NZ536688A - Piperazinylpyrazine compounds as agonists or antagonists of serotonin 5HT-2 receptors - Google Patents

Abstract

Piperazinylpyrazine compounds of the general formula (I) that are suitable as agonists or antagonists of serotonin 5HT-2 are disclosed, wherein R1, R2, X, Y and Z are as described in the specification. Use of these compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of a serotonin-related medical condition, particularly related to the 5-HT2c receptor is also disclosed.

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number 536688 53 6 6 8 8 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 intellectual property office OF N.Z. is tm Received No: Date: Divided out of No. 525700 Dated 20 November 2001 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PIPERAZINYLPYRAZINE COMPOUNDS AS AGONISTS OR ANTAGONISTS OF SEROTONIN 5HT-2 RECEPTORS We, BIOVITRUM AB, of S-112 76 Stockholm, Sweden, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 (followed by page la) 1a PIPERAZINYLPYRAZINE COMPOUNDS AS AGONISTS OR i ANTAGONISTS OF SEROTONIN 5HT-2 RECEPTORS This is a divisional of NZ 525700 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to novel compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, to processes for their preparation, as well as to the use of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament which particularly acts on the central nervous system.

Background of the Invention Many diseases of the central nervous system are influenced by the adrenergic, the dopaminergic, and the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. For example, serotonin has been implicated in a number of diseases and conditions which originate in the central nervous system. A number of pharmacological and genetic experiments involving receptors for serotonin strongly implicate the 5-HT2C receptor subtype in the regulation of food intake (Obes. Res. 1995.3, Suppl. 4,449S-462S). The 5-HT2c receptor subtype is transcribed and expressed in hypothalamic structures associated with appetite regulation. It has been demonstrated that the 5-HT2c receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mGPP), which has some preference for the 5-HT2C receptor, reduces food intake in mice that express the normal 5-HT2c receptor while the compound lacks activity in mice expressing the mutated inactive form of the 5-HT2c receptor (Nature 1995.374,542-546). In a recent clinical study, a slight but sustained reduction in body weight was obtained after 2 weeks of treatment with mCPP in obese subjects (Psychophannacology 1997.133,309-312). Recently, a series of pyrrolo[3,2,1 -y]quinoline derivatives was identified to be 5-HT2C receptor agonists having selectivity over the 5-HT2A receptor (Isaac M., et aL, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett 2000.10,919-921). The compounds are said to ofifer a novel approach to the treatment of obesity and epilepsy.

Weight reduction has also been reported from clinical studies with other "serotonergic11 agents (see e.g. IDrugs 1998.1,456-470). For example, the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine and the 5-HT releasing agent/reuptake inhibitor dexfenfluramine have exhibited weight reduction in controlled studies. However, currently available drugs that increase serotonergic transmission appear to have only a moderate and, in some cases, transient effects on the body weight The 5-HT2c receptor subtype has also been suggested to be involved in CNS disorders such as depression and anxiety (Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1998.7,1587-5 1599; IDrugs, 1999,2,109-120).

The 5-HT2c receptor subtype has further been suggested to be involved in urinary disorders such as urinary incontinence (IDrugs, 1999. 2.109-120).

Compounds which have a selective effect on the 5-HT2c receptor may therefore have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of disorders like those 10 mentioned above. Of course, selectivity also reduces the potential for adverse effects mediated by other serotonin receptors.

Information Disclosure US-A-3,253,989 discloses the use ofmCPP as an anorectic agent 15 EP-A1-863 136 discloses azetidine and pyrrolidine derivatives which are selective 5-HT2c receptor agonists having antidepressant activity and which can be used for treating or preventing serotonin-related diseases, including eating disorders and anxiety.

EP-A1-330 263 discloses piperaanylalkylpyrinudines as hypoglycemic agents.

WO 87/04928 discloses 2-(l-piperazinyl)pyrimidines as agents for treating neuropathy.

EP-A2-226842 discloses 1,4-naphthalenedione heterocyclic derivatives as antiallergics and antiasthmatics including 2-(3-bromophenyl)-4-(l -piperazinyl)-25 pyrimidine.

EP-A-657 426 discloses tricyclic pyrrole derivatives having activity on the 5-HT2c receptor and which inter alia may be used for treating eating disorders.

EP-A-655 440 discloses 1 -aminoethylindoles having activity on the 5-HT2c receptor and which may be used for treating eating disorders.

EP-A-572 863 discloses pyrazinoindoles having activity on the 5-HT2c receptor and which may be used for treating eating disorders.

J. Med. Chem. 1978.21,536-542 and US-A-4,081,542 disclose a series of piperazinylpyrazines having central serotonin-mimetic activity.

US 4,078,063 discloses a series of piperaanylpyridines having anorexic activity.

J. Med. Chem. 1981.24,93-101 discloses a series of piperazinylquinoxalines with central serotoninmimetic activity.

ES 514549 discloses piperazine derivative with anorexigenic action.

EP 370560 discloses l-[mono- or bis(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyljpiperazines as central nervous system agents.

J. Med. Chan. 1987.30,1794-1798 discloses 2-(4-heterocyclylpiperazin-l- yl) derivatives including 2-phenoxy-4-piperazin-l-ylpyrimidine.

DE 2202385 discloses antimicrobial (5-nitro-2-fuiyl)pyriniidines and -fhiadiazoles including 2^5-nitro-2-furyl)-4-(4-methyl-1 -piperaanyl)pyriiiiidine and 2-(5-mtro-2-flffyl)-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethyi)-l-piperazinyl]pyrimidine. 15 J. Med Chem. 1987.30,1210-1214 discloses J^iV-disubstituted 6-alkoxy-2- pyridinamines as anticonvulsant agents including l-(6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, l-(6-ethoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, l-(6-isopropoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, l-(6-isobutoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, 1 -(6-cyclopropylmethoxy-2-20 pyridinyl)piperazine, 1 -(6-cyclohexylmethoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, and l-(6-cyclohexyloxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

J. Med. Chem. 1989.32,1237-1242 discloses 6-alkyl-JV^-disubstituted-2-pyridinamines as anticonvulsant agents including 1 -{6-butylthio-2-pyridinyl)piperazine, 1 -(6-cyclohexylmethjd-2-pyridinyl)piperazine and l-[6-(2-phenylethyl)-2-pyridinyl]piperazine.

JF 07300474 discloses drugs for treatment of diseases related to serotoninergic nerve including 1 -(6-phenoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine and l-[6-(substituted)phenoxy-2-pyridin)d]piperazines, 1 -(6-benzyloxy-2-30 pyridinyl)piperazine, 1 -(6-cyclobutyloxy-2-pyridinyl)pipera2dnes and l-(6-cyclopentyloxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine EP 580465 discloses heterocyclic piperazines as 5-HT3 agonists including 6^hloro-2-(3-methylpiperazinyl)pyridine and 6-chloro-2-(4-methylpiperazinyl)pyridine.

WO 00/12475 discloses indoline derivatives as 5-HT2b and/or 5-HT2c receptor ligands, especially for the treatment of obesity.

WO 00/12510 discloses pyrroloindoles, pyridoindoles and azepinoindoles as -HT2c receptor agonists, particluarly for the treatment of obesity.

WO 00/12482 discloses indazole derivatives as selective, directly active 5-HT2c receptor ligands, preferably 5-HT2c receptor agonists, particularly for use as anti-obesity agents.

WO 00/12502 discloses pyrroloquinolines as 5-HT2c receptor agonists, particularly for use as anti-obesity agents.

WO 00/35922 discloses 2,3,4,4a4etrahydro-l#-pyrazino[l ,2-a]quinoxalin-5(6H)oaes as 5HT2C agonists, which may be used for the treatment of obesity.

WO 00/44737 discloses axoinoalkylbenzofiirans as 5-HT2c agonists, which 15 may be used for the treatment of obesity.

Further compounds reported to be 5HT2C receptor agonists are, for example, indazolylpropyiamines of the type described in WO 00/12481; indazoles of the type described in WO 00/17170; piperazinylpyrazines of the type described in WO 00/76984; heterocycle fused y-caibolinesIof the type described in WO 00/77001, WO 20 00/77002 and WO 00/77010; benzofiirylpiperazines of the type described in WO 01/09111 and WO 01/09123; benzofurans of the type described in WO 01/09122; benzothiophenes of the type described in 01/09126; aminoalkylindazoles of the type described in WO 98/30548; indoles of the type described in WO 01/12603; indolines of the type described in WO 01/12602; pyrazino(aza)indoles of the type described in 25 WO 00/44753 and tricyclic pyrroles or pyrazoles of the type described in WO 98/56768.

WO 96/11920 discloses CNS-active pyridinylurea derivatives.

WO 95/01976 discloses indoline derivatives active as 5-HT2c antagonists and of potential use in the treatment of CNS disorders.

WO 99/58490 disloses aryl-hydronaphthalen-alkanammes which may effectuate partial or complete blockage of serotonergic 5-HT2c receptors in an organism.

Summary nf the Invention According to the invention novel compounds of the general formula (0 are provided: ■wherein (i) X and Z represent both CH and Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine derivative, or (ii) X represents C-CF3, Z represents CH, and Y represents nitrogen, forming a 4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative, or (iii) Y and Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrrolidine derivative, and wherein Rj and R2 are each, independently, selected from a group A, consisting of or from a group B, consisting of aryl-C 1 -Q-aBcyl, aryl-C 1 -Cg-alkoxy, heteroaryl-Ci-Q-alkoxy, aryloxy-^-Q-alkoxy, heteroaryloxy-C2-C6-alkoxy, 1-indanyloxy, 2-indanyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, axylthio, heteroaiylthio, Cs-Cg-cycloalkylthio, CfCg-alkoxy, Cs-Cs-alkylthio, C3-C6-alkynyloxy, C3-C6-alkenyloxy, fluoro-C2-C4-alkoxy, Gi-Cs-cycloalkyloxy, C3-C8-cycloalkyl-Ci-C4-alkoxy, halogen, aryl-Ci-G*-alkylthio, heteroaryl-C 1 -C4-alkylthio, aryl-C 1 -C^-alkylamino, heteroaryl-Ci-C4-alkylamino, heteroaryl and aryl; with the proviso that: 0) (i) Ri and R2 are different and are not both selected from group A or group B at the same time; (ii) when both X and Z are CH and Y is N in formula (I), forming a pyridine derivative, and Ri is 1-piperazinyl or 4-methylpiperazin-l -yl, then R2 is other than, 2-phenylethyl, benzyloxy, benzylamino, phenylthio, phenoxy, substituted phenoxy, C4-Cg-cycloalkyloxy and C3-Cg-cycloalkyimethoxy, (iii) when XisCH and Z and Y both are nitrogen in formula (T), forming a pyrimidine derivative, andR2 isl-piperazinyi, then Rj is other than phenoxy, phenyl orpheaiyl substituted bybromo, and Cs-Cg alkoxy; and when R2 is 4-meihylpiperazin-1 -yl or 4^2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-l-yl, then Rj is other than 5-nitro-2-furyl; (iv) when X is CH and Z and Y both are nitrogen in formula (T), forming a pyrimidine derivative, and Rj is 1-piperazinyl, then R2 is other than Cs-Cg alkoxy, and where R3 is H or Cj_4-alkyl, allyl, 2-hydroxyethyI, or 2-cyanoethyl, or a nitrogen protecting groiqp, or a prodrug moiety such as an acyl- or an alkoxycarbonyl group forming a cleavable amide or carbamate linkage; R3 is preferably hydrogen; R4 is hydrogen or Cm alkyl, preferably hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, more preferably hydrogen or methyl; and wherein any aryl or heteroaryl residue, alone or as part of another group, inRi or R2 may be independently substituted in one or more positions, preferably one or two, by Ci^-alkyl, C^-alkoxy, Ci^-alkylthio, C2-4-acyl, C1.4-alkylsulphonyi, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C2-6-alkenyi, C2-6-alkynyl, fluoromethyl, 5 trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, halogen, -N(R5)(R^), aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, aryl-Ci^-alkyl, aryl-C2-4-alkenyl, aryl-C2_4-aIkynyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio orheteroaiyl-C^-alkyl, aryl-C i_4-alkoxy, aryloxy-Ci_4~alkyI, dimethylainino-C2-4-alkoxy; and wherein any aryl or heteroaryl residue as substituents on aryl or 10 heteroaryl, alone or as part of another group, in Rj or R2 in turn may be substituted in one or more postions, preferably one, independently of each other by Cj^-alkyl, Cj_ 4-alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, hydroxy or dimethylamino; and R5 and R5 independently of each other are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form a pyrrolidine, 15 piperazine, moipholine, thiomoipholine or a piperidine ring; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, geometrical isomers, tautomers, optical isomers, iV-oxides and prodrug forms thereof When R3 serves as a nitrogen protecting group R3 is f-butoxycarbonyl (/-BOC), benzyl or trityL 20 In case the compounds of formula (J) can be in the form of optical isomers, the invention comprises the racemic mixture as well as the individual enantiomers as such.

In case the compounds of formula (I) contain groups, which may exist in tautomeric forms, the invention comprises the tautomeric forms of the compounds as 25 well as mixtures thereof.

In case the compounds of formula (I) can be in the form of geometrical isomers, the invention comprises the geometrical isomers as well as mixtures thereof.

According to another aspect, the invention provides the compounds according to formula (0 above for use in therapy.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) above as the active ingredient, (followed by page 8a) preferably together with a pharmaceutically acceptable caixier and, if desired, other pharmacologically active agents.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for the treatment of a non-human subject suffering from a 5-HT2C receptor-related medical condition, especially eating disorders, particularly obesity; memory disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, pain, substance abuse, sexual dysfunctions, epilepsy, and urinary disorders.

Another aspect of the invention provides for the use of the compounds according to formula (I) above for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a 5-HT2c receptor-related medical condition, especially eating disorders, particularly obesity, memory disorders; schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, pain, substance abuse, sexual dysfunctions, epilepsy and urinary disorders.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of making a compound of the invention, taking a compound of the following formula: derivative, or (ii) X represents C-CF3, Z represents CH, and Y represents nitrogen, forming a4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative, or (iii) Y and Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrimidine derivative, and wherein each Hal is independently a halogen; and reacting 1he compound -with one or more checaical reagents in one or more steps to produce a compound of the invention.

Described is a method for modulating 5HT2C receptor function.

The reader's attention is directed to related New Zealand Patent Specification NZ525700 that describes and claims a compound of formula (I) wherein X and Y represent both nitrogen and Z represents CH, forming a pyrazine derivative. Such pyrazine derivatives are described herein but are claimed in NZ 525700.

X.

INTELLECTUAL property office of n.z wherein 2 h APR 2006 RECEIVED (i) XandZ represent both CHand Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine 8a (followed by page 9) Detailed Description of the Invention According to the present invention, a class ofnovel compounds has been developed which compounds bind to the 5-HT2c receptor (agonists and antagonists) 20 and which therefore may be used for the treatment of serotonin-related disorders.

First, the various terms used, separately and in combinations, in the above definition of the compounds having the general formula (T) will be explained.

By "heteroatom" is meant nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, and in heterocyclic rings (including heteroaromatic as well as saturated and partially saturated heterocyclic 25 rings), also selenium.

The term "aryl" is intended to include aromatic tings (monocyclic or bicyclic) having from 6 to 10 ring carbon atoms, such as phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl (can be linked to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon atom in any ring) and indanyl (can be linked to the remainder of the molecule 30 via a carbon atom in any ring).

The term "heteroaryl" means a mono- or bicyclic aromatic ring system, only one ring need be aromatic, and which can be linked to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon or nitrogen atom in any ring, and having from 5 to 10 ring atoms (mono-or bicyclic), in which one or more of the ring atoms are other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen and selenium. Examples of such heteroaryl rings are pyrrole, imidazole, thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, thiadiazole, oxazole, 5 isoxazole, oxadiazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, chroman, isochroman, coumarin, quinoline, quinoxaline, isoquinoline, phthalazine, cinnoline, quinazoline, indole, isoindole, indoline, isoindoline, benzothiophene, benzofuran, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, isobenzofuran, benzoxazole, 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, benzothiazole, 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 2,1,3-10 benzoseleoadiazole, benzhnidazole, indazole, 2,3-dihydro-l ,4-benzodioxine, 1,3-benzodioxole, 13,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, 3,4-dihydro-2tf-l,4-benzoxazine, 1,5-naphthyridine, 1,8-naphthyridine, 3,4-dihydro-2Zf-pyrido[3,2-ft]-l,4-oxazine, and 2,3-dihydro-l,4-benzoxathiine. If a bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl ring is substituted, it may be substituted in any ring.

Exemplary aryl-C i-C6-alkyl, in which the alkyl portion of the group may be straight or branched, include benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenyl-1 -propyl, 1-phenylethyl, 1 -phenyl-2-propyl and the like.

Exemplary aiyl-C ] -C$-alkoxy, in which the alkyl portion of the group may be straight or branched, include benzyloxy, 2-naphthylmethoxy, 2-phenyiethoxy, 3-20 phenyl-1 -propoxy, 1-phenylethoxy, 1 -phenyl-2-propoxy, 2-phenyl-1 -propoxy and the like.

Exen^plary aryloxy-C2-C6-alkoxy, in which the alkyl portion of the group maybe straight or branched, include 2-phenoxyethoxy, 2-( 1 -naphthyloxy)ethoxy, 3-(2- naphthyloxy)-1 -propoxy, 3 -phenoxy-1 -propoxy, 4-phenoxy-1 -butoxy, 5-25 phenoxy-1 -pentoxy, 1 -phenoxy-2-propoxy and the like.

Exemplary Ca-Cg-cycloalkyl-Ci-Gt-alkoxy, in which the alkyl portion of the group may be straight or branched, include cyclopropylmethoxy, cyclopentylmethoxy, 2-cyclohexylethoxy, 1-cyclohexylethoxy, 1 -cyclopropylethoxy, 1 -cyclobutylethoxy and the like.

Exemplary heteroaryl-Ci-C4-alkylamino include 2-(2-pyridinyl)ethylamino, 3-pyridinyhnethylamino, 2-(2-thienyl)ethylaxnino, 2-( l/f-indol-3-yl)ethylamino and the like. f Exemplary heteroaryloxy-C2-Q-alkoxy include 2-(8-quinolmyloxy)ethoxy, 2-(3-pyridinyloxy)ethoxy, 3^8-quinolinyloxy)propoxy and the like Exemplary Cs-Cg-alkynyloxy include propargyloxy, 1 -hexynyioxy, 2-hexynyloxy, 3-butynyloxy, 3-pentynyloxy and the like.

C5_8-alkoxy may be straight or branched. Exemplary alkoxy groups include pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, hexyloxy, and isohexyloxy.

Halogen includes fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

Where it is stated above that aryl and heteroaryl residues may be substituted (in one or more postions), this applies to aryl and heteroaryl per se as well as to any 10 combined groups containing aryl or heteroaryl residues, such as heteroaryioxy-C2-Cg-alkoxy, heteroaryloxy, aryl-C j -Cg-alkoxy etc.

The term "W-oxides" means that one or more nitrogen atoms, when present in a compound, are in iV-oxide fonn (N-»0).

The term "prodrug forms" means a pharmacologically acceptable derivative, 15 such as a carbamate or an amide, which derivative is biotransformed in the body to form the active drug. Reference is made to Goodman and Gihnan's, The Pharmacological basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill, Int. Ed. 1992, "Biotransformation of Drugs, p. 13-15.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable" means being useful in preparing a 20 pharmaceutical composition feat is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes being useful for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" mean salts which axe pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined above, and which possess the desired pharmacological 25 activity. Such salts include acid addition salts formed with organic and inorganic acids, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen iodide, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, toluenesulphonic acid, methanesulphonic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, citric add, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid and fee like.

Described herein but claimed in NZ525700 is: - a compound of formula (1) wherein X and Y represent both nitrogen and Z represents CH, forming a pyrazine derivative. intellectual property office of n.z. 2 h APR 2006 DECEIVED Described and claimed herein are: - a compound of formula (I) wherein Y and Z both represent nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrimidine derivative; - a compound of formula (I) wherein Ri or R2 is selected from R3 Ra ^ N^CH3 ,N H3C^N^ "N and wherein R3 is hydrogen; - a compound of formula (I) wherein Rj or R2 is selected from & R3 K! ,-ch> N.

CxR* N I I H,C N and where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is selected from hydrogen or methyl or ethyl; - a compound of formula (1) wherein Ri or R2 is 9. ft N I R4 and where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is selected from hydrogen or methyl or ethyl; and - a compound of formula (!) wherein R] or R2 is selected from H H 0 CX N N ^CH 3 As described herein but claimed in NZ525700, the compounds of formula (I) are selected from compounds in which X and Y both are nitrogen and Z is CH giving pyrazine derivatives of formula (II): intellectual property off!ce of n.z. 2 4 APR 2006 RECEIVED (followed by page 12a) («) *3 wherein R2 and R3 are as defined above wherein any aryl and heteroaryl residue, alone or as part of another group, in R2 in turn may be substituted in one or more 5 positions, preferably one or two, independently of each other by Ci_4-alkyl, C|_4-alkoxy, Cj_4-alkylthio, C2-4-acyl, C \ ^-alkylsulphonyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C2-g-alkenyl, C2-6-alkynyl, fluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, halogen, -N(R5)(R<5), aryl, aiyloxy, arylthio, aryl-C j^-alkyl, aryl-C2_4-alkenyl, aryl-C2-4" alkynyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio or heteroaryl-C 1 .4-alkyl, aryl-C 10 4-alkoxy, aryloxy-Ci^-alkyl, dimethylamino-C2-4~alkoxy; wherein any aryl or heteroaryl residue as substituents on aryl or heteroaryl, alone or as part of another group, in R2 in turn may be substituted in one or more postions, preferably one, independently of each other by Cj_4-alkyl, C{_4-alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, hydroxy or dimethylamino; R5 and R<j are as defined above; and wherein R3 is hydrogen; or wherein R7 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; or wherein R7 is methyl and is attached to the C2-position of the piperazine ring; or wherein R7 is In formula (II), R3 is preferably hydrogen, and R7 is preferably hydrogen or Ci_4-alkyl. When R7 is Cj_4-alkyl, it is most preferably substituted in the 2-postion of the piperazine ring. R7 is most preferably hydrogen or methyl.

Preferred compounds of the general formula (I) above are: R7 is hydrogen or Cm alkyl.

Described is a compound of any of the formulae herein hydrogen. 4-(Benzyloxy)-2-(l-piperazinyl)pyrimidine, 4-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-2-(l -piperazinyi)pyrimidine, 2- {[3 -(Benzyl oxy)benzyl]oxy} -4-{ 1 -piperazmyl)pyriimdine, intellectual property OFFiCE OF n.z. 24 APR 2006 RECEIVED 12a (followed by page 13) Compounds of the general formula (I) above described herein but claimed in NZ525700 are: 2-(Benzyloxy)-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-{l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[(3-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-pipera2inyl)pyrazine, 'NTEOmcFAnfROPERTY vi-fice of n.z. 2 4 APR 2006 RECEIVEO 2-[(3,5-Difluoroben2yl)oxy]-6^1-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-(l -NaphthyImethoxy)-6-(l -piperazinyi)pyra2me, 2-(l-Phenyle1hoxy)^l-pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 2-[l^3-Fluorophenyl)ethoxy]^(l-pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 5 2-[l-(2-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2^3,4-Dihydro-2^htomen^yloxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme, 2-(2-Phemylethoxy)-6^1-piperazin)d)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Phenoxybenzyl)oxy3-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-[2K3-CWoix)phenyl)ethoxy]^l-pipesra2iny!)pyrazme, 10 2-[2-(2-Methoxyphaiyl)eUioxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine5 2-[2-<3-Methoxypheayl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperaziiiyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-(4-Methoxypheiiyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazirie, 2-[2-(2,5-I>imethoxyphen>d)ethoxy]-6-(l -pipera2inyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Phea>4ethy^sulfanylJ-6^1-pipeiminyl)pyraziiie, 15 2-[(5-Fluoro-2-methoxyben2yl)oxy]-6-(l-pipea:azinyl)pyrazine5 2-[(3-€yanobe^l)oxy]^l-pipera2inyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Chloroben2yl)sulfanyl]-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-(4-Dimethylaminophenyi)ethoxy]-6-<l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-<lH'-Indol-3-yl)ethoxy3-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 20 2-[2-(lH-Indol-1 -yl)ethoxy]-6-( 1 -pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 2-Benzyl-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 25 2-[(3,5-Dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-me1hylpipera2ane, 1 -[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-ethyIpipera2dne 1-[6-(Ben2yloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-i7"fl/M-2,5Kiimethylpiperazine. 2-[2-(2-Fluorophenyl)ethoxy]-6-( 1 -pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 2-(2,3-Dihydro-lif-inden-l-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine 2-(4-Phenoxybutoxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine. 2-[(5-Phenoxypentyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazanyl)pyrazine. 2-[(2,5-Dimethoxyben2yl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyra2ine. inteu-^ct'jal property office of n.z. 2 h APR 2006 received 2-{[2-^2-Phenyiethyl)ben2yl]oxy}-6^1-pipera2inyI)pyrazine (2R)~ 1 -[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-methylpiperazine, 2-[2-(2,6-Difluorophenoxy)efeoxy]-6^1-pipera2anyl)pyrazine 2-[2-(2-Naphthyloxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-pipera2inyl)pyra2dne 5 2-(l-Methyl-2-phenylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine 2- {[2-(Phenoxymethyl)benzyl]oxy} -6-(l-piperaziiiyl)pyrazdne 2-[(5-Fluoro-2-methoxybemyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazme 2-[(2,5-Diflviorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazin>d)pyrazine 2-[(2-Fhioroben2yl)oxy]-6-(l -piperazmyl)pyrazine 10 2-(Benzo[fe]tbiophen-3-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-{5-Meth>d-2-phenyl-oxazol-4-yl)-ethoxy]-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-[l-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-ethoxy]-6-{l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-(2-Naphthalen-2-yl-ethoxy)-6^1-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[3-{Naphthalen-2-yjloxy)-propoxy]-6-{l-piperazinyi)pyraznie, 15 2-[2-(7-Methoxy-n^phthalen-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methylfuran-3-ylmethoxy]-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-(l//-Indol-4-ylmethoxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, and their pharmacologically acceptable salts and solvates; and 2-(Benzyloxy)-6-{ 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxyj-6-{ 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazdne, 2-[(3-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyraziiie, 2-[(3,5-Difluorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-( 1 -Naphthylmethoxy)-6-( 1 -pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 25 2-(l -Phenylethoxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[ 1 -(3-Fluorophenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l -piperazanyl)pyra2ine, 2-[ 1 -(2-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-(3,4-Dihydro-2H-chromen-4-yloxy)-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-(2-Phenylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, 30 2-[(2-Phenoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2- {[3-(Benzyloxy)benzyl]oxy} -6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-(3-Chlorophenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyra2ane, 2-[2-(2-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy] -6-( 1 -pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)efeoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, 2-[2<4-MethoxyphenyI)ethoxy]-^l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[2-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-Phenylethyl)sulfanyl3-6Kl-piperazinyl)pyra2dne, 5 2-[(5-Fluoro-2-methoxyben2yl)oxy]-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine) 2-[(3-Cyanobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-pipera2dnyl)pyrazine, 2-[(2-OJorobeii2yl)sulfanyl]-6^1 -piperazinyl)pyrazdne, 2-[2-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)efeoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyra2ine, 2-[2-(lH--Indol-3-yl)ethoxy]-6-(l-pipera2inyl)pyra2dne, 2-[2-(lH-Indol-1 -yl)ethoxy]-6-(l -piperazhiyl)pyrazine, 15 2-{(3,5-Dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]-6^1-pipera2anyl)pyrazine, 1 -[6-{Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-methylpiperazine, and their pharmacologically acceptable salts and solvates.

As mentioned above, the compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment (including prophylactic treatment) of serotonin-related disorders, 20 especially 5-HT2C receptor-related, in a human being or in an animal (including e.g. pets), such as eating disorders, especially obesity; memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease; schizophrenia; mood disorders, including, but not restricted to, major depression and bipolar depression, including both mild and manic bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD); anxiety disorders, including situational 25 anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, primary anxiety disorders (panic disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders), and secondary anxiety disorders (for example anxiety associated with substance abuse); pain; substance abuse; sexual dysfunctions; epilepsy; and urinary disorders, such as urinary incontinence. Additionally, the compounds of the present invention are 30 generally useful in treatment of diseases and disorders of fee central nervous system (CNS).

The compounds of fee present invention in radiolabelled form, may be used as a diagnostic agent. intellectual propt*!y office of n 7 2 * APR 2006 I C b 8 ¥ fc U Described and useful herein are methods of making compounds of any formulae herein comprising reacting any one or more of the compounds or formulae delineated herein including any processes delineated herein.

In one aspect, the invention is a method of making a compound of formula (I) delineated herein, taking a compound of the following formula: wherein; (i) X and Z represent both CH and Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine derivative, or (ii) X represents C-cf3, Z represents CH, and Y represents nitrogen, forming a 4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative, or (iii) Y and Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrimidine deriviative, and wherein each Hal is independently a halogen; and reacting die compound with one or more chemical reagents in one or more steps to produce a compound of general formula (I) delineated herein.

The compounds of general formula (I) above may be prepared by, or in analogy with, conventional methods, and especially according to or in analogy with the following methods.

Method A: Compounds of formula (I) above in which Rj (or R2 ) are bound to the pyrazine-, pyridine- or pyrimidine ring in (I) via an O, S or N atom in Rj (or R2), are prepared by reacting a compound of the structural formula (IH), (TV), (V), or (VI) X (HI) (IV) intellectual property office of n.z.

(V) (VI) 2 k APR 2006 RECEIVED wherein Hal is halogen, with an appropriate amine, alcohol or thiol or its corresponding anion to produce a compound of formula (VII), (VET), (IX), or (X): ft -jQ.

Hal^N R^Fg Hal N R^Rj) (VII) (Vlll) (R2) R^N^Hal HaT "N" "R1(R2) 0X) p<) wherein Rj (or R2) is as defined above and with the proviso that Rj (or R2) is not any of the following groups Ra R3 F3 jy* cV 0 H3C^N^ ... N T I I £> The appropriate alcohol, amine, or thiol may be converted completely or partially to its corresponding anion by treatment with bases, such as triethylaroine, 1,8-10 diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene, K2CO3, NaOH, NaH, KO-/-Bu, lithium diisopropylamide or the like. The reaction is carried out in a solvent, such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, ferf-butanol or A^-dimethylfoimamide (DMF), at 0-200 °C for 1-24 hours. The compound of formula (VII), (Vm), (IX), or (X) is reacted with 1 to 10 molar equivalents of an appropriate amine selected from Ra R3 .N. %n\CH3 c >- H H and where R3 and R4 are as defined above, in a solvent such as acetonitrile, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, n-butanol, DMF, or in a mixture of solvents such as DMF/dioxane, optionally in the presence of a base, such as K2CO3, Na2CC>3, CS2CO3, NaOH, triethylamine, pyridine or the like, at 0-200 °C for 1-24 hours to produce the compound of formula (1). When R3 is a nitrogen protecting group as defined above, the subsequent //-deprotection is carried out by conventional methods such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991 or subsequent editions thereof.

Method B: Compounds of formula (I) are prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VII), (VBOt), (DQ or (X) above with a 4-hydroxysubstituted piperidine compound of formula (XI) -1 «3 (XI) wherein R3 is as defined above.

The reaction is carried out in a solvent, such as toluene, DMF, tert-butanol or dioxane, in fee presence of a base, such as l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]tmdec-7-ene, KOH, KO-/-Bu, NaH or fee like, at 0-200 °C for 1-24 hours.

The nitrogen atom in (XI) may be protected wife a suitable protecting group, preferably tert-butoxycarbonyl, trityl or benzyl. N-Deprotection is then carried out by 20 conventional methods such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991 or subsequent editions thereof.

Method C: Compounds of formula (I) are prepared by reacting a compound of formula (HO, (IV), (V), or (VT) above with an appropriate amine, selected from R3 ^3 ^N vxCH3 .N x J C 3"^ h3C*^N Y H H or a 4-hydroxysubstituted piperidine compound (XI) (XI) and where R3 and R4 are as defined above to produce a compound of formula (XII) or(Xm): rY,z Hal X Am Am X^Hal (xii) (xiii) wherein Hal is as defined above, and X, Y, Z have the same meaning as in formula (I), and Am is an amine residue selected from R3 R3 F3 XTHa cV O h3C^N Si /O and where R3 and R4 are as defined above. The reaction conditions may be those 10 described for methods A and B above. The compound of formula (XII) or (Xlli) is reacted with an appropriate alcohol, amine (other than those defined for Am above) or thiol or its corresponding anions to produce a compound of the formula (]). The reaction conditions may be those described for method A above. When R3 is a nitrogen protecting group as defined above, the subsequent iV-deprotection is carried 15 out by conventional methods such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991 or subsequent editions thereof Method D.

According to another general process (the Suzuki reaction; for a review, see: Chem. 20 Rev. 1995.95,2457-2483), the compounds of formula (T) wherein Rj or R2 are aryl or heteroaryl may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (ID), (IV), (V), or (VT) with a boronic acid derivative of the type heteroaryl-B(OH)2 or aryI-B(OH)2, where heteroaryl and aryl are as defined above, in the presence of a transition metal catalyst such as (Ph3P)4Pd, where Ph represents phenyl, in a suitable solvent such as an ether (e.g., 1 -2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran), in the presence or absence of water, or an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g., toluene). The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a base such as an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate (e.g, sodium carbonate) at a suitable temperature up to reflux to provide a compound of formula (XIV) or (XV) lfY*z lfY*z Ha! X^Aror Heteroaryl ArorHeteroaryKx^Hal (XIV) (xv) The compound of formula (XIV) or (XV) is reacted with 1 to 10 molar equivalents of an appropriate amine selected from F*3 ^3 ,XCH3 M H H or a 4-hydroxysubstituted piperidine compound (XI) N-Ra ho— (XI) to produce a compound of formula (I) and where R3 and R4 are as defined above. The reaction conditions maybe those described for methods A and B above.

Method E. A compound of formula (XH) or (XHI) is reacted with a boronic acid derivative heteroaryl-B(OH>2 or aryl-B(OH)2 to provide a compound of formula (I). Heteroaryl and aryl are as defined above. The reaction conditions may be those described in method D.

An obtained compound of formula (I) may be converted to another compound of formula (I) by methods well known in the art.

The processes described above may be carried out to give a compound of the invention in the form of a free base or as an acid addition salt A pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt may be obtained by dissolving the free base in a suitable organic solvent and treating the solution with an acid, in accordance with conventional procedures for preparing acid addition salts from base compounds. Examples of addition salt forming acids are maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, methanesulfonic add, acetic add, oxalic acid, benzoic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric add, phosphoric add, and the like.

The compounds of formula (I) may possess one or more chiral caibon atoms, and they may therefore be obtained in the form of optical isomers, e.g. as a pure enantiomer, or as a mixture of enantiomers (racemate) or as a mixture containing diastereomers. The separation of mixtures of optical isomers to obtain pure enantiomers is well known in the art and may, for example, be achieved by fractional crystallization of salts with optically active (chiral) adds or by chromatographic separation on chiral columns.

The necessary starting materials for preparing the compounds of formula (I) are either known or may be prepared in analogy with the preparation of known compounds.

In accordance with the present invention, the compounds of formula (I), in the form of free bases or salts with physiologically acceptable adds, can be brought into suitable galenic forms, such as compositions for oral use, for injection, for nasal spray administration or the like, in accordance with accepted pharmaceutical procedures. Such pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention comprise an effective amount of the compounds of formula (I) in association with compatible pharmaceutically acceptable carrier materials, or diluents, as are well known in the art The carriers maybe any inert material, organic or inorganic, suitable for enteral, percutaneous, subcutaneous or parenteral administration, such as: water, gelatin, gum arabicum, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, sodium starch glycolate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium stearate, talcum, colloidal silicon dioxide, and the like. Such compositions may also contain other pharmacologically active agents, and conventional additives, such as stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, flavouring agents, buffers, and the like.

The compositions according to the invention can e.g. be made up in solid or liquid form for oral administration, such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, syrups, elixirs, dispersable granules, cachets, suppositories and the like, in the form of sterile solutions, suspensions or emulsions for parenteral administration, sprays, e.g. a nasal spray, transdermal preparations, e.g. patches, and the like.

As mentioned above, the compounds of the invention may be used for the treatment of serotonin-related disorders in a human being or an animal, such as eating disorders, particularly obesity, memory disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, pain, substance abuse, sexual dysfunctions, epilepsy, and urinary disorders. Hie dose level and frequency of dosage of the specific compound will vary depending on a variety of factors including the potency of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the patient's age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the condition to be treated, and the patient undergoing therapy. The daily dosage may, for example, range from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg per kilo ofbody weight, administered singly or multiply in doses, e.g. from about 0.01 mg to about 25 mg each. Normally, such a dosage is given orally but parenteral administration may also be chosen.

All references cited herein, whether in print, electronic, computer readable storage media or other form, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety, including but not limited to, abstracts, articles, journals, publications, texts, treatises, internet web sites, databases, patents, and patent publications.

The invention will now be illustrated with the following examples, which however, are for illustrative purposes are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES General: The structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by standard spectroscopical methods, and elemental analysis and/or high resolution MS. The NMR data were obtained on a JEOL JNM-EX 270, a Broker 400 DPX or a Bruker DRX 500 spectrometer. IR spectra were obtained on a Peririn Elmer SPECTRUM 1000 FT-IR spectrometer. High resolution MS was obtained on a Micromass LOT spectrometer. Elemental analysis was performed by Mikro Kemi AB, Uppsala, Sweden or at Pharmacia AB, Stockholm, Sweden. Melting points, when given, were obtained on a Bflchi or a Gallenkamp melting point apparatus and are uncorrected.

EXAMPLE1 2-(l-NaphthyImethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

To a solution of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (298 mg, 2.00 mmol) and 1 -naphthylmethanol (348 mg, 2.20 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was added NaH (55 % in mineral oil, 96 mg, 5 2.2 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction was stirred at room temperature and monitored by GC. After 3 h, piperazine (189 mg, 2.20 mmol) and NaH (55% in oil, 96 mg, 2.2 mmol) was added into the reaction flask at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The solvent was evaporated off. To the residue was added piperazine (671 mg, 7.80 mmol) and 10 acetonitrile (5 mL) and the solution was heated under reflux for 5 h. The reaction mixture was directly loaded on a short column of silica gel for flash column chromatography. Elution with MeOH/dichloromethane (1:9) furnished 0.41 g (64%) of the title compound. HRMS m/z calcd for C19H20N4O (M)+ 321.1715, found 321.1721. Anal. (C19H20N4O • 0.1 H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 2 2-[l-(3-Fluorophenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[l-(3-fliiorophenyI)etlioxy]pyrazme.

To a solution of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (298 mg, 2.00 mmol) and l-(3- fluorophenyl)ethanol (308 mg, 2.2 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was added NaH (55 % in oil, 96 mg, 2.2 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred over night. Water (0.5 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. Drying (K2OO3), filtration, and concentration in vacuo gave the title compound as an oil 25 (0.55 g) that was used directly in the next step. MS m/z 254 (M+H)+.

Step 2:2-[l-(3-FluorophenyI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (crude, 1.09 g,~ 4.3 mmol), piperazine 30 (1.03 g, 12.0 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 12 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated under reflux overnight (20 h). After cooling, ethyl acetate (15 mL) and water (5 mL) were added. The ethyl acetate layer was filtered through a short column of silica gel using MeOH/ethyl ether (1:1) as eluent to give 0.72 g (55%) of the title compound as an oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H19N4O4F (M)+ 302.1543, found 302.1528. Anal. (Ci6H19N4OF • 0.5 H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 3 2-{l,3-BenzodioxoI-5-yIniethoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-(l,3-Benzodioxol-5-yImethoxy)-6-chIoropyrazine.

To a solution of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (298 mg, 2.00 mmol) and piperonyi alcohol (335 mg, 2.20 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was added NaH (55 % in mineral oil, 96 mg, 10 2.2 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. Water (0.5 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred for 15 min. Drying, Na2CC>3, filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished an oil (0.54 g) that was used directly in the next step. HRMS m/z calcd for Ci2H9C1N2Q3 (M)+ 264.0302, found 264.0303.

Step 2: 2-(l,3-Benzodioxol-5-ylmetlioxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazme, Acetate. Amixture of the product from step 1 above (0.54 g, 2.0 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated under reflux for 5 h. After cooling, ethyl acetate (20 mL) and water (5 mL) were added. The saved ethyl acetate layer was filtered through a short column of silica gel using 20 methanol/ethyi ether (1:1) as eluent This furnished the free base of the title compound as an oil (0.43 g). This material was dissolved in methanol and acetic acid (0.5 mL) was added. The solution was concentrated. Diethyl ether (25 mL) was added and the flask was shaken until crystallization started. The crystals was collected, washed with diethyl ether and dried in air to give 0134 g (45%) of the title 25 compound: mp 124-127 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H18N4O3 (M)+ 314.1379, found 314.1308. Anal. (C^i^Cb • CH3COOH • 1.6H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 4 2-[(3-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[(3-methoxybenzyI)oxy]pyrazine.

To a solution of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol) and 3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (455 mg, 3.30 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was added NaH (55 % in oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight.

Water (0.5 mL) and efhyl acetate (10 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred for 15 min and then filtered. The filtrate was dried over K2CO3 and concentrated to give an oil (0.86 g) that was used directly in the next step. MS mlz 250 (M+H)+.

Step 2:2-[(3-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetate.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (0.57 g, ~ 2.0 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated under reflux for 10 h. After cooling, ethyl acetate (30 mL) was added. The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na2C03, and concentrated under 10 reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in diethyl ether. Acetic acid (0.5 mL) was added and the solution was left at room temperature for crystallization. The crystals were collected, washed with diethyl ether and dried in vaccum to give 0.54 g (75%) of the title compound: mp 111-113 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for Cj$H2oN4(>2 (M)+ 300.1586, found 300.1589. Anal. (Ci6H2oN402 • CH3COOH) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 5 2-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazme, Dihydrochlorlde.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[(2-methoxybenzyl)oxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 20 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (298 mg, 2.00 mmol), 2-methoxybenzyl alcohol (303 mg, 2.20 mmol) and NaH (55 % in mineral oil, 96 mg, 2.2 mmol). The yield of the crude product was 0.49 g (98%) and was used directly as such in the next step. MS mlz 250 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C12H11C1N202 (M)+ 250.0509, found 250.0522.

Step 2:2-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Dihydrochloride. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.49 g), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1-00 g, 7.2 mmol). This gave the free base of the title compound as an oil. 30 Yield 0.43 g (73%). The free base was dissolved in ethyl ether and a solution of HQ in diethyl ether was added until no more precipitate was formed. The precipitate was collected, washed with diethyl ether, and dried in vaccum to give 0.41 g (56%) of the title compound: mp 171-173 °C). HRMS m/z calcd for C16H20N4O2 (M)+ 300.1586, found 300.1586. Anal. (C16H20N4O2 * 2HQ) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 6 2-[(3,5-Difluorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[(3,5-difIuorobenzyI)oxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol), 3,5-difluorobenzyl alcohol (475 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in mineral oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). The solid 10 product was collected, washed with water, and dried to give 0.77 g (100%) of the crude product that was used directly in the next stqp. An analytical sample was recrystallized from diethyl ether/hexane: mp 70-71 °C. MS mlz 257 (M+H)+. Anal. (Cj 1H7CIFN2O) C, H, N. > Step 2:2-[(3,5-DifluorobeiizyI)oxy]T6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.51 g, ~ 2.0 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield 0.49 g, (67%); mp 70-72 °C; HRMS m/z calcd for CisHi^^O (M)+ 306.1292, found 306.1292. Anal. (Q5H16F2N4O • 20 CH3COOH'H20)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 7 2-([l4'~Biphenyl]-4-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-pjperazinyl)pyrazine* Acetate.

Step 1:2-([l,l'-BiphenyI]-4-yImethoxy)-6-chloropyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol),p-phenyIbenzyl alcohol (607 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in mineral oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). Recrystallization from hexane gave 0.55 g (88%) of the title compound: mp 86-87 °C. MS mlz: 297 (M+H)+. Anal. (C17H13CIN2O) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-([l,l,-Biphenyl]-4-yImethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazuie, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.54 g, 1.87 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10.0 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield: 0.35 g (44%); mp 102-104 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for C21H22N4O (M)+ 346.1794, found 346.1777. Anal. (C21H22N4O 5 • CH3COOH • 0.55H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 8 2-[2-(3-Chlorophenyl)etho3cy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[2-(3-chlorophenyI)ethoxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol) and m-chlorophenethyl alcohol (515 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in mineral oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). The crude product (0.92 g) was used directly in the next step. MS mlz 269 (M+H)+.

Step 2:2- [2-(3-ChlorophenyI)ethoxy] -6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to Hie procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from fee product of step 1 above (0.81 g, 3.02 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CQ3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield: 0.75 g (65%); mp 118-119 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for Ci6H19ClN40 (M)+ 318.1247, found 318.1249. Anal. (C16H19CIN4O • 20 CH3COOH) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 9 6-(l-PiperazinyI)-2-pyrazinyl 1,2^,4-tetrahydro-l-naphthalenyI ether, Acetate. Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(l,2^,4-tetrahydro-l-napbthalenyloxy)pyrazMe.

The title compoimd was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-l-naphthol (488 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). The crude product (0.86 g) was used directly in the next step. MS mlz 261 (M+H)+.

Step 2:6-(l -Piperazinyl)-2-pyrazinyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-l-n aphth alenyl ether, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.75 g, 2.88 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield: 0.59 g (55%); mp 160-162 °C. MS mlz 310 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C18H22N4O (M)+ 310.1794, found 310.1799. Anal. (C18H22N4O • CH3COOH) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 10 2-(l-Piperazinyl)-6-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyI]oxy}pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-ChIoro-6-{[4-(trifluoromethyI)benzyI]oxy}pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol) and 4-trifhioromethylbenzyl 10 alcohol (581 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in mineral oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). Recrystallization from hexane gave 0.81 g (93%) of the title compound: mp 67-69 °C.

MS mlz 289 (M+H)+. Anal. (C12H8aF3N20) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-(l-Piperazinyl)-6-{[4-(trifluoromethyI)benzyl]oxy}pyrazine, Acetate. Hie title compound was prepared according to the procedure, of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.54 g, 1.89 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.20 mmol). Yield: 036 g (48%); mp 84-85 °C. MS mlz 338 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H17 F3N4O (M)+ 338.1054, found 338.1063. Anal. 20 (C16H17CIF3N4O • CH3COOH) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 11 2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-(3-pyridmylmethoxy)pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(3-pyrldlnylmethoxy)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol), nicotinic alcohol (360 mg, 330 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) and NaH (55 % in oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). The crude product, obtained as an oil (0.72 g), was used directly in the next step. MS mlz 221 (M)+.

Step 2:2-(l-Piperazinyl)-6-(3-pyridmylmethoxy)pyrazine, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.74 g, 3.35 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield: 0.73 g (44 %); mp 98-99 °C; MS mlz 271 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C14H17N5O (M)+ 271.1433, found 271.1425. Anal. (C14H17N5O • CH3COOH) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 12 2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-[2-(3-pyridinyI)ethoxy]pyrazine, Acetate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[2-(3-pyridinyl)ethoxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 1 starting from 2,6-dichloropyrazine (444 mg, 3.00 mmol) and 2-(3-pyridyl)ethanol ^ 10 (405 mg, 3.30 mmol) and NaH (55% in mineral oil, 144 mg, 3.30 mmol). The crude product, obtained as an oil (0.62 g, 88% yield), was used directly in the next step. MS mlz 235 (M)+.

Step 2:2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-[2-(3-pyridinyI)ethoxy]pyrazme, Acetate. 15 The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 4, step 2 starting from the product of step 1 above (0.62 g, 2.64 mmol), piperazine (0.86 g, 10 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.00 g, 7.2 mmol). Yield: 0.40 g (44%); mp 90-91 °C. MS mlz 285 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for CisHjjNjO (M)+ 285.1590, found 285.1598. Anal. (C15H19N5O •CH3COOH) C, H, N.

® EXAMPLE 13 2-(2-FuryImeth oxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine.

Step 1: terf-Butyl 4-(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-l-plperazinecarboxylate.

A mixture of fert-butyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate (5.07 g, 272 mmol), 2,6-25 dichloropyrazine (3.38 g, 22.7 mmol), and K2CO3 (4.09 g, 30.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 mL) was stirred at 65 °C for 12.5 h and for a further 15 h at room temperature. Ether was added and the suspension was filtered. Concentration in vacuo furnished the crude product as an oil that crystallized upon standing. Purification by chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate/n-hexane (6:4) as eluent gave 6.1 g 30 (90%) of the title compound as a solid. HRMS mlz calcd for C13H19CIN4O2 (M)+ 298.1197, found 298.1211. AnaL (C13H19CIN4O2) C, H, N.

Step 2: 6-ChIoro-2-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine.* A solution of trichloroacetic acid (TFA; 6 mL) in dichloromethane (24 mL) was added to a stirred solution of the product of step 1 above (5.79 g, 19.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 mL) at 0 °C. After 1 h and 1.5 h of stirring, additional portions (10 mL and 5 mL) of TFA were added Crushed ice and 5 M aqueous NaOH were added and the mixture was extracted with dichloromethnae (12 x 200 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (K2CO3), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. This furnished 3.48 g (90%) of the title compound as a light yellow solid ♦Previously described in a) J. Med. Chem. 1978.21,536-542; b) US 4,082,844 Step 3:2-(2-FuryImethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

K-f-BuO (1.55 g, 13.8 mmol) was added to a mixture of the product from step 2 above (1.40 g» 7.05 mmol) and 2-furanmethanol (5.3 g, 54 mmol). After being stirred for 15 7.5hatll0°C, the mixture was applied'onto abed of silica (16x6 cm). Elution with CHCb/MeOH (95:5 followed by 90:10) furnished 1.35 g (74%) of the title compound as an oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C13H16N4O2 (M)+ 260.1273, found 260.1276. Anal. (C13H16N4O2) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 14 2-(2-Phenylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

K-/-BuO (0.80 g, 7.13 mmol) was added to a mixture of the product from example 13, step 2 (0.638 g, 3.21 mmol) and 2-phenylethanol (5.62 g, 46.0 mmol). After being stirred for 5 h at 105 °C in a sealed flask, the mixture was applied onto a bed of 25 silica (16x5 cm). Elution with CHClj/MeOH (97:3 followed by 90:10) furnished 0.68 gof an thick beige colored oil. This material was redissolved in ethyl acetate and K2CO3 was added. Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 0.67 g (74%) of the free base of the title compound as an oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H20N4O (M)+ 284.1637, found 284.1630. The free base was converted into its maleate salt 30 which was recrystallized from MeOH/ethen mp 166-168 °C. Anal. (Ci6H2oN40 • C4H404)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 15 2-<2-Furyl)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(2-furyI)pyrazlne. 1,2-Dimethoxyethane (130 mL) was added to a mixture of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)paUadium(0) (0.93 g, 0.80 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.55 g, 17.1 mmol). After 5 min of stirring at room temperature, furan-2-boronic acid (1.91 g, 17.1 mmol) followed by aqueous Na2C03 (30 mL; 2 M) were added. 10 The mixture was heated at reflux for 1 h [TLC monitoring by SiO^n-hexane/ethyi acetate (90:10)]. The layers were separated and the light brownish water layer was extracted with dichlorometbane (2 x 200 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (K2CO3), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The brown-yellow oil obtained was purified by silica gel chromatography (18.5 x 4 cm) eluting with n-hexane/ethyl 15 acetate (90:10). This furnished 1.47 g (48%) of the title compound as a light yellow solid HRMS mlz calcd for CsHsCBSfeO (M)+180.0090, found 180.0092. Anal. (C8H5aN20)C,H,N.

Step 2:2-(2-Furyl)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (0.94 g, 5.2 mmol), piperazine (1.28 g, 14.9 mmol, K2CO3 (0.87 g, 6.3 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 85 °C for 3 h. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The oily residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (18x4 cm) to furnish a yellow oil. This material was redissolved in 25 a small volume of CHCVether (9:1) and filtered through a short (4 cm) plug of alumina eluting with ether/MeOH (96:4). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.77 g (64%) of the title compound as a light yellow solid. HRMS mlz calcd for C12H14N4O (M)+ 230.1168, found 230.1170. Anal. (Ci2Hi4N40) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 16 2-(l-Piperazinyl)-6-(3-thienyl)pyrazine. Step 1:2-ChIoro-6-(3-thienyl)pyrazine. 1,2-Dimethoxyethane (120 mL) was added to a mixture of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)paHadium (0) (0.87 g, 0.75 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.43 g, 16.3 mmol). After 15 min of stirring at room temperature, thiophene-3-5 boronic acid (2.09 g, 16.3 mmol) followed by aqueous Na2C03 (2 M; 25 mL) were added. The mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h [TLC monitoring by SiOzfn-hexane/ethyl acetate (85:15)]. The layers were separated and the light brownish water layer was extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic layers wore dried (K2CO3), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The brownish oil obtained 10 was purified by silica gel chromatography (18x5 cm) eluting with /i-hexane/ethyi acetate (85:15). This furnished 1.46 g (45%) of the title compound as an off-white solid. HRMS mlz calcd for QH5CIN2S (M)+ 195.9862, found 195.9868. Anal. (C8H5C1N2S)C,H,N.

Step 2:2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-(3-thlenyI)pyra2ine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (1.04 g, 5.29 mmol), piperazine (1.32 g, 15.3 mmol), and K2CO3 (0.81 g, 5.82 mmol) in acetonitrile (6 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 85 °C for 8.5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered, and concentated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was 20 purified by column chromatography on silica gel (18 x 5 cm) using CHQa/MeOH (9:1) as elueot to furnish an oil. This material was redissolved in ethyl acetate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. This gave 0.98 g (75%) of the title compound as a yellow sticky oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C12H14N4S (M)+ 246.0939, found 246.0943. Anal. 25 (C12H14N4S) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 17 ALBenzyl-6-(l-piperazmyI)-2-pyrazinamine.

Step 1: ALBenzyl-6-chloro-2-pyrazinamine.

A mixture of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.31 g, 8.0 mmol), benzylamine (1.15 g, 10.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.65 g, 11.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (6 mL) was heated at 85 °C for 13 h in a sealed pyrex flask. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The yellow solid residue was dissolved in a small volume of methanol and purified by silica gel chromatography (18x4 cm) using CHCfe/MeOH (98:2) as eluent. A second purification (SiC>2; 16x4 cm) using CHCI3 5 as eluent furnished 1.55 g (81%) of the title compound as a light yellow solid. HRMS m/z calcd for CnH10ClN3 (M)+ 219.0563, found 219.0568. Anal. (CuHi0C1N3) C, H,N.

Step 2: iV-BenzyI-6-(l-piperazinyI)-2-pyrazmamine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (125 g, 5.7 mmol), piperazine (1.0 g, 11.6 mmol), and K2CO3 (1.0 g, 7.3 mmol) in dioxane (3 mL) was heated at 160 °C for 11 h in a sealed pyrex flask. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The red-brownish residue was dissolved in a small volume of CHQb/MeOH (9:1) and purified by silica gel 15 chromatography (15 x 4 cm) using GHQb/MeOH (95:5, followed by 9:1) as eluent The free base was obtained as a brownish solid (0.9 g, 3.33 mol) that was redissolved in methanol (10 mL). Maleic acid (0.45 g, 3.83 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added and the salt was precipitated out by addition of ether. The salt was recrystallized from MeOH-ether and finally converted back to the free base by alkalinization (10% 20 aqueous Na2CC>3) and extraction with ether (5 x 60 mL). The combined ether layers were dried (K2CQ3), filtered and concentrated. This furnished 0.36 g (23%) of the title compound as a light yellow powder. HRMS m/z calcd for C15H19N5 (M)+ 269.1640, found 269.1641. Anal. (C15H19N5) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 18 1-[6-(2-Thienylmethoxy)-2-pyridinylJpiperazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(2-th!enyImethoxy)pyridine.* K-f-BuO (1.70 g, 15.1 mmol) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 2-tihiophenemeflianol (2.14 g, 18.7 mmol) and 2,6-dichJoropyridine (2.13 g, 14.4 30 mmol) in dioxane (3 mL) at room temperature. An exotermic reaction started and more dioxane (3 mL) was added. After 3 h of stirring at room temperature, the reaction mixture was passed through a column of silica using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (85:15) as eluent. A second purification on silica (16x4 cm) using H-hexane/ethyl acetate (9:1) furnished 3.0 g (93%) of the title compound as a light beige oil. HRMS mlz calcd for CioHgClNOS (M)+ 225.0015, found 225.0022. Anal. (C10H8C1NOS) C, 5 H,N. *Previously described in EP 693490.

Step 2: l-[6-(2-ThienyImethoxy)-2-pyridinyI]piperazme.

A mixture of the product fix>m step 1 above (1.35 g, 5.98 mmol), piperazine (1.55 g, 17.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.91 g, 6.58 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated at 125 10 125 °C for 6.5 h in a sealed pyrex flask. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichlorometane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel (16 x 4 cm) chromatography using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent. Solvents were evaporated and the oily residue was redissolved in CHCVether (1:1). Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 0.78 g (47%) of the title 15 - compound as a beige oil.

HRMS mlz calcd for C14H17N3OS (M)+ 275.1092, found 275.1101. Anal. (Ci4H17N3OS)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 19 20 2-(2-Phenoxyethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(2-phenoxyethoxy)pyrazine.

K-f-BuO (1.61 g, 14.3 mmol) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.03 g, 13.6 mmol) and 2-phenoxyethanol (2.54 g, 18.4 mmol) in dioxane (8 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). Alter 5 min of stirring, the ice-bath was 25 removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with ether, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The oily residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (18 x 5 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (92:8) as eluent This furnished 2.92 g (86%) of the title compound as a white solid. HRMS mlz calcd 30 for C12H11CIN2O2 (M)+ 250.0509, found 250.0511. Anal. (C12H11CIN2O2) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-(2-Phenoxyethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (1.29 g, 5.15 mmol), piperazine (1.30 g, 15.1 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.71 g, 5.14 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 100 °C for 4 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The light-brown semisolid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (15x4 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent Solvents were evaporated off and the residue was redissolved in ether/CHCl3 (1:1). Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 1.05 g (68%) of the title compound as a white solid. HRMS mlz calcd for C16H20N4O2 (M)+ 300.1586, found 300.1578. Anal. (C^oftA) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 20 2-(BenzyIoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.* A mixture of the product from example 13, stqp 2 (0.73 g, 3.68 mmol), benzyl alcohol (9.4 g, 87 mmol) and K-f-BuO was stirred at 125 °C for 4.5 h. Hie reaction 15 mixture was purified by silica gel chromatography (13 x 5 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (7:3 followed by 9:1) as eluent Solvents were evaporated off and the residue was redissolved in ethyl acetate. Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 0.90 g (90%) of the title compound as abeige oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C15H18N4O (M)+ 270.1481, found 270.1482. Anal. (C15H18N4O) C, H, N. This compound was also 20 characterized as its maleate salt: mp 155-156 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for Q^igtyO (M)+ 270.1481, found 270.1482. Anal (C15H18N4O • C4H4O4) C, ft N.

EXAMPLE21 2-Phenoxy-6-(l-pipera2myI)pyrazme.

A mixture of the product obtained in example 13, step 2 (1.97 g, 9.92 mmol), phenol (2.43 g, 25.8 mmol), CuO (1.0 g, 12.6 mmol), and K2CO3 (1.43 g, 10.3 mmol) in dioxane (2 mL) was stirred for 4.5 h at 165 °C in a sealed pyrex tube. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHCI3 and filtered through a pad of Celite. The pad was washed with several portions of CHCklMeOH (95:5). Solvent removal in vacuo 30 furnished a dark brown oil which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (14 x 5 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (95:5, followed by 90:10) as eluent The brown oil (1.66 g) was subjected to repeated column chromatography, first on silica gel (18 x 4 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent and finally on alumina (4 x 5 cm) using ether/MeOH (95:5) as eluent This furnished 137 g (54%) of the title compound as a light beige oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C14H16N4O (M)+ 256.1324, found 256.1321. 5 Anal.(C14Hi6N40)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 22 2-(l-PhenyIethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-ChIoro-6-(l-phenyIethoxy)pyrazme.

K-f-BuO (2.1 g, 18.7 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 1 -phenyl-1 -ethanol (2.45 g, 20.1 mmol) in dioxane (30 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). After 10 min of stirring, 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.49 g, 16.7 mmol) was added whereupon the reaction mixture turned orange colored. After being starred for a further 1.5 h, ether was added and the mixture was filtered. Concentration in vacuo furnished an orange colored oil that 15 was purified by silica gel chromatography (15 x 5 cm) using n-hexane ethyl acetate. (9:1) as eluent This gave 3.29 g (84%) of the title compound as a colorless oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C12H11CIN2O (M)+ 234.0560, found 234.0551.

Step 2:2-(l-Phenyleth oxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazme.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (1.53 g, 6.5 mmol), piperazine (1.62 g, 18.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.90 g, 6.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (6 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 90 °C for 3.5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (13 x 4 cm) using CHCfyMeOH (9:1) as 25 eluent Solvents were evaporated off and the remaining oil was redissolved in CHCI3, filtered through a short plug of alumina and concentrated in vacuo. This gave 1.34 g (72%) of the title compound as an oil that solidified when refrigerated. HRMS mlz calcd for C16H20N4O (M)+ 284.1637, found 284.1650. Anal. (Ci6H2oN40 • C4H404)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 23 2-(2-Fluoroethoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyraziiie, Maleate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6~(2-fluoroethoxy)pyrazine.

K-f-BuO (1.32 g, 11.8 mmol) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of 2-fluoroethanol (2.16 g, 33.7 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.61 g, 10.8 mmol) in dioxane (2 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, diluted with dichloromethane, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (19 x 4 on) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (85:15) as eluent This furnished 1.49 g (78%) of the title compound as a beige liquid. Anal. (CgH^FCtt^O) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-(2-FIuoroethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazme, Maleate.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (0.94 g, 5.31 mmol), piperazine (1.40 g, 16.3 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.81 g, 5.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 8.5 h and at 65 °C for 4 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with 15 dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (17 x 4 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent. Solvents were evaporated off and the remaining oil (0.73 g) was redissolved in ether/CHGh (1:1) and filtered through a short (4 cm) plug of alumina using ether/MeOH (96:4) as eluent Solvents were evaporated off and the residue was 20 redissolved in ether and K2CO3 was added. Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 0.57 g (47%) of the free base of the title compound as an oil which was converted into its maleate salt Recrystallization from MeOH/ether furnished 0.58 g of the title compound as a white powder. Anal. (C10H15FN4O * C4H4O4) C, ft N.

EXAMPLE 24 2-(Cyclopentylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-ChIoro-6-(cyclopentylinethoxy)pyrazine.

K-f-BuO (1.65 g, 14.7 mmol) was added portionwise to a stirred mixture of cyclopentanemethanol (2.99 g, 29.9 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.90 g, 12.8 30 mmol) in dioxane (6 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). The reaction mixture was then stirred for 2.5 h, while the temperature was allowed to reach room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane/ether (1:1), filtered, and concentated in vacuo. The beige liquid was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (18 x 4 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (94:6) as eluent. Two chromatographic runs afforded 1.66 g (61%) of the title compound as a colorless oil. HRMS m/z calcd for CioH13aN20 (M)+ 212.0716, found 212.0723. Anal. (C10H13CIN2O) C,H,N.

Step 2:2-(Cyclopentylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (1.12 g, 5.27 mmol), piperazine (1.36 g, 15.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.77 g, 5.6 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was stirred at 100 °C for 4.5 h in a sealed pyrex flask. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10 dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (15 x 4 cm) using CHCls/MeOH (9:1) as eluent Solvents were evaporated off and the remaining thick oil was redissolved in ether. Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished 1.02 g (74%) of the title compound as a beige oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C14H22N4O (M)+ 262.1794, found 15 262.1800. Anal. (C14H22N4O) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 25 2-BenzyI-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-benzylpyrazine The title compound was prepared in a 20 mmol-scale according to the procedure described in WO 94/26715 with a slight modification. The reaction was carried out at 50 °C for 8 h followed by 10 h at room temperature. Yield: 0.75 g (18%). HRMS mlz calcd for Cj 1H9CIN2 (M)+204.0454, found 204.0450.

Step 2:2-Benzyl-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (0.83 g, 4.0 mmol), piperazine (1.1 g, 12.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.62 g, 4.49 mmol) in acetonitrile (7 mL) was stirred at 85 °C for 8.5 h. Thr reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel 30 chromatography (20 x 4 cm) using CHCh/MeOH (9:1) as elueot The resulting oil was redissolved in CHCI3 and filtered through a short (4 cm) plug of alumina using ether/MeOH (96:4) as eluent Solvent removal in vacuo furnished 0.59 g (57%) of the title compound as an oil which became semi-solid upon refrigeration. HRMS mlz calcd for C15H115N4 (M)+ 254.1531, found 254.1527. Anal. (CisHi^) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 26 2-(3,4-Dihydro-2^T-chromen-4-yloxy)-6-(l-piperaziiiyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-(3,4-dihydro-2/Z-chromen-4-yIoxy)pyrazme.

K-f-BuO (1.28 g, 11.42 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 4-chromanol (1.81 g, 12.0 mmol) in dioxane (30 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). After being stirred for 5 min at 10 room temperature, the mixture was chilled to 0 °C (ice-bath) and 2,6- dichloropyrazine (1.49 g, 10.0 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min and diluted with dichloromethane. Filtration and concentration in vacuo furnished an orange thick oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (15 x 4 cm) 15 using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (8:2) as eluent This furnished 1.87 g (71%) of fee title compound as a colorless oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C13H11CIN2O2 (M)+ 262.0509, found 262.0520. AnaL (C13HnClN202) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-(3,4-Dihydro-2H-chromen-4-yloxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, 20 Maleate.

A mixture of fee product from step 1 above (1.53 g, 5.81 mmol), piperazine (1.45 g, 16.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.80 g, 5.81 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 110 °C for 6.5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted wife GHCI3, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by column 25 chromatography on silica (13 x 4 cm) using CHC^/MeOH (9:1) as elueot The free base of fee title compound was obtained as a viscous oil (1.76 g, 97%) which was converted to its maleate salt Recrystallization from MeOH/efeer furnished 1.78 g (74%) of the title compound as a light yellow powder: mp 179.5-182 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for CnHzo^C^ (M)+ 312.1586, found 312.1581. Anal. (C11H20N4Q2 • 30 C4H4O4) C, H, N. ^0- EXAMPLE27 2-[2-(4-DimethyIaminophenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine.

K-/-BuO (2.27 g, 20.3 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 4-5 (dimethylamino)phenethyl alcohol (3.55 g, 21.5 mmol) in dioxane (35 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). After being stirred for 5 min at 0 °C and 12 min at room temperature, the mixture was chilled to 0 °C (ice-bath) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.62 g, 17.6 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 5 min and at room temperature for 20 min and diluted with dichloromethane/ether (1:1). Filtration 10 through a pad of Celite, covered wife K2CO3, and concentration in vacuo furnished a yellow oil. This material was purified by chromatography on silica gel (15 x 5 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (85:15). A second chromatograhic run on silica gel (14 x 5 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (88:12) furnished 3.91 g (80%) of fee title compound as a colorless oil. Anal. (C14H16CIN3O) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-[2-(4-DimethylammophenyI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

A mixture of fee product from step 1 above (1.83 g, 6.59 mmol), piperazine (1.69 g, 19,6 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.92 g, 6.7 mmol) in acetonitrile (25 mL) was heated under 20 reflux for 8.5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichlowmethane, filtered through a pad of Celite, and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by column chromatography on silica (13 x 4 cm) using CHGh/MeOH (92:8) as eluent. The free base of the title compound was obtained as a beige viscous oil (1.17 g, 54%) which was converted into its maleate salt Recrystallizatian from 25 MeOH/ether furnished 1.33 g of the title compound as a light yellow powder. HRMS m/z calcd for C18H25N5O (M)+ 327.2059, found 327.2066. Anal. (CigH^NsO • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 28 2-[2-(l#-IndoI-l-yI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme, Maleate. Step 1:2-(lir-IndoI-l-yI)ethanoL* A mixture of indole (5.71 g, 48.7 mmol), ethylene carbonate (4.72 g, 53.6 mmol) and K2CO3 (6.73 g, 48.7 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo.

The light brown oily residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (13 x 6 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1) as eluent This gave 1.78 g (23%) of the title compound as a beige oil. HRMS m/z calcd for CjoHjiNO (M)+161.0841, found 161.0849. Anal. (CjoHj jNO • O.lEfeO) C, H, N. *Previously described in a) J. Med. Chem. 1992.35,994-1001; b)ibid. 1998.41,1619-1630.

Step 2:2-ChIoro-6-[2-(ljHr-mdoI-l-yl)ethoxy]pyrazine.

K-/-BuO (0.67 g, 5.93 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the product obtained in step 1 above (0.67 g, 5.93 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). After being stirred for 7 min at 0 °C and 5 min at room temperature, the mixture was chilled to 0 °C (ice-bath) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (2.62 g, 17.6 mmol) was added. The yellowish reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 20 min and at room temperature for 10 min and then diluted with dichloromethane. Drying (K2CO3), filtration, and concentration in vacuo furnished a beige oiL This material was purified by chromatography on silica gel (13 x 4 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (80:20). This furnished 1.39 g (94%) of the title compound as an oil that solidified upon standing. HRMS mlz calcd for C14H12CIN3O (M)+ 273.0669, found 273.0671. Anal. (C14H12CIN3O) C, H, N.

Step 3:2-[2-(l/Z-IndoH-yl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (1.05 g, 3.84 mmol), piperazine (0.96 g, 11.1 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.53 g, 3.84 mmol) was heated at 85 °C for 7 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHCI3, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (11 x 4 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent The resulting oil was redissolved in CHCI3 and filtered through a short (4 cm) plug of alumina covered by K2CO3 using CHCI3 as eluent Solvent removal in vacuo furnished 1.02 g (82%) of the free base of the title compound as a beige oil which was converted into its maleate. Recrystallization from MeOH/ether furnished 1.00 g (75%) of the title compound as a light yellow powder, mp 160.5-163 °C. HRMS mlz calcd for C18H21N5O (M)+ 323.1746, found 323.1757. Anal. (Ci8H2iN50 • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 29 2- [2-(l^T-In dol-3-yI)ethoxy]-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[2-(liZ-indol-3-yI)ethoxy]pyrazine.

K-/-BuO (2.32 g, 20.6 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of tryptophol (1.7 g, 10.6 mmol) in dioxane (30 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). After being stirred for 10 min at 0 °C and 10 min at room temperature, the mixture was chilled to 0 °C (ice-bath) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.37 g, 9.17 mmol) was added. The yellowish reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 30 min and for a further 20 min at room temperature. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane,-filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to 1'. furnish a brownish oil. This material was purified by chromatography on silica gel (14 x 5 cm) using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (75:25). This furnished 138 g (55%) of the title compound as a beige solid. Purity >90% by !H NMR in CDCI3.

Step 2:2-[2-(lZ/-IndoM-yI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazwe.

A mixture of fee product from Step 1 above (1.07 g, 3.90 mmol), piperazine (0.98 g, 11.3 mmol) and K.2CO3 (0.54 g, 3.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (11 mL) was heated at 85 °C for 5 h and at 110 °C for 8 h in a sealed pyrex flaslc. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHCI3, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (11 x 4 cm) using CHCl3/MeOH (9:1) as eluent The resulting oil was redissolved in CHCI3 and filtered through a short plug of alumina, covered by K2CO3, using CHC13 as eluent Solvent removal in vacuo furnished 0.50 g (23%) of fee title compound as an oil feat solidified upon standing: mp 133-135 °C. HRMS mlz calcd for C18H21N5O <M)+ 323.1746, found 323.1763. Anal. (C18H21N5O) C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 30 4-[(4-FIuorobenzyI)oxy]-2-(l-piperazinyl)pyrimidme, Dihydrochloride.

K-f-BuO (0.224 g, 2.00 mmol) was added to a solution of 4-fluoiobenzyl alcohol (0.252 g, 2.00 mmol) in ferf-butanol (5.4 mL). After being stirred for 30 min at room temperature, 2,4-dichloryiimidine (0.298 g, 2.00 mmol) in tert-butanol (2 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred over night, poured into 5% aqueous NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried (MgS04) and concentrated in vacuo. A solution of piperazine (0.516 g, 6.00 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred over night. The reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by chromatography on silica using dichloromethane/MeOH (1% HC1) (using gradient 99:1 to 9:1) to give 0.24 g (33%) of the title compound. MS m/z 288 (M)+ and 5 fragments supporting the stated structure. HRMS m/z calcd for C15H17FN4O (M)+ 288.1386, found 288.1378.

EXAMPLE 31 4-[(2-MethoxybenzyI)oxy]-2-(l-piperazinyl)pyriiiiidine, Dihydrochloride.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 30 starting from 2-methoxybenzyl alcohol (0.28 g, 2.0 mmol) to give 0.30 g (40%) of Ihe title compound. MS m/z 300 (M)+ and 3 fragments supporting the stated structure. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H20N4O2 (M)+ 300.1586, found 300.1586.

EXAMPLE 32 4-(Benzyloxy)-2-(l-piperazmyl)pyrimidine, Dihydrochloride.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 30 starting from benzyl alcohol (0.22 g, 2.0 mmol) to give 0.23 g (31%) of the title compound. MS m/z 270 (M)+ and 6 fragments supporting the stated structure. HRMS m/z calcd for Ci5H]8N40 (M)+ 270.1481, found 270.1488.

EXAMPLE 33 4-<l-PiperazinyI)-2-{[3-(trifluoroinethoxy)benzyl]oxy}pyrimidme, Trifluoroacetate. - Step 1:2-ChIoro-4-[l-(4-tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazinyl]pyrimidiiie.* 1 -/ert-Butoxycarbonylpiperazine (3.72 g, 0.02 mol) was added to a stirred solution of 2,4-dichloropyrimidine (2.98 g, 0.02 mol) and diisopropylethylamine (2.58 g, 0.02 mol) in dichloromethane (200 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 48 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was flash-chromatographed over silica using dichloromethane/ether (4:1) as eluent to afford 3.44 g (58%) of the title compound as a colourless solid whose NMR and MS spectra were in agreement with the expected structure. MS (ES+) mlz 299 and 301 (M+H)+. ^Previously described in WO 9911657.

Step 2:2-Chloro-4-(l -piperazinyl)pyrimidme.* 2-Chloro-4-[ 1 ^4-tert-butoxycaibonyl)piperazinyl]pyriinidine. (2.00 g, 6.7 mmol; obtained in step 1 above) was dissolved in a 25% v/v solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (25 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 40 min then the solvent was removed by evaporation undo: reduced pressure. The oily residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic extract was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 1.04 g (79%) of the title compound as a colourless solid whose NMR and MS spectra were in agreement with the expected structure. MS (ES+) mlz 199 and 301 (M+H)+. *Previously described in WO 9535293.

Step 3:4-(l-Piperazinyl)-2-{[3-(trifIu orometlioxy)benzyl]oxy}pyrimidine, Trifluoroacetate.

A solution of 2kMoto^(1 -piperazinyl)pyrimidine (0.04 g, 0.2 mmol; obtained in Step 2 above) and 3-trifluoromethoxybenzyl alcohol (0.077 g, 0.4 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (4.0 ml) was treated with a solution of K-f-BuO in te/t-butanol (1M; 0.4 mL, 0.4 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 70 °C overnight then allowed to cool. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure then the crude reaction mixture partitioned between ethyl acetate (4.0 mL) and water (2.0 mL). The organic phase was evaporated then purified by preparative C-18 HPLC using CH3CN/H20/TFA (gradient: CH3CN 20% to 97%, TFA 0.1%) to afford 11 mg (12%) of the title compound. Purity 85% (HPLC). MS (ES+) mlz 355 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 34 2- [(3-Meth oxybenzyI)oxy]-4-(l -piperazinyl)pyrimidine, Trifluoroacetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 33, step 3 5 starting from 3-mefeoxybenzyl alcohol (0.055 g, 0.40 mmol) to give 5 mg (6%) of the expected product. Purity >90% (HPLC). MS (ES+) m/z 301 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 35 2-{[3-(Benzyloxy)benzyl]oxy}-4-(l-piperazinyI)pyrimidine, Trifluoroacetate.

The title compound was prepared according to fee procedure of example 33, step 3 starting from 3-benzyloxybenzyi alcohol (0.086 g, 0.40 mmol) to give 10 mg (10%) of the expected product Purity .>90% (HPLC). MS (ES+) m/z 377 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 36 - 2- [(3-Ph en oxybenzyl)oxy] -4-(l -piper azinyl)pyrimidine, Trifluoroacetate.

The title compound was prepared according to fee procedure of example 33, step 3 starting from 3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol (0.08 g, 0.4 mmol) to give 8 mg (8%) of fee expected product Purity > 90% (HPLC). MS (ES+) m/z 363 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 37 2-(2-Naphthylmethoxy)-4-(l-piperazinyI)pyrimidine, Trifluoroacetate.

The title compound was prepared according to fee procedure of example 33, step 3 starting from 2-naphthylmethyl alcohol (0.063 g, 0.4 mmol) to give 10 mg (12%) of fee expected product. Purity >90% (HPLC). MS (ES+) mlz 321 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 38 4-(l-PiperazinyI)-2-{[3-(2-TrifluoromethyI)benzyIJoxy}pyrimidme, Trifluoroacetate.

A solution of. 2^5hloro-4-[H4-/erf-butoxycarbonyl)piperazan>i]pyrimidme (obtained 30 in example 33, step 1; 0.04 g, 0.2 mmol) and 2-trifluoromefeylbenzyl alcohol (0.035 g, 0.20 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2.0 mL) was treated with K-*-BuO in tert-butanol (1M; 0.2 mL, 0.2 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 65 °C overnight then allowed to cool. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure thai the crude reaction mixtures partitioned between ethyl acetate (4.0 mL) and water (2.0 mL). The organic phase was evaporated then purified by preparative C-18 HPLC using CH3CN/H20/TFA (gradient: CH3CN 20% to 97%, TFA 0.1%) to afford the BOC protected product. This material was then dissolved in a 25% (v/v) solution of trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (5.0 mL) and allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 min. Removal of the solvent under reduced pressure gave 40 mg (44 %) of the title compound. Purity >90% (HPLC). MS (ES+) mlz 339 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 39 (2^)-l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-methylpiperazine.

Step 1: (35)-3-Methyl-l-tritylpiperazine.

To a solution of 2-(S)-methylpiperazine (2.62 g, 26.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was trityl chloride (7.30 g, 26.2 mmol) added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1.5 h. The organic phase was washed (x 1) with 1M aqueous K2CO3, water, and brine. Drying (MgSO^ and solvent removal in vacuo furnished a quantitative yield of the title compound as a glassy oil which solidified upon standing. This material was used directly in the next step.

Step 2: (25)-l-(6-Chloro-2-pyrazinyI)-2-methylpiperazme.

A mixture of 2-6-dichloropyrazine (1.10 g, 7.39 mmol), and Ihe product from step 1 above (2.30 g, 6.72 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.0 g, 7.39 mmol) in dry DMF (40 mL) was stirred at 110 °C over night The dark reaction mixture was filtered through a plug of silica and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The remaining oil was dissolved in CHCI3/n-heptane (1:1) and filtered through a second plug of silica. The solvent was evaporated and the remaining yellow oil was suspended in EtOH (80 mL). 4 M aqueous HC1 (2 mL) was added and the mixture was ultrasonicated for 20 min. The solvent was evaporated and the remaining oil was taken up between water/CHCl3- The organic phase was made alkaline (11M aqueous NaOH) and extracted twice with CHCI3. The combined dried (MgSO*) organic layers were concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.75 g (54%) of the title compound as a yellow oil.

MS mlz 2X2/214 (M)+ (35C1/ 37Cl-isotope pattern). HRMS mlz calcd for C9H13CIN4 (M)+212.0829, found 212.0827.

Step 3: (2iS)-l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazuiyl]-2-methylplperaziiie, Acetate. 5 To a solution of (2S)-l-(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-2-methylpiperazine (prepared in step 2 above; 0.16 g, 0.72 mmol) and benzyl alcohol (0.12 g, 1.1 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was Na-/-BuO (0.14 g» 1.4 mmol) added and the mixture was stirred at 150 °C overnight. The solvent was evaporated off under reduced pressure and the residue taken up between CHCI3/H2O. The organic phase was concentrated and the crude 10 product was purified by preparative C18-HPLC using acetonitrile/HjO/HOAc with UV detection at 254 nm. Yield: 1 mg (0.4%). MS mlz 284 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C16H20N4O (M)+ 284.1637, found 284.1640.

EXAMPLE 40 (25}-l-[6-(BenzyIoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyI)-2-pyridiny]]-2-niethylplperazine, Acetate.

Step 1: (25>-l-[6-Chloro-4-(trifluoromethyI>2-pyridinyI]-2-methylpiperazine.

The title compound, obtained as an oil, was prepared fixnn the product of example 39, step 1 (2.62 g, 7.62 mmol) and 2,6-dichloro-4-trifIuoromeftylpyridine (1.S1 g, 20 8.38 mmol) according to the procedure of example 39, step 2. Yield: 0.24 g (11%). MS mlz 2191281 (M)+ (35C1/ 37Cl-isotope pattern). HRMS mlz calcd for C11H13CIF3N3 (M)+ 279.0750, found 279.0751.

Step 2: (2<S)-l-[6-(BenzyIoxy)-4-(trifluoroniethyl)-2-pyridinyl]-2-25 methylpiperazine, Acetate.

The title compund was prepared from the product of step 1 above (0.24 g, 0.86 mmol), benzyl alcohol (0.14 g, 1.29 mmol) and Na-f-BuO (0.165 g, 1.72 mmol) according to the procedure of example 39, step 3. MS mlz 351 (M)+* HRMS mlz calcd for C18H20F3N3O (M)+351.1558, found 351.1555.

EXAMPLE 41 l-[6-(Benzy!oxy)-2-pyrazmyI]-2-ethylpiperazine, Acetate.

Step 1: l-Benzyl-3-ethylpiperazine.* Benzyl bromide (38.7 g, 0.22 mol) was added in portions to a chilled (~ 0 °C) solution of 2-ethylpiperazine (25 g, 0.22 mol) in DMF (150 mL) with such a rate that the temperature did not exceed 20 °C. The mixture was stirred for 1 h, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between CHCI3/O.5 M aqueous HC1. The aqueous phase was made alkaline (11M NaOH) and extracted three times with CHCI3. The combined organic phases were dried (MgS04) and concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by column chromatography on silica using CHCI3, followed by CHQs/MeOHZNHjOH (95:5:0.3) as eluents to give 31.6 g (70%) of the title compound as a yellowish oil. Anal. (C13H20N2) H, N; C: calcd, 76.42; found, 75.85, *Described in WO 00/76984.

Step 2:4-BenzyH-(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-2-ethylpiperazme.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 39, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (4.60 g, 22.5 mmol), 2,6-dichloropyrazine (3.90 g, 26.2 mmol) and K2CO3 (6.22 g, 45.0 mmol). Yield: 6.15 g (86%)i MS mlz 316/318 (M)+ (35C1/ 37Q-isotope pattern). HRMS mlz calcd for C17H21CIN4 (M)+ 316.1455, found 316.1455.

Step 3: l-(6-Chloro-2-pyrazinyI)-2-ethylpiperazine. 1-Choroethyl chlorofonnate (4.16 g, 29.1 mmol) was added drop wise under 2 h to a stirred solution of the product obtained in step 2 above (6.15 g, 19.4 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (75 mL) at 0 °C. After being stirred at room temperature for 15 h, fee reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and methanol was added. Hie mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h and concentrated. Hie residue was dissolved in QIQ3 and passed through a short (4 ran) plug of silica gel using CHC^/MeOH (8:2) as eluent Solvents were evaporated off and fee residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (12 x 5 cm) using CHQ3/MeOH/Et3N (95:5:0.2) as eluent This provided 1.9 g (43%) of fee title compound as an oil. MS mlz 226/228 i (M)+ f5CU 37Q-isotope pattern). HRMS m/z calcd for C10H15QN4 (M)+ 226.0985, found 226.0986.

Step 4: l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-ethylpiperazine, Acetate.

The title compund was prepared according to the procedure of example 39, step 3, starting from the product of step 3 above (0.163 g, 0.72 mmol), benzyl alcohol (0.12 5 g, 1.08 mmol) andNa-f-BuO (0.14 g, 1.4 mmol). Purity 90% (HPLC). MS mlz 298 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O (M)+ 298.1794, found 298.1802.

EXAMPLE 42 2-[(4-Fluorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine. 0^ 10 4-Fluorobenzyl alcohol (0.189 g, 1.50 mmol) was dissolved in THF (1 mL) and treated with NaH (0.065 g, 55% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. A solution of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.57 g, 10.5 mmol) in THF (7 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature. Piperazine (0.580 g, 6.75 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.43 g, 4.5 15 mmol) were added and the mixture was stired at 60 °C over night. Filtration,' concentration, and purification by chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate/acetic acid/methanolAvater (24:3:3:2) as eluent furnished 0.20 g (46%) of the title compound as a white solid: mp 183 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for C15H17FN4O (M)+ 288.1386, found 288.1380. Anal. (C15H17FN4O • 2.6H2O) C, H, N.

% EXAMPLE 43 2-[(4-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 42 starting from 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (0.207 g, 1.50 mmol) and was isolated as a yellow solid. Yield: 0.79 g (67%). HRMS m/z calcd for Ci6H2oN402 (M)+300.1586, found 300.1584.

EXAMPLE 44 2-[2-(4-FluorophenyI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazMyl)pyrazine, 0.5 Acetate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 42 starting from 2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanol (0.210 g, 1.50 mmol) and was isolated as a yellow solid. Yield: 0.145 g (27%). HRMS mlz calcd for C]6Hi9FN40 (M)+ 302.1543, found 302.1554. Anal. (C16H19FN4O • O.5CH3COOH • H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 45 2-[2-(3-MethoxyphenyI)ethoxy]-6-(4-piperidinyloxy)pyrazme.

Step 1: tert-Butyl 4-[(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyI)oxy]-l-piperidinecarboxylate.

A mixture of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (5.00 g, 33.6 nmiol), terf-butyl 4-hydroxy-l-piperidinecaiboxylate (6.76 g, 33.6 nmiol) and K-f-BuO (1M in tert-butanol; 35 mL, 35 mmol) in Et^N (200 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The reaction ^ 10 was quenched with water (50 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with saturated aqueous KH2PO4, dried (MgS04), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from ethanol/water to give 9.50 g (90 %) of the title compound as a white solid: mp 86-87 °C; MS mlz 313 (M)+. Anal. (C14H20CIN3O3) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-ChIoro-6-(4-piperidmyloxy)pyrazme.

Aqueous 3.0 M HC1 (12 mL) was added to a solution of the product obtained in Step 1 above (5.00 g, 15.9 mmol) in methanol (200 mL). Hie reaction mixture was stirred at 50 °C for 5 h and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water (50 20 mL) and basified with K3PO4. The aqueous phase was ex racted with ethyl acetate (5 ^ x 40 mL), dried (MgS04), and concentrated in vacuo. This gave 3.08 g (91%) of the title compound as a colorless oil which slowly decomposed upon standing. HRMS w/z calcd for C9H12C1N30 (M)+213.0669, found 213.0663.

Step 3:2-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(4-piperidinyloxy)pyrazme.

A solution of the product obtained in Step 2 above (0.043 g, 0.20 mmol) in DMF (1.1 mL) was added to a mixture of 3-methoxyphenethyl alcohol (0.061 g, 0.40 mmol) and K-f-BuO (1.0 M in terf-butanol; 0.4 mL, 0.40 mmol) in DMF (0.8 mL). The reaction mixture was vortexed for 16 h at 50 °C under nitrogen, quendied with water 30 (0.1 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water (2 mL) and 4 ethyl acetate (4 mL) and poured through a hydromatrix column, which was eluted with ethyl acetate/Et3N (95:5). Solvents were evaporated off and the residue was dissolved in methanol/water (50 mL) and loaded onto a conditioned weak cation exchange SPE column (1 g, Amberlyst CG-501). The column was washed with water (10 mL) and methanol (10 mL). The compound was eluted with aqueous 2.0 M NH3 in methanol (20 m) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was 5 analysed for identity and purity by LC-UV/MS. Yield: 8 mg (12%). HRMS m/z calcd for C18H23N3O3 (M) + 329.1739, found 329.1743.

EXAMPLE 46 2-(2-Phenylethoxy)-6-(4-piperidiByloxy)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according the procedure of example 45, step 3, starting from 2-phenylethanol (49 mg, 0.40 mmol). The product was analysed for identity and purity by LC-UV/MS. Yield: 7 mg (12%). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H21N3O2 (M)+299.1634, found 299.1630.

EXAMPLE 47 2-(3-Phenoxypropoxy)-6-(4-piperidinyloxy)pyrazina.

The title compound was prepared according the procedure of example 45, step 3, starting from 3-phenoxy-1 -propanol (61 mg, 0.40 mmol). The product was analysed for identity and purity by LC-UV/MS. Yield: 28 mg (43%). HRMS m/z calcd for 20 C18H23N3O3 (M)+329.1739, found 329.1743.

EXAMPLE 48 2-I(5-PhenyIpentyl)oxy]-6-(4-piperidmyloxy)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according the procedure of example 45, step 3, 25 starting from 5-phenyl-l -pentanol (66 mg, 0.40 mmol). The product was analysed for identity and purity by LC-UV/MS. Yield: 17 mg (25%).

EXAMPLE 49 2-{[3-(Beiizyloxy)benzyl]oxy}-6-(4-piperidinyIoxy)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according the procedure of example 45, step 3, starting from 3-benzyloxybenzyl alcohol (86 mg, 0.40 mmol). The product was analysed foridentity and purity by LC-UV/MS. Yield: 43 mg (55%). HRMS m/z calcd for C23H25N3O3 (M)+ 391.1896, found 391.1905.

EXAMPLE 50 2-[l -(2-Meth oxyph enyl)ethoxy] -6-(l -piperazmyl)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[l-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine.

K-/-BuO (0.67 g, 5.97 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of l-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethanol (0.96 g, 6.28 mmol) in dioxane (15 mL) at 0 °C (ice-bath). 10 After 5 min of stirring at room temperature, the reaction mixture was chilled to 0 °C (ice-bath) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (0.78 g, 5.23 nmiol) was added whereupon the reaction mixture turned yellow. After being stinred for 35 min, dichloromethane and K2CO3 were added and the mixture was filtered. Concentration in vacuo furnished a yellow oil that was purified by silica gel chromatography (15 x 4 cm) using n-hexane 15 ethyl acetate (8:2) as eluent This gave 1.21 g (92%) of the title compound as a colorless oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C13H13QN2O2 (M)+ 264.0666, found 264.0677. Anal (C13H13CIN2O2) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-[l-(2-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazHiyl)pyrazine.

A mixture of the product from step 1 above (0.93 g, 3.53 mmol) piperazine (0.88 g, 10.2 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.49 g, 3.53 mmol) in acetonitrile (7 mL) was heated in a sealed pyrex flask at 90 °C for 6.5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The semi-solid residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (13x 4 cm) using CHQb/MeOH (9:1) as 25 eluent. Solvents were evaporated off and the remaining oil was redissolved in CHCI3, filtered through a short plug of alumina, covered with K2CO3, using CHCI3 as eluent Solvent removal in vacuo gave 0.74 g (67%) of the title compound as a beige oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O2 (M)+ 314.1743, found 314.1733. Anal (C17H22N4O2 * 0.5H20) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 51 l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinylJ-*ra/w-2,5-diniethylpiperazme.

Step 1: l-(6-Chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-/rfl«s-2,5-dimethylpiperazine.

A mixture of 2,6-dichloropyrazine (0.40 g, 2.68 mmol), *ra/w-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (0.62 g, 5.43 mmol), K2CO3 (0.41 g, 3.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was stirred at 90 °C for 6 h in a sealed pyrex tube. After cooling, the reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The oily residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using CHGb/MeOH (9:1) as eluent This furnished 0.15 g (25%) of the title compound as an oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C10H15CIN4 (M)+226.0985, found 226.0983.

Step2: l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-fra/*,s-2,5-dimethylpiperazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 20, starting from l-(6-chloro-2-pyrazmyl)-/ra7«-2,5-dimethylpiperazine (1.23 g, 5.40 mmol; obtained in step 1 above), benzyl alcohol (8.36 g, 77.3 mmol), and K-*-BuO (1.99 g, 15 17.7 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 95 °C for 5.5 h. The yield of the title compound was 0.47 g (29%) which was obtained as an oil. Purity 99% (HPLC). MS mlz 298 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C17H22N4O (M) + 298.1794, found 298.1798.

EXAMPLE 52 2-[2-(2,3-DimethoxyphenyI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazrae, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloix>-6-[2-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine [0.65 g, 2.2 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyI)ethan-l-ol], piperazine (0.57 g, 6.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.31 g, 25 2.22 mmol). The free base of the title compound was converted into its maleate salt Recrystallization from MeOH-ether furnished 0.45 g (44%) of the title compound. Purity 98% (HPLC). MS w/z 345 (M + H)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C18H24N4O3 (M)+ 344.1848, found 344.1861.

EXAMPLE 53 2-[2-(2-FIuorophenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example SO, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(2-fluorophenyI)ethoxy]pyrazine (2.76 g, 10.9 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-fluorophenethyl alcohol), piperazine (2.91 g, 33.8 mmol) andK2C03 (1.51 g, 10.9 mmol). The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.88 g (57%) which was converted into its maleate salt Recrystallization from MeOH-ether furnished 2.11 g of the title compound. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 303 (M + H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C16H19FN4O (M)+ 302.1543, found 302.1550.

EXAMPLE 54 2-[(2^-DimethoxybenzyI)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(2,3-dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]pyrazine (2.51 g, 8.93 mmol; obtained according to die procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2,3-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol), piperazine (2.38 g,.27.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (123 g, 8.9 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.66 g (56%) which was obtained as an oil. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 331 (M + H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O3 (M)+ 330.1692, found 330.1690.

EXAMPLE 55 2-(2^-Dihydro-lJ?-inden-l-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-(2,3-dihydro-li/-inden-l-ylmethoxy)pyrazine (3.22 g, 13.1 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 1-indanol), piperazine (3.49 g, 40.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.8 g, 13.0 mmol). The yield of the free base of the title compound was 2.19 g (57%) which was obtained as an oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 296 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H2oN40 (M)+ 296.1637, found 296.1643.

EXAMPLE 56 2-(4-Pb enoxyb utoxy)-6-(l -piper azinyl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-KjWoro^-(4-phenoxybutoxy)pyrazine (1.99 g, 7.14 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 4-phenoxy-l-butanol*), piperazine (1.84 g, 21.4 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.99 g, 7.14 mmol). The yield 5 of the title compound was 1.52 g (65%) which was obtained as an oil. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 329 (M + H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C18H24N4Q2 (M)+ 328.1899, found 328.1894. *Prepaied by reduction (LiAttfy) of the corresponding acid (cf. J. Org. Chem. 1965.30,2441-2447; ibid. 1968.33,2271-2284).

EXAMPLE 57 2-[(5-PhenoxypentyI)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(5-phenoxypentyl)oxy]pyrazme (2.06 g, 7.03 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 5-phenoxy-15 1-pentanol*), piperazine (1.88 g,21.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.97 g, 7.03 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.15 g (48%) which was obtained as a white solid. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS m/z 343 (M+H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for Q9H26N4O2 (M)+ 342.2056, found 342.2054. *Described in. J. Org. Chem. 1968.33,2271-2284.

EXAMPLE 58 2- [(2,5-Diineth oxybenzyI)oxy]-6-(l -piperazinyi)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]pyrazme (1.02 g, 3.63 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2,5-25 dimethoxybenzyi alcohol), piperazine (0.94 g, 10.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.50 g, 3.63 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 0.64 g (53%) which was obtained as a beige soUd. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 331 (M + H)+. HRMS m/z calcd for Ci7H22N4p3 (M)+330.1692, found 330.1692.

EXAMPLE 59 2-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazme, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine [2.13 g, 7.23 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-l-olJ, piperazine (1.93 g, 22.4 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.0 g, 5 7.2 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.72 g (69%) which was obtained as a beige oil. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 345 (M+H)+. The free base was converted into ints maleate salt. HRMS m/z calcd for C18H24N4O3 (M)+ 344.1848, found 344.1832.

EXAMPLE 60 2- { [2-(2-PhenylethyI)ben:zyl] oxy}-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazin e.

The title compound was prqpared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-{[2-(2-phenylethyl)ben2yl]oxy}pyrazine (1.72 g, 530 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-15 phenethylbenzyl alcohol), piperazine (1.37 g, 16.0 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.73 g, 5.3 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.38 g (69%) which was obtained as an oil. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 375 (M + H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C23H26N4O (M)+ 3142101, found 374.2113.

EXAMPLE 61 2-[(3-PhenoxybenzyI)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(3-phenoxybenzyl)oxy]pyrazine (1.99 g, 6.36 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3-25 phenoxybenzyi alcohol), piperazine (1.94 g, 22.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.88 g, 6.4 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.58 g (69%) which was obtained as an oil. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS m/z 363 (M+H)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C2iH22N4Q2 (M)+362.1743, found 362.1739.

EXAMPLE 62 (2jR)-l-[6-(BenzyIoxy)-2-pyrazinyi]-2-methyIpiperazine, Maleate. Step 1: (3if)-3-Methyl-l-tritylpiperazine.

The title compound was prqpared according to the procedure of Example 39, step 1, with the exception that (2/fy-methylpiperazine was substituted for (2S)-methylpiperazine. The title compound was obtained as a light yellow crispy solid.

Step 2: (2i?)-l-(6-Chloro-2-pyrazinyI)-2-methylpiperazine, Maleate.

A mixture of 2.6-dichloropyrazine (2.33 g, 15.7 mmol), the product from step 1 above (5.11 g, 14.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (3.09 g, 22.4 mmol) in dry DMF (50 mL) was stirred at 120 °C for 7.5 h. The dark reaction mixture was diluted with ether and solids were filtered off. The filter cake was washed with CHCI3. The filtrate was 10 concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was redissolved in CHCI3 (150 mL) and 5M aqueous HQ (20 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room -temperature 8.5 h. A solution of 5 M aqueous NaOH (25 mL) was added carefully and fee layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted wife CHCI3 (2 x 150 mL). The combined, dried (K2CO3), organic phases were concentrated in vacuo. The 15 brownish oily residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (bed size: 11x6 cm) using CHQa/MeOH (92:8) as eluent The yield of fee free base of the title compound was 1.74 g (55%) which was obtained as a tan colored oiL A portion (0.41 g, 1.9 mmol) of fee free base was converted into its maleate salt. Purity 99% (HPLC). HRMS mlz calcd for C9H13CIN4 (M)+ 212.0829, found 212.0819.

Step 3: (2J?)-l-I6-(Benzyloxy)-2-pyrazinyl]-2-methylpiperazine, Maleate.

K-f-BuO (2.07 g, 18.4 mmol) was added to a mixture of (2R)-l-(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-2-methylpiperazine (prepared in step 2 above; 1.31 g, 6.15 mmol) and benzyl alcohol (10.0 g, 92.5 mmol). After being stirred for 7 h at 95 °C, fee mixture 25 was applied onto a bed of silica (12 x 6 cm). Elution wife CHCla/MeOH (97:3 followed by 92:8) furnished 1.44 g (82%) of the free base of the title compound as a light yellow oiL The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 99% (HPLC). MS mlz 284 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H20N4O (M)+ 284.1637, found 284.1633.

EXAMPLE 63 (2J?)-l-[6-(Benzyloxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]-2-methylpipera2ine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 40 with the exceptions that (2i?)-methylpiperazine was substituted for (25)-methylpiperazine in step 1 and that iV-deprotection (N-detritylation) in step 2 was carried out using 5 trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (3:1). MS m/z 352 (M + H)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C18H20F3N3O (M)+351.1558, found 351.1549.

EXAMPLE 64 (2i?)-l-[6-(BenzyIoxy)-2-pyridinyl]-2-metliylpiperazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 39 with the exceptions that (2R)-methylpiperazine was substituted for (25)-methylpiperazine in step 1, and that 2,6-dichloropyridine was substituted for 2,6-dichloropyrazine in step 2, and further that JV-deprotection (iV-detritylation) in step 2 was carried out using trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane (3:1). MS mlz 284 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 65 2-(l-Piperazinyl)-6-{[3-(llI-pyrrol-l-yl)-2-thienyl]metiioxy}pyrazine.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-{[3-(liy-pyiToI-l-yl)-2-thienyl]methoxy}pyrazine.

The title compound was prqpared according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, 20 starting from 3-(pyrrol-l -yl)thiophene-2-methanol (2.5 g, 14 mmol), K-f-BuO (1.43 g, 12.7 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.73 & 11.6 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 3.05 g (90%) and was obtained as an oiL Anal. (C13H10GN3OS) C, H,N.

Step 2:2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-{[3-(ljEr-pyrroI-l-yl)-2-thienyl]methoxy}pyrazine. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (1.78 g, 6.10 mmol), piperazine (1.58 g, 18.3 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.86 g, 6.2 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.43 g (69%) and was obtained as a beige solid. HRMS m/z calcd for 30 Q7H19N5OS (M)+ 341.1310, found 341.1301.

EXAMPLE 66 2-{[3~(Benzyloxy)benzyl]oxy}-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine.

Step 1:2-{[3-(Benzyloxy)benzyI]oxy}-6-chloropyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, 5 starting from 3-benzyloxybenzyl alcohol (3.46 g, 16.2 mmol), K-f-BuO (1.69 g, 15.1 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.97 g, 13.2 mmol). Hie yield of the title compound was 2.64 g (61%) and was obtained as a semisolid. Anal. (CigJ^CDN-jOz) C,H,N.

Step 2:2-{[3-(Benzyloxy)benzyl]oxy}-6~(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (1.62 g, 4.96 mmol), piperazine (1.28 g, 14.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.70 g, 5.1 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 1.16 g (62%) and was obtained as an oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C22H24N4O2 (M) 15 + 376.1899, found 376.1890. Anal. (C22H24N4O2) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 67 2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-[3-(2-pyridinyl)propoxy]pyraziiie, Maleate.

Step 1:2-ChIoro-6-[3-(2-pyridinyI)propoxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-pyridinepropanol (4.08 g, 29.7 mmol), K-f-BuO (3.17 g, 28.3 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (3.69 g, 24.8 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 5.18 g (84%) and was obtained as an oil. Anal. (C12H12CIN3O) C, H, N.

Step 2:2-(l-PiperazinyI)-6-[3-(2-pyridmyI)propoxy]pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (1.80 g, 7.20 mmol), piperazine (1.87 g, 21.6 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.0 g, 7.2 mmol). The free base (1.23 g) of the title compound was converted into its maleate. Recrystallization from MeOH-ether 30 furnished 1.32 g (38%) of the title compound. HRMS m/z calcd for C16H21N5O (M)+ 299.1758, found 299.1748. Anal. (C16H21N5O • I.5C4H4O4 • 0.5H2Q) C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 68 2-[(3,5-Dimethoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[(3,5-diinethoxybenzyl)oxy]pyraziiie.

The title compound was prqpared according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol (2.16 g, 12.8 mmol), K-f-BuO (1.34 g, 11.9 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.59 g, 10.7 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 2.56 g (84%) and was obtained as a white solid. HRMS m/z calcd for Ci3Hi3aN2Q3 (M)+280.0615, found 280.0627. Anal. (C13H13CIN2O3) C, H, N.

Step 2:2- [(3,5-Dimeth oxybenzyI)oxy]-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (1.26 g, 4.50 mmol), piperazine (1.12 g, 13.0 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.62 g, 4.5 mmol). The free base (1.14 g) of the tide compound was converted into its maleate salt. Recrystallization from MeOH-ether furnished 1.05 g (68%) of the title compound: mp 134-137 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for C17H22N4O3 (M)+ 330.1692, found 330.1699. Anal. (C17H22N4O3 • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 69 2-[2-(4-MethoxyphenyI)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazme, Maleate.

Step 1:2-Chloro-6-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 4-methoxyphenethyl alcohol (1.99 g, 13.1 mmol), K-f-BuO (1.34 g, 12.0 mmol) and 2,6-dichloropyrazine (1.56 g, 10.5 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 2.14 g (77%) and was obtained as a white solid. Anal.

(C,3Hi3ClN202)C,H,N.

Step 2:2-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-plperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from the product obtained in step 1 above (1.31 g, 4.95 mmol), piperazine (1.24 g, 14.4 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.68 g, 4.9 mmol). The free base (1.29 g) of the title compound was converted into its maleate salt. Recrystallization from MeOH-ether furoished 1.41 g (79%) ofthe title compound: mp 149-151 °C. HRMS m/z calcd for C17H22N4O2 (M)+ 314.1743, found 314.1727. Anal. (C17H22N4O2 • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 70 2-[2-(4-Methyl-l,3-thiazol-5-yI)ethoxyJ-6-(l-piperaziiiyl)pyra2ane, Acetate. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 42 starting from 4-methyl-5-hydroxyethyl thiazole (0.215 g, 1.50 mmol) and was isolated as a brown oil. Yield: 0.41 g (66%). HRMS m/z calcd for Q4H19N5OS (M)+ 305.1310, found 300.1325. Anal. (C14H19N5OS • 1.5CH3COOH • 0.7H2O).

General procedure for synthesis of the title compounds described in Examples 71-96.

To the appropriate alcohol or thiol (1.8 mmol) in dry DMF (5 mL) was added Na-jf-BuO (1.20 ml, 2.5 M in DMF) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes. To the mixture was added a solution of the appropriate piperazino-substituted chloro heterocycle (0.625 mL, 2.0 M in DMF) and the mixture were stirred at 100 °C for 5 h. The reactions were quenched with water (0.2 mL) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up in water/CHCl3 (20:80; 5 mL) and applied onto a column of Hydromatrix (40 mL) to which water (5 mL) had been added. Elution with CHCI3 (4x8 mL) furnished the crude products. Concentration under reduced pressure and purification of the residues by preparative HPLC furnished the desired products as their acetic acid salts.

EXAMPLE 71 2-I2-(3-Methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine*, and 2-(3-methoxyphenoxy)-ethanol. Purity 90% (HPLC). Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. HRMS m/z calcd for C17H22N4Q3 (M)+ 330.1692, found 330.1681. ♦Obtained in Example 13, step 2.

EXAMPLE 72 2-[2-(2,6-Difluorophenoxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyra2iue, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(2,6-difluorophenoxy)-ethanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for CieHj^N^ (M)+ 336.1398, found 336.1403. EXAMPLE 73 2-[2-(Quinoliii-8-yloxy)ethoxyJ-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt. Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(quinolin-8-10 yloxy)ethanoI.* Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLQ. HRMS m/z calcd for C19H21N5O2 (M)+351.1695, found 351.1683. *Described in WO 00/76984.

EXAMPLE 74 * ' * 1 2- [(2/?)-2^-Dihydro-l ,4-benzodloxin-2-ylmethoxy] -6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and (2i?)-2-hydroxymethyl-1,4-benzodioxan*. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 20 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for Q7H20N4O3 (M)+328.1535, found 328.1524. ♦Described in Tetrahedron Lett. 1988.29,3671-4.

EXAMPLE 75 2-[2-(2-NaphthyIoxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt 25 Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(naphthalai-2-yloxy)-ethanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLQ. HRMS m/z calcd for C20H22N4O2 (M)+350.1743, found 350.1752 EXAMPLE 76 2-{2-[(2-Ethoxy-3-pyridinyl)oxy]ethoxy}-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(2-ethoxypyridin-3 -yloxy)-ethanol*. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 80% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H23N5O3 (M)+345.1801, found 345.1793. ♦Described in WO 00/76984.

EXAMPLE 77 2-{[4-(Benzyloxy)-3-metlioxybeiizyl]oxy}-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and (4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-methanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C23H26N4O3 (M)+406.2005, found 406.1967.

EXAMPLE 78 2-{ [5-(Phenylethynyl)-2-thienyl]methoxy}-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazme and (5-phenylethynyl-thiophen-2-yl)-methanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure Purity 80% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C21H20N4OS (M)+376.1358, found 376.1346.

EXAMPLE 79 2-(23-Dihydro-l,4-benzodioxin-6-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazme and (2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-methaaol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H20N4O3 (M)+ 328.1535, found 328.1543.

EXAMPLE 80 2-(l-Methyl-2-phenylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt The general procedure was followed with the exception that the reaction mixture was heated at 100 °C overnight. Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperaanyl)pyrazine and 1 -phenylpropan-2-ol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure.

Purity 70% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for Q7H22N4O (M)+ 298.1794, found 298.1801.

EXAMPLE 81 2-[(2-Chlorobenzyl)sulfanyI]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyra2ine and (2-chlorophenyl)-methanetbiol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure.

Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for Ci5H17C1N4S (M)+320.0862, found 320.0868 EXAMPLE 82 2-[(2-PhenylethyI)sulfanyl]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-phenyl-ethanethiol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C16H20N4S (M)+300.1409, found 300.1419.

EXAMPLE 83 2-[(4-Phenoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyraziiie, Acetic acid salt Starting materials 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 4-phenoxybenzyl alcohol*. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLQ. HRMS m/z calcd for C21H22N4O2 (M)+362.1743, found 362.1738. *Prepared by reduction of 4-phenoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 84 2-{ [4-(3-DimethyIamino-propoxy)b enzyl] oxy}-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and [4-(3-dimethylamino-propoxy)-phenyl]-methanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C20H29N5O2 (M)+ 371.2321, found 371.2314.

EXAMPLE 85 2-{2-[2-(Ben2yloxy)phenylJethoxy}-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazrnyl)pyrazine and 2-(2-benzyloxy-phenyl)-ethanol.* Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 70% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C23H26N4O2 (M)+390.2056, found 390.2043. ♦Prepared by reduction of (2-ben2yloxy-phenyI)-acetic acid.

EXAMPLE 86 2-[2-(2^-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(2,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethanol*. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 80% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C18H24N4O3 (M)+344.1848, found 344.1861. ♦Prepared by reduction of (2,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid.

EXAMPLE 87 2-(l-Benzofuran-2-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic add salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine and benzofuran-2-yl-methanol.* Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 80% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H18N4O2 (M)+310.1430, found 310.1419. ♦Prepared by reduction ofbenzofuran-2-carbaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 88 2-{2-[3-Methoxy-2-(phenoxymethyl)phenyI]ethoxy}-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazlne, Acetic add salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine ami (3-methoxy-2-phenoxymethyl-phenyl)-methanol.* Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLQ. HRMS m/z calcd for C23H26N4O3 (M)+ 406.2005, found 406.2011. ♦Prepared by reduction of 3-methoxy-2-phenoxymethyl-25 benzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 89 2-[2-(IsoquinoIin-7-yIoxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Step 1:2-(7-Isoquinoliiiyloxy)ethanol.

A mixture of 7-hydroxyisoquinoline (1.15 g, 7.9 mmol), ethylene caibonate (0.98 g, 11.1 mmol), powdered K2CO3 (0.65 g, 4.7 mmol) in dry DMF (20 mL) was stirred at 145 °C for two hours. The reaction was quenched with MeOH (1 mL), filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up between alkaline water (K2CO3) and CHCI3. Concentration of the dried (MgSC>4) organic phase afforded 1.4 g (94%) of the title compound as a yellow oil that solidified upon standing. Purity 91% (HPLC). Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated 5 structure.

Step 2:2-[2-(Isoquinolin-7-yloxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic add salt. The general procedure was followed starting 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-(7-isoquinolinyloxy)ethanol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated 10 structure. Purity 80% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C19H21N5O2 (M)+ 351.1695, found 351.1696.

EXAMPLE 90 2-(23-Dihydro-ljH-inden-2-yIoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt 15 ' Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 2-indanol. The general procedure was followed with the exception that the reaction mixture was heated at 100 °C overnight. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H20N4O (M)+296.1637, found 296.1652.

EXAMPLE 91 2-{[2-(PlienoxymethyJ)benzylJoxy}-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme, Acetic add salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazme and 2-phenoxymethyl-benzyl alcohol.* Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C22H24N4O2 (M)+ 376.1899, found 376.1889. 25 ^Prepared by reduction of 2-phenoxymethylbenzoic acid by lithium aluminum hydride in THF, cfl. Chem. Soc. 1954.2819.

EXAMPLE 92 2-(2-Cyclohexylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic add salt 30 Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazme and 2-cyclohexyl-ethanol.

Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C16H26N40 (M)+290.2107, found 290.2109.

EXAMPLE93 2-[2-(2-Amino-qumolin-8-yIoxy)ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-(l -piperaziiiyl)pyraziiie and 2-(2-amino-quinolin-8-yloxy)-ethanol. * Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure.

Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C19H22N6Q2 (M)+366.1804, found 366.1791. *Prepared as described in WO 00/76984.

EXAMPLE 94 2-[(3-CyanobenzyI)oxy]-6~(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and 3-cyanobenzyl alcohol. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C16H17N5O (M)+295.1433, found 295.1431.

EXAMPLE 95 2-[(5-Fluoro-2-methoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chloro-6-( 1 -piperazinyl)pyrazine and (5-fluoro-2-me&oxy-phenyl)-methanoL * Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLC). HRMS m/z calcd for C16H19FN4Q2 (M)+318.1492, found 318.1490. ♦Prepared by reduction of 5-fluoro-2-methoxybenzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 96 2-(l-CycIopentylethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Acetic acid salt Starting materials, 2-chIoro-6-(l -pipera2dnyl)pyrazine and 1 -cyclopentyl-ethanol. The general procedure was followed with the exceptions that dioxane was used as solvent and that the reaction mixture was heated in a sealed tube with microwaves at 160 °C for 20 minutes. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. Purity 90% (HPLQ. HRMS m/z calcd for C15H24N4O (M)+ 276.1950, found 276.1955.

EXAMPLE 97 2-[(2,5-Difluorobenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate. -68 — The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(2,5-difluorobaizyl)oxy]pyrazine (3.43 g, 13.4 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2,5-difluorobenzyl alcohol), piperazine (3.51 g, 40.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.94 g, 14.0 5 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. Hie yield of the free base of the title compound was 2.84 g (69%) which was obtained as an oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS zn/z 306 (M)+. HRMS w/z calcd for C15H16F2N4O (M)+306.1292, found 306.1297. £10 EXAMPLE 98 2-[(3-Dimethylaminoben2yl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazmyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(3-dimethylaminobenzyl)oxy]pyrazine (3.04 g, 11.5 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3-15 dimethylaminobenzyl alcohol), piperazine (3.08 g, 35.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.59 g, 11.5 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 2.06 g (57%) which was obtained as a beige colored oil that solidified when refrigerated. Purity 98% (HPLC). MS mlz 313 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H23N5O (M)+ 313.1903, found 313.1910. 0 EXAMPLE 99 2-[{4-(2-PyridinyI)benzyl}oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazme.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chIoro-6-[{4-(2-pyridinyl)benzyI}oxyjpyrazine (2.73 g, 9.16 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 4-(2- pyridinyl)benzyl alcohol*), piperazine (2.41 g, 27.9 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.33 g, 9.62 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 2.06 g (65%) which was obtained as a beige * colored oil that solidified when refrigerated. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 347 (M)+.

HRMS mlz calcd for C20H21N5O (M)+ 347.1746, found 347.1749. *Obtained by reduction (NaBEU) of 4-{2-pyridyl)benzaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 100 2-[(2-FluorobenzyI)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[(2-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyrazine (3.68 g, 15.4 mmol; obtained 5 according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-fluorobenzyl alcohol), piperazine (4.06 g, 47.1 mmol) and K2CO3 (2.24 g, 16.2 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 3.28 g (74%) which was obtained as an oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 288 (M)+. £ 10 HRMS m/z calcd for C15H17FN4O (M)+ 288.1386, found 288.1378.

EXAMPLE 101 2-(Benzo[£]thiophen-3-yImethoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazme, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, 15 starling from 2-cMoro-6-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-ylmethoxy)pyrazine (2.88 g, 10.4 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from benzo[£]thiophene-3-methanol), piperazine (2.73 g, 31.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.51 g, 10.9 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of fhe title compound was 2.34 g (69%) which was 20 obtained as a beige colored oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt % Purity 99% (HPLQ. MS m/z 326 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H18N4OS (M)+ 326.1201, found 326.1207.

EXAMPLE 102 2-(3-Phenoxy-thiophen-2-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-(3-phenoxy-thiophen-2-ylmethoxy)pyrazine [2.83 g, 8.88 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from (3-phenoxy-2-thienyl)methanol], piperazine (2.33 g, 27.1 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.29 g, 30 9.3 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.80 g (55%) which was obtained as a beige colored oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 98% (HPLC). MS mlz 368 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C19H20N4O2S (M)+ 368.1307, found 368.1306.

EXAMPLE 103 2-{5-(2-PyridmyI)-thiopheii-2-ylmethoxy)]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example SO, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[5-(2-pyridinyl)-11iiophen-2-ylmetiioxy)]pyra2ine [2.17 g, 7.13 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example SO, step I, starting from 5-(pyridin-2-yl)thiophene-2-methanol], piperazine (1.84 g, 21.4 mmol) and K2CO3 10 (0.99 g, 7.1 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.66 g (66%) which « was obtained as a beige colored oil The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 353 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for Ci8H19N5OS (M)+ 353.1310, found 353.1307.

EXAMPLE 104 2-[2-(5-Methyl-2-phenyI-oxa2ol-4-yI)-ethosy]-6-(l-pipera2myl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-oxa2X)I-4-yl)-ethoxy]pyrazine [2.90 20 g, 9.18 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-(5-methyl-2-phenyloxazol-4-yl)ethanol], piperazine (2.37 g, 27.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.27 g, 9.19 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 2.09 g (62%) which was obtained as a light yellow oil that solidified when refrigerated. Purity 100% 25 (HPLC)- MS mlz 365 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C20H23N5O2 (M)+ 365.1852, found 365.1855.

EXAMPLE 105 ^[l-^^Difluoro-phenyr^ethoxyl-^l-piperazinytypyrazine, Maleate. 30 The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[l-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-ethoxy]pyrazine (3.20 g, 11.8 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2,6- difluoio-a-methylbenzyl alcohol), piperazine (3.05 g, 35.4 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.63 g, 11.8 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 2.95 g (78%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt 5 Purity 100% (HPLC). MS w/z320 (M)+,HRMS mlz calcd for Ci6Hi8F2N40 (M)+ 320.1449, found 320.1447.

EXAMPLE 106 2-(2-NaphthaIen-2-yl-ethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-«Mon>-6-(2-naphthalen-2-yl-ethoxy)pyrazine (2.73 g, 9.60 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-naphthalene-ethanol), piperazine (2.89 g, 33.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.39 g, 10.1 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The 15 .. yield of the free base of the title compound was 2.63 g (82%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt. Purity 99% (HPLC). MS mlz 334 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C20H22N4O (M)+ 334.1794, found 334.1794.

EXAMPLE 107 2- [3-(N aphth alen-2-yloxy)-propoxy]-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloix>-6-[3 -(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-propoxy]pyrazine [2.24 g, 7.12 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-propan-l-ol*], piperazine (1.90 g, 22.1 mmol) and K2CO3 25 (1.03 g, 7.45 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.10 g (42%) which was obtained as a light beige colored oiL The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 364 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C21H24N4O2 (M)+ 364.1899, found 364.1895. *Described in J. Am. Chem Soc. 1929. 30 51,3417 and ibid. !254> 76,56.

EXAMPLE 108 2-(4-Phenylethynyl-thiophen-2-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine, Maleate. The title compound was prqpared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-(4-phenylethynyl-thiophen-2-yhnethoxy)pyrazme [2.05 g, 6.28 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 5 4-(phenylethynyl)thiophene-2-methanol*], piperazine (1.62 g, 18.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.89 g, 6.4 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.80 g (76%) which was obtained as a light beige colored oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 376 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for 10 C21H20N4OS (M)+ 376.1358, found 376.1351. *Obtained by reduction (NaBELt) of 4~ (phenylethynyl)thiophene-2-caiboxaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 109 2-(l-Cyclopropyl-ethoxy)-6-(l-piperazhiyl)pyrazme, Maleate.

. The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-( 1 -cyclopropyl-ethoxy)pyrazine (2.38 g, 12.0 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from a-methylcyclopropanemethanol), piperazine (3.60 g, 41.8 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.75 g, 12.7 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. 20 The yield of the free base of the title compound was 2.05 g (69%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 248 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C13H20N4O (M)+ 248.1637, found 248.1636.

EXAMPLE 110 2-[2-(6-Methoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazwe.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yioxy)-ethoxy]pyrazine [0.94 g, 2.8 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting 30 from 2-(6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)ethanol*], piperazine (1.00 g, 11.6 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.50 g, 3.6 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 0.52 g (48%) which was obtained as a beige colored solid. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 380 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C21H24N4O3 (M)+ 380.1848, found 380.1845. *Prepared from 6-methoxy-2-naphthol and ethylene carbonat according to the procedure of Example 134, step 1, in WO 00/76984. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h. Pure 2-(6-5 methoxy-naphthalen-2^yioxy)ethanol was obtained by recrystallization from MeOH/CHCiyn-hexane.

EXAMPLE 111 2-[2-(7-Methoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(7-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)-ethoxy]pyra2dne [1.19 g, 3.60 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-(7-methoxy-naphthaIen-2-yloxy)ethanol*], piperazine (1.25 g, 14.5 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.60 g, 4.3 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through 15 ' ?1imiTna was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 0.98 g (71%) which • was obtained as an oil that solidified when refrigerated. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS m/z 380 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C21H24N4O3 (M)+ 380.1848, found 380.1851. ♦Prepared from 7-methoxy-2-naphthol and ethylene carbonat according to the procedure of Example 134, step 1, in WO 00/76984. The reaction mixture was 20 refluxed for 2 h. Pure 2-(7-methoxy-naphthalen-2-yloxy)ethanol was obtained after column chromatography on silica gel using n-hexane/ethyl acetate (6:4) as eluent EXAMPLE 112 2-[5-(4-ChIoroplienyI)-2-methyIfuran-3-ylmethoxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, stesp 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylfuran-3-ylmethoxy]pyraziiie 5 [3.-14 g, 9.39 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 5^4-chIorophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-2-methylfriran], piperazine (2.47 g, 28.6 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.36 g, 9.86 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the of the title compound was 2.11 g (58%) which was obtained as a beige colored solid. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS 10 m/z 384 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C2oH2iClN402(M)+384.1353, found 384.1357.

EXAMPLE 113 2-(lZT-Indol-4-ylmethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazme, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, 15 starting, from 2-chloro-6-( li/-indol-4-ylmethoxy)pyrazine [0.486 g, 1.87 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from (lff-indol-4-yi)-methanol*], piperazine (0.491 g, 5.71 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.272 g, 1.96 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of fhe title compound was 0.198 g (34%) which was obtained as an oil. 20 The free base was converted into its maleate salt. Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 309 (M)+. HRMS m/z calcd for C17H19N5O (M)+ 309.1590, found 309.1582. The reaction was carried out using (l#-indol4~yl)-methanol (0.712 g, 4.84 mmol), K-f-BuO (0.517 g, 4.61 mmol), and 2,6-dichloropyraziiie (0.687 g, 4.61 mmol).

EXAMPLE 114 2-(2-Phenyl-propoxy)-6-(l-piperazmyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, startingfinom 2-chloro-6-(2-phenyl-propoxy)pyrazine (2.39 g, 9.61 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-phenyl-l-30 propanol), piperazine (2.90 g, 3.36 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.40 g, 10.1 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 1.66 g (58%) which was obtained as a colorless oil.

The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 99% (HPLC). HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O (M)+298.1794, found 298.1795.

EXAMPLE 115 2-[2-(2-MethoxyphenyI)ethoxy)-6-(l-piperaziuy])pyrazme, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-cMoro-6-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine (0.967 g, 3.65 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-methoxyphenethyl alcohol), piperazine (0.913 g, 10.6 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.505 g, 10 3.65 mmol). The yield of fee free base of the title compound was 0.63 g (55%) which was obtained as a colorless oiL The free base was converted into its maleate salt Purity 100% (HPLC). MS mlz 314 (M)+. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O2 (M)+ 314.1743, found 314.1750.

EXAMPLE 116 2-[2-(3-Metb oxyph enyl)eth oxy] -6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethoxy]pyrazine (1.12 g, 4.23 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3-methoxyphenethyl alcohol), piperazine (1.06 g» 12.3 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.585 g, 4.23 mmol). The yield of fee title compound was 0.91 g (69%) which was obtained as light beige oil. HRMS mlz calcd for C17H22N4O2 (M)+ 314.1743, found 314.1759. Anal. (C17H22N4O2) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 117 2-[(2-Phenoxybenzyl)oxy]-6-(l-piperazinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chIoro-6-[(2-phenoxybenzyI)oxy]pyrazine (0.981 g, 3.14 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 2-30 phenoxybenzyl alcohol), piperazine (0.784 g, 9.10 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.434 g, 3.14 mmol) with fee exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. The yield of the free base of the title compound was 0.80 g (70%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt Anal. (C21H22N4O2 * C4H404)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 118 2-Benzylamino-4-(l-piperazinyl)pyrimidine, Hydrochloride.

Step 1:2-BenzyIamino-4-[l-(4-reif-butoxycarbonyl)piperazinyI]pyrimidine.

A mixture of 2-chloro-4-[ 1 -(4-tert-butoxycaibonyl)piperazinyl]pyrimidine (obtained in Example 33, step 1; 1.80 g, 6.02 mmol), benzylamine (10 mL, large excess) and potassium carbonate (0.91 g, 6.62 mmol) was stirred in 50 mL of piopionitrile at 110 10 °C for 1.5 h. Ihe mixture was poured into water (200 mL) and left overnight The title compound was collected, washed with water +10% methanol and dried. Yield: 2.08 g (94%). Purity >90% (HPLC). HRMS mlz calcd for C20H27N5O2 (M)+ 369.2165, found 3692152.

Step 2: 2-Benzylamino-4-(l-piperazinyl)pyrimidine, Hydrochloride.

To a solution of 2-benzylamino-4-[ 1 -(4-tert-butoxycaibonyl)piperazmyl]pyrimidine (37 mg, 0.10 mmol) in a mixture of methyl tert butyl ether (3 mL) and methanol (1 mL) was 4.0 M HQ in dioxane (1 mL) added. The reaction was shaken over night Methyl tert butyl ether (2 mL) was added. The title compound was collected as a 20 white solid. Yield: 29 mg (95%). Purity >90% (HPLC). MS m/z 270 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 119 (2jR)-l-[6-{(2-Chlorobenzyl)sulfanyl}-2-pyrazinyl]-2-methylpiperazine, Hydrochloride.

Na-f-BuO (8.7 mmol 0.84 g) was added to a solution of 2-chlorobenzylthiol (S.7 mmol 0.90 g) in dry DMF (25 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. (2i?)-l -(6-chloro-2-pyrazinyl)-2-methylpiperazine (0.92 g, 4.35 mmol; obtained in Example 62, step 2) was added and the reaction was stirred at 70 °C for 2 h. The mixture was filtered through a plug of silica and the solvent from the filtrate was evaporated at reduced pressure. The brown residue was chromatographed over silica gel using CHCtyMeOH/aq NH3 90/10/0.25 as eluent. This furnished the free base of the title compound as a yellow oiL The free base was precipitated as its HC1 salt with HCl/ether to give 1.10 g (68%) of the title compound as light yellow crystals. Purity 98% (HPLC). HRMS m/z for C16H19CIN4S (M)+ calcd for 334.1019, found 334.1036.

I EXAMPLE 120 2-(3-ThienyImethoxy)-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 20 starting from 3-thiophenemethanol (6.05 g, 53.0 mmol), K-f-BuO (0.897 g, 7.99 mmol) and 6-^hloro-2-(l-piperazinyl)pyra2dne (0.845 g, 4.25 mmol: obtained in Example 13, 10 step 2). The reaction mixture was stirred at 105 °C for 7.5 h. Following chromatography on silica, solvents were evaporated off The remaining oil was redissolved in ethyl acetetate and filtered through a short plug of alumina (5x3 cm) using ether/MeOH (96:4) as eluent Solvent removal in vacuo gave 0.76 g (64%) of the title compound as a colorless oil. HRMS m/z for C13H16N4OS (M)+ calcd for 15. 276.1045, found 276.1037. AnaL(Ci3Hi6N4OS-0^5 H20)C,H,N.

EXAMPLE 121 2-(3-Phen oxypropoxy)-6-(l -piper azinyl)pyrazine, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, 20 starting from 2-chloro-6-(3-phenoxypropoxy)pyrazine (1.04 g, 3.93 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 3-phenoxy-l-propanol), piperazine (0.981 g, 11.4 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.543 g, 3.93 mmol). Following chromatography on silica, solvents were evaporated off. The semi-solid residue (0.83 g) was redissolved in CHCI3 and filtered. The clear solution was 25 concentrated in vacuo and the resulting free base of the title compound was converted into its maleate salt. Yield: 0.90 g (53%). HRMS m/z calcd for C17H22N4O2 (M)+ 314.1743, found 314.1728. Anal. (C17H22N4O2 • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 122 2-{[4-(BenzyIoxy)benzyl]oxy}-6-(l-piperazinyI)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-{[4-(benzyloxy)benzyl]oxy}pyrazine (1.15 g, 3.52 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from 4-benzyloxybenzyl alcohol), piperazine (0.894 g, 10.4 mmol) andKaCOs (0.486 g, 5 3.52 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 0.57 g (43%) which was obtained as a colorless viscous oil that solidified upon standing. Fragmenting mass analysis supports the stated structure. HRMS mlz calcd for C22H24N4O2 (M)+ 376.1899, found 376.1892.

Q 10 EXAMPLE 123 2-(n-HexyIoxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazine.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-(w-hexyloxy)pyrazine (1.54 g, 7.17 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from n-hexanol), 15 piperazine (1.90 g, 22.1 mmol) and K2CC>3.(0.99 g, 7.16 mmol). The yield of the title compound was 121 g (64%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. HRMS m/z calcd for C14H24N4O (M)+ 264.1950, found 264.1953. Anal. (C14H24N4O) C, H, N.

EXAMPLE 124 2-(Propargyloxy)-6-(l -piperazinyl)pyrazme, Maleate.

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of example 50, step 2, starting from 2-chloro-6-(propargyloxy)pyrazine (1.70 g, 10.1 mmol; obtained according to the procedure of example 50, step 1, starting from propargyl alcohol), piperazine (1.91 g, 22.2 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.39 g, 10.1 mmol) with the exception that the final filtration through alumina was omitted. Following repeated chromatography on silica, solvents were evaporated off The yield of the free base of the title compound was 0.48 g (22%) which was obtained as a beige oil. The free base was converted into its maleate salt HRMS m/z calcd for Ci iHi4N40 (M)+ 218.1168, found 218.1158. Anal. (C11H14N4O • C4H4O4) C, H, N.

PREPARATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS EXAMPLE: Preparation of tablets Ingredients me/tablet 1.

Active compound .0 2.

Cellulose, microcrystalline 57.0 3.

Calcium hydrogen phosphate .0 4.

Sodium starch glycolate .0 .

Silicon dioxide, colloidal 0.25 6.

Magnesium stearate 0.75 The active ingredient 1 is mixed with ingredients 2,3,4 and S for about 10 minutes. The magnesium stearate is then added, and the resultant mixture is mixed for about 5 minutes and compressed into tablet form with or without film-coating.

Pharmacological tests The ability of a compound of the invention to bind or act at specific 5-HT receptor subtypes can be determined using in vitro and in vivo assays known in the art The biological activity of compounds prepared in the Examples was tested using different tests.

Affinity assay The 5-HT2c receptor affinity of compounds in the Examples was determined in competition experiments, where the ability of each compound in serial dilution to displace ^H-labelled 5-HT, bound to membranes prepared from a transfected HEK293 cell line stably expressing the human 5-HT2c receptor protein, was monitored by Scintillation Proximity Assay technology. Non-specific binding was defined using 5 pM mianserin. Results obtained for exemplary compounds of fee invention are illustrated in Table 1 below. Typically, the 5-HT2C receptor affinity values (Kj, nM) were in the range of 1 nM to 1500 nM.

Table 1.5-HT?r receptor Affinity Compound K* (nM) 8 197 616 92 28 478 48 37 Efficacy assay The agonist efficacy at the 5-HT2c receptor of the compounds in the Examples was determined by the ability of each compound to mobilise intracellular calcium in transfected HEK293 cells, stably expressing the human 5-HT2c receptor protein, using the calcium-chelating fluorescent dye FLUO-3 (Sigma, St Louis, MO, U.S.A.).

Typically, the maximum responses of 5-HT2c agonists were in the range of -100% relative to the maximum response of 5-HT (serotonin) at a concentration of 1 pM.

Example 2 Example 12 Example 15 Example 18 Example 20 10 Example 23 Example 32 Example 48

Claims (37)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A compound of die general formula (Q: 5 0) wherein (i) X and Z represent both CH and Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine derivative, or (ii) X represents C-CF3, Z represents CH, and Y represents nitrogen, forming a 4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative, or (iii) Yand Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrimidine derivative, and wherein Rj and R2 are each, independently, selected from a group A consisting of 15 or from a group B, consisting of aryl-Ci-CValkyl, aiyl-Ci-Ce-alkoxy, heteroaryl-Cr C6-alkoxy, aryloxy-Ca-Q-alkoxy, heteroaryloxy-C2-CValkoxy, 1-indanyloxy, 2-20 indanyloxy, aryloxy, hetexoaryloxy, arylthio, heteroarylthio, Cs-Cg-cycloalkylthio, Cs-Cs-aJkoxy, Cs-Cg-alkylthio, C3-Q;-aIkynyloxy, C3-Cg-alkenyloxy, fluoro-CrCU-alkoxy, C4-C8-cycloalkyloxy, Ca-Cg-cycloalkyl-Ci-Cj-aJkoxy, halogen, aryl-Ci-C4-alkylthio, heteroaryl-Ci-C4-alkylthio, aryl-Ci-C4-alkylamino, heteroarjd-Ci-Gt-alkylamino, heteroaryl and aryU 25 with the proviso that: (i) Rj and Ra are different and are not both selected from group A or group B at the -82- same time; (ii) when both X and Z are CH and Y is N in formula Q, forming a pyridine derivative, and Ri is 1-piperazinyl or 4-methylpiperazin-1 -yl, then R2 is other than 2-phenylethyl, benzyloxy, benzylamino, phenylthio, phenoxy, substituted phenoxy, C4-C8-cycloalkyioxy and C3-Cg-cycloalkylmethoxy; (iii) when X is CH and Z and Y both are nitrogen in formula (I), forming a pyrimidine derivative, and R2 is 1-piperazinyl, thai Rj is other than phenoxy, phenyl or phenyl substituted by hromo, and Cs-Cg alkoxy, and when R2 is 4-methylpiperazin-1 -yl or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-l -yl, then Rj is other than 5-nitro-2-furyl; (iv) wheal X is CH and Z and Y both are nitrogen in formula (I), forming a pyrimidine derivative, and Rj is 1-piperazinyl, then R2 is other than C5-C8 alkoxy; and where R3 is H or Ci^-alkyl, allyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-cyanoethyl, or a nitrogen protecting group, or a prodrug moiety such as an acyl- or an alkoxycaibonyl group forming a cleavable amide or carbamate linkage; R4 is hydrogen, or Cm alkyl; and wherein any aryl orheteroaiyl residue, alone or as part of another group, in Rj or R2 may be independently substituted in one or more positions, by Cj^j-alkyl, Cj_4~ alkoxy, Ci_4-alkylthio, Cj^-acy!, Ci_4-alkylsulphonyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C2-g-alkenyl, C2-6~aIkynyl, fluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, halogen, -NCR5XR6), aryl, aiyloxy, aryiihio, aryl-Cj^-alkyl, aryl-C2-4-alkenyl, aryl-C2-4-alkynyl, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylthio or heteroaiyl-Ci_4-alkyl, aryi-Cj_ 4~alkoxy, aryloxy-Cj_4-alkyl, dimethylamino-C2-4-alkoxy, and -83- wherein any aryl or heteroaryl residue as substituents on aryl or heteroaryl, alone or as part of another group, in Rj or Ra in turn may be substituted in one or more postions, independently of each other by Cj_4-alkyl, Cj^-alkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, hydroxy or dimethylamino; and R5 and R5 independently of each other are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form a pyrrolidine, piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine or a piperidine ring; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, geometrical isomers, tautomers, optical isomers, //-oxides and prodrug forms thereof

2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein X and Z represent both CH and Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine derivative.

3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein formula (I) represents a 4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative.

4. The compound according to claim 1 wherein Y and Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, forming a pyrimidine derivative.

5. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R3 is hydrogen and Rj or R2 is selected from -84-

6. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R] or R2 is selected from R3 R, I LJ I ' N. .,^"3 N H-C N (3r< N I I and where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

7. The compound according to claim 1 wherein R] or R2 is fc N C.9~R« N I and where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

8. The compound according to claim 1, wherein Rj or R2 is selected 10 from H H 1 1 I I * -85-

9. The compound according to claim 1, which is selected from the group consisting of: 4-(Benzyloxy)-2-( 1 -pipera2dnyi)pyrimidine, 4-[(2-Methoxybenzyl)oxy]-2-(l ~piperazinyl)pyrimidine, 2- {[3-(Ben2yloxy)benzyI]oxy} -4-{l^iperazinyl)pyrimidine, and their pharmacologically acceptable salts and solvates.

10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as an active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

11. A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a medical condition related to the 5-HT2C receptor, comprising administering to a non-human subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compoimd according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is an eating disorder. -86-

13. Hie method aceoKlmgto-ciaini11, wherein the medical condition is obesity.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition a 5 memory disorder.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is a mood disorder. 10

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is an anxiety disorder.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is selected from sexual dysfunctions, epilepsy and urinary disorders. 15

^8. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is pain.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is 20 substance abuse.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the medical condition is schizophrenia. 25

21. Use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of a medical condition related to the 5-HT2c receptor.

22. The use according to ciasm 21 wherein the medical condition is an 30 eatimg<ii*»ier. intellectual property office of n.z. 2 4 APR 2006 RECEIVED -87-

23. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is obesity.

24. Hie use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition a memory disorder.

25. Hie use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is a mood disorder.

26. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is an anxiety disorder.

27. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is selected from sexual dysfunctions, epilepsy and urinary disorders.

28. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is pain.

29. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is substance abuse.

30. The use according to claim 21, wherein the medical condition is schizophrenia.

31. A method of making a compound of claim 1, taking a compound of the following formula: X wherein intellectual propwy office of n.7 2 APR 2006 -88- (i) X and Z represent both CH and Y represents nitrogen, forming a pyridine derivative, or (ii) X represents C-CF3, Z represents CH, and Y represents nitrogen, fonning a 4-trifluoromethylpyridine derivative, or (iii) Y and Z represent both nitrogen and X represents CH, fonning a pyrimidine derivative, and wherein each Hal is independently a halogen; and reacting the compound with one or more chemical reagents in one or more steps to produce a compound of claim 1.

32. A compound according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof.

33. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 10 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof.

34. A method according to claim 11 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof.

35. A use according to claim 21 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof.

36. A method according to claim 31 substantially as herein described with reference to any example thereof.

37. A compound of claim 1 made according to the process as claimed in claim 31 or 36. intellectual property office of n.z. 2 ^ APR 2006 RECEIVES)