NZ203708A - 3,13,14b-triazatribenzo(b,ef,kl)heptalene derivatives and their 7-oxa,thia and aza analogues - Google Patents

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number £03708 $as 2 0370 r Priority Datc^): . /T)Q<Or>.. ...

Complete Specification Filed: p^pT. Oft/Vt'H Class: CP/? PU^J.y.

C.O.T?.£?>. i?j.. .AS. I K3ll.{£ %3 Publication Djte: "\0. Journsl, No: k.? MAY .13 <2 3... $ <>'u,Nr^. y *25 MAR 1983 ^csiV— No. Date: N'E\v ZEALAND PATENTS ACT. 1«S.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PENTACYCLIC COMPOUNDS X/We, BEECHAM GROUP p.I.e., a British Company, of Beecham House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, England, hereby declare the invention for which X / we pray that a patent may be granted to rft3S/us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- (followed by la) 203708 - la - PENTACYCLIC COMPOUNDS This invention relates to pentacyclic compounds having mood modifying, particularly anti-depressant and anxiolytic, activity, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to processes for their preparation.

U.K. Patent 1173 783 discloses compounds of formula (A): wherein: Ra and Rc each represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, a hydroxy, lower acyloxy, alkyl or alkoxy group, or a trifluoromethyl group; ( N R b 2 037 Rb represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl or aralkyl group, an aminoethyl or aminopropyl group N-substituted by one or more lower alkyl groups, or a lower alkyl group forming a substituent of an N-containing heterocyclic ring, the said ring being directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring, and P represents a single bond, a methylene, ethylene or -CH=CH- group.

U.K. Patent 1229252 discloses compounds of formula ( B) : R. whe re in: (B) R, Rd and Re represent hydrogen or halogen or hydroxy acyloxy, alkoxy or alkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms, or trifluoromethyl groups; Rf represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group with 7-12 carbon atoms, an aminoethyl or aminopropyl group which, if desired, can be N-substituted by an alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms and a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; and 2:037 Q represents oxygen, sulphur or N with Rg representing an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon a toms.

A structurally distinct class of compounds has now been discovered and which have been found to have mood-modifying activity. In particular, such compounds have been found to inhibit the behavioural symptoms induced by the administration of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl tryptamine to mice and are therefore central 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists. The compounds consequently possess anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof: R 2 R R 3 (I) wnerein: 1 X is CH2, O, C]__4 alkyl; S or NR4 wherein R4 is hydrogen or 203708 One of Y and Z is nr5 and the other is cr5r7 wherein r5 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or C]__4 acyl and Rg and r7 are either both hydrogen or together form an oxo group; Rjl is hydrogen, Cjl — 6 alkyl, 03-7 cycloalkyl, 04-7 cycloalkenyl or 0^-4 alkyl substituted by c2-7 alkenyl, c2-7 alkynyl, C^-i cycloalkyl, amino optionally substituted by one or two Ci_4 alkyl groups or by polymethylene optionally containing an oxygen atom or by phenyl optionally substituted in the phenyl ring by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen or trifluoromethyl; and &2 ^3 are the same or different and are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Cj__4 alkyl, C]__4 alkoxy or tri£luoromethyl.

VJhen x is NR4, suitable examples of r4 include hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, preferably methyl. x is preferably CH2.

Within Y and Z, suitable examples of r5 include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- and iso-propyl and n-, and sec-butyl. Preferably R5 is hydrogen. Often Y is nr5 and 2 is cr5r7 as defined.

Suitable examples of R]_ when C]__6 alkyl include methyl, ethyl, jn- and iso-propyl and n-, and sec-bu tyl.

When R]_ is Ci_4 alkyl substituted by phenyl opcionally 3ubscitucad as hereinbefore defined, examples cf such optional substituents include methyl, eznyi, me-choxy, ethoxv, fluoro, chloro, bromo or trifiuoromachyl. Preferably, phenyl is unsubstituted. 2037 When R]_ is C^-4 alkyl substituted by amino optionally substituted as hereinbefore defined, examples of such optional substituents include methyl and ethyl and, together with the nitrogen atom, piperidino and morpholino.

Preferably, R^ is hydrogen or Ci_4 alkyl, such as methyl and ethyl.

Suitable examples for R2 and R3 include hydrogen, hydroxy, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, bromo, chloro, fluoro and trifluoromethyl. Most preferably R2 and R3 are both hydrogen.

There is a class of compounds within formula (I) wherein Y is NR5 as defined and Z is CRgR7 as defined, Rl is hydrogen or Ci_g alkyl and the remaining variables are as defined in formula (I).

There is a preferred class of compounds within formula (I) of formula (II), or a pharmaceutially acceptable salt thereof: wherein Rj_, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined in formula (I). 1 3 Suitable and preferred values for R^, R2, R3, R5, R5 and R7 are as described in relation to formula (I). 2037 0 S There is a sub-class of compounds within formula (II) of formula (III), or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof: wherein R]_l is hydrogen or C]__4 alkyl and R5, Rg and R7 are as defined in formula (I).

Suitable and preferred values for R].!, R5, Rg and R7 are as described for the corresponding variables in formula (I).

There is a preferred sub-class of compounds within formula (III) of formula (IV), or a pharmaceutical^ acceptable salt thereof: wherein Rj1 and R5 are as defined in formula (III). Suitable and preferred values for R^1 and R5 are as described for the corresponding variables in formula (I). 205708 Within the definition of formula (IV), there is trans-6a ,7,8,9,9a,14-hexahydro-8-methy1-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(6H)-one and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

There is a further preferred sub-class of compounds within formula (III) of formula (V) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: (V) wherein R^ and R5 are as defined in formula (III). Suitable and preferred values for R^and r5 are as described for the corresponding variables in formula (I).

There is a further class of compounds within formula (I) of formula (VI): m 2037 08 Suitable and preferred values for R^, R2/ R3, R5, Rg and R7 are as described in relation to formula (I).

There is a favourable sub-class of compounds within formula (VI) of formula (VII): wherein R11, R5, Rg and R7 are as defined in formula ( III).

Suitable and preferred values for R^l, R5, Rg and R7 are as described for the corresponding variables in formula (I).

There is a preferred sub-class of compounds within formula (VI) of formula (VIII): (VIII) wherein Rj_l and R5 are as defined in formula (III). 037 Suitable and preferred values for and R5 are as described for the corresponding variables in formula (I) • There are further classes and sub-classes of compounds within formula (I) corresponding to formulae (II) to (VII) respectively but wherein the X=CH2 group is replaced by X1 wherein X1 is oxygen or sulphur.

A compound of formula (I) has a number of asymmetric centres (indicated by in formula (I)) and is thus capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. The present invention extends to each of these forms individually and to mixtures of such stereoisomers including racemates. In addition, the ring systems A, B and C of a compound of formula (I) may exist in a number of conformations.

Again the present invention extends to all combinations of ring conformations individually and in mixtures. However, the most preferred compounds of the present invention are those identified as Series A and B hereinafter.

A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of formula (I) includes an acid addition salt of any of the nitrogen atoms referred to in formula (I) and of any nitrogen-containing substituent for R]_, the acid addition salt being derived from a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, maleic acid and acetic acid. 203 708 The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which process comprises the reaction of a compound of formula (IX): R.

R.

(IX) with a compound of formula (X): HN \ Q (X) wherein X, R^, and R^ are as defined in formula (I), Q is hydrogen and L is a leaving group (when Y is NR5) or Q is N2 and L is absent and treating with an acidic reagent, hydrolysing the resulting intermediate and thereafter optionally reducing an R6/R7 0x0 group, converting an R5 hydrogen to other Rs, converting an Rj , R^ or group to other R^, or and/or forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Examples of the leaving group L include any of those customarily employed in Beckmann rearrangements. Suitable examples include C]__4 alkoxy, such as methoxy, tosyloxy, phosphate and hydroxy. Preferably L is hydroxy. 203708 The reaction with K2NL is carried out in an inert solvent, such as an alkanol e.g. ethanol in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydroxide. Usually the reaction takes place at elevated temperatures, preferably under reflux.

To produce a compound of formula (I), the intermediate of formula (XI) hereinafter depicted undergoes a Beckmann rearrangement in the presence of the acidic reagent. Beckmann rearrangements are well known in the art and any acidic reagent suitable for catalysing such rearrangements may be used in the present invention. Examples of such reagents include sulphuric acic, phosphorus pentoxide, sulphur trioxide, sulphonyl chloride, boron trifluoride, phosphorus pentachloride and, preferably, polyphosphoric acid. The reaction is conveniently carried out at an elevated temperature, for example a temperature within the range 40 to 200°C, or 90 to 170°C.

The reaction with hn3 i.e. Q is N2, L is absent is normally carried out in the presence of an acid catalyst at low temperatures. Any acid catalyst customarily used in Schmidt reactions is suitable, such as sulphuric, hydrochloric, trichloracetic or pclyphosphcric acid. Suitable inert solvents include benzene, chloroform, ethanol or dioxan. The hydrazoic acid ;?,ay be used as such or it may be generated _in situ from sodium azide in the acidic medium.

The Schmidt rearrangement with hn3 is nor.-s serospecific and produces a mixture of products of formula (I) wherein Y is NH and Z is CO and where Y is CO and Z is NH. The products may be separated by conventional methods, such as by chroma tograp^'"- 203708 The Beckmann rearrangement is stereospecific according to the stereochemistry of the intermediate oxime and therefore produces compounds of formula (I) wherein Y is NH and Z is CO.

The invention therefore provides a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) wherein Y is NR5 and Z is CR5R7 which process comprises reacting a compound of formula (XI): (XI) wherein R]_, R2, R3 and L are as hereinbefore defined, with an acidic reagent, hydrolvsing the resulting intermediate and thereafter optionally reducing an R5/R7 oxo group, converting an R5 hydrogen to other R5, converting an R^, R2 or R3 group to other R , R? or R3 and/or forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The R5/R7 oxo group may be reduced using conventional strong reducing agents, such as lithium aluminium hydride or diborane in tetrahydrofuran or ether. The invention therefore provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein Rg and R7 are both hydrogen, which process comprises reducing a compound of formula (I) wherein Rg and R7 together form an oxo group.

R, 203708 An important sub-class of an optional conversion of Ri are those in which a compound of formula (I), wherein Ri is hydrogen, is converted into another compound of formula (I), wherein Ri is as follows: (a) wherein R]_ is Ci_6 alkyl, by alkylation with a Cl-6 alkyl halide in a solvent, such as acetone, in the presence of a base; (b) wherein Ri is C3-7 cycloalkenyl, by reaction with a C3_7 cycloalkenyl halide, such as a c3-7 cycloalkenyl bromide, when the halide atom is allvlic; (c) wherein Ri is C1-4 alkyl substituted by C2-7 alkenyl or C2-7 alkynyl, by reaction with a C3_.11 alkenyl or C3_.11 alkynyl halide, such as a C3_.11 alkenyl or C3_n alkynyl bromide, in a solvent, such as acetone, in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate; (d) wherein Ri is Ci_4 alkyl substituted by amino optionally substituted by one or two Ci_4 alkyl groups or by C^_g polymethylene optionally containing an oxygen atom by reaction with a compound of formula (XII): L4-(CH2)r-NR9RiO (X*1) m which r is 1 to 4, r9 and Rig are hydrogen or Ci_4 alkyl or together are c4-5 polymethylene optionally containing an oxygen atom, is a leaving ^roup, such as chloro, and r is as hereinbefore defined, in a solvent, such as acetone, in the presence ■ :.:Jv:^_..qly s uo b t j. t_ u t a d C]__4 ai^yl halide, such as the bromide. i. 2037 Compounds of the formula (I) wherein is hydrogen are most suitably prepared via the compound of formula (I) wherein R^ is benzyl by conventional hydrogenolysis.

The present invention extends to all of the above conversions, whether singly or in combination.

When R^ in formula (I) is a functional group that may possibly interfere with the course of the reaction or that may not possibly survive it, then it is preferred to carry out the preparation of a compound of formula (I) with R^ as hydrogen or benzyl and subsequently to convert the hydrogen atom into the desired group for R^ by, for example, one or more of the conversions described hereinbefore.

Suitable R5 hydrogen conversions are as hereinbefore described for a) under R^ hydrogen conversions.

An example of an optional conversion of R2 or R3 in a compound of formula (I) into another R2 or R3 is the conversion of Cj-4 alkoxy into hydroxy using, for example, aqueous hydrobromic acid.

The optional formation of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt of a compound of formula (I) may be carried out by simple reaction of a compound of formula (I) with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. 203 7 0S Compounds of formula (IX) may be prepared by cyclisinq, in the presence of a dehydrating agent, a compound of formula (XIII): (XIII) wherein R^, R2, R3 and X are as hereinbefore defined.

The cyclisation reaction is normally carried out under acid conditions, for example in methanesulphonic acid, at room temperature. Any conventional dehydrating agent may be used although phosphorus pentoxide is preferred.

A compound of formula (XIII) may be prepared by hydrolysis of a compound of formula (XIV): X- •R, (XIV) wherein R;q is Cj__4 alkyl, especially methyl, and R^ , R2, R3 and X are as hereinbefore defined, which in turn may be prepared by cyclisation of a compound of formula (XV): jf 2*03708 R 2 \ N R 3 (XV) \ R 1 wherein R^ , R2, R3, Rn and X are as hereinbefore de f ined.

Because of the asymmetric centres indicated by in formulae (XIV) and (XV), the compounds can exist in two diastereoisomers or as a mixture of both. One diastereoisomer of formula (XIV), herein referred to as Series A, can be prepared by carrying out the cyclisation of a compound of formula (XV) under an atmosphere of nitrogen at a temperature of 150°C and then carrying out the hydrolysis of the Series A diastereoisomer of formula (XIV) thus obtained in 5M hydrochloric acid at reflux temperature.

Alternatively, a mixture of the two diastereoisomers of formula (XIV) can be prepared by carrying out the cyclisation of a compound of formula (XV) in methanesulphonic acid at room temperature, separating the Series B isomer from the resulting mixture of Series A and Series B isomers, and then carrying out the hydrolysis of the Series B isomer of formula (XIV) in 10% sodium hydroxide solution at reflux temperature. Separation of the Series B isomer is achieved by conventional techniques, such as column chromotography. 203708 A compound of formula (XV) can be prepared from a compound of formula (XVI): wherein , R2 , r3 and X are as hereinbefore defined by reaction with a compound of formula (XVII): wherein Rn is as previously defined, in the presence of potassium carbonate in dimethylformamide.

Compounds of formula (XVII) are known compounds and can readily be prepared by methods known in the literature.

Compounds of formula (XVI) are also known known compounds, or structurally similar to known compounds, and can be prepared by the process described in U.K. Patents 1173783 and 1229253 or U.S. Patents 3534041 and 3701778 or by an analogous process thereto. (xvi) R 1 (XVII) & nHhi 2037 The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a compound o£ formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention, which may be prepared by a mixture, is usually adapted for oral or parenteral administration and, as such, may be in the form of tablets, capsules, oral liquid preparations, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstitutable powders, or injectable or infusable solutions or suspensions. Orally administrable compositions are generally preferred.

Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose form, and may contain conventional excipients, such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting lubricants, disintegrants and acceptable wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice.

Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be in the form of a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), preservatives, and, if desired, conventional flavourings or colourants.

For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilising a compound of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended 203708 or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilised before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents are dissolved in the vehicle. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved and sterilised by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspension in a sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound.

The dose of the compound used in the treatment of CNS disorders, such as depression or anxiety will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 10.0 mg/kg for example 0.2 to 1 mg/kg and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three times a day, so that the total daily dosage is in the range of about 0.01 to 10 mg/kg; and such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or The invention also provides a method of treatment of CNS disorders, in particular depression in mammals excluding humans, which comprises administering to the sufferer an anti-depressant effective amount of a compound of the invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The invention further provides a compound of the invention, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of CNS disorders, in particular depression. months 203708 The following Examples illustrate the preparation of the compounds of the invention. The following Descriptions illustrate the preparation of intermediates to the compounds of the present invention. All temperatures are in degrees celsius. gjfeKt 20370S 21 Description 1 4-[[(6,11-Dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,e]a2epin-6-yl) methyl]methyl-amino]-2-butenoic acid, methyl ester 6-methylaminomethyl-5,6-dihydromorphanthridine (20 g, 0.084 mol) was dissolved in dry dimethylformamide (150 ml). To this solution, potassium carbonate (11.6 g, 0.084 mol) was added and to the resulting mixture stirred at room temperature, methyl-4-bromocrotonate (85%, 17.6 g, 0.084 mol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours (the reaction followed by t.l.c. on silica gel eluted with diethyl ether). When t.l.c. indicated that the reaction was complete, the solvent was removed and ether (100 ml)/water (200 ml) added to the residue. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous fraction further extracted with 2 x 50 ml portions of ether. The organic extracts were combined, dried (MgSOd) and the solvent removed in vacuo to give a brown oil. Purification of the product was achieved by filtration through a short column of silica gel eluted with ether. The title product was obtained as a brown oil in 65% yield.

V CH 3 22 -3708 Description 2 a trans-1,2,3,4,10,14b-Hexahydro-2-methyl-dibenzo [c,f]pyrazino-fl,2-a]azepine-4-acetic acid, methyl ester (Series 'D ') Methyl-4-(methylaminomethyl-5,6-dihydro-6-morphanthridinyl) but-2-enoate (1.5 g) (description 1) was dissolved in methanesulphonic acid (20 ml) and the resulting solution stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice/water basified with sodium hydroxide and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 25 ml). Removal of the solvent in vacuo gave a brown oil which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluted with ether. 0.25g (35%) of ester diastereoisomer A was isolated. 0.78g (52%) of ester diastereoisomer B was isolated.

Ester B was converted to the hydrochloride salt and recrystallized from methanol/ether to give white crystals mp 231-234°C.

Analysis Required Found N„0_C1.

C N 7.52 67.65 7.47 H 6 . 71 CI 9.53 203708 !>j s c r .i p t i on_2 b JLLan£-l,2,3,4,10,14b-Hexahydro-2-methyl-dibenzo [c,f]pyrazino-[1,2-a]a2epine-4-acetic acid (Series 'B') The ester (series 'B') prepared in (a) (5g) was heated under reflux in 10% sodium hydroxide for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was then acidified with 5N hydrochloric acid. As the solution cooled the hydrochloride salt of the acid precipitated as a white solid. The solid was filtered, washed with water and dried in a vacuum oven. After drying the yield was 85%, mp 295-299°C.

Found C20H23N2°2C^ rec3uires C 66 . 78 66 . 95 H 6 .13 6.42 N 7-72 7. 81 . \ £ N s mar 198$* - 2. _ 203708 :.H '? c r i pticn 3 'crans-5a , 6,7,8,8a, 1 3-Hexahydro-7-methyl-7 , 1 3c-diazabenzo-[gh ] p-leiaden-4 j5H )-one (Series ' B ' ) (D3) The acid (-series B)prepared in2b(9-.5g, (-'31.25 mmol) was dissolved in methanesulpnunic acid (95 g) and phosphorus pentoxide ( 19 g, 0.14 mol) was added in portions, with cooling. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days then poured onto ice/water, basified with sodium hydroxide and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 250ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with water (3 x 250ml) dried (MaSO^.H^O) and the solvent removed jin vacuo and the crude ketone was obtained as an off white foajn. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with ether together^ with increasing proportion of ethyl acetate, gave the title compound as a white foam in 53>"yield. This was converted to the maleate salt and recrystallised from methanol-ether, m.p. 176-9°C.

Analysis C24H24N2^5 Required Found C 68.57 68.47 N 6.66 6.57 H 5.71 5.58 203708 Description 4 trans-5a,6,7,8,8a, 13-Hexahyclro-7-methy 1-7 ,13c-diazabenzo-[gh]pleiaden-4-(5H)-one» oxime (Series 'B') To a mixture of ketone (lg, 0.0032 mol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.35 g, 0.005 mol), ethanol (2 ml) and water (0.5 ml) was added sodium hydroxide (0.65 g, 0.016 mol) in portions. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 20 mins ana then extracted with ethyl acetate. The product, purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluted with ether, was obtained as a white solid in 58% yield mp 216-219°C.

A sample was converted to the maleate salt and after recrystallisation from acetone/ether had melting point CH 3 CH 3 (D4) 164-166°C Mass spectrum m/e 319 Analysis C H N Calc 66.20 9.65 .75 Found 65.43 6.06 8.94 \~sMARm6 203708 Description 5 (a) gjLa-1,2,3,4,10,14b-Hexahydro-2-methy1-dibenzo[c,f ] -pyrazino[1,2-a]azepine-4-acetic acid, methyl ester, monohydrochloride (Series 'A') (D5) The Series 'A1 ester was prepared from the butenoate of Description 1 by heating under an atmosphere of nitrogen at a temperature of 150° in a manner similar to that in Description 2a, and converted into a hydrochloride salt, m.p. 259-262°.

N CI 7.41 9.32 7.52 9.53 C H Found 67.44 6.66 C21H25N2°2C1 rec3uires 67 .65 6.71 * sNARt986 \Vi> V' 203708 Description 5(b) cis-1,2,3,4,10,14b-Hexahydro-2-methy1-dibenzo[c,f]pyrazino-[1,2-a]azepine-4-acetic acid monohydrochloride (Series 'A') (D5(b)) (D5 (b)) . HC1 The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that outlined in Description 2b, m.p., 268-270°.

H N CI Found C20H23N2°2C1 re9uires 66. 35 66. 81 6. 43 6. 42 7.64 7. 81 9. 73 9.90 SMAR1986* - 2S - 203708 Description 6 gjus-5a ,6,7,8,8a, 13-Hexahydro-7-methyl-7 ,13c-diazabenzo [gh] -pleiaden-4(5H)-one (Series 'A') (D6) The title compound was prepared from the acid of Description 5b in a similar manner to that outlined in Description 3 and converted into a hydrochloride salt, m.p. 289-291°.

Found: M+ 30 4.15 81 C20H20N2° re<3u;i-res: 304.1576 " %4£J986 - 2 £ - 203708 Description 7 gXg.-5a ,6,7,8, 8a-13-Hexahyc1ro-7-methyl-7 ,13c-diazabenzo [qh] -pleiaden-4(5H)-one, oxime (Series 'A') (D7) The title compound was prepared from the ketone of Description 6 in a manner analogous to the procedure outlined in Description 4. m.p. 209-210°.

C H N Found 66.29 5.80 9.60 C20H21N3° rec3uires 66.20 5.79 9.65 s^ARt986 203708 Description 8 , 5a,6,7 , 8,8a-Hexahydro-7-methy1-4H-13 -oxa - 7 ,13c-diazabenzo[gh]pleiaden-4-one (D8) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that in Description 3. A sample was converted into the monomaleate salt and recrystallised from acetone/ether m.p. 187-188°C.

C H N Found 65.10 5.11 6.53 C23H22N2°6 Rec3uires 65.40 5.21 6. 64 Found M+ 306.1362 C19H1SN2°2 re<3uires 306 .1368 - ' \\. - %ARR>86 203708 Description 9 ,53,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-7-methyl-4H-l3-thia-7,13c-diazabenzo-fqh]pleiaden-4-one (P 9) The title compound was prepared in a mariner similar to that in Description 3. A sample was converted into a maleate salt, m.p. 178-180° (from acetone-ether).

C H N Found 62.90 5.03 6.31 C20H22N2°5S Rec2u:i-res 63.01 5.02 6.39 203708 Description 10 ,5a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-7-raethyl-4H-13-oxa-7,13c-diazabenzo-[gh]pleiaden-4-one, oxime (DIP) (DIO) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that in Description 4. A sample was converted into a mono-maleate salt m.p. 146-149°C.

C H N Found 62.71 5.20 9.59 C23H23N3°6 recjuires 63. 15 5.30 9 .60 HPLC purity by area > 99% 203708 E >: ample I trans-6 a , 7 , 8 , 9 , 9a, 14-He:<ahydro-8-niethyl~4H-4 ,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b, ef,kl]heptalen-5 (6H)-one (Series 'B ') The oxime (0.45g; 1.4 m.mol) was heated in excess polyphos-phoric acid at 130-140°C for 20 min. The mixture was poured onto ice/water, basified with 40% sodium hydroxide; and extraction with ethyl acetate removed the crude product. Chromatography on silica with ethyl acetate containing increasing amounts of ethanol gave the lactam as a white solid in 47% yield. The lactam was converted into a monomaleate salt and recryst allised from aceton.e/' diethyl ether, m.p. 199-202°C.

Analysis as hydrate C_ _,N-,0, . j 24 2 7 3 b Reauired Found si C. 63. 58 63.68 64.06 H. . 96 . 59 . 64 N.* 9. 27 9.09 9.18 Mass spectrum m / 319 HPLC purity by area %~/*99.9% . « i 5MARI986 V.. .<■-<? 203708 ExairiDle 2 - cis-6a,7,8,9,9a, 14-He:-:ahvdro-8-methyl-4H-4 ,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo [ b, e£/kl]heptalen-5 (6H) -one (Series 'A') (E2) The title compound was prepared from the Series 'A' oxime of Description 7 by a Beckmann rearrangement with phosphorus pentachloride. m.p. 16 5-168°.

Found M+ 319.1674 C20H21N3° rec3u;i-res 319.1684 ( - 3makI986 > 203708 Example 3 trar>s-5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,14 - Octahydro-8-me thy 1-4 H-4 ,8 ,14c-triazatribenzo [b,ef ,kl]heptalene (E3) The amide prepared in Example 1 (0.8g, 0.0025mol) was dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (40ml) and excess lithium aluminium hydride added in portions. The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 30 mins after which time tic (silica gel/ethyl acetate) indicated no starting material remained. Water was then carefully added and the product extracted with ethyl acetate. Column chromatography on silica,using as eluant ethyl acetate containing increasing amounts of methanol,gave the required amine in 92% yield. A sample of the amine was converted into a monomaleate salt and recrystallised from acetone m.p. 139-142°C.

C K N Found 67.05 6.41 9.56 C24H27N3°4'^H2° requires 66.97 6.51 9.76 Found: M+ 305.1896 C20H2',N3 rec3u:'-res 305.1892 HPLC: Purity by area >99%.

O ' 5MARI986 3.037 OS Nrnr: (CDC13): 5: 1.6 4 (IH; d,d,d,d; J=15 , 6.5, 1, 1; 1 eq CH). 1.92 (1H; d,d,d,d; 1 ax CH) , 2.09 (1H; d,d; J=10, 10; 14 ax CH), 2.30 (3H, s, NCH3), 2.44 (1H; d,d; J=ll, 11; 12 ax CH), 2.70 (1H; d,d,d; J=ll,2,2; 12 eq CH), 2.80 (1H, s, ex D20 NH), 2.83 (1H; d,d,d; J=10, 1.5, 1.5; 14 eq CH); 3.18 (1H; d,d,d; J=10,7,l; 2 eq CH) , 3.26 (1H, d, J=12.5, 7-bridgehead CH), 3.27 (1H; d, d , d; J=10.5, 10.5,,6.5; 2 ax CH), 4.02 (1H; d,d,d,br; J=10,10,2,0.5; 14a-CH), 4.55 (1H; d,d; J=10.5, 3; llb-CH), 4.68 (1H, d, J=12.5, 7-bridgehead CH), 6.54-7.13 (7H,m, aromatic CH). 203708 37 Example 4 tcans-5,6 ,6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Octahydro-4,8-dimethy1-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalene (E4) CH 3 (E4) 3 The amine prepared in Example 3 (0.3g 0.00098mol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (18ml) and formaldehyde (0.78 ml, 0.0096 mol, 37-41% solution) added. The pH was adjusted to 4 using ethereal hydrogen chloride. Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.186g, 0.0029mol) was then added and the pK maintained at 4 for 2 hours. After this time the pH was lowered to -1 and the mixture stirred for 30 mins. The solvent was removed and the product partitioned between ethyl acetate and water the organic phase was separated, dried (MgSO^) and evaporated to dryness.

Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with ethyl acetate gave the required compound in 70% yield. A sample was converted to the monomaleate salt and recrystallised from acetone/ether m.p. 102-105°C.

Found M+ 319.2042 C2lH25N3 re<3u^res 319.2048 HPLC purity by area 99% 5MAR1986 203708 38 Example 5 trans-4-Acetyl-5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Octahydro-8-methyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalene (E 5) ch3co- •CH (E5) 3 The amine prepared in Example 3 (0.3g, 0.0009 8 mol) was 5 dissolved in dichloromethane (10ml) and potassium carbonate (0.168c, 0.0012 mol) added. To this stirred mixture was added acetic anhydride (0.119g, 0.11ml, 0.0011 mol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 3 hours when tic (silica gel/ethyl acetate) showed rection 10 was complete. Water was added and the product extracted into dicnloromethane. Chromatography on silica using ethyl acetate as eluant gave the title compound (0.2 8g; 82%). This was converted to the monomaleate salt and re crystallised from acetone m.p. 193-195°C.

Found M+ 347.2007 C2?H25^3° re<5u;i-res 347 . 1997 HPLC purity by area 99.9% 203708 Example 6 trans-5,6,6a , 7,8,9,9a,14-Octahydro-8-methyl-4H-5,8,14c-trlazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-4-one (EG) Example 1 Example 6 The ketone prepared in Description 3 (2g, 0.0066mol) was dissolved in chloroform (10ml) and the reaction mixture cooled to 0°C in an ice-bath. Concentrated sulphuric acid (5ml) was then added followed by the portionwise addition of sodium azide (0.5g, 0.0077mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0°C for 2k hours, basified with sodium hydroxide anc the products extracted into ethyl acetate. Column chromatography on silica using ethyl acetate containing increasing amounts of methanol gave:- ( a) trans-6a , 7,8,9,9a,14-Hexahydro-8-methyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(6H)-one (Series 'B') C.49g (23%) as prepared previously in Example 1 and (b) trans-5,6,6a,7,3,9,9a,14-Octahvdro-8-methvl-4H-5,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,e f,kl]heptalen-4-one (Series ' B 1 ) l.lg (5 3%) a portion of which was converted into a mono-maleate salt ana recrystallised from acetone/ether m.p. 210-213°C. - "5MAR4986 203708 Example 7 6,6a , 7,8,9,9a-Hexahvdro-8-methyl-14-oxa-4,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(4H)-one (E7) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 6.

Found M+ 321.1483 C19H19N3°2 re<3uires 321.1477 - $mR1986 - 203708 Example 8 6,6a,7,8,9,9a-Hexahydro-8-methyl-14-oxa-5,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo [b, ef , kl3 heptalen-4 (5h') -one (E8) (e8) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 6, a sample was converted to the mono-maleate salt m.p. 251-253°C. c h n Found monomaleate salt 71.07 6.04 13.11 Co-,H_-)N-0, requires 71.01 5.96 13.07 2.6 zJ 6 b Found M+ 321.1490 C19H19N3°2 321.1477 'sftAftj986* Found: M+ 319.1694 C20H21N3° rec3uires 319.1685 HPLC purity by area 97%. 2037QS Example 9 6,6a,7,8,9,9a-Hexahydro-8-methy1-14-thia-4,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(4H)-one (E9) (E9) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 6.

Found M+ 337.1259 C19H19N3OS requires 337.1249 203708 Example 10 6,6a,7,8/9,9a-Hexahydro-8-methvl-14-thia-5,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b,ef,k1]heptalen-4(5H)-one (E10) (E10) The above compound was prepared in a similar manner to the method described in Example 6.

Found M+ 337.1238 C19H19N3°S re<3u^-res 337.1249 8$J?48 203705 Example 11 4,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-0ctahydro-8-methyl-14-oxa-4,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalene (Ell) (Ell) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 3.

Found M 307.1677 .

C19H21N3° rec3uires 307.1684 O ** $ MAR t986T 203708 Example 12 4,5,6,63,7,8,9,9a-Octahydro-8-methyl-14-oxa-5,8,14c-triaza-tribenzofb,ef,kl1heptalene (E12) (E12) \ CH.

The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 3.

Found M+ 307.1680 C19H21N3° requires 307.1684 £ ii p-* o\ ^liAR 1986 o 20S70S Example 13 .trjans-5 ,6 / 6a , 7 , 8 , 9, 9a , 14-Octahydro-8-methyl-4H-5 , 8 , 14c-triazatribenzofb/ef/kl)heptalene (El 3) (E13) The title compound was prepared in a manner similar to that in Example 3 from the amide prepared in Example 6.

Found M+ 305.189 3 C^H^N- requires 305.1892 i J v 0 ' - 1986 77 Pharmacology Compounds of the invention inhibit the behavioural symptoms induced by 5-methoxy-N/N-dimethyltryptarriine (5-MDMT), a central 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist, and are central 5HT antagonists. As such they would be expected to possess antidepressant (Ogren, S 0, Fuxe, K, Agnati, L F, Gustafsson J A, Jonsson, G, and Holm A C, 1979, J Neural Trans, A6_, 85-103) and/or anxiolytic (Stein, L, Kline, D, and Belluzi, J D, 1975, in Advances in Biochemical Psychopharniacology, ed Costa, E, and Greengard, P, Vol 3^4, 29-44, Raven Press, NY) activity.

Method Mice (0* CD-I Charles River) are pretreated with the compounds (10 animals/group) under investigation and lh later are injected with lOmg/kg i.p. 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine (Sigma). The symptoms of fore-paw tapping movements, head jerks and splayed limbs are scored: 1, present; 0, absent, giving a maximum score of 3/mouse or 30/group. Results are expressed as the percentage inhibition compared to the group treated with 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine alone. The dose of compound inhibiting the symptoms by 50% is determined graphically.

The results are shown in Table 1.

Toxi city No toxic effects were observed in the above tests. 2037OB TABLE 1 Compound ED^q mg/kg (p.p.) trans-6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Hexahydro-8-methyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo-5 [b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(6H)-one 3.0 (Series B) (Example 1) trans-5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,14-0ctahvdro-4,8-dimethyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo-[b,ef,kl]heptalene 1.1 (Series B) (Example 4) trans-5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Octahydro-8-methvl-4H-5,8,14c-triazatribenzo-[b,ef,kl]heptalen-4-one 8.0 (Series B) (Example 6) " $MAR 1986J 203708

Claims (20)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

X is CH2, 0, S or NR4 wherein R4 is hydrogen or Cj__4 alkyl;

One of Y and Z is NR5 and the other is cr5r7 wherein r5 is hydrogen, Ci_4 alkyl or C]__4 acyl and R6 and R7 are either both hydrogen or together form an oxo group;

Rl is hydrogen, Cj^-g alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, 04-7 cycloalkenyl or C^_4 alkyl substituted by C2-7 alkenyl, C2-7 alkynyl, C2-7 cycloalkyl, amino optionally substituted by one or two C]__4 alkyl groups or by polymethylene optionally containing an oxygen atom or by phenyl optionally substituted in the phenyl ring by alkyl, alkoxy, halogen or trifluoromethyl; and - 51 - 203708 1*2 and are the same or different and are hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkyl, C^_4 alkoxy or trifluoromethyl.;2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is NR,. and Z is CR^R- as defined in claim 1, R. is hydrogen;O / 1;or alkyl and the remaining variables are as defined in claim 1.;3. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:;(II);wherein R-, R_, R., R_, R and R_ are as defined in I l j d b 7;claim 1.;4. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (III) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:;(III);wherein R^ is hydrogen or C are as defined in claim 1.;1-4;ilkyl and R^ , R and %''V - N ^;O;D In;- 52 -;203708;

5. A compound according to claim 4 of formula (IV) or a pharmaceutically acccptable salt thereof:;wherein R * and Rc are as defined in claim 4. 1 5

6. trans-6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Hexahydro-8-methyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalen-5(6H)-one.

7. A compound according to claim 4 of formula (V) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: (V) wherein R^ and R,_ are as defined in claim 4.

8. trans-5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,14-Octahydro-8-methyl-4H-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalene; trans-5,6,6a, 7,8,9,9a,14-octahydro-4,8-dimethyl-4H-4,8,14c-triaza-tribenzo[b,ef,kl]heptalene; or trans-4-acetyl-5,6,6a,7, 8 , 9 , 9a, 14-octahydro-8-methyl-4H-4 , 8 ,14c-triazatribenzo- .... , • v p. [b,ef,kl] heptalene. I - 53 - 20370B

9. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (VI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R., R„, R-, R_, Rr and R_ are as defined in 1 2 3 D 6 7 claim 1.

10. A compound according to claim 1 of formula (VII) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

11. A compound according to claim 10 of formula (VIII) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: - 54 - 20370S D (VIII) wherein R^1 and R are as defined in claim 4.

12 . trans-5 ,6,6a,7,8,9,9a, 14-Octahydro-8-methyl-4H-5,8 ,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl] heptalen-4-one .

13. 6,6a,7,8,9,9a-Hexahydro-8-methyl-14-oxa-4,8,14c-triazatrib3nzo(b,ef ,kl] heptalen-5 (4H)-one; 6 , 6a , 7 , 8 , 9 , 9a-he.\ahyuro-8-methyl-14-oxa-5,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef,kl]-heptalen-4(5H)-one; 6,6a,7,8,9, 9a-hexahydro-8-methyl-14-thia-4,8,14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef, klj heptalen-5(4H)-one; 6 , 6a , 7 , 8 , 9 , 9a-hexahvdro- 8-me thy 1-14-thia- 5,8,14c-triaza-tril.'enzo[b,ef ,kl]heptalen-4 ( 5 H) one ; 4,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a- oc t a hydro-8-me thy 1-1 4-oxa-4,8,l 4 c-triazatribenzo [b,ef , kl ] -heptalene; 4,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-octahydro-8-methyl-14-oxa-5 , 8 , 14c-triazatribenzo[b,ef , kl ] heptalene; or trans-5 , 6 , 6a , 7 , 8,9,9a,14-octahydro-8-methyl-4H-5 ,8 ,14c-triazatribenzo-[b,ef,kl]heptalene.

14. The Series B diastereoisomer of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A process for the preparation of a compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 13 which process comprises the reaction of a compound of formula (IX) : 203708 - D D - R, (IX) with a compound of formula (X) HN / \ Q (X) wherein R ^ , R? and R^ are as defined in claim 1, Q is hydrogen and L is a leaving group (when Y is NR,.) or Q is N and L is absent and treating with an acidic reagent, hyclrolysing the resulting intermediate and thereafter optionally reducing an Rg/R^ oxo group, converting an R,_ hydrogen to other R^, converting an R 1 ' or R_, group to other R^ , R 2 or R^ and/or forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

16. a process according to claim 15 for the preparation of a compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is NRj_ and Z is CRgR^ which process comprises reacting a compound of formula (XI): 20370S - 56 - wherein R , R? , and L are as defined in claims 1 and 14 with an acidic reagent, hydrolysing the resulting intermediate and thereafter optionally reducing an Rg/R-7 0X0 group, converting an R^ hydrogen to other R^ / converting an R , R„ or R group to other R , R or R ^ J 1 ^ J and/or forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

17 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

18. A method of- treatment of CNS disorder in mammals excluding humans comprising the administration of an effective amount of a compound according to any one of the claims 1 to 14 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the sufferer.

19. A compound according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Examples.

20. A process for the preparation of a compound according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Examples. ; "j .• ;;/S (L PAY Or £. 19 A . . P A R K a SO U fc-:n -S>. -A'cc./i AGENTS (TOH THE APPLICANTS