IE913568A1

IE913568A1 - Acetylenes disubstituted with a heteroaromatic group and a¹2-substituted chromanyl, thiochromanyl or 1,2,3,4 -¹tetrahydroquinolinyl group having retinoid-like activity

Info

Publication number: IE913568A1
Application number: IE356891A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Allergan Inc
Priority date: 1990-10-09
Filing date: 1991-10-16
Publication date: 1992-04-22
Also published as: HUT63412A; NZ240059A; JPH06501684A; PL168075B1; FI931624A0; EP0555235A1; CA2091763A1; HU9301031D0; IL99618A0; AU657100B2; WO1992006092A1; AU8614991A; ZA918025B; FI931624A; PT99189A; EP0555235A4

Abstract

Retinoid-like activity is exhibited by compounds of formula (I) where X is S, O or NR'; where R' is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogen or lower alkyl; R4 and R5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl with the proviso that R4 and R5 cannot both be hydrogen, A is pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridazinyl, pirimidinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl or oxazolyl; n is 0 - 5, and B is H, -COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, -CH2OH or an ether or ester derivative, or -CHO or an acetal derivative, or -COR1 or a ketal derivative where R1 is -(CH2)mCH3 where m is 0 - 4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Description

ACETYLENES DISUBSTITUTED WITH A HETEROAROMATIC GROUP AND A 2- SUBSTITUTED CHROMANYL, THIOCHROMANYL OR 1,2.3,4 TETRAHYDROQUINOLINYL GROUP HAVING RETINOID-LIKE ACTIVITY gackqrognd Cross-Reference to Related Application 1. This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Serial Number 409,476, filed on September 19, 1989, and assigned to the same assignee as this application.

Field of the Invention 2. This invention relates to novel compounds having retinoid-like activity. More specifically, the invention relates to compounds having an ethynylheteroaroraatic acid portion and a second portion which is a 2-substituted tetrahydroquinolinyl, thiochromanyl, or chromanyl group. The acid function may also be converted to an alcohol, aldehyde or ketone or derivatives thereof, or may be reduced to -CH3.

Related Art Carboxylic acid derivatives useful for inhibiting the degeneration of cartilage of the general formula 4-(2-(4,4-dimethyl-6-X)-2-methylvinyl)benzoic acid where X is tetrahydroquinolinyl, chromanyl or thiochromanyl are disclosed in European Patent Application 0133795 published January 9, 1985. See also European Patent Application 176034A published April 2, 1986 where tetrahydronaphthalene compounds having an ethynylbenzoic acid group are disclosed, and United States Patent No. 4,739,098 where three olefinic units from the acid-containing moiety of retinoic acid are replaced by an ethynylphenyl functionality.

Summary of the Invention This invention covers compounds of Formula 1 wherein X is S, Ο; R^-R^ are hydrogen or lower alkyl, R4 and R5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl with the proviso that R4 and Rg cannot both be hydrogen; A is pyridinyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl or oxazolyl; n is 0-5; and B is H, -COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, -CH2OH or an ether or ester derivative, or -CHO or an acetal derivative, or -COR-l or a ketal derivative where Rx is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 5 carbons. in a second aspect, this invention relates to the use of the compounds of Formula 1 for treating dermatoses, such as acne, Darier's disease, psoriasis, icthyosis, eczema, atopic dermatitis and epithelial cancers. These compounds are also useful in the treatment of arthritic diseases and other immunological disorders (e.g. lupus erythematosus), in promoting wound healing, in treating dry eye syndrome and in reversing the effects of sun damage to skin.

This invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of Formula 1 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In another aspect, this invention relates to the process for making a compound of Formula 1 which process comprises reacting a compound of Formula 2 with a compound of Formula III in the presence of cuprous iodide and Pd(PQ3)2Cl2 (Q is phenyl) or a similar complex Formula 2 Formula 3 where Rj^-Rg are the same as described above, X' is a halogen, preferably I; n, and A are the same as defined above; and B is H, or .a protected acid, alcohol, aldehyde or ketone, giving the corresponding compound of Formula l; or to the process of making a compound of Formula 1 which consists of reacting a zinc salt of Formula 4 with a compound of Formula 3 in the presence of Pd(PQ3)4 (Q is phenyl) or a similar complex.

Formula 4 where Rj-Rg, and X, are the same as defined above, giving the corresponding compound of Formula 1; or homologating a compound of the Formula 5 where n is 0-4 to give an acid of Formula 1; or converting an acid of Formula 1 to a salt; or forming an acid addition salt; converting an acid of Formula 1 to an ester; or 15 converting an acid of Formula 1 to an amide; or reducing an acid of Formula 1 to an alcohol or aldehyde ; or converting an alcohol of Formula l to an ether or ester; or oxidizing an alcohol of Formula 1 to an aldehyde; or converting an aldehyde of Formula 1 to an acetal; or converting a ketone of Formula 1 to a ketal.

General Embodiments Definitions The term ’’ester” as used here refers to and covers any compound falling within the definition of that term as classically used in organic chemistry. Where B (of Formula l) is -COOH, this term covers the products derived from treatment of this function with alcohols, preferably with aliphatic alcohols having 1-6 carbons. Where the ester is derived from compounds where B is -CH2OH, this term covers compounds of the formula -CH2OOCR where R is any substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic group, preferably with 1-6 carbons in the aliphatic portion.

Preferred esters are derived from the saturated aliphatic alcohols or acids of ten or fewer carbon atoms or the cyclic or saturated aliphatic cyclic alcohols and acids of 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred aliphatic esters are those derived from lower alkyl acids or alcohols. Here, and where ever else used, lower alkyl means having 1-6 carbon atoms. Also preferred are the phenyl or lower alkylphenyl esters.

Preferred ethers are derived from the saturated alcohols defined hereinabove in relation to the preferred esters. Also preferred are the phenyl and lower alkyl phenyl ethers.

Amide has the meaning classically accorded that term in organic chemistry. In this instance it includes the unsubstituted amides and all aliphatic and aromatic mono and di-substituted amides. Preferred amides are the mono and di-substituted amides derived from the saturated aliphatic radicals of ten or fewer carbon atoms or the cyclic or saturated aliphatic-cyclic radicals of 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred amides are those derived from lower alkyl amines. Also preferred are mono and di-substituted amides derived from the phenyl or lower alkylphenyl amines. Unsubstituted amides are also preferred.

Acetals and ketals include the radicals of the formula -CK where K is (-OR)2· Here, R is lower alkyl. Also, K may be -OR^O- where R^ is lower alkyl of 2-5 carbon atoms, straight chain or branched.

A pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be prepared for any compound of this invention having a functionality capable of forming such salt, for example an acid or an amine functionality. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be any salt which retains the activity of the parent compound and does not impart any deleterious or untoward effect on the subject to which it is administered and in the context in which it is administered.

Such a salt may be derived from any organic or inor5 ganic acid or base. The salt may be a mono or polyvalent ion. Of particular interest where the acid function is concerned are the inorganic ions, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Organic amine salts may be made with amines, particularly ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and trialkyl amines or ethanol amines. Salts may also be formed with caffeine, tromethamine and similar molecules. Where there is a nitrogen sufficiently basic as to be capable of forming acid addition salts, such may be formed with any inorganic or organic acids or alkylating agent such as methyl iodide. Preferred salts are those formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. Any of a number of simple organic acids such as mono-, di- or tri-acid may also be used.

The preferred compounds of this invention are those where the ethynyl group and the B group are attached to the 2 and 5 positions respectively of a pyridine ring (the 6 and 3 positions in the nicotinic acid nomenclature being equivalent to the 2/5 designation in the pyridine nomen25 clature) or the 5 and 2 positions respectively of a thiophene group respectively; n is 0; and B is -COOH, an alkali metal salt or organic amine salt, or a lower alkyl ester, or -CH2OH and the lower alkyl esters and ethers thereof, or -CHO and acetal derivaives thereof. The more preferred compounds shown in Formula 6 are: ethyl 6-[(2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinate (Compound 1, X = S, R-j = H, 1*4 = CH3, Rs ~ CH3» R” = C2H5) 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinic acid (Compound 2, X = S, R3 = H, R4 = CH3, R5 = CH3, R = H) ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman- 6 - yl) - ethynyl] nicotinate (Compound 3, X = 0, R3 = H,R4 = CH3, R5 = ch3, R = C2H5) 6-[(2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinic acid (Compound 4, X = 0, R3 = H, R4 = CH3, Rg = CH3 R = H) 1q ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-y1)-ethynyl] nicotinate (Compound 5, X = S, R3 = CH3, R4 = CH3, Rg = CH3, R = C2H5) 6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinic acid (Compound 6, X = S, R3 = CH3, R4 = CH3, Rg = CH3, R = H) ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinate (Compound 7, X = 0, R3 = CH3, R4 = CH3, Rg = ch3 R = C2Hg) 6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)-ethynyl] nicotinic 2o acid (Compound 8, X = 0, R3 = CH3, R4 = CH3, Rg = CH3, R = H) ethyl 6-((2,4,4-Trimethyl-6 thiochromanyl)-ethynyl] nicotinate (Compound 62, X =· S, R3 => H, R4 = H, Rg = CH-j, R = v2n5 Formula 6 The compounds of this invention may be administered systemically or topically, depending on such considerations as the condition to be treated, need for site-specific treatment, quantity of drug to be administered, and 5 similar considerations.

In the treatment of dermatoses, it will generally be preferred to administer the drug topically, though in certain cases such as treatment of severe cystic acne, oral administration may also be used. Any common topical 10 formulation such as a solution, suspension, gel, ointment, or salve and the like may be used. Preparation of such topical formulations are well described in the art of pharmaceutical formulations as exemplified, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Science. Edition 17, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pennsylvania. For topical application, these compounds could also be administered as a powder or spray, particularly in aerosol form.

If the drug is to be administered systemically, it may be confected as a powder, pill, tablet or the like, or as a syrup or elixir for oral administration. For intravenous or intraperitoneal administration, the compound will be prepared as a solution or suspension capable of being administered by injection. In certain cases, it may be useful to formulate these compounds in suppository form or as an extended release formulation for deposit under the skin or intermuscular injection.

Other medicaments can be added to such topical formulation for such secondary purposes as treating skin dryness, providing protection against light; other medica30 tions for treating dermatoses, preventing infection, reducing irritation, inflammation and the like.

Treatment of dermatoses or any other indications known or discovered to be susceptible to treatment by retinoic acid-like compounds will be effected by administration of the therapeutically effective dose of one or more compounds of the instant invention. A therapeutic concentration will be that concentration which effects reduction of the particular condition, or retards its expansion. In certain instances, the drug potentially could be used in a prophylactic manner to prevent onset of a particular condition. A given therapeutic concentration will vary from condition to condition and in certain instances may vary with the severity of the condition being treated and the patient’s susceptibility to treatment. Accordingly, a given therapeutic concentration will be best determined at the time and place through routine experimentation. However, it is anticipated that in the treatment of, for example, acne, or other such dermatoses, that a formulation containing between 0.001 and 5 percent by weight, preferably about 0.01 to 1% will usually constitute a therapeutically effective concentration. If administered systemically, an amount between 0.01 and 100 mg per kg body weight per day, but preferably about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg, will effect a therapeutic result in most instances.

The retionic acid like activity of these compounds was confirmed through the classic measure of retionic acid activity involving the effects of retionic acid on ornithine decarboxylase. The original work on the correlation between retionic acid and decrease in cell proliferation was done by Verma & Boutwell, Cancer Research. 1977. 37, 2196-2201. That reference discloses that ornithine decar30 boxylase (ODC) activity increased precedent to polyamine biosynthesis. It has been established elsewhere that increases in polyamine synthesis can be correlated or associated with cellular proliferation. Thus, if ODC activity could be inhibited, cell hyperproliferation could be modulated. Although all causes for ODC activity increase are unknown, it is known that 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induces ODC activity. Retionic acid inhibits this induction of ODC activity by TPA. The compounds of this invention also inhibit TPA induction of ODC as demonstrated by an assay essentially following the procedure set out in Cancer Res.. 35; 1662-1670, 1975.

By way of example of retinoic acid-like activity it 10 is noted that in the assay conducted essentially in accordance with the method of Verma & Boutwell, ibid, the following examples of the preferred compounds of the present invention (Compounds 1, 3 and 7) attained an 80% inhibition of TPA induced ODC activity at the following concentrations (IC8Q): Compound IC80 conc (nmols) 62 0.69 0.13 0.2 0.78 nmol Specific Embodiments The compounds of this invention can be made by a number of different synthetic chemical pathways. To illustrate this invention, there is here outlined a series of steps which have been proven to provide the compounds of formula 1 when such synthesis is followed in fact and in spirit. The synthetic chemist will readily appreciate that the conditions set out here are specific embodiments which can be generalized to any and all of the compounds represented by Formula 1. Furthermore, the synthetic chemist will readily appreciate that the herein described synthetic steps may be varied and or adjusted by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Compounds of Formula 1 where X is -S- and R4 and R5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, with the proviso that R4 and R5 both are not hydrogen, are prepared as per Reaction Scheme I Reaction Scheme I A—(CH2)n-B In Reaction Scheme I, Rj-Rj are hydrogen or a lower alkyl group, A is as defined above in connection with Formula 1, n is 0-5 and B is H, or a protected acid, alcohol, aldehyde or ketone. X' is Cl, Br or I when n is O but preferably be Br or I when n is 1-5.

Compounds of Formula 1 where X is oxygen and R4 and R5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl, with the proviso that R4 and Rg both are not hydrogen, are prepared as per Reaction Scheme 2.

Reaction 8cheme 2 (CHA-B In Reaction Schema 2 the definitions of R^-Rg, n, A, B and X' are the same as in Reaction Scheme 1.

A general description of the synthetic steps outlined in Reaction Schemes 1 and 2 is as follows.

In Reaction Scheme 1 the 4-bromo-thio-phenol (Compound 9) is acylated with an acylating agent, such as an acid chloride (Compound 10) derived from an appropriately substituted acrylic acid. The acylation is conducted in an inert solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran) in the presence of strong base (for example sodium hydrdride). The resulting thioester (Compound 11) which contains the olefinic bond of the acrylic acid moiety is ring closed in the presence of a Fridel Crafts type catalyst (such as aluminum chloride) by stirring in a suitable solvent such as methylene chloride. The resulting 2-oxo-6-bromoIE 913568 thiochromane (Compound 12) is usually isolated in crystalline form.

The R4 and/or Rg substituents (both of which cannot be hydrogen in accordance with the invention) are intro5 duced by treating the 2-oxo-6-bromo-thiochroman (Compound 12) with a Grignard reagent, bearing the alkyl substituents R4 and Rg (such as methylmagnesium bromide when R4 and R5 are methyl). When the Grignard reagent (such as methylmagnesium bromide) is in excess, the thiochroman ring is opened and the tertiary alcohol derivative of the 4-bromo thiophenol (Compound 13) is formed.

Ring closure of the thiophenol derivative (Compound 13) which has the desired R^, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituents, is affected by heating in acidic conditions, prefer15 ably by heating Compound 13 in agueous acid. The resulting 6-bromothiochroman which bears the desired alkyl (or hydrogen) substituents, Rj, R2, Rg, R4 and Rg is shown as Compound 14 in Reaction Scheme 1.

To introduce the acetylene (ethyne) portion into the molecule, the substituted 6-bromothiochroman 14 is reacted with trimethylsilylacetylene in the presence of cuprous iodide and a suitable catalyst, typically having the formula Pd(PQ3)2Cl2 (Q is phenyl). The reaction is typically conducted in the presence of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride catalyst, an acid acceptor, (such as triethylamine) under an inert gas (argon) atmosphere, by heating in a sealed tube. The resulting 6-trimethylsilylethynylthiochroman, is shown as Compound 15 in Reaction Scheme 1, As is shown on Reaction Scheme 1, the trimethylsilyl moiety is removed from the 6-trimethylsilylethynyl-thiochroman 15 in the next synthetic step, to provide the ring substituted 6-ethynyl-thiochroman derivative (compound ie 16). The latter reaction is conducted under basic conditions, preferably under an inert gas atmosphere.

In order to introduce the heteroaryl substituent on the acetylene (ethyne) portion of Compound 16, Compound 16 5 is coupled with the reagent X'-A-(CH2)n-B (Formula 3) where the symbols X', A and B have the same meaning as defined in connection with Formula 3. In other words, the heteroaryl substituent is introduced into the 6-thiochromanylethyne 16 by reacting the latter with a halogen 10 substituted heteroaromatic compound (Formula 3) in which the heteroaramatic nucleus (A) either has the desired substituent [(CH2)n-B] or wherein the actual substituent (CH2)n-B can be readily converted to the desired substituent by means of organic reactions well known in the art. j_5 Coupling of the 6-thiochromanylethyne 16 with the reagent X’-A-(CH2)n-B is affected directly in the presence of cuprous iodide, a suitable catalyst, typically of the formula Pd(PQ3)2Cl2 and an acid acceptor, such as triethylamine, by heating in a sealed tube under an inert gas 20 (argon) atmosphere.

The resulting disubstituted acetylene compound (Compound 18) may be the target compound made in accordance with the invention, or maybe readily converted into the target compound by such steps as salt formation, esterification, deesterification, homologation, amide formation and the like. These steps are further discussed below.

Compound 18 may also be obtained by first converting the 6-thiochromanylethyne derivative 16 into the corre3q sponding metal salt, such as a zinc salt, (Compound 17) and thereafter coupling the salt 17 with the reagent X’-A(CH2)n-B (Formula 3) in the presence of a catalyst having the formula Pd(PQ3)4 (Q is phenyl), or similar complex.

Derivatization of Compound 18 is indicated in Reaction Scheme 1 as conversion to homologs and derivatives”, Compounds 19.

More specifically with respect to either derivatiza5 tion or deblocking of protected functionalities in Compound 18, or with respect to the preparation of heteroarometic compounds of the formula X'-A-(CH2)n-B, (which after coupling either directly yield the compounds of the invention, or are readily converted into them) the following is noted.

Where a protected heteroaromatic compound is needed to couple with the compounds of Formula 2 (Compounds 16 in Reaction Scheme 1), such may be prepared from their corresponding acids, alcohols, ketones or aldehydes. These starting materials, the protected acids, alcohols, aldehydes or ketones, are all available from chemical manufacturers or can be prepared by published methods. Carboxylic acids are typically esterified by refluxing the acid in a solution of the appropriate alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as hydrogen chloride or thionyl chloride. Alternatively, the carboxylic acid can be condensed with the appropriate alcohol in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylaminopyridine. The ester is recovered and purified by conventional means.

Acetals and ketals are readily made by the method described in March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company, p 810). Alcohols, aldehydes and ketones all may be protected by forming respectively, ethers and esters, acetals or ketals by known methods such as those described in McOmie, Plenum Publishing Press, 1973 and Protecting Groups, Ed. Greene, John Wiley & Sons, 1981.

To increase the value of n before effecting a couIE 913568 piing reaction, where such compounds are not available from a commercial source, the heteroaromatics where B is -COOH are subjected to homologation by successive treatment under Arndt-Eistert conditions or other homologation procedures. Alternatively, heteroaromatics where B is a different from COOH, may also be homologated by appropriate procedures. The homologated acids can then be esterified by the general procedure outlined in the preceding paragraph.

An alternative means for making compounds where n is - 5 is to subject the compounds of Formula 1, where B is an acid or other function, to homologation, using the Arndt-Eistert method referred to above, or other homologation procedures.

The acids and salts derived from Formula 1 are readily obtainable from the corresponding esters. Basic saponification with an alkali metal base will provide the acid. For example, an ester of Formula 1 may be dissolved in a polar solvent such as an alkanol, preferably under an inert atmosphere at room temperature, with about a three molar excess of base, for example, potassium hydroxide.

The solution is stirred for an extended period of time, between 15 and 20 hours, cooled, acidified and the hydrolysate recovered by conventional means.

The amide may be formed by any appropriate amidation means known in the art from the corresponding esters or carboxylic acids. One way to prepare such compounds is to convert an acid to an acid chloride and then treat that compound with ammonium hydroxide or an appropriate amine.

For example, the acid is treated with an alcoholic base solution such as ethanolic KOH (in approximately a 10% molar excess) at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

The solvent is removed and the residue taken up in an organic solvent such as diethyl ether, treated with a dialkyl formamide and then a 10-fold excess of oxalyl chloride. This is all effected at a moderately reduced temperature between about -10 degrees and +10 degrees C.

The last mentioned solution is then stirred at the reduced temperature for 1-4 hours, preferably 2 hours. Solvent removal provides a residue which is taken up in an inert inorganic solvent such as benzene, cooled to about 0 degrees C and treated with concentrated ammonium hydrox10 ide. The resulting mixture is stirred at a reduced temperature for 1-4 hours. The product is recovered by conventional means.

Alcohols are made by converting the corresponding acids to the acid chloride with thionyl chloride or other means (J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company), then reducing the acid chloride with sodium borohydride (March, Ibid, pg. 1124), which gives the corresponding alcohols. Alternatively, esters may be reduced with lithium aluminum hydride at reduced temperatures. Alkylating these alcohols with appropriate alky halides under Williamson reaction conditions (March, Ibid, pg. 357) gives the corresponding ethers. These alcohols can be converted to esters by reacting them with appropriate acids in the presence of acid catalysts or dicyclohexlcarbodiimide and dimethlaminopyridine.

Aldehydes can be prepared from the corresponding primary alcohols using mild oxidizing agents such as pyridinium dichromate in methylene chloride (Corey, E. J., Schmidt, G., Tet. Lett.. 399, 19791. or dimethyl sulfoxide/ oxalyl chloride in methylene chloride (Omura, K., Swern, D., Tetrahedron, 1978, 34. 1651).

Ketones can be prepared from an appropriate aldehyde by treating the aldehyde with an alkyl Grignard reagent or similar reagent followed by oxidation.

Acetals or ketals can be prepared from the corresponding aldehyde or ketone by the method described in March, Ibid, p 810.

Compounds where B is H can be prepared from the corresponding halo-heterocyclic entity, preferably where the halogen is I.

With reference to Reaction Scheme 2, phenol, or a 10 phenol substituted in the 3 (meta) position by an alkyl substituent (R3) (Compound 20) is acylated with an acylating agent, such as an acid chloride (Compound 10) derived from an appropriately substituted acrylic acid. In Reaction Scheme 2, just as in Reaction Scheme l, the R3 and R2 substituents of the target compounds are introduced through this acrylic acid derivative 10. The acylation with the acid chloride 10 is preferably conducted in the presence of a strong base (e.g. sodium hydride) in an inert solvent (such as tetrahydrofuran). The resulting substituted phenyl-acrylate is shown in Reaction Scheme 2 as Compound 21.

The substituted phenyl-acrylate 21 is ring closed under Friedel Crafts type reaction conditions (A1C13 catalyst, in an inert solvent, such as methylene chloride) to provide the 2-oxo-chroman compound (Compound 22) which bears, in the 4-position, the R^ and R2 substituents and in the 6-position the R3 substituent (as applicable).

Just like the analogous 2-oxo-thiochroman 12 in Reaction Scheme 1, the 2-oxo-chroman 22 of Reaction Scheme 2 is treated with a Grignard reagent to introduce the R4 and R5 substituents. As it was noted out above, R4 and Rg both cannot be hydrogen. When R4 and Rg are methyl, the Grignard reagent is preferably methylmagnesium chloride (dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, THF). A solution of Compound 22 in a suitable solvent, for example in dry diethylether is added to this Grignard reagent. The resulting phenol containing a tertiary alcohol side chain, (that is a molecule in which the chroman ring had been opened) is shown in Reaction Scheme 2 as Compound 23.

Compound 23 which already has the desired Rlz R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituents, is ring closed under acidic conditions, (e.g. by heating in aqueous sulfuric acid) to provide the chromane derivative (Compound 24). It should be noted that up to this point in the synthetic sequence (which is preferably but not necessarily exclusively used for making the compounds of the invention) similar or analogous steps are involved for making both the thiochro15 man (Reaction Scheme 1) and chroman derivatives (Reaction Scheme 2), the only difference being that in Reaction Scheme 2 the starting phenol derivative does not have a halogen (such as a bromo) substituent.

Because of the lack of the halogen substituent in the preferred synthetic sequence for preparing the chroman compounds of the invention, the preferred and herein illustrated steps (Reaction Scheme 2) for introducing the acetylene (ethyne) group into the 6-position of the chroman moiety are different from the steps utilized for introducing the acetylene moiety into the analogous thiochroman (Reaction Scheme 1).

Thus, in Reaction Scheme 2 an acetyl group is introduced into the 6-position of the chroman derivative 24 under Friedel Crafts type conditions. This acetylation is 30 preferably conducted with acetyl chloride, in nitromethane solvent, in the presence of aluminum chloride. The resulting 6-acetyl-chroman derivative is Compound 25.

The acetylenic (triple) bond is introduced into the molecule by converting the 6-acetyl moiety of chroman 25 to an acetylene moiety. This is accomplished, preferably, by treatment with lithium diisopropylamide (at low temperature, such as - 78 degrees C) which causes enolization of the acetyl group. The intermediate enol compound (not shown in Reaction Scheme 2) is esterified by treatment with diethylchlorophosphate (or the like) and is again reacted at reduced temperature (e.g. - 78 degrees C) with lithium diisopropylamide, to form the triple bond (presum10 ably by an elimination reaction) and to yield the 6-ethynyl-chroman derivative (Compound 26).

It is noted at this point that the present invention is not intended to be limited or bound by the above-mentioned and other theories of reaction mechanisms. Brief description of theory of reaction mechanisms (where applicable) are given to further enable and facilitate the work of a skilled artisan in the field to modify and adjust the synthetic conditions to fit particular specific intermediates and to make the several compounds of the 2o invention, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring back again to Reaction Scheme 2, the 6ethynyl-chroman derivative 26 may be converted into the target compounds of the invention in synthetic steps which are analogous to the conversion of 6-ethynyl-thiochromans (Compound 16) into the corresponding target thiochroman derivatives (See Reaction Scheme 1). Briefly, Compound 26 is preferably heated with a reagent X’-A-(CH2)n-B (Formula 3) in the presence of cuprous iodide, a suitable catalyst, typically of the formula Pd(PQ3)2 Cl2 (Q is phenyl or the like) and an acid acceptor, such as triethylamine. This coupling reaction, yields the target chroman compounds, (Compound 28) or such derivatives which are readily conIE 913568 verted into the target compounds by protection, deprotection, esterification, homologation etc., as is discussed in connectin with Reaction Scheme 1. The homologs are indicated, as a group, as Compound 28a in Reaction Scheme 2.

Alternatively, the 6-ethynyl-chroman compounds 26 may first be converted to the corresponding metal (zinc) salt (Compound 27) and thereafter coupled with the reagent X'-A-(CH2)n-B (Formula 3) under conditions which are similar to the conditions described in Reaction Scheme 1 for coupling of Compounds 18 with the same reagent.

REACTION SCHEME K With reference to Reaction Scheme 3, substituted 625 bromothiochroman 14 where one of the R4 or R5 substituent is alkyl and the other is hydrogen can be made by treating the 2oxo-6-bromo-thiochroman (Compound 12) with Grignard reagent as in Reaction Scheme 1. Thus, the 2-oxo-thio chroman 12 is treated with excess Grignard reagent bearing the necessary alkyl substituent R4, such as methyl magnesium bromide when R4 or R5 is methyl. The reaction is kept at a constant relatively low temperature (approximately 14 degrees C) for a relatively short time (approximately 0.5 hours) whereupon the hemiacetal derivative (Compound 55) is formed, as shown in Reaction Scheme 3. The hemiacetal 55 is then subjected to acidic conditions, preferably by heating it with aqueous sulfuric acid, to give the 6-bromo thio olefine derivative (Compound 56). The 6-bromo thio olefin is reduced, by hydrogenation in the presence of palladium sulfide catalyst, at moderate pressure (approximately 30 psi). The resulting 6-bromo thio chroman which bears the desired hydrogen and alkyl substituents at the Rx, R2, R3, R4 and Rj positions, (specifically one of R4 or R5 is alkyl, the other H) is shown as Compound 14.

Again referring back to 6-bromo-thio chroman 14, in Reaction Scheme 4, the R4 and Rj substituents, both of which are alkyl but not identical with one another, are introduced by treating the hemiacetal derivative (Compound 55) with a different Grignard reagent than previously used, as shown in Scheme 4. In this reaction the thiochroman ring is opened, in the presence of Grignard, to 2q form the tertiary alcohol derivative of 4-bromo-thio phenol (Compound 13). Ring closure of the tertiary alcohol which bears the desired Rx, R2, R3, R4 and Rj substituents is affected, as before, by heating in acidic condiJ tions, preferably by heating compound 13 with aqueous sulfuric acid. The resulting 6-bromothiochroman which contains the desired alkyl and hydrogen substituents at Rx, Rj, R3, R4 and Rs is shown as Compound 14.

REACTION SCHEME 5 In Reaction Scheme 5, just as in Reaction Scheme 3, one of the R4 or Rs substituents of the substituted chro man (Compound 24) is alkyl while the other is hydrogen. Like the analogous 2-oxo-thio-chroman 12 in Reaction Scheme 3 the 2-oxo-chroman 22 of Reaction Scheme 5 is treated with excess Grignard reagent to introduce the R4 and Rg substituents. With controlled temperature and time, as stated previously, the hemiacetal derivative can be isolated (Compound 57), as shown in Reaction Scheme 5. Under the usual acidic conditions, (e.g. by heating in aqueous sulfuric acid) the hemiacetal 57 is converted to the corresponding olefin derivative (Compound 58). The olefin 58 can then be reduced using the same conditions as described for the reduction of Compound 56 in Reaction Scheme 3, or by a more general reducing procedure available in the art. The resulting chroman derivative is shown as Compound 24 in Reaction Scheme 5. It should be noted that up to this point in the synthetic sequence (which is preferably but not necessarily exclusively used for making the compounds of the invention) similar or analogous steps are involved for making both the thiochroman (Reaction Scheme 3) and the chroman derivatives (Reaction Scheme 5) the major difference being that in 2o Reaction Scheme 5 the starting lactone does not have a halogen (such as a bromo substituent).

Referring to Reaction Scheme 6, Compound 24, the R4 and Rg substituents which are alkyl but not identical with one another, are introduced by treating Compound 57 with a different Grignard reagent than previously used. The tertiary alcohol is formed, bearing the desired R^, R2, Rg, R4 and Rg substituents as shown in Reaction Scheme 6 as Compound 23. Ring closure of Compound 23 is affected under acidic conditions, as described above, to provide the chroman derivative (Compound 24). In order to obtain the final products where the R4 or Rg substituent is alkyl and the other is hydrogen, or where the R4 and Rg substituents are alkyl but not identical to one another, ComIE 913568 pounds 14 and 24 respective- ly, are subjected to substantially the same reaction proced- ures as outlined in Reaction Scheme 1 and Reaction Scheme 2.

The following examples of specific compounds of the 5 invention, and specific examples of the synthetic steps in which the compounds and certain intermediates are made, are set out to illustrate the invention, not to limit its scope.

Specific Examples Ethyl 6-chloronicotinate (Compound 29) A mixture of 15.75 g (0.1 mol) 6-chloronicotinic acid, 6.9 g (0.15 mol) ethanol, 22.7 g (0.11 mol) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 3.7 g dimethylaminopyridine in 200 ml methylene chloride was heated at reflux for 2 hours.

The mixture was allowed to cool, solvent removed in vacuo and residue subjected to flash chromatography to give the title compound as a low-melting white solid. PMR (CDC13); & 1.44 (3H, t, J-6.2 Hz) 4.44 (2H, q, J-4.4 Hz), 7.44 (1H, d, J-8.1 Hz), 8.27 (1H, dd, J-8.1 Hz, 3 Hz), 9.02 (1H, d, J-3 Hz).

The foregoing procedure may be used to esterify any of the other halo-substituted acids employed in the making of these compounds such as: ethyl 2-(2-chloropyrid-5-yl)acetate; ethyl 5-(2-chloropyrid-5-yl)pentanoate; ethyl 2-(2-iodofur-5-yl)acetate; ethyl 5-(2-iodofur-5-yl)pentanoate; ethyl 2-(2-iodothien-5-yl) acetate; ethyl 5-(2-iodothien-5-yl)pentanoate; ethyl 2-(3-chloropyridazin-6-yl)acetate; ethyl 5-(3-chloropyridazin-6-yl)pentanoate; and the corresponding chloro, or other halo, substituted pyrimidinyl or pyrazinyl analogues of such esters. The just mentioned esters (including ethyl-6-chloronicotinate, Compound 29) can serve as the reagents, X^’-A-(CH2) n-B for coupling with the correspoding ethynyl compounds (such as Compounds 16 and 26, or their zinc salts 17 and 27) to provide the target compounds of the invention.

S-(4-bromopenvl) 3.3-dimethvlthioacrvlate (Compound 30) To an ice bath cooled solution of 1.92 g (80 mmol) of NaH (obtained from a 60% suspension in mineral oil by 3 x 15 ml hexane wash) in 30 ml of dry THF was added slowly under argon a solution of 15.1 g (80 mmol) of 4-bromothiophenol in 60 ml of dry THF over 1 h. The mixture was stirred at 0 degrees C for a further 30 min and then treated with a solution of 10.1 g (85 mmol) of dimethylacryloyl chloride in 30 ml of dry THF. The cooling bath was then removed and the mixture then stirred at room temperature for 40 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 200 ml of water containing 2 ml of glacial acetic acid and the organic layer was separated. The organic layer was washed with 2 x 75 ml of water and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.91 (3H, s), 2.14 (3H, s), 6.03-6.06 (IH, m), 7.28 (2H, d, J-8.6 Hz), 7.53 (2H, d, J-8.6 Hz). 4,4-Dimethyl-6-bromo-2-oxo-thiochroman (compound 31) To a stirred, ice-cooled suspension of 15.9 g (119 mmol) of aluminum chloride in 140 ml of methylene chloride was added under nitrogen a solution of 21.64 g (79.9 mmol) of S-(4-bromophenyl) 3,3-dimethyl-thioacrylate (Compound 30) in 100 ml of methylene chloride. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 72 h and then poured into 250 g of an ice and brine mixture. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic extracts were washed with saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue recrystallized from hexanes to give the title compound as white crystals. PMR (CDC13): & 1.40 (6H, s), 2.67 (2H, s), 7.31-7.40 (3H, m). MS exact mass, m/e 269.9714 (calcd. for C-^H·^ SOBr, 269.9714). 4-Bromo-2-(l.1.3-trimethyl-3-hvdroxybutyl) thiophenol (Compound 32) To 3.49 g (32.8 mmol) of lithium perchlorate was added under argon 35 ml of 3.0M (105 mmol) methyl magnesi10 um bromide in ether. The above mixture was treated dropwise with stirring with a solution of 2.961 g (10.926 mmol) of 4,4-dimethyl-6-bromo-2-oxo-thiochroman (Compound 31) and the reaction mixture was then heated at reflux for 70 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool and poured onto a mixture of 100 g of ice and 8 ml of cone. H2SO4. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with 2 x 25 ml of ether. The organic layers were combined and washed successively with 2 x 25 ml of saturated NaHCO3 solution, 25 ml of water and 25 ml of saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in-vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil. PMR (CDC13) : & 1.05 (6H, s) , 1.52 (6H, s), 2.30 (2H, s) , 3.71 (IH, s), 7.22 (IH, dd, J-8.5 Hz, 2.1 HZ), 7.28 (IH, d, J-8.5 Hz), 7.35 (IH, d, J-2.1 Hz) Using ethyl magnesium bromide, instead of methyl magnesium bromide, provides the corresponding 4-bromo-2(1,1 dimethyl 3-ethyl-3-hydroxypentyl)-thiophenol. 2.2,4,4-Tetramethvl-6-bromothlochroman (Compound 33) A mixture of 500 mg (1.49 mmol) of 4-bromo-2-(l,1,3trimethyl-3-hydroxybutyl) thiophenol (Compound 32) and 8 ml of 20 percent aqueous H2SO4 was heated at reflux for 24 h. The mixture was extracted with hexanes, the organic extracts were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCOg, water again, saturated NaCl and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; hexanes) to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDClg): & 1.35 (6H, s), 1.40 (6H, s), 1.93 (2H, s), 7.17 (1H, dd, J-8.4 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 7.23 (1H, d, J-8.4 Hz), 7.26 (1H, d, J-2.1 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 284.0221 (calcd. for C13H17 S Br, 284.0234). 2.2,4,4-Tetramethvl-6-triraethvlsilylethvnvl-thiochroman (Compound 34) A solution of 600 mg (2.11 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-6-bromothiochroman (Compound 33) in 1.5 ml of triethylamine was placed in a heavy-walled tube and de15 gassed and then treated under argon with 1.4 g (14.3 mmol) of trimethylsilylacetylene and a powdered mixture of 75 mg (0.39 mmol) of cuprous iodide and 150 mg (0.21 mmol) of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride. The reaction mixture was degassed again, then placed under argon and the tube was sealed. The mixture was heated at 100 degrees C for 24 h, allowed to cool to room temperature and then treated with a further 1.4 g (14.3 mmol) of trimethylsilylacetylene and a powdered mixture of 75 mg (0.39 mmol) of cuprous iodide and 150 mg (0.21 mmol) of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride. The mixture was then degassed, placed under argon and then heated in the sealed tube at 100 degrees C for 96 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and extracted with 3 x 10 ml of ether. The organic extracts were combined, washed successively with 25 ml of water and 25 ml of saturated sodium chloride solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; hexanes followed by 3% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow, crystalline solid. PMR (CDC13): & 0.23 (9H, s), 1.36 (6H, S), 1.39 (6H, s), 1.94 (2H, s), 7.17 (1H, dd, J-8.2 Hz, 1.8 HZ), 7.25 (1H, d, J-1.8 Hz), 7.30 (1H, d, 5 J-8.2 Hz). MS exact mass, m/1 302.1519 (calcd. for C18H26 S Si, 382.1524). 2.2.4,4-Tetramethvl-6-ethvnvlthiochroman (Compound 35) To a solution of 527.6 rag (1.75 mmol) of 2,2,4,4tetramethyl-6-trimethylsilyl-ethynylthiochroman (Compound 1° 34) in 4 ml of isopropanol was added, under argon, 4 ml of IN KOH solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h and the isopropanol was then removed under vacuum. The residue was extracted with ether and the combined ether extracts were washed successively with water and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & (6H, s) , 1.91 (2H, s) , 2.99 (1H, s) , 7 Hz, 1.8 HZ), 7.26 (1H, d, J-1.8 Hz), 7 1.34 (6H, s), 1.37 17 (1H, dd, J-8.1 30 (1H, d, J-8.1 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 230.1122 (calcd. for ci5Hi8s 230.1129) Ethyl 6-Γ(2,2.4.4-tetramethvl-thiochroman-6-yl)ethvnvl1 nicotinate (Compound l) A solution of 232 mg (1.01 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetra25 methyl-6-ethynylthiochroman (Compound 35) and 190 mg (1.03 mmol) of ethyl 6-chloro-nicotinate (Compound 29) in 2 ml of triethylamine was placed in a heavy-walled glass tube, degassed, placed under argon and then treated with a powdered mixture of 53 mg (0.28 mmol) of cuprous iodide and 84 mg (0.12 mmol) of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride. The mixture was degassed again, placed under argon and the tube was sealed. The reaction mixture was heated at 55 degrees C for 60 h and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was treated with water and ether and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether, the organic layers were then combined and washed with saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the resultant residue was purified by flash chromatograhy (silica; 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a dark yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.32-1.43 (15H, m), 1.92 (2H, s), 4.38 (2H, q, J-7.1 Hz), 7.28 (1H, dd, J-8.3 Hz, 1.8 Hz), 7.32-7.38 (2H, m), 7.53 (1H, d, J-8.3 Hz), 8.24 (1H, dd, J-8.2 Hz, 2.2 Hz), 9.16 (1H, d, J-2.2 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 379.1594 (calcd. for C23 H25 NO2S, 379.1606).

Using the method for the preparation of Compound 1, but substituting the appropriate ethynylthiochroman (Compound 16 in Reaction Scheme 1) and the appropriate halo substituted heteroaromatic ester (Formula 3, prepared for example as specifically described for Compound 29) the following compounds of the invention may be prepared: ethyl 6-[ (2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-[(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-propylthiochroman-625 yl)-ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl [((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)30 pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl [((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl ) - pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl [((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl [((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl)-ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]a 5 ethyl 3-[((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-2-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-[((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-[((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7—ethylthiochroman—610 yl)-ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-[(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 5-[((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl )-pyrid-5-y1]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethy20 nyl)-fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6yl)ethynyl)-fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl)fur-2-yl]acetate; ethy1 [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethy1-7-hexy1thi ochroman-6yl)-ethynyl) fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl 5-[((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl) -fur-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl) 30 ethynyl)fur-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)fur-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)fur-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl (5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethy 5 nyl)-thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6y1)ethynyl)-thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6 y1)-ethynyl)thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6 yl)-ethynyl)thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl 5-[5-2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)-thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl) 15 ethynyl)thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 20 5-(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethy nyl)-pyridazin-3-yl]acetate; ethyl [6((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-625 yl)ethynyl)-pyridazin-3-yl]acetate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6 yl)-ethynyl)pyridazin-3-yl]acetate ? ethyl [6-( (2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6 yl)-ethynyl)pyridazin-3-yl]acetate; ethyl-5-[6((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6y1)ethynyl)-pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-(6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl (5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl) -pyr imidin-2-yl ] acetate; ethyl (5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-610 yl)ethynyl)-pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6yl)-ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl 5-(5-(2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6yl)ethynyl)-pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-(5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethyny 1 )-pyraz in-2-y1]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6yl)ethynyl)-pyrazin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-630 yl)-ethynyl)pyrazin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6y1)-ethynyl)pyraz in-2-yl]acetate; ethyl 5-(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylthiochroman-6IE 913568 yl)ethynyl)-pyrazin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrazin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5 5-[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyraz in-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl - (5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyra z in-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl 6-[(2,2-diethyl-4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate; and ethyl 6- [2,2-diethyl-4,4,7-trimethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate.

Phenvl 3,3-dimethvlacrvlate (Compound 37) To an ice bath cooled solution of 1.29 g (54 mmol) of NaH (obtained from a 60% suspension in mineral oil by 3x10 ml hexane wash) in 20 ml of dry THF was added slowly under oxygen a solution of 5 g (53 mmol) of phenol in 50 ml of 20 dry THF. The mixture was then treated with a solution of 7 g (59 mmol) of dimethylacryloyl chloride in 30 ml of dry THF. The cooling bath was then removed and the mixture was stirred for a further 2.5 h. The reaction mixture was then poured into 150 ml of water containing 1 ml of gla25 cial acetic acid. The mixture was extracted with 150 ml ether and the ether extract washed with saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; 5% ether in hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13)); & 1.99 (3H, s), 2.24 (3H, s), 5.93 (1H, broad s), 7.10 (2H, d, J-7.8 Hz) 7.22 (1H, t, J-7.8 Hz), 7.38 (2H, t, J-7.8 Hz). 4,4-Dimethvl-2-oxo-chroman (Compound 38) To a stirred, ice-cooled suspension of 10.4 g (78 mmol) of aluminum chloride in 160 ml of methylene chloride was added slowly under argon a solution of 7 g (39.8 mmol) of phenyl 3,3-dimethylacrylate (Compound 37) in 40 ml of methylene chloride. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture stirred for a further 42 h. The mixture was poured into a mixture of ice and brine and the organic layer separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride and the organic extracts were combined and washed with saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; 10% ether in hexane) to give the title compound as a colorless oil.

PMR (CDC13: & 1.30 (6H, s), 2.56 (2H, s), 7.06 (IH, dd, 15 J-8.0 Hz, 1.4 HZ), 7.16 (IH, td, J-8.0 Hz, 1.4 Hz), 7.26 (IH, td, J-8.0 Hz, 1.7 HZ), 7.33 (IH, dd, J-8.0 Hz, 1.7 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 176.0852 (calcd. for cnHi2°2' 176.0837. 2-(1,1,3-Trimethvl-3-hvdroxvbutvl)phenol (Compound 39) 20 To 11 ml of 3.0 M (33 mmol) methyl magnesium chloride in THF, cooled in an ice bath, was added, under nitrogen, a solution of 1.96 g (11.1 mmol) of 4,4-dimethyl-2-oxochroman (Compound 38) in 35 ml of dry ether. The cooling bath was then removed and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The reaction mixture was then poured onto a mixture of 100 g of ice and 3 ml of cone. H2SO4 and stirred until the magnesium salts were dissolved. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with 2x50 ml of ether. The organic layers 3Q were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCOg and saturated NaCl solutions and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid. PMR (CDC13): & 1.13 (6H, s), 1.48 (6H, s), 1.89 (1H, s), 2.23 (2H, s) , 6.60 (1H, dd, J-7.9 Hz, 1.4 Hz), 6.83 (IH, s), 6.84 (IH, td, J-7.9 HZ, 1.4 HZ), 7.07 (IH, td, J-7.9 Hz, 1.6 Hz), 7.31 (IH, dd, J-7.9 Hz, 1.6 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 208.1458 (calcd. for C13H20O2, 208.1464). 2.2.4.4- Tetramethvl-chroman (Compound 40) A mixture of 2.98 g (14.3 mmol) of 2-(1,1,3-trimeth10 y1-3-hydroxybutyl) phenol (Compound 39) and 40 ml of 20% aqueous H2SO4 was heated at reflux, under nitrogen, for 4 h. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for a further 72 h and then diluted with 50 ml of water. The mixture was extracted with 3x20 ml of hexanes. The organ15 ic extracts were then combined and washed successively with water and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was then removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.36 (6H, s), 1.37 (6H, s), 1.83 (2H, S), 6.71 (IH, dd, J-8.2 Hz, 1.5 Hz) 6.92 (IH, td, J-8.2 Hz, 1.5 Hz), 7.09 (IH, td, J-8.2 Hz, 1.5 Hz), 7.29 (IH, dd, J-8.2 Hz, 1.5 Hz) . 2.2.4.4- Tetramethvl-6-acetvl-chroman (Compound 41) To an ice bath cooled solution of 2 g (10.53 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman (Compound 40) in 25 ml of nitromethane was added, under nitrogen, 941 mg (11.99 mmol) of acetyl chloride followed by 1.59 g (11.92) mmol) of aluminum chloride. The cooling bath was then removed and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The mixture was then cooled again in an ice bath and treated with 25 ml of cone. HCI. The mixture was then filtered and the residue washed with methylene chloride. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.38 (6H, s), 1.39 (6H, s), 1.87 (2H, s), 2.56 (3H, s), 6.83 (1H, d, J-8.7 Hz), 7.71 (1H, dd, J-8.7 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 7.98 (1H, d, J-2.1 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 232.1468 (calcd. for C13H2qO2, 232.1464). 2,2,4.4-Tetramethvl-6-ethvnyl-chroman (Compound 42) To a cooled (-78 degrees C) solution of 522 mg (5.17 mmol) of diisopropylamine in 8 ml of dry THF was added slowly, under nitrogen, 3.23 ml of 1.6 M (5.17 mmol) nbutyl lithium in hexane. The mixture was stirred at - 78 degrees C for 40 minutes and then treated with a solution of 1.24 g (5.17 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-6-acetylchroman (Compound 41) in 2 ml of dry THF. The mixture was stirred at - 78 degrees C for a further 1 h and then treated with 895 mg (5.19 mmol) of diethylchlorophosphate. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and transferred by double-ended needle into a solution of lithium diisopropylamide in THF at -78 degrees C [prepared as described above from 1.04 g (10.34 mmol) of diisopropylamine and 6.46 ml of 1.6 M (10.34 mmol) n-butyl lithium in hexane]. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The mixture was then treated with 10 ml of ice water and acidified to a pH of 2 with 10% HCl. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with 3x30 ml of pentane. The organic extracts were combined and washed successively with 2x30 ml of dilute HCl, water, 3x30 ml of saturated NaHCO3 solution and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 2% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.31 (6H, s) , 1.32 (6H, s) , 1.50 (2H, s), 3.00 (1H, S), 6.72 (1H, d, J-8.4 Hz), 7.20 (1H, dd, J-8.4 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 7.42 (1H, d, J-2.1 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 214.1251 (calcd. for C15H18O, 214.1357).

Ethvl 6-Γ(2.2.4.4-tetramethvlchroman-6-vl)-ethvnvllnicotinate (Compound 3) A solution of 233 mg (1.09 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-6-ethynylchroman (Compound 42) and 209 mg (1.09 mmol) of ethyl 6-chloronicotinate (Compound 29) in 1 ml of triethylamine was degassed and then treated under argon with a powdered mixture of 50 mg (0.26 mmol) of cuprous iodide and 100 mg (0.14 mmol) of bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride. The reaction mixture was heated under argon at 55 degrees C for 80 h and then cooled to room temperature. The triethylamine was then removed under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.36 (12H, s), 1.42 (3H, t, J-7.2 Hz), 1.85 (2H, s), 4.37 (2H, q, J-7.2 Hz), 6.79 (1H, d, J-.4 Hz), 7.34 (1H, dd, J-8.4 Hz, 2.1 HZ), 7.56 (1H, d, J-8.7 Hz), 7.60 (1H, d, J-2.1 Hz), 8.27 (1H, dd, J-8.7 Hz, 2.4 Hz), 9.19 (1H, d, J-2.4 Hz).

MS exact masss, m/e 363.1837 (calcd. for ^23Η25°3Ν' 363.1834). 3-Methvl-phenvl-3,3-dimethvlacrvlate (Compound 44) A 60% suspension of sodium hydride (3.22 g; 81 mmol) in mineral oil was washed with 3x10 ml of hexane and then treated with 30 ml of dry THF. This mixture was cooled in 3Q an ice-bath and then treated with a solution of 8.6 g (79.5 mmol) of m-cresol in 80 ml of dry THF. The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min and then treated with a solution of 10.5 g (88.5 mmol) of dimethylacryloyl chloride in 40 ml of dry THF. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 96 h and then poured into a mixture of 150 ml of water and 1 ml of glacial acetic acid. The mixture was stirred for 10 min and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with 2x50 ml of ether. The organic layers were combined and washed successively with water and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil. PMR (CDClg): & 1.95 (3H, d, J-1.3 Hz), 2.21 (3H, d, J-1.2 Hz), 2.34 (3H, s), 5.90 (IH, broad S), 6.86 - 6.93 (2H, m), 7.01 (IH, d, J-7.2 Hz), 7.24 (IH, t, J-7.2 Hz). 2-(1.1,3-Trimethvl-3-hvdroxvbutvl) 5-methvl-phenol (Com15 pound 45) To an ice-bath cooled suspension of 13 g (97.5 mmol) of aluminum chloride in 200 ml of methylene chloride was added dropwise under argon a solution of 9.0 g (47.4 mmol) of 3-methyl-phenyl-3,3-dimethylacrylate (Compound 44) in 100 ml of methylene chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 degrees C for a further 30 min and then at room temperature for 15 h. The reaction mixture was poured into 200 ml of an ice water/salt mixture and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was ex25 tracted with 50 ml of ether. The organic layers were combined and washed successively with water and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica; 5% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give an approximately 2.5:1 mixture of isomeric products, 4,4,7trimethyl-2-oxo-chroman and 4,4,5-trimethyl-2-oxo-chroman as a pale yellow oil. To a solution of 3.8 g (20 mmol) of this mixture of isomeric 2-oxo-chromans in 60 ml of ether at 0 degrees C was added under argon 20 ml of 3.0 M (60 mmol) of methyl magnesium bromide in ether. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h and then poured onto a mixture of ice and 1 ml of cone. H2SO4. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with 2x50 ml of ether. The organic layers were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCO3 solution, water again and then saturated NcCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 15 % ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.14 (6H, s), 1.45 (6H, s), 2.19 (3H, s), 2.21 (2H, s), 6.39 (1H, d, J-1.8 Hz), 6.67 (1H, dd, J-7.9 Hz, 1.8 Hz), 7.16 (1H, d, J-7.9 Hz), 7.44 (1H, s). 2,2,4.4,7-Pentamethvl-chroman (Compound 46) To 2.16 g (11.7 mmol) of 2-(1,1,3-trimethyl-3hydroxybutyl) 5-methyl-phenol (Compound 45) was added under nitrogen 50 ml of 20% aqueous sulfuric acid. The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 13 h and then cooled. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether. The organic extracts were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCO3 solution, water again and saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.32 (6H, s), 1.34 (6H, s), 1.81 (2H, s), 2.26 (3H, s) , 6.63 (1H, s), 6.72 (1H, d, J-7.9 Hz), 7.15 (1H, d, J-7.9 Hz) . 2.2.4.4.7-Pentamethvl-6-acetvl-chroman (Compound 47) To an ice-bath cooled solution of 1.96 g (9.6 mmol) of 2,2,4,4,7-pentamethyl-chroman (Compound 46) in 30 ml of nitromethane was added under argon 1.059 g (13.5 mmol) of acetyl chloride followed by 1.9 g (14.3 mmol) of aluminum chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 h and then cooled in an ice-bath and treated with 25 ml of cone. HCI. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and diluted with ether and water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with ether. The organic extracts were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCO3 solution, water again, and saturated NaCl solution, and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil. PMR (CDC13); & 1.36 (6H, s), 1.37 (6H, s), 1.86 (2H, S), 2.49 (3H, s), 2.56 (3H, s), 6.65 (IH, s) , 7.74 (IH, s). 2.2.4,4,7-Pentamethvl-6-ethvnvl-chroman (Compound 48) To a solution of 455 mg (4.5 mmol) of disopropylamine in 5 ml of dry THF at -78 degrees C was added under argon 3 ml of 1.5 M n-BuLi in hexane. The mixture was stirred at -78 degrees C for a further 45 min and then treated with a solution of 1.07 g (4.3 mmol) of 2,2,4,4,7-pentamethyl-6-acetyl-chroman (Compound 47) in 4 ml of dry THF. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 degrees C for 1 h and then treated with 776 mg (4.5 mmol) of diethyl chloro25 phosphate. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and then transferred by a double-ended needle into a solution of lithium diisopropyl amide in 10 ml dry THF at -78 degrees C which was prepared as described above using 910 mg (9.0 mmol) of diisopropylamine and 6 ml of 1.5 M (9.0 mmol) n-BuLi in hexane. The mixture was stirred at room temperature fur 15 h and then poured into 10 ml of iced water. The mixture was acidified to pH=2 with 10% HCI solution. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with pentane. The organic extracts were combined and washed successively with water, saturated NaHCO3 and saturated NaCl solutions and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by Kugelrohr distillation (82 degrees C, 0.3 mm) to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.32 (6H, s) , 1.34 (6H, s) , 1.81 (2H, s) , 2.36 (3H, s), 3.18 (1H, s), 6.64 (1H, s), 7.40 1H (s) . MS exact mass, m/e 228.1520 (calcd. for C16H20O, 228.1514).

Ethvl-6-Γ(2,2.4,4,7-pentamethvl-6-chromanvl)-ethvnvl1 nicotinate (Compound 7) A solution of 300 mg (1.316 mmol) of 2,2,4,4,7pentamethyl-6-ethynyl-chroman (Compound 48) and 245.6 mg (1.3276 mmol) of ethyl 6-chloro-nicotinate (Compound 29) in 2 ml of triethylamine was placed in a pressure tube and a stream of nitrogen was bubbled through the solution for 15 min. The tube was then flushed with argon and a finely ground mixture of 100 mg (0.1425 mmol) of bis (triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) chloride and 50 mg (0.2625 mmol) of cuprous iodide was added to the solution. The pressure tube was then sealed and the reaction mixture heated at 60 degrees C for 72 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the triethylamine removed under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; 10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a yellow solid. PMR (CDC13): & 1.37 (6H, s) , 1.38 (6H, s), 1.44 (3H, t, J-7.2 Hz), 1.85 (2H, s), 2.49 (3H, s), 4.43 (2H, q, J-7.2 Hz), 6.70 (1H, s), 7.55 - 7.61 (2H, m), 8.28 (1H, dd, J-8.2 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 9.22 (1H, d, J-2.1 Hz). MS exact mass, m/e 377.1982 (calcd. for C24H27O3N, 377.1991). 2-Γ2.2(4.4-tetramethylchroman-6-vl)ethvnvl1-5hvdroxvmethvlpvridine (Compound 50) A 250 ml 3-necked flask is fitted with a stirrer, a dropping funnel, a nitrogen inlet and a thermometer. In the flask is placed a solution of 379.5 mg (10 mmol) of lithium aluminum hydride in 30 ml of dry diethyl ether.

The solution is cooled to -65 degrees C under nitrogen and a solution of 3.632 g (10 mmol) of ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl]-nicotinate (Compound 43) in 15 ml of dry ether is added dropwise at a rate such that the temperature does not exceed -60 degrees c. The mixture is stirred at -30 degrees C for 1 hour and the excess hydride is then destroyed by the addition of 300 mg (3.4 mmol) of ethyl acetate. The reaction mixture is then hydrolyzed by adding 3 ml of saturated ammonium chloride solution and allowing the temperature to rise to room temperature. The mixture is then filtered and the residue washed with ether. The ether layer is then washed with saturated solium chloride solution, dried (MgSO4) and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by chromatograhy followed by recrystallization to give the title compound.

By the same process, acids or esters of this invention may be converted to their corresponding primary alcohols. 2-Γ 2.2.4.4-tetramethvlchroman-6-yl)ethynyl1-5acetoxvmethvlpvridine (Compound 51) a solution of 3.09 g (10 mmol) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethy1-6-[2-(5-hydroxymethylpyrid-2-y1)ethynyl]chroman (Compound 50) 600 mg (10 mmol) of glacial acetic acid, 2.06 g (10 mmol) of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 460 mg (3.765 mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in 150 ml methylene chloride is stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is then filtered and the residue washed with 50 ml of methlene chloride. The filtrate is then concentrated in vacuo and the residue is purified by chromatography followed by recrystallization to give the title compound.

Proceeding in the same manner, other alcohols of this invention may be esterified. 2-Γ(2,2,4,4-tetramethvlchroman-6-vl)ethynyl1-pyridine-5carboxaldehvde (Compound 52) A solution of 1.396 g (11 mmol) of freshly distilled oxalyl chloride in 25 ml of methylene chloride is placed in a 4-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and two pressure-equalizing addition funnels fitted with drying tubes. The solution is cooled to -60 degrees C and then treated dropwise with a solution of 1.875 g (24 mmol) of dimethyl sulfoxide (distilled from calcium hydride) in 5 ml of methylene chloride over a five minute period. The reaction mixture is then stirred at -60 degrees C for an additional 10 minutes. A solution of 3.10 g (10 mmol) of 2 ,2,4,4-tetramethyl-6-[(5-hydroxymethylpyrid-2-yl)ethynyl]-chroman (Compound 50) in 10 ml of methylene chloride is then added to the reaction mixture over a period of 5 minutes. The mixture is stirred for a further 15 minutes and is then treated with 5.06 g (50 mmol) Of triethylamine. The cooling bath is then removed and the mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature. Thirty ml of water is then added to the mixture and stirring is continued for a further 10 minutes. The organic layer is then separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with 20 ml of methylene chloride. The organic layers are then combined and washed successively with dilute HCl, water and dilute Na2CO3 solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solution is then filtered and concentrated in vacuo and the residue is purified by chromatography followed by recrystallization to give the title compound.

Primary alcohols of this invention may be oxidized to their corresponging aldehydes by this method. 2-r(2,2,4.4-tetramethvlchroman-6-vl)ethvnvl1-5(1-hvdroxvropvl) pyridine (Compound 53) Four ml of a 3 M (12 mmol) solution of ethylmagnesium bromide in ether is placed in a 3-necked flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer, a reflux condenser protected by a drying tube and a pressure-equalizing dropping funnel protected by a drying tube. The flask is cooled in an ice bath and a solution of 2.98 g (10 mmol) of 2-[2,2,4,4tetramethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl]- pryidine-5-carboxaldehyde (Compoound 52) in 10 ml of dry ether is added slowly with vigorous stirring. The cooling bath is then removed and the mixture heated at reflux for 3 hours. The mixture is then cooled in an ice-salt bath and 5 ml of saturated ammonium chloride solution added. The mixture is stirred for a further 1 hour and then filtered and the residue washed with two 10 ml portions of ether. The ether solution is then separated, dried (MgSO4) and the ether re20 moved in vacuo. The residue is then purified by chromatography followed by recrystallization to give the title compound.

Using the same procedure any of the other aldehydes of this invention can be converted to the corresponding secondary alcohols.

Such secondary alcohols may be converted to their corresponding ketones using the procedure described for the preparation of Compound 52 or other oxidation procedures. 2-Γ(2,2.4.4-tetramethylchroman-6-vl)ethvnvl1-5dimethoxvmethvlpvridine (Compound 54) A round-bottomed flask is fitted with a Dean-Stark apparatus under a reflux condenser protected by a drying tube. A mixture of 3.58 g (12 mmol) of 2-[2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-chroman-6-yl)-ethynyl]-pyridine-5-carboxaldehyde (Compound 52) 4.80 mg (15 mmol) of anhydrous methanol, 2 mg of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and 10 ml of anhydrous benzene is placed in the flask and the mixture heated at reflux under nitrogen until close to the theoretical amount of water is collected in the Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and extracted successively with 5 ml of 10% sodium hydrox10 ide solution and two 5 ml portions of water and then dried (MgSO4). The solution is then filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue is purified by chromatography and then recrystallization to give the title compound.

In a similar manner, any aldehyde or ketone of this invention may be converted to an acetal or a ketal. 2.4,4-Trimethvl-6-Bromo-2-Hvdroxv-thiochroman (Compound 55) To a solution of 68 g (182.5 mmol) of cerium chloride (dried on a high vacuum line at 135 degrees C for four days) in 160 ml of THF and 62 ml of 3M (186 mmol) methyl magnesium bromide in ether was added a solution of 5 g (18.45 mmol) of 4-4 dimethyl-6-bromo-2-oxo-thiochroman in 20 ml of dry THF at - 14 degrees C. The mixture was stirred for 0.5 hours and then poured onto 300 ml of ice/water mixture containing 10 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with 100 ml of ether. The organic layers were combined and washed with 2 X 250 ml of water, X 100 ml of saturated sodium chloride solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography (silica: 10 % EtOAc/Hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.35 (3H, S), 1.47 (3H, s), 1.71 (3H, s), 2.09 - 2.18 (AB doublet), 2.42 (IH, s) 7.17 - 7.24 (2H, m), 7.27 (IH, d, J = 8.1 HZ). 2.4,4 Trimethvl-6-Bromo-4H-l-benzothiopyran (Compound 56) A mixture of 2.03 g (7.1 mmol) of 2,4,4-trimethyl -6-bromo-2-hydroxy thiochroman (Compound 55) and 20 ml of 20 % aqueous sulfuric acid was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The mixture was extracted with ether. The combined organic extracts were washed with 2 X 25 ml H20 and 1 X 25 ml of saturated NaCl solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography silica; hexanes) to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDClg): & 1.34 (6H, s), 2.00 (3H, d, J = 1.4 Hz), 5.45 (IH, J = 1.4 Hz) 7.19-7.38 (3H, m). 2.4.4-trimethvl-6-bromo-thiochroman (Compound 59) A solution of 500 mg (1.9 mmol) of 2,4,4-trimethyl-6bromo-(4H)-l-benzothiopyran (Compound 56) in 5 ml of ethyl acetate was treated with 500 mg of 10% palladium sulfide on carbon and then shaken under an atmosphere (30 psi) of hydrogen in a Parr apparatus for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite and the solvent was removed in-vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; hexanes) to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDClg): & 1.21 (3H, s), 1.33 (3H, d, J = 6.6 Hz), 1.36 (3H, s), 1.64 - 1.89 (2H, m) , 3.37 3.50 (IH, m), 7.10 (IH, dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 7.19 (IH, d, 8.4 HZ), 7.20 (IH, d, 2.1 Hz). 2,4.4-trimethvl-6-trimethvlsilvl-ethvnvl-thiochroman (Compound 60) A solution of 201 mg (74 mmol) of 2,4,4-trimethyl-6bromo-thiochroman (Compound 59) in 1 ml of distilled triethylamine was placed in a heavy walled tube and degassed. The mixture was then treated under argon with 0.53 ml (3.72 mmol) of trimethylsilylacetylene and a powdered mixture of 52 mg (0.074 mmol) of bis-triphenylphosphine palladium (II) chloride and 28 mg (0.15 mmol) of cuprous idodide. The reaction mixture was placed under argon and the tube was sealed. The mixture was heated at 55 degrees C for 72 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through celite and the residue was washed with CH2C12. The filtrate was concentrated invacuo and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica; hexanes) to give the title compound as a yellow oil. PMR (CDC13) : & 0.24 (9H, s), 1. 22 (3H, s) , 1.33 (3H, d, J = 6. 6Hz), 1. 37 (3H, s) , 1.71(1H, t, J - 13 .0 Hz), 1.86 (IH, dd, J - 13.0 Hz, 3.0 Hz), 3 . 38 - 3. .50 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, dd, J = 8.1 HZ, 1.8 HZ), 7. 18 (IH, d, J = 1.8 Hz) , 7.26 (IH, d, J = 8.1 Hz). 2.4.4-trimethvl-6-ethvnvl-thiochroman (Compound 61) To a solution of 186 mg (0.647 mmol) of 2,4,4-trimethyl-6-trimethylsilyl ethynyl thiochroman (Compound 60) was added 11 ml of ethanolic KOH solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The ethanol was then removed in-vacuo and the residue was extracted with ether. The ether extracts were combined and washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution and then dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed in25 vacuo and the residue purified by Kugelrohr distillation to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.21 (3H, s), 1.32 (3H, d, J = 6 Hz), 1.40 (3H, s) , 1.70 (1H, t, J - 13.0 HZ), 1.88 (IH, dd, J - 13.0 Hz, 3.0 Hz), 3.0 (IH, S), 3.39 - 3.51 (IH, m), 7.13 (IH, dd, J = 9.1 Hz, 2.1 Hz), 7.21 (IH, d, J - 2.1 Hz), 7.28 (IH, d, J - 9.0 HZ).

Ethvl 6Γ(2.4.4-Trimethvl- 6-thiochromanvl)-ethvnvlΊ Njcotr inate (Compound 62) A solution of 55 mg (0.26 mmol) of 2, 4,4-trimethyl-6ethynyl-thiochroman (Compound 61) and 47 mg (0.26 mmol) of ethyl-6-chloro-nicotinate (Compound 29) in 2 ml of distilled triethylamine was placed in a heavy walled tube.

Argon was bubbled through the mixture for 20 minutes under slightly reduced pressure. The mixture was then treated with 18 mg (0.051 mmol) of bis triphenylphosphine palladium (II) chloride and 9.7 mg (0.051 mmol) of cuprous iodide. The mixture was stirred at 55 degrees C for 72 hours. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2C12 and treated with a small amount of silica. The solvent was then removed in-vacuo and the residue was subjected to flash chromatography (silica? 2% EtOAc/hexanes) followed by HPLC (4% EtOAc/Hexanes, Whatman partisil 10) to give the title compound as a colorless oil. PMR (CDC13): & 1.25 (3H, s), 1.35 (3H, d, J = 6.6 HZ), 1.41 (3H, s), 1.42 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.72 (1H, t, J = 15 Hz) , 1.89 (1H, dd, J = 15 Hz, 4 HZ), 3.40 - 3.51 (1H, m), 4.40 - 4.46 (2H, q, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.25 (1H, dd, J = 8.1 Hz, 1.8 Hz), 7.33 (1H, s), 7.35 (1H, d, J = 8.1 Hz), 7.56 (1H, d, J = 8.4 Hz), 8.28 (1H, dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 2, 1 Hz), 9.19 (1H, d, J = 2.1 Hz).

Following the procedures set forth above, with such modification which will be readily apparent to a synthetic organic chemist of ordinary skill in light of the present disclosure, the following further examples of compounds can be prepared: 2.2.4.4- tetramethyl-6-acetyl-7-ethylchroman? 2.2.4.4- tetramethyl-6-acetyl-7-propylchroman? 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-6-acetyl-7-butylchroman; 2.2.4.4- tetramethyl-6-acetyl-7-pentylchroman; 2.2.4.4- tetramethyl-6-acetyl-7-hexylchroman; 2,2-diethyl-4,4-dimethyl-6-acetyl-chroman; 2,2-diethyl,-4,4,7-trimethyl-6-acetyl-chroman; ethyl-6[(2-methyl,2-ethyl-4,4-dimethyl-chroman-6-yl) ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)5 ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-propylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl 6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate; ethyl [2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl [2-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-pyrid-5yl]acetate; ethyl [2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl [2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]acetate; ethyl 3-(2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-2-yl)20 ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-(2-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-[2((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl 3-(2((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]propionate; ethyl -(2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-(2-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrid-5-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)IE 913568 ethynyl)pyrid-5-y1]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl-ethynyl) pyrid-5-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[2-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,3,3,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)10 ethynyl)fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl-fur-2-yl]acetate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) 15 fur-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)fur-2-yl]pentanoate? ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) 20 ethynyl)fur-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)fur-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)25 thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) 30 ethynyl)thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)thien-2-yl]acetate; ethyl 5-[5((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) IE 913568 thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2, 4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)thien-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) pyridaz in-3-yl]acetate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]acetate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]acetate; ethyl [6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyridazin-3-yl]acetate; ethyl -[6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[6-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrida z in-3-y1]pentanoate; ethyl -(6-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyridaz in-3-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) IE 913568 pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl) 5 ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)10 ethynyl)-pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -(4-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl -[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) pyrazin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyraz in-2-y1]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl) ethynyl)pyrazin-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl) 25 ethynyl)pyraz in-2-yl]acetate; ethyl [5-[5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl) -pyrazin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 5-[5-((2,2,4,4,7-pentamethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)-pyraz in-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-ethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyra z in-2-y1]pentanoate; ethyl -(5-((2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-7-hexylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl)pyrazin-2-yl]pentanoate; ethyl 6-[2,2-diethyl-4,4-dimethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl] nicotinate; and ethyl 6-(2,2-diethyl-4,4,7-trimethylchroman-6-yl)ethynyl] nicotinate, and the analogous thiochromans compounds .

Examples of Formulation for Topical Administration Preferably the compounds of the invention may be 10 administered topically using various formulations. Such formulations may be as follows: Inqredient Weight/Percent Solution Retinoid (active ingredient) 15 BHT Alcohol USP Polyesthylene Glycol 400 NF Gel Retinoid (active ingredient) 20 BHT Alcohol USP Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A compound of the formula where X is S or 0? R v r 2 an< ^ r 3 are hydrogen or lower alkyl; 15 and Rg are hydrogen or lower alkyl with the provi sos (i) that R 4 and Rg both are not hydrogen, and (ii) that R 4 and Rg are not identical with 20 one another; n is an integer from 0 to 5; A is piridinyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl or oxazolyl, and B is hydrogen, COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable 25 salt, ester or amide thereof, -CH 2 OH or an ether or ester derivative thereof, or CHO or an acetal derivative thereof, or -COR” or a ketal derivative thereof where R” is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 5 carbons.

2. A compound of Claim 1 where X is S.

3. A compound of Claim 2 where A is pyridyl or thienyl, and n is 0, 1, or 2.

4. A compound of Claim 3 where n is 0.

5. A Compounds of Claim 3 where B is COOH or a pharIE 913568 maceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof.

6. A compound of Claim 3 where R 3 is hydrogen or methyl.

7. A compound of Claim 2 where R 4 is hydrogen.

8. A compound of Claim 1 where X is 0.

9. A compound of Claim 8 where A is pyridyl or thienyl, and n is 0, 1 or 2.

10. A compound of Claim 9 where n is 0.

11. A compound of Claim 9 where B is COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof.

12. A compound of Claim 9 where R 3 is hydrogen or methyl.

13. A compound of Claim 9 where R 4 is hydrogen.

14. One or more compounds set forth in Claim 1, comprised in and admixed with a pharmaceutical composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

15. One or more compounds set forth in Claim 1, comprised in and admixed with a pharmaceutical composition as set forth in Claim 14, said composition being useful for treating skin disorders in a mammal.

16. A compound of Claim 2 where R 4 is lower alkyl and R s is lower alkyl and R 4 and Rg are different.

17. A compound of Claim 8 where R 4 is lower alkyl and Rg is lower alkyl and R 4 and Rg are different.

18. A compound of the formula where R lf R 2 and R 3 are hydrogen or lower alkyl? R 4 and R 5 are hydrogen or lower alkyl with the provi sos 10 (i) R 4 and Rg both are not hydrogen; and (ii) R 4 and Rg are not identical with one anoth er; n is an integer between 0 to 5, and B is COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, 15 -CH 2 OH or an ether or ester derivative thereof, or CHO or an acetal derivative thereof, or COR” or a ketal derivative thereof, where R” is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl group having 1-5 carbons.

19. A compound of Claim 18 wherein n is 0.

20. A compound of Claim 19 where B is COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or an ester derivative thereof.

21. A compound of Claim 20 where R x , R 2 are methyl, *4 is hydrogen and Rg is methyl.

22. A compound of Claim 21 where R 3 is H or CH 3 .

23. A compound of Claim 21 where B is COOC 2 H 5 .

24. The compound of Claim 23 where R 3 is H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

25. A process for synthesizing a compound of the formula (i) where X is S or O; R x , R 2 and R 3 are hydrogen or lower alkyl; R 4 is lower alkyl; n is an integer from 0 to 5; A is piridinyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimi15 dinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl or oxazolyl, and B is hydrogen, COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, -CH 2 OH or an ether or ester derivative thereof, or CHO or an acetal derivative thereof, or -COR” or a ketal derivative thereof where R” is an 2 θ alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 5 carbons, the process comprising the steps of; reacting a compound of formula (ii) where R^, R 2 and R 3 are defined as above, and Y is halogen when X is S and Y is hydrogen when X is O, with a Grignard reagent having the formula R 4 -Mg-X' where X* is halogen, to obtain a compound of formula (iii) 35 ,r 2 „Y R4 \T ΊΓΎ (III) *^3 HCI 40 where R x , Rj * ^3 1 * X and Y are defined as above; converting the compound of formula (iii) to a com pound of formula (iv) where Rg, R 2 , R 4 Rg, X and Y are defined as above; 50 saturating the compound of formula (iv) to provide a compound of formula (v) 60 where Rg, R 2 , Rg, R 4 , X and Y are defined as above; converting the compound of formula (v) into the compound of formula (i), said steps of converting (v) into (i) including a step of reacting a compound of formula (vi) where R x , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and X are defined as above, with a compound of formula (vii) X—A-(CH 2 ) n -B (VH) where X» is halogen and A, B and n are defined as above.

26. The process of Claim 25 where X is S.

27. The process of Claim 26 where R 4 is CH

28. The process of Claim 27 where Rl and R.

29. The process of Claim 28 where R 3 is H.

30. The process of Claim 25 where X is 0.

31. A process for ! synthesizing a compound < formula (i) 10 where X is S or O? Rl, R 2 and R 3 independently are hydrogen or lower alkyl; R 4 and R 5 are lower alkyl with the proviso that R 4 and Rg are not identical with one another; 15 n is an integer from O to 5; A is piridinyl, thienyl, furyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimi dinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl or oxazolyl, and B is hydrogen, COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, -CH 2 OH or an ether or ester 20 derivative thereof, or CHO or an acetal derivative thereof, or -COR” or a ketal derivative thereof where R” is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 5 carbons, the process comprising the steps of: reacting a compound of formula (ii) TO where R x , R 2 and R 3 are defined as above, and Y is halogen when X is S and Y is hydrogen when X is 0, with a Grignard reagent having the formula R 4 -Mg-X' where R 4 is defined as above and X· is halogen, to obtain a compound of formula (iii) 40 where R x , R 2 , R 3 , X and Y are defined as above; reacting the compound of formula (iii) with a Grignard reagent having the formula Rg-Mg-X· where R s and X' are defined as above, to obtain a compound of formula (iv) where R^, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R s , X and Y are defined as above; 50 converting the compound of formula (iv) to a compound of formula (v) where R^, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , X and Y are defined as above; converting the compound of formula (v) into the compound of formula (i), said steps of converting (v) into (i) including a step of reacting a compound of formula (vi) —H (VI) where Rg, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R s and X are defined as above, with a compound of formula (vii) X’—A-(CH 2 )„-B (VII) 75 where X'

32.

33. is halogen and λ, B and & are defined as above. The process of Claim 31 where X is S. The process of Claim 31 where X is O.

34. A compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 24 for use in medicine.

35. A compound according to any one of Claims 1 to 24 for use in treating skin disorders in a mammal.

36. The use of a compound as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 24 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of skin disorders.

37. A method of preparing a compound of the formula (I) substantially as described herein with reference to the Examples.

38. A compound of the formula (I) substantially as described herein with reference to the Examples. - 67

39. A compound of formula (I) whenever prepared in any of claims 25 to 33 or 37.