and forepaw treading. In addition to these signs rats also exhibit head twitching and circling behaviour. In the following experiments the syndrome was said to be present if mice exhibited at least 3 and rats at least 4 of these signs. When animals are given a low dose of 5-HTP, which does not itself produce the syndrome, it can be produced by pretreatment with 5-HT uptake inhibitors. Thus, this test can be used as an indication of in vivo 5-HT uptake inhibition.

a) Dose/Response Study in Mice Groups of 12 (2 subgroups of 6) female mice (18-22 g) were used per dose, each group being housed in a separate cage for the duration of the experiment. Mice were dosed p.o. with either test compound or vehicle (0.5% HPMCj and 30 minutes later received a threshold dose of 5-HTP (80 mg/kg i.p.) and were placed in "Perspex" cylinders (12" diameter). ("Perspex" is a registered Trade Mark).

After a further 20 minutes the mice were observed for 5 minutes for the presence or absence of the syndrome. The dose that produced the syndrome in 50% of the mice was calculated using the method of Litchfield and Wilcoxon, J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. 96, 99-113 (1949).

b) Dose/Response Study in Rats Groups of 6 male rates (150 g) were dosed with test compound suspended in HPMC. Thirty minutes later 5-HTP (70 mg/kg i.p.) was given and the number of signs/rat recorded between 20 and 35 minutes post 5-HTP. Linear regression analysis of the results was performed and the ED, calculated from this.

The results found for 1-benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-piperid-4-yl]urea (A) and for the antidepressant clomipramine are shown below: EDso values forpotentiation of 5-HTP syndrome in: Compound Mice Fmg/kg po) Rats (mg/kg ip) A 7.2 5.3 clomipramine 18 39.2 This invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of formula I or acid addition or quaternary ammonium salts thereof. In general the compounds of formula I are prepared by building up the molecule from the appropriate starting materials by known reactions.Accordingly a first process for preparing a compound of formula I comprises reacting a compound of formula II

wherein the dotted line, R, Rt, R3, Z and X are as defined in connection with formula I, with a compound of formula Ill Ar-Y-CHR9-(CHR2),,-W (Ill) wherein Ar, Y, n, R2 and R9 are as defined above and W represents a leaving group, such as halogen, (e.g. chlorine, bromine or iodine), an organic sulphonyloxy radical (e.g. tosyloxy, mesyloxy), or a radical of formula -OSO2OR where R is W-A-, i.e. a sulphate.

The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of base, e.g. potassium carbonate, triethylamine; otherwise the reaction may be carried out by heating in the presence of an inert solvent, e.g. toluene.

A second general process for preparing compounds of formula I wherein X is O or S and R3 is hydrogen comprises reacting a compound of formula

wherein Ar, Y, R1, R2, R9 and n are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula R-Z-N =C=X (V) wherein R and Z are as hereinbefore defined and X is O or S. Such a reaction can be effected at room temperature. The starting materials of formula (IV) wherein R1 is hydrogen may be prepared by methods described in our U.K. Patent Specification No. 1,345,872. The starting materials of formula IV wherein R' is lower alkyl may be prepared by alkylating corresponding compounds of formula IV wherein R' is hydrogen, or by methods analogous to those described in Specification No. 1,345,872.

A further process for preparing compounds of formula I comprises reacting a compound of formula IV as defined hereinbefore with a compound of formula

wherein R, R3 and Z are as defined above and X is as defined above and if desired converting the product to an acid addition salt.

This process may be performed in the absence of solvent but is usually carried out by heating the reactants in the presence of a suitable inert organic solvent, for example toluene, pyridine, xylene, chlorobenzene, dimethylformamide or dioxan. Pyridine is the preferred solvent. Often it is convenient to reflux the reactants in the solvent until the reaction is complete. High yields e.g. 80-90% can be obtained. Preferably, the solvent has a boiling point greater than 100 C.

It is preferred to use equimolar amounts of the reactants.

A still further process for preparing compounds of formula I as hereinbefore defined wherein Z is -CO- comprises acylating a compound of formula

wherein the dotted line, Ar, X, Y, R2, R3, R9, n and R' are as hereinbefore defined with an acylating agent containing the group -COR. Examples of acylating agents are reactive derivatives of acids of formula RCOOH such as the acid halides (e.g. chloride, bromide) and the anhydride and activated esters as used in peptide chemistry. Other methods of acylation are well known in the art such as those employing coupling agents such as carbodiimides, e.g. dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

Compounds of formula VI may be prepared by hydrolysis of compounds of formula I wherein Z is -CO-.

Compounds of formula I may also be prepared by reducing a compound of formula VII or VIII

in which formulae Z, X, Ar, Y, n, R, R', R2, R3 and R9 are as hereinbefore defined and Be represents an anion, e.g. a halide ion. For example catalytic hydrogenation when X=O, e.g., in the presence of Raney nickel or platinum catalyst gives piperidine compounds of formula I. The reduction may also be effected by a process described and claimed in our U.K. Patent Specification No. 1542137. Such a reduction process empioys an alkali metal borohydride in a secondary alkanol having 3-5 carbon atoms, e.g. isopropanol. Alternatively reduction of compounds of formula VIII using an alkali metal borohydride in methanol gives dehydropiperidine compounds of formula I.

Yet a further process for preparing a compound of formula I comprises reacting a compound of formula Ar-Y-CHR9-(CHR2)-OH (IX) wherein Ar, Y, n, R2 and R9 are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula II, when X=O, in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. a nickel catalyst such as Raney nickel.

Compounds of formula I wherein X is =O or =NH may also be prepared by treating a corresponding compound of formula (X)

wherein the dotted line Ar, Y, R, R', R2, R3, R9 and Be are as hereinbefore defined, n is 1 and R'O is an organic quaternizing group which can be removed under mild conditions, e.g. by hydrogenolysis, that do not affect the rest of the molecule. For example, when R'O is an arylmethyl radical, such as benzyl, hydrogenolysis under standard conditions, e.g. using an appropriate catalyst such as a palladium on carbon, platinum or nickel catalyst, gives compounds of formula I. Methods for effecting this reaction are given in our U.K. Patent Specification No. 1,399,608. Suitably solvents include alkanols such as methanol.

Starting materials of formula X may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula III as defined above with a compound of formula

wherein R'O, R3, R' and R are as herein defined and X is =O or =NH.

Compounds of formula I wherein Y is -0- may also be prepared by reacting a compound of formula

wherein hal represents halogen and the dotted line R, R1, R2, R3, R9, n, X and Z are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula ArOH (oil) wherein Ar is as hereinbefore defined. This reaction is conveniently carried out by heating reactants in an inert solvent such as dimethylsulphoxide, in the presence of base, e.g. sodium hydride. Preferably hal represents bromine or chlorine.

Yet a further process for preparing compounds of formula I wherein X is NH and the dotted line is absent, comprises reacting a compound of formula

wherein Rand R3 are as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula IV as hereinbefore defined.

This reaction may be carried out in an inert solvent e.g. toluene with heating.

Once a compound of formula I having a reactive substituent group has been prepared then that compound may be converted in known manner to other compounds of formula I. For example when Ar is a group having a lower alkoxy or aryl lower alkoxy substituent on an aromatic ring dealkylation produces a corresponding compound of formula I wherein Ar carries a hydroxy substituent. When Ar is a group having nitro on an aromatic ring then reduction (e.g. catalytic hydrogenation) can convert the nitro group to an amino group. Such amino groups may be acylated.

The aforementioned processes may also include the step of conversion of an acid addition salt into the free base form or vice versa. Quaternisation of the tertiary nitrogen of the piperidine ring may be included as an optional after step, e.g. using alkyl or aryl lower alkyl halides, e.g. methyl iodide, benzyl chloride.

Starting materials used in the above mentioned processes are known compounds or may be prepared by analogous processes. For example, a compound of formula li wherein X=O may be prepared by reducing the corresponding compound of formula (XIV)

using for example catalytic hydrogenation. Compounds of formula XIV wherein R3 is H and Xis O or S may be prepared by reacting a 4-aminopyridine with a compound of formula RZNCX. Compounds of formula I or XIV wherein Z is -CO- and R3 is lower alkyl may be prepared by alkylating a corresponding compound of formula I or XIV wherein R3 is hydrogen (e.g. using an alkali metal hydride and an alkyl halide).

Compounds of formula VIII may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula III wherein W is halogen, especially bromine, with a compound of formula XIV.

Two general reactions for preparing starting materials of formula II are illustrated in the scheme below:

If necessary, in any of the reactions herein described, reactive substituent groups may be blocked during a reaction and released at a later stage. For example an amino substituent may be protected by a benzyloxy-carbonyl group which is removable using H2/Pd at the end of a reaction. Dehydropiperidine compounds of formula I (in which the optional bond is present) are also useful as intermediates for preparing the piperidines of formula I, being converted by reduction. Acylurea compounds of formula I are also useful as intermediates for preparing other acylurea compounds of formula I, by hydrolysing to give the urea of formula VI and re-acylating.

This invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient an active compound of formula I as above defined. The active compound may be finely comminuted if desired. In addition to the active ingredient, the compositions also contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Any suitable carrier known in the art can be used to prepare the pharmaceutical compositions. In such a composition, the carrier may be a solid, liquid or mixture of a solid and a liquid.

Solid form compositions include powders, tablets and capsules. A solid carrier can be one or more substances which may also act as flavouring agents, lubricants, solubilisers, suspending agents, binders, or tablet-disintegrating agents; it can also be 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 binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from 5 to 99, preferably 1080% of the active ingredient.

Suitable solid carriers are magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatin, tragacanth, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, a low melting wax, and cocoa butter. The term "composition" is intended to include the formulation of an active ingredient with encapsulating material as carrier to give a capsule in which the active ingredient (with or without other carriers) is surrounded by carrier, which is thus in association with it. Similarly cachets are included.

Sterile liquid form compositions include sterile solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups and elixirs. The active ingredient can be dissolved or suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable sterile liquid carrier, such as sterile water, sterile organic solvent or a mixture of both. Preferably a liquid carrier is one suitable for parenteral injection. Where the active ingredient is sufficiently soluble it can be dissolved in normal saline as a carrier; if it is too insoluble for this it can often be dissolved in a suitable organic solvent, for instance aqueous propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol solutions.

Aqueous propylene glycol containing from 10 to 75% of the glycol by weight is generally suitable. In other instances composition can be made by dispersing the finely-divided active ingredient in aqueous starch or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution, or in a suitable oil, for instance arachis oil. Liquid pharmaceutical compositions which are sterile solutions or suspensions can be utilised by intramuscular, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. In many instances, a compound is orally active and can be administered orally either in liquid or solid composition form.

Preferably the pharmaceutical composition is in unit dosage form. In such form, the composition is sub-divided in unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active ingredients; the unit dosage form can be a packaged composition, the package containing specific quantites of composition, for example packeted powders or vials or ampoules. The unit dosage form can be a capsule, cachet or tablet itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in package form. The quantity of active ingredient in a unit dose of composition may be varied or adjusted from 5 mg or less to 500 or more, according to the particular need and the activity of the active ingredient. The invention also includes the compounds in the absence of carrier where the compounds are in unit dosage form.

A further aspect of this invention includes a method of alleviating depression in a warm blooded animal afflicted with depression, which method comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of formula I as defined above.

The amount of compound used will depend on the compound employed, the severity and nature of the depression and the animal being treated. With large animals (about 70 kg body weight) by the oral route the dose is preferably from about 5 to about 75 mg and most preferably from about 10 to about 25 mg every four hours or as needed. By the parenteral route the dosage is preferably from about 2 to about 35 mg as needed. Ideally therapy should be initiated with lower dosages, the dosage thereafter being increased until the desired anti-depressive effect is obtained.

A further aspect of this invention provides chemical intermediates for the compounds of formula I which intermediates have the formula VI as hereinbefore defined wherein R3 is hydrogen, and formula VIII as hereinbefore defined.

The following examples illustrate the invention: Example 1 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-Syl]urea 4-Benzoylureidopiperidine (1.28 g, 0.005 m), 2-(bromomethyl)naphthalene (1.1 g, 0.005 m) and triethylamine (0.6 g, 0.006 m) in dimethylformamide (25 cm3) were stirred at room temperature for 23 hours. Water was added and the precipitated solid filtered off and washed well with water. The solid was suspended in warm ethanol, acidified with ethanolic HCI and then heated until all the solid had dissolved. The title compound crystallised and was collected as the hydrochloride salt, hemihydrate (1.6 g), m.p. 232-2340C.

Analysis: C24H26N302. HCI . -21H2O requires: C, 66.58; H, 6.29; N, 9.70% Found: C, 66.57; H, 6.43: N, 9.45% Example 2 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-1 -ylmethyl)piperid-Syl]urea 1-Chloromethylnaphthalene (0.88 g, 0.005 m), 4-benzoylureidopiperidine (1.28 g, 0.005 m) and triethylamine (0.6 g) in dimethylformamide (25 cm3) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours.

Water was added and the precipitated solid filtered off. The solid was suspended in isopropylalcohol and acidified with ethanolic HCI. The title compound was filtered off and dried as the hydrochloride salt, hemihydrate (1.2 g), m.p. 185-1 860C.

Analysis: C24H25N3O2.HCI.1#2H2O requires: C, 66.58; H, 6.29; N, 9.70% Found: C, 66.19; H, 6.52; N, 9.72% Example 3 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(4-isopropylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 4-lsopropylbenzyl chloride (0.84 g, 0.005 m), 4-benzoylureidopiperidine (1.28 g, 0.005 m) and triethylamine (0.6 g) in dimethylformamide (25 cm3) were stirred at room temperature for 24 hours.

Water was added and the precipitated solid filtered off. The solid was suspended in isopropylalcohol and acidified with ethanolic HCI. The title compound was filtered off and dried (1.2 g), m.p. 240- 2420C as the hydrochloride salt, hemihydrate.

Analysis: C23H29N3O2. HCI . .2H2O requires: C, 65.01; H, 7.35; N, 9.89% Found: C, 65.24; H, 7.66; N, 9.67% Example 4 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(6-methoxynaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea 6-Methoxynaphth-2-ylmethanol (0.94 g, 0.005 m) in dry benzene (10cm3) was refluxed with thionyl chloride (3 cm3) for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue treated with benzene (3x) and evaporated. 4-Benzoylureidopiperidine (1.28 g, 0.005 m), triethylamine (1.5 g, 0.015 m) and dimethylformamide (25 cm3) was added to the residue and the reaction mixture stirred at 500C for 2 hours. The solution was filtered and then diluted with water.The precipitated solid was washed with water, dissolved in chloroform and the chloroform extract washed with water and dried (MgSO4).

Evaporation gave a solid which was suspended in ethanol, acidified with ethanolic HCI and heated until all the solid had dissolved. On cooling the title compound crystallised and was filtered and dried as the hydrochloride, hemihydrate (1.3 g), m.p. 243-2440C.

Analysis: C25H27N3O2. HCI . +H2O requires: C, 64.85; H, 6.31; N, 9.07% Found: C, 64.59; H, 6.40; N, 8.90% Example 5 3-Benzoyl-1 -[1 -(1,4benzodioxan-ylmethyl)piperid-4yl]urea 1 ,4-Benzodioxan-6-ylmethanol (1.55 g, 9.34 mmol) and thionyl chloride (1.7 g, 14.29 mmol) were refluxed in sodium-dried diethyl ether (30 cm3) for 3 hours then the solvent and excess thionyl chloride evaporated. The residue was dissolved in toluene (20 cm3), thionyl chloride (1.7 g, 14.29 mmol) was added and the solution heated and stirred at 800C for 3 hours.Evaporation of the solvent gave a residue. 4-Benzoylureidopiperidine (2.0 g, 8.1 mmol) and triethylamine (1.09 g, 10 mmol) were added to the residue and refluxed in isopropyl alcohol overnight. The isopropyl alcohol was evaporated and the residue triturated with water. The water was decanted and the residue crystallised from isopropyl alcohol (1.64 g).

The base was suspended in refluxing isopropyl alcohol, ethanolic HCI was added and the mixture filtered. The filtrate was cooled at 50C overnight and the title compound collected and dried as the hydrochloride, quarterhydrate (1.46 g), m.p. 231-2350C.

Analysis: C22H2sN304. HCI . XH2O requires: C, 60.55; H, 6.12; N, 9.63% Found: C, 60.74; H, 6.27; N, 9.38% Example 6 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4-dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 3,4-Dimethylbenzyl alcohol (0.68 g, 0.005 m) in dry benzene (10 cm3) was treated with thionyl chloride (3 cm3) and refluxed for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue treated with benzene (3 times) and evaporated. 4-Benzoylureidopiperidine (1.28 g, 0.05 m), triethylamine (1.5 g, 0.015 m) and dimethylformamide (25 cm3) were added to the residue and the reaction mixture stirred at 500C for 2 hours.The solution was filtered and the filtrate diluted with water The precipitated solid was filtered, dissolved in chloroform and washed well with water, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to give a solid. The solid was suspended in ethanol and acidified with ethanolic HCI to give the title compound, which was recrystallised from ethanol as the hydrochloride, quarterhydrate, m.p. 239- 2400 C.

Analysis: C22H2N302 HCI .4H2O requires: C, 65.01; H, 7.07; N, 10.34% Found: C, 64.62; H, 7.05; N, 10.15% Example 7 1 -Benzoyl-3-[l -(3-aminobenzyl)piperid-4yl] urea 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3-nitrobenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 4.47 g (from Example 13) was hydrogenated with 5% Pd/C (0.5 g) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature until no more hydrogen was taken up. The catalyst was filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water and basified with .880 ammonia. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed well with water, dried, treated with charcoal, and evaporated to give the title compound, (1.9 gms).This was recrystallised from ethanolic HCI to give the dihydrochloride salt, monohydrate, m.p. 194-1 950C.

Example 8 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3-dimethanesulphonylaminobanzyl)piperid-4yl] urea Methanesulphonyl chloride (0.55 g) was added at room temperature to a stirred solution of the product of Example 7 (1.69 g) and triethylamine (0.5 g) in chloroform (10 cm3). After addition was complete the solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours, then washed with water, dried, and evaporated.

The residue was purified by trituration with ethanol at reflux. The product was suspended in ethanol, acidified with ethanolic HCI, heated for 5 minutes, cooled, and the title hydrochloride collected by filtration (0.5 g), m.p. 189-91 0C.

Analysis: C22H28N4O ,S2.HCI .2H2O requires: C, 47.69; H, 5.46; N, 10.11% Found: C, 47.56; H, 5.25; N,9.74%.

Examples 9 to 35 Using the procedure of Example 1 the following compound of formula I are obtained by reacting the appropriate compound of formula Ill wherein W is chlorine or bromine with 4benzoylureidopiperidine: Example No. Compound 9. 1-Benzoyl-3-11-(2-[naphth-1-yloxy]ethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate salt=226-229 0C).

10. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=244-245 C). C).

11. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(4-t-butylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate salt=202-204 C).

12. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1 -(4-n-butoxybenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=214-21 70C).

13. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3-nitrobenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate salt=255-257 0C).

14. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea (m.p. of HCI salt=233-50C).

15. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1 -(4-ethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=234- 2360C).

16. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(3,4-dibromobenzyl)pipend-4-yl)urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=228 23O0C).

17. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(2,5-dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=231 2320C).

18. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(4-n-propoxybenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=232 2340C).

19. 1-Benzoyl-[1 -[2-(naphth-2-oxy)ethyl]piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI salt=215 2180C).

20. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(indan-5-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt 253- 60C).

21. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(1 -(naphth-2-yl)ethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=172 40C).

22. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(4-methyl-3-nitrobenzyl)piperid-4-yl)urea, (m.p. of HCI salt 232-2340C).

23. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(3-bromo-4-methylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

24. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(quinol-4-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of sesquihydrochloride salt=2 11-21 3 0C).

25. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(quinol-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of di-HCI salt=213 2150C).

26. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ -(3,5-di 1-(3,5-dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate salt=248-2 52 0C).

27. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(2,4-dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate salt=23O-2320C).

Example No. Compound 28. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(3-bromobenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, quaterhydrate salt=222-2240C).

29. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(3-iodobenzyl)pipedd-4-yUurea (m.p. of HCI salt=2 1 7-219 0C).

30. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(pyrid-4-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of di-HCI salt=236 2380C).

31. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI salt=241 --243 OC).

32. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI salt=247-2490C).

33. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(6-methyinaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=25O-2530C).

34. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(1-[benzofuran-2-yl]ethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI salt=1 48-1 490C).

35. 1-[1-(5-Acetamido-2-hydroxybenzyl)piperid-4-yl]-3-benzoylurea (m.p. of HCI, 3/4 hydrate salt=230-2320C).

Example 36 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]thiourea 4-Amino-1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine (1.0 g, 0.0042 m) and benzoylisothiocyanate (0.69 g, 0.0042 m) in toluene (120 cm3) was stirred at room temperature for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the gum dissolved in isopropyl alcohol and acidified with ethanolic HCI. The solvent was evaporated and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate. The title compound crystallised and was filtered and dried as the monohydrochloride quarterhydrate salt, m.p. 212-21 40C.

Example 37 1 -[1 -( Naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]-3-(then-2-oyl)urea 4-Amino-1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine (1.0 g, 0.0047 m) and 1-(then-2-oyl)urea (0.65 g, 0.0042 m) in pyridine (5 cm3) was refluxed for 9.5 hours. The solvent was evaporated, water added, and the precipitated title compound filtered and washed well with water. This was recrystallised from ethanol, converted to the hydrochloride salt in ethanol with ethanolic HCI, and recrystallised from ethanol, 0.5 g, at the hydrochloride, m.p. 217-2190C.

Example 38 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-yl methyl)piperid-4-yl] guanidine 4-Amino-1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine (1.0 g, 0.0042 m) and benzoyl cyanamide (0.67 g, 0.0042 m) in toluene (100 cm3) were refluxed for 15 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue recrystallised from the minimum amount of isopropyl alcohol and recrystallised twice more from ethanol to give 0.65 g of the title compound, m.p. dihydrochloride quarter hydrate, m.p. 260- 2620C.

Examples 39 42 Using a procedure analogous to Example 37 4-amino-1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine is reacted with each of the following ureas: 3,4-dimethylbenzoylurea, 3-trifluoromethylbenzoylurea, 4-nitrobenzoylurea and 1 -(pyrid-4-oyl) urea to give the following compounds: Example No. Compound 39. 1-(3,4-Dimethylbenzoyl)-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate=223-226 OC).

40. 1 -(1 -(Naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]-3-(3-trifluoromethylbenzoylourea (m.p.

251-2530C).

41. 1-[1-(Naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]-3-(4-nitrobenzoyl)urea (m.p. of HCI salt=2621 5 C).

42. (1 -(Pyrid-4-oyl)-3-[1 (naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yljurea (m.p. 254-2550C).

Example 43 1 -(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-3-[ 1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (prepared according to Example 1) is hydrolysed by refluxing in 2N sodium hydroxide to give [1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p.

183--5"C). The product is acylated by reaction with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride to give the title compound, m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate=1 93-1 93.50C).

Examples i121 45 In a manner analogous to Example 1, 2-bromomethyl-naphthalene was reacted with the following compounds of formula II: 4-benzylureidopiperidine, 4-(p-fluorobenzoyl)ureidopiperidine to give the following compounds of formula I: Example No. Compound 44. 1-Benzyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (m.p. of HCI, 1/4 hydrate salt=243-2470C (dec)).

45. 1 -(p-Fluorobenzoyl)-3-[ 1 (naphtha-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yljurea (m.p. of HCI, 1/4 hydrate salt=242-2450C (dec)).

Examples 46-54 Using a procedure analogous to Example 1, 4-benzoylureidopiperidine is reacted with the following compounds: 2-(naphth-2-yi)ethyl tosylate, 6-cyanonaphth-2-ylmethyl bromide, 6-fluoronaphth-2-ylmethyl bromide, 6-bromonaphth-2-yI methyl bromide, 1-(naphth-2-yl)propyl chloride, di-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)sulphate, 6-chloromethylquinoxaline, 3-chloromethylcinnoline, 6-chloromethylisoquinoline, to give the following compounds: Example No. Compound 46. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1 (2-[naphth-2-yl]ethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI salt=230 2320C).

47. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(6-cyanonaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, (m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=264-2660C).

48. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(6-fluoronaphth-2-yI methyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

49. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(6-bromonaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

50. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -[1 -(naphth-2-yl)propyl]piperid-4-yl)urea.

51. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea, m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=232 -234 C).

52. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(quinoxalin-6-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

53. 1-Benzoyl-3-[1-(cinnolin-3-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

54. 1 -Benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(isoquinolin-6-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

Example 55 1 -Benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 2-Bromomethylnaphthalene is heated with 4-benzoylureidopyridine in acetonitrile solvent to give 1-benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-4-pyridinium urea bromide m.p. 247-80C.This compound is reduced by refluxing with sodium borohydride in isopropyl alcohol solvent to give the title compound, m.p. of HCI hemihydrate salt=232-2340C.

Alternatively 1-benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-4-pyridinium]urea bromide is reduced with sodium borohydride in methanol solvent to give 1-benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)-3,4- dehydropiperid-4-yl]urea. This compound may then be reduced by refluxing with sodium borohydride in isopropyl alcohol to give the title compound.

Example 56 1 -Benzoyl-1 -methyl-3-[l -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea 1-Methyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea (1.4 g) (prepared by reacting 4-amino-1 - (naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine with methyl isocyanate) in toluene (30 cm3) was acylated using benzoyl chloride (0.92 g) in presence of pyridine (0.6 g) to give the title compound: m.p. of HCI, hemihydrate salt=164-166 C.

Analysis: Found: C 67.37; H, 6.58; N, 9.45; C25H2,N302. HCl+H2O requires: C 67.18; H, 6.54; N, 9.40% Example 57 1 -Benzoyl-3-methyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yI] urea Using a procedure analogous to Example 37, 4-methylamino-1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperidine was reacted with benzoylurea to give the title compound. m.p. of HCI, quarterhydrate=207-2090C.

Claims (43)

Claims

1. A compound of formula I

and acid addition and quaternary ammonium salts thereof, in which the dotted line represents an optional bond, Ar represents a ring system of formula

in which Q is O, S, -CR7=CR8-, -N-CR8- and -N=N-; R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 when present, each represent hydrogen or a substituent selected from lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkoxy, NO2, NH2, halolower alkyl, hydroxylower alkyl, aminolower alkyl, substituted amino, lower alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, CONH2 and hydroxy; and additionally either R4 and R5 when adjacent or R6 and R8 when adjacent, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached also represent a fused five or six membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring optionally carrying one or more substituents as defined above;R is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical or a cycloalkyl radical containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms; R', R2, R3 and R9 are each hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; n is 0 or 1; X is =O, =S or =NH; Y is --OO- or a direct bond and Z is -CO- or -CH2-, with the proviso that when Ar is unsubstituted phenyl and R9 is hydrogen then Y is --OO-.

2. A compound of formula I as claimed in Claim 1 wherein Ar represents phenyl substituted by one or more groups selected from lower alkyl, halogen or lower alkoxy or a naphthyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, benzodioxanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolyl, or 4-, b-, 6- or 7-indolyl group, each optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy and cyano.

3. A compound of formula I as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein Y is a direct bond, n represents 0 and Z represents -CO-.

4. A compound of formula I as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein R is phenyl, phenyl substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, hydroxy or nitro, or a thienyl or pyridyl group.

5.1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

6. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(naphth-1 -ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

7. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(4-isopropylbenzylEpiperid-4-yl] urea.

8.1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronapth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

9. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4-dimethylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl] urea.

10. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(indan-5-ylmethy!)piperid-4-yl]urea.

11. 1 -benzoyl-3-f 1 -[1 -(naphth-2-yI)ethyl]-piperid-4-yljurea.

12. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(4-ethylbenzyl)piperid-4-ylj urea.

13. 3-benzoyl-1 -[1 -(1 ,4-benzodioxan-6-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

14. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(6-methoxynaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yI] urea.

1 5. 1 -benzoyl-3-{1 -(2-[naphth-1 -yloxyjethyl)piperid-4-yljurea.

1 6. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(3,4-dibrnmobenzyl)pipedd-4-yU urea.

17. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(4-n-propoxybenzyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

18. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1 -(3-amino-4-methylbenzyl)piperid-4-yl] u rea.

1 9. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 (quinol-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl3urea.

20. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(pyrid-4-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

21. 1 -[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]-3-(then-2-oyl)urea.

22.1-benzoyl-3-[1-(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]guanidine.

23. 1 -(4-fluorobenzoyl-3-[ 1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

24. 1 -benzyl-3-[1 -(naphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yl]urea.

25. 1 -benzoyl-3-[ 1(2-n aphth-2-ylethyl)piperid-4-yljurea.

26. 1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(6-cyanonaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-yljurea.

27.1 -benzoyl-3-[1 -(6-fluoronaphth-2-ylmethyl)piperid-4-ylj urea.

28. A compound of formula I as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 27 which is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition or quaternary ammonium salt.

29. A compound of formula I as claimed in Claim 28 in which the salt is the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, methanesulphonate, p-toluenesulphonate, acetate, maleate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, malonate or formate.

30. A process for preparing a compound of formula I as defined in Claim 1 or an acid addition or quaternary ammonium salts thereof characterised in that a) a compound of formula II

is reacted with a compound of formula Ill Ar-Y-CHR9-(CHR2)-W (III) in which formulae the dotted line, n, Ar, X, Y, Z, R, R1, R2, R3 and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 and W represents a leaving group; or b) a compound of formula (IV)

is reacted with a compound of formula R-Z-N=C=X (V) in which formulae n, Ar, Y, Z, R, R1, R2 and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 and X is O or S to give a corresponding compound of formula I wherein R3 is hydrogen, or c) a compound of formula IV as defined above is reacted with a compound of formula

wherein X is O, S or NH and R, R3 and Z are as defined in Claim 1, or d) a compound of formula VI

wherein n, Ar, X, Y, R', R2, R3 and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 is acylated with an acylating agent containing the groupCOR to give a corresponding compound of formula I in which Z is -CO-, or e) a compound of formula VII or VIII

wherein n, Ar, X, Y, Z, R, R1, R2, R3, and R9 are as defined irí Claim 1 and B- is an anion, is reduced, or f) a compound of formula IX Ar-Y-CHR9-(CHR)-OH (IX) where n, Ar, Y, R2 and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 is reacted with a compound of formula II as defined hereinabove in the presence of a nickel catalyst, or g) a compound of formula X

wherein the dotted line, Ar, Y, Z, R, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in Claim 1 and B is an anion, X is =O or =NH, n is 1 and R10 is an organic quaternising group, is treated under conditions suitable to remove the group R10 to give a corresponding compound of formula I or h) a compound of formula XII

wherein n, R, R1, R2, R3, R9, X and Z are as defined in Claim 1 and hal represents halogen, is reacted with a compound of formula:: ArOH (oil) wherein Ar is as defined in Claim 1 to give a compound of formula I wherein Y is --OO-, or i) a compound of formula IV as defined hereinabove is reacted with a compound of formula

wherein Rand R3 are as hereinbefore defined to give a compound of formula I wherein X is NH, or j) a compound of formula I having a reactive substituent group is converted to a compound of formula I having a different substituent group, or k) a basic compound of formula I is converted to an acid addition or quaternary ammonium salt or an acid addition salt of a compound of formula I is converted to the free base form.

31. A process (a) as claimed in Claim 30 wherein W is chlorine, bromine, tosyloxy or mesyloxy.

32. A process (d) as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the acylating agent is an acid halide or anhydride.

33. A process (e) as claimed in Claim 30 which is effected using an alkali metal borohydride.

34. A proces (j) as claimed in Claim 30 wherein R10 is an arylmethyl radical.

35. A compound of formula I as claimed in Claim 1 substantially as described in any one of Examples 1 to 45, 47-50 and 52-54.

36. A compound of formula I whenever prepared by a process as claimed in any one of Claims 30 to 34.

37. A compound of formula I as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 29 for use as a psychotropic agent.

38. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition or quaternary ammonium salt thereof as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 29 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

39. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in Claim 38 which is in unit dosage form.

40. A process for preparing a therapeutic composition exhibiting psychotropic activity characterised in that a compound of formula I or an acid addition or quaternary ammonium salt thereof as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 29 is brought into a form suitable for therapeutic administration.

41. A method for treating depression in a warm blooded animal which comprises administering a compound of formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition or quaternary ammonium salt thereof as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 29.

42. A compound of formula:

wherein the dotted line, n, Ar, X, Y, R1, R2, and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 and R3 is hydrogen, or an acid addition or quaternary ammonim salt thereof.

43. A compound of formula

wherein n, Ar, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R9 are as defined in Claim 1 and Bo is an anion.