NZ290918A - Bicyclic amidines - Google Patents

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number £90918 New Zealand No. 290918 International No. PCT/GB95/01896 TO BE ENTERED AFTER ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION Priority dates: 10.08.1995 Complete Specification Filed: 10.08.1995 Classification:^) C07D333/40; C07D409/12; A01K31/38,47,55 Publication date: 27 May 1998 Journal No.: 1428 Title of Invention: Bicyclic amidine derivatives useful in therapy Name, address and nationality of applicant(s) as in international application form: ASTRA AKTIEBOLAG, a Swedish company of S-151 85 Sodertalje, Sweden NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ^VO 97/06158 |k PCT/GB95/01896 Bicvclic amidine derivatives useful in therapy gg 0 9^8 This invention relates to tricyclic amidine derivatives, processes for their 5 preparation, compositions containing them and their use in therapy.

Certain amidine derivatives have been described for use in therapeutic applications. N-Phenyl amidine derivatives have been described for use in the treatment of diabetes in US Patent No. 3669974 (USV Pharmaceutical Corp.) and 10 UK Patent Application 2226562 (Boots). fWdisubstituted amidines are described for use in the treatment of hypertension, depression and hallucinogenic states in International Patent Application WO 92/04054 (University of Oregon). The use of certain amidines and symmetric bisamidines as analgesics, in the treatment of inflammation and in the treatment of hypertension is described in Belgian Patent 15. No. 717740 and UK Patent No. 1180629 (both of Delalande). Amidine derivatives have also been described for use as herbicides in German Patent Application DE-OS-232133Q (Bayer) corresponding to GB 1,423,477.

The use of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthetase in the treatment of disease has 20 also been described, for example, in International Patent Applications WO 94/12163 (Abbott), WO 93/13066 and WO 94/12165 (both of Wellcome) and European Patent Applications 446699 (Merrell Dow), 547558 and 558468 (both of Washington University). The use of nitric oxide synthetase inhibitors in therapy is also described in WO 95/00505, WO 95/09619, WO 95/09621 (all of Wellcome), WO 25 95/10266 (Otsuka), WO 95/11231 and WO 95/11014 (both of Searle).

The applicant has previously described the use of guanidine derivatives and amidine derivatives which are inhibitors of nitric oxide synthetase in the treatment inter alia of neurodegenerative disease (WO 94/21621, WO 95/05363).

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP ■2- We have now found a new group of bicyclic amidine derivatives that possesses useful pharmaceutical activity.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a compound of formula I wherein D represents a five membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from 0, N or S, optionally substituted at a carbon atom by halogen, trifluoromethyl, alkyl CI to 6, nitro or cyano, and which is connected to the remainder of the compound of formula I through a carbon atom; A represents N(X) or CH(-(CH2)B-NXY); U represents NH, O or CH:; V represents (CHj),; W represents (CHz)b; a and b independently represent an integer 0 to 3, provided that a+b is in the range 1 to 3; X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6, or the group -(CH^.Q, or -NXY represents piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyi or tetrahydroisoquinolinyl; Q represents biphenyl or phenyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl Cl to 6, alkoxy Cl to 6, perfluoroalkyl Cl to 6, halogen, nitro or cyano; m represents an integer 0 to 5; n represents an integer 0 to 6; or the chain U-V-A-W is as defined above save that it may be unsaturated, or the chain U-V-A-W may represent -NH-CH2-CH2-0- substituted at a carbon atom by the group -(CHj)m-NXY, wherein m, X and Y are as defined above, D •3. and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

A preferred group of compounds of formula I is defined by formula IA: wherein T represents a Q.s saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CH2)m-NXY; -0-(CHj)2-NH- substituted by -(CH2)m-NXY; or -U-(CH2).-N(X>(CH2)b-; X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6, or the group -(CH2),Q, or -NXY represents piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyi jt tetrahydroisoquinolinyl; Q represents phenyl optionally substituted by aikyl Cl to 6, alkoxy Cl to 6, trifluoromethyl, halogen, nitro or cyano: and U, m, n, a, b and D are as defined above, save that when T represents -U-(CH2)i-N(X)-(CH:)t,- and X represents -(CHj^Q, n represents an integer 0 to 5, and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

We prefer that D represents a five-membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing one heteroatom selected from O, N or S. optionally substituted at a carbon atom by halogen. We particularly prefer that D represents thienyl, furyl or pyrrolyl, especially thienyl or furyl. more especially thienyl and most especially 2-thienyl.

We prefer that T represents a Q.s saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CH2)m-NXY, particularly a Cj.s saturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CH2)B-NXY, especially a C34 saturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CH2)m- I A D NXY.

When T represents a C,., saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CH2)0-NXY; or -0-(CH2)2-NH- substituted by -(CH2)m-NXY. we prefer that X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2),Q. We particularly prefer that X and Y independently represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or 5 the group -(CH2),Q and especially that one of X and Y represents hydrogen and the other represents hydrogen or the group -(CH2),Q.

We prefer that m represents 0 or 1, especially Q.

When T represents -U-(CH2),-N(X)-(CH2)b-, we prefer U to represent CHj.

When T represents -U-(CH2)a-N(X)-(CH2)b-, we prefer that a+b is 1 or 2.

When T represents -U-(CH:),-N(X)-(CH2)b-, we prefer that X represents 15 hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2)tQ.

When X and/or Y represent -(CH2),Q, we prefer that n represents 0,1 or 2, especially 1.

We prefer that Q represents phenyl optionally substituted by alkyl Cl to 6 or halogen, although we particularly prefer that Q represents unsubstituted phenyl.

According to the invention, we further provide a process for the preparation of compounds of formula I, and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which 25 comprises: (a) preparing a compound of formula I by reacting a corresponding compound of formula II wherein U, V, A and W are as defined above, with a compound of formula III NH A wherein D is as defined above and L is a leaving group; (b) preparing a compound of formula I by reacting a corresponding compound of formula IV lwX>h>- iv wherein U, V, A and W are as defined above and HA is an acid, with a compound of formula V EN wherein D is as defined above; (c) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents N(X) and X represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2)„Q by reacting a corresponding compound of formula I in which X represents hydrogen with a compound of 20 formula VI R9-L VI wherein R' represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2)tQ and L is a leaving group; (d) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CHj)m-NXY) and at least one of X and Y represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2)„Q by reacting a corresponding compound of formula I in which one or both of X and Y represents hydrogen with a compound of formula VI; (e) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CH2)m-30 NXY) and m represents an integer 1 to 5, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula VII ruY^LNlt XYMC0(CH2)B.,-HCXw>^r wherein U, V, W, X, Y and D arc as defined above; (f) preparing of a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CH2)m-NXY) and both X and Y represent hydrogen, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula VIII U.

I I I hi i• V _ .. • r 0,N- ( C H,) -H Cx \ 2 v ^VT V=N H / D wherein U, V, W, m and D are as defined above; (g) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CHj)m- NXY), X represents hydrogen and m represents an integer 1 to 5, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula IX W =NH 0 wherein U, V, W, D and Y are as defined above; (h) preparing a compound of formula I wherein A represents CH(-(CH2)m-NXY), one of X and Y represents hydrogen, and the other represents -(CH2),Q in which n represents an integer 1 to 6, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula X .-CCHan wherein Q, m, U, V, W and D are as defined above; (i) preparing a compound of formula I wherein A represents CH^CH^-NXY), one of X and Y represents hydrogen, and the other represents -(CH2),Q in which n represents an integer 1 to 6, by reduction of a compound of formula XI C(CH2)ll.,CH.N-(CH2)m-HC^vrJ^X V__NH XI wherein Q, m, U, V, W and D are as defined above; or (j) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-NXY) and 10 X represents hydrogen by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula XII .u.

NH wherein U, V, W, D and Y are as defined above; and where desired or necessary converting the resultant compound of formula I, or another salt thereof, to a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or vice versa.

In process (a), the reaction will take place on stirring a mixture of the reactants in a suitable solvent, for example a lower alkanol e.g. ethanol, isopropanol or tertiary butanol, at a temperature between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the solvent. The reaction time will depend inter alia on the solvent and the nature of the leaving group, and may be up to 48 hours, however it will 25 typically be from 1 to 5 hours. Suitable leaving groups that L may represent include thioalkyl, sulphonyl, trifluorocarbon sulphonyl, halide, alkyl and axyl alcohols and tosyl groups; others are recited in 'Advanced Organic Chemistry', J. March (1985) 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill on page 315 and are well known in the art.

In process (b), the reaction is preferably performed by refluxing a mixture of the two compounds for several hours in the presence of a suitable solvent whereby the WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 reaction temperature is high enough so that condensation takes place readily, but not sufficiently high to decompose the amidine formed. The reaction temperature can vary from room temperature to about 250 °C, although it is preferable to perform the reaction at temperatures from about 100 °C to 200 °C. We find that o-5 dichlorobenzene is a particularly suitable solvent and it is useful to add 4- dimethylaminopyridine as a catalyst On cooling, two layers form, the solvent may be decanted, and the reaction worked up by addition of aqueous base.

Alternatively, where the reactants are soluble in the solvent, the solvent may be evaporated off under vacuum and the reaction mixture worked up by addition of 10 water. The acid HA may be an organic or inorganic acid, for instance, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulphuric, nitric, phosphoric, acetic, lactic, succinic, fumaric, malic, maleic, tartaric, citric, benzoic or methanesulphonic acid.

In process (c), the reaction will take place under standard conditions, for 15 example by reacting the two compounds in an inert solvent under basic conditions at room temperature for a period of up to 12 hours. We have frequently found it desirable to treat the amine with NaH before reacting with the compound of formula VI. We prefer that L represents halide. particularly bromide.

Process (d) may be performed under conditions analogous to those described above for process (c).

In process (e), the reduction may be perfomed by treatment with diborane in an inert solvent e.g. THF. Alternative although less preferred reagents which may be 25 suitable include lithium aluminium hydride and reagents for catalytic hydrogenation e.g. H2 on Pd/C. Further details of the reaction conditions for use of these reactions may be obtained by reference to J. March "Advanced Organic Chemistry" on page 1099, including the references cited therein.

In process (f), the reduction reaction may be performed under a number of conditions, for example those described in J March "Advanced Organic Chemistry" 9- on pages 1103-1104. These include catalytic hydrogenation, use of Zn, Sn or Fe metal, AlHj-AlClj, sulphides and others. We prefer to perforin the reaction by hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure for 3-6 hours in the presence of a palladium and carbon catalyst In processes (g), (i) and (j), the reduction may be performed by treating the compound with sodium borohydride or sodium cyanoborohydride under standard conditions.

In process (h) the reaction may be performed under conditions analogous to those described above for process (e).

Salts of compounds of formula I may be formed by reacting the free base or a salt, enantiomer, tautomer or protected derivative thereof, with one or more 15 equivalents of the appropriate acid. The reaction may be carried out in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble or in a solvent in which the salt is soluble, eg water, dioxan. ethanol, tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether, or a mixture of solvents, which may be removed jji vacuo or by freeze drying. The reaction may be a metathetical process or it may be carried out on an ion exchange resin.

The compounds of formula II may be prepared by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula XIII U XIII wherein U, V, A and W are as defined above.

The reduction reaction may be performed under analogous conditions to those described above for process (f).

Ccrtain compounds of formula II arc either known or may be prepared by conventional methods known per se. Other compounds of formula II may be prepared from known compounds with simpler substituent groups by following analogous processes to those described above for processes (c) to (j). For example, 5 by analogy with process (j) above, we find it convenient to prepare certain compounds of formula XIII in which A represents CH(-NXY) and X represents hydrogen by reduction of the corresponding imine formed by reaction of a compound of formula NH2Y with the nitrated bicyclic ketone.

Compounds of formula IV may be prepared by analogous processes to those described for the preparation of compounds of formula II. Compounds of formula IV may be converted to corresponding compounds of formula II by treatment with a base. Compounds of formula II may be converted to corresponding compounds of formula IV by treatment with a protic acid HA, for example one of those listed 15 above.

Compounds of formula III are either known or may be prepared by known methods. For example, compounds of formula III in which L represents thioalkyl may be prepared by treatment of the corresponding thiamide of forr ila XIV S X ! V 0 NH; wherein D is as defined above, with an alkyliodide.

Compounds of formula VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII may be prepared by analogous processes to those described for the preparation of compounds of formula I. Such compounds may be readily prepared from compounds with simpler substituent groups by conventional methods e.g. formation of an amide (VII, X) by 30 reaction of an amine with a carboxylic acid or activated derivative thereof or formation of an imine (IX, XI, XII) by reaction of an amine with an aldehyde.

WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 Compounds of formula V, VI, XIII and XIV are either known or may be prepared by conventional methods known per se.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that it may be desirable to protect an amine or other reactive group using a protecting group as described in the standard text "Protecting groups in Organic Synthesis", 2nd Edition (1991) by Greene and Wuts. Amine-protecting groups which may be mentioned include alkyloxycarbonyl C2 to 7, eg i-butyloxycarbonyl, phenylalkyloxycarbonyl C8 to 13, eg benzyloxycarbonyl or preferably trifluoroacetate. Deprotection will normally take place on treatment with aqueous base, acid or by treatment with hydrogen.

The compounds of the invention and intermediates may be isolated from their reaction mixtures by standard techniques.

The term "alkyl Cl to 6" includes straight chain, branched, saturated, unsaturated, aliphatic and cyclic alkyl groups containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

The compounds of formula I may exist in tautomeric, enantiomeric or diasteriomeric forms, all of which are included within the scope of the invention. The various optical isomers may be isolated by separation of a racemic mixture of the compounds using conventional techniques, e.g. fractional crystallisation, or HPLC. Alternatively the individual enantiomers may be made by reaction of the appropriate optically active starting materials under reaction conditions which will not cause racemisation.

Intermediate compounds may also exist in enantiomeric forms and may be used as purified enantiomers, diastereomers, racemates or mixtures.

The compounds of formula I possess useful pharmacological activity in animals. In particular, they possess useful nitric oxide synthetase inhibiting activity, and are expected to be useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of human diseases or conditions in which the synthesis or oversynthesis of nitric oxide forms a contributory part; for example, hypoxia, e.g. in cases of cardiac arrest and stroke, neurodegenerative disorders including nerve degeneration and/or nerve necrosis in disorders such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, and in external wounds (such as 5 spinal cord and head injuiy), hyperbaric oxygen convulsions and toxicity, dementia e.g. pre-senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease and AIDS-related dementia, Sydenham's chorea, Parkinson's disease, Tourette's Syndrome, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Korsakoff's disease, imbecility relating to a cerebral vessel disorder, sleeping disorders, schizophrenia, depression, autism, seasonal 10 affective disorder, jet-lag, depression or other symptoms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), anxiety and septic shock. Compounds of formula I may also be expected to show activity in the prevention and reversal of tolerance to opiates and diazepines, treatment of drug addiction, relief of pain and treatment of migraine and other vascular headaches. The compounds of the present invention 15 may also show useful immunosuppressive activity, be useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, reversible obstructive airways disease including asthma and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders, cancer, in the induction of labour, for reduction of gastric acid secretion and for increasing the contractile 20 force of skeletal muscle.

Compounds of formula I are most particularly of interest in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, of migraine or for the prevention and reversal of tolerance to opiates and diazepines or for the treatment of drug addiction and especially in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Thus according to a further aspect of the invention we provide a compound of formula I, or a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a pharmaceutical.

According to another feature of the invention we provide the use of a compound of formula I, or a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the ?qn9l8 % * ■ ) -.y manufacture of a medicatti^nt for thetreatment or prophylaxis of the--'-' •• ■--■>>-aforementioned diseases or conditions.

There is also provided a method of treatment or prophylaxis of one of the aforementioned diseases or conditions which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a person suffering from or susceptible to such a disease or condition.

For the above mentioned therapeutic indications, the dosage administered will,- . , of course, vary with the compound employed, the mode of administration and the treatment desired. However, in general, satisfactory results are obtained when the compounds are administered to a human at a daily dosage of between 1 mg and 2000 mg (measured as the solid form). ~ . " ' •••••.• •• r The compounds of formula I, and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof may be used on their own, or in the form of appropriate medicinal preparations for enteral or parenteral administration.

According to the invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical formulation including preferably less than 80% and more preferably less than 50% of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a phannaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Examples of diluents and carriers which are suitable will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The enzyme nitric oxide synthetase has a number of isoforms and compounds of formula I, or phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may be screened for nitric oxide synthetase inhibiting activity by procedures based on those of Bredt and Snyder in Proc.

Natl. Acad. Sci. (1990) 87, 682-685 and Ffirstermann et. al., Eur. J. Pharm. (1992) Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED 0918 225,161-165 as follows; Nitric oxide synthetase btinverts 'H-L-drgfnirie to 3H-L»' • citrulline which can be separated by cation exchange chromatography and quantified by scintillation counting.

Screen A (A) Screen for neuronal nitric oxide synthetase inhibiting activity . Enzyme was isolated from rat hippocampus or cerebellum. The cerebellum or hippocampus of a male Sprague-Dawley rat (250-275g) is removed following C03 anaesthesia of the animal and decapitation. Cerebellar or hippocampal supernatant 10 is prepared by homogenisation in 50 mM Tris-HCl with 1 mM EDTA buffer (pH 7.2 at 25 °C) and centifugation for 15 minutes at 20,000 g. Residual L-arginine is removed from the supernatant by chromatography through Dowex AG-50W-X8 sodium form and hydrogen form columns successively, and further centrifagation at 1000 g for 30 seconds. - - 1 For the assay, 25 pi of thefinaf supernatant is added to eachof 12 test tubes containing 25 pi L-arginine solution (of concentration 18 pM 'H-L-arginine, 96 nM 3H-L-arginine) and either 25 pi of an assay buffer (50 mM HEPES, 1 mM EDTA, 1.5 mM CaClj, pH 7.4) or 25 pi of test compound in the buffer at 22 °G To each test tube is added 75 pi of complete assay buffer (50 mM HEPES, 1 mM EDTA, 20 1.5 mM CaCl2,1 mM DTT, 100 pM NADPH, 10 pg/ml calmodulin, pH 7.4) to initiate the reaction and the reaction is stopped after 10 minutes by addition of 2 ml of a termination buffer (20 mM HEPES, 2 mM EDTA, pH 5.5).

Labelled L-citrulline is separated from labelled L-arginine by chromatography over a Dowex AG-50W-X8 200-400 mesh column. 1 ml of each terminated 25 reaction is added to an individual 1 ml column and the eluant combined with that - — from two 1 ml distilled water washes and 16 ml of scintillation cocktail. The L-citrulline is then quantified by scintillation counting. - - • • In a typical experiment using the cerebellar supernatant, basal activity is increased by 20,000 dpm/ml of sample above a reagent blank which has an activity -30 of 7,000 dpm/ml. A reference standard, N-nitro-L-arginine, which gives-60% Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 received " ^ o 918 -15- _ inhibition of nitric oxide-synthetase at .a concentration of 1 mH k tested in the. --assay to verify the procedure.

Screen B (B) Screen for macrophage nitric oxide synthetase inhibiting activity Enzyme is prepared, after induction, from the cultured murine macrophage cell line J774A-1 (obtained from laboratories of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund). J774A-1 cells are cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum, 4 mM L-glutamine Lnd antibiotics 10 (100 units/ml penicillin G, 100 /tg/ml streptomycin & 0.25 tig/ml amphotericin B). Cells are routinely grown in 225 cm3 flasks containing 35 ml medium kept at 37 °C and in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO* Nitric oxide synthetase is produced by cells in response to interferon-7 (IFN7) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The medium from confluent culture flasks is removed 15 and replaced with 25 ml (per flask)of Iresh medium containing 1 fig/ml LPS and 10 units/ml IFN7. After a period of 17-20 hours in culture, harvesting of cells is accomplished by scraping the cell sheet from the flask surface into the culture medium. Cells are collected by centrifiigation (lOOOg for 10 minutes) and lysate prepared by adding to the cell pellet a solution containing 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5 20 at 20 °C), 10% (v/v) glycerol, 0.1% (v/v) Triton-X-100, 0.1 /iM dithiothreitol and a cocktail of protease inhibitors comprising leupeptin (2 /ig/ml), soya bean tiypsin inhibitor (10 /ig/ml), aprotinin (5 jig/ml) & phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (50 /xg/ml).

For the assay, 25 /jl substrate cocktail (50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5 at 20 °Q, 400 25 fxM NADPH, 20 /iM flavin adenine dinucleotide, 20 jiM flavin mononucleotide, 4 /iM tetrahydrobiopterin, 12 /iM L-arginine and 0.025 /tCi L-[3H] arginine) is added to wells of a 96 well filter plate (0.45/iM pore size) containing 25 /il of a solution of test compound in 50 mM Tris-HCl. The reaction is started by adding 50 /il of cell lysate (prepared as above) and after incubation for 1 hour at room temperature is 30 terminated by addition of 50 /il of an aqueous solution of 3 mM nitroarginine and 21 mM EDTA.

Intellectual Prope-ty Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED 290918 Labelled L-citrullinc is separated from, labelled L-firginine using Dowex AO- • 50W. 150 /tl of a 25% aqueous tluny of Dowex 50W (Na+ form) is added to the assay after which the whole is filtered into 96 well plates. 70 pi of filtrate is sampled and added to wells of 96 well plates containing solid scintillant. After allowing the samples to diy the Lrcitrulline is quantified by scintillation counting.

In a typical experiment basal activity i& 300 dpm per 70 pi sample which is increased to 1900 dpm in the reagent controls. Aminoguanidine, which gives an IQo (50% inhibitory concentration) of 10 pM, is tested as a standard to verify the procedure. §££££&£ (C) Screen for endothelial nitric oxide synthetase inhibiting activity Enzyme may be isolated firom human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by a procedure based on that of Pollock et al (1991) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 88, 15 10480*10484. HUVECs. were purchased firom Clonetics Corp (San Diego, GA, USA) and cultured to confluency. Cells can be maintained to passage 35-40 without significant loss of yi<sld of nitric oxide synthetase. When cells reach confluency, they are resuspenued in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline, centrifiiged at 800 rpm for 10 mins, the cell pellet homogenised in ice-cold 50 mM 20 Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, 10% glycerol, 1 mM phenylmethylsulphonylfluoride, 2 pM leupeptin at pH 4.2. Following centrifiigation at 34,000 rpm for 60 mins, the pellet is solubilised in the homogenisation buffer which also contains 20 mM CHAPS.

After a 30 min incubation on ice, the suspension is tentrifuged at 34,000 rpm for 30 mins. The resulting supernatant is stored at -80 °C until use.

For the assay, 25 pi of the. final supernatant is added to each of 12 test tubes containing 25 pi L-arginine solution (of concentration 12 pM 'H-L-arginine, 64 nM 3H-L-arginine) and either 25 pi of an assay buffer (50 mM HEPES, 1 mM EDTA, 1.5 mM CaCl], pH 7.4) or 25 pi of test compound in the buffer at 22 °C To each test tube was added 25 pi of complete assay buffer (50 mM HEPES, 1 mM EDTA, 1.5 mM CaClj, 1 mM DXTr-lOO-pM NADPH, 10 pg/ml ca]modu]in,-42- pM tetrahydrobiopterin, pH 7.4) to initiate the reaction and the reaction is stopped Intellectual Property Office of NZ 1 6 MAR 1998 RECEIVED WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 "17* after 10 mins by addition of 2 ml of a termination buffer (20 mM HEPES, 2 mM EDTA, pH 5.5).

Labelled L-citruIline is separated from labelled L-arginine by chromatography over a Dowex AG-50W-X8 200-400 mesh column. 1 ml of each terminated reaction is added to an individual 1 ml column and the eluant combined with that from two 1 ml distilled water washes and 16 ml of scintillation cocktail. The L-citrulline is then quantified by scintillation counting.

In a typical experiment, basal activity is increased by 5,000 dpm/ml of sample above a reagent blank which has an activity of 1500 dpm/ml. A reference standard, N-nitro-L-arginine, which gives 70-90% inhibition of nitric oxide synthetase at a concentration of 1 pM, is tested in the assay to verify the procedure.

Compounds may also be tested in an ex-vivo assay to determine the extent of brain penetration.

Screen D (D) Ex vivo assay for neuronal nitric oxide synthetase activity Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-275g) were dosed intravenously at lOmg/kg with test compound dissolved in 0.9% saline or with saline alone as control. At a predetermined time (typically 2-24 hours) after treatment, the animals were sacrificed, the cerebellum removed and the supernatant prepared and assayed for nitric oxide synthetase activity as described in Screen A.

As a further confirmatory test, a fraction of the cerebellar supernatant was applied to a 2'-5'-ADP Sepharose column (which binds nitric oxide synthetase) and subsequently eluted with NADPH. The eluant was tested for nitric oxide synthetase activity following the procedure of Screen A.

Compounds that penetrate the rat brain and inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthetase resulted in reduced nitric oxide synthetase activity both in the supernatant preparation and in the eluant from the 2'-5'-ADP Sepharose column.

In the screens for nitric oxide synthetase inhibition activity, compound activity is expressed as IC,0 (the concentration of drug substance which gives 50% enzyme WO 97/06158 PCT/G B95/01896 inhibition in the assay). IC^ values for test compounds were initially estimated from the inhibiting activity of 1,10 and 100 pM solutions of the compounds. Compounds that inhibited the enzyme by at least 50% at 10 pM were retested using more appropriate concentrations so that an IC^ could be determined.

In Screen A above (a screen for activity against the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthetase), the compound of Example 1 below gave an ICjo of less than 10 nM indicating that it is expected to show useful therapeutic activity. In Screens B and C (the screens for activity against the macrophage and endothelial isoforms of 10 nitric oxide synthetase) the compound of Example 1 gave IQo values more than 10 times that obtained in Screen A indicating that it shows desirable selectivity.

The compounds of Examples 2-9, 10(a)-(f), 11-13 and 19-24 were also tested in Screen A and also gave ICW values of less than 10 pM. Thus these compounds are 15 also expected to show useful therapeutic activity.

Compounds of formula I, and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof, have the advantage that they are less toxic, more efficacious, more selective, are longer acting, have a broader range of activity, are more potent, produce fewer side 20 effects, are more easily absorbed, or have other useful pharmacological propenies than compounds previously known and used in the therapeutic fields mentioned above.

Compounds of formula I, and phannaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may 25 also have the advantage that they are more selective for the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthetase enzyme and are therefore expected to show useful therapeutic activity with a reduced side-effect profile associated with inhibition of the other isoforms.

The invention is illustrated by the following examples: Erempls 1 N-ff2-fPhenv1methvnainino1indan'5-vlV2«thiophenecarboxiiwidamide dioxalate 5-Nitro-2-indanone This compound was prepared by the method of Heusler, Schieffer Ber., (1899) 32, 33. rbl 5-Nitro-2-Cphenvlmethvnaminoindane -Nitro-2-indanone (1.48 g, 8.36 mmol), benzylamine (4.40 ml, 41.8 mmol), acetic acid (15.0 ml), 4 A molecular sieves (20 ml), THF (15 ml), and MeOH (15 ml) were introduced into a flask and cooled to 0 °C. Sodium cyanoborohydride (1.05 g, 16.7 mmol) was then added portionwise over a 5-minute period. The mixture was 10 stirred for 14 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to a syrup. The mixture was made basic with 2N NaOH and extracted with ether (3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel (3% methanol/methylene chloride) to yield 5-nitro-2-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane: (1.18 g, 53%); M.S. 15 (M+H)*= 269. rc^ 2-(S-NitroindanvH-N-fphenvlmethvntrifluoroacetamide To a stirred solution of 5-nitro-2-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane (1.18 g, 4.40 mmol) and triethylamine (0.61 ml, 4.40 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 ml) was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.63 ml, 4.40 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 1 minute, 20 the solvent was dumped into water and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered through a short plug of silica gel (20% ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield 2-(5-nitroindanyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide: (1.17g, 73%); M.S. (M+H)*= 365. (d> 2-f5-Aminoindanvl VN-fphenvlmethvntrifluoroacetamide To a stirred solution of 2-(5-nitroindanyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide (1.17 g, 3.21 mmol) in THF/MeOH (100 ml, 1:1) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to give 2-(5-aminoindanyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide which 30 was homogeneous by TLC and used immediately in step (f). (t) S-methvl-2-thiophenethiocarhoximidc hvdroiodide WO 97/06158 PCT/G B95/01896 A solution of 2-thiophenecarboxthioamide (Maybridge Chemical) (11.1 g) in acetone (60 ml) was treated with iodomethane (13.4g). After 6 hrs at 22 °C, the resulting yellow solids were collected by filtration, washed with acetone (2 x 25ml) and dried to provide 18.45 g of S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide, 5 m.p.195 #C (dec). ffl N-frz-lThenvlmethvnaminoMndan-5-vlV2-thiophenecarboximidamide dioxalate To a solution of 2-(5-aminoindanyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetaniide (1.0 g, 3.0 mmol) in isopropanol (6 ml)/DMF (0.5 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.85 g, i.V mmol). The mixture was stirred 10 for 14 hr, diluted with methanol (6 ml) and 2 N NaOH (6 ml) and heated to 50 °C for 0.5 hr. The mixture was dumped into water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 30 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and chromatographed over silica gel (20% methanol/methylene chloride) to give the titled compound as the free base. Treatment with IPA/oxalic 15 acid yielded N-((2-(phenylrnethyI)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophcnecarboximidamide dioxalate as a white solid: (0.47 g, 30%); m.p. 130-135 °C.

Example 2 N-ff2-fPhenvlmethvnaminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7-vn-2-20 thiophenecarboximidamide < a"V 7-Nitro-3.4-dihvdro.2f 1/fi-nanhthaleneone This compound was prepared following the method of J. Med. Chem. (1989) 32, 2128.

Art 7»Nitro-2-f(phenvlmethvnaminoV 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronanhthalene 25 7-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2(li/)-naphthaleneone (1.50 g, 7.85 mmol), benzylamine (430 ml, 39.3 mmol), acetic acid (8.0 ml), 4 A molecular sieves (20 ml), THF (15 ml), and MeOH (15 ml) were introduced into a flask and cooled to 0 °C Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.99 g, 15.7 mmol) was then added portionwise over a 5-minute period. The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated 30 to a syrup. The mixture was made basic with 2N Nr.OH and extracted with ether (3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium WO 97/06158 PCT/G B95/01896 sulfate, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel (3% methanol/methylene chloride) to yield 7-nitro-2-((phenylmethyl)amino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene: (110 g, 95%); M.S. (M+H)*« 283. fc) 2-r7-Nitro-n.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthvnVN-fDhenvlmethvntrifluoroacetamide 5 To a stirred solution of 7-nitro-2-((phenylmethyl)amino)-l,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalene (2.10 g,7.45 mmol) and triethylamine (1.07 ml, 7.45 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 ml) was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (1.05 ml, 7.45 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 1 minute, the solvent was dumped into water and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were 10 washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered through a short plug of silica gel (20% ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield 2-(7-nitro-( 1,2^,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide: (2.55 g,90%); M.S. (M+H)+» 379.

Cdl 2-f7-Amino-f 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronnnhthvm-N-rnhenvlmethvhtrifluoroacctamide 15 To a stirred solution of 2-(7-nitro-( 1.2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N- (phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide (155 g, 6.75 mmol) in THF/MeOH (100 ml. 1:1) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to give 2-(7-amino-( 1^3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide which was homogeneous 20 by TLC and used immediately in the next step. (el N-ff2-(PhenvimethvhaminoV1.13.4-tctrahvdronaphth-7-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide To a solution of 2-(7-amino-(l,2J,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide (111 g, 6.07 mmol) in isopropanol (10 ml) was 25 added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.72 g, 6.07 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, diluted with methanol (6 ml) and 2 N NaOH (6 ml) and heated to 50 °C for 0.5 hr. The mixture was dumped into water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 30 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to a solid which was 30 recrystallized (methylene chloride/hexane) to yield N-((2-(phenylmethyl)amiiio)- l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide as a white solid: (0.66 g, 30%); m.p. 119-120 °C.

Example 3 N-(Y2«AminoV1.2.3.4-tctrahvdronaphth-7-vlV2-thiophenccarboximidamide dioxalate ral 7-NitrO'2-amino-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalene hydrochloride 7-Nitro-l-tetralone (1.50 g, 7.85 mmol), ammonium acetate (6.05 ml, 78.5 mmol), acetic acid (8.0 ml), 4 A molecular sieves (20 ml), THF (15 ml) and MeOH (15 ml) were introduced into a flask and cooled to 0 °C. Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.99 g, 10 15.7 mmol) was then added portionwise over a 5-minute period. The mixture was stirred for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to a syrup. The mixture was made basic with 2N NaOH and extracted with ether (3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to yield an oil. The compound was isolated as the hydrochloride 15 salt: 7-nitro-2-amino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride: (1.00 g, 56%); m.p. >300 °C.

Art 2-J7-Nitro-f 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronnnhthvnVN-trifluoroacctaniidc To a stirred solution of 7-nitro-2-amino-l,13,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride (l.GO g, 4.39 mmol) and triethylamine (1.22 ml, 8.77 mmol) in 20 methylene chloride (50 ml) was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.62 ml, 4.39 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 1 minute, the solvent was dumped into water and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered through a short plug of silica gel (20% ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield 2-(7-nitro-( 1,2,3,4-25 ietrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide: (0.78 g, 62%); M.S. (M+H)+* 289. rc^ 2-(7-Amino-f 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthvnVN-trifluoroacetamidc To a stirred solution of 2-(7-nitro-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide (0.76 g, 2.21 mmol) in THF/MeOH (100 ml, 1:1) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, 30 and concentrated to give 2-(7-amino-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N- trifluoroacetamide which was homogeneous by TLC and used immediately in the next reaction. rdl N-ff2-Amino1-1.2.3.4-tctrahvdronaphth-7'Vn-2-thioDhenecarboximidamidc dihyflrofrrpmifo To a solution of 2-(7-amino«(l,2^,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide (0.70 g, 2.71 mmol) in isopropanol (10 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.77 g, 2.71 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, diluted with methanol (6 ml) and 2 N NaOH (6 ml) and heated to 50 °C for 0.5 hr. The mixture was dumped into water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 10 X 30 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, concentrated, and chromatographed over silica (20 % methanol/methylene chloride) to yield an oil which was converted to the dihydrobroraide salt: N-((2-amino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydron*phth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dihyiirobromide: (0.37 g, 32%); dec >210 °C.

Example 4 N-f(l-Amino V1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronanhth-7-v1V2-thiophenecarhoximidaniidc dioxalate (at 7-Nitro-1 -amino-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaohthalene 7-Nitro-l-amino-l,23,4-tetrahydronaphthalene was made as for 7-Nitro-2-amino-20 1,2^,4-tetrahydronaphthalene. The compound was isolated as the hydrochloride salt : (0.30 g, 12%); m.p. >300 °C (bl l-H-Nitro-C 1.2.3.4.tetrahvdronanhthvnVN-trifluoroacetamide 1 -(7-Nitro-( l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide was made as for 2-(7-nitro-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide: (035 g, 95%); M.S. 25 (M+H)+« 289. (cl l-r7-Amino-f 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthvnVN-tnfluoroacetamide l-(7-Amino-(l,2,3>4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide was made as for 2-(7-amino-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-trifluoroacetamide and used immediately in the next reaction. fdl N-fn-Amrn •1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth«7-vlV2-thioohenecarboximidamide dioxalate N-((l-Amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dioxalate was made as for N-((2-amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dihydrobromide except that it was isolated as the dioxalate salt: (0.18 g, 33%); dec >155 °C.

Eaampk 5 N-f(2-Amin0tindan-5«vtt-2-thi0Dhcnccarb0ximidamide dioxalate fat 5-Nitro-2-aminoindanc hydrochloride To 2-aminoindane hydrochloride (19.11 g, 0.112 mol) at 0 °C was added sulfuric 10 acid (60 ml) followed by potassium nitrate (11.84 g, 0.117 mol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for an additional 2 hr, then dumped onto ice/50% NaOH (500 ml total). The mixture was extracted with ether (3 X 200 ml) and the combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to an oil which was converted to the 15 hydrochloride salt. Recrystallization from isopropanol/methanol afforded 5-nitro-2-aroinoindane hydrochloride: (14.58 g, 60%); m.p. >300 "C. fbt 2-(5-NitroindanvlVN«trifluornacetamidc To a stirred solution of 5-nitro-2-aminomdane hydrochloride (1.00 g, 5.89 mmol) and triethylamine (0.82ml, 5.89 mmol) irk methylene chloride (50 ml) was added 20 trifluoroacetic anhydride (0.83 ml, 5.89 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 1 minute, the solvent was dumped into water and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered through a short plug of silica gel (20% ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield 2-(5-nitroindanyl)-N-trifluoroacetamide: (1.51 g, 93%); m.p. 153-154 °C 25 fc\ 2-f5-AminoindanvlVN-trifluoroacetnmide To a stirred solution of 2-(5-nitroindanyl)-N-trifluoroacetamide (0.58 g, 2.25 mmol) in THF/MeOH (100 ml, 1:1) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to give 2-(5-aminoindanyl)-N-trifluoroacetamide which was 30 homogeneous by TLC and used immediately in the next step. (d) N-ff2-Aminotindan-5-vlV2-thionhcnecarboxirnidamide dioxalate To a solution of 2-(5-aminoindanyI)-NT-trifluoroacetamide (0.52 g, 2.25 mmol) in isopropancl (6 ml)/DMF (0.5 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.64 g, 2.25 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 14 hi', diluted with methanol (6 ml) and 2 N NaOH (6 ml) and heated to 50 °C for 0J hr. The 5 mixture was dumped into water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 30 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and chromatographed over silica gel (20% methanol/methylene chloride) to give the titled compound as the free base. Treatment with IP A/oxalic acid yielded N-((2-amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dioxalate as a white solid: (0.60 10 g, 50%); m.p. dec 70 #C.

Example $ N-(f2-fMcthvlVphcnvlmcthvnaminoVndan»5-vn-2-thinDhcnc<arbo)rimidaniidc dihvdrohromidc 15 (at 5-Nitro-2-fphcnvlmcthvnaminoindanc hydrochloride To 5-nitro-2-aminoindane hydrochloride (3.00 g, 14.00 mmol) in DMF (60 ml) was added triethylamine (4.07 ml, 29.40 mmol) followed by benzyl bromide (1.74 ml, 14.68 mmol). The mixture was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 1 hr, dumped into water (200 ml), and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50 ml). The 20 combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered through a small plug of silica gel and reduced to a syrup. The sub-titled compound was isolated as the hydrochloride salt: (2.29 g, 54%); m.p. dec 266 °C fbt 5-Nitro-2-(methvltfphenvlmet hvitaminoindane hydrochloride To 5-nitro-2-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane hydrochloride (2.29 g, 7.52 mmol) in DMF 25 (100 ml) was added potassium carbonate (160 g, 18.80 mmol) followed by methyl iodide (0.47 ml, 7.52 mmol). The mixture was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 16 hr, dumped into water (400 ml), and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered through a small plug of silica gel and reduced to a syrup. The titled 30 compound was isolated as the hydrochloride salt: (1.08 g. 45%); m.p. dec 280 °C. fct 5-Amino-2-fmethvW phcnvlmcthvfiaminoindane dihvdrochloride To 5-nivro-2-(mcthyl)(phcnylmcthyl)aniinoindanc hydrochloride (1.08 g, 3.39 mmol) in 85% acetic acid/water was added zinc powder (3.0 g).. The mixture was stirred for 1 minute, filtered through celite and concentrated. The concentrate was neutralized with 2N NaOH and extracted with rthyl acetate (3 X 50 ml). The 5 combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and reduced to a syrup. The oil was treated with IP A/HQ, concentrated and used immediately in the next step. fdt N-ff2-fMethvlVphcnvlmcthvnaminoMndan-5-vlV2-thiophenccarboximidamidc To 5-amino-2-(methyl)(phenylmethyl)aminoindane dihydrochloride in DMF (10 ml) was added S-meihyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.98 g, 3.45 mmol) and pyridine (0.27 ml, 3.29 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, dumped onto water/2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and 15 chromatographed over silica gel (10% methanol/methylene chloride) to give the titled compound as the free base. Treatment with IPA/HBr yielded N-((2-(methyl)(phenylmethyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarhoximidamide dihydrobromide as a white solid: (0.43 g, 25%); m.p. 196-200 °C.

EffiHTlpk 7 N-Cf1 -aminoMndan-6-vlV2-thioDhenecarboxi.nidamide dihydrochloride fat 6-Nitro-l-aminoindanc hydrochloride 1-Aminoindane (10.0 g, 75.08 mmol) was added to concentrated sulfuric acid (40 ml) at 0 °C. The mix was warmed to room temperature to aid in solvation then 25 cooled to 0 °C. Potassium nitrate (7.60 g, 75.08 mmol) was then added portionwise and the mixture allowed to stir at room temperature for 1 hr before being dumpeu onto ice/50 % NaOH. The aqueous solution was extracted with chloroform ( 3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, decolorized with charcoal, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with 30 IP A/HQ afforded the sub-titled compound: (6.90 g, 43%); m.p. dec 280 °C frAjninp-Hminpindpn? hadrofihlprifo WO 97/06j! 58 PCT/GB95/01896 To a solution of 6-nitro-l-aminoindanc hydrochloride (1.00 g, 4.66 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to give 6-amino-l-aminoindane hydrochloride which was homogeneous by TLC and used 5 immediately in the next step. ret N-ffl-aminotindan-6-vlt-2-thiophcnecarboximidarnide dihydrochloride To 6-amino-l-aminoindane hydrochloride (0.74 g, 4.01 mmol) in DMF/IPA (4 ml, 1:1) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.26 g, 4.41 mmol). The mixture was heated to 50 °C, stirred for 16 hr then dumped into 10 water/2N NaOH and extrated with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IPA/HC1 yielded N-((l-amino)indan-6-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dihydrochloride as a white solid: (0.79 g, 60%); m.p. dec > 200 °C.

Example 9 N-ff 1 -f Phenvlmethvl taminotindan-6-vlt-2-thiophenccarboximidamidc dioxalate fat 6-Nitro-l-fphenvlmethvltaminoindane hydrochloride To 6-nitro-l-aminoindane hydrochloride (1.90 g, 8.85 mmol) in DMF (30 ml) was 20 added triethylamine (2.50 ml, 18.06 mmol) followed by benzyl bromide (1.07 ml. 9.03 mmol). The mixture was warmed to room temperature, stirred for 3 hr, dumped into water (100 ml), and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 70 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered through a small plug of silica gel and reduced to a syrup. The titled compound was 25 isolated as the hydrochloride salt: (1.34 g, 50%); m.p. 234-235 °C rbt 6-Amino-l-fphcnvlmcthvltaminoindane hydrochloride To 6-nitro-l-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane hydrochloride (1.34 g, 4.40 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite. and concentrated to give 6-30 amino-l-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane hydrochloride which was homogeneous by TLC and used immediately in the next step. 290918 <ct N-fr l-CPhenv1methvnaminoHndan^6-vlV2-thiQDhenecarboximidamide dioxalate To 6-amino-l-(phenylmethyl)aminoindane hydrochloride (1.21 g, 4.40 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophcnethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.38 g, 4.84 mmol). The mixture was heated to 50 °C, stirred for 16 hr then dumped into water/2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IP A/oxalic acid yielded N-((l-(phenylmethyl)amino)indan-6-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dioxalate as a white solid: (1.06 g, 46%); m.p. dec > 120 °C.

Example 9 N-((2-f(3-Chlorophcnvltmethvfiaminotindan-5-vlV2-thiophenccarboxifnidaniide (at 2-fn-Chlorophenvltcarbonvnamino-5-nitroindane To 2-amino-5-nitroindane hydrochloride (1.5 g, 7.0 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 ml) at 0 °C was added triethylamine (2.1 ml, 15.0 mmol) follwed by 3-chlorobenzoyl ■ chloride (1.0 ml, 7.5 mmol). The mixture was dumped immediate^ into water and the layers separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride ( 2 X 20 ml) and the combined extracts washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered, and concentrated to an oil which was homogeneous by TLC and used immediately In the next step: M.S. (M+H)+» 317. Hrt 2-ff3-Chlorophenvnmethvnamino-5-nitroindane To 2-((3-chlorophenyl)carbonyl)amino-5-nitroindane (2.2 g, 7.0 mmol) in THF (75 ml) was added BH3*THF (1.0 M, 35 ml, 35 mmol) dropwise. The mixture was refluxed for 12 hr, cooled to 0 °C, quenched with 4N HQ (60 ml), and refluxed for 1 hr. The resulting solution was evaporated to an oil, made basic with 50% NaOH, and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgSO^ filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with EPA/HQ yielded 2-((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino-5-nitroindane: (2.1 g, 88% two steps); m.p. 234-237 °C (ct 2-(f3-chlorophenv1tmethvltamino-5-aminoindanc ; Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 ocrcivpn 2909 To 2-((3-chlorophenyl)mcthyJ)amino-5-mtroindancJiydrochloridc (2,lg» 6.13 mmol) in 85% Ac0H/H20 (40 ml) was added zinc metal (1.6 g, 24.5 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 5 min, filtered through celite, and evaporated to an oil. The oil was dumped into basic water and extracted with chloroform (3 X 20 ml). The 5 combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04> filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IPA/HC1 yielded 2-((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino-5-aminoindane: (1.5 g, 70%); m.p.>270 °C fd*) N-r(2-(f3-ChlorophenvnmethvDaminoMndan-5-vlV2-thiophenecarboximidamidc 2-((3-Chlorophenyl)methyl)amino-5-aminoindane dihydrochloride (1.5 g, 4.2 mmol), 10 S-raethyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.3 g, 4.6 mmol) and pyridine1--■-(0.34 ml, 4.2 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) were stirred for 24 hr. The mixture was dumped into water, made basic with 2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered, concentrated, and chromatographed over silica gel (12% MeOH/methylene 15 chloride) to afford a colorless oil. Treatment with IPA/HC1 yielded N-((2-((3- chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecart>oximidamide: (0.75 g, 40%); m.p. 297-299 °C.

Example 10 The following compounds were prepared according to the method of Example 9: (a) N-((2-((?-Mgthylph«?nyQm?thyl)amino)indqn^-yl)-2' thiophenecarboximidamide; m.p. 183 °C. (b) N-r (2-( (3-MethvlDhenvnmethvnamino>lindan-5-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide: m.p. 195 °C (c) N-rr2-r r 4-Methvlohenvnmethvnamino>)indan-5-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; m.p. 182 °C (d) N-rr2-rEthvnaminoMndan-5-vlV2-thiophenecarboxiniidamide; m.p. 236-238 °C. (e) N-rr2-r(r4-PhenvnphenvnmethvnaminoMndan-5-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; m.p. 182 °C (f) N-r r2-rrr4-Hexvnphenvnmethvl^aminoMndan-5-vlV2. thiophenecarboximidamide; m.p. 125 °C.

Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR (998 (g) N-r(2'(f3-BrbmdDtiehvnmethvnaminb1indan-5-v1V2- ? 0 Q 0 ^ Q thiophenecarboximidamide; m.p. 182 °C.

Example 11 N-rr2-rr3-ChlQroDhenvnmethvnaminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnaphth-7-vn-2- (a> 7-Nitro2-rrr3-chlorophenvfimethvriaminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalene 7-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2(l/f)-naphthaleneone (1.50 g, 7.85 mmol), 3-chlorobenzylamine (4.70 ml, 39.3 mmol), acetic acid (6.0 ml), 4 A molecular sieves (20 ml), THF (15 10 ml), and MeOH (15 ml)~wef e" introduced "into"i flask" and cooled to 0*®C' Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.99 g, 15.7 mmol) was added portionwise over a 5-minute period. The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, filtered through* celite, and concentrated to a syrup. The mixture was made basic with 2N NaOH and extracted with ether (3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium 15 sulfate, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel (3% methanol/methylene chloride). Treatment of the oil with IPA/HG yielded 7-nitro- 2-(((3-chlorophenvl)methyl)amino)-l,2,3J4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride: (1.34 g, 50%); M.S. (M+H)+* 317^ (b) 7-Amino-2-rrr3-chlorophenvnmethvnaminoV1.13.4-tetrahvdronaphthalene 20 To 7-nitro-2-(((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride (1.34 g, 3.80 mmol) in 85% AcOH/HzO (75 ml) was added zinc metal (2.48 g, 38.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 5 min, filtered through celite, and evaporated to an oil. The oil was dumped into basic water and extracted with chcloroform ( 3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried 25 over MgS04, filtered and concentrated to an ofl. Treatment with IPA/HC1 yielded 7-amino-2-(((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtha1ene (1.4 g, 99%); MS. (M+H)+= 288. to N-rr2-rr3-ChlorophenvnmethvnaminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7-vlV2-thiophenecarboximidamide 7-Amino-2-(((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene~ dihydrochloride (1.32 g, 3.70 mmol), S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 PC^CIWp hydroiodide (1.3 g, 4.6 mmol), and pyridine (0.30 ml, 3.7 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) were stirred for 24 hr. The mixture was dumped into water, made basic with 2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered and concentrated to an oil. 5 Treatment with IPA/oxalic acid yielded N-((2-((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)araino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dioxalate; (0.71 g, 33%); dec > 100 °C EffiffllPk 12 N-f f2-fPhenvlmethvl V methvttaminoVI .13.4-tetrahvdmnanhth-7-vn-2- thiophcnwarMmidamidc f7-Nitro-2-ffphenvlmethvlVmethvnaminoV 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalene To a stirred solution of 7-nitro2-((phenylmethyl)amino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (1.5 g, 5.4 mmol) in DMF (30 ml) was added potassium 15 carbonate (13 g, 10.8 mmol) and methyl iodide (0.36 njl, 5.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 24 hr, dumped into water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IPA/HCI yielded 7*nitro-2-((phenylmethyl)(methyl)amino)-l,23,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride: (0.89 20 g, 50%); M.S. (M+H)+« 297. (b) 7-Amino2-ffphenvlmethvlVmcthvnaminoV 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronanhthalene To 7-nitro-2-((phenylmethyl)(methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride (0.89 g, 2.7 mmol) in 85% Ac0H/H;0 (75 ml) was added zinc metnl (33 g, 54.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 5 min, filtered through celite. and 25 evaporated to an oil. The oil was dumped into basic water and extracted with chloroform ( 3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IPA/HCI yielded 7-amino-2-((phenyl)methyl)(mcthyl)amino)-l,23,4-tetrahydronaphthalene: (0.81 g, 88%); M.S. (M+H)+- 267. 30 fc^l N-ff2-fPhenvlmethvlVmethvnaminoV1.13.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide 7-Amino-2-((phenylmethyl)(methyl)amino)-lf2t3l4-tetrahydronaphthalene dihydrochloride (0.81 g, 2.4 mmol), S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.74 g, 2.6 mmol) and pyridine (0.19 ml, 2.4 mmol) in DMF (15 ml) were stirred for 24 hr. The mixture was dumped into water, ade basic with 2N 5 NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS04, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel (15% MeOH/methylene chloride). Concentration of the fractions yielded a solid which was recrystallized firom ethyl acetate/hexane affording N-((2-(phenylmethy])(methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-10 thiophenecarboximidamide dihydrochloride: (0.14 g, 16%); m.p 176-178 °C Example 13 N.(n-fPhcnvlmcthvnaminoM.2.3.4-tctrahvdronaphth-7-vn-2-thiophenecarboximidamide 15 fa) 7-Nitro-l-ffphenvlmethvnamino V1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalcnc 7-Nitro-l-tetralone (2.0 g, 10J mmol), benzylamine (1.2 ml, 10.5 mmol) and titanium isopropoxide (3.9 ml, 13.1 mmol) were combined and stirred for 1 hr. The mixture was diluted with absolute ethanol (12 ml), treated with sodium cyanoborohydride (0.44 g, 7.0 mmol) and allowed to stir for 20 hr. The soflds were 20 filtered and washed with ethanol. The ethanol was concentrated and the remaining oil used immediately in the next reaction: M.S. (M+H)+= 283. fbl 1-f 7-Nitro-f 1.2.3.4-tctrahvdronanhthvttVN-f phenvlmethvntrifluoroacetamide To a stirred solution of 7-nitro-l-((phenylmethyl)amino)-1,23,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (296 g, 10.50 mmol) and triethylamine (1.46 ml, iu.50 25 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 ml) was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (1.46 ml, 10.50 mmol) dropwise. After stirring for 1 minute, the solvent was dumped into water and extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 20 ml). The combined extracts were washed with waeer, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered through a short plug of silica gel (20% ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield l-(7-nitro-(l,2,3,4-30 tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide: (1.90 g, 48% two steps); MS. (M+H)*« 379. 29091s "33- to l-(7-Amlnod.l3.4-tctrahvdronaDhthvlV>-N-fphenvlmcthvntrifluoroacctflm{dc To a stirred solution of l-(7-nitro-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide (1:91 g, 5.05 mmol) in THF/MeOH (100 ml, 1:1) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C The mixture war hydrogenated at 50 5 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to give l-(7-amlno-( 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N-(phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide which was homogeneous by-TLC and used immediately in the next step, fdl N-ffl-<Thenvlmethvttaminoll.Z3.4-tctrahvdronflphth-7-vlV2-thiophenecarboximidamide 10 To a solution of l-(7-amino-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl))-N- (phenylmethyl)trifluoroacetamide (1.76 g, 5.05 mmol) in isopropanol (10 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.44 g, 5.05 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 14 hr, diluted with methanol (6 ml) and 2 N NaOH (6 ml) and heated to 50 °C for 0.5 hr. The mixture was dumped into water and extracted 15 with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 30 ml). "The combined extracts were washed withwater, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to an oil. Treatment with IPA/HBr yielded N-((2-(phenylmethyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth*7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dihydrobromide as a white solid: (0.53 g, 20%); m.p. Q 260-262 °C Example 14 N-fri-fPhcnvlmethvnaminoMndan-5-viV2-thioDheiiecarboximidamide fa) 5-Acetamido-f l-ffphcnynmcthvltamiiMrtindanc -Acetamido-l-indanone (5.0 g, 27.6 mmol), benzylamine (3.1 ml, 27.9 mmol), and 25 titanium isopropaxide (10.2 ml, 34.5 mmol) were combined and stirred tor 1 hr. The mixture was diluted with absolute ethanol (30 ml), treated with sodium cyanoborohydride (1.2 g, 193 mmol) and allowed to stir for 20 hr. The soilds were filtered and washed with ethanol. The ethanol was concentrated and the remaining oil dissolved in ethyl acetate and extracted with IN HQ ( 3 X 50 ml). The aqueous 30 layer was neutralized with 2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, Intellectual Property Office of NZ 6 MAR (998 RECEIVCH 290915 filtered, and concentrated to an oil which was used without purification in the next step. fb) 5-Amino-!* 1-ff phenvflmethvllamlnoMndanc -Acetamido-(l-((phenyl)methyl)amino)indane was refluxed in 4N HQ (50 ml) for 5 20 min, cooled and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 50 ml). The aqueous layer was neutralized with 2N NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oil. The oQ was dissolved in IPA and treated with IPA/HG yielding the dihydrochloride salt: (2.Qg, 24% for two steps); m.p. dec > 10 250 °C. (rt N-((HPhcnylmcthyl)aminQ)intifln-fryl)-2-thfophgngml^mifamitig To 5-amino-(l-((phcnyl)mcthyl)amino)indane dihydrochloride (2.0 g, 6.4 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (2.2 g, 7.7 mmol) and pyridine (0.57 ml, 7.1 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 50 °C for 20 15 hr, dumped into basic water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, concentrated and chromatographed over silica gel (6% methanol/methylene chloride). The extracts were concentrated to an oil which was dissolved in methanol, treated with IP A/HQ and triturated with ether. The solids were 20 collected by filtration and washed with ether. (1.1 g, 40%); m.p. dec > 7PQ °C Example 1? The following compound was prepared following the method of Example 14: N-f f l-fi>hcnvlmcthvflaminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-6-vlV2-25 thiophenecarboximidamide m.p. dec > 200 °C Example 16 N-(f2-fl>hcnvlmcthvflaminoyi.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth«7-vlV2-furancarboximidamide (a) 2-((Phffnyl)fflrt9nyl)gmln<?-7-nitrotetr?lin - To 2-&*r>ino-7-nitrotetralin (2.8 g, 14.5 mmol) in THF (50 ml) and 10% KjCOj (100 ml) was added benzoyl chloride (1.7 ml, 153 mmol). After the addition was Intellectual Propertv Office of NZ H MAR (938 RECEIVED WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 complete, the mixture was diluted with water to a volume of 250 ml. The precipitated solids were collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried in vacuo: (4.2 g, 98%), m.p. 194-198 °C. fb) 2-ffl>hcnvnmethvnamino-7-nitrotctralfn hydrochloride To 2-((phenyl)carbonyl)amino-7-nitrotetralin (4.2 g, 14.1 mmol) in anhydrous THF (100 ml) was added borane-THF (49.3 ml, IM THF, 49.3 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 5 hr, cooled to 0 °C, and quenched with the dropwise addition of 4N HQ. The mixture was again brought to reflux for 1 hr, concentrated in vacuo, and the solids filtered (washed with water) and dried in vacuo: (3.5 g, 78%), m.p. > 300 °C. fc) 2-ffPhcnvnmethvnamino-7-aminotctralin hydrochloride To a stirred solution of 2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-nitrotetralin (2.0 g, 6.3 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture was hydrogenated at 50 psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite, and concentrated to an oil which was homogeneous by TLC and used immediately , in the next step. fd) N-f(2-fPhenvlmcthvnaminoVl.2-3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7.vlV2- ftranrarfrorimflaniidc To 2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-aminotetralin hydrochloride (1.8 g, 6.3 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was added S-methyl-2-furanthiocarboximide hydroiodide (2.0 g, 7.5 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 2 hr at 45 °C, dumped into basic water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oil. The oil was dissolved in methanol, treated with IPA/HCI and triturated with ether. The solids were collected by filtration and washed with ether (2.2 g, 84%), m.p. dec > 195 °C Preparation of chiral intermediate compounds for Examples 17 and 18 Resolution of 2-amino-7-nitrotctralin 2-Amino-7-nitrotetralin (30 g, 156 mmol) dissolved in 200 ml of acetone was added to dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid (58.7 g, 164 mmol) also dissolved in 200 ml of acetone. The thick paste was filtered and washed with acetone. The paste was refluxed in 29 0918 3L of water/cthanol/acctonitrilc (1:1:1) then filtered hot. The soUds odllected upon filtration were reciystallized from the above mixture (3X): (5.25 g, 6%) of a single isomer was obtained as determined by chiral capillary zone electrophoristi, m.p. 240-242 °C Likewise, dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid could be employed to resolve the opposite enantiomer using the same solvent system as that described above: (5.3 g, 6%), of a single isomer was obtained as determined by chiral capillary zone electrophorisis, m.p. 240-242 °C.

Example 17 (+VN-f (2-( rPhenvnmethvl1aminoV1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7-vlV2-thlophenecarboximidamide -(a) (-f V2-rrPhenvl)carbonvnamino.7-nltmterfl1m 15 To 2-amino-7-nitrotetralin (1.8 g, 9.39 mmol, derived from dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid) in THF (50 ml) and 10% K,COj (100 ml) was added benzqyl chloride (1.2 ml, 10.1 mmol). After the addition was complete, the mixture was diluted with water to a volume of 250 ml. The precipatated solids were collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in vacuo: (2.8 g, 100%), m.p. 208-209 °C, [<*]d +21.9 # (c 0.33 DMSO).

O) (+)-2"((phenyl)methyl)anrino-7-nftrotgtralin hydrochloride To (+)-2-((phenyl)carbonyl)amino-7-nitrui ".tralin (2.8 g, 9.4 mmol) in anhydrous THF (100 ml) was added borane-THF (32.8 ml, IM THF, 32.8 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 5 hr, cooled to 0 °C, and quenched with the dropwise addition of 25 4N HQ. The mixture was brought to reflux for 1 hr, concentrated in vacuo, and the solids filtered (washed with water) and dried in vacuo: (2.8 g, 94%), m.p. > 300 °C, [a]D +51.0 0 (c 0.33 DMSO). (c) (+V2-f nPhenvnmethvnamino-7-aminotetralin hydrochloride To a stirred solution of (+)-2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-nitrotetralin (2.8 g, 8.7 30 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C. The mixture Intellectual Pr°Perty Office of Nz . 16 MAR 1998 received was hydrogenated at 50 psi fbir'l hr, ffltercdthrough celite, and concentrated to a glassy solid which was homogeneous by TLC; [a]D +73.3 0 (c 0.87 DMSO). ftfl (+VN-fT2-fPhenvlmethvDaminoM.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-7-vlV2- thtophencwrbwMftmidc 5 To (+)-2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-aminotetralin hydrochloride (2J g, 8.7 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was added S-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (3.0 g, 10.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 4 hr at 45 ®C; dumped into basic water and extracted with ethyl acetate ( 3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to an oil. The oQ was dissolvetl tn methanol; treated with IPA/HCI and triturated with ether. The solids were collected by filtration and washed with ether. One reciystallization from IPA/Me0H/Et20 yielded a white solid: (2J g, 66%), m.p. dec > 260 °C, [a]D +44.5 0 (c 0.62 DMSO).

Example 18 (-)-N-((2-((Phenyl)methyl)&minQH2i3,ftettahyrircnaphtfc7-yl>2- thfophenegfflMrotfqmKle (a) (•>2-(ffhenyl)eartQny',<tiPiino-7-nittQtefralin To 2-amino-7-nitrotetralin (1.8 g, 9.39 mmol, derived from dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid) 20 in THF (50 ml) and 10% (100 ml) was added benzoyl chloride (1.2 ml, 10.1 mmol). After the addition was complete, the mixture was diluted with water to a volume of 250 ml. The precipitated solids were collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in vacuo: (2.8 g, 100%), m.p. 208-209 °C, [a]D -24.0 # (c 0.87 DMSO). (fr) (•)-2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-nitrQtctr9l)n hydrochloride To (-)-2-((phenyl)carbonyl)amirio-7-nitrotetralin (2.8 g, 9.4 mmol) in anhydrous THF (100 ml) was added borane-THF (32.8 ml, IM THF, 32.8 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 5 hr, cooled to 0 °C, and quenched with the dropwise addition of 4N HO. The mixture was again brought to reflux for 1 hr, concentrated in vacuo, 30 and the solids ffltered-(washed with- water) and dried in vacuo: (2.8 g, 94%), m.p. > 300 °C, [<*]d -59.4 0 (c 0.39 DMSO). Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED 4 290918 . * - c M-2-ffPhenvnmethvnamino7-aminotetraHn hydrochloride.

To a stirred solution of (-)-2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-nitrotetralin (2.8 g, 8.7 mmol) in MeOH (100 ml) was added a catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C The mixture was " hydrogenated at SO psi for 1 hr, filtered through celite and concentrated to. a glassy 5 solid which was homogeneous by TLC; [a]D -74.60 (c 0.80 DMSO). (d) f-VN-rf2-fPhenvlmethvnaminoV1.2.3.4tetrahvdronaphth-7-vlV2-thiophenecarborimidamide To (-)-2-((phenyl)methyl)amino-7-aminotetralin hydrochloride (2.5 g, 8.7 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was added S-raethyl-2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (3.0 g, 10 10.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred for_4 hr. at _45_°C, dumped into basic water - • and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to an oO. The oil was dissolved in methanol, treated with IPA/HQ and triturated with ether. The solids were collected by filtration and washed with ether. One reciystallization from 15 IPA/MeOH/EtjO yielded a white solid: (Z7 g, 71%), m.p. dec > 260 °C, [«]d -44.5 ° (c 0.57 DMSO).

Example 19 N-f2.3.4.5-Tetrahvdro-lH-3-benzazepine-7-v1)thiophene-2-carboximidamide 20 (a) 2.3.4.5-Tetrahvdro-lH-3-bcnzazcpin-7-aminc monohvdrochloridc To a solution of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7-nitro-lH-3-benzazepine hydrochloride (1.68 g, 7.35 mmol) in ethanol (100 ml) was added 5% palladium on carbon (0.2 g) and the solution was placed on a Parr Hydrogenator Apparatus and pressurized with 45 psi of hydrogen. After the theoretical uptake of hydrogen had been achieved (2 h), the 25 catalyst was filtered off and washed with water (25 ml). The filtrate was concentrated. Absolute ethanol was added and evaporated until all of the water had been evaporated and a solid formed. The solid was dissolved in hot ethanol (50 ml) and the product was precipitated by the addition of ether (75 ml). The solid was collected and air-dried to give the product as an off-white solid (2.43 g 30 (94%)), m.p. 288-91 °C (b) N-f2.3.4.5-tetrafivdro-lH-3-benzazepinc-7-vnthiophene-2-carboximidamidc Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVPn A suspension of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-3-benzazepin-7-amine monohydrochloride (0.60 g, 3.3 mmol) and of S-methyl 2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.1 g, 3.8 mmol) in dimethyl fonnamide (2.0 ml) and isopropanol (2.0 ml) was stirred at ambience for 20 h. The solid from the reaction was collected and washed with 5 isopropanol (5 ml) and ethyl acetate (15 ml). The air-dried solid weighed 1.18 g and was a mixed salt. This solid was dissolved in water and was basified and extracted into ethyl acetate. The solvent was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give the free base as a yellow solid. This was taken up in isopropanol (30 ml) and acidified with hydrogen bromide in isopropanol until the 10 solution was acidic. The product was precipitated by the addition of ethyl acetate (35 ml). The product was collected and was dried to give the product as the dihydrobromide salt (0.70 g (54%)), m.p. 281-3 °C.

Example 20 N-fl.2.3.4-TetTahvdroisoQuino1ine-7-vnthiophene-2-carboximidamide (a) 1.2.3.4-Tctrahvdroisoouinolin-7-amine monohydrochloride This was prepared following the method of Example 19. step (a). From 7-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (3.00 g, 14.0 mmol) and 5% palladium on carbon (0.3 g) in ethanol (150 ml) was isolated product as a light rose colored 20 solid (2.43 g (94%)), m.p. 232-4 °C (b) N-f 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdroisoauinoline-7.vnthiophene-2-carhoximidamide This was prepared following the method of Example 19, step (b). From 1.23,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-7-amine monohydrochloride (0.46 g) and S-methyl 2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.85 g) in isopropanol (2.0 ml) and 25 dimethyl fonnamide (2.0 ml) was isolated after workup the title compound as the free base (0.60 g (94%)). This was converted to the bisoxalate salt in a methanol/ethyl acetate solution to give the product as an off-white solid (0.59 g (54%)), m.p. 199-200 °C (dec).

Example 21 N»(2-bcnzvl-1.23.4-tetrahvdroisoQuinolinc-7-vttthiophenc.2-carboximidamidc WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 fa) 2-bcnzvl-7-nitro-1.13.4-tctrahvdroisoouinoline monohydrochloride To a solution of 7-nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline monohydrochloride (150 g, 11.6 mmol) and potassium carbonate (10 g) in acetonitrile (100 ml) was added benzyl bromide (2.22 g, 13.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml). The solution was stirred 5 overnight and the solid was then removed by filtration. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give a solid which was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The dried (MgS04) organic phase was concentrated and the resulting oil was taken up in ethanol (50 ml). This solution was made acidic with hydrochloric acid in ethanol. The precipitate which formed had set up solid and an additional 150 ml of 10 ethanol and 50 ml of ether was added. The solid was collected and air dried to give 2-benzyl-7-nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride as an off white solid (178 g (79%)), m.p. 256-8 °C (dec). fb) 2-benzvl-1.13.4-tetrahvdroisoQuinolin-7-dmine hydrochloride This compound was prepared following the method of Example 19, step (a). From 15 2-benzyl-7-nitro-1^3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (2.00 g, 6.56 mmol) and 5% palladium on carbon (0.2 g) in ethanol (100 ml) was isolated the product as a yellow colored solid (1.05 g (78%)), m.p. 257-9 °C (dec). fc) N-(2-bcnzvM.13.4-tetrahvdroisoouinolinc-7-vnthionhcne-2-carboximidamide This was prepared following the method of Example 19. step (b). From 2-benzyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-7-amine monohydrochloride (0.50 g, 1.8 mmol) and S-methyl 2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (0.67 g. 13 mmol) in isopropanol (2.0 ml) and dimethyl fonnamide (10 ml) was isolated the title compound as a yellow solid (0.53 g (84%)). This was converted to the oxalate salt in isopropanol, m/e » 348 (M+H).

Erempls 72 N-n.l3.4-tetrahvdroisoouinolin-5-vnthiophene-2-carboximidamide. dioxalate salt This compound was prepared by following a process analogous to that described above in Example 20. m.p. 75 °C (dec).

Example 23 1 N-(1.2.3.4-tetrahvdroisoquinoHne-6-vflthioDhcne-2-earboximidamidc . fa) 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdroisoquino1in-6-amine monohydrochloride A solution of isoquinolin-6-amine [Manske, R. H. F., et. al., /. Am. Chem. Soc0 72, 4997 (1950)] (4.40 g, 30.5 mmol) and platinum oxide (300 mg) in a solution of 5 acetic acid (85 ml) and 2.5 M hydrochloric acid (30 ml) was placed on a Parr Hydrogenator Apparatus and was pressurized with 45 psi of hydrogen for 16 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the resulting salt was partitioned between aqueous potassium carbonate and 20% isopropanol in methylene chloride. The dried (magnesium sulfate) organic phase was concentrated and the resulting oil was 10 chromatographed on silica gel using 2% methanol in chloroform as eluent to give 3.08 g (93 %) of the product as an oily solid. This product (3.08 g, 20.8 mmol) was taken up in 200 ml of ethanol and 1 equivalent of a 0.1000 M hydrochloric add solution was added. The solvent was removed to yield the monohydrochloride as a solid, MS 149 (M+H). 15 (b) N-(1.2.3.4-tetrahvdroisoquinoline-6-vnthioDhene-2-carboximidamide This was prepared following the method of Example 19, step (b). From 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-6-aminc monohydrochloride (0.90 g, 4.9 mmol) and S-methyl 2-thiophenethiocarboximide hydroiodide (1.80 g, 6.2 mmol) in isopropanol (2.0 ml) and dimethyl formamide (2.0 ml) was isolated after workup and chromatography on 20 silica gel the title compound as the free base (0.74 g (57%)), m.p. 170-5 °C.

Example 24 N-fIsoquinolin-7-vl)thiophene-2-carboximidamidc (a) 7-NittQfoQqvinQliiw A solution of 7-nitro-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline (3.00 g, 17.0 mmol) and 5 % palladium on carbon (3.0 g) in decalin (75 ml) was heated at reflux for 3 h. Upon cooling, the solution was filtered and the catalyst washed with chloroform (200 ml). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give 7-nitroisoquinoline (1.63 g) as a tan solid. MS 175 (M+H).

Q?) ^oqyinQiin-7-amin<? Intellectual Property Office of NZ \ 6 MAR 1998 RECEIVED

Claims (1)

1. WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 -42- 7-Nitroisoquinoline (1.62 g, 9.25 mmol) in ethanol (150 ml) was hydrogenated on a Paar Hydrogcnator Apparatus over 5 % palladium on carbon (0.2 g) as catalyst for 3 h at 50 psi. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent removed at reduced pressure. Reciystallization of the solid from ethanol (3 ml) gave isoquinolin-7-amine (0.98 g) as a tan solid. MS 145 (M+H), NMR (CDC13) 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 7.63 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H),7.13 (dd, H), 7.03 (d, 1H), 4.00 (broad, 2H). (cl N-fIsoauinolin-7-vnthiophcnc-2-carboximidamidc A solution of isoquinolin-7-amine (0.96 g, 6.7 mmol) and S-methyl 2-thiophenethiocarboximide (2.42 g, 8.36 mmol) in isopropanol (4 ml) and DMF (4 ml) was stirred for 18 h. The solu'.iiin was poured into dilute sodium hydroxide and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract w_; dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent evaporated to give and oil which solidified on standing. The sample was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (5 % methanol in chloroform saturated with gaseous ammonia) to give 1.31 g of a solid. The solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate (25 ml) to give 1.05 g of the title compound as an off-white solid, m.p. 177.5-8.5 °C WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 2d0 9 18 v .... 5 D wherein D represents a five membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing 1 to 4 10 heteroatoms selected from O, N or S, optionally substituted at a carbon atom by halogen, trifluoromethyl, alkyl Cl to 6, nitro or cyano, and which is connected to the remainder of the compound of formula I through a carbon atom; A represents N(X) or CH(-(CH2)«-NXY); U represents NH, O or CHj; 15 V represents (CHj),; W represents (CHjX; a and b independently represent an integer 0 to 3, provided that a+b is in the range 1 to 3; X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6, or the group -(CHJ.Q 20 or -NXY represents piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholmyl or tetrahydroisoquinolinyU Q represents biphenyl or phenyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from alkyl Cl to 6, alkoxy Cl to 6, perfluoroalkyl Cl to 6, halogen, nitro or cyano; m represents an integer 0 to 5; 25 n represents an integer 0 to 6; or the chain U-V-A-W is as defined above save that it may be unsaturated, or the chain U-V-A-W may represent -NH-CH2-CH2-0- substituted at a carbon atom by the group -(CHJ.-NXY, wherein m, X and Y are as defined above, and phannaceutically acceptable salts and enantiomers thereof. 30 2. A compound of formula I, according to claim 1, having structure defined by formula IA: WO 97/06158 HCT/GB95/01896 290 9 1 8 O NH ^=NH I A 5 wherein T represents a saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CHj),-NXY; -0-(CH2)2-NH- substituted by -(CH^.-NXY; or -U-(CH2),-N(X)-(CH,)bS X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6, or the group •(CHz)tQ, or -NXY represents piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyi or tetrahydroisoquinolinyl; 10 Q represents phenyl optionally substituted by alkyl Cl to 6, alkoxy Cl to 6, trifluoromethyl, halogen, nitro or cyano; and U, m, n, a, b and D are as defined above, save that when T represents -U-(CH2)a-N(X)-(CH:)b- and X represents ~(CH2),C\ n represents an integer 0 to 5, 15 and phannaceutically acceptable salts and enantiomers thereof. 3. A compound of formula I according to claim 2, wherein T represents a C« saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CHa)m«NXY; or -O^CH^j-NH- substituted by -(CH2)m-NXY; and X and Y independently represent hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2),Q. 20 4. A compound of formula I, according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein T represents a Q.s saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by -(CHS)W-NXY. 5. A compound of formula I, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein m represents 0 or 1. 25 6. A compound of formula I, according to claim 2, wherein T represents -U-(CH^-NtXHCHiV and X represents hydrogen, alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CHa),Q. 7. A compound according to claim 2 or claim 6, wherein T represents -U-(CHjVNCXHCHjV and U represents CHj. 30 8. A compound according to claim 2, 6 or 7 wherein T represents -U-(CH2),-N(X>(CHaV and a+b is 1 or 2. '.90918 -45- 9. A compound according to any-one of the preceding claims in which n represents 0,1 or 2 and X and/or Y represents -(CH2)tQ. 10. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims in which X and/u; Y represent -(CH2)„Q, and Q represents phenyl optionally substituted by 5 alkyl Cl to 6 or halogen. 11. A compound of formula I according to any one of the preceding claims wherein D represents a five membcred heterocyclic ring containing one heteroatom selected from O, N or S, optionally substituted at a carbon atom by halogen. 12. A compound of formula 1 according to claim 11 wherein D represents 10 thienyl, pyrrolyl ot furyl. — - 13. A compound of formula I according to claim 12 wherein D represents 2-thienyl. 14. A compound of formula I which is: N-((2-(phcnylmethyl)amino)indan*5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; 15 N-((2-(phehylmethyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-amino)'l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((l-amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarb0xiniidamide; N-((2-amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenccarboximidamidc; 20 N-((2-(methyl)(phenylmethyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((l-amino)indan-6-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((l-(phenylmethyl)amino)indan-6-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-((2-methylphenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-?-thiophenecarboximidamide; 25 N-((2-((3-methyIphenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-((4-methylphenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-(ethyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-(((4-phenyl)phenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-(((4-hexyl)phenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; 30 N-((2-((3-bromophenyl)methyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; — — Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED •46- 290918. N-((2-((3-chlorophenyl)methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7«yl)-2- -- -thiophenecarboximidamide; N-((2-(phenylmethyl)(methyl)amino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2- thiophenecarboximldamldc; 5 N-((l-(phenylmcthyl)amino)-1,2,3,4* tctrahydron aphth-7-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; . N-((l-(phenylmethyl)amino)indan-5-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; N-(( l-(phenylmethyl) amino)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydr on aphth-6-yl)-2-thiophenecarboximidamide; 10 N-((2-(phenylmethyl)araino)-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-7-yl)-2-furancarboximidamide; N-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-3-benzazepine-7-yl)thiophene-2-carboxiniidamide; N-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoIinc-7-yI)thiophene-2-carboximidamide; N-(2-ben2yl-l,2,3,4-tctrahydroisoquino1ane-7-yl)thiophene-2-carboximidamide; N-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-5-yl)thiophene-2-carboximidamide; 15 N-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6-yl)thiophene-2-carboximidamide; N-(isoquinoIln-7-yl)thiophcne-2-carboxiniidamide; or a phannaceutically acceptable salt or enantiomer thereof. 15. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims for use as a pharmaceutical 20 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 in admixture with a pharmaceutical^ acceptable diluent or carrier. 17. The use of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or 25 condition in which the synthesis or over-synthesis of nitric oxide forms a contributory part 18. The use of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of neurodegenerative disorders, of migraine or for the prevention and reversal of 30 tolerance to opiateond.diazepines or for the treatment a~ ' irty nmw RECEIVED -47- 290918 10 19. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I, as claimed in claim 1, '.vHch comprises: (a) preparing a compound of formula I by reacting a corresponding compound of formula II C0"NHj 11 wherein U, V, A and W are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula III 20 NH A 111 wherein D is as defined in claim 1 and L is a leaving group; (b) preparing a compound of formula I by reacting a corresponding compound 25 of formula IV 03*h,-ha iv 30 wherein U, V, A and W are as defined in claim 1 and HA is an acid, with a compound of formula V Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED WO 97/06158 PCT/CB9S/01896 -48- :N 290 9 1 8 wherein D is as defined in claim 1; (c) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents N(X) and X 5 represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CHj),Q by reacting a corresponding compound of formula I in which X represents hydrogen with a compound of formula VI R9-L VI 10 wherein R' represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2)»Q and L is a leaving group; (d) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CH:)m-NXY) and at least one of X and Y represents alkyl Cl to 6 or the group -(CH2),Q by reacting a corresponding compound of formula I in which one or both of X and 15 Y represents hydrogen with a compound of formula VI; (e) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(-(CH:)„-NXY) and m represents an integer 1 to 5, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula VII 20 »tNC0(CH.)..,-HC.^lOK" |||; V I I 0 wherein U, V, W, X, Y and D ire as defined in claim 1; (f) preparing of a compf und of formula I in which A represents CHC^CH^).-25 NXY) and both X and Y represent hydrogen, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula VIII L -if-NH VIII 30 0 wherein U, V, W, m and D are as defined in claim 1; WO 97/06158 PCT/GB95/01896 -49- 290 9 1 8 (g) preparing a compound of formula I in whteh A represents CH(-(CH2)li-NXY), X represents hydrogen and m represents an integer 1 to 5, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula IX 5 y-n-ch(ch,)..|-hc>j^^7_mh ix d wherein Ut V, W, D and Y are as defined in claim 1; (h) preparing a compound of formula I wherein A represents CH(-(CH2)m-10 NXY), one of X and Y represents hydrogen, and the other represents -(CH^.Q in which n represents an integer 1 to 6, by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula X :"u QfCHjh.jCONMCH wherein Q, m, U, V, ''V and D are as defined in claim 1; (i) preparing a compound of formula I wherein A represents CH(- (CH^.-NXY), one of X and Y represents hydrogen, and the other represents -20 (CH^Q in which n represents an integer 1 to 6, by reduction of a compound of formula XI o(ch1)#.,ch-h-(chi)w-hc>x^n^__nh x i D 25 wherein Q, m, U, V, W and D are as defined in claim 1; or (j) preparing a compound of formula I in which A represents CH(- NXY) and X represents hydrogen by reduction of a corresponding compound of formula XH 30 •56* * 11 ?.9 0 918) D wherein U, V, W, D and Y are a* defined in claim 1; and where desired or necessary converting the resultant compound of formula I, or another salt thereof, to a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof or vice versa. A compound of formula I according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or exemplified. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 substantially as herein described or exemplified. Use according to claim 17 or 18 substantially as herein described or exemplified. A process according to claim 19 substantially as herein described or exemplified. END OF CLAIMS Intellectual Property Office of NZ 16 MAR 1998 RECEIVED