WO2006002421A2

WO2006002421A2 - Modulators of atp-binding cassette transporters

Info

Publication number: WO2006002421A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/022768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarah S. Hadida Ruah; Anna R. Hazlewood; Peter D. J. Grootenhuis; Frederick F. Van Goor; Ashvani K. Singh; Jinglan Zhou; Jason Mccartney
Original assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Priority date: 2004-06-24
Filing date: 2005-06-24
Publication date: 2006-01-05
Also published as: US20130035327A1; CN103641765A; US20140051724A1; AU2010249302A1; HRP20180300T1; BR122018075478B1; CA2810655A1; DK2489659T3; ES2786563T3; IL245365A0; IL213155A0; IL221827A0; CN101891680B; US10662192B2; EP2502902A3; IL221828A0; IL180224A0; US8324242B2; AU2010249302B2; EP2522659A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.

Description

MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] The present application claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to United States Provisional Application No. 60/582,676, filed June 24, 2004 and entitled "MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS", United States Provisional Application No. 60/630,127, filed November 22, 2004 and entitled "MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS", United States Provisional Application No. 60/635,674, filed December 13, 2004 and entitled "MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS", United States Provisional Application No. 60/658,219, filed March 3, 2005 and entitled "MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS", and United States Provisional Application No. 60/661,311, filed March 11 , 2005 and entitled "MODULATORS OF ATP-BINDING CASSETTE TRANSPORTERS", the entire contents of each of the above application being incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [002] The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette ("ABC") transporters or fragments thereof, including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ("CFTR"), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [003] ABC transporters are a family of membrane transporter proteins that regulate the transport of a wide variety of pharmacological agents, potentially toxic drugs, and xenobiotics, as well as anions. ABC transporters are homologous membrane proteins that bind and use cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for their specific activities. Some of these transporters were discovered as multidrug resistance proteins (like the MDRl-P glycoprotein, or the -multidrug resistance protein, MRPl), defending malignant cancer cells against chemotherapeutic agents. To date, 48 ABC Transporters have been identified and grouped into 7 families based on their sequence identity and function. [004] ABC transporters regulate a variety of important physiological roles within the body and provide defense against harmful environmental compounds. Because of this, they represent important potential drug targets for the treatment of diseases associated with defects in the transporter, prevention of drug transport out of the target cell, and intervention in other diseases in which modulation of ABC transporter activity may be beneficial. [005] One member of the ABC transporter family commonly associated with disease is the cAMP/ATP -mediated anion channel, CFTR. CFTR is expressed in a variety of cells types, including absorptive and secretory epithelia cells, where it regulates anion flux across the membrane, as well as the activity of other ion channels and proteins. In epithelia cells, normal functioning of CFTR is critical for the maintenance of electrolyte transport throughout the body, including respiratory and digestive tissue. CFTR is composed of approximately 1480 amino acids that encode a protein made up of a tandem repeat of transmembrane domains, each containing six transmembrane helices and a nucleotide binding domain. The two transmembrane domains are linked by a large, polar, regulatory (R)-domain with multiple phosphorylation sites that regulate channel activity and cellular trafficking. [006] The gene encoding CFTR has been identified and sequenced (See Gregory, R. J. et al. (1990) Nature 347:382-386; Rich, D. P. et al. (1990) Nature 347:358-362), (Riordan, J. R. et al. (1989) Science 245:1066-1073). A defect in this gene causes mutations in CFTR resulting in cystic fibrosis ("CF"), the most common fatal genetic disease in humans. Cystic fibrosis affects approximately one in every 2,500 infants in the United States. Within the general United States population, up to 10 million people carry a single copy of the defective gene without apparent ill effects. In contrast, individuals with two copies of the CF associated gene suffer from the debilitating and fatal effects of CF, including chronic lung disease. [007] In patients with cystic fibrosis, mutations in CFTR endogenously expressed in respiratory epithelia leads to reduced apical anion secretion causing an imbalance in ion and fluid transport. The resulting decrease in anion transport contributes to enhanced mucus accumulation in the lung and the accompanying microbial infections that ultimately cause death in CF patients. In addition to respiratory disease, CF patients typically suffer from gastrointestinal problems and pancreatic insufficiency that, if left untreated, results in death. In addition, the majority of males with cystic fibrosis are infertile and fertility is decreased among females with cystic fibrosis. In contrast to the severe effects of two copies of the CF associated gene, individuals with a single copy of the CF associated gene exhibit increased resistance to cholera and to dehydration resulting from diarrhea - perhaps explaining the relatively high frequency of the CF gene within the population. [008] Sequence analysis of the CFTR gene of CF chromosomes has revealed a variety of disease causing mutations (Cutting, G. R. et al. (1990) Nature 346:366-369; Dean, M. et al. (1990) Cell 61 :863:870; and Kerem, B-S. et al. (1989) Science 245:1073-1080; Kerem, B-S et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:8447-8451). To date, > 1000 disease causing mutations in the CF gene have been identified (http://www.genet.sic-ckids.on.ca/cftr/). The most prevalent mutation is a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 of the CFTR amino acid sequence, and is commonly referred to as ΔF508-CFTR. This mutation occurs in approximately 70% of the cases of cystic fibrosis and is associated with a severe disease . [009] The deletion of residue 508 in ΔF508-CFTR prevents the nascent protein from folding correctly. This results in the inability of the mutant protein to exit the ER, and traffic to the plasma membrane. As a result, the number of channels present in the membrane is far less than observed in cells expressing wild-type CFTR. In addition to impaired trafficking, the mutation results in defective channel gating. Together, the reduced number of channels in the membrane and the defective gating lead to reduced anion transport across epithelia leading to defective ion and fluid transport. (Quinton, P. M. (1990), FASEB J. 4: 2709-2727). Studies have shown, however, that the reduced numbers of ΔF508-CFTR in the membrane are functional, albeit less than wild-type CFTR. (Dalemans et al. (1991), Nature Lond. 354: 526- 528; Denning et al., supra; Pasyk and Foskett (1995), J. Cell. Biochem. 270: 12347-50). In ^■ addition to ΔF508-CFTR, other disease causing mutations in CFTR that result in defective trafficking, synthesis, and/or channel gating could be up- or down-regulated to alter anion secretion and modify disease progression and/or severity. [010] Although CFTR transports a variety of molecules in addition to anions, it is clear that this role (the transport of anions) represents one element in an important mechanism of transporting ions and water across the epithelium. The other elements include the epithelial Na⁺ channel, ENaC, Na⁺/2C17K⁺ co-transporter, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPaSe pump and the basolateral membrane K⁺ channels, that are responsible for the uptake of chloride into the cell. [011] These elements work together to achieve directional transport across the epithelium via their selective expression and localization within the cell. Chloride absorption takes place by the coordinated activity of ENaC and CFTR present on the apical membrane and the Na -K -ATP ase pump and Cl- channels expressed on the basolateral surface of the cell. Secondary active transport of chloride from the luminal side leads to the accumulation of intracellular chloride, which can then passively leave the cell via Cl^" channels, resulting in a vectorial transport. Arrangement of Na⁺/2C17K⁺ co-transporter, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPaSe pump and the basolateral membrane K⁺ channels on the basolateral surface and CFTR on the luminal side coordinate the secretion of chloride via CFTR on the luminal side. Because water is probably never actively transported itself, its flow across epithelia depends on tiny transepithelial osmotic gradients generated by the bulk flow of sodium and chloride. [012] In addition to cystic fibrosis, modulation of CFTR activity may be beneficial for other diseases not directly caused by mutations in CFTR, such as secretory diseases and other protein folding diseases mediated by CFTR. These include, but are not limited to, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry eye disease, and Sjogren's Syndrome.,, COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is progressive and not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is due to mucus hypersecretion, emphysema, and bronchiolitis. Activators of mutant or wild-type CFTR offer a potential treatment of mucus hypersecretion and impaired mucociliary clearance that is common in COPD. Specifically, increasing anion secretion across CFTR may facilitate fluid transport into the airway surface liquid to hydrate the mucus and optimized periciliary fluid viscosity. This would lead to enhanced mucociliary clearance and a reduction in the symptoms associated with COPD. Dry eye disease is characterized by a decrease in tear aqueous production and abnormal tear film lipid, protein and mucin profiles. There are many causes of dry eye, some of which include age, Lasik eye surgery, arthritis, medications, chemical/thermal burns, allergies, and diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Sjδgrens's syndrome. Increasing anion secretion via CFTR would enhance fluid transport from the corneal endothelial cells and secretory glands surrounding the eye to increase corneal hydration. This would help to alleviate the symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Sjδgrens's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks moisture- producing glands throughout the body, including the eye, mouth, skin, respiratory tissue, liver, vagina, and gut. Symptoms, include, dry eye, mouth, and vagina, as well as lung disease. The disease is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis, and polymypositis/dermatomyositis. Defective protein trafficking is believed to cause the disease, for which treatment options are limited. Modulators of CFTR activity may hydrate the various organs afflicted by the disease and help to elevate the associated symptoms. [013] As discussed above, it is believed that the deletion of residue 508 in ΔF508- CFTR prevents the nascent protein from folding correctly, resulting in the inability of this mutant protein to exit the ER, and traffic to the plasma membrane. As a result, insufficient amounts of the mature protein are present at the plasma membrane and chloride transport within epithelial tissues is significantly reduced. Infact, this cellular phenomenon of defective ER processing of ABC transporters by the ER machinery, has been shown to be the underlying basis not only for CF disease, but for a wide range of other isolated and inherited diseases. The two ways that the ER machinery can malfunction is. either by loss of coupling to ER export of the proteins leading to degradation, or by the ER accumulation of these defective/misfolded proteins [Aridor M, et al, Nature Med!, 5(7), pp 745- 751 (1999); Shastry, B.S., et al, Neurochem. International, 43, pp 1-7 (2003); Rutishauser, J., et al, Swiss Med WkIy, 132, pp 211-222 (2002); Morello, JP et al, TIPS, 21, pp. 466- 469 (2000); Bross P., et al, Human Mut, 14, pp. 186-198 (1999)]. The diseases associated with the first class of ER malfunction are cystic fibrosis (due to misfolded ΔF508-CFTR as discussed above), hereditary emphysema (due to al -antitrypsin; non Piz variants), hereditary hemochromatosis, hoagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses (due to lysosomal processing enzymes), Sandhof/Tay-Sachs (due to β- hexosaminidase), Crigler-Najjar type II (due to UDP-glucuronyl-sialyc-transferase), polyendocrinopathy/hyperiήsulemia, Diabetes mellitus (due to insulin receptor), Laron dwarfism (due to growth hormone receptor), myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism (due to preproparathyroid hormone), melanoma (due to tyrosinase). The diseases associated with the latter class of ER malfunction are Glycanosis CDG type 1, hereditary emphysema (due to αl -Antitrypsin (PiZ variant), congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta (due to Type I, II, IV procollagen), hereditary hypofibrinogenemia (due to fibrinogen), ACT deficiency (due to αl-antichymotrypsin), Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI (due to vasopvessin hormone/V2 -receptor), neprogenic DI (due to aquaporin II), Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome (due to peripheral myelin protein 22), Perlizaeus- Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease ( due to βAPP and presenilins), Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease (due to lysosomal α-galactosidase A) and Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (due to Prp processing defect). [014] In addition to up-regulation of CFTR activity, reducing anion secretion by CFTR modulators may be beneficial for the treatment of secretory diarrheas, in which epithelial water transport is dramatically increased as a result of secretagogue activated chloride transport. The mechanism involves elevation of cAMP and stimulation of CFTR. [015] Although there are numerous causes of diarrhea, the major consequences of diarrheal diseases, resulting from excessive chloride transport are common to all, and include dehydration, acidosis, impaired growth and death. [016] Acute and chronic diarrheas represent a major medical problem in many areas of the world. Diarrhea is both a significant factor in malnutrition and the leading cause of death (5,000,000 deaths/year) in children less than five years old. [017] Secretory diarrheas are also a dangerous condition in patients of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 16 million travelers to developing countries from industrialized nations every year develop diarrhea, with the severity and number of cases of diarrhea varying depending on the country and area of travel. [018] Diarrhea in barn animals and pets such as cows, pigs and horses, sheep, goats, cats and dogs, also known as scours, is a major cause of death in these animals. Diarrhea can result from any major transition, such as weaning or physical movement, as well as in response to a variety of bacterial or viral infections and generally occurs within the first few hours of the animal's life. [019] The most common diarrheal causing bacteria is enterotoxogenic E.coli (ETEC) having the K99 pilus antigen. Common viral causes of diarrhea include rotavirus and coronavirus. Other infectious agents include Cryptosporidium, giardia lamblia, and salmonella, among others. [020] Symptoms of rotaviral infection include excretion of watery feces, dehydration and weakness. Coronavirus causes a more severe illness in the newborn animals, and has a higher mortality rate than rotaviral infection. Often, however, a young animal may be infected with more than one virus or with a combination of viral and bacterial microorganisms at one time. This dramatically increases the severity of the disease. [021] Accordingly, there is a need for modulators of an ABC transporter activity, and compositions thereof, that can be used to modulate the activity of the ABC transporter in the cell membrane of a mammal. [022] There is a need for methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators of ABC transporter activity. [023] There is a need for methods of modulating an ABC transporter activity in an ex vivo cell membrane of a mammal. [024] There is a need for modulators of CFTR activity that can be used to modulate the activity of CFTR in the cell membrane of a mammal. [025] There is a need for methods of treating CFTR-mediated diseases using such modulators of CFTR activity. [026] There is a need for methods of modulating CFTR activity in an ex vivo cell membrane of a mammal. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [027] It has now been found that compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ABC transporter activity. These compounds have the general formula I:

I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and Ar¹ are described generally and in classes and subclasses below. [028] These compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a variety of diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, Hereditary emphysema, Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism, Melanoma, Glycanosis CDG type 1, Hereditary emphysema, Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophyseal DI, Neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler- Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, and Sjogren's disease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [029] /. General Description of Compounds of the Invention: [030] The present invention relates to compounds of formula I useful as modulators of ABC transporter activity:

I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Ar¹ is a 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a 5-12 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, aromatic, partially unsaturated, or saturated ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein Ar¹ has m substituents, each independently selected from -WR^W; W is a bond or is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of W are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^w is independently R', halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; m is 0-5; each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is indendently -X-R^x; X is a bond or is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of X are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-; R^xis independently R⁵, halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; R⁶ is hydrogen, CF₃, -OR', -SR', or an optionally substituted C_1-6 aliphatic group; R⁷ is hydrogen or a C_1-6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with — X-R^x; R' is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from a C_1-C₈ aliphatic group, a 3-8-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated bicyclic ring system having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or two occurrences of R are taken together with the atom(s) to which they are bound to form an optionally substituted 3-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. [031] In certain other embodiments, compounds of formula I are provided:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Ar¹ is a 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a 5-12 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, aromatic, partially unsaturated, or saturated ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein Ar has m substituents each independently selected from — WR ^w; W is a bond or is an optionally substituted Ci-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of W are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR⁹CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, -NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-; R^w is independently R', halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; m is 0-5; each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently -X-R^x; X is a bond or is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of X are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR⁵-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR⁵NR⁵, - NR'NR'CO-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR⁵-, -SO₂NR'-, NR³SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^xis independently R⁵, halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; R⁶ is hydrogen, CF₃, -OR⁵, -SR', or an optionally substituted C1-C8 aliphatic group; R is hydrogen or a C1-C6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with -X-R ; R' is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from a C_1-C₈ aliphatic group, a 3-8-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated bicyclic ring system having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or two occurrences of R are taken together with the atom(s) to which they are bound to form an optionally substituted 3-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; provided that: i) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not phenyl, 2- methoxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2- bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 2,4-dinitrophenyl, 3,5-dicarboxylic acid phenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2-ethylphenyl, 3-nitro-4-methylphenyl, 3- carboxylic-acid phenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3- ethoxyphenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 2-ethylphenyl, or 4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl; ii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is methoxy, then Ar¹ is not 2- fluorophenyl or 3 -fluorophenyl; iii) when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-l-yl- sulfonyl, then Ar¹ is not 3-trifluoromethylphenyl; iv) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R⁶ is methyl, then Ar¹ is not phenyl; v) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² and R³, taken together, are methylenedioxy, then Ar¹ is not 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, A- carboethoxyphenyl, 6-ethoxy-benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-carboethoxy-benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-halo- benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-nitro-benzothiazol-2-yl, or 6-thiocyano-benzothiazol-2-yl. vi) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² and R³, taken together, are methylenedioxy, then Ar¹ is not 4-substituted phenyl wherein said substituent is -SO₂NHR^XX, wherein R^xx is 2-pyridinyl, 4-methyl-2-pyrimidinyl, 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl; vii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not thiazol-2-yl, IH- l,2,4-triazol-3-yl, or lH-l,3,4-triazol-2-yl; viii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is CF₃, OMe, chloro, SCF₃, or OCF₃, then Ar¹ is not 5-methyl-l,2-oxazol-3-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 4-fluorophenyl, pyrimidin-2-yl, 1- methyl-l,2-(7/i)-pyrazol~5-yl, pyridine-2-yl, phenyl, N-methyl-imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-2-yl, 5- methyl-imidazol-2-yl, l,3-oxazol-2-yl, or l,3,5-(7H)-triazol-2-yl; ix) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not pyrimidin-2-yl, 4,6-dimethyl-pyrirnidin-2-yl, 4-methoxy-6-methyl-l ,3,5-triazin-2-yl; 5-bromo-pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-2-yl, or 3,5-dichloro-pyridin-2-yl; x) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁷ each is hydrogen, R⁶ is hydroxy, then Ar¹ is not 2,6- dichloro-4-aminosulfonyl-phenyl; xi) when R or R is an optionally substituted N-piperazyl, N-piperidyl, or N- morpholinyl, then Ar¹ is not an optionally substituted ring selected from thiazol-2-yl, pyridyl, phenyl, thiadiazolyl, benzothiazol-2-yl, or indazolyl; xii) when R² is optionally substituted cyclohexylamino, then Ar¹ is not optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, or thiadiazolyl; xiii) Ar¹ is not optionally substituted tetrazolyl; xiv) when R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R¹ and R³ both are simultaneously CF₃, chloro, methyl, or methoxy, then Ar¹ is not 4,5-dihydro-l,3-thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, or [3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-iH-pyrazol-l-yl]phenyl; xv) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and Ar¹ is thiazol-2-yl, then neither R² nor R³ is isopropyl, chloro, or CF₃; xvi) when Ar¹ is 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, phenyl, or 3-chlorophenyl, then: a) when R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R³ is not methoxy; or b) when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R² is not chloro; or c) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R⁴ is not methoxy; or d) when when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R⁵ is ethyl, then R² is not chloro; e) when R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R³ is not chloro; xvi) when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R² is CF₃ or OCF₃, then Ar¹ is not [3 ,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-iH^"-pyrazol- 1 -yl]phenyl; xvii) when R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R3 is hydrogen or CF3, then ArI is not a phenyl substituted with -OCH₂CH₂Ph, -OCH₂CH₂(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl), - OCH₂CH₂-(6,7-dimethoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl), or substituted lH-pyrazol-3-yl; and xviii) the following two compounds are excluded:

and

[032] 2. Compounds and Definitions: [033] Compounds of this invention include those described generally above, and are further illustrated by the classes, subclasses, and species disclosed herein. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise indicated. [034] The term "ABC-transporter" as used herein means an ABC-transporter protein or a fragment thereof comprising at least one binding domain, wherein said protein or fragment thereof is present in vivo or in vitro. The term "binding domain" as used herein means a domain on the ABC-transporter that can bind to a modulator. See, e.g., Hwang, T. C. et al., J. Gen. Physiol. (1998): 111(3), 477-90. [035] The term "CFTR" as used herein means cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator or a mutation thereof capable of regulator activity, including, but not limited to, ΔF508 CFTR and G551D CFTR (see, e.g., http://www.genet.sickkids.on.ca/cftr/, for CFTR mutations). [036] The term "modulating" as used herein means increasing or decreasing by a measurable amount. [037] For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75^th Ed. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry are described in "Organic Chemistry", Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito: 1999, and "March's Advanced Organic Chemistry", 5^th Ed., Ed.: Smith, M.B. and March, J., John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. [038] As described herein, compounds of the invention may optionally be substituted with one or more substituents, such as are illustrated generally above, or as exemplified by particular classes, subclasses, and species of the invention. It will be appreciated that the phrase "optionally substituted" is used interchangeably with the phrase "substituted or unsubstituted." In general, the term "substituted", whether preceded by the term "optionally" or not, refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent. Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent may be either the same or different at every position. Combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. The term "stable", as used herein, refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production, detection, and preferably their recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature of 4O⁰C or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week. [039] The term "aliphatic" or "aliphatic group", as used herein, means a straight-chain (i.e., unbranched) or branched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, or a monocyclic hydrocarbon or bicyclic hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic (also referred to herein as "carbocycle" "cycloaliphatic" or "cycloalkyl"), that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule. Unless otherwise specified, aliphatic groups contain 1-20 aliphatic carbon atoms. In some embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-10 aliphatic carbon atoms. In other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-8 aliphatic carbon atoms. In still other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-6 aliphatic carbon atoms, and in yet other embodiments aliphatic groups contain 1-4 aliphatic carbon atoms. In some embodiments, "cycloaliphatic" (or "carbocycle" or "cycloalkyl") refers to a monocyclic C₃-C₈ hydrocarbon or bicyclic or tricyclic Cg-Ci₄ hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic, that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule wherein any individual ring in said bicyclic ring system has 3-7 members. Suitable aliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl groups and hybrids thereof such as (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (cycloalkenyl)alkyl or (cycloalkyl)alkenyl. Suitable cycloaliphatic groups include cycloalkyl, bicyclic cycloalkyl (e.g., decalin), bridged bicycloalkyl such as norbomyl or [2.2.2]bicyclo- octyl, or bridged tricyclic such as adamantyl. [040] The term "heteroaliphatic", as used herein, means aliphatic groups wherein one or two carbon atoms are independently replaced by one or more of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or silicon. Heteroaliphatic groups may be substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched, cyclic or acyclic, and include "heterocycle", "heterocyclyl", "heterocycloaliphatic", or "heterocyclic" groups. [041] The term "heterocycle", "heterocyclyl", "heterocycloaliphatic", or "heterocyclic" as used herein means non-aromatic, monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring systems in which one or more ring members is an independently selected heteroatom. In some embodiments, the "heterocycle", "heterocyclyl", "heterocycloaliphatic", or "heterocyclic" group has three to fourteen ring members in which one or more ring members is a heteroatom independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorus, and each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. [042] The term "heteroatom" means one or more of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or silicon (including, any oxidized form of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or silicon; the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen or; a substitutable nitrogen of a heterocyclic ring, for example N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2i/-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl) or NR⁺ (as in N- substituted pyrrolidinyl)). [043] The term "unsaturated", as used herein, means that a moiety has one or more units of unsaturation. [044] The term "alkoxy", or "thioalkyl", as used herein, refers to an alkyl group, as previously defined, attached to the principal carbon chain through an oxygen ("alkoxy") or sulfur ("thioalkyl") atom. [045] The terms "haloaliphatic" and "haloalkoxy" means aliphatic or alkoxy, as the case may be, substituted with one or more halo atoms. The term "halogen" or "halo" means F, Cl, Br, or I. Examples of haloaliphatic incude -CHF₂, -CH₂F, -CF₃, -CF₂-, or perhaloalkyl, such as, -CF₂CF₃. [046] The term "aryl" used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in "aralkyl", "aralkoxy", or "aryloxyalkyl", refers to monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members, wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. The term "aryl" may be used interchangeably with the term "aryl ring". The term "aryl" also refers to heteroaryl ring systems as defined hereinbelow. [047] The term "heteroaryl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in "heteroaralkyl" or "heteroarylalkoxy", refers to monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members, wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic, at least one ring in the system contains one or more heteroatoms, and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. The term "heteroaryl" may be used interchangeably with the term "heteroaryl ring" or the term "heteroaromatic". [048] An aryl (including aralkyl, aralkoxy, aryloxyalkyl and the like) or heteroaryl (including heteroaralkyl and heteroarylalkoxy and the like) group may contain one or more substituents. Suitable substituents on the unsaturated carbon atom of an aryl or heteroaryl group are selected from halo; -R°-; -OR°; -SR°; 1,2-methylene-dioxy; 1,2-ethylenedioxy; phenyl (Ph) optionally substituted with R⁰; -O(Ph) optionally substituted with R⁰; -(CH₂)_!. ₂(Ph), optionally substituted with R⁰; -CH=CH(Ph), optionally substituted with R⁰; -NO₂; -CN; -N(R°)₂; -NR⁰C(O)R⁰; -NR°C(O)N(R°)₂; -NR⁰CO₂R⁰; -NR⁰NR⁰C(O)R⁰; - NR°NR°C(O)N(R°)₂; -NR⁰NR⁰CO₂R⁰; -C(O)C(O)R⁰; -C(O)CH₂C(O)R⁰; -CO₂R⁰; -C(O)R⁰; - C(O)N(R°)₂; -OC(O)N(R°)₂; -S(O)₂R⁰; -SO₂N(R°)₂; -S(O)R⁰; -NR°SO₂N(R°)₂; -NR⁰SO₂R⁰; -C(=S)N(R°)₂; -C(=NH)-N(R°)₂; or -(CH₂)_0-2NHC(O)R° wherein each independent occurrence of R° is selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted C_1-6 aliphatic, an unsubstituted 5-6 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, phenyl, -O(Ph), or -CH₂(Ph), or, notwithstanding the definition above, two independent occurrences of R⁰, on the same substituent or different substituents, taken together with the atom(s) to which each R° group is bound, form a 3-8- membered cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Optional substituents on the aliphatic group of R° are selected from NH₂, NH(Ci_₄aliphatic), N(Ci_₄aliphatic)₂, halo, Ci ^aliphatic, OH, O(Ci_-4aliphatic), NO₂, CN, CO₂H, CO₂(C i_₄aliphatic), O(haloC_M aliphatic), or haloCi. ₄aliphatic, wherein each of the foregoing Ci_-4aliphatic groups of R° is unsubstituted. [049] An aliphatic or heteroaliphatic group, or a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring may contain one or more substituents. Suitable substituents on the saturated carbon of an aliphatic or heteroaliphatic group, or of a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring are selected from those listed above for the unsaturated carbon of an aryl or heteroaryl group and additionally include the following: =O, =S, =NNHR^*, =NN(R^*)₂, -NNHC(O)R^*, =NNHCO₂(alkyl), =NNHSO₂(alkyl), or =NR , where each R is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted Ci_-6 aliphatic. Optional substituents on the aliphatic group of R are selected from NH₂, NH(Ci_-4 aliphatic), N(C_M aliphatic)₂, halo, C_M aliphatic, OH, O(C_M aliphatic), NO₂, CN, CO₂H, CO₂(C_1-4 aliphatic), O(halo Ci_-4 aliphatic), or halo(C_1-4 aliphatic), wherein each of the foregoing C_1-4aliphatic groups of R^* is unsubstituted. [050] Optional substituents on the nitrogen of a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring are selected from -R⁺, -N(R⁺)₂, -C(O)R⁺, -CO₂R⁺, -C(O)C(O)R⁺, -C(O)CH₂C(O)R⁺, -SO₂R⁺, -SO₂N(R⁺)₂, -C(=S)N(R⁺)₂, -C(=NH)-N(R⁺)₂, or -NR⁺SO₂R⁺; wherein R⁺ is hydrogen, an optionally substituted C_1-6 aliphatic, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted -O(Ph), optionally substituted -CH₂(Ph), optionally substituted -(CH₂)_1-2(Ph); optionally substituted -CH=CH(Ph); or an unsubstituted 5-6 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring having one to four heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, or, notwithstanding the definition above, two independent occurrences of R⁺, on the same substituent or different substituents, taken together with the atom(s) to which each R⁺ group is bound, form a 3-8-membered cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Optional substituents on the aliphatic group or the phenyl ring of R⁺ are selected from NH₂, NH(C_1-4 aliphatic), N(C_1-4 aliρhatic)₂, halo, C_1-4 aliphatic, OH, 0(Ci_-4 aliphatic), NO₂, CN, CO₂H, CO₂(Ci_-4 aliphatic), O(halo C_1-4 aliphatic), or ImIo(C_1-4 aliphatic), wherein each of the foregoing C_1-4aliphatic groups ofR⁺ is unsubstituted. [051] The term "alkylidene chain" refers to a straight or branched carbon chain that may be fully saturated or have one or more units of unsaturation and has two points of attachment to the rest of the molecule. The term "spirocycloalkylidene" refers to a carbocyclic ring that may be fully saturated or have one or more units of unsaturation and has two points of attachment from the same ring carbon atom to the rest of the molecule. [052] As detailed above, in some embodiments, two independent occurrences of R⁰ (or R⁺, or any other variable similarly defined herein), are taken together together with the atom(s) to which each variable is bound to form a 3-8-membered cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Exemplary rings that are formed when two independent occurrences of R⁰ (or R⁺, or any other variable similarly defined herein) are taken together with the atom(s) to which each variable is bound include, but are not limited to the following: a) two independent occurrences of R⁰ (or R , or any other variable similarly defined herein) that are bound to the same atom and are taken together with that atom to form a ring, for example, N(R°)₂, where both occurrences of R⁰ are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a piperidin-1-yl, piperazin- 1-yl, or morpholin-4-yl group; and b) two independent occurrences of R⁰ (or R⁺, or any other variable similarly defined herein) that are bound to different atoms and are taken together with both of those atoms to form a ring, for example where a phenyl group is substituted with two

occurrences of

these two occurrences of R⁰ are taken together with the oxygen atoms to which they are bound to form a fused 6-membered oxygen containing ring:

It will be appreciated that a variety of other rings can be formed when two independent occurrences of R⁰ (or R⁺, or any other variable similarly defined herein) are taken together with the atom(s) to which each variable is bound and that the examples detailed above are not intended to be limiting. [053] A substituent bond in, e.g., a bicyclic ring system, as shown below, means that the substituent can be attached to any substitutable ring atom on either ring of the bicyclic ring system:

[054] Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention. E.g., when R⁵ in compounds of formula I is hydrogen, compounds of formula I may exist as tautomers:

I I Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools or probes in biological assays.

[055] 3. Description ofExemplaiy Compounds: [056] In some embodiments of the present invention, Ar¹ is selected from:

a-i a-ii; wherein ring A₁ 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or A₁ and A₂, together, is an 8-14 aromatic, bicyclic or tricyclic aryl ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. [057] In some embodiments, Ai is an optionally substituted 6 membered aromatic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms, wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen. In some embodiments, Ai is an optionally substituted phenyl. Or, Ai is an optionally substituted pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl or triazinyl. Or, Ai is an optionally substituted pyrazinyl or triazinyl. Or, Ai is an optionally substituted pyridyl. [058] In some embodiments, Aj is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms, wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. In some embodiments, Ai is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic ring having 1-2 nitrogen atoms. In one embodiment, Ai is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic ring other than thiazolyl. [059] In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted 6 membered aromatic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms, wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen. In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted phenyl. Or, A₂ is an optionally substituted pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, or triazinyl. [060] In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms, wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic ring having 1-2 nitrogen atoms. In certain embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted pyrrolyl. [061] In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-7 membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring having 1-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. Exemplary such rings include piperidyl, piperazyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, etc. [062] In some embodiments, A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-10 membered saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic ring. In one embodiment, A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-10 membered saturated carbocyclic ring. Exemplary such rings include cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, etc. [063] In some embodiments, ring A₂ is selected from:

U IU IV _/O (WR^w)_m (WR^w)_m

V vi vii viii

_o (WR^w)_m

IX Xl xii

XlU XlV XV xvi

xvii XVJUl XlX

XX XXl xxii xxiii

XXlV XXV XXVl xxviii

xxix xxx xxxi xxxn; wherein ring A₂ is fused to ring Aj through two adjacent ring atoms. [064] In other embodiments, W is a bond or is an optionally substituted Ci_-6 alkylidene chain wherein one or two methylene units are optionally and independently replaced by O, NR', S, SO, SO₂, or COO, CO, SO₂NR', NR⁵SO₂, C(O)NR', NR'C(O), OC(O), OC(O)NR', and R^w is R' or halo. In still other embodiments, each occurrence of WR ^w is independently -C 1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 perhaloalkyl, -0(Cl-C3alkyl), -CF₃, -OCF₃, -SCF₃, -F, - Cl, -Br, or -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R)(R'), -0(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -CON(R)(R'), - (CH₂)₂θR', -(CH₂)OR', optionally substituted monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring, optionally substituted arylsulfone, optionally substituted 5-membered heteroaryl ring, -N(R')(R'), - (CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or -(CH₂)N(RO(R'). [065] In some embodiments, m is O. Or, m is 1. Or, m is 2. In some embodiments, m is 3. In yet other embodiments, m is 4. [066] In one embodiment, R⁵ is X-R^x. In some embodiments R⁵ is hydrogen. Or, R⁵ is an optionally substituted C_1-8 aliphatic group. In some embodiments, R⁵ is optionally substituted C_1-4 aliphatic. Or, R⁵ is benzyl. [067] In some embodiments R⁶ is hydrogen. Or, R⁶ is an optionally substituted Ci_-8 aliphatic group. In some embodiments, R⁶ is optionally substituted C_1-4 aliphatic. In certain other embodiments, R is -(0-C_1-4 aliphatic) or -(S-C_1-4 aliphatic). Preferably, R⁶ is -OMe or - SMe. In certain other embodiments, R₆ is CF₃. [068] In one embodiment of the present invention, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are simultaneously hydrogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ and R⁷ are both simultaneously hydrogen. [069] In another embodiment of the present invention, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are simultaneously hydrogen. In another embodiment of the present invention, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are simultaneously hydrogen. [070] In another embodiment of the present invention, R" is X-R , wherein X is - SO₂NR'-, and R^x is R'; i.e., R² is -SO₂N(R')₂. In one embodiment, the two R' therein taken together form an optionally substituted 5-7 membered ring with 0-3 additional heteroatoms selected froni nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Or, R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are simultaneously hydrogen, and R² is SO₂N(R')₂. [071] In some embodiments, X is a bond or is an optionally substituted Ci_-6 alkylidene chain wherein one or two non-adjacent methylene units are optionally and independently replaced by O, NR', S, SO₂, or COO, CO, and R^x is R' or halo. In still other embodiments, each occurrence of XR^X is independently -Ci_-3alkyl, -O(Ci_-3alkyl), -CF₃, -OCF₃, -SCF₃, -F, - Cl, -Br, OH, -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -CON(R')(R'), - (CH₂)₂OR', -(CH₂)OR', optionally substituted phenyl, -N(R')(R'), -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or - (CH₂)N(R')(R'). [072] In some embodiments, R⁷ is hydrogen. In certain other embodiment, R⁷ is C_1-4 straight or branched aliphatic. [073] In some embodiments, R^w is selected from halo, cyano, CF₃, CHF₂, OCHF₂, Me, Et, CH(Me)₂, CHMeEt, n-propyl, t-butyl, OMe, OEt, OPh, O-fluorophenyl, O- difluorophenyl, O-methoxyphenyl, O-tolyl, O-benzyl, SMe, SCF₃, SCHF₂, SEt, CH₂CN, NH₂, NHMe, N(Me)₂, NHEt, N(Et)₂, C(O)CH₃, C(O)Ph, C(O)NH₂, SPh, SO₂-(amino-pyridyl), SO₂NH₂, SO₂Ph, SO₂NHPh, SO₂-N-morpholino, SO₂-N-ρyrrolidyl, N-pyrrolyl, N-morpholino, 1-piperidyl, phenyl, benzyl, (cyclohexyl-methylammo)methyl, 4-Methyl-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3- one-2-yl, benzimidazol-2yl, furan-2-yl, 4-methyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl, 3-(4'-chlorophenyl)- [l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl, NHC(O)Me, NHC(O)Et, NHC(O)Ph, NHSO₂Me, 2-indolyl, 5-indolyl, - CH₂CH₂OH, -OCF₃, O-(2,3-dimethylphenyl), 5-methylfuryl, -SO₂-N-piperidyl, 2-tolyl, 3-tolyl, 4-tolyl, O-butyl, NHCO₂C(Me)₃, CO₂C(Me)₃, isopropenyl, n-butyl, 0-(2,4-dichlorophenyl), NHSO₂PhMe, O-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-2-ρyridyl), phenylhydroxymethyl, 2,5- dimethylpyrrolyl, NHCOCH₂C(Me)₃, 0-(2-tert-butyl)phenyl, 2,3-dimethylphenyl, 3,4- dimethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethyl phenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3- trifluoromethylphenyl, 4- trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-cyanomethylphenyl, 4-isobutylphenyl, 3- pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 3-isoproρylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyρhenyl, 4.-methoxyphenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, 3-ethoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 2-methylthiophenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,6- dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl, 2-OCF₃-phenyl, 3- trifluoromethoxy-phenyl, 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 2- fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl, 2,4-dimethoxy-5-pyrimidyl, 5-isopropyl-2-methoxyphenyl, 2- fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5- difluorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,3- dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 3-methoxycarbonylphenyl, 4- methoxycarbonyl phenyl, 3-isopropyloxycarbonylphenyl, 3-acetamidophenyl, 4-fluoro-3- methylphenyl, 4-methanesulfinyl-phenyl, 4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl, 4-N-(2-N,N- dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoylphenyl, 5-acetyl-2-thienyl, 2-benzothienyl, 3-benzothienyl, furan- 3-yl, 4-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-cyano-2-thienyl, N' -phenyl carbonyl-N-piperazinyl, -NHCO₂Et, - NHCO₂Me, N-pyrrolidinyl, -NHSO₂(CH₂)₂N-piperidine, -NHSO₂(CH₂)₂N-morpholine, - NHSO₂(CH₂)₂N(Me)₂, COCH₂N(Me)COCH₂NHMe, -CO₂Et, O-propyl, - CH₂CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, hydroxy, aminomethyl, pentyl, adamantyl, cyclopentyl, ethoxyethyl, C(Me)₂CH₂OH, C(Me)₂CO₂Et, -CHOHMe, CH₂CO₂Et, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, O(CH₂)₂OEt, O(CH₂)₂OH, CO₂Me, hydroxymethyl, , 1 -methyl- 1-cyclohexyl, 1 -methyl- 1- cyclooctyl, 1 -methyl- 1-cycloheptyl, C(Et)₂C(Me)₃, C(Et)₃, CONHCH₂CH(Me)₂, 2-aminomethyl- phenyl, ethenyl, 1-piperidinylcarbonyl, ethynyl, cyclohexyl, 4-methylpiperidinyl, -OCO₂Me, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂CH(Me)₂, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, .C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂Et, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂Me, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂C(Me)₃, -CH₂NHCOCF₃, -CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂(CH₂)₃CH₃, C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂(CH₂)₂OMe, C(OH) (CF₃)₂, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂-tetrahydrofurane-3-yl, C(Me)₂CH₂O(CH₂)₂OMe, or 3-ethyl-2,6- dioxopiperidin-3-yl. [074] In one embodiment, R' is hydrogen. [075] In one embodiment, R' is a C1-C8 aliphatic group, optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, OCF₃, or OCHF₂, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C8 aliphatic is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONH(C 1-C4 alkyl)-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -N(C1-C4 alkyl)CO₂-, -0-, -N(C1-C4 alkyl)CON(Cl-C4 alkyl)-, -0C0N(Cl-C4 alkyl)-, -N(C1-C4 alkyl)CO-, -S-, -N(C1-C4 alkyl)-, -SO₂N(C1-C4 alkyl)-, N(C1-C4 alkyl)SO₂-, or -N(C1-C4 alkyl)SO₂N(Cl-C4 alkyl)-. [076] In one embodiment, R' is a 3-8 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein R' is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, OCF₃, OCHF₂, or C1-C6 alkyl, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONH(C 1-C4 alkyl)-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -N(C1-C4 alkyl)CO₂-, -0-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CON(Cl-C4 alkyl)-, -OCON(Cl- C4 alkyl)-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CO-, -S-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)-, -SO₂N(C 1-C4 alkyl)-, N(C1-C4 alkyl)SO₂-, or -N(Cl -C4 alkyl) S O₂N(C 1-C4 alkyl)-. [077] In one embodiment, R' is an 8-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated bicyclic ring system having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; wherein R' is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, OCF₃, OCHF₂, or C1-C6 alkyl, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONH(C1-C4 alkyl)-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CO₂-, -O-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CON(Cl-C4 alkyl)-, -OCON(Cl- C4 alkyl)-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CO-, -S-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)-, -SO₂N(C1-C4 alkyl)-, N(Cl-CM alkyl)SO₂-, or -N(Cl-CM alkyl) S O₂N(C 1-C4 alkyl)-. [078] In one embodiment, two occurrences of R' are taken together with the atom(s) to which they are bound to form an optionally substituted 3-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein R' is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, OCF₃, OCHF₂, or C1-C6 alkyl, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, - CONH(C1-C4 alkyl)-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CO₂-, -0-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)C0N(Cl-C4 alkyl)-, -OCON(C1-C4 alkyl)-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)CO-, -S-, -N(Cl-CM alkyl)-, -SO₂N(C1-C4 alkyl)-, N(Cl-CM alkyl)SO₂-, or -N(Cl-CM alkyl)SO₂N(Cl-C4 alkyl)-. [079] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula HA or formula HB:

IIA HB [080] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula HIA, formula IHB, formula IIIC, formula HID, or formula HIE:

IHA

IHB IIIC

IHD HIE wherein each OfX₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from CH or N; and X₆ is O, S, orNR'. [081] In one embodiment, compounds of formula IHA, formula HIB, formula IIIC, formula HID, or formula IHE have y occurrences of substituent X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [082] In some embodiments of formula HIA, X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ taken together with WR^W and m is optionally substituted phenyl. [083] In some embodiments of formula IHA, Xi, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ taken together is an optionally substituted ring selected from:

a-vi a-vn a-viii a-ix a-x

a-xi a-xu a-xui a-xiv a-xv a-xvi

a-xvii a-xviii a-xix a-xx a-xxi

a-xxu a-xxm a-xxiv a-xxv

[084] In some embodiments of formula IHB, formula IHC, formula HID, or formula HIE, X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, or X₆, taken together with ring A₂ is an optionally substituted ring ^' selected from:

b-i b-ii b-iii b-iv b-v

b-xvi b-xvii b-xviϋ b-xix b-xx

bxxxi b-xxxii b-xxxiϋ b-xxxiv

b-xxxv b-xxxvi b-xxxvii

b-xxxviii bxxxix b-xL b-xLi b-xLii

b-xLviii

b-Lix b-Lx b-Lxi b-Lxϋ

b-Lxvii b-Lxviii b-Lxix b-Lxx

b-Lxxi b-Lxxii b-Lxxiii b-Lxxiv

b-Lxxv b-Lxxvi b-Lxxvii b-Lxxviii

b-Lxxix b-Lxxx b-Lxxxi b-Lxxxii

b-Lxxxv b-Lxxxvi

b-Lxxxviii b-Lxxxix

b-xCi

b-xCi b-xCii b-xCiii b-xCiv

b-xCv b-xCvi b-xCvii b-xCviii

b-xCix b-C b-Ci b-Cii. [085] In some embodiments, R^w is selected from halo, cyano, CF₃, CHF₂, OCHF₂, Me, Et, CH(Me)₂, CHMeEt, n-propyl, t-butyl, OMe, OEt, OPh, O-fluorophenyl, O- difluorophenyl, O-methoxyphenyl, O-tolyl, O-benzyl, SMe, SCF₃, SCHF₂, SEt, CH₂CN, NH₂, NHMe, N(Me)₂, NHEt, N(Et)₂, C(O)CH₃, C(O)Ph, C(O)NH₂, SPh, SO₂-(amino-pyridyl), SO₂NH₂, SO₂Ph, SO₂NHPh, SO₂-N-morpholino, SO₂-N-pyrrolidyl, N-pyrrolyl, N- morpholino, 1-piperidyl, phenyl, benzyl, (cyclohexyl-methylamino)methyl, 4-Methyl-2,4- dihydro-pyrazol-3-one-2-yl, benzimidazol-2yl, furan-2-yl, 4-methyl-4H-[l,2,4]triazol-3-yl, 3- (4'-chlorophenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl, NHC(O)Me, NHC(O)Et, NHC(O)Ph, Or NHSO₂Me [086] In some embodiments, X and R^x, taken together, is Me, Et, halo, CN, CE₃, OH, OMe, OEt, SO₂N(Me)(fluoroρhenyl), SO₂-(4-methyl-piρeridin-l-yl, or S0₂-N-pyrrolidinyl. [087] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula IVA, formula IVB, or formula IVC:

IVA

IVB IVC [088] In one embodiment compounds of formula IVA, formula IVB, and formula IVC have y occurrences of substituent X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [089] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula IVA, formula IVB, and formula IVC, wherein X is a bond and R is hydrogen. [090] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula formula IVB, and formula IVC, wherein ring A₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic seven membered ring with 0-3 hetero atoms selected from O, S, or N. Exemplary rings include azepanyl, 5, 5 -dimethyl azepanyl, etc. [091] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula IVB and IVC, wherein ring A₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic six membered ring with 0-3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N. Exemplary rings include piperidinyl, 4,4-dimethylpiperidinyl, etc. [092] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula IVB and IVC, wherein ring A₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic five membered ring with 0-3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N. [093] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula IVB and IVC, wherein ring A₂ is an optionally substituted five membered ring with one nitrogen atom, e.g., pyrrolyl or pyrrolidinyl. [094] According to one embodiment of formula IVA, the following compound of formula VA-I is provided:

VA-I wherein each of WR W2 a _n. d W mRW4 i ^■s independently selected from hydrogen, CN, CF₃, halo, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, 3-12 membered cycloaliphatic, phenyl, C5-C10 heteroaryl or C3-C7 heterocyclic, wherein said heteroaryl or heterocyclic has up to 3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, wherein said WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently and optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from -OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, SR', S(O)R', SO₂R', -SCF₃, halo, CN, -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), - CON(R'XR'), -(CH₂)₂OR', -(CH₂)OR', CH₂CN, optionally substituted phenyl or phenoxy, - N(R')(R'), -NR⁵C(O)OR', -NR⁵C(O)R', -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R⁵), or -(CH₂)N(R')(R⁵); and WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, -OH, NH₂, CN, CHF₂, NHR', N(R')₂, -NHC(O)R⁵, -NHC(O)OR⁵, NHSO₂R⁵, -OR⁵, CH₂OH, CH2N(R')₂, C(O)OR', SO₂NHR', SO₂N(R')₂, or CH₂NHC(O)OR'. Or, WR ^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form a 5-7 membered ring containing 0-3 three heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S, wherein said ring is optionally substituted with up to three WR^W substituents. [095] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-I have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. [096] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula VA- 1, wherein X is a bond and R^x is hydrogen. [097] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula VA- 1, wherein: each of WR ^W2 and WR ^W4 is independently selected from hydrogen, CN, CF₃, halo, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, 3-12 membered cycloaliphatic, or phenyl, wherein said WR ^W2 and WR ^w4 is independently and optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from -OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, -SCF₃, halo, -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), - O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -CON(R¹XR'), -(CH₂)₂OR\ -(CH₂)OR', optionally substituted phenyl, - N(R')(R'), -NC(O)OR', -NC(O)R', -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or -(CH₂)N(R')(R'); and WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, -OH, NH₂, CN, NHR', N(R')₂, -NHC(O)R', - NHC(O)OR', NHSO₂R', -OR', CH₂OH, C(O)OR', SO₂NHR', or CH₂NHC(O)O-(R'). [098] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula VA- 1, wherein: WR is a pheny ring optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from — OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, SR', S(O)R', SO₂R', -SCF₃, halo, CN, -COOR', -COR', - O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -C0N(R')(R'), -(CH₂)₂OR\ -(CH₂)OR', CH₂CN, ^• optionally substituted phenyl or phenoxy, -N(R')(R'), -NR⁵C(O)OR', -NR⁵C(O)R', - (CH₂)₂N(R')(R⁵), or -(CH₂)N(R')(R'); WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl; and WR^W5 is OH. [099] In one embodiment, each of WR^W2 and WR^w4 is independently selected from CF₃ or halo. In one embodiment, each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently selected from optionally substituted hydrogen, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl. In certain embodiments, each of of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently selected from optionally substituted n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl, l,l-dimethyl-2- (ethoxycarbonyl)-ethyl, l,l-dimethyl-3-(t-butoxycarbonyl-amino) propyl, or n-pentyl. [0100] In one embodiment, each of WR ^W2 and WR ^W4 is independently selected from optionally substituted 3-12 membered cycloaliphatic. Exemplary embodiments of such cycloaliphatic include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, norbornyl, adamaiityl, [2.2.2.]bicyclo-octyl, [2.3.1.] bicyclo-octyl, or [3.3.1]bicyclo-nonyl. [0101] In certain embodiments WR^W2 is hydrogen and WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl. In certain embodiments, WR ^W4 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, or t-butyl. [0102] In certain embodiments WR^W4 is hydrogen and WR^W2 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl. In certain embodiments, WR ^W2 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, or n-pentyl. [0103] In certain embodiments each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl. In certain embodiments, each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, or pentyl. [0104] In one embodiment, WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, CHF₂, NH₂, CN, NHR', N(R')₂, CH₂N(R')₂, -NHC(O)R', -NHC(O)OR', -OR', C(O)OR', or SO₂NHR'. Or, WR^W5 is - OR', e.g., OH. [0105] In certain embodiments, WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, NH₂, CN, CHF₂, NH(Cl-CO alkyl), N(Cl -C6 alkyl)₂, -NHC(O)(Cl-Co alkyl), -CH₂NHC(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), - NHC(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), -OH, -O(C1-C6 alkyl), C(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), CH₂O(Cl-Co alkyl), or SO₂NH₂. In another embodiment, WR^W5 is selected from -OH, OMe, NH₂, -NHMe, -N(Me)₂, -CH₂NH₂, CH₂OH, NHC(O)OMe, NHC(O)OEt, CN, CHF₂, -CH₂NHC(O)O(t-butyl), -O- (ethoxyethyl), -O-(hydroxyethyl), -C(O)OMe, or -SO₂NH₂. [0106] In one embodiment, compound of formula VA-I has one, preferably more, or more preferably all, of the following features: i) WR^W2 is hydrogen; ii) WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or monocyclic or bicyclic aliphatic; and iii) WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, CN, CHF₂, NH₂, NH(C1-C6 alkyl), N(Cl-Co alkyl)₂, -NHC(O)(C1-C6 alkyl), -NHC(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), -CH₂C(O)O(Cl-CO alkyl), -OH, -O(C1-C6 alkyl), C(O)O(C1-C6 alkyl), or SO₂NH₂. [0107] In one embodiment, compound of formula VA-I has one, preferably more, or more preferably all, of the following features: i) WR^W2 is halo, C1-C6 alkyl, CF₃, CN, or phenyl optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from C1-C4 alkyl, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), or halo; ii) WR^W4 is CF₃, halo, C1-C6 alkyl, or C6-C10 cycloaliphatic; and iii) WR^W5 is OH, NH₂, NH(Cl-Co alkyl), or N(Cl-Co alkyl). [0108] In one embodiment, X-R^x is at the 6-position of the quinolinyl ring. In certain embodiments, X-R^x taken together is C1-C6 alkyl, -O-(C1-C6 alkyl), or halo. [0109] In one embodiment, X-R^x is at the 5-position of the quinolinyl ring. In certain embodiments, X-R taken together is -OH. [0110] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula VA-I, wherein WR^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form a 5-7 membered ring containing 0-3 three heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S, wherein said ring is optionally substituted with up to three WR^W substituents. [0111] In certain embodiments, WR^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form an optionally substituted 5-7 membered saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic ring containing 0 heteroatoms. In other embodiments, WR^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form an optionally substituted 5-7 membered ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S. In certain other embodiments, WR ⁴ and WR^W5 taken together form an optionally substituted saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic 5-7 membered ring containing 1 nitrogen heteroatom. In certain other embodiments, WR^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form an optionally substituted 5-7 membered ring containing 1 oxygen heteroatom. [0112] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-A-2:

V-A-2 wherein: Y is CH₂, C(O)O, C(O), or S(O)₂; m is 0-4; and X, R^x, W, and R^w are as defined above. [0113] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-2 have y occurrences of X-R , wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0114] In one embodiment, Y is C(O). In another embodiment, Y is C(O)O. Or, Y is S(O)₂. Or, Y is CH₂. [0115] In one embodiment, m is 1 or 2. Or, m is 1. Or, m is 0. [0116] In one embodiment, W is a bond. [0117] In another embodiment, R^w is C1-C6 aliphatic, halo, CF₃, or phenyl optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or - NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. Exemplary embodiments of WR^W include methyl, ethyl, propyl, tert-butyl, or 2-ethoxyphenyl. [0118] In another embodiment, R^w in Y-R^w is C1-C6 aliphatic optionally substituted with N(R")₂, wherein R⁵⁵ is hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or two R" taken together form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring with up to 2 additional heteroatoms selected from O, S, or NR'. Exemplary such heterocyclic rings include pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, morpholinyl, or thiomorpholinyl . [0119] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-A-3:

V-A-3 wherein: Q is W; R^Q is R^w; m is 0-4; n is 0-4; and X, R^x, W, and R^w are as defined above. [0120] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-3 have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0121] In one embodiment, n is 0-2. [0122] In another embodiment, m is 0-2. In one embodiment, m is 0. In one embodiment, m is 1. Or, m is 2. [0123] In one embodiment, QR^Q taken together is halo, CF₃, OCF₃, CN, C1-C6 aliphatic, O-C1-C6 aliphatic, O-phenyl, NH(Cl-Co aliphatic), or N(Cl-Co aliphatic)₂, wherein said aliphatic and phenyl are optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, O-C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, OH, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, SOR', SO₂R', -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R⁵ above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0124] Exemplary QR^Q include methyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, hydroxymethyl, CF₃, NMe₂, CN, CH₂CN, fluoro, chloro, OEt, OMe, SMe, OCF₃, OPh, C(O)OMe, C(O)O-iPr, S(O)Me, NHC(O)Me, or S(O)₂Me. [0125] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-A-4:

V-A-4 wherein X, R^Λ, and R^w are as defined above. [0126] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-4 have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is O. Or₃ y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0127] In one embodiment, R^w is C1-C12 aliphatic, C5-C10 cycloaliphatic, or C5-C7 heterocyclic ring, wherein said aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, oxo, OH, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR'SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is Cl-C4 alkyl. [0128] Exemplary R^w includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t- butyl, n-pentyl, vinyl, cyanomethyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxybutyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, or -C(CH₃)₂-NHC(O)O-T, wherein T is C1-C4 alkyl, methoxyethyl, or tetrahydro furanylmethyl . [0129] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-A-5:

V-A-5 wherein: m is 0-4; and X, R^x, W, R^w, and R' are as defined above. [0130] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-5 have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0131] In one embodiment, m is 0-2. Or, m is 1. Or, m is 2. [0132] In another embodiment, both R' are hydrogen. Or, one R' is hydrogen and the other R' is C1-C4 alkyl, e.g., methyl. Or, both R' are C1-C4 alkyl, e.g., methyl. [0133] In another embodiment, m is 1 or 2, and R^w is halo, CF₃, CN, C1-C6 aliphatic, O-C1-C6 aliphatic, or phenyl, wherein said aliphatic and phenyl are optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, O-C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, OH, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-. In another embodiment, R⁵ above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0134] Exemplary embodiments of R^w include chloro, CF₃, OCF₃, methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, or 2-ethoxyphenyl. [0135] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-A-6:

V-A-6 wherein: ring B is a 5-7 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R^, wherein n is 0-4, and Q and R^ are as defined above; and Q, R^Q, X, R^x, W, and R^w are as defined above. [0136] In one embodiment, compounds of formula VA-6 have y occurrences of X-R , wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0137] In one embodiment, m is 0-2. Or, m is 0. Or m is 1. [0138] In one embodiment, n is 0-2. Or, n is 0. Or, n is 1. [0139] In another embodiment, ring B is a 5-7 membered monocyclic, heterocyclic ring having up to 2 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R^Q. Exemplary heterocyclic rings include N-morpholinyl, N-piperidinyl, 4- benzoyl-piperazin-1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, or 4-methyl-piperidin-l-yl. [0140] In another embodiment, ring B is a 5-6 membered monocyclic, heteroaryl ring having up to 2 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R^. Exemplary such rings include benzimidazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-furan-2-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-pyrrol-l-yl, pyridine-4-yl, indol-5-yl, indol-2-yl, 2,4-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl, furan-2-yl, furan-3-yl, 2-acyl-thien-2-yl, benzothiophen-2-yl, 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-cyano- thien-2-yl, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-yl. [0141] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B-I:

V-B-I wherein: one of Qi and Q₃ is N(WR ,w- ) and the other of Qi and Q₃ is selected from O, S, or N(WR^W); Q₂ is C(O), CH₂-C(O), C(O)-CH₂, CH₂, CH₂-CH₂, CF₂, or CF₂-CF₂; m is 0-3; and X, W, R^x, and R^w are as defined above. [0142] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-I have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0143] In one embodiment, Q₃ is N(WR^W); exemplary WR^W include hydrogen, C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)C 1-C6 aliphatic, or C(O)OC 1-C6 aliphatic. [0144] In another embodiment, Q₃ is N(WR W^WN), Q₂ is C(O), CH₂, CH₂-CH₂, and Q₁ is O. [0145] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B-2:

V-B-2 wherein: R _>wi i •s hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; each of R , W3 is hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; or both R ,W3 taken together form a C3-C6 cycloalkyl or heterocyclic ring having up to two heteroatoms selected from O, S, or NR', wherein said ring is optionally substituted with up to two WR w substituents; m is 0-4; and X, R^x, W, and R^w are as defined above. [0146] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-2 have y occurrences of X-R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0147] In one embodiment, WR^W1 is hydrogen, C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)Cl-Co aliphatic, or C(O)OCl-Co aliphatic. [0148] In another embodiment, each R^W3 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl. Or, both R^W3 taken together form a C3-C6 cycloaliphatic ring or 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring having up to two heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, wherein said cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with up to three substitutents selected from WR^WI. Exemplary such rings include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, optionally substituted piperidyl, etc. [0149] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B-3:

V-B-3 wherein: Q₄ is a bond, C(O), C(O)O₅ or S(O)₂; R^W1 is hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; m is 0-4; and X, W, R^w, and R^x are as defined above. [0150] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-3 have y occurrences of X-R , wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. [0151] In one embodiment, Q₄ is C(O). Or Q₄ is C(O)O. In another embodiment, R^W1 is C1-C6 alkyl. Exemplary R^W1 include methyl, ethyl, or t-butyl. [0152] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B-4:

V-B-4 wherein: m is 0-4; and X, R^x, W, and R^w are as defined above. [0153] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-4 have y occurrences of X-R , wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0154] In one embodiment, m is 0-2. Or, m is 0. Or, m is 1. [0155] In another embodiment, said cycloaliphatic ring is a 5-membered ring. Or, said ring is a six-membered ring. [0156] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B-5:

V-B-5 wherein: ring A₂ is a phenyl or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein ring A₂ and the phenyl ring fused thereto together have up 4 substituents independently selected from WR^W; m is 0-4; and X, W, R^w and R^x are as defined above. [0157] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-5 have y occurrences of X-R , wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is 0. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0158] In one embodiment, ring A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-membered ring selected from pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, or triazolyl. [0159] In one embodiment, ring A₂ is an optionally substituted 5-membered ring selected from pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, thiadiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, or triazolyl. Exemplary such rings include:

aa bb cc dd

ee ff gg; wherein said ring is optionally substituted as set forth above. [0160] In another embodiment, ring A₂ is an optionally substituted 6-membered ring. Exemplary such rings include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, or triazinyl. In another embodiment, said ring is an optionally pyridyl. [0161] In one embodiment, ring A₂ is phenyl. [0162] In another embodiment, ring A₂ is pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, or thiadiazolyl. [0163] Examplary W in formula V-B-5 includes a bond, C(O), C(O)O or C1-C6 alkylene. [0164] Exemplary R^w in formula V-B-5 include cyano, halo, C1-C6 aliphatic, C3-C6 cycloaliphatic, aryl, 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring having up to two heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, wherein said aliphatic, phenyl, and heterocyclic are independently and optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from C1-C6 alkyl, O-C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, OH, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, - NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0165] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula V-B- 5-a:

V-B-5-a wherein: G₄ is hydrogen, halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic, aryl-Cl-C6 alkyl, or a phenyl, wherein G₄ is optionally substituted with up to 4 WR^W substituents; wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. ; G₅ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic; wherein said indole ring system is further optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR . [0166] In one embodiment, compounds of formula V-B-5-a have y occurrences of X- R^x, wherein y is 0-4. In one embodiment, y is O. Or, y is 1. Or, y is 2. [0167] In one embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen. Or, G₅ is hydrogen. [0168] In another embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is C1-C6 aliphatic, wherein said aliphatic is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, and wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, - CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR⁵-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-. In another embodiment, R⁵ above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0169] In another embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, cyanomethyl, methoxyethyl, CH₂C(O)OMe, (CH₂)₂- NHC(O)O-fer£-butyl, or cyclopentyl. [0170] In another embodiment, G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, C1-C6 aliphatic or phenyl, wherein said aliphatic or phenyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0171] In another embodiment, G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, CF₃, ethoxycarbonyl, t- butyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, (4-C(O)NH(CH₂)₂-NMe₂)-phenyl, 2-methoxy-4- chloro-phenyl, pyridine-3-yl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, sec- butylaminocarbonyl, ethyl, t-butyl, or piperidin-1-ylcarbonyl. [0172] In another embodiment, G₄ and G₅ are both hydrogen, and the nitrogen ring atom of said indole ring is substituted with C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)(Cl-Co aliphatic), or benzyl, wherein said aliphatic or benzyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR⁵-. In another embodiment, R⁵ above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0173] In another embodiment, G₄ and G₅ are both hydrogen, and the nitrogen ring atom of said indole ring is substituted with acyl, benzyl, C(O)CH₂N(Me)C(O)CH₂NHMe, or ethoxycarbonyl. [0174] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula F:

I' or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R , R , R , R , R , R , R , and Ar is as defined above for compounds of formula r. [0175] In one embodiment, each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and Ar¹ in compounds of formula I' is independently as defined above for any of the embodiments of compounds of formula I. [0176] Representative compounds of the present invention are set forth below in Table 1 below.. [0177] Table 1

[0178] In another embodiment, the present invention provides compounds useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds of formula I. In one embodiment, such compounds have formula A-I:

A-I; or a salt thereof; wherein: G₁ is hydrogen, R', C(O)R', C(S)R', S(O)R', S(O)₂R', Si(CH₃)₂R', P(O)(OR')₃, P(S)(OR')₃, or B(OR')₂; G₂ is halo, CN, CF₃, isopropyl, or phenyl wherein said isopropyl or phenyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W, wherein W and R are as defined above for formula I and embodiments thereof; G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W, wherein W and R^w are as defined above for formula I and embodiments thereof; provided that when Gi is methoxy, G₃ is tert-butyl, then G₂ is not 2-amino-4-methoxy-5-tert- butyl-phenyl. [0179] In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of formula A-I, provided that when G₂ and G₃ each is t-butyl, then Gi is not hydrogen. [0180] In another embodiment: Gi is hydrogen; G₂ is halo or isopropyl, wherein said isopropyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'. [0181] In another embodiment: G₁ is hydrogen; G₂ is halo, preferably fluoro; and G₃ is a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl. [0182] In another embodiment: G₁ is hydrogen; G₂ is CN, halo, or CF₃; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'. [0183] In another embodiment: G₁ is hydrogen; G₂ is phenyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from -OCl -C4 alkyl, CF₃, halo, or CN; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'. [0184] Exemplary G₃ include optionally substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or adamantyl. Or, G3 is C3-C8 branched aliphatic chain. Exemplary G3 include isopropyl, t-butyl, 3,3-diethyl-prop-3-yl, or 3,3-diethyl-2,2-dimethyl-prop-3-yl. [0185] In another embodiment: Gi is hydrogen; G₂ is t-butyl; and G₃ is a t-butyl. [0186] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of formula A-II:

A ll; or a salt thereof, wherein: G₄ is hydrogen, halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic, aralkyl, or a phenyl ring optionally substituted with up to 4 WR^W substituents; G₅ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic; provided that both, G₄ and G₅, are not simultaneously hydrogen; wherein said indole ring system is further optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W. [0187] In one embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen. Or, G₅ is hydrogen. [0188] In another embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is C1-C6 aliphatic, wherein said aliphatic is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, and wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, - CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0189] In another embodiment, G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, cyanomethyl, methoxyethyl, CH₂C(O)OMe, (CH₂)₂- NHC(O)O-fert-But, or cyclopentyl. [0190] In another embodiment, G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, C1-C6 aliphatic or phenyl, wherein said aliphatic or phenyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR' CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR' CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR'SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0191] In another embodiment, G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, ethoxycarbonyl, t-butyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, 4-C(O)NH(CH₂)₂-NMe₂, 2-methoxy-4-chloro-phenyl, pyridine-3-yl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, sec-butylaminocarbonyl, ethyl, t- butyl, or piperidin-1-ylcarbonyl. [0192] In a related embodiment of formula A-II, the nitrogen ring atom of said indole ring is substituted with C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)(C 1-C6 aliphatic), or benzyl, wherein said aliphatic or benzyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with - CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, - NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR³SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. In another embodiment, R' above is C1-C4 alkyl. [0193] In another embodiment the nitrogen ring atom of said indole ring is substituted with acyl, benzyl, C(O)CH₂N(Me)C(O)CH₂NHMe, or ethoxycarbonyl.

[0194] 4. General Synthetic Schemes [0195] Compounds of the present invention are readily prepared by methods known in the art. Illustrated below are exemplary methods for the preparation of compounds of the present invention. [0196] The scheme below illustrates the synthesis of acid precursors of the compounds of the present invention. [0197] Synthesis of Acid Precursors P-IV-A, P-IV-B or P-IV-C: R6=SMe R6=H R6=CF3

a) (CO₂Et)₂CH₂; b) (CO₂Et)₂CH=CH(OEt); c) CF₃CO₂H₃ PPh₃, CCl₄, Et₃N; d) MeI; e) PPA or diphenylether; f) NaOH. [0198] Synthesis of Acid Precursors P-IV-A, P-IV-B or P-IV-C:

a) AcONH₄; b) EtOCHC(CO₂Et)₂, 13O⁰C; c) Ph₂O, ΔT; d) I₂, EtOH; e) NaOH. [0199] Synthesis of Acid Precursors P-IV-A, P-IV-B or P-IV-C

[0200] POCl₃; b) R'ONa; c) n-BuLi, ClCO₂Et; d) NaOH [0201] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-III-A:

(CH₃)₂SO₄; b) K₃Fe(CN)₆, NaOH, H₂O; c) HNO₃, H₂SO₄; d) RCOCH₃, MeOH, NH₃; e) H₂, Raney Ni [0202] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-IV-A:

[0203] HNO₃, HOAc; b) Na₂S₂O₄, THF/H₂O; c) H₂, Pd/C. [0204] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-V-A-I:

[0205] KNO₃, H₂SO₄; b) NaNO₂, H₂SO₄- H₂O; c) NH₄CO₂H, Pd-C; d) R'X; e) NH₄CO₂H, Pd-C [0206] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-V-A-I:

k

a) SO₂Cl₂, R2= Cl; b) R2OH, R2=alkyl; c) NBS, Rl=Br; d) ClCO₂R, TEA; e) HNO₃, H₂SO₄; f) base; g) ArB(OH)₂, Rl=Br; h) [H]; I) R'X, Rl- Br; j) ClCF₂CO₂Me; k) [H]; 1) [H]. [0207] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-V-A-I:

[0208] KNO₃; b) [H]; c) KNO₃; d) AcCl; e) [H]; f) i) NaNO₂; ii) H₂O; g) HCl [0209] Synthesis of Amine Precursor P-V-A-I:

[0210] HNO₃, H₂SO₄; b) [H]; c) protection; d) R'CHO; e) deprotection; f) [H]; g) Na₂S, S, H₂O; h) nitration; i) (BOC)₂O; j) [H]; k) RX; 1) [H]; PG= protecting group [0211] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-I or P-V-A-2:

[0212] a) Br₂; b) Zn(CN)₂, Pd(PPh)₃; c) [H]; d) BH₃; e) (BOC)₂O; f) [H]; g) H₂SO₄, H₂O; h) R'X; i) [H]; j) LiAlH₄ [0213] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-I or P-V-A-2:

(i)NaN0₂, HCl; ii) Na₂SO₃, CuSO₄, HCl; b) NH₄Cl; c) [H] [0214] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-I:

a) CHCl₂OMe; b) KNO₃, H₂SO₄; c) Deoxo-Fluor; d) Fe [0215] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-3:

Ar = Aryl or Heteroaryl a) Nitration; b) ArB(OH)₂, Pd; c) BH₃; d) (BOC)₂O

[0216] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-I:

a) AcCl; b) DEAD; c) AlCl₃; d) NaOH [0217] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-I:

Y=O₁ S

a) ClCH₂COCl; b) [H]; c) protection; d) [H] PG= protecting group [0218] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-I:

X=F, Cl a) HSCH₂CO₂H; b) [H] [0219] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-2:

a) AlCl₃; b) [H]; c) i) R1R2CHCOCH₂CH₂C1; ii) NaBH₄; d) NH₂OH; e) DIBAL-H; f) nitration; g) protection; h) [H] PG= protecting group

[0220] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-3 :

a) Nitration; b) Protection: ; c) [H] PG= protecting ] group [0221] Synthesis < Df Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) when X=Cl, Br, I: RX, K₂CO₃, DMF or CH₃CN; when X=OH: RX, TFFH, DIEA, THF b) H₂, Pd-C, EtOH or SnCl₂.2H₂O, EtOH or SnCl₂.2H₂O, DIEA, EtOH.

[0222] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) RCOCl, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂; b) n-BuLi, THF; c) NaBH₄, AcOH; d) KNO₃, H₂SO₄; e) DDQ, 1,4- dioxane; f) NaNO₂, HCl, SnCl₂.2H₂O, H₂O; g) MeCOR, EtOH; h) PPA; i) LiAlH₄, THF or H₂, Raney Ni, EtOH or MeOH [0223] Synthesis of Amine Precursors V-B-5:

a) NaNO₂, HCl, SnCl₂.2H₂O, H₂O; b) RCH₂COR, AcOH, EtOH; c) H₃PO₄, toluene; d) H₂, Pd-C, EtOH [0224] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P- V-B-5:

a) NaNO₂, HCl, SnCl₂.2H₂O, H₂O; b) RCH₂COH, AcOH, EtOH; c) H₃PO₄, toluene; d) H₂, Pd-C, EtOH [0225] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) RX (X=Br, I), zinc triflate, TBAI, DIEA, toluene; b) H₂, Raney Ni, EtOH or H₂, Pd-C, EtOH or SnCl₂.2H₂O, EtOH; c) ClSO₂NCO, DMF, CH₃CN; d) Me₂NH, H₂CO, AcOH; e) MeI, DMF, THF, H₂O; f) MNu (M= Na, K, Li; Nu= nucleophile) [0226] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) HNO₃, H₂SO₄; b) Me₂NCH(OMe)₂, DMF; c) H₂, Raney Ni, EtOH [0227] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) When PG= SO₂Ph: PhSO₂Cl, Et₃N, DMAP, CH₂Cl₂; When PG- Ac: AcCl, NaHCO₃, CH₂Cl₂; b) When R= RCO: (RCO)₂O, AlCl₃, CH₂Cl₂; When R=Br: Br₂, AcOH; c) HBr or HCl; d) KNO₃, H₂SO₄; e) MnO₂, CH₂Cl₂ or DDQ, 1,4-dioxane; f) H₂, Raney Ni, EtOH.

[0228] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-5:

a) NBS, DMF; b) KNO₃, H₂SO₄; c) HC=CSiMe₃, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, CuI, Et₃N, Toluene, H₂O; d) CuI, DMF; e) H₂, Raney Ni, MeOH [02291 Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-3 and P-V-A-6: Ar= Aryl or heteroaryl

a) ArB(OH)₂, Pd(PPh₃)₄, K₂CO₃, H₂O, THF or ArB(OH)₂, Pd₂(dba)₃, P(tBu)₃, KF, THF [0230] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-4:

R= CN, CO₂Et; a) MeI, NaOtBu, DMF; b) HCO₂K, Pd-C, EtOH or HCO₂NH₄, Pd-C, EtOH [0231] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-A-4:

a) ArBr, Pd(OAc)₂, PS-PPh₃, K₂CO₃, DMF [0232] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-4:

a) H₂, Pd-C MeOH

[0233] Synthesis of Amine Precursors P-V-B-4:

a) NaBH₄, MeOH; b) H₂, Pd-C, MeOH; c) NH₂OH, Pyridine; d) H₂, Pd-C, MeOH; e) BoC₂O, Et₃N, MeOH

[0234] Synthesis of Compounds of Formula I:

a) Ar₁RVNH, coupling reagent, base, solvent. Examples of conditions used: HATU, DIEA; BOP, DIEA, DMF; HBTU, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂; PFPTFA, pyridine. [0235] Synthesis of Compounds of Formula I':

R⁵ = aliphatic: a) R⁵X (X= Br, I), Cs₂CO₃, DMF [0236] Syntheis of Compounds of formula V-B-5:

a) NaOH, THF; b) HNR₂, HATU, DIEA, DMF [0237] Syntheis of Compounds of formula V-B-5:

WR^W = aryl or heteroaryl: a) ArB(OH)₂, (dppf)PdCl₂, K₂CO₃, DMF [0238] Synthesis of Compounds of Formula V-A-2 & V-A-5:

(X=SO₂, R=CHCH₂)

a) SnCl₂.2H₂O, EtOH; b) PG= BOC: TFA, CH₂Cl₂; c) CH₂O, NaBH₃CN, CH₂Cl₂, MeOH; d) RXCl, DIEA, THF or RXCl, NMM, 1,4-dioxane or RXCl, CH₂Cl₂, DMF; e) R'R"NH, LiClO₄, CH₂Cl₂, iPrOH [0239] Synthesis of compounds of formula V-B-2:

a) When PG = BOC: TFA, CH₂Cl₂; When PG = Ac: NaOH or HCl, EtOH or THF [0240] Synthesis of compounds of formula V-A-2:

a) When PG = BOC: TFA, CH₂Cl₂

a) When PG = BOC: TFA₅ CH₂Cl₂; b) ROCOCl, Et₃N, DMF [0241] Synthesis of compounds of formula V-A-4:

a)When PG = BOC: TFA, CH₂Cl₂; b) When R^w = CO₂R: ROCOCl, DIEA, MeOH

. [0242] In the schemes above, the radical R employed therein is a substituent, e.g., R^w as defined hereinabove. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that synthetic routes suitable for various substituents of the present invention are such that the reaction conditions and steps employed do not modify the intended substituents. [0243] 5. Uses, Formulation and Administration [0244] Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions [0245] As discussed above, the present invention provides compounds that are useful as modulators of ABC transporters and thus are useful in the treatment of disease, disorders or conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hereditary emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofϊbrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjogren's disease. [0246] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are provided, wherein these compositions comprise any of the compounds as described herein, and optionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. In certain embodiments, these compositions optionally further comprise one or more additional therapeutic agents. [0247] It will also be appreciated that certain of the compounds of present invention can exist in free form for treatment, or where appropriate, as a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a prodrug thereof. According to the present invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a prodrug includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, salts of such esters, or any other adduct or derivative which upon administration to a patient in need thereof is capable of providing, directly or indirectly, a compound as otherwise described herein, or a metabolite or residue thereof. [0248] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. A "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" means any non-toxic salt or salt of an ester of a compound of this invention that, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, a compound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof. [0249] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, S. M. Berge, et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19, incorporated herein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2- naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N (C_1-4alkyl)₄ salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen- containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersable products may be obtained by such quaternization. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, loweralkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate. [0250] As described above, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the present invention additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, which, as used herein, includes any and all solvents, diluents, or other liquid vehicle, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sixteenth Edition, E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980) discloses various carriers used in formulating pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and known techniques for the preparation thereof. Except insofar as any conventional carrier medium is incompatible with the compounds of the invention, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect or otherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any other component(s) of the pharmaceutically acceptable composition, its use is contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, or potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, wool fat, sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil; safflower oil; sesame oil; olive oil; corn oil and soybean oil; glycols; such a propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol, and phosphate buffer solutions, as well as other non-toxic compatible lubricants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator.

[0251] Uses of Compounds and Pharmaceutically Acceptable Compositions [0252] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a condition, disease, or disorder implicated by ABC transporter activity, e.g., CFTR. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a condition, disease, or disorder implicated by a deficiency of the ABC transporter activity, the method comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of formula (I) to a subject, preferably a mammal, in need thereof. [0253] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating cystic fibrosis, hereditary emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjogren's disease, comprising the step of administering to said mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of the present invention. [0254] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating cystic fibrosis comprising the step of administering to said mammal a composition comprising the step of administering to said mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of the present invention. [0255] According to the invention an "effective amount" of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable composition is that amount effective for treating or lessening the severity of one. or more of cystic fibrosis, hereditary emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjogren's disease. [0256] The compounds and compositions, according to the method of the present invention, may be administered using any amount and any route of administration effective for treating or lessening the severity of one or more of cystic fibrosis, hereditary emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis. deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler- Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjogren's disease. [0257] In one embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for treating or lessening the severity of cystic fibrosis in a patient. [0258] In certain embodiments, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for treating or lessening the severity of cystic fibrosis in patients who exhibit residual CFTR activity in the apical membrane of respiratory and non-respiratory epithelia. The presence of residual CFTR activity at the epithelial surface can be readily detected using methods known in the art, e.g., standard electrophysiological, biochemical, or histochemical techniques. Such methods identify CFTR activity using in vivo or ex vivo electrophysiological techniques, measurement of sweat or salivary Cl^" concentrations, or ex vivo biochemical or histochemical techniques to monitor cell surface density. Using such methods, residual CFTR activity can be readily detected in patients heterozygous or homozygous for a variety of different mutations, including patients homozygous or heterozygous for the most common mutation, ΔF508. [0259] In another embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for treating or lessening the severity of cystic fibrosis in patients who have residual CFTR activity induced or augmented using pharmacological methods or gene therapy. . Such methods increase the amount of CFTR present at the cell surface, thereby inducing a hitherto absent CFTR activity in a patient or augmenting the existing level of residual CFTR activity in a patient. [0260] In one embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for treating or lessening the severity of cystic fibrosis in patients within certain genotypes exhibiting residual CFTR activity, e.g., class III mutations (impaired regulation or gating), class IV mutations (altered conductance), or class V mutations (reduced synthesis) (Lee R. Choo-Kang, Pamela L., Zeitlin, Type I, II, III, IV, and V cystic fibrosis Tansmembrane Conductance Regulator Defects and Opportunities of Therapy; Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 6:521 - 529, 2000). Other patient genotypes that exhibit residual CFTR activity include patients homozygous for one of these classes or heterozygous with any other class of mutations, including class I mutations, class II mutations, or a mutation that lacks classification. [0261] In one embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for treating or lessening the severity of cystic fibrosis in patients within certain clinical phenotypes, e.g., a moderate to mild clinical phenotype that typically correlates with the amount of residual CFTR activity in the apical membrane of epithelia. Such phenotypes include patients exhibiting pancreatic sufficiency or patients diagnosed with idiopathic pancreatitis and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens, or mild lung disease. [0262] The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the infection, the particular agent, its mode of administration, and the like. The compounds of the invention are preferably formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. The expression "dosage unit form" as used herein refers to a physically discrete unit of agent appropriate for the patient to be treated. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds and compositions of the present invention will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific effective dose level for any particular patient or organism will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed, and like factors well known in the medical arts. The term "patient", as used herein, means an animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. [0263] The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention can be administered to humans and other animals orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, or drops), bucally, as an oral or nasal spray, or the like, depending on the severity of the infection being treated. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention may be administered orally or parenterally at dosage levels of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg and preferably from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desired therapeutic effect. [0264] Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents. [0265] Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution, suspension or emulsion in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for . example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution, U.S. P. and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid are used in the preparation of injectables. [0266] The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium prior to use. [0267] In order to prolong the effect of a compound of the present invention, it is often desirable to slow the absorption of the compound from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material with poor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the compound then depends upon its rate of dissolution that, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally administered compound form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the compound in an oil vehicle. Injectable depot forms are made by forming micro encapsule matrices of the compound in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending upon the ratio of compound to polymer and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of compound release can be controlled. Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the compound in liposomes or microemulsions that are compatible with body tissues. [0268] Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of this invention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solid at ambient temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound. [0269] Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate and/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegrating agents such as agar—agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also comprise buffering agents. [0270] Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polethylene glycols and the like. [0271] The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form with one or more excipients as noted above. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings, release controlling coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. In such solid dosage forms the active compound may be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms may also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., tableting lubricants and other tableting aids such a magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. , [0272] Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of a compound of this invention include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants or patches. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and any needed preservatives or buffers as may be required. Ophthalmic formulation, eardrops, and eye drops are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the present invention contemplates the use of transdermal patches, which have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to the body. Such dosage forms are prepared by dissolving or dispensing the compound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or by dispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel. [0273] As described generally above, the compounds of the invention are useful as modulators of ABC transporters. Thus, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the compounds and compositions are particularly useful for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where hyperactivity or inactivity of ABC transporters is implicated in the disease, condition, or disorder. When hyperactivity or inactivity of an ABC transporter is implicated in a particular disease, condition, or disorder, the disease, condition, or disorder may also be referred to as a "ABC transporter-mediated disease, condition or disorder". Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where hyperactivity or inactivity of an ABC transporter is implicated in the disease state. [0274] The activity of a compound utilized in this invention as a modulator of an ABC transporter may be assayed according to methods described generally in the art and in the Examples herein. [0275] It will also be appreciated that the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the present invention can be employed in combination therapies, that is, the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions can be administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one or more other desired therapeutics or medical procedures. The particular combination of therapies (therapeutics or procedures) to employ in a combination regimen will take into account compatibility of the desired therapeutics and/or procedures and the. desired therapeutic effect to be achieved. It will also be appreciated that the therapies employed may achieve a desired effect for the same disorder (for example, an inventive compound may be administered concurrently with another agent used to treat the same disorder), or they may achieve different effects (e.g., control of any adverse effects). As used herein, additional therapeutic agents that are normally administered to treat or prevent a particular disease, or condition, are known as "appropriate for the disease, or condition, being treated". [0276] In one embodiment, the additional agent is selected from a mucolytic agent, bronchodialator, an anti-biotic, an anti-infective agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a CFTR modulator other than a compound of the present invention, or a nutritional agent. [0277] The amount of additional therapeutic agent present in the compositions of this invention will be no more than the amount that would normally be administered in a composition comprising that therapeutic agent as the only active agent. Preferably the amount of additional therapeutic agent in the presently disclosed compositions wjll range from about 50% to 100% of the amount normally present in a composition comprising that agent as the only therapeutically active agent. [0278] The compounds of this invention or pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof may also be incorporated into compositions for coating an implantable medical device, such as prostheses, artificial valves, vascular grafts, stents and catheters. Accordingly, the present invention, in another aspect, includes a composition for coating an implantable device comprising a compound of the present invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. In still another aspect, the present invention includes an implantable device coated with a composition comprising a compound of the present invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. Suitable coatings and the general preparation of coated implantable devices are described in US Patents 6,099,562; 5,886,026; and 5,304,121. The coatings are typically biocompatible polymeric materials such as a hydrogel polymer, polymethyldisiloxane, polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, ethylene vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. The coatings may optionally be further covered by a suitable topcoat of fluorosilicone, polysaccarides, polyethylene glycol, phospholipids or combinations thereof to impart controlled release characteristics in the composition. [0279] Another aspect of the invention relates to modulating ABC transporter activity in a biological sample or a patient (e.g., in vitro or in vivo), which method comprises administering to the patient, or contacting said biological sample with a compound of formula I or a composition comprising said compound. The term "biological sample", as used herein, includes, without limitation, cell cultures or extracts thereof; biopsied material obtained from a mammal or extracts thereof; and blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen, tears, or other body fluids or extracts thereof. [0280] Modulation of ABC transporter activity, e.g., CFTR, in a biological sample is useful for a variety of purposes that are known to one of skill in the art. Examples of such purposes include, but are not limited to, the study of ABC transporters in biological and pathological phenomena; and the comparative evaluation of new modulators of ABC transporters. [0281] In yet another embodiment, a method of modulating activity of an anion channel in vitro or in vivo, is provided comprising the step of contacting said channel with a compound of formula (I). In preferred embodiments, the anion channel is a chloride channel or a bicarbonate channel. In other preferred embodiments, the anion channel is a chloride channel. [0282] According to an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the number of functional ABC transporters in a membrane of a cell, comprising the step of contacting said cell with a compound of formula (I). The term "functional ABC transporter" as used herein means an ABC transporter that is capable of transport activity. In preferred embodiments, said functional ABC transporter is CFTR. [0283] According to another preferred embodiment, the activity of the ABC transporter is measured by measuring the transmembrane voltage potential. Means for measuring the voltage potential across a membrane in the biological sample may employ any of the known methods in the art, such as optical membrane potential assay or other electrophysiological methods. [0284] The optical membrane potential assay utilizes voltage-sensitive FRET sensors described by Gonzalez and Tsien (See, Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1995) "Voltage sensing by fluorescence resonance energy transfer in single cells" Biophvs J 69(4): 1272-80, and Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1997) "Improved indicators of cell membrane potential that use fluorescence resonance energy transfer" ChemJBiol 4(4): 269-77) in combination with instrumentation for measuring fluorescence changes such as the Voltage/Ion Probe Reader (VIPR) (See, Gonzalez, J. E., K. Oades, et al. (1999) "Cell-based assays and instrumentation for screening ion-channel targets" Drug Discov Today 4(9): 431-439). [0285] These voltage sensitive assays are based on the change in fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) between the membrane-soluble, voltage-sensitive dye, DiSBAC₂(3), and a fluorescent phospholipid, CC2-DMPE, which is attached to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and acts as a FRET donor. Changes in membrane potential (V_m) cause the negatively charged DiSBAC₂(S) to redistribute across the plasma membrane and the amount of energy transfer from CC2-DMPE changes accordingly. The changes in fluorescence emission can be monitored using VIPR™ II, which is an integrated liquid handler and fluorescent detector designed to conduct cell-based screens in 96- or 384-well microtiter plates. [0286] In another aspect the present invention provides a kit for use in measuring the activity of a ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in a biological sample in vitro or in vivo comprising (i) a composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or any of the above embodiments; and (ii) instructions for a) contacting the composition with the biological sample and b) measuring activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for a) contacting an additional composition with the biological sample; b) measuring the activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in the presence of said additional compound, and c) comparing the activity of the ABC transporter in the presence of the additional compound with the density of the ABC transporter in the presence of a composition of formula (I). In preferred embodiments, the kit is used to measure the density of CFTR. [0287] In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner.

EXAMPLES [00286] Example 1:

[00287] General scheme to prepare Acid Moities:

a) 140-150 ⁰C; b) PPA, POCl₃, 70 ⁰C or diphenyl ether, 220 ⁰C; c) i) 2N NaOH ii) 2N HCl

[00288] Specific example: 2-Phenylaminomethylene-maIonic acid diethyl ester

A-1 A mixture of aniline (25.6 g, 0.28 mol) and diethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate (62.4 g, 0.29 mol) was heated at 140-150 °C for 2 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and dried under reduced pressure to afford 2-phenylaminomethylene-malonic acid diethyl ester as a solid, which was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (J-DMSO) δ 11.00 (d, IH), 8.54 (d, J= 13.6 Hz, IH), 7.36-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.17 (m, 3 H), 4.17-4.33 (m, 4H), 1.18- 1.40 (m, 6H).

[00289] 4-Hydroxyquinoliiie-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A l L three-necked flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer was charged with 2- phenylaminomethylene-malonic acid diethyl ester (26.3 g, 0.1 mol), polyphosphoric acid (270 g) and phosphoryl chloride (750 g). The mixture was heated to about 70 ⁰C and stirred for 4 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, and filtered. The residue was treated with aqueous Na₂CO₃ solution, filtered, washed with water and dried. 4-Hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was obtained as a pale brown solid (15.2 g, 70 %). The crude product was used in next step without further purification.

[00290] A-I; 4-Oxo-l,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid 4-Hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (15 g, 69 mmol) was suspended in sodium hydroxide solution (2N, 150 mL) and stirred for 2 h under reflux. After cooling, the mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was acidified to pH 4 with 2N HCl. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water and dried under vacuum to give 4-oxo-l,4- dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-I) as a pale white solid (10.5 g, 92 %). ¹H NMR (d- DMSO) δ 15.34 (s, 1 H), 13.42 (s, 1 H), 8.89 (s, IH), 8.28 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.88 (m, IH), 7.81 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.60 (m, IH).

[00291] Specific Example: A-2; 6-Fluoro-4-hydroxy-quinoIine-3-carboxylic acid

6-Fluoro-4-hydroxy-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (A-2) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluoro-phenylamine. Overall yield (53 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 15.2 (br s, 1 H), 8.89 (s, 1 H), 7.93-7.85 (m, 2 H), 7.80-7.74 (m, 1 H); ESI-MS 207.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00292] Example 2:

A-4

[00293] 2-Bromo-5-methoxy-phenyIamine A mixture of l-bromo-4-methoxy-2-nitro-benzene (10 g, 43 mmol) and Raney Ni (5 g) in ethanol (100 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) for 4 h at room temperature. Raney Ni was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was purified by column chromatography to give 2-bromo-5-methoxy-phenylamine (7.5 g, 86 %).

[00294] 2-[(2-Bromo-5-methoxy-phenylamino)-methylene]-malonic acid diethyl ester A mixture of 2-bromo-5-methoxy-phenylamine (540 mg, 2.64 mmol) and diethyl 2- (ethoxymethylene)malonate (600 mg, 2.7 mmol) was stirred at 100 °C for ^"2 h. After cooling, the reaction mixture was recrystallized from methanol (10 mL) to give 2-[(2-bromo-5-methoxy- phenylamino)-methylene]-malonic acid diethyl ester as a yellow solid (0.8 g, 81 %).

[00295] 8-Bromo-5-methoxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester 2-[(2-Bromo-5-methoxy-phenylamino)-methylene]-malonic acid diethyl ester (9 g, 24.2 mmol) was slowly added to polyphosphoric acid (30 g) at 120 °C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for additional 30 min and then cooled to room temperature. Absolute ethanol (30 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 30 min. The mixture was basifϊed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate at 25 ⁰C and extracted with EtOAc (4 x 100 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried and the solvent evaporated to give 8-bromo-5-methoxy-4-oxo-l,4- dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.3 g, 30 %). [00296] 5-Methoxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 8-bromo-5-methoxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2.3 g, 7.1 mrnol), sodium acetate (580 mg, 7.1 mmol) and 10 % Pd/C (100 mg) in glacial acetic acid (50 ml) was stirred under H₂ (2.5 ami) overnight. The catalyst was removed via filtration, and the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting oil was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) and washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and water. The organic layer was dried, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 5-methoxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester as a yellow solid (1 g, 57 %).

[00297] A-4; 5-Methoxy-4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid A mixture of 5-methoxy-4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1 g, 7.1 mmol) in 10% NaOH solution (50 mL) was heated to reflux overnight and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was separated and acidified with cone. HCl solution to pH 1-2. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to give 5-methoxy-4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-4) (530 mg, 52 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ: 15.9 (s, 1 H), 13.2 (br, 1 H), 8.71 (s, 1 H), 7.71 (t, J- 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.82 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.86 (s, 3 H); ESI-MS 219.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00298] Example 3:

[0288] Sodium 2-(mercapto-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester To a suspension of NaH (60% in mineral oil, 6 g, 0.15 mol) in Et₂O at room temperature was added dropwise, over a 30 minutes period, ethyl malonate (24 g, 0.15 mol). Phenyl isothiocyanate (20.3 g, 0.15 mol) was then added dropwise with stirring over 30 min. The mixture was refiuxed for 1 h and then stirred overnight at room temperature. The solid was separated, washed with anhydrous ether (200 mL), and dried under vacuum to yield sodium 2- (mercapto-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester as a pale yellow powder (46 g, 97 %).

[00299] 2-(Methylsulfanyl-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester Over a 30 min period, methyl iodide (17.7 g, 125 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of sodium 2-(mercapto-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester (33 g, 104 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) cooled in an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and then poured into ice water (300 mL). The resulting solid was collected via filtration, washed with water and dried to give 2-(methylsulfanyl-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester as a pale yellow solid (27 g, 84 %).

[00300] 4-Hydroxy-2-methylsuIfanyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 2-(methylsulfanyl-phenylamino-methylene)-malonic acid diethyl ester (27 g, 87 mmol) in 1,2-dichlorobenzene (100 mL) was heated to reflux for 1.5 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the oily residue was triturated with hexane to afford a pale yellow solid that was purified by preparative HPLC to yield 4-hydroxy-2-methylsulfanyl- quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (8 g, 35 %).

[00301] A-16; 2-Methylsulfanyl-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid 4-Hydroxy-2-methylsulfanyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (8 g, 30 mmol) was heated under reflux in NaOH solution (10%, 100 mL) for 1.5 h. After cooling, the mixture was acidified with concentrated HCl to pH 4. The resulting solid was collected via filtration, washed with water (100 mL) and MeOH (100 mL) to give 2-methylsulfanyl-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro- quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-16) as a white solid (6 g, 85 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 16.4 (br s, 1 H), 11.1 (br s, 1 H), 8.19 (d, J= 8 Hz, IH), 8.05 (d, J= 8 Hz, IH), 7.84 (t, J- 8, 8 Hz, IH), 7.52 (t, J= 8 Hz, IH), 2.74 (s, 3H); ESI-MS 235.9 m/z (MH⁺). [00302] Example 4:

A-15 a) PPh₃, Et₃N, CCl₄, CF₃CO₂H; b) diethyl malonate; c) T- 200⁰C; d) 10% NaOH

[00303] 2,2,2-Trifluoro-N-phenyl-acetimidoyI chloride A mixture Of Ph₃P (138.0 g, 526 mmol), Et₃N (21.3 g, 211 mmol), CCl₄ (170 mL) and TFA (20 g, 175 mmol) was stirred for 10 min in an ice-bath. Aniline (19.6 g, 211 mmol) was dissolved in CCl₄ (20 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred at reflux for 3 h. The solvent was removed under vacuum and hexane was added. The precipitates (Ph₃PO and Ph₃P) were filtered off and washed with hexane. The filtrate was distilled under reduced pressure to yield 2,2,2-trifluoro-N- phenyl-acetimidoyl chloride (19 g), which was used in the next step without further purification.

[00304] 2-(2,2,2-Trifluoro-l-phenylimino-ethyl)-malonic acid diethyl ester To a suspension of NaH (3.47 g, 145 mmol, 60 % in mineral oil) in THF (200 mL) was added diethyl malonate (18.5 g, 116 mmol) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at this temperature and 2,2,2-trifluoro-N-phenyl-acetimidoyl chloride (19 g, 92 mmol) was added at 0 ⁰C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine. The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to provide 2- (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-phenylimino-ethyl)-malonic acid diethyl ester, which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

[00305] 4-Hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-quinoIine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester 2-(2,2,2-Trifluoro-l-phenylimino-ethyl)-malonic acid diethyl ester was heated at 210⁰C for 1 h with continuous stirring. The mixture was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to yield 4-hydroxy-2-trifiuoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (12 g, 24 % over 3 steps). [00306] A-15; 4-Hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid A suspension of 4-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (5 g, 17.5 mmol) in 10% aqueous NaOH solution was heated at reflux for 2 h. After cooling, dichloromethane was added and the aqueous phase was separated and acidified with concentrated HCl to pH 4. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water and Et₂O to provide 4-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-15) (3.6 g, 80 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 8.18-8.21 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.92-7.94 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.79-7.83 (t, J = 14.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.50-7.53 (t, J= 15 Hz, 1 H); ESI-MS 257.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00307] Example 5:

A-3 a) CH₃C(O)ONH₄, toluene; b) EtOCHC(CO₂Et)₂, 130 ⁰C; c) Ph₂O; d) I₂, EtOH; e) NaOH

[00308] 3-Amino-cyclohex-2-enone A mixture of cyclohexane-l,3-dione (56.1 g, 0.5 mol) and AcONH₄ (38.5 g, 0.5 mol) in toluene was heated at reflux for 5 h with a Dean-stark apparatus. The resulting oily layer was separated and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 3-amino-cyclohex-2-enone (49.9 g, 90 %), which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

[00309] 2-[(3-Oxo-cyclohex-l-enylamino)-methylene]-malonic acid diethyl ester A mixture of 3-amino-cyclohex-2-enone (3.3 g, 29.7 mmol) and diethyl 2- (ethoxymethylene)malonate (6.7 g, 31.2 mmol) was stirred at 130 ⁰C for 4 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resulting oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate) to give 2-[(3-oxo-cyclohex-l-enylamino)-methylene]- malonic acid diethyl ester (7.5 g, 90 %).

[00310] 4,5-Dioxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 2-[(3-oxo-cyclohex-l-enylamino)-methylene]-malonic acid diethyl ester (2.8 g, 1 mmol) and diphenylether (20 mL) was refluxed for 15 min. After cooling, π-hexane (80 niL) was added. The resulting solid was isolated via filtration and recrystallized from methanol to give 4,5-dioxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.7 g 72 %).

[00311] 5-Hydroxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester To a solution of 4,5-dioxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (1.6 g, 6.8 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL) was added iodine (4.8 g, 19 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 19 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was washed with ethyl acetate, water and acetone, and then recrystallized from DMF to give 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-l,4- dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (700 mg, 43 %).

[00312] A-3; 5-Hydroxy-4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid A mixture of 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (700 mg, 3 mmol) in 10% NaOH (20 ml) was heated at reflux overnight. After cooling, the mixture was extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was separated and acidified with cone. HCl to pH 1-2. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration to give 5-hydroxy-4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro- quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-3) (540 mg, 87 %). ¹H NMR (DMSOi₆) δ 13.7 (br, 1 H), 13.5 (br, 1 H), 12.6 (s, 1 H), 8.82 (s, 1 H), 7.68 (t, J= 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.82 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H); ESI-MS 205.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00313] Example 6 :

a) POCl₃; b) MeONa; c) n-BuLi, ClCO₂Et; d) NaOH

2,4-Dichloroquinoline A suspension of quinoline-2,4-diol (15 g, 92.6 mmol) in POCl₃ was heated at reflux for 2 h. After cooling, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield 2,4-dichloroquinoline, which was used without further purification.

[00314] 2,4-Dimethoxyquinoline To a suspension of 2,4-dichloroquinoline in MeOH (100 mL) was added sodium methoxide (50 g). The mixture was heated at reflux for 2 days. After cooling, the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield a residue that was dissolved in water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 2,4-dimethoxyquinoline as a white solid (13 g, 74 % over 2 steps).

[00315] Ethyl 2,4-dimethoxyquinoline-3-carboxylate To a solution of 2,4-dimethoxyquinoliήe (11.5 g, 60.8 mmol) in anhydrous THF was added dropwise n-BuLi (2.5 M in hexane, 48.6 mL, 122 mmol) at 0 °C. After stirring for 1.5 h at 0 °C, the mixture was added to a solution of ethyl chloro formate in anhydrous THF and stirred at 0 ⁰C for additional 30 min and then at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether / EtOAc = 50 / 1) to give ethyl 2, 4-dimethoxyquinoline-3-carboxylate (9.6 g, 60 %).

- I l l - [00316] A-17; 2,4-Dimethoxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid Ethyl 2,4-dimethoxyquinoline-3-carboxylate (1.5 g, 5.7 mmol) was heated at reflux in NaOH solution (10 %, 100 mL) for 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was acidified with concentrated HCl to pH 4. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water and ether to give 2,4-dimethoxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-17) as a white solid (670 mg, 50 %). H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.01-8.04 (d, J=U Hz, 1 H), 7.66-7.76 (m, 2 H), 7.42-7.47 (t, J= 22 Hz, 2 H), 4.09 (s, 3 H). 3.97 (s, 3 H); ESI-MS 234.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00317] Commercially available acids

[00318] Amine Moieties

[00319] N-I Substituted 6-aminoindoles

[00320] Example 1:

[00321] General Scheme:

a) RX (X = Cl, Br, I), K₂CO₃, DMF or CH₃CN; b) H₂, Pd-C, EtOH or SnCl₂-2H₂O, EtOH.

[00322] Specific example:

B-1

[00323] l-Methyl-6-nitro-lH-indole To a solution of 6-nitroindole (4.05g 25 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (8.63 g, 62.5 mmol) and MeI (5.33 g, 37.5 mmol). After stirring at room temperature overnight, the mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give the product l-methyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (4.3 g, 98 %).

[00324] B-I; l-Methyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine A suspension of l-methyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (4.3 g, 24.4 mmol) and 10% Pd-C (0.43 g) in EtOH (50 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and acidified with HCl-MeOH (4 mol/L) to give 1 -methyl- lH-indol-6-ylamine hydrochloride salt (B-I) (1.74 g, 49 %) as a grey powder. ¹H NMR (DMSO-^₆): δ 9.10'(s, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, IH), 7.15(s, 1 H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.38 (d, J= 2.8 Hz, IH), 3.72 (s, 3 H); ESI-MS 146.08 m/z (MH⁺).

[00325] Other examples:

[00326] B-2; l-Benzyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine 1 -Benzyl- lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-2) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and benzyl bromide. Overall yield (~ 40 %). HPLC ret. time 2.19 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 223.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00327] B-3; l-(6-Amino-indol-l-yl)-ethanone l-(6-Amino-indol-l-yl)-ethanone (B-3) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and acetyl chloride. Overall yield (~ 40 %). HPLC ret. time 0.54 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 175.1 m/z (MH+).

[00328] Example 2:

B-26

[00329] {[2-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetyl]-methyl-amino}-acetic acid ethyl ester To a stirred solution of (tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetic acid (37 g, 0.2 mol) and Et₃N (60.6 g, 0.6 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) was added isobutyl chloroformate (27.3 g, 0.2 mmol) dropwise at -20 °C under argon. After stirring for 0.5 h, methylamino-acetic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride (30.5 g, 129 mmol) was added dropwise at— 20 ⁰C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature (c.a. 1 h) and quenched with water (500 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with 10 % citric acid solution, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether / EtOAc 1 : 1) to give {[2- (tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetyl]-methyl-amino}- acetic acid ethyl ester (12.5 g, 22 %).

[00330] { [2-(tei ^-Butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetyl] -methyl-aminoj-acetic acid A suspension of {[2-(fert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetyl]- methyl-amino}-acetic acid ethyl ester (12.3 g, 42.7 mmol) and LiOH (8.9 g, 214 mmol) in H₂O (20 mL) and THF (100 mL) was stirred overnight. Volatile solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 3 with dilute HCl solution, and then extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2 x 300 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give {[2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl- amino)-acetyl]-methyl-amino}-acetic acid as a colorless oil (10 g, 90 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.17 (br s, 1 H), 4.14-4.04 (m, 4 H), 3.04-2.88 (m, 6 H), 1.45-1.41 (m, 9 H); ESI-MS 282.9 m/z (M+Na⁺).

[00331] Methyl-({methyl-[2-(6-nitro-indol-l-yl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-carbamoyI}- methyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a mixture of {[2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-acetyl]-methyl-amino}-acetic acid (13.8g, 53 mmol) and TFFH (21.Og, 79.5 mmol) in anhydrous THF (125 mL) was added DIEA (27.7 mL, 159 mmol) at room temperature under nitrogen. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 20 min. A solution of 6-nitroindole (8.6g, 53 mmol) in THF (75 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 60 ⁰C for 18 h. The solvent was evaporated and the crude mixture was re-partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic layer was separated, washed with water (x 3), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Diethyl ether followed by EtOAc was added. The resulting solid was collected via filtration, washed with diethyl ether and air dried to yield methyl-( {methyl-[2-(6-nitro-indol- 1 -yl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-carbamoyl} -methyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (6.42 g, 30 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 1.37 (m, 9H), 2.78 (m, 3H), 2.95 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, IH), 3.12 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 2H), 4.01 (d, J = 13.8 Hz, 0.6H), 4.18 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1.4H), 4.92 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 1.4H), 5.08 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 0.6H), 7.03 (m, IH), 7.90 (m, IH), 8.21 (m, IH), 8.35 (d, J = 3.8 Hz, IH), 9.18 (m, IH); HPLC ret. time 3.12 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 405.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00332] B-26; ({[2-(6-Amino-indol-l-yl)-2-oxo-ethyl]-methyl-carbamoyl}- methyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A mixture of methyl-({methyl-[2-(6-nitro-indol-l-yl)-2-oxo-etliyl]-carbamoyl}-methyl)- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (12.4 g, 30.6 mmol), SnCl₂-2H₂O (34.5g, 153.2 mmol) and DIEA (74.8 mL, 429 mmol) in ethanol (112 mL) was heated to 70 ⁰C for 3 h. Water and EtOAc were added and the mixture was filtered through a short plug of Celite. The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to yield ({[2-(6-Amino-indol-l-yl)-2-oxo-ethyl]- methyl-carbamoyl}-methyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (B-26) (11.4 g, quant.). HPLC ret. time 2.11 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 375.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00333] 2-Substituted 6-aminoindoles [00334] Example 1:

B-4-b

[00335] B-4-a; (3-Nitro-phenyl)-hydrazine hydrochloride salt 3-Nitro-phenylamine (27.6 g, 0.2 mol) was dissolved in a mixture of H₂O (40 mL) and 37% HCl (40 mL). A solution OfNaNO₂ (13.8 g, 0.2 mol) in H₂O (60 mL) was added at 0 ⁰C, followed by the addition Of SnCl₂-H₂O (135.5 g, 0.6 mol) in 37% HCl (100 mL) at that temperature. After stirring at 0 ⁰C for 0.5 h, the solid was isolated via filtration and washed with water to give (3- nitro-phenyl)-hydrazine hydrochloride salt (B-4-a) (27.6 g, 73 %).

[00336] 2-[(3-Nitro~phenyl)-hydrazono]-propionic acid ethyl ester (3-Nitro-phenyl)-hydrazine hydrochloride salt (B-4-a) (30.2 g, 0.16 mol) and 2-oxo-propionic acid ethyl ester (22.3 g, 0.19 mol) was dissolved in ethanol (300 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give 2-[(3- nitro-phenyl)-hydrazono]-propionic acid ethyl ester, which was used directly in the next step..

[00337] B-4-b; 4-Nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 6-Nitro- lH-indole -2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester 2-[(3-Nitro-phenyl)-hydrazono]-propionic acid ethyl ester from the preceding step was dissolved in toluene (300 mL). PPA (30 g) was added. The mixture was heated at reflux overnight and then cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed to give a mixture of 4-nitro-lH- indole-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 6-nitro-lH-indole -2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-4-b) (15 g, 40 %).

[00338] B-4; 2-Methyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine To a suspension of LiAlH₄ (7.8 g, 0.21 mol) in THF (300 mL) was added dropwise a mixture of 4-nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 6-nitro-lH-indole -2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-4-b) (6g, 25.7 mmol) in THF (50 mL) at 0 °C under N₂. The mixture was heated at reflux overnight and then cooled to 0 ⁰C. H₂O (7.8 mL) and 10 % NaOH (7.8 mL) were added to the mixture at 0 ⁰C. The insoluble solid was removed via filtration. The filtrate was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography to afford 2-methyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-4) (0.3 g, 8 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.57 (br s,- 1 H), 7.27 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.62 (s, 1 H), 6.51-6.53 (m, 1 H), 6.07 (s, 1 H), 3.59-3.25 (br s, 2 H), 2.37 (s, 3H); ESI-MS 147.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00339] Example 2:

[00340] 6-Nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid and 4-Nitro-lH- indole-2- carboxylic acid A mixture of 4-nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester and 6-nitro-lH-indole -2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-4-b) (0.5 g, 2.13 mmol) in 10 % NaOH (20 mL) was heated at reflux overnight and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was separated and acidified with HCl to pH 1-2. The resulting solid was isolated via filtration to give a mixture of 6-nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid and 4-nitro-lH- indole-2- carboxylic acid (0.3 g, 68 %).

[00341] 6-Nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxyIic acid amide and 4-Nitro-lH- indole-2- carboxylic acid amide A mixture of ό-nitro-lH-indole^-carboxylic acid and 4-nitro-lH- indole-2-carboxylic acid (12 g, 58 mmol) and SOCl₂ (50 mL, 64 mmol) in benzene (150 mL) was refluxed for 2 h. The benzene and excessive SOCl₂ was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (250 mL). NH₄OH (21.76 g, 0.32 mol) was added dropwise at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The resulting solid was isolated via filtration to give a crude mixture of 6-nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid amide and 4-nitro-lH- indole-2-carboxylic acid amide (9 g, 68 %), which was used directly in the next step.

[00342] 6-Nitro-lH-indole-2-carbonitrile and 4-Nitro-lH- indole-2- carbonitrile A mixture of 6-nitro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid amide and 4-nitro-lH- indole-2-carboxylic acid amide (5 g, 24 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL). Et₃N (24.24 g, 0.24 mol) was added, followed by the addition Of(CF₃CO)₂O (51.24 g, 0.24 mol) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 1 h and poured into water (100 mL). The organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography to give a mixture of 6-nitro-lH-indole-2-carbonitrile and 4- nitro-lH- indole-2-carbonitrile (2.5 g, 55 %).

[00343] Br5; 6-Amino-lH-indole-2-carbonitrile A mixture of 6-nitro-lH-indole-2-carbonitrile and 4-nitro-lH- indole-2-carbonitrile (2.5 g, 13.4 mmol) and Raney Ni (500 mg) in EtOH (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 1 h. Raney Ni was filtered off. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography to give 6-amino-lH-indole-2-carbonitrile (B-5) (1 g, 49 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 12.75 (br s, 1 H), 7.82 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (s, 1 H), 7.42 (s, 1 H), 7.15 (d, J- 8 Hz, 1 H); ESI-MS 158.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00344] Example 3:

DDQ H₂, Raney Ni

1 ,4-dioxane

MeOH B-6

[00345] 2,2-Dimethyl-N-ø-tolyl-propionamide To a solution of o-tolylamine (21.4 g, 0.20 mol) and Et₃N (22.3 g, 0.22 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ was added 2,2-dimethyl-propionyl chloride (25.3 g, 0.21 mol) at 10 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, washed with aq. HCl (5%, 80 mL), saturated NaHCO₃ solution and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give 2,2-dimethyl-N-o-tolyl- propionamide (35.0 g, 92 %).

[00346] 2-tert-Butyl-lH-indole To a solution of 2,2-dimethyl-N-o-tolyl- propionamide (30.0 g, 159 mmol) in dry THF (100 mL) was added dropwise n-BuLi (2.5 M, in hexane, 190 mL) at 15 °C. The mixture was stirred overnight at 15 ⁰C, cooled in an ice-water bath and treated with saturated NH₄Cl solution. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give 2-ter^-butyl-lH-indole (23.8 g, 88 %).

[00347] 2-fert-Butyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indoIe To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-lH-indole (5.0 g, 29 mmol) in AcOH (20 mL) was added NaBH₄ at 10 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred for 20 min at 10 ⁰C, treated dropwise with H₂O under ice cooling, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated under vacuum to give a mixture of starting material and 2- terf-butyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (4.9 g), which was used directly in the next step.

[00348] 2-tert-Butyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole To a solution of the mixture of 2-fer£-butyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-mdole and 2-tert-butyl-lH-indole (9.7 g ) in H₂SO₄ (98%, 80 mL) was slowly added KNO₃ (5.6 g, 55.7 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, carefully poured into cracked ice, basifϊed with Na₂CO₃ to pH~8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give 2-tert-butyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (4.0 g, 32 % over 2 steps).

[00349] 2-fert-Butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (2.0 g, 9.1 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (20 mL) was added DDQ at room temperature. After refluxing for 2.5 h, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give 2-fert-butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (1.6 g, 80 %).

[00350] B-6; 2-tert-Butyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (1.3 g, 6.0 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added Raney Ni (0.2 g). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 3 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was washed with petroleum ether to give 2-tert-butyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-6) (1.0 g, 89 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO- d₆) δ 10.19 (s, 1 H), 6.99 (d, J- 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.46 (s, 1 H), 6.25 (dd, J= 1.8, 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.79 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.52 (s, 2 H), 1.24 (s, 9 H); ESI-MS 189.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00351] 3-Substituted 6-aminoindoIes

[00352] Example 1:

[00353] N-(3-Nitro-phenyl)-N'-propylidene-hydrazine Sodium hydroxide solution (10 %, 15 mL) was added slowly to a stirred suspension of (3-nitro- phenyl)-hydrazine hydrochloride salt (B-4-a) (1.89 g, 10 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) until pH 6. Acetic acid (5 mL) was added to the mixture followed by propionaldehyde (0.7 g, 12 mmol). After stirring for 3 h at room temperature, the mixture was poured into ice- water and the resulting precipitate was isolated via filtration, washed with water and dried in air to obtain N-(3- nitro-phenyl)-N'-propylidene-hydrazine, which was used directly in the next step.

[00354] 3-Methyl-4-nitro-lH-indole and 3-MethyI-6-nitro-lH-indole A mixture of N-(3-nitro-phenyl)-N'-propylidene-hydrazine dissolved in 85 % H₃PO₄ (20 mL) and toluene (20 mL) was heated at 90-100 ⁰C for 2 h. After cooling, toluene was removed under reduced pressure. The resultant oil was basified with 10 % NaOH to pH 8. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were dried, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a mixture of 3-methyl-4-nitro-lH-indole and 3- methyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (1.5 g, 86 % over two steps), which was used directly in the next step.

[00355] B-7; 3-Methyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine A mixture of 3-methyl-4-nitro-lH-indole and 3-methyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (3 g, 17 mol) and 10 % Pd-C (0.5 g) in ethanol (30 mL) was stirred overnight under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature. Pd- C was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give 3 -methyl- lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-7) (0.6 g, 24 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.59 (br s, 1 H), 7.34 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.77 (s, IH), 6.64 (s, 1 H), 6.57 (m, 1 H), 3.57 (br s, 2 H), 2.28 (s, 3H); ESI-MS 147.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00356] Example 2:

[00357] β-Nitro-lH-indole-θ-carbonitrile To a solution of 6-nitroindole (4.86 g 30 mmol) in DMF (24.3 mL) and CH₃CN (243 mL) was added dropwise a solution of ClSO₂NCO (5 mL, 57 mmol) in CH₃CN (39 mL) at 0 °C . After addition, the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. The mixture was poured into ice-water, basified with sat. NaHCO₃ solution to pH 7-8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 6-nitro-lH-indole-3-carbonitrile (4.6 g, 82 %).

[00358] B-8; β-Aimno-lH-indole-θ-carbonitrile A suspension of 6-nitro.-lH-indole-3-carbonitrile (4.6 g, 24.6 mmol) and 10% Pd-C (0.46 g) in EtOH (50 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether / EtOAc = 3 / 1) to give 6-amino-lH-mdole-3-carbonitrile (B-8) (1 g, 99 %) as a pink powder. ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ l 1.51 (s, 1 H), 7.84 (d, J- 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.22 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.62 (s, IH), 6.56 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 5.0 (s, 2H); ESI-MS 157.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[003591 Example 3:

B-9-a B-9

[00360] Dimethyl-(6-nitro-lH-indol-3-ylmethyl)-amine A solution of dimethylamine (25 g, 0.17 mol) and formaldehyde (14.4 mL, 0.15 mol) in acetic acid (100 mL) was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 30 min. To this solution was added 6-nitro-lH-indole (20 g, 0.12 mol). After stirring for 3 days at room temperature, the mixture was poured into 15% aq. NaOH solution (500 mL) at 0 °C. The precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give dimethyl-(6-nitro-lH-indol-3-ylmethyl)-amine (23 g, 87 %).

[00361] B-9-a; (6-Nitro-lH-indol-3-yl)-acetonitrile To a mixture of DMF (35 mL) and MeI (74.6 g, 0.53 mol) in water (35 mL) and THF (400 mL) was added dimethyl-(6-nitro-lH-indol-3-ylmethyl)-amine (23 g, 0.105 mol). After the reaction mixture was refluxed for 10 min, potassium cyanide (54.6 g, 0.84 mol) was added and the mixture was kept refluxing overnight. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was washed with brine (300 mL x 3), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give (6-nitro-lH-indol-3- yl)-acetonitrile (B-9-a) (7.5 g, 36 %).

[00362] B-9; (6-Amino-lH-indol-3-yl)-acetonitrile A mixture of (6-nitro-lH-indol-3-yl)-acetonitrile (B-9-a) (1.5 g, 74.5 mml) and 10 % Pd-C (300 mg) in EtOH (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 5 h. Pd-C was removed via filtration and the filtrate was evaporated to give (6-amino-lH-indol-3-yl)- acetonitrile (B-9) (1.1 g, 90 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.4 (br s, 1 H), 7.18 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.94 (s, IH), 6.52 (s, 1 H), 6.42 (dd, J= 8.4, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.76(s, 2 H), 3.88 (s, 2 H); ESI- MS 172.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00363] Example 4: HBoc

B-9-a B-10 [00364] [2-(6-Nitro-lH- indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of (6-nitro-lH-indol-3-yl)-acetonitrile (B-9-a) (8.6 g, 42.8 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL) was added a solution of 2 M borane-dimethyl sulfide complex in THF (214 mL. 0.43 mol) at 0 °C. The mixture was heated at reflux overnight under nitrogen. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and a solution of (Boc)₂O (14 g, 64.2 mmol) and Et₃N (89.0 mL, 0.64 mol) in THF was added. The reaction mixture was kept stirring overnight and then poured into ice-water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (200 x 3 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by column chromatography to give [2-(6-nitro-lH- indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (5 g, 38 %).

[00365] B-IO; [2-(6-Amino-lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A mixture of [2-(6-nitro-lH- indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (5 g, 16.4 mmol) and Raney Ni (1 g) in EtOH (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 arm) for 5 h. Raney Ni was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to give [2-(6-amino-lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (B-IO) (3 g, 67 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.1 (br s, 1 H), 7.11 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.77-6.73 (m, 2 H), 6.46 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.32 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.62 (s, 2 H), 3.14-3.08 (m, 2 H), 2.67-2.62 (m, 2 H), 1.35 (s, 9H); ESI-MS 275.8 m/z (MH⁺). [00366] Example 5:

[00367] General Scheme:

a) RX (X=Br₅I), zinc triflate, TBAI, DIEA, toluene; b) H₂, Raney Ni, EtOH or SnCl₂-2H₂O, EtOH. [00368] Specific example:

B-11

[00369] 3-tert-Butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole To a mixture of 6-nitroindole (1 g, 6.2 mmol), zinc triflate (2.06 g, 5.7 mmol) and TBAI (1.7 g, 5.16 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (11 mL) was added DIEA (1.47 g, 11.4 mmol) at room temperature under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min at 120 °C, followed by addition of t-butyl bromide (0.707 g, 5.16 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 45 min at 120 °C. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness and purified by column chromatography on silica gel (Pet.Ether./EtOAc 20:1) to give 3-tert-butyl-6-nitro-lH- indole as a yellow solid (0.25 g, 19 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.32 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, IH), 8.00 (dd, J = 2.1, 14.4 Hz, IH), 7.85 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 7.25 (s, IH), 1.46 (s, 9H).

[00370] B-Il; 3-fert-Butyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine A suspension of 3-tert-butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (3.0 g, 13.7mmol) and Raney Ni (0.5g) in efhanol was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 3 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (Pet.Ether. / EtOAc 4 : 1) to give 3-tert-butyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-Il) (2.0 g, 77.3%) as a gray solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.58 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 6.57(dd, J= 0.8, 8.6 Hz, IH), 3.60 (br s, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

[00371] Other examples:

[00372] B-12; 3-Ethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine 3-Ethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-12) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and ethyl bromide. Overall yield (42 %). HPLC ret. time 1.95 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 161.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00373] B-13; 3-Isopropyl-lH-indol-6-yIamine 3-Isopropyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-13) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and isopropyl iodide. Overall yield (17 %). HPLC ret. time 2.06 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 175.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00374] B-14; 3-røc-ButyI~lH-indol-6-ylamine 3 -sec-Butyl- lH-indol-6-yl amine (B-14) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and 2-bromobutane. Overall yield (20 %). HPLC ret. time 2.32 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 189.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00375] B-15; S-Cyclopentyl-lH-indoI-ό-ylamine 3- Cyclopentyl -lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-15) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and iodo-cyclopentane. Overall yield (16 %). HPLC ret. time 2.39 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 201.5 m/z (MH⁺)..

[00376] B-16; 3-(2-Ethoxy-ethyl)-lH-indol-6-ylamine 3-(2-Ethoxy-ethyl)-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-16) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and l-bromo-2-ethoxy-ethane. Overall yield (15 %). HPLC ret. time 1.56 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 205.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00377] B-17; (6-Amino-lH-indol-3-yl)-acetic acid ethyl ester (ό-Amino-lH-indol-S-y^-acetic acid ethyl ester (B-17) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 6-nitroindole and iodo-acetic acid ethyl ester. Overall yield (24 %). HPLC ret. time 0.95 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 219.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00378] 4-Substituted 6-aminoindole

B-18

[00379] 2-Methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid To a mixture OfHNO₃ (95%, 80 mL) and H₂SO₄ (98%, 80 mL) was slowly added 2- methylbenzoic acid (50 g, 0.37 mol) at O ⁰C. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h while keeping the temperature below 30 °C, poured into ice-water and stirred for 15 min. The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give 2-methyl-3,5- dinitro-benzoic acid (70 g, 84 %).

[00380] 2-Methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 2-methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid (50 g, 0.22 mol) in SOCl₂ (80 mL) was heated at reflux for 4 h and then was concentrated to dryness. CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and EtOH (80 mL) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, poured into ice-water and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 100 mL). The combined extracts were washed with sat. Na₂CO₃ (80 mL), water (2 x 100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness to give 2-methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (50 g, 88 %). [00381] 2-(2-Dimethylamino-vinyl)-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 2-methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (35 g, 0.14 mol) and dimethoxymethyl-dimethyl-amine (32 g, 0.27 mol) in DMF (200 mL) was heated at 100 ⁰C for 5 h. The mixture was poured into ice-water. The precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give 2-(2-dimethylamino-vinyl)-3,5-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (11.3 g, 48 %).

[00382] B-18; 6-Amino-lH-indole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 2-(2-dimethylamino-vinyl)-3,5-dinitro- benzoic acid ethyl ester (11.3 g, 0.037 mol) and SnCl₂ (83 g. 0.37 mol) in ethanol was heated at reflux for 4 h. The mixture was concentrated to dryness and the residue was poured into water and basified with sat. Na₂CO₃ solution to pH 8. The precipitate was filtered off and the filtrate was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (2 x 100 mL) and brine (150 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 6-amino-lH-indole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-18) (3 g, 40 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.76 (br s, 1 H), 7.11-7.14 (m, 2 H), 6.81-6.82 (m, 1 H), 6.67-6.68 (m, 1 H), 4.94 (br s, 2 H), 4.32-4.25 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 1.35-1.31 (t, J= 7.2, 3 H). ESI-MS 205.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00383] 5-Substituted 6-aminoindoles

[00384] Example 1:

[00386] Specific example:

B-20 l-Fluoro-5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzene To a stirred solution Of HNO₃ (60 mL) and H₂SO₄ (80 mL), cooled in an ice bath, was added 1- fluoro-3-methyl-benzene (27.5g, 25 mmol) at such a rate that the temperature did not rise over 35 °C. The mixture was allowed to stir for 30 min at room temperature and poured into ice water (500 mL). The resulting precipitate (a mixture of the desired product and l-fluoro-3-methyl-2,4- dinitro-benzene, approx. 7:3) was collected via filtration and purified by recrystallization from 50 mL isopropyl ether to give l-fluoro-5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzene as a white solid (18 g, 36 %).

[00387] [2-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-vinyl]-dimethyl-amine A mixture of l-fluoro-5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzene (10 g, 50 mmol), dimethoxymethyl- dimethylamine (11.9 g, 100 mmol) and DMF (50 mL) was heated at 100 ⁰C for 4 h. The solution was cooled and poured into water. The red precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water adequately and dried to give [2-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-vinyl]- dimethyl-amine (8 g, 63 %).

[00388] B-20; 5-Fluoro-lH-indol-6-ylamine A suspension of [2-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitro-phenyl)-vinyl]-dimethyl-amine (8 g, 31.4 mmol) and Raney Ni (8 g) in EtOH (80 mL) was stirred under H₂ (40 psi) at room temperature for 1 h. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography (Pet.Ether/ EtOAc = 5 / 1) to give 5-fluoro-lH-indol-6-ylamme (B-20) as a brown solid (1 g, 16 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-4) δ 10.56 (br s, 1 H), 7.07 (d, J= 12 Hz, 1 H), 7.02 (m, IH), 6.71 (d, J= 8 Hz, IH), 6.17 (s, IH), 3.91 (br s , 2H); ESI-MS 150.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00389] Other examples:

[00390] B-21; 5-Chloro-lH-indol-6-ylamine 5-Chloro-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-21) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from l-chloro-3 -methyl-benzene. Overall yield (7 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ.7.85 (br s, 1 H), 7.52 (s, 1 H), 7.03 (s, IH), 6.79 (s, IH), 6.34 (s, IH), 3.91 (br s, 2H); ESI-MS 166.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00391] B-22; 5-Trifluoromethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine 5-Trifluoromethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-22) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from l-methyl-3-trifluorom ethyl-benzene. Overall yield (2 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) 10.79 (br s, 1 H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.12 (s, 1 H), 6.78 (s, 1 H), 6.27(s, 1 H), 4.92 (s, 2 H); ESI-MS 200.8 m/z (MH⁺).

[00392] Example 2:

B-23

[00393] l-Benzenesulfonyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole To a mixture of DMAP (1.5 g), benzenesulfonyl chloride (24 g, 136 mmol) and 2,3-dihydro-lH- indole (14.7 g, 124 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) was added dropwise Et₃N (19 g, 186 mmol) in an ice-water bath. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure to provide 1- benzenesulfonyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (30.9 g, 96 %). [00394] l-(l-Benzenesulfonyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indol-5-yl)-ethanone To a stirring suspension Of AlCl₃ (144 g, 1.08 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (1070 mL) was added acetic anhydride (54 mL). The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. A solution of 1-benzenesulfonyl- 2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (46.9 g, 0.18 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (1070 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 5 h and quenched by the slow addition of crushed ice. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to yield l-(l-benzenesulfonyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indol-5-yl)-ethanone (42.6 g, 79 %).

[00395] l-Benzenesulfonyl-5-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole To magnetically stirred TFA (1600 mL) was added at 0 °C sodium borohydride (64 g, 1.69 mol) over 1 h. To this mixture was added dropwise a solution of l-(l-benzenesulfonyl-2,3-dihydro- lH-indol-5-yl)-ethanone (40 g, 0.13 mol) in TFA (700 mL) over 1 h. The mixture was stirred overnight at 25 ⁰C, diluted with H₂O (1600 ml), and basified with sodium hydroxide pellets at 0 °C. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 1 - benzenesulfonyl-5-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (16.2 g, 43 %).

[00396] 5-Ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole A mixture of l-benzenesulfonyl-5-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (15 g, 0.05 mol) in HBr (48%, 162 mL) was heated at reflux for 6 h. The mixture was basified with sat. NaOH solution to pH 9 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (2.5 g, 32 %).

[00397] 5-Ethyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole To a solution of 5-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (2.5 g, 17 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (98%, 20 mL) was slowly added KNO₃ (1.7 g, 17 mmol) at 0 °C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 0 - 10 ⁰C for 10 min, carefully poured into ice, basified with NaOH solution to pH 9 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-ethyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (1.9 g, 58 %).

[00398] 5-Ethyl-6-nitro-lH-indole To a solution of 5-ethyl-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (1.9 g, 9.9 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) was added MnO₂ (4 g, 46 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness to give crude 5-ethyl-6-nitro-lH- indole (1.9 g, quant.).

[00399] B-23; 5-Ethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine A suspension of 5-ethyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (1.9 g, 10 mmol) and Raney Ni (1 g) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-ethyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-23) (760 mg, 48 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.90 (br s, IH), 7.41 (s, IH), 7.00 (s, IH), 6.78 (s, 2H), 6.39 (s, IH), 3.39 (br s, 2H), 2.63 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.29 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H); ESI-MS 161.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00400] Example 3:

B-24

[00401] 2-Bromo-4-te^-butyl-phenylamine To a solution of 4-tert-butyl-phenylamine (447 g, 3 mol) in DMF (500 mL) was added dropwise NBS (531 g, 3 mol) in DMF (500 mL) at room temperature. Upon completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude product was directly used in the next step without further purification.

[00402] 2-Bromo-4-fer/-butyl-5-nitro-phenylamine 2-Bromo-4-fer£-butyl-phenylamine (162 g, 0.71 mol) was added dropwise to H₂SO₄ (410 mL) at room temperature to yield a clear solution. This clear solution was then cooled down to -5 to -10 ⁰C. A solution of KNO₃ (82.5 g, 0.82 mol) in H₂SO₄ (410 mL) was added dropwise while the temperature was maintained between -5 to -10 ⁰C. Upon completion, the reaction mixture was poured into ice / water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with 5% Na₂CO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by a column chromatography (EtOAc / petroleum ether 1 / 10) to give 2-bromo-4-tert-butyl-5-nitro- phenylamine as a yellow solid (152 g, 78 %).

[00403] 4-ter^-Butyl-5-nitro-2-trimethylsilanylethynyl-phenylamine To a mixture of 2-bromo-4-tert-butyl-5-nitro-phenylamine (27.3 g, 100 mmol) in toluene (200 mL) and water (100 mL) was added Et₃N (27.9 mL, 200 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (2.11 g, 3 mmol), CuI (950 mg, 0.5 mmol) and trimethylsilyl acetylene (21.2 mL, 150 mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was heated at 70 ⁰C in a sealed pressure flask for 2.5 h., cooled down to room temperature and filtered through a short plug of Celite. The filter cake was washed with EtOAc The combined filtrate was washed with 5% NH₄OH solution and water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (0 - 10 % EtOAc / petroleum ether) to provide 4-tert-butyl-5-nitro-2- trimethylsilanylethynyl-phenylamine as a brown viscous liquid (25 g, 81 %).

[00404] 5-fer*-ButyI-6-nitro-lH-indole To a solution of 4-tert-butyl-5-nitro-2-trimethylsilanylethynyl-phenylamine (25 g, 86 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was added CuI (8.2 g, 43 mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was heated at 135 °C in a sealed pressure flask overnight, cooled down to room temperature and filtered through a short plug of Celite. The filter cake was washed with EtOAc. The combined filtrate was washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (10 - 20 % EtOAc / Hexane) to provide 5-te/t-butyl-6-nitro- lH-indole as a yellow solid (12.9 g, 69 %).

[00405] B-24; 5-te^-Butyl-lH-indol-6-ylamine Raney Ni (3 g) was added to 5-terZ-butyl-6-nitro-lH-indole (14.7 g, 67 mmol) in methanol (100 mL). The mixture was stirred under hydrogen (1 atm) at 30 °C for 3 h. The catalyst was filtered off. The filtrate was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The crude dark brown viscous oil was purified by column chromatography (10 - 20 % EtOAc / petroleum ether) to give 5-tert-bvΛyl- lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-24) as a gray solid (11 g, 87 %). ¹R NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.3 (br s, IH), 7.2 (s, IH), 6.9 (m, IH), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.1 (m, IH), 4.4 (br s, 2H), 1.3 (s, 9H).

[00406] Example 4:

[00407] 5-Methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid To a mixture Of HNO₃ (95 %, 80 mL) and H₂SO₄ (98 %, 80 mL) was slowly added 3- methylbenzoic acid (50 g, 0.37 mol) at 0 ⁰C. After addition, the mixture was stirred for 1.5 h while maintaining the temperature below 30 °C. The mixture was poured into ice-water and stirred for 15 min. The precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give a mixture of 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid and 5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid (70 g, 84 %). To a solution of this mixture in EtOH (150 mL) was added dropwise SOCl₂ (53.5 g, 0.45 mol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL) and extracted with 10% Na₂CO₃ solution (120 mL). The organic layer was found to contain 5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester while the aqueous layer contained 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid. The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness to provide 5-methyl-2,4- dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (20 g, 20 %). [00408] 5-(2-Dimethylamino-vinyl)-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (39 g, 0.15 mol) and dimethoxymethyl-dimethylamine (32 g, 0.27 mol) in DMF (200 mL) was heated at 100 ⁰C for 5 h. The mixture was poured into ice water. The precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to afford 5-(2-dimethylamino-vinyl)-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (15 g, 28 %).

[00409] B-25; β-Amino-lH-indole-S-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 5-(2-dimethylamino-vinyl)-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (15 g, 0.05 mol) and Raney Ni (5 g) in EtOH (500 mL) was stirred under H₂ (50 psi) at room temperature for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 6-amino-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-25) (3 g, 30 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.68 (s, 1 H), 7.99 (s, 1 H), 7.01-7.06 (m, 1 H), 6.62 (s, 1 H), 6.27-6.28 (m, 1 H), 6.16 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 1.32-1.27 (t, J= 7.2Hz, 3 H).

[00410] Example 5:

DDQ H₂, Raney Ni 1 ,4-dioxane EtOH

B-27

l-(2,3-Dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone To a suspension OfNaHCO₃ (504 g, 6.0 mol) and 2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (60 g, 0.5 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ (600 mL) cooled in an ice-water bath, was added dropwise acetyl chloride (78.5 g, 1.0 mol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to give l-(2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone (82 g, 100 %).

[00411] l-(5-Bromo-2,3-dihydro-indoI-l-yl)-ethanone To a solution of l-(2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone (58.0 g, 0.36 mol) in acetic acid (3000 mL) was added Br₂ (87.0 g, 0.54 mol) at 10 °C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The precipitate was collected via filtration to give crude l-(5-bromo-2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)- ethanone (100 g, 96 %), which was used directly in the next step.

[00412] 5-Bromo-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole A mixture of crude l-(5-bromo-2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone (100 g, 0.34 mol) in HCl (20 %, 1200 mL) was heated at reflux for 6 h. The mixture was basified with Na₂CO₃ to pH 8.5-10 and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-bromo-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (37 g, 55 %).

[00413] 5-Bromo-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole To a solution of 5-bromo-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (45 g, 0.227 mol) in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 200 mL) was slowly added KNO₃ (23.5 g, 0.23 mol) at 0 °C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 0 - 10 °C for 4 h, carefully poured into ice, basified with Na₂CO₃ to pH 8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-bromo-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (42 g, 76 %).

[00414] 5-Bromo-6-nitro-lH-indole To a solution of 5-bromo-6-nitro-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole (20 g, 82.3 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (400 mL) was added DDQ (30 g, 0.13 mol). The mixture was stirred at 80 °C for 2 h. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford 5-bromo-6-nitro-lH-indole (7.5 g, 38 %).

[00415] B-27; 5-Bromo-lH-indol-6-ylamine A mixture of 5-bromo-6-nitro-lH-indole (7.5 g, 31.1 mmol) and Raney Ni (1 g) in ethanol was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 5-bromo-lH-indol-6-ylamine (B-27) (2 g, 30 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-^₆) δ 10.6 (s, 1 H), 7.49 (s, 1 H), 6.79-7.02 (m, 1 H), 6.79 (s, 1 H), 6.14-6.16 (m, 1 H), 4.81 (s, 2 H).

[00416] 7-Substituted 6-aminoindole

DMF

B-19

[00417] 3-Methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid To a mixture OfHNO₃ (95 %, 80 mL) and H₂SO₄ (98 %, 80 mL) was slowly added 3- methylbenzoic acid (50 g, 0.37 mol) at 0 ⁰C. After addition, the mixture was stirred for 1.5 h while maintaining the temperature below 30 ⁰C. The mixture was poured into ice- water and stirred for 15 min. The precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give a mixture of 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid and 5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid (70 g, 84 %). To a solution of this mixture in EtOH (150 mL) was added dropwise SOCl₂ (53.5 g, 0.45 mol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 h and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL) and extracted with 10% Na₂CO₃ solution (120 mL). The organic layer was found to contain 5-methyl-2,4-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester. The aqueous layer was acidified with HCl to pH 2 ~ 3 and the resulting precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water and dried in air to give 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid (39 g, 47 %). [00418] 3-Methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid (39 g, 0.15 mol) and SOCl₂ (80 mL) was heated at reflux for 4 h. The excess SOCl₂ was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was added dropwise to a solution of EtOH (100 mL) and Et₃N (50 mL). The mixture was stirred at 20 °C for 1 h and concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL), washed with Na₂CO₃ (10 %, 40 mL x 2), water (50 mL x 2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (20 g, 53 %).

[00419] 3-(2-Dimethylamino-vinyI)-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 3-methyl-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (35 g, 0.14 mol) and dimethoxymethyl-dimethylamine (32 g, 0.27 mol) in DMF (200 mL) was heated at 100 °C for 5 h. The mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water to give 3-(2-dimethylamino-vinyl)-2,6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (25 g, 58 %).

[00420] B-19; ό-Amino-lH-indole-T-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 3-(2-dimethylarnino-vinyl)-2, 6-dinitro-benzoic acid ethyl ester (30 g, 0.097 mol) and Raney Ni (10 g) in EtOH (1000 mL) was stirred under H₂ (50 psi) for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 6-amino-lH-indole-7-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (B-19) as an off-white solid (3.2 g, 16 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-^₆) δ 10.38 (s, 1 H), 7.44-7.41 (d, J- 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.98 (t, 1 H), 6.65 (s, 2 H), 6.50-6.46 (m, 1 H), 6.27-6.26 (m, 1 H), 4.43-4.36 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 1.35 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3 H).

[00421] Phenols [00422] Example 1:

[00423] 2-fert-Butyl-5-nitroaniline To a cooled solution of sulfuric acid (90 %, 50 mL) was added dropwise 2-tert-bnty\- phenylamine (4.5 g, 30 mmol) at 0 ⁰C. Potassium nitrate (4.5 g, 45 mmol) was added in portions at 0 ⁰C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0-5 ⁰C for 5 min, poured into ice-water and then extracted with EtOAc three times. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by recrystallization using 70 % EtOH - H₂O to give 2-tert-butyl-5-nitroaniline (3.7 g, 64 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.56 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.48 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.36 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, IH), 4.17 (s, 2H), 1.46 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.27 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 195.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00424] C-l-a; 2-fert-Butyl-5-nitrophenoI To a mixture of 2-fer£-butyl-5-nitroaniline (1.94 g, 10 mmol) in 40 mL of 15 % H₂SO₄ was added dropwise a solution OfNaNO₂ (763 mg, 11.0 mmol) in water (3 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0-5 ⁰C for 5 min. Excess NaNO₂ was neutralized with urea, then 5 mL OfH₂SO₄-H₂O (v/v 1 :2) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 5 min. Three additional 5 mL aliquots OfH₂SO₄-H₂O (v/v 1 :2) were added while heating at reflux. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and extracted with EtOAc twice. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % EtOAc - Hexane) to give 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol (C-l-a) (1.2 g, 62 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.76 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.58 (d, J - 2.1 Hz, IH), 7.43 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH), 5.41 (s, IH), 1.45 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.46 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run.

[00425] C-I; 2~fert-ButyI-5-aminophenol. To a refluxing solution of 2-tert-butyl- 5-nitrophenol (C-l-a) (196 mg, 1.0 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added ammonium formate (200 mg, 3.1 mmol), followed by 140 mg of 10% Pd-C. The reaction mixture was refluxed for additional 30 min, cooled to room temperature and filtered through a plug of Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness and purified by column chromatography (20-30% EtOAc-Hexane) to give 2-fert-butyl-5-aminophenol (C-I) (144 mg, 87 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.76 (s, IH), 6.74 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.04 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 5.93 (dd, J = 8.2, 2.3 Hz, IH), 4.67 (s, 2H), 1.26 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.26 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 166.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00426] Example 2:

[00427] General scheme:

a) RX (X - Br, I), K₂CO₃ or Cs₂CO₃, DMF; b) HCO₂NH₄ or HCO₂K, Pd-C, EtOH

[00428] Specific example:

[00429] l-fert-Butyl-2-methoxy~4-nitrobenzene To a mixture of 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol (C-1-a) (100 mg, 0.52 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (86 mg, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added CH₃I (40 uL, 0.62 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was evaporated to dryness to give l-tert-butyl-2-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene (82 mg, 76 %) that was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.77 (t, J = 4.3 Hz, IH), 7.70 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 7.40 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH), 3.94 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H).

[00430] C-2; 4-fert-Butyl-3-methoxyaniline To a refluxing solution of l-tert-butyl-2-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene (82 mg, 0.4 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was added potassium formate (300 mg, 3.6 mmol) in water (1 mL), followed by 10% Pd-C (15 mg). The reaction mixture was refluxed for additional 60 min, cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness to give 4-tert-butyl-3- methoxyaniline (C-2) (52 mg, 72 %) that was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 2.29 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 180.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00431] Other examples:

[00432] C-3; 3-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)-4-tert-butylbenzenamine 3-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)-4-tert-butylbenzenamine (C-3) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol (C-l-a) and l-bromo-2-ethoxyethane. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.97 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, IH), 6.17 (s, IH), 6.14 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 4.00 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.53 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (s, 9H), 1.16 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 2.55 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 238.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00433] C-4; 2-(2-fer^Butyl-5-aminophenoxy)ethanoI 2-(2-tert-Butyl-5-ammophenoxy)ethanol (C-4) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol (C-l-a) and 2-bromoethanol. HPLC ret. time 2.08 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 210.3 m/z (MH⁺). [00434] Example 3:

[00435] N-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-acetamide and acetic acid 3-formylamino-phenyl ester To a well stirred suspension of 3-amino-phenol (50 g, 0.46 mol) and NaHCO₃ (193.2 g, 2.3 mol) in chloroform (1 L) was added dropwise chloroacetyl chloride (46.9 g, 0.6 mol) over a period of 30 min at 0 ⁰C. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was refluxed overnight and then cooled to room temperature. The excess NaHCO₃ was removed via filtration. The filtrate was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (300 x 3 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (500 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a mixture of N-(3-hydroxy-phenyl)-acetamide and acetic acid 3- formylamino-phenyl ester (35 g, 4:1 by NMR analysis). The mixture was used directly in the next step.

[00436] N-[3-(3-Methyl-but-3-enyloxy)-phenyl]-acetamide A suspension of the mixture of N-(3-hydroxy-phenyl)-acetamide and acetic acid 3-formylamino- phenyl ester (18.12 g, 0.12 mol), 3-methyl-but-3-en-l-ol (8.6 g, 0.1 mol), DEAD (87 g, 0.2 mol) and Ph₃P (31.44 g, 0.12 mol) in benzene (250 mL) was heated at reflux overnight and then cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (300 x 3 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give N-[3-(3-methyl-but-3-enyloxy)-ρhenyl]- acetamide (1 1 g, 52 %).

[00437] N-(4,4-Dimethyl-chroman-7-yI)-acetamide A mixture of N-[3-(3-methyl-but-3-enyloxy)-phenyl]-acetamide (2.5 g, 11.4 mmol) and AlCl₃ (4.52 g, 34.3 mmol) in fluoro-benzene (50 mL) was heated at reflux overnight. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (40 x 3 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give N-(4,4-dimethyl-cliroman-7-yl)-acetamide (1.35 g, 54 %).

[00438] C-5; 3,4-Dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2H-chromen-7-amine A mixture of N-(4,4-dimethyl-chroman-7-yl)-acetamide (1.35 g, 6.2 mmol) in 20 % HCl solution (30 mL) was heated at reflux for 3 h and then cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was basified with 10 % aq. NaOH to pH 8 and extracted with EtOAc (30 x 3 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 3,4-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-2H-chromen-7-amine (C-5) (1 g, 92 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 6.87 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.07 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 5.87 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.75 (s, 2 H), 3.99 (t, J= 5.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.64 (t, J= 5.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.15 (s, 6 H); ESI-MS 178.I nVz (MH⁺).

[00439] Example 4:

[00440] General scheme:

X = F, Cl; a) ROH, H₂SO₄ or MeSO₃H, CH₂Cl₂; b) R⁵CO₂Cl, Et₃N, 1,4-dioxane or CHCl₃; c) HNO₃, H₂SO₄ or KNO₃, H₂SO₄ or HNO₃, AcOH; d) piperidine, CH₂Cl₂; e) HCO₂NH₄, Pd-C, EtOH or SnCl₂.2H₂O, EtOH or H₂, Pd-C, MeOH.

[00441] Specific example

C-6-a [00442] 2-tert-Butyl-4-fluorophenol 4-Fluorophenol (5g, 45 mmol) and tert-bvtanol (5.9 mL, 63 mmol) were dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (80 niL) and treated with concentrated sulfuric acid (98 %, 3 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The organic layer was washed with water, neutralized with NaHCO₃, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (5-15 % EtOAc - Hexane) to give 2-ter/-butyl-4-fluorophenol (3.12 g, 42 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 9.32 (s, IH), 6.89 (dd, J = 1 1.1, 3.1 Hz, IH), 6.84-6.79 (m, IH), 6.74 (dd, J = 8.7, 5.3 Hz, IH), 1.33 (s, 9H).

[00443] 2-tert-Butyl-4-fluorophenyl methyl carbonate To a solution of 2-fert-butyl-4-fluorophenol (2.63g, 15.7 mmol) and NEt₃ (3.13 mL, 22.5 mmol) in dioxane (45 mL) was added methyl chloro formate (1.27 mL, 16.5 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The precipitate was removed via filtration. The filtrate was then diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extract was washed with water and dried over MgSO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography to give 2-tert-butyl-4-fluorophenyl methyl carbonate (2.08g, 59 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 7.24 (dd, J = 8.8, 5.4 Hz, IH), 7.17-7.10 (m, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 1.29 (s, 9H).

[00444] 2-te/t-Butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-7-a) and 2- fer/~butyl-4-fluoro-6-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-6-a) To a solution of 2-tert-bntyl-4- fluorophenyl methyl carbonate (1.81g, 8 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 1 mL) was added slowly a cooled mixture OfH₂SO₄ (1 mL) and HNO₃ (1 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred for 2 h while warming to room temperature, poured into ice and extracted with diethyl ether. The ether extract was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % EtOAc - Hexane) to give 2-tert- butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-7-a) (1.2 g, 55 %) and 2-tert-butyl-4-fluoro-6- nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-6-a) (270 mg, 12 %). 2-tert-Butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-7-a): ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.24 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, IH), 7.55 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, IH), 3.90 (s, 3H), 1.32 (s, 9H). 2-tert-butyl-4-fluoro-6-nitroρhenyl methyl carbonate (C-6-a): ¹H NMR_. (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.04 (dd, J = 7.6, 3.1 Hz, IH), 7.69 (dd, J = 10.1, 3.1 Hz, IH), 3.91 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 9H).

[00445] 2-fer/-Butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenol To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (C-7-a) (1.08 g, 4 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) was added piperidine (3.94 mL, 10 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and extracted with IN NaOH (3x). The aqueous layer was acidified with IN HCl and extracted with diethyl ether. The ether extract was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give 2-tert-butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenol (530 mg, 62 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 10.40 (s, IH), 7.49 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, IH), 7.25 (d, J = 13.7 Hz, IH), 1.36 (s, 9H).

[00446] C-7; 2-tert~Butyl-5-amino-4-fluorophenol To a refluxing solution of 2-tert-butyl-4-fluoro-5-nitrophenol (400 mg, 1.88 mmol) and ammonium formate (400 mg, 6.1 mmol) in EtOH (20 mL) was added 5 % Pd-C (260 mg). The mixture was refiuxed for additional 1 h, cooled and filtered through Celite. The solvent was removed by evaporation to give 2-te?t-butyl-5-amino-4-fluorophenol (C-7) (550 mg, 83 %). H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.83 (br s, IH), 6.66 (d, J = 13.7 Hz, IH), 6.22 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.74 (br s, 2H), 1.26 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.58 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI- MS l 84.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00447] Other examples:

[00448] C-10; 2-ter/'-Butyl-5-amino-4-chlorophenol 2~tert-Butyl-5-amino-4-chlorophenol (C-10) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-chlorophenol and fert-butanol. Overall yield (6 %). HPLC ret. time 3.07 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 200.2 m/z (MH⁴).

[00449] C-13; 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l-methylcyclohexyl)phenol 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l -methyl cyclohexyl)phenol (C-13) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and 1-methylcyclohexanol. Overall yield (3 %). HPLC ret. time 3.00 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 224.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00450] C-19; 5-Amino-2-(3-ethylpentan-3-yl)-4-fluoro-phenol 5-Amino-2-(3-ethylpentan-3-yl)-4-fluoro-phenol (C-19) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and 3-ethyl-3-pentanol. Overall yield (1 %).

[00451] C-20; 2-Admantyl-5-amino-4-fluoro-phenol 2-Admantyl-5-amino-4-fluoro-phenol (C-20) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and adamantan-1-ol.

[00452] C-21; 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l-methylcycloheptyl)phenol 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l -methyl cycloheptyl)phenol (C-21) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and 1 -methyl-cycloheptanol.

[00453] C-22; 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l-methylcyclooctyl)phenol 5-Amino-4-fluoro-2-(l-methylcyclooctyl)phenol (C-22) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and 1-methyl-cyclooctanol.

[00454] C-23; 5-Amino-2-(3-ethyl-2,2-dimethylpentan-3-yl)-4-fluoro-phenol 5-Amino-2-(3-ethyl-2,2-dimethylpentan-3-yl)-4-fluoro-phenol (C-23) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4-fluorophenol and 3-ethyl-2,2-dimethyl-pentan-3-ol.

[00455] Example 5:

[00456] C-6; 2-ter*'-Butyl-4-fluoro-6-aminophenyl methyl carbonate To a refluxing solution of 2-fer£-butyl-4-fluoro-6-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (250 mg, 0.92 mmol) and ammonium formate (250 mg, 4 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added 5 % Pd-C (170 mg). The mixture was refluxed for additional 1 h, cooled and filtered through Celite. The solvent was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-15 %, EtOAc - Hexane) to give 2-ter?-butyl-4-fluoiO-6-aminophenyl methyl carbonate (C-6) (60 mg, 27 %). HPLC ret. time 3.35 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 242.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00457] Example 6:

[00458] Carbonic acid 2,4-di-tør£-butyl-phenyl ester methyl ester Methyl chloroformate (58 mL, 750 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 2,4-di-tert-butyl- phenol (103.2g, 500 mmol), Et₃N (139 mL, 1000 mmol) and DMAP (3.05g, 25 mmol) in dichloromethane (400 mL) cooled in an ice-water bath to 0 °C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature while stirring overnight, then filtered through silica gel (approx. IL) using 10% ethyl acetate — hexanes (~ 4 L) as the eluent. The combined filtrates were concentrated to yield carbonic acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenyl ester methyl ester as a yellow oil (132 g, quant.). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 7.35 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.29 (dd, J - 8.5, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.06 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.85 (s, 3H), 1.30 (s, 9H), 1.29 (s, 9H). [00459] Carbonic acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitro-phenyl ester methyl ester and Carbonic acid 2,4-di-fert-butyl-6-nitro-phenyl ester methyl ester To a stirring mixture of carbonic acid 2,4-di-fe/t-butyl-phenyl ester methyl ester (4.76 g, 18 mmol) in cone, sulfuric acid (2 mL), cooled in an ice-water bath, was added a cooled mixture of sulfuric acid (2 mL) and nitric acid (2 mL). The addition was done slowly so that the reaction temperature did not exceed 50 °C. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 h while wanning to room temperature. The reaction mixture was then added to ice- water and extracted into diethyl ether. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (0 - 10% ethyl acetate - hexanes) to yield a mixture of carbonic acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl~5-nitro- phenyl ester methyl ester and carbonic acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-nitro-phenyl ester methyl ester as a pale yellow solid (4.28 g), which was used directly in the next step.

[00460] 2,4~Di-te/**-butyl-5-nitro-phenol and 2,4-Di-fert-butyl-6-nitro-phenol The mixture of carbonic acid 2,4-di-fert-butyl-5-nitro-phenyl ester methyl ester and carbonic acid 2,4-di~fer£-butyl-6-nitro-phenyl ester methyl ester (4.2 g, 12.9 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (65 mL) and KOH (2.Og, 36 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then made acidic (pH 2-3) by adding cone. HCl and partitioned between water and diethyl ether. The ether layer was dried (MgSO₄), concentrated and purified by column chromatography (0 - 5 % ethyl acetate - hexanes) to provide 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitro-phenol (1.31 g, 29 % over 2 steps) and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-nitro- phenol. 2,4-Di~fe/t-butyl-5-nitro-phenol: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 10.14 (s, IH, OH), 7.34 (s, IH), 6.83 (s, IH), 1.36 (s, 9H), 1.30 (s, 9H). 2,4-Di-tert-butyl-6-nitro-phenol: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 11.48 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.66 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, IH), 1.47 (s, 9H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

[00461] C-9; 5-Anuno-2,4-di-fert-butyI-phenol To a reluxing solution of 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitro-phenol (1.86 g, 7.4 mmol) and ammonium formate (1.86 g) in ethanol (75 mL) was added Pd-5% wt. on activated carbon (900 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 h, cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. The Celite was washed with methanol and the combined filtrates were concentrated to yield 5-amino-2,4-di-fert~butyl-phenol as a grey solid (1.66 g, quant.). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-Cf₆) δ 8.64 (s, IH, OH), 6.84 (s, IH), 6.08 (s, IH), 4.39 (s, 2H, NH₂), 1.27 (m, 18H); HPLC ret. time 2.72 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 222.4 m/z (MH⁺).

[00462] C-8; 6-Amino-2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenoI A solution.of 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-nitro-phenol (27 mg, 0.11 mmol) and SnCl₂.2H₂O (121 mg, 0.54 mmol) in EtOH (1.0 mL) was heated in microwave oven at 100 ⁰C for 30 min. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc and water, basified with sat. NaHCO₃ and filtered through Celite. The organic layer was separated and dried over Na₂SO₄. Solvent was removed by evaporation to provide 6-amino-2,4-di-fert-butyl-phenol (C-8), which was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 2.74 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 222.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00463] Example 7:

[00464] 4~fert-butyl-2-chloro-phenol To a solution of 4-fert-butyl-phenol (40.0 g, 0.27 mol) and SO₂Cl₂ (37.5 g, 0.28 mol) in CH₂Cl₂ was added MeOH (9.0 g, 0.28 mol) at 0 °C. After addition was complete, the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then water (200 mL) was added. The resulting solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether / EtOAc, 50:1) to give 4-tert-butyl-2-chloro-phenol (47.0 g, 95 %).

[00465] 4-fer^-ButyI-2-chlorophenyl methyl carbonate To a solution of 4-terf-butyl-2-chlorophenol (47.0 g, 0.25 mol) in dichloromethane (200 mL) was added Et₃N (50.5 g, 0.50 mol), DMAP (1 g) and methyl chloroformate (35.4 g, 0.38 mol) at 0 ⁰C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for additional 30 min. The reaction mixture was washed with H₂O and the organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 4-fcr£-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl carbonate (56.6 g, 92 %), which was used directly in the next step.

[00466] 4-ført-Butyl-2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate 4-ter£-Butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl carbonate (36.0 g, 0.15 mol) was dissolved in cone. H₂SO₄ (100 mL) at 0 °C. KNO₃ (0.53 g, 5.2 mmol) was added in portions over 25 min. The reaction was stirred for 1.5 h and poured into ice (200 g). The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with aq. NaHCO₃, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give 4-tert-butyl-2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (41.0 g), which was used without further purification.

[00467] 4-te/t-Butyl-2-chloro-5-nitro-phenol Potassium hydroxide (10.1 g, 181 mmol) was added to 4-fer£-butyl-2-chloro-5-nitrophenyl methyl carbonate (40.0 g, 139 mmol) in MeOH (100 mL). After 30 min, the reaction was acidified with IN HCl and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were combined, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography (Pet. Ether / EtOAc, 30:1) to give 4-ter£-butyl-2-chloro-5-nitro- phenol (23.0 g, 68 % over 2 steps).

[00468] C-Il; 4-te/^ButyI-2-chloro-5-amino~phenol To a solution of 4-fert-butyl-2-chloro-5-nitro-phenol (12.6 g, 54.9 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was added Ni (1.2 g). The reaction was shaken under H₂ (1 arm) for 4 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (P.E. / EtOAc, 20:1) to give 4-tert-butyl-2-chloro-5-amino-phenol (C-Il) (8.5 g, 78 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 9.33 (s, 1 H), 6.80 (s, 1 H), 6.22 (s, 1 H), 4.76 (s, 1 H), L23 (s, 9 H); ESI- MS 200.1 m/z (MH⁺). [00469] Example 8:

C-12

2-Admantyl-4-methyl-phenyl ethyl carbonate Ethyl chloro formate (0.64 niL, 6.7 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 2-admantyl-4- methylphenol (1.09 g, 4.5 mmol), Et₃N (1.25 mL, 9 mmol) and DMAP (catalytic amount) in dichloromethane (8 mL) cooled in an ice-water bath to 0 °C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature while stirring overnight, then filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (10-20 % ethyl acetate — hexanes) to yield 2- admantyl-4-methyl-phenyl ethyl carbonate as a yellow oil (1.32 g, 94 %).

[00470] 2-AdmantyI-4-methyl-5-nitrophenyl ethyl carbonate To a cooled solution of 2-admantyl-4-methyl-phenyl ethyl carbonate (1.32 g, 4.2 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 10 mL) was added KNO₃ (510 mg, 5.0 mmol) in small portions at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred for 3 h while warming to room temperature, poured into ice and then extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % EtOAc - Hexane) to yield 2-admantyl-4-methyl-5-nitrophenyl ethyl carbonate (378 mg, 25 %).

[00471] 2-Admantyl-4-methyl-5-nitrophenol To a solution of 2-admantyl-4-methyl-5-nitrophenyl ethyl carbonate (378 mg, 1.05 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added piperidine (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, adsorbed onto silica gel under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (0-15 %, EtOAc - Hexanes) to provide 2-admantyl-4-methyl-5-nitrophenol (231 mg, 77 %).

[00472] C-12; 2-Admantyl-4-methyl-5-aminophenol To a solution of 2-admantyl-4-methyl-5-nitrophenol (231 mg, 1.6 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was added Pd- 5% wt on carbon (10 mg). The mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) overnight and then filtered through Celite. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to provide 2-admantyl-4- methyl-5-aminophenol (C-12), which was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 2.52 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 258.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00473] Example 9:

C-14

2-ή?r£-Butyl-4-bromophenol To a solution of 2-tert-butylρhenol (25Og, 1.67 mol) in CH₃CN (1500 mL) was added NBS (300 g, 1.67 mol) at room temperature. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and then the solvent was removed. Petroleum ether (1000 mL) was added, and the resulting white precipitate was filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude 2-tert-butyl-4-bromophenol (380 g), which was used without further purification.

[00474] Methyl (2-fer^-butyl-4-bromophenyl) carbonate To a solution of 2-£-butyl-4-bromophenol (380 g, 1.67 mol) in dichloromethane (1000 mL) was added Et₃N (202 g, 2 mol) at room temperature. Methyl chloro formate (155 mL) was added dropwise to the above solution at 0 ⁰C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 2 h., quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution and diluted with water. The organic layer was separated and washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to provide the crude methyl (2-fert-butyl-4-bromophenyl) carbonate (470 g), which was used without further purification.

[00475] Methyl (2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenyl) carbonate Methyl (2-fer£-butyl-4-bromophenyl) carbonate (470 g, 1.67 mol) was dissolved in cone. H₂SO₄ (1000 ml) at 0 ⁰C. KNO₃ (253 g, 2.5 mol) was added in portions over 90 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 2 h and poured into ice-water (20 L). The resulting precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water thoroughly, dried and recrystallized from ether to give methyl (2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenyl) carbonate (332 g, 60 % over 3 steps).

[00476] C-14-a; 2-fert-Butyl-4-bromo-5-nitro-phenol To a solution of methyl (2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenyl) carbonate (121.5 g, 0.366 mol) in methanol (1000 mL) was added potassium hydroxide (30.75 g, 0.549 mol ) in portions. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h and acidified with IN HCl to pH 7. Methanol was removed and water was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 2-tert-butyl-4- bromo-5-nitro-phenol (C-14-a) (100 g, 99 %).

[00477] l-terϊ-Butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-4-nitrobenzene To a mixture of 2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) (1.1 g, 4 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (1.56 g, 4.8 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added benzyl bromide (500 μL, 4.2 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, diluted with H₂O and extracted twice with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chloromatography (0-5 % EtOAc - Hexane) to yield l-tert-butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-4-nitrobenzene (1.37 g, 94 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 7.62 (s, IH), 7.53 (s, IH), 7.43 (m, 5H), 5.22 (s, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

[00478] l-tert-Butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene A mixture of l-fer^-butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-bromo-4-nitrobenzene (913 mg, 2.5 mmol), KF (291 mg, 5 mmol), KBr (595 mg, 5 mmol), CuI (570 mg, 3 mmol), methyl chlorodifluoroacetate (1.6 mL, 15 mmol) and DMF (5 mL) was stirred at 125 ⁰C in a sealed tube overnight, cooled to room temperature, diluted with water and extracted three times with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-5 % EtOAc - Hexane) to yield \-tert- butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene (591 mg, 67 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) 7.66 (s, IH), 7.37 (m, 5H), 7.19 (s, IH), 5.21 (s, 2H), 1.32 (s, 9H).

[00479] C-14; 5-Amino-2-tert-butyl-4-trifluoromethyl-phenol To a refluxing solution of l-tert-butyl-2-(benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene (353 mg, 1.0 mmol) and ammonium formate (350 mg, 5.4 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added 10% Pd-C (245 mg). The mixture was refluxed for additional 2 h, cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography to give 5-Amino-2-tert-butyl-4-trifluoromethyl-phenol (C-14) (120 mg, 52 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.21 (s, IH), 6.05 (s, IH), 1.28 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.46 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 234.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00480] Example 10:

[00481] General scheme:

C-14-a a) ArB(OH)₂, K₂CO₃, Pd(PPh₃)₄, H₂O, DMF Or ArB(OH)₂, (dppf)PdCl₂, K₂CO₃, EtOH; b) H₂, Raney Ni, MeOH or HCO₂NH₄, Pd-C, EtOH or SnCl₂.2H₂O.

[00482] Specific example:

[00483] 2-fer^ButyI-4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-5-nitrophenol To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) (8.22 g, 30 mmol) in DMF (90 mL) was added 2-ethoxyphenyl boronic acid (5.48 g, 33 mmol), potassium carbonate (4.56 g, 33 mmol), water (10 ml) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (1.73 g, 1.5 mmol). The mixture was heated at 90 ⁰C for 3 h under nitrogen. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried and purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - ethyl acetate, 10:1) to afford 2-tert-butyl-4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-5-nitrophenol (9.2 g, 92 %). ¹HNMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.38 (s, 1 H), 7.36 (s, 1 H), 7.28 (m, 2 H), 7.08 (s, 1 H), 6.99 (t, 1 H, J= 7.35 Hz), 6.92 (d, 1 H, J= 8.1 Hz), 3.84 (q, 2 H, J= 6.6 Hz), 1.35 (s, 9 H), 1.09 (t, 3 H, J= 6.6 Hz); ESI-MS 314.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00484] C-15; 2-fert-Butyl-4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-5-aminophenol To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-5-nitrophenol (3.0 g, 9.5 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was added Raney Ni (300 mg). The mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether- ethyl acetate, 6:1) to afford 2-tert- butyl-4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-5-aminophenol (C-15) (2.35 g, 92 %). ¹HNMR (DMSCM₆) δ 8.89 (s, IH), 7.19 (t, IH, J- 4.2 Hz), 7.10 (d, IH₅ J= 1.8 Hz), 7.08 (d, IH, J= 1.8 Hz), 6.94 (t, IH, J= 3.6 Hz), 6.67 (s, 1 H), 6.16 (s, 1 H), 4.25 (s, 1 H), 4.00 (q, 2H, J= 6.9 Hz), 1.26 (s, 9H), 1.21 (t, 3 H, J= 6.9 Hz); ESI-MS 286.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00485] Other examples:

[00486] C-16; 2-fer*-Butyl-4-(3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-aminophenol 2-fert-Butyl-4-^3-ethoxyphenyl)-5-aminophenol (C-16) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 2~tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) and 3-ethoxyphenyl boronic acid. HPLC ret. time 2.77 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min ran; ESI-MS 286.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00487] C-17; 2-fer£-ButyI-4-(3-methoxycarbonyIphenyl)-5-aminophenol (C- 17) 2-fer£-Butyl-4-(3-methoxycarbonylphenyl)-5-aminophenol (C-17) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) and 3- (methoxycarbonyl)phenylboronic acid. HPLC ret. time 2.70 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min ran; ESI-MS 300.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00488] Example 11;

C-18

[00489] l-tot-Butyl-2-methoxy-5-bromo-4-nitrobenzene To a mixture of 2-fer£-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) (1.5 g, 5.5 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (2.2 g, 6.6 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was added methyl iodide (5150 μL, 8.3 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, diluted with H₂O and extracted twice with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was washed with hexane to yield l-fert-butyl-2-methoxy-5-bromo-4- nitrobenzene (1.1 g, 69 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.58 (s, IH), 7.44 (s, IH), 3.92 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H).

[00490] l-terr-Butyl-2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene A mixture of l-tert-butyl-2-methoxy-5-bromo-4-nitrobenzene (867 mg, 3.0 mmol), KF (348 mg, 6 mmol), KBr (714 mg, 6 mmol), CuI (684 mg, 3.6 mmol), methyl chlorodifluoroacetate (2.2 mL, 21.0 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at 125 ⁰C in a sealed tube overnight, cooled to room temperature, diluted with water and extracted three times with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-5 % EtOAc - Hexane) to yield l-tert- butyl-2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene (512 mg, 61 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.60 (s, IH), 7.29 (s, IH), 3.90 (s, 3H), 1.33 (s, 9H).

[00491] C-18; l-te/Y-ButyI-2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-aminobenzene To a refluxing solution of l-/¹er/'-butyl-2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrobenzene (473 mg, 1.7 mmol) and ammonium formate (473 mg, 7.3 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added 10% Pd-C (200 mg). The mixture was refluxed for 1 h, cooled and filtered through Celite. The solvent was removed by evaporation to give l-te/t-butyl-2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-aminobenzene (C- 18) (403 mg, 95 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.19 (s, IH), 6.14 (s, IH), 4.02 (bs, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 1.24 (s, 9H).

[00492] Example 12:

C-14-a C-27

[00493] C-27; 2-fert-Butyl-4-bromo-5-amino-phenol To a solution of 2-fert-butyl-4-bromo-5-nitrophenol (C-14-a) (12 g, 43.8 mmol) in MeOH (90 mL) was added Ni (2.4 g). The reaction mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 arm) for 4 h. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The crude product was recrystallized from ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give 2-tert-butyl-4-bromo-5-amino-phenol (C-27) (7.2 g, 70 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 9.15 (s, 1 H), 6.91 (s, 1 H), 6.24 (s, 1 H), 4.90 (br s, 2 H), 1.22 (s, 9 H); ESI-MS 244.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00494] Example 13:

[00495] C-24; 2,4-Di-fer^butyl-6-(N-methylamino)phenol A mixture of 2,4-di-fert-butyl-6-amino-phenol (C-9) (5.08 g, 23 mmol), NaBH₃CN (4.41 g, 70 mmol) and paraformaldehyde (2.1 g, 70 mmol) in methanol (50 mL) was stirred at reflux for 3 h. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 30: 1) to give 2,4-di-fe/t-butyl-6-(N-methylamino)phenol (C-24) (800 mg, 15 %). ¹HNMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 8.67 (s, 1 H), 6.84 (s, 1 H), 5.99 (s, 1 H), 4.36 (q, J= 4.8 Hz, IH), 2.65 (d, J= 4.8 Hz, 3 H), 1.23 (s, 18 H); ESI-MS 236.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00496] Example 14:

C-25

[00497] 2-Methyl-2-phenyl-propan-l-ol To a solution of 2-methyl-2 -phenyl- propionic acid (82 g, 0.5 mol) in THF (200 mL) was added dropwise borane-dimethyl sulfide (2M, 100 mL) at 0-5 °C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for 30 min and then heated at reflux for 1 h. After cooling, methanol (150 mL) and water (50 mL) were added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL x 3), and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 2-methyl-2-phenyl-propan-l-ol as an oil (70 g, 77 %).

[00498] 2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-benzene To a suspension of NaH (29 g, 0.75 mol) in THF (200 mL) was added dropwise a solution of 2- methyl-2-phenyl-propan-l-ol (75 g, 0.5 mol) in THF (50 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at 20 °C for 30 min and then a solution of l-bromo-2-methoxy-ethane (104 g, 0.75 mol) in THF (100 mL) was added dropwise at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred at 20 °C overnight, poured into water (200 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, petroleum ether) to give 2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l- dimethyl-ethyl] -benzene as an oil (28 g, 27 %).

[00499] l-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyI-ethyl]-4-nitro-benzene To a solution of 2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-benzene (52 g, 0.25 mol) in CHCl₃ (200 mL) was added BCNO₃ (50.5 g, 0.5 mol) and TMSCl (54 g, 0.5 mol). The mixture was stirred at 20 °C for 30 min and then AlCl₃ (95 g, 0.7 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 20 °C for 1 h and poured into ice-water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CHCl₃ (50 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, petroleum ether) to obtain l-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l- dimethyl-ethyl]-4-nitro-benzene (6 g, 10 %).

[00500] 4-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenylamine A suspension of l-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-4-nitro-benzene (8.1 g, 32 mmol) and Raney Ni (1 g) in MeOH (50 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 1 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to obtain 4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)- l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-ρhenylamine (5.5 g, 77 %).

[00501] 4-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-3-nitro-phenyIamine To a solution of 4-[2-(2-memoxy-ethoxy)-l J-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenylamine (5.8 g, 26 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (20 mL) was added KNO₃ (2.63 g, 26 mmol) at 0 ⁰C. After addition was complete, the mixture was stirred at this temperature for 20 min and then poured into ice- water. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 100:1) to give 4-[2-(2-methoxy-emoxy)-l,l- dimethyl-ethyl]-3-nitro-phenylamine (5 g, 71 %).

[00502] N-{4-[2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyI]-3-nitro-phenyl}- acetamide To a suspension Of NaHCO₃ (10 g, 0.1 mol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) was added 4-[2-(2- metho xy-ethoxy)- 1,1 -dimethyl-ethyl] -3 -nitro-phenylamine (5 g, 30 mmol) and acetyl chloride (3 mL, 20 mmol) at 0-5 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred overnight at 15 °C and then poured into water (200 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL x 2). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to dryness to give N-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l- dimethyl-ethyl]-3-nitro-phenyl}-acetamide (5.0 g, 87 %).

[00503] N-{3-Amino-4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenyl}- acetamide A mixture ofN-{4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-3-nitro-phenyl}-acetamide (5 g, 16 mmol) and Raney Ni (1 g) in MeOH (50 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature 1 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether- EtOAc, 100:1) to give N-{3-ammo-4-[2- (2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenyl}-acetamide (1.6 g, 35 %).

[00504] N-{3-Hydroxy-4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenyl}- acetamide To a solution of N-{3-amino-4-[2- (2-methoxy- ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenyl}- acetamide (1.6 g, 5.7 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (15 %, 6 mL) was added NaNO₂ at 0-5 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for 20 min and then poured into ice water. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 100:1) to give N-{3-hydroxy-4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]- phenyl}- acetamide (0.7 g, 38 %).

[00505] C-25; 2-(l-(2-Methoxyethoxy)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-5-aminophenol A mixture of N-{3-hydroxy-4-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-l,l-dimethyl-ethyl]-phenyl}- acetamide (1 g, 3.5 mmol) and HCl (5 mL) was heated at reflux for 1 h. The mixture was basified with Na₂CO₃ solution to pH 9 and then extracted with EtOAc (20 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to dryness.- The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 100:1) to obtain 2- (l-(2-methoxyethoxy)-2-methylρropan-2-yl)-5-aminophenol (C-25) (61 mg, 6 %). ¹HNMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.11 (br s, 1 H), 6.96-6.98 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.26-6.27 (d, J= 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.17-6.19 (m, 1 H), 3.68-3.69 (m, 2 H), 3.56-3.59 (m, 4 H), 3.39 (s, 3 H), 1.37 (s, 6 H); ESI-MS 239.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00506] Example 15:

[00508] 4,6-di-fø/^-ButyI-3-nitrocycIohexa-3,5-diene-l,2-dione To a solution of 3,5-di-tert-butylcyclohexa-3,5-diene-l,2-dione (4.20 g, 19.1 mmol) in acetic acid (115 mL) was slowly added HNO₃ (15 mL). The mixture was heated at 60 °C for 40 min before it was poured into H₂O (50 mL). The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 h, then was placed in an ice bath for 1 h. The solid was collected and washed with water to provide 4,6-di-tert-butyl-3-nitrocyclohexa-3,5-diene-l,2-dione (1.2 g, 24 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 6.89 (s, IH), 1.27 (s, 9H), 1.24 (s, 9H).

[0001] 4,6-Di-ter?-butyl-3-nitrobenzene-l,2-diol In a separatory funnel was placed THF/H₂O (1 :1, 400 mL), 4,6-di-fer£-butyl-3-nitrocyclohexa- 3,5-diene-l,2-dione (4.59 g, 17.3 mmol) and Na₂S₂O₄ (3 g, 17.3 mmol). The separatory funnel was stoppered and was shaken for 2 min. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (20 mL). The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to provide 4,6-di-fert-butyl-3 -nitrobenzene- 1,2-diol (3.4 g, 74 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 9.24 (s, IH), 8.76 (s, IH), 6.87 (s, IH), 1.35 (s, 9H), 1.25 (s, 9H). [0002] C-26; 4,6-Di-tert-butyl-3-aminobenzene-l,2-diol To a solution of 4,6-di-te/t-butyl-3-nitrobenzene-l,2-diol (1.92 g, 7.2 mmol) in EtOH (70 mL) was added Pd-5% wt. on carbon (200 mg). The mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) for 2 h. The reaction was recharged with Pd-5% wt. on carbon (200 mg) and stirred under H₂ (1 atm) for another 2 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (10-40 % ethyl acetate - hexanes) to give 4,6-di-tert-butyi- 3-aminobenzene-l,2-diol (C-26) (560 mg, 33 %). ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.28 (s, IH), 1.42 (s, 9H), 1.38 (s, 9H).

[0003] Anilines

[0004] Example 1:

[0005] General scheme

X = NO₂ or NH₂ [00509] Specific example:

D-1

[00510] D-I; 4-Chloro-benzene-l,3-diamine

A mixture of l-chloro-2,4-dinitro-benzene (100 mg, 0.5 mmol) and SnCl₂-2H₂O (1.12 g, 5 mmol) in ethanol (2.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. Water was added and then the mixture was basified to pH 7-8 with saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to yield 4-chloro-benzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-I) (79 mg, quant.). HPLC ret. time 0.38 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 143.1 m/z (MH⁺)

[00511] Other examples:

[00512] D-2; 4,6-Dichloro-benzene-l,3-diamine 4,6-Dichloro-benzene-l,3-diamine (D-2) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from l,5-dichloro-2,4-dinitro-benzene. Yield (95 %). HPLC ret. time 1.88 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 177.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00513] D-3; 4-Methoxy-benzene-l,3-diamine 4-Methoxy-benzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-3) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from l-methoxy-2,4-dinitro-benzene. Yield (quant.). HPLC ret. time 0.31 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run.

[00514] D-4; 4-Trifluoromethoxy-benzene-l,3-diamine 4-Trifiuoromethoxy-benzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-4) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 2,4-dinitro-l-trifluoromethoxy-benzene. Yield (89 %). HPLC ret. time 0.91 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 193.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00515] D-5; 4-Propoxybenzene-l,3-diamine 4-Propoxybenzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-5) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 5-nitro-2-propoxy-phenylamine. Yield (79 %). HPLC ret. time 0.54 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 167.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00516] Example 2:

[00517] General scheme

a) HNO₃, H₂SO₄; b) SnCl₂-2H₂O, EtOH or H₂, Pd-C, MeOH

[00518] Specific example:

D-6

[00519] 2,4-Dinitro-propylbenzene A solution of propylbenzene (10 g, 83 mmol) in cone. H₂SO₄ (50 mL) was cooled at 0 ⁰C for 30 min, and a solution of cone. H₂SO₄ (50 mL) and fuming HNO₃ (25 mL), previously cooled to 0 °C, was added in portions over 15 min. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for additional 30 min, and then allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was poured into ice (200 g) - water (100 mL) and extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The combined extracts were washed with H₂O (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford 2,4-dinitroτ propylbenzene (15.6 g, 89 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.73 (d, J= 2.2 Hz, IH), 8.38 (dd, J= 8.3, J= 2.2, IH), 7.6 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 2.96 (dd, 2H), 1.73 (m, 2H), 1.06 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H).

[00520] D-6; 4-PropyI-benzene-l,3-diamine To a solution of 2,4-dinitro-propylbenzene (2.02 g, 9.6 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL) was added SnCl₂ (9.9 g, 52 mmol) followed by cone. HCl (10 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 2 h, poured into ice- water (100 mL), and neutralized with solid sodium bicarbonate. The solution was further basified with 10% NaOH solution to pH ~ 10 and extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated to provide 4-propyl-benzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-6) (1.2 g, 83 %). No further purification was necessary for use in the next step; however, the product was not stable for an extended period of time. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 6.82 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, IH), 6.11 (dd, J= 7.5, J= 2.2 Hz, IH), 6.06 (d, J- 2.2 Hz, IH), 3.49 (br s, 4H, NH₂), 2.38 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 0.98 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H); ESI-MS 151.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00521] Other examples:

[00522] D-7; 4-Ethylbenzene-l,3-diamine 4-Ethylbenzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-7) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from ethylbenezene. Overall yield (76 %).

[00523] D-8; 4-Isopropylbenzene-l,3-diamine 4-Isopropylbenzene-l,3-diamine (D-8) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from isopropylbenezene. Overall yield (78 %).

[00524] D-9; 4-fert~Butylbenzene-l,3-diamine 4-fert-Butylbenzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-9) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from tert-butylbenzene. Overall yield (48 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.01 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.10 (dd, J= 2.4, 8.3 Hz, IH), 6.01 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.59 (br, 4H), 1.37 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 145.5, 145.3, 127.6, 124.9, 105.9, 104.5, 33.6, 30.1; ESI-MS 164.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00525] Example 3:

[00526] General scheme

a) KNO₃, H₂SO₄; b) (i) HNO₃, H₂SO₄; (ii) Na₂S, S, H₂O; c) BoC₂O, NaOH, THF; d) H₂, Pd-C, MeOH

[00527] Specific example:

[00528] 4-ter^-Butyl-3-nitro-phenylamine To a mixture of 4-fert-butyl-phenylamine (10.0 g, 67.01 mmol) dissolved in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 60 mL) was slowly added KNO₃ (8.1 g, 80.41 mmol) at 0 °C. After addition, the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was then poured into ice- water and basified with sat. NaHCO₃ solution to pH 8. The mixture was extracted several times with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 10:1) to give 4-tert-butyl-3-nitro-phenylamine (10 g, 77 %).

[00529] (4-ter^-ButyI-3-nitro-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A mixture of 4-tert-butyl-3-nitro-phenylamine (4.0 g, 20.6 mmol) and BoC₂O (4.72 g, 21.6 mmol) in NaOH (2N, 20 mL) and THF (20 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. THF was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was washed with NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford (4-tert-butyl-3-nitro-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (4.5 g, 74 %). [00530] D-IO; (3-Amino-4-tert-butyI-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A suspension of (4-fer/'-butyl-3-nitro-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3.0 g, 10.19 mol) and 10% Pd-C (1 g) in MeOH (40 niL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatograph (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 5: 1) to give (3-amino-4-fer£-butyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-IO) as a brown oil (2.5 g, 93 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.10 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.92 (s, 1 H), 6.50-6.53 (m, 1 H), 6.36 (s, 1 H), 3.62 (br s, 2 H), 1.50 (s, 9 H), 1.38 (s, 9 H); ESI-MS 528.9 m/z (2M+H⁺).

[00531] Other examples:

[00532] D-Il; (3-Amino-4-isopropyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3-Amino-4-isopropyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-Il) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from isopropylbenezene. Overall yield (56 %).

[00533] D-12; (3-Amino-4-ethyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3-Amino-4-ethyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-12) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from ethylbenezene. Overall yield (64 %). ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 300 MHz) δ 6.87 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.81 (d, J- 2.2 Hz, IH), 6.63 (dd, J= 8.1, J= 2.2, IH), 2.47 (q, J= 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.50 (s, 9H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 3H); ESI-MS 237.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00534] D-13; (3-Amino-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3-Amino-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-buty\ ester (D-13) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from propylbenezene. Overall yield (48 %).

[00535] Example 4:

H₂, Pd-C LiAIH₄, THF MeOH reflux

D-14 [00536] (3-Amino-4-fert-butyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester A solution of 4-tert-butylbenzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-9) (657 mg, 4 mmol) and pyridine (0.39 mL, 4.8 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ / MeOH (12 / 1, 8 mL) was cooled to 0 ⁰C, and a solution of benzyl chloro formate (0.51 mL, 3.6 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (8 mL) was added dropwise over 10 min. The mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 15 min, then warmed to room temperature. After 1 h, the mixture was washed with IM citric acid (2 x 20 mL), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (20 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the crude (3-amino-4-te;t-butyl- phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester as a brown viscous gum (0.97 g), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.41-7.32 (m, 6H₅), 7.12 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.89 (br s, IH), 6.57 (dd, J= 2.3, 8.5 Hz, IH), 5.17 (s, 2H), 3.85 (br s, 2H), 1.38 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃, rotameric) δ 153.3 (br), 145.3, 136.56, 136.18, 129.2, 128.73, 128.59, 128.29, 128.25, 127.14, 108.63 (br), 107.61 (br), 66.86, 33.9, 29.7; ESI-MS 299.1 m/z (MH⁺). [00537] (4-tert-ButyI-3-formylamino-phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester A solution of (3-amino-4-te/t-butyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester (0.97 g, 3.25 mmol) and pyridine (0.43 mL, 5.25 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (7.5 mL) was cooled to 0 ⁰C, and a solution of formic- acetic anhydride (3.5 mmol, prepared by mixing formic acid (158 μL, 4.2 mmol, 1.3 equiv) and acetic anhydride (0.32 mL, 3.5 mmol, 1.1 eq.) neat and ageing for 1 hour) in CH₂Cl₂ (2.5 mL) was added dropwise over 2 min. After the addition was complete, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, whereupon it deposited a precipitate, and the resulting slurry was stirred overnight. The mixture was washed with 1 M citric acid (2 x 20 mL), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (20 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The cloudy mixture deposited a thin bed of solid above the drying agent, HPLC analysis showed this to be the desired formamide. The filtrate was concentrated to approximately 5 mL, and diluted with hexane (15 mL) to precipitate further formamide. The drying agent (Na₂SO₄) was slurried with methanol (50 mL), filtered, and the filtrate combined with material from the CH₂Cl₂ / hexane recrystallisation. The resultant mixture was concentrated to afford (4-tert-butyl-3-formylamino-phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester as an off-white solid (650 mg, 50 % over 2 steps). ¹H and ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD) show the product as a rotameric mixture. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD, rotameric) δ 8.27 (s, lH-a), 8.17 (s, lH-b), 7.42-7.26 (m, 8H), 5.17 (s, lH-a), 5.15 (s, lH-b), 4.86 (s, 2H), 1.37 (s, 9H-a), 1.36 (s, 9H-b); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CD₃OD, rotameric) δ 1636.9, 163.5, 155.8, 141.40, 141.32, 139.37, 138.88, 138.22, 138.14, 136.4, 135.3, 129.68, 129.65, 129.31, 129.24, 129.19, 129.13, 128.94, 128.50, 121.4 (br), 118.7 (br), 67.80, 67.67, 35.78, 35.52, 31.65, 31.34; ESI-MS 327.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00538] iV-(5-Amino-2-te^-butyl-phenyl)-formamide A 100 mL flask was charged with (4-tert-butyl-3-formylamino-phenyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester (650 mg, 1.99 mmol), methanol (30 mL) and 10% Pd-C (50 mg), and stirred under H₂ (1 atm) for 20 h. CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added to quench the catalyst, and the mixture then filtered through Celite, and concentrated to afford iV-(5-amino-2-tert-butyl-phenyl)-formamide as an off- white solid (366 mg, 96 %). Rotameric by ¹H and ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆, rotameric) δ 9.24 (d, J- 10.4 Hz, IH), 9.15 (s, IH), 8.23 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 8.06 (d, J= 10.4 Hz, IH), 7.06 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.02 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.51 (d, J= 2.5 Hz, IH), 6.46 (dd, J= 2.5, 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.39 (dd, J= 2.5, 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.29 (d, J= 2.5Hz, IH), 5.05 (s, 2H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 1.27 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-^₆, rotameric) δ 164.0, 160.4, 147.37, 146.74, 135.38, 135.72, 132.48, 131.59, 127.31, 126.69, 115.15, 1 15.01, 112.43, 1 12.00, 33.92, 33.57, 31.33, 30.92; ESI-MS 193.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00539] D-14; 4-tert-butyl-N^J-methyl-benzene-l,3-diamine A 100 mL flask was charged with N-(5-amino-2-tert-butyl-phenyl)-formamide (340 mg, 1.77 mmol) and purged with nitrogen. THF (10 mL) was added, and the solution was cooled to 0 ⁰C. A solution of lithium aluminum hydride in THF (4.4 mL, IM solution) was added over 2 min. The mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature. After refluxing for 15 h, the yellow suspension was cooled to 0 ⁰C, quenched with water (170 μL), 15 % aqueous NaOH (170 μL), and water (510 μL) which were added sequentially and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The mixture was filtered through Celite, and the filter cake washed with methanol (50 mL). The combined filtrates were concentrated in vacuo to give a gray-brown solid, which was partitioned between chloroform (75 mL) and water (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with water (50 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated to afford 4-tert-butyl-N³ -methyl- benzene- 1,3 -diamine (D-14) as abrown oil which solidified on standing (313 mg, 98 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.01 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 6.05 (dd, J- 2.4, 8.1 Hz, IH), 6.03 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.91 (br s, IH), 3.52 (br s, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 1.36 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 148.4, 145.7, 127.0, 124.3, 103.6, 98.9, 33.5, 31.15, 30.31; ESI-MS 179.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00540] Example 5:

[00541] General scheme:

[00542] Specific example:

[00543] 2,4-Dinitro-propylbenzene A solution of propylbenzene (10 g, 83 mmol) in cone. H₂SO₄ (50 niL) was cooled at 0 ⁰C for 30 mins, and a solution of cone. H₂SO₄ (50 mL) and fuming HNO₃ (25 niL), previously cooled to 0 °C, was added in portions over 15 min. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for additional 30 min. and then allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was poured into ice (200 g) -water (100 mL) and extracted with ether (2 x 100 mL). The combined extracts were washed with H₂O (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford 2,4-dinitro- propylbenzene (15.6 g, 89 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.73 (d, J= 2.2 Hz, IH), 8.38 (dd, J= 8.3, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.6 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 2.96 (m, 2H), 1.73 (m, 2H), 1.06 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H).

[00544] 4-Propyl-3-nitroaniline A suspension of 2,4-dinitro-propylbenzene (2 g, 9.5 mmol) in H₂O (100 mL) was heated near reflux and stirred vigorously. A clear orange-red solution of polysulfide (300 mL (10 eq.), previously prepared by heating sodium sulfide nanohydrate (10.0 g), sulfur powder (2.60 g) and H₂O (400 mL), was added dropwise over 45 mins. The red-brown solution was heated at reflux for 1.5 h. The mixture was cooled to 0 °C and then extracted with ether (2 x 200 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 4-propyl-3-nitro aniline (1.6 g, 93 %), which was used without further purification.

[00545] (3-Nitro-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester 4-Propyl-3-nitroaniline (1.69 g, 9.4 mmol) was dissolved in pyridine (30 mL) with stirring. Boc anhydride (2.05 g, 9.4 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred and heated at reflux for 1 h before the solvent was removed in vacuo. The oil obtained was re-dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) and washed with water (300 mL) and brine (300 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. The crude oil that contained both mono- and όώ-acylated nitro products was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % CH₂Cl₂ - MeOH) to afford (3-nitro-4-propyl- phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (2.3 g, 87 %).

[00546] Methyl-(3-nitro-4-propyl-phenyI)-carbamic acid fert-butyl ester To a solution of (3-nitro-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (200 mg, 0.71 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added Ag₂O (1.0 g, 6.0 mmol) followed by methyl iodide (0.20 mL, 3.2 mmol). The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature for 18 h and filtered through a pad of Celite. The filter cake was washed with CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % CH₂Cl₂ - MeOH) to afford methyl-(3-nitro-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester as a yellow oil (110 mg, 52 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 7.78 (d, J= 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.42 (dd, J= 8.2, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.26 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, IH), 3.27 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, J= 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.66 (m, 2H), 1.61 (s, 9H), 0.97 (t, J= 7.4 Hz, 3H).

[00547] D-15; (3-Amino-4-propyl-phenyl)-methyI-carbamic acid

ester To a solution of methyl-(3-nitro-4-propyl-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (110 mg, 0.37 mmol) in EtOAc (10 ml) was added 10% Pd-C (100 mg). The resulting suspension was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 2 days. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. Upon completion, the reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford (3-Amino-4-propyl-phenyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-15) as a colorless crystalline compound (80 mg, 81 %). ESI-MS 265.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00548] Other examples:

[00549] D-16; (3-Amino-4-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-bxityl ester (3-Amino-4-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-buty\ ester (D-16) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from ethylbenezene. Overall yield (57 %).

[00550] D-17; (3-Amino-4-isopropyl-phenyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3-Ariiino-4-isopropyl-phenyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-17) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from isopropylbenezene. Overall yield (38 %).

[00551] Example 6:

D-18

[00552] 2'-Ethoxy-2,4-dinitro-biphenyl A pressure flask was charged with 2-ethoxyphenylboronic acid (0.66 g, 4.0 mmol), KF (0.77 g, 13 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (16 mg, 0.02 mmol), and 2,4-dinitro-bromobenzene (0.99 g, 4.0 mmol) in THF (5 mL). The vessel was purged with argon for 1 min followed by the addition oftή-tert- butylphosphine (0.15 ml, 0.48 mmol, 10 % solution in hexanes). The reaction vessel was purged with argon for additional 1 min., sealed and heated at 80 ⁰C overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solution was filtered through a plug of Celite. The filter cake was rinsed with CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), and the combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure to provide the crude product 2'-ethoxy-2,4-dinitro-biphenyl (0.95 g, 82%). No further purification was performed. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.75 (s, IH), 8.43 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, IH), 7.60 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.40 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, IH), 7.31 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 7.08 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 6.88 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.44 (q, J= 6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.24 (t, J= 6.6 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 3.14 min, 10- 100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient.

[00553] 2'-Ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-yl amine A clear orange-red solution of polysulfide (120 ml, 7.5 eq.), previously prepared by heating sodium sulfide monohydrate (10 g), sulfur (1.04 g) and water (160 ml), was added dropwise at 90 ⁰C over 45 minutes to a suspension of 2'-ethoxy-2,4-dinitro-biphenyl (1.2 g, 4.0 mmol) in water (40 ml). The red-brown solution was heated at reflux for 1.5 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, and solid NaCl (5 g) was added. The solution was extracted with CH₂Cl2 (3 x 50 mL), and the combined organic extracts was concentrated to provide 2'-ethoxy-2- nitrobiphenyl-4-yl amine (0.98 g, 95 %) that was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.17 (d, J= 2.7 Hz, IH), 7.11 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 7.00 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, IH), 6.83 (m, 2H), 3.91 (q, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 2.81 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 259.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00554] (2'-Ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A mixture of 2'-ethoxy-2-nitrobipenyl-4-yl amine (0.98 g, 4.0 mmol) and BoC₂O (2.6g, 12 mmol) was heated with a heat gun. Upon the consumption of the starting material as indicated by TLC, the crude mixture was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, CH₂Cl₂) to provide (2'-ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (1.5 g, 83 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.99 (s, IH), 7.55 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.25 (m, 3H), 6.99 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 6.82 (m, 2H), 3.88 (q, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.50 (s, 9 H), 1.18 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 3.30 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 rain gradient.

[00555] D-18; (2'-ethoxy-2-aminobiphenyl-4-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a soloution of NiCl₂.6H₂O (0.26 g, 1.1 mmol) in EtOH (5 mL) was added NaBH₄ (40 rag, 1.1 mmol) at -10 °C. Gas evolution was observed and a black precipitate was formed. After stirring for 5 min, a solution of 2'-ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-yl)carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (0.50 g, 1.1 mmol) in EtOH (2 mL) was added. Additional NaBH₄ (80 mg, 60 mmol) was added in 3 portions over 20 min. The reaction was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 20 min followed by the addition OfNH₄OH (4 mL, 25% aq. solution). The resulting solution was stirred for 20 min. The crude mixture was filtered through a short plug of silica. The silica cake was flushed with 5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), and the combined organic extracts was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (2'- ethoxy-2-aminobiphenyl-4-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (D-18) (0.36 g, quant.), which was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 2.41 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 329.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00556] Example 7:

D-19

[00557] D-19; N-(3-Amino-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide A solution of 5-trifluoromethyl-benzene-l,3-diamine (250 mg, 1.42 mmol) in pyridine (0.52 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (6.5 mL) was cooled to 0 °C. Methanesulfonyl chloride (171 mg, 1.49 mmol) was slowly added at such a rate that the temperature of the solution remained below 10 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at ~ 8 °C and then allowed to warm to room temperature after 30 min. After stiring at room temperature for 4 h, reaction was almost complete as indicated by LCMS analysis. The reaction mixture was quenched with sat. aq. NH₄Cl (10 mL) solution, extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (4 x 10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield N-(3-amino-5- trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide (D-19) as a reddish semisolid (0.35 g, 97 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz) δ 6.76 (m, IH), 6.70 (m, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 3.02 (s, 3H); ESI-MS 255.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00558] Cyclic amines

[00559] Example 1:

DC-1

[00560] 7-Nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline To a mixture of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline (20.0 g, 0.15 mol) dissolved in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 150 mL), KNO₃ (18.2 g, 0.18 mol) was slowly added at 0 °C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred over night. The mixture was then poured into ice- water and basified with sat. NaHCO₃ solution to pH 8. After extraction with CH₂C1_2> the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether- EtOAc, 10:1) to give 7-nitro- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- quinoline (6.6 g, 25 %).

[00561] 7-Nitro-3,4-dmydro-2H-quinoline-l-carboxyIic acid tert-bntyl ester A mixture of 7-nitro- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline (4.0 g, 5.61 mmol), Boc₂O (1.29 g, 5.89 mmol) and DMAP (0.4 g) in CH₂Cl₂ was stirred at room temperature overnight. After diluted with water, the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to provide crude 7-nitro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-quinoline-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester that was used in the next step without further purification.

[00562] DC-I; tert-Butyl 7-amino-3,4-dihydroquinoline-l(2H)-carboxylate A suspension of the crude 7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (4.5 g, 16.2 mol) and 10% Pd-C (0.45 g) in MeOH (40 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether - EtOAc, 5:1) to give tert-butyl 7-amino-3,4- dihydroquinoline-l(2H)-carboxylate (DC-I) as a brown solid (1.2 g, 22 % over 2 steps). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.15 (d, J= 2 Hz, 1 H), 6.84 (d, J= 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.36-6.38 (m, 1 H), 3.65-3.68 (m, 2 H), 3.10 (br s, 2 H), 2.66 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.84-1.90 (m, 2 H), 1.52 (s, 9 H); ESI-MS 496.8 m/z (2M+H⁺).

[00563] Example 2:

[00564] 3-(2-Hydroxy-ethyl)-l,3-dihydro-indol-2-one A stirring mixture of oxindole (5.7 g, 43 mmol) and Raney nickel (10 g) in ethane- 1,2-diol (100 mL) was heated in an autoclave. After the reaction was complete, the mixture was filtered and the excess of diol was removed under vacuum. The residual oil was triturated with hexane to give 3-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-l,3-dihydro-indol-2-one as a colorless crystalline solid (4.6 g, 70 %).

[00565] l,2-Dihydro-3-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lH-indoIe-2-one To a solution of 3-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-l,3-dihydro-indol-2-one (4.6 g, 26 mmol) and triethylamine (10 mL) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added MsCl (3.4 g, 30 mmol) dropwise at -20 °C. The mixture was then allowed to warm up to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give crude l,2-dihydro-3-spiro-r-cyclopropyl-lH-indole-2-one as a yellow solid (2.5 g), which was used directly in the next step.

[00566] l^-Dihydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lH-indole To a solution of l,2-dihydro-3-spiro-l '-cyclopropyl-lH-indole-2-one (2.5 g crude) in TΗF (50 mL) was added LiAlH₄ (2 g, 52 mmol) portionwise_. After heating the mixture to reflux, it was poured into crushed ice, basified with aqueous ammonia to pH 8 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give the crude l,2-dihydro-3-spiro-l '-cyclopropyl-lH-indole as a yellow solid (about 2 g), which was used directly in the next step.

[00567] ό-Nitro-l^-dihydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lH-indole To a cooled solution (-5 °C to -10 ⁰C) OfNaNO₃ (1.3 g, 15.3 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (98 %, 30 mL) was added 1,2-dihydro- 3-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lH-indole (2 g, crude) dropwise over a period of 20 min. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred for another 40 min and poured over crashed ice (20 g). The cooled mixture was then basified with NH₄OH and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield ό-nitro-l^-dihydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl- lH-indole as a dark gray solid (1.3 g)

[00568] l-Acetyl-ό-nitro-l^-dihydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lJET-indole NaHCO₃ (5 g) was suspended in a solution of 6-nitro-l,2-dihydro-3-spiro-r-cyclopropyl-lH- indole (1.3 g, crude) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL). While stirring vigorously, acetyl chloride (720 mg) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 1 h and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel to give 1- acetyl-ό-nitiO-l^-dihydro-S-spiro-r-cyclopropyl-lH-indole (0.9 g, 15 % over 4 steps).

[00569] DC-2; l-Acetyl-ό-amino-l^-dihydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl-lH-indole A mixture of -l-acetyl-o-nitro-l^-diliydro-S-spiro-l'-cyclopropyl- lH-indole (383 mg, 2 mmol) and Pd-C (10 %, 100 mg) in EtOH (50 mL) was stirred at room temperature under H₂ (1 atm) for 1.5 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with HCl / MeOH to give l-acetyl-6-amino-l,2-dihydro-3-spiro-l'- cyclopropyl-lH-indole (DC-2) (300 mg, 90 %) as a hydrochloride salt.

[00570] Example 3:

DC-3

[00571] 3-Methyl-but-2-enoic acid phenylamide A mixture of 3-methyl-but-2- enoic acid (100 g, 1 mol) and SOCl₂ (119 g, 1 mol) was heated at reflux for 3 h. The excess SOCl₂ was removed under reduced pressure. CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL) was added followed by the addition of aniline (93 g, 1.0 mol) in Et₃N (101 g, 1 mol) at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and quenched with HCl (5%, 150 mL). The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with water (2x100 niL) and brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 3 -methyl -but-2-enoic acid phenylamide (12O g, 80 %).

[00572] 4,4-Dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-lH-quinolin-2-one AlCl₃ (500 g, 3.8 mol) was carefully added to a suspension of 3 -methyl -but-2-enoic acid phenylamide (105 g, 0.6 mol) in benzene (1000 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C overnight and poured into ice-water. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (250 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water (200 mL x 2) and brine (200 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 4,4-dimethyl-3,4~ dihydro-lH-quinolin-2-one (90 g, 86 %).

[00573] 4,4-Dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline A solution of 4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-lH-quinolin-2-one (35 g, 0.2 mol) in THF (100 mL) was added dropwise to a suspension Of LiAlH₄ (18 g, 0.47 mol) in THF (200 mL) at 0 ⁰C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then slowly heated to reflux for 1 h. The mixture was then cooled to 0 ⁰C. Water (18 mL) and NaOH solution (10 %, 100 mL) were carefully added to quench the reaction. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated to give 4,4-dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline.

[00574] 4,4-Dimethyl-7-nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoline To a mixture of 4,4-dimethyl- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-quinoline (33 g, 0.2 mol) in H₂SO₄ (120 mL) was slowly added KNO₃ (20.7 g, 0.2 mol) at 0 °C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, carefully poured into ice water and basified with Na₂CO₃ to pH 8. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 200 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 4, 4-dimethyl-7-nitro-l, 2, 3, 4- tetrahydro-quinoline (21 g, 50 %).

[00575] 4,4-Dimethyl-7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoIine-l-carboxylic acid tert- butyl ester A mixture of 4,4-dimethyl-7-nitro- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-quinoline (25 g, 0.12 mol) and Boc₂O (55 g, 0.25 mol) was stirred at 80 ⁰C for 2 days. The mixture was purified by silica gel chromatography to give 4,4-dimethyl-7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-l-carboxylic acid tert- butyl ester(8 g, 22 %).

[00576] DC-3; fe/t-Butyl 7-amino-3,4-dihydro-4,4-dimethylquinoline-l(2H)- carboxylate A mixture of 4,4-dimethyl-7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-l carboxylic acid tert-buty\ ester (8.3 g, 0.03 mol) and Pd-C (0.5 g) in methanol (100 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was washed with petroleum ether to give tert-butyl 7-amino-3,4-dihydro-4,4- dimethylquinoline-l(2H)-carboxylate (DC-3) (7.2 g, 95 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.11-7.04 (m, 2 H), 6.45-6.38 (m, 1 H), 3.71-3.67 (m, 2 H), 3.50-3.28 (m, 2 H), 1.71-1.67 (m, 2 H), 1.51 (s, 9 H), 1.24 (s, 6 H).

[00577] Example 4:

[00578] l-Chloro-4-methylpentan-3-one Ethylene was passed through a solution of isobutyryl chloride (50 g, 0.5 mol) and AlCl₃ (68.8 g, 0.52 mol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (700 mL) at 5 ⁰C. After 4 h, the absorption of ethylene ceased, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into cold diluted HCl solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude l-chloro-4- methylpentan-3-one, which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

[00579] 4-Methyl-l-(phenylamino)-pentan-3-one A suspension of the crude l-chloro-4-methylpentan-3-one (about 60 g), aniline (69.8 g, 0.75 mol) and NaHCO₃ (210 g, 2.5 mol) in CH₃CN (1000 mL) was heated at reflux overnight. After cooling, the insoluble salt was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was diluted with CH₂Cl₂, washed with 10% HCl solution (100 mL) and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude 4-methyl-l -(phenyl amino)-pentan-3 -one.

[00580] 4-Methyl-l-(phenylamino)-pentan-3-ol At -10 °C, NaBH₄ (56.7 g, 1.5 mol) was gradually added to a mixture of the crude 4-methyl-l- (phenylamino)-pentan-3-one (about 80 g) in MeOH (500 mL). After addition, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 20 min. The solvent was removed and the residue was repartitioned between water and CH₂Cl₂. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The resulting gum was triturated with ether to give 4-methyl-l -(phenylamino)-pentan-3-ol as a white solid (22 g, 23 %).

[00581] 5,5-DimethyI-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH~benzo[b]azepine A mixture of 4-methyl-l -(phenylamino)-pentan-3-ol (22 g, 0.11 mol) in 98% H₂SO₄ (250 mL) was stirred at 50 °C for 30 min. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-water basified with sat. NaOH solution to pH 8 and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to afford 5,5-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo[b]azepine as a brown oil (1.5 g, 8 %).

[00582] 5,5-DimethyI-8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [b] azepine At 0 °C, KNO₃ (0.76 g, 7.54 mmol) was added portionwise to a solution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine (1.1 g, 6.28 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (15 mL). After stirring 15 min at this temperature, the mixture was poured into ice water, basified with sat. NaHCO₃ to pH 8 and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give crude 5,5-dimethyl-8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine (1.2 g), which was used directly in the next step without further purification.

[00583] l-(5,5-dimethyl-8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepin-l- yl)ethanone Acetyl chloride (0.77 mL, 11 mmol) was added to a suspension of crude 5,5-dimethyl-8-nitro- 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine (1.2 g, 5.45 mmol) and NaHCO₃ (1.37 g, 16.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux for 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was poured into water and extracted with CH₂Cl_2. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography to afford 1- (5,5-dimethyl-8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepin-l-yl)ethanone (1.05 g, 64 % over two steps).

[00584] DC-4; l-(8-Amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-5,5-dimethylbenzo[b]azepin-l- yl)ethanone A suspension of l-(5,5-dimethyl-8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetraliydrobenzo[b]azepin-l-yl)ethanone (1.05 g, 40 mmol) and 10% Pd-C (0.2 g) in MeOH (20 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 4 h. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give l-(8-amino-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-5,5-dimethylbenzo[b]azepin-l-yl)ethanone as a white solid (DC-4) (880 mg, 94 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.06 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.59 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.50 (br s, IH), 4.18-4.05 (m, IH), 3.46-3.36 (m, IH), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.92-1.85 (m, IH), 1.61-1.51 (m, 3H), 1.21 (s, 3H), 0.73 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3 H); ESI-MS 233.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00585] Example 5:

[00586] Spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, l'-benzyl A mixture of spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidine]-l'-carboxylic acid, 2,3-dihydro-3-oxo-, 1,1- dimethylethyl ester (9.50 g, 31.50 mmol) in saturated HCl/MeOH (50 mL) was stirred at 25 ⁰C overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield an off-white solid (7.50 g). To a solution of this solid in dry CH₃CN (30 mL) was added anhydrous K₂CO₃ (7.85 g, 56.80 mmol). The suspension was stirred for 5 min, and benzyl bromide (5.93 g, 34.65 mmol) was added dropwise at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 2 h, poured into cracked ice and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give crude spiro[lH-indene-l,4^l-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, l'-benzyl (7.93 g, 87 %), which was used without further purification.

[00587] Spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, l'-benzyl, oxime To a solution of spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, l'-benzyl (7.93 g, 27.25 mmol) in EtOH (50 mL) were added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (3.79 g, 54.50 mmol) and anhydrous sodium acetate (4.02 g, 49.01 mmol) in one portion. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h, and then cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and 200 mL of water was added. The mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl?. The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to yield spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, 1'- benzyl, oxime (7.57 g, 91 %), which was used without further purification.

[00588] l,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolin-4-spiro-4'-(N'-benzyl-piperidine) To a solution of spiro[lH-indene-l,4'-piperidin]-3(2H)-one, l'-benzyl, oxime (7.57 g, 24.74 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (150 niL) was added dropwise DIBAL-H (135.7 mL, IM in toluene) at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 3 h, diluted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL), and quenched with NaF (20.78 g, 495 mmol) and water (6.7 g, 372 mmol). The resulting suspension was stirred vigorously at 0 °C for 30 min. After filtration, the residue was washed with CH₂Cl₂. The combined filtrates were concentrated under vacuum to give an off-brown oil that was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (CH₂Cl₂ - MeOH, 30:1) to afford 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroquinolin~4-spiro-4'-(N'-benzyl-piperidine) (2.72 g, 38 %).

[00589] l,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolin-4-spiro-4'-piperidine A suspension of l,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolin-4-spiro-4'-(N'-benzyl-piperidine) (300 mg, 1.03 mmol) and Pd(OH)₂-C (30 mg) in MeOH (3 mL) was stirred under H₂ (55 psi) at 50 ⁰C over night. After cooling, the catalyst was filtered off and washed with MeOH. The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure to yield l,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-4-spiro-4'- piperidine as a white solid (176 mg, 85 %), which was used without further purification.

[00590] 7'-Nitro-spiro [piperidine-4,4¹ (1 Η)-quinoline] , 2',3 '-dihydro-

carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester

KNO₃ (69.97 mg, 0.69 mmol) was added portion-wise to a suspension of 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroquinolin-4-spiro-4'-piperidine (133 mg, 0.66 mmol) in 98% H₂SO₄ (2 mL) at 0⁰C. After the addition was complete, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for additional 2 h. The mixture was then poured into cracked ice and basified with 10% NaOH to pH~ 8. BoC₂O (172 mg, 0.79 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was then extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to yield crude T- nitro-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(l'H)-quinoline], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (230 mg), which was used in the next step without further purification.

[00591] 7'-nitro-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(lΗ)-l-acetyl-quinoIine], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester Acetyl chloride (260 mg, 3.30 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of V-nitro- spiro[piperidine-4,4'(l'H)-quinoline], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (230 mg) and NaHCO₃ (1.11 g, 13.17 mmol) in MeCN (5 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 4 h. After cooling, the suspension was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether- EtOAc, 10:1) to provide 7'-nitro-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(l'H)-l-acetyl-quinoline], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (150 mg, 58 % over 2 steps)

[00592] DC-5; 7'-Amino-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(l'H)-l-acetyl-quinoline], 2',3'- dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester A suspension of 7'-nitro-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(lΗ)-l-acetyl-quinoline], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (150 mg, 0.39 mmol) and Raney Ni (15 mg) in MeOH (2 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at 25 °C overnight. The catalyst was removed via filtration and washed with MeOH. The combined filtrates were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield T- amino-spiro[piperidine-4,4'(lΗ)-l-acetyl-quinoline], 2',3'-dihydro- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (DC-5) (133 mg, 96 %).

[00593] Example 7:

[00594] 2-(2,4-Dinitrophenylthio)-acetic acid Et₃N (1.5 g, 15 mmol) and mercapto-acetic acid (1 g, 11 mmol) were added to a solution of 1 - chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (2.26 g, 10 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (50 mL) at room temperature. After stirring at room temperature for 5 h, H₂O (100 mL) was added. The resulting suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL x 3). The ethyl acetate extract was washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 2-(2,4-dinitrophenylthio)-acetic acid (2.3 g, 74 %), which was used without further purification.

[00595] DC-7; 6-Amino-2H-benzo[b][l,4]thiazin-3(4H)-one A solution of 2-(2,4-dinitrophenylthio)-acetic acid (2.3 g, 9 mmol) and tin (II) chloride dihydrate (22.6 g, 0.1 mol) in ethanol (30 mL) was refluxed overnight. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residual slurry was diluted with water (100 mL) and basified with 10 % Na₂CO₃ solution to pH 8. The resulting suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The ethyl acetate extract was washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue was washed with CH₂Cl₂ to yield 6-amino-2H-benzo[b][l,4]thiazin- 3(4H)-one (DC-7) as a yellow powder (1 g, 52 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.24 (s. 1 H), 6.88 (d, 1 H, J= 6 Hz), 6.19-6.21 (m, 2H), 5.15 (s, 2 H), 3.28 (s, 2 H); ESI-MS 181.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00596] Example 7:

DC-8

[00597] N-(2-Bromo-5-nitrophenyl)acetamide Acetic anhydride (1.4 mL, 13.8 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirring solution of 2-bromo-5- nitroaniline (3 g, 13.8 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (30 mL) at 25 ⁰C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, and then poured into water. The precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with water and dried under vacuum to provide N-(2-bromo-5- nitrophenyl)acetamide as an off white solid (3.6 g, 90 %).

[00598] N-(2-Bromo-5-nitrophenyl)-N-(2-methylprop-2-enyI)acetamide At 25 ⁰C, a solution of 3-bromo-2-methylpropene (3.4 g, 55.6 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (30 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of N-(2-bromo-5-nitropheny)acetamide (3.6 g, 13.9 mmol) and potassium carbonate (3.9 g, 27.8 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (50 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 25 °C overnight. The reaction mixture was then filtered and the filtrate was treated with sat. Na₂CO₃ solution. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under vacuum to provide N-(2-bromo-5- nitrophenyl)-N-(2-methylprop-2-enyl)acetamide as a golden solid (3.1 g, 85 %). ESI-MS 313 m/z (MH⁺).

[00599] l-(3,3-Dimethyl-6-nitroindolin-l-yl)ethanone A solution of N-(2-bromo-5-nitrophenyl)-N-(2-methylprop-2-enyl)acetamide (3.1 g, 10.2 mmol), tetraethylammonium chloride hydrate (2.4 g, 149 mmol), sodium formate (1.08 g, lδmmol), sodium acetate (2.76 g, 34.2 mmol) and palladium acetate (0.32 g, 13.2 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (50 mL) was stirred at 80 °C for 15 h under N₂ atmosphere. After cooling, the mixture was filtered through Celite. The Celite was washed with EtOAc and the combined filtrates were washed with sat. NaHCO₃. The separated organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO_4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide l-(3,3-dimethyl-6- nitroindolin-l-yl)ethanone as a brown solid (2.1 g, 88%).

[00600] DC-8; l-(6-Amino-3,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone 10% Pd-C (0.2 g) was added to a suspension of l-(3,3-dimethyl-6-nitroindolin-l-yl)ethanone (2.1g, 9 mmol) in MeOH (20 mL). The reaction was stirred under H₂ (40 psi) at room temperature overnight. Pd-C was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum to give a crude product, which was purified by column chromatography to yield l-(6-amino-3,3- dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yl)-ethanone (DC-8) (1.3 g, 61 %). [00601] Example 8:

[00602] 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine DIBAL (90 mL, 90 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one oxime (3 g, 18 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for 2 h. The reaction was quenched with dichloromethane (30 mL), followed by treatment with NaF (2 g. 0.36 mol) and H₂O (5 mL, 0.27 mol). Vigorous stirring of the resulting suspension was continued at 0 °C for 30 min. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography to give 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo[b]azepine as a colorless oil (1.9 g, 70 %).

[00603] 8-Nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine At -IO °C, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine (1.9 g, 13 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution OfKLNO₃ (3 g, 30 mmol) in H₂SO₄ (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for 40 min, poured over crushed ice, basified with aq. ammonia to pH 13, and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 8- nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo[b]azepine as a black solid (1.3 g, 51 %), which was used without further purification.

[00604] l-(8-Nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b]azepin-l-yl)-ethanone Acetyl chloride (1 g, 13 mmol) was added dropwise to a mixture of 8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- lH-benzo[b]azeρine (1.3 g, 6.8 mmol) and NaHCO₃ (1 g, 12 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL). After stirring for 1 h, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography to give l-(8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b]azepin-l-yl)- ethanone as a yellow solid (1.3 g, 80 %).

[00605] DC-9; l-(8-Amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b]azepin-l-yI)-ethanone A mixture of l-(8-nitro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b]azepin-l-yl)- ethanone (1.3 g, 5.4 mmol) and Pd-C (10 %, 100 mg) in EtOH (200 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 1.5 h. The mixture was filtered through a layer of Celite and the filtrate was concentrated to give l-(8-amino-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[b]azepin-l-yl)-ethanone (DC-9) as a white-solid (1 g, 90 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.01 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (dd, J= 6.0, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.50 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.66-4.61 (m, 1 H), 3.50 (br s, 2 H), 2.64-2.55 (m, 3 H), 1.94-1.91 (m, 5 H), 1.77- 1.72 (m, 1 H), 1.32-1.30 (m, 1 H); ESI-MS 204.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00606] Example 9:

[00607] 6-Nitro-4H-benzo [1,4] oxazin-3-one At 0 ⁰C, chloroacetyl chloride (8.75 mL, 0.11 mol) was added dropwise to a mixture of 4-nitro- 2-aminophenol (15.4 g, 0.1 mol), benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (18.6 g, 0.1 mol ) and NaHCO₃ (42 g, 0.5 mol) in chloroform (350 ml) over a period of 30 min. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 1 h, then at 50 ⁰C overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was treated with water (50 ml). The solid was collected via filtration, washed with water and recrystallized from ethanol to provide 6-nitro-4H- benzo[l,4]oxazin-3-one as a pale yellow solid (8 g, 41 %).

[00608J 6-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine A solution OfBH₃-Me₂S in THF (2 M, 7.75 rnL, 15.5 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of 6-nitro-4H-benzo[l,4]oxazin-3-one (0.6 g, 3.1 mmol) in THF (10 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched with MeOH (5 mL) at 0 °C and then water (20 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with Et₂O and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give 6-nitro-3,4- dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine as a red solid (0.5 g, 89 %), which was used without further purification.

[00609] 4-AcetyI-6-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine Under vigorous stirring at room temperature, acetyl chloride (1.02 g, 13 mmol) was added dropwise to a mixture of 6-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine (1.8 g, 10 mmol) and NaHCO₃ (7.14 g, 85 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL). After addition, the reaction was stirred for 1 h at this temperature. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was treated with Et₂O: hexane (1 :2, 50 mL) under stirring for 30 min and then filtered to give 4-acetyl-6-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine as a pale yellow solid (2 g, 90 %).

[00610] DC-IO; 4-Acetyl-6-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine A mixture of 4-acetyl-6-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine (1.5 g, 67.6 mmol) and Pd-C (10 %, 100 mg) in EtOH (30 mL) was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) overnight. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was treated with HCl / MeOH to give 4-acetyl-6-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[l,4]oxazine hydrochloride (DC-IO) as an off-white solid (U g, 85 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 10.12 (br s, 2H), 8.08 (br s, IH), 6.90-7.03 (m, 2 H), 4.24 (t, J= 4.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.83 (t, J= 4.8 Hz, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3 H); ESI-MS 192.1 m/z (MH⁺). [006111 Example 10:

[00612] l,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-7-nitroisoquinoline hydrochloride 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline (6.3 mL, 50.0 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred ice-cold solution of concentrated H₂SO₄ (25 mL). KNO₃ (5.6 g, 55.0 mmol) was added portionwise while maintaining the temperature below 5 °C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, carefully poured into an ice-cold solution of concentrated NH₄OH, and then extracted three times with CHCl₃. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The resulting dark brown oil was taken up into EtOH, cooled in an ice bath and treated with concentrated HCl. The yellow precipitate was collected via filtration and recrystallized from methanol to give l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-nitroisoquinoline hydrochloride as yellow solid (2.5 g, 23 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.86 (s, 2H), 8.22 (d, J= 1.6 Hz, IH), 8.11 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.53 (d, J= 8.5 Hz₅IH), 4.38 (s, 2H), 3.38 (s, 2H), 3.17-3.14 (m, 2H); HPLC ret. time 0.51 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 179.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00613] tø*^ButyI 3,4-dihydro-7-nitroisoquinoline-2(lH)-carboxylate A mixture of 1,2,3, 4-Tetrahydro-7-nitroisoquinoline (2.5 g, 11.6 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (24 mL), H₂O (12 mL) and IN NaOH (12 mL) was cooled in an ice-bath, and BoC₂O (2.8 g, 12.8 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h, acidified with a 5% KHSO₄ solution to pH 2-3, and then extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to give tert-butyl 3,4-dihydro-7-nitroisoquinoline-2(lH)-carboxylate (3.3 g, quant.), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (d, J= 2.3 Hz, IH), 8.03 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.45 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.60-3.57 (m, 2H), 2.90 (t, J= 5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.51 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 279.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00614] DC-6; tert-Butyl 7-amino-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(lH)-carboxylate Pd(OH)₂ (330.0 mg) was added to a stirring solution of tert-butyl 3,4-dihydro-7- nitroisoquinoline-2(lH)-carboxylate (3.3 g, 12.0 mmol) in MeOH (56 mL) under N₂ atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temerpature for 72 h. The solid was removed by filtration through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (15-35 % EtOAc - Hexanes) to provide ter^-butyl 7-amino-3,4- dihydroisoquinoline-2(lH)-carboxylate (DC-6) as a pink oil (2.0 g, 69 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 6.79 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 6.40 (dd, J= 8.1, 2.3 Hz, IH), 6.31 (s, IH), 4.88 (s, 2H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 3.48 (t, J= 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.58 (t, J= 5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.13 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 249.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00615] Other amines [00616] Example 1:

E-1 [00617] 4-Bromo-3-nitrobenzonitrile To a solution of 4-bromobenzonitrile (4.0 g, 22 mmol) in cone. H₂SO₄ (10 mL) was added dropwise at 0 ⁰C nitric acid (6 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 30 min, and then at room temperature for 2.5 h. The resulting solution was poured into ice-water. The white precipitate was collected via filtration and washed with water until the washings were neutral. The solid was recrystallized from an ethanol/water mixture (1 :1, 20 mL) twice to afford A- bromo-3-nitrobenzonitrile as a white crystalline solid (2.8 g, 56 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 8.54 (s, IH), 8.06 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.99 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-4) δ 150.4, 137.4, 136.6, 129.6, 119.6, 117.0, 112.6; HPLC ret. time 1.96 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 227.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00618] 2'-Ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-carbonitrile A 50 mL round-bottom flask was charged with 4-bromo-3-nitrobenzonitrile (1.0 g 4.4 mmol), 2- ethoxyphenylboronic acid (731 mg, 4.4 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (18 mg, 0.022 mmol) and potassium fluoride (786 mg, 13.5 mmol). The reaction vessel was evacuated and filled with argon. Dry THF (300 mL) was added followed by the addition of P(^-Bu)₃ (0.11 mL, 10% wt. in hexane). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min., and then heated at 80 °C for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, the resulting mixture was filtered through a Celite pad and concentrated. 2'-Ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-carbonitrile was isolated as a yellow solid (1.12 g, 95%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^) δ 8.51 (s, IH), 8.20 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.68 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.41 (t, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.37 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 7.08 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 7.03 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 3.91 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-^) δ 154.9, 149.7, 137.3, 137.2, 134.4, 131.5, 130.4, 128.4, 125.4, 121.8, 117.6, 112.3, 111.9, 64.1, 14.7; HPLC ret. time 2.43 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 269.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00619] 4-Aminomethyl-2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-2-ylamine To a solution of 2'-ethoxy-2-nitrobiphenyl-4-carbonitrile (500 mg, 1.86 mmol) in THF (80 mL) was added a solution of BH₃-THF (5.6 mL, 10% wt. in THF, 5.6 mmol) at 0 ⁰C over 30 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 3 h and then at room temperature for 15 h. The reaction solution was chilled to 0 °C, and a H₂O/THF mixture (3 mL) was added. After being agitated at room temperature for 6 h, the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL) and extracted with IN HCl (2 x 100 mL). The aqueous phase was basified with IN NaOH solution to pH land extracted with EtOAc (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and evaporated. After drying under vacuum, 4-aminomethyl-2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-2-ylamine was isolated as a brown oil (370 mg, 82 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cfc) 6 7.28 (dt, J- 7.2 Hz, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 7.09 (dd, J= 7.2 Hz, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 7.05 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 6.96 (dt, J= 7.2 Hz, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 6.83 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 6.66 (d, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 6.57 (dd, J= 7.5 Hz, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.29 (s, 2H), 4.02 (q, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (s, 2H), 1.21 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 1.54 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 243.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00620] E-I; (2-Amino-2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)carbamic acid tert-butyl ester A solution of BoC₂O (123 mg, 0.565 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL) was added over a period of 30 min. to a solution of 4-aminomethyl-2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-2-ylamine (274 mg, 1.13 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The volatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc - CH₂Cl₂, 1:4) to afford (2-Amino-2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-4- ylmethyl)carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (E-I) as a pale yellow oil (119 mg, 31 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆) δ 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.07 (dd, J= 7.2 Hz, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 7.03 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 6.95 (dt, J= 7.2 Hz, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 6.81 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, IH), 6.55 (s, IH), 6.45 (dd, J= 7.8 Hz, J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 4.47 (s, 2H), 4.00 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.38 (s, 9H), 1.20 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 2.34 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 343.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00621] Example 2:

E-2

[00622] 2-Bromo-l-fer£-butyI-4-nitrobenzene To a solution of l-ferf-butyl-4-nitrobenzene (8.95 g, 50 mmol) and silver sulfate (10 g, 32 mmol) in 50 mL of 90% sulfuric acid was added dropwise bromine (7.95 g, 50 mmol). Stiring was continued at room temperature overnight, and then the mixture was poured into dilute sodium hydrogen sulfite solution and was extracted with EtOAc three times. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give 2-bromo-l-tert-butyl-4-nitrobenzene (12.7 g, 98 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.47 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, IH), 8.11 (dd, J - 8.8, 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.63 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, IH), 1.57 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 4.05 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient.

[00623] 2~fert-Butyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile To a solution of 2-bromo-l-fert-butyl-4-nitrobenzene (2.13 g, 8.2 mmol) and Zn(CN)₂ (770 mg, 6.56 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added Pd(PPli₃)₄ (474 mg, 0.41 mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was heated in a sealed vessel at 205 ⁰C for 5 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc twice. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % EtOAc-Hexane) to give 2-tert-butyl-5- nitrobenzonitrile (1,33 g, 80 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.55 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 8.36 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.73 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, IH), 1.60 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.42 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient.

[00624] E-2; 2-tert-Butyl-5-aminobenzonitrile To a refluxing solution of 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile (816 mg, 4.0 mmol) in EtOH (20 mL ) was added ammonium formate (816 mg, 12.6 mmol), followed by 10% Pd-C (570 mg). The reaction mixture was refluxed for additional 90 min, cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to give 2-fert-butyl-5-aminobenzonitrile (E-2) (630 mg, 91 %), which was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 2.66 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 175.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00625] Example 3:

[00626] (2-fer*-Butyl-5-nitrophenyl)metIianamine To a solution of 2-fer/'-butyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile (612 mg, 3.0 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added a solution Of BH₃THF (12 mL, IM in THF, 12.0 mmol) under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at 70 ⁰C overnight and cooled to 0 ⁰C. Methanol (2 mL) was added followed by the addition of IN HCl (2 mL). After refluxing for 30 min, the solution was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The aqueous layer was basified with IN NaOH and extracted with EtOAc twice. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over Mg₂SO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-10 % MeOH - CH₂Cl₂) to give (2-tert-butyl-5-nitroρhenyl)methanamine (268 mg, 43 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.54 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, IH), 7.99 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.8 Hz, IH), 7.58 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, IH), 4.03 (s, 2H), 2.00 (t, J = 2.1 Hz, 2H), 1.40 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.05 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 209.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00627] tert-Butyl 2-terf-butyl-5-nitrobenzylcarbamate A solution of (2-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenyl)methanamine (208 mg, 1 mmol) and BoC₂O (229 mg, 1.05 mmol) in THF (5mL) was refluxed for 30 min. After cooling to room temperature, the solution was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give tert-butyl 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzylcarbamate (240 mg, 78 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 8.26 (d, J - 2.3 Hz, IH), 8.09 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.79 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, IH), 7.68 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, IH), 4.52 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.48 (s, 18H); HPLC ret. time 3.72 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient.

[00628] E-4; tert-Butyl 2-tørt-butyl-5-aminobenzylcarbamate To a solution of tert-butyl 2-fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzylcarbamate (20 mg, 0.065 mmol) in 5% AcOH-MeOH (1 mL) was added 10% Pd-C (14 mg) under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature for 1 h. The catalyst was removed via filtration through Celite, and the filtrate was concentrated to give tert-butyl 2-te/-t-butyl-5- aminobenzyl carbamate (E-4), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.09 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.62 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, IH), 6.47 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.6 Hz, IH), 4.61 (br s, IH), 4.40 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H), 4.15 (br s, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.29 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.47 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 279.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00629] Example 4:

[00630] 2-fe/M$utyl-5-nitrobenzoic acid A solution of 2-fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzonitrile (204 mg, 1 mmol) in 5 mL of 75% H₂SO₄ was micro waved at 200 ⁰C for 30 min. The reaction mixture was poured into ice, extracted with EtOAc, washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzoic acid (200 mg, 90 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.36 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, IH), 8.24 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.6 Hz, IH), 7.72 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, IH) 1.51 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.97 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient.

[00631] Methyl 2-fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzoate To a mixture of 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzoic acid (120 mg, 0.53 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (147 mg, 1.1 mmol) in DMF (5.0 mL) was added CH₃I (40 μL, 0.64 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give methyl 2-fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzoate, which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.20 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, IH), 8.17 (t, J = 1.8 Hz, IH), 7.66 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH), 4.11 (s, 3H), 1.43 (s, 9H). [00632] E-6; Methyl 2-tert-butyl-5-aminobenzoate To a refluxing solution of 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzoate (90 mg, 0.38 mmol) in EtOH (2.0 mL) was added potassium formate (400 mg, 4.76 mmol) in water (1 mL),^' followed by the addition of 20 mg of 10% Pd-C. The reaction mixture was refluxed for additional 40 min, cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to give methyl 2-tert- butyl-5-aminobenzoate (E-6) (76 mg, 95 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.24 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, IH), 6.67 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.7 Hz, IH), 6.60 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, IH), 3.86 (s, 3H), 1.34 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.19 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 208.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00633] Example 5:

HCI

E-7

[00634] 2-te/^-Butyl-5-nitrobenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride A suspension of 2-fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzenamine (0.971 g, 5 mmol) in cone. HCl (5 mL) was cooled to 5-10 ⁰C and a solution OfNaNO₂ (0.433g, 6.3 mmol) in H₂O (0.83 mL) was added dropwise. Stirring was continued for 0.5 h, after which the mixture was vacuum filtered. The filtrate was added, simultaneously with a solution OfNa₂SO₃ (1.57 g, 12.4 mmol) in H₂O (2.7 mL), to a stirred solution Of CuSO₄ (0.190 g, 0.76 mmol) and Na₂SO₃ (1.57 g, 12.4 mmol) in HCl (11.7 mL) and H₂O (2.7 mL) at 3-5 ⁰C. Stirring was continued for 0.5 h and the resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried to give 2~fert-butyl-5-nitrobenzene-l- sulfonyϊ chloride (0.235 g, 17 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd₆) δ 9.13 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, IH), 8.36 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.88 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, IH), 1.59 (s, 9H).

[00635] 2-tert-Butyl-5-nitrobenzene-l-sulfonamide To a solution of 2-tert-butyl-5-nitrobenzene-l-sulfonyl chloride (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in ether (2 mL) was added aqueous NH₄OH (128 μL, 3.6 mmol) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, diluted with water and extracted with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. After removal of solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography (0-50 % EtOAc-Hexane) to give 2-tert-buty\-5- nitrobenzene-1 -sulfonamide (31.6 mg, 34 %).

[00636] E-7; 2-toT-Butyl-5-aminobenzene-l-sulfonamide A solution of 2-ter£-butyl-5-nitrobenzene-l -sulfonamide (32 mg, 0.12 mmol) and SnCl₂-2H₂O (138 mg, 0.61 mmol) in EtOH (1.5 mL) was heated in microwave oven at 100 ⁰C for 30 min. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc and water, basified with sat. NaHCO₃ and filtered through Celite. The organic layer was separated from water and dried over Na₂SO₄. Solvent was removed by evaporation to provide 2-tert-butyl-5-aminobenzene-l -sulfonamide (E-7) (28 mg, 100 %), which was used without further purification. HPLC ret. time 1.99 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 229.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00637] Example 6:

[00638] E-8; (2-fer^Butyl-5-aminophenyl)methanol To a solution of methyl 2-fer£-butyl-5-aminobenzoate (159 mg, 0.72 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added dropwise LiAlH₄ (1.4 mL, IM in THF, 1.4 mmol) at 0 ⁰C. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h, diluted with H₂O and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give (2~fer/-butyl-5-aminophenyl)methanol (E-8) (25 mg, 20 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.17 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.87 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, IH), 6.56 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.7 Hz, IH), 4.83 (s, 2H), 1.36 (s, 9H).

[00639] Example 7:

[00640] 1-Methyl-pyridinium monomethyl sulfuric acid salt Methyl sulfate (30 mL, 39.8 g, 0.315 mol) was added dropwise to dry pyridine (25.0 g, 0.316 mol) added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min, then at 100 °C for 2 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature to give crude 1-methyl-pyridinium monomethyl sulfuric acid salt (64.7 g, quant.), which was used without further purification.

[00641] l-Methyl-2-pyridone A solution of 1-methyl-pyridinium monomethyl sulfuric acid salt (50 g, 0.243 mol) in water (54 mL) was cooled to 0 ⁰C. Separate solutions of potassium ferricyanide (160 g, 0.486 mol) in water (320 mL) and sodium hydroxide (40 g, 1.000 mol) in water (67 mL) were prepared and added dropwise from two separatory funnels to the well-stirred solution of 1-methyl-pyridinium monomethyl sulfuric acid salt, at such a rate that the temperature of reaction mixture did not rise above 10 ⁰C. The rate of addition of these two solutions was regulated so that all the sodium hydroxide solution had been introduced into the reaction mixture when one-half of the potassium Ferric Cyanide solution had been added. After addition was complete, the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. Dry sodium carbonate (91.6 g) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated to yield l-methyl-2-pyridone (25.0 g, 94 %), which was used without further purification.

[00642] l-Methyl-3,5-dinitro-2-pyridone l-Methyl-2-pyridone (25.0 g, 0.229 mol) was added to sulfuric acid (500 mL) at 0 ⁰C. After stirring for 5 min., nitric acid (200 mL) was added dropwise at 0 ⁰C. After addition, the reaction temperature was slowly raised to 100 ⁰C, and then maintained for 5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into ice, basified with potassium carbonate to pH 8 and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to yield 1-methyl- 3,5-dinitro-2-pyridone (12.5 g, 28 %), which was used without further purification.

[00643] 2-Isopropyl-5-nitro-pyridine To a solution of l-methyl-3,5-dinitro-2-pyridone (8.0 g, 40 mmol) in methyl alcohol (20 mL) was added dropwise 3-methyl-2-butanone (5.1 mL, 48 mmol), followed by ammonia solution in methyl alcohol (10.0 g, 17%, 100 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 70 °C for 2.5 h under atmospheric pressure. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residual oil was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, and then filtered. The filtrate was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford 2-isopropyl-5-nitro-pyridine (1.88 g, 28 %).

[00644] E-9; 2-Isopropyl-5-amino-pyridine 2-Isopropyl-5-nitro-pyridine (1.30 g, 7.82 mmol) was dissolved in methyl alcohol (20 mL), and Raney Ni (0.25 g) was added. The mixture was stirred under H₂ (1 arm) at room temperature for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated under vaccum to give 2- isopropyl-5-amino-pyridine (E-9) (0.55 g, 52 %). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.05 (s, 1 H), 6.93-6.99 (m, 2 H), 3.47 (br s, 2 H), 2.92-3.02 (m, 1 H), 1.24-1.26 (m, 6 H). ESI-MS 137.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00645] Example 8:

[00646] Phosphoric acid 2,4-di-ferf-butyl-phenyl ester diethyl ester To a suspension of NaH (60% in mineral oil, 6.99 g, 174.7 mmol) in THF (350 mL) was added dropwise a solution of 2,4-di-tert-butylρhenol (35 g, 169.6 mmol) in THF (150 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 15 min and then phosphorochloridic acid diethyl ester (30.15 g, 174.7 mmol) was added dropwise at 0 °C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at this temperature for 15 min. The reaction was quenched with sat. NH₄Cl (300 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et₂O (350 mL x 2). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum to give crude phosphoric acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenyl ester diethyl ester as a yellow oil (51 g, contaminated with some mineral oil), which was used directly in the next step. [00647] l,3-Di-ter/-butyl-benzene To NH₃ (liquid, 250 mL) was added a solution of phosphoric acid 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenyl ester diethyl ester (51 g, crude from last step, about 0.2 mol) in Et₂O (anhydrous, 150 mL) at -78 ⁰C under N₂ atmosphere. Lithium metal was added to the solution in small pieces until a blue color persisted. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 ⁰C for 15 min and then quenched with sat. NH₄Cl solution until the mixture turned colorless. Liquid NH₃ was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in water, extracted with Et₂O (300 mL x 2). The combined organic phases were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to give crude 1,3-di-ter^-butyl-benzene as a yellow oil (30.4 g, 94 % over 2 steps, contaminated with some mineral oil), which was used directly in next step.

[00648] 2,4-Di-fert-butyI-benzaldehyde and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-benzaldehyde To a stirred solution of

(30 g, 157.6 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (700 mL) was added TiCl₄ (37.5 g, 197 mmol) at 0 °C, and followed by dropwise addition OfMeOCHCl₂ (27.3 g, 236.4 mmol). The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The mixture was poured into ice-water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic phases were washed with NaHCO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to give a mixture of 2,4-di-fert-butyl- benzaldehyde and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-benzaldehyde (21 g, 61 %).

[00649] 2,4-Di-fcτ*-butyl-5-nitro-benzaldehyde and 3,5-di-tørf-butyl-2-nitro- benzaldehyde To a mixture of 2,4-di-tert-butyl-benzaldehyde and 3,5-di-fert-butyl-benzaldehyde in H₂SO₄ (250 mL) was added KNO₃ (7.64 g, 75.6 mmol) in portions at 0 ⁰C. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 20 min and then poured into crushed ice. The mixture was basified with NaOH solution to pH 8 and extracted with Et₂O (10 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to give a mixture of 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitro-benzaldehyde and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-nitro-benzaldehyde (2:1 by NMR) as a yellow solid (14.7 g, 82 %). After further purification by column chromatography (petroleum ether), 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitro- benzaldehyde (2.5 g, contains 10% 3,5-di-tøt-butyl-2-nitro-benzaldehyde) was isolated. [00650] l,5-Di-ter^-butyl-2-difluoromethyl-4-nitro-benzene and 1,5-Di-tert- butyl-3-difluoromethyl-2-nitro-benzene 2,4-Di-te/t-butyl-5-nitro-benzaldehyde (2.4 g, 9.1 1 mmol, contaminated with 10% 3,5-di-tert- butyl-2-nitro-benzaldehyde) in neat deoxofluor solution was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The reaction mixture was poured into cooled sat. NaHCO₃ solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated and purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to give l,5-di-/ert-butyl-2-difluoiOmethyl-4-nitro- benzene (1.5 g) and a mixture of l,5-di-terf-butyl-2-difluoromethyl-4-nitro-benzene and 1,5-di- te/t-butyl-3-difluoromethyl-2-nitro-benzene (0.75 g, contains 28 % l,5-di-fer?-butyl-3- difluoromethyl-2-nitro-benzene).

[00651] E-10; l,5-Di-tert-butyl-2-difluoromethyl-4-amino-benzene To a suspension of iron powder (5.1 g, 91.1 mmol) in 50% acetic acid (25 ml) was added 1,5-di- tert-butyl-2-difluoromethyl-4-nitro-benzene (1.3 g, 4.56 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 115 ⁰C for 15 min. Solid was filtered off was washed with acetic acid and CH₂Cl₂. The combined filtrate was concentrated and treated with HCl/MeOH. The precipitate was collected via filtration, washed with MeOH and dried to give l,5-Di-tert-butyl-2-difluoromethyl-4-ammo- benzene HCl salt (E-IO) as a white solid (1.20 g, 90 %). ¹H NMR (DMSO-J₆) δ 7.35-7.70 (t, J= 53.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.56 (s, 1 H), 7.41 (s, 1 H), 1.33-1.36 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH); ESI-MS 256.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00652] Example 9 [00653] General scheme:

A) Pd(PPh₃)₄, K₂CO₃, H₂O, THF; B) Pd₂(dba)₃, P(^Bu)₃, KF, THF

[00654] Method A In a 2-dram vial, 2-bromoaniline (100 mg, 0.58 mmol) and the corresponding aryl boronic acid (0.82 mmol) were dissolved in THF (1 mL). H₂O (500 μL) was added followed by K₂CO₃ (200 mg, 1.0 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (100 mg, 0.1 mmol). The vial was purged with argon and sealed. The vial was then heated at 75 °C for 18 h. The crude sample was diluted in EtOAc and filtered through a silica gel plug. The organics were concentrated via Savant Speed-vac. The crude amine was used without further purification.

[00655] Method B In a 2-dram vial, the corresponding aryl boronic acid (0.58 mmol) was added followed by KF (110 mg, 1.9 mmol). The solids were suspended in THF (2 mL), and then 2-bromoaniline (70 μL, 0.58 mmol) was added. The vial was purged with argon for 1 min. P(¹Bu)₃ (100 μL, 10% sol. in hexanes) was added followed by Pd₂(dba)₃ (900 μL, 0.005 M in THF). The vial was purged again with argon and sealed. The vial was agitated on an orbital shaker at room temperature for 30 min and heated in a heating block at 80 ⁰C for 16 h. The vial was then cooled to 20 °C and the suspension was passed through a pad of Celite. The pad was washed with EtOAc (5 mL). The organics were combined and concentrated under vacuum to give a crude amine that was used without further purification.

[00656] The table below includes the amines made following the general scheme above.

[00657] Example 10:

G-1 [00658] Ethyl 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-methylpropanoate Sodium t-butoxide (466 mg, 4.85 πunol) was added to DMF (20 mL) at 0 ⁰C. The cloudy solution was re-cooled to 5 ⁰C. Ethyl 4-nitrophenylacetate (1.0 g, 4.78 mmol) was added. The purple slurry was cooled to 5 ⁰C and methyl iodide (0.688 mL, 4.85 mmol) was added over 40 min. The mixture was stirred at 5-10 ⁰C for 20 min, and then re-charged with sodium t-butoxide (466 mg, 4.85 mmol) and methyl iodide (0.699 mL, 4.85 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 5-10 ⁰C for 20 min and a third charge of sodium t-butoxide (47 mg, 0.48 mmol) was added followed by methyl iodide (0.057 mL, 0.9 mmol). Ethyl acetate (100 mL) and HCl (0.1 N, 50 mL) were added. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine and dried over Na₂SO₄. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to provide ethyl 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-methylpropanoate (900 mg, 80 %), which was used without further purification.

[00659] G-I; Ethyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-methylpropanoate A solution of ethyl 2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-methylpropanoate (900 mg, 3.8 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was treated with 10% Pd-C (80 mg) and heated to 45 °C. A solution of potassium formate (4.10 g, 48.8 mmol) in H₂O (11 mL) was added over a period of 15 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 65 ⁰C for 2 h and then treated with additional 300 mg of Pd/C. The reaction was stirred for 1.5 h and then filtered through Celite. The solvent volume was reduced by approximately 50 % under reduced pressure and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield ethyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2- methylpropanoate (G-I) (670 mg, 85 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.14 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.65 (d, J - 8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (q, J - 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.53 (s, 6H), 1.18 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H). [00660] Example 11:

[00661] G-2; 2-(4-AminophenyI)-2-methylpropan-l-oI A solution of ethyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-methylpropanoate (30 mg, 0.145 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was treated with LiAlH₄ (IM solution in THF, 0.226 mL, 0.226 mmol) at 0 °C and stirred for 15 min. The reaction was treated with 0. IN NaOH, extracted with EtOAc and the organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield 2-(4- aminophenyl)-2-methylpropan-l-ol (G-2), which was used withoutfurther purification: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.17 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.67 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.53 (s, 2H), 1.28 (s, 6H).

[00662] Example 12:

[00663] 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propanenitrile A suspension of sodium tert-butoxide (662 mg, 6.47 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) at 0 °C was treated with 4-nitrophenylacetonitrile (1000 mg, 6.18 mmol) and stirred for 10 min. Methyl iodide (400 μL, 6.47 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min. The solution was stirred at 0-10 ⁰C for 15 min and then at room temperature for additional 15 min. To this purple solution was added sodium fert-butoxide (662 mg, 6.47 mmol) and the solution was stirred for 15 min. Methyl iodide (400 μL, 6.47 mmol) was added dropwise over 15 min and the solution was stirred overnight. Sodium tert-butoxide (192 mg, 1.94 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 0 ⁰C for 10 minutes. Methyl iodide (186 μL, 2.98 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for Ih. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between IN HCl (50 mL) and EtOAc (75 mL). The organic layer was washed with 1 N HCl and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to yield 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propanenitrile as a green waxy solid (1.25 g, 99 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.24 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 1.77 (s, 6H).

[00664J 2-Methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyI)propan-l-amine To a cooled solution of 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propanenitrile (670 mg, 3.5 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added BH₃ (IM in THF, 14 mL, 14 mmol) dropwise at 0 °C. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and heated at 70 °C for 2 h. IN HCl solution (2 mL) was added, followed by the addition of NaOH until pH > 7. The mixture was extracted with ether and ether extract was concentrated to give 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-l -amine (610 mg, 90 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.20 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 2.89 (s, 2H), 1.38 (s, 6H).

[00665] tert-Butyl 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propyIcarbamate To a cooled solution of 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-l -amine (600 mg, 3.1 mmol) and IN NaOH (3 mL, 3 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (6 mL) and water (3 mL) was added Boc₂O (742 mg, 3.4 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction was made acidic with 5% KHSO₄ solution and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to give tert-butyl 2-methyl-2-(4- nitrophenyl)propylcarbamate (725 mg, 80 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.63 (s, 2H), 1.31- 1.29 (m, 15H).

[00666] G-3; tert-Butyl 2-methyl-2-(4-aminophenyl)propylcarbamate To a refluxing solution of tert-butyl 2-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)propylcarbamate (725 mg, 2.5 mmol) and ammonium formate (700 mg, 10.9 mmol) in EtOH (25 mL) was added Pd-5%wt on carbon (400 mg). The mixture was refmxed for 1 h, cooled and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to give tert-butyl 2-methyl-2-(4-aminophenyl)propylcarbamate (G-3) (550 mg, 83 %), which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-^₆) δ 6.99 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.85 (s, 2H), 3.01 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 1.36 (s, 9H), 1.12 (s, 6H); HPLC ret. time 2.02 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 265.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00667] Example 13:

H-1

[00668] 7-Nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-ol 7-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one (200 mg, 1.05 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and NaBH₄ ((78 mg, 2.05 mmol) was added in portions. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 min and then concentrated and purified by column chromatography (10-50 % ethyl acetate - hexanes) to yield 7-nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-ol (163 mg, 80 %). H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃CN) δ 8.30 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 8.02 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.5 Hz, IH), 7.33 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.76 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, IH), 2.96-2.80 (m, 2H), 2.10-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.86-1.77 (m, 2H); HPLC ret. time 2.32 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run.

[00669] H-I; 7-Amino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-ol 7-nitro-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-ol (142 mg, 0.73 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (10 mL) and the flask was flushed with N₂ (g). 10% Pd-C (10 mg) was added and the reaction was stirred under H₂ (1 atm) at room temperature overnight. The reaction was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to yield 7-amino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-ol (H-I) (113 mg, 95 %). HPLC ret. time 0.58 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 164.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00670] Examplel4:

[00671] 7-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one oxime To a solution of 7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one (500 mg, 2.62 ramol) in pyridine (2 mL) was added hydroxylamine solution (1 mL, -50% solution in water). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, then concentrated and purified by column chromatography (10-50 % ethyl acetate - hexanes) to yield 7-nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one oxime (471 mg, 88 %). HPLC ret. time 2.67 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 207.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00672] l,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-naphthalene-l,7-diamine 7-Nitro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-l-one oxime (274 mg, 1.33 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (10 mL) and the flask was flushed with N₂ (g). 10 % Pd-C (50 mg) was added and the reaction was stirred under H₂ (1 arm) at room temperature overnight. The reaction was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to yield l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene-l,7-diamine (207 mg, 96 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-4) δ 6.61-6.57 (m, 2H), 6.28 (dd, J = 8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.58 (m, IH), 2.48-2.44 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.37 (m, 2H).

[00673] H-2; (7-Amino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalene-l,7-diamine (154 mg, 0.95 mmol) and triethylamine (139 μL, 1.0 mmol) in methanol (2 mL) cooled to 0 °C was added di-fert-butyl dicarbonate (207 mg, 0.95 mmol). The reaction was stirred at 0 °C and then concentrated and purified by column chromatography (5-50 % methanol - dichloromethane) to yield (7-amino- l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-l-yl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (H-2) (327 mg, quant.). HPLC ret. time 1.95 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 263.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00674] Example 15:

1-1

[00675] N-(2-Bromo-benzyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide To a solution of 2-bromobenzylamine (1.3 mL, 10.8 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added ethyl trifluoro acetate (1.54 mL, 21.6 mmol) and triethylamine (1.4 mL, 10.8 mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then concentrated under vacuum to yield N-(2-bromo-benzyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide (3.15g, quant.). HPLC ret. time 2.86 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 283.9 m/z (MH⁺).

[00676] I-l; N-(4'-Amino-biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide A mixture of N-(2-bromo-benzyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide (282 mg, 1.0 mmol), 4-(4,4,5,5- tetramethyl-l,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)aniline (284 mg, 1.3 mmol), Pd(OAc)₂ (20 mg, 0.09 mmol) and PS-PPh₃ (40 mg, 3 mmol / g, 0.12 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (5 mL) and 4M K₂CO₃ solution (0.5 mL) was added. The reaction was heated at 80 ⁰C overnight. The mixture was filtered, concentrated and purified by column chromatography (0-50 % ethyl acetate - hexanes) to yield N-(4'-amino-biρhenyl-2-ylmethyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-acetamide (1-1) (143 mg, 49 %). HPLC ret. time 1.90 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 295.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00677] Commercially available amines

[00678] Amides (Compounds of formula I)

[00679] General scheme:

a) AriR7NH, coupling reagent, base, solvent. Examples of conditions used: HATU, DIEA, DMF; BOP, DIEA, DMF; HBTU, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂; PFP-TFA, pyridine

[00680] Specific example:

[00681] 215; 4-Oxo-N-phenyl-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide To a solution of 4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-I) (19 mg, 0.1 mmol), HATU (38 mg, O.lmmol) and DIEA (34.9 μL, 0.2mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added aniline (18.2 μL, 0.2 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The resulting solution was filtered and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield 4-oxo-N-phenyl-lH- quinoline-3-carboxamide (215) (12 mg, 45 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 12.97 (s, IH), 12.50 (s, IH), 8.89 (s, IH), 8.34 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.1 Hz, IH), 7.83 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, IH), 7.75 (m, 3H), 7.55 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.37 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, IH); HPLC ret. time 3.02 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 265.1 m/z (MH⁺). [00682] The table below lists other examples synthesized by the general scheme above.

[00683] Indoles [00684] Example 1: [00685] General Scheme:

188 188-1

[00686] Specific example:

188 188-1 343

[00687] 188-1; 6-[(4-Oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]-lH-indole-5- carboxylic acid A mixture of 6-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylaminoJ-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (188) (450 mg, 1.2 mmol) and IN NaOH solution (5 mL) in THF (10 mL) was heated at 85 ⁰C overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The aqueous layer was acidified with IN HCl solution to pH 5, and the precipitate was filtered, washed with water and air dried to yield 6-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid (188-1) (386 mg, 93 %). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 12.92-12.75 (m, 2H), 11.33 (s, IH), 8.84 (s, IH), 8.71 (s, IH), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.1, 0.9 Hz, IH), 8.22 (s, IH), 7.80-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.49 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.41 (t, J = 2.7 Hz, IH), 6.51 (m, IH); HPLC ret. time 2.95 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 376.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00688] 343; N-[5-(Isobutylcarbamoyl)-lH-indol-6-yl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide To a solution of 6-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]-lH-indole-5-carboxylic acid (188- I) (26 mg, 0.08 mmol), HATU (38 mg, 0.1 mmol) and DIEA (35 μL, 0.2 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added isobutylamine (7 mg, 0.1 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 65 ⁰C overnight. The resulting solution was filtered and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield the product, N-[5-(isobutylcarbamoyl)-lH-indol-6-yl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (343) (20 mg, 66 %). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSCW₆) § 12.66 (d, J = 7.4 Hz₅ IH), 12.42 (s, IH), 11.21 (s, IH), 8.81 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, IH), 8.47 (s, IH), 8.36 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, IH), 8.30 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.79 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, IH), 7.72-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.51 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, IH), 7.38 (m, IH), 6.48 (m, IH), 3.10 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.88 (m, IH), 0.92 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 6H); HPLC ret. time 2.73 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 403.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00689] Another example:

[00690] 148; 4-Oxo-N-[5-(l-piperidylcarbonyl)-lH-indol-6-yl]-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide 4-Oxo-N-[5-(l -piperidylcarbonyl)- 1 H-indol-6-yl]- 1 H-quinoline-3-carboxamide (148) was synthesized following the general scheme above, coupling the acid (188-1) with piperidine. Overall yield (12 %). HPLC ret. time 2.79 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 415.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00691] Example 2:

[00692] General scheme:

B-27-1 [00693] Specific example:

B-27-1 158

[00694] 158; 4-Oxo-N-(5-phenyl-lH-indol-6-yl)-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide A mixture of N-(5-bromo-lH-indol-6-yl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (B-27-1) (38 mg, 0.1 mol), phenyl boronic acid (18 mg, 0.15 mmol), (dppf)PdCl₂ (cat.), and K₂CO₃ (100 μL, 2M solution) in DMF (1 mL) was heated in the microwave at 180 ⁰C for 10 min. The reaction was filtered and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield the product, 4-oxo-N-(5-ρhenyl- lH-indol-6-yl)-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (158) (5 mg, 13 %). HPLC ret. time 3.05 min, 10- 99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 380.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00695] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00696] Example 3:

[00697] ITj N-tl-tl-tMethyl-Cl-methylaminoacety^-aminolacetyll-lH-indoI-ό- yl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide To a solution of methyl- {[methyl-(2-oxo-2- {6- [(4-oxo-l, 4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carbonyl)- amino]-indol-l-yl}-ethyl)-carbamoyl]-methyl}-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (B-26-I) (2.0 g, 3.7 mmol) dissolved in a mixture Of CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and methanol (15 niL) was added HCl solution (60 mL, 1.25 M in methanol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 64 h. The precipitated product was collected via filtration, washed with diethyl ether and dried under high vacuum to provide the HCl salt of the product, N-[l-[2-[methyl-(2-methylaminoacetyl)- amino] acetyl] -lH-indol-6-yl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (27) as a greyish white solid (1.25 g, 70 %). ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.20 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, IH), 12.68 (s, IH), 8.96- 8.85 (m, IH), 8.35 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, IH), 7.91-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.64-7.54 (m, 3H), 6.82 (m, IH), 5.05 (s, 0.7H), 4.96 (s, 1.3H), 4.25 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 1.3H), 4.00 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 0.7H), 3.14 (s, 2H), 3.02 (s, IH), 2.62 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (t, J = 5.4 Hz, IH); HPLC ret. time 2.36 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 446.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00698] Phenols

[00699] Example 1:

[00700] General scheme:

428

[00701] Specific example:

428 275

[00702] 275; 4-Benzyloxy-N-(3-hydroxy-4-teff-butyl-phenyl)-quinoline-3- carboxamide To a mixture of N-(3-hydroxy-4-te7-if-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (428) (6.7 mg, 0.02 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (13 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (0.2 mL ) was added BnBr (10 uL, 0.08 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified using HPLC to give 4-benzyloxy-N-(3-hydroxy-4-tert-butyl- phenyl)-quinoline-3-carboxamide (275). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 12.23 (s, IH), 9.47 (s, IH), 9.20 (s, IH), 8.43 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, IH), 7.79 (t, J = 2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (m, IH), 7.38-7.26 (m, 6H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 6.99 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.1 Hz, IH), 5.85 (s, 2H), 1.35 (s, 9H). HPLC ret. time 3.93 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 427.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00703] Another example:

[00704] 415; N-(3-Hydroxy-4-te/^-butyl-phenyI)-4-methoxy-quinoline-3- carboxamide N-(3-Hydroxy-4-ter^-butyl-phenyl)-4-methoxy-quinoline-3-carboxamide (415) was synthesized following the general scheme above reacting N-(3-hydroxy-4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH- quinoline-3-carboxamide (428) with methyl iodide. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 12.26 (s, IH), 9.46 (s, IH), 8.99 (s, IH), 8.42 (t, J = 4.2 Hz, IH), 7.95-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.69 (m, IH), 7.38 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, IH), 7.10 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 6.96 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.1 Hz, IH), 4.08 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.46 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 351.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00705] Example 2:

C-27-1 476

[00706] 476; N-(4-tert-Butyl-2-cyano-5-hydroxyphenyl)-l,4-dihydro-4- oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide To a suspension of N-(4-tert-butyl-2-bromo-5-hydroxyphenyl)-l,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3- carboxamide (C-27-1) (84 mg, 0.2 rnmol), Zn(CN)₂ (14 mg, 0.12 mmol) in NMP (1 mL) was added Pd(PPh₃)₄ (16 mg, 0.014 mmol) under nitrogen. The mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 200 ⁰C for 1 h, filtered and purified using prepative HPLC to give N-(4-tert-butyl-2- cyano-5-hydroxyphenyl)-l,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (476). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 13.00 (d, J =6.4 Hz, IH)₃ 12.91 (s, IH), 10.72 (s, IH), 8.89 (d, J =6.8Hz, IH), 8.34 (d, J =8.2Hz, IH), 8.16 (s, IH), 7.85-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.54 (m, IH), 7.44 (s, IH), 1.35 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 3.42 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 362.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00707] Anilines [00708] Example 1:

[00709] General scheme:

[00710] Specific example:

[00711] 260; N-(5-Amino-2-terf-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide A mixture of [3-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]-4-tert-butyl-phenyl]aminoformic acid tert-butyl ester (353) (33 mg, 0.08 mmol), TFA (1 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in DMSO (1 mL) and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield the product, N-(5-amino-2-tert- butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (260) (15 mg, 56 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 13.23 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, IH), 12.20 (s, IH), 10.22 (br s, 2H), 8.88 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, IH), 8.34 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, IH), 7.86-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.56-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.15 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.4 Hz, IH), 1.46 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.33 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 336.3 m/z (MH⁺). [00712] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00713] Example 2: [00714] General Scheme:

[00715] Specific example:

[00716] 485; N-(3-Dimethylamino-4-terf-butyI-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoIine-3- carboxamide To a suspension of N-(3-amino-4-te/t-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (271) (600 mg, 1.8 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) and methanol (5 mL) were added acetic acid (250 μL) and formaldehyde (268 μL, 3.6 mmol, 37 wt % in water). After 10 min, sodium cyanoborohydride (407 mg, 6.5 mmol) was added in one portion. Additional formaldehyde (135 μL, 1.8 mmol, 37 wt% in water) was added at 1.5 and 4.2 h. After 4.7 h, the mixture was diluted with ether (40 mL), washed with water (25 mL) and brine (25 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated. The resulting red-brown foam was purified by preparative HPLC to afford N-(3- dimethylamino-4-ter^butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (485) (108 mg, 17 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 13.13 (br s, IH), 12.78 (s, IH), 8.91 (br s, IH), 8.42 (br s, IH), 8.37 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.72-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.31 (m, 3H), 3.34 (s, 6H), 1.46 (s, 9H); HPLC ret. time 2.15 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 364.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00717] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00718] Example 3:

[00721] 94; N-(5-Amino-2-methyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide To a solution of 4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-I) (50 mg, 0.26 mmol), HBTU (99 mg, 0.26 mmol) and DIEA (138 μL, 0.79 mmol) in THF (2.6 mL) was added 2-methyl-5-nitro- phenylamine (40 mg, 0.26 mmol). The mixture was heated at 150 ⁰C in the microwave for 20 min and the resulting solution was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in EtOH (2 mL) and SnCl₂-2H₂O (293 mg, 1.3 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was basified with sat. NaHCO₃ solution to pH 7-8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in DMSO and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield the product, N-(5-amino-2-methyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide (94) (6 mg, 8 %). HPLC ret. time 2.06 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 294.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00722] Another example:

[00723] 17; N-(5-Amino-2-propoxy-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide N-(5-Amino-2-propoxy-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (17) was made following the general scheme above starting from 4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (A-I) and 5- nitro-2-propoxy-phenylamine. Yield (9 %). HPLC ret. time 3.74 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 338.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00724] Example 4:

[00725] General Scheme:

X= CO, CO₂, SO₂: a) R2XC1, DIEA, THF or R2XC1, NMM, 1,4-dioxane or R2XC1, Et₃N, CH₂Cl₂, DMF.

[00726] Specific example:

167 248

[00727] 248; N-(3-Acetylamino-4-methyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide To a solution of N-(3-amino-4-methyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (167) (33mg, 0.11 mmol) and DIEA (49 μL, 0.28 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added acetyl chloride (16 μL, 0.22 mmol). The reaction was stiiτed at room temperature for 30 min. LCMS analysis indicated that diacylation had occurred. A solution of piperidine (81 μL, 0.82mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) was added and the reaction stirred for a further 30 min at which time only the desired product was detected by LCMS. The reaction solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in DMSO and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN / H₂O) to yield the product, N-(3-acetylamino- 4-methyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (248) (4 mg, 11 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 12.95 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, IH), 12.42 (s, IH), 9.30 (s, IH), 8.86 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, IH), 8.33 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.3 Hz, IH), 7.85-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.76 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, IH), 7.55 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.49 (dd, J = 8.2, 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.18 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, IH), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.08 (s, 3H); HPLC ret. time 2.46 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 336.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00728] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00729] Example 5:

[00730] General Scheme:

[00731] Specific example:

[00732] 4-Oxo-7V-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5-(vinyIsulfonamido)phenyl]-l,4- dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide To a suspension of N-[3-amino-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (429) (500 mg 1.4 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (4 niL) was added NMM (0.4 niL, 3.6 mmol). β- Chloroethylsulfonyl chloride (0.16 mL, 1.51 mmol) was added under an argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 ¹A h, after which TLC (CH₂Cl₂ - EtOAc, 8:2) showed a new spot with a very similar R_f to the starting material. Another 0.5 eq. of NMM was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. LCMS analysis of the crude mixture showed >85% conversion to the desired product. The mixture was concentrated, treated with IM HCl (5 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 10 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (3 x 10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield 4-oxo-iV- [3-(tnfluoromethyl)-5-(vinylsulfonamido)phenyl]- 1 ,4-dihydroquinohne-3-carboxamide as an orange foam (0.495 g, 79 %), which was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H- NMR (J₆-Acetone, 300 MHz) δ 8.92 (s, IH), 8.41-8.38 (m, IH), 7.94 (m, 2H), 7.78 (br s, 2H), 7.53-7.47 (m, IH), 7.30 (s, IH), 6.87-6.79 (dd, J= 9.9 Hz, IH), 6.28 (d, J= 16.5 Hz, IH), 6.09 (d, J= 9.9 Hz, IH); ESI-MS 436.4 m/z (MH^")

[00733] 318; 4-Oxo-N-[3-[2-(l-piperidyl)ethylsulfonylamino]-5- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide A mixture of 4-oxo-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5-(vinylsulfonamido)phenyl]-l,4-dihydroquinoline-3- carboxamide (50 mg, 0.11 mmol), pipendine (18 μL, 1.6 eq) and LiClO₄ (20 mg, 1.7 eq) was suspended in a 1:1 solution Of CH₂Cl₂: isopropanol (1.5 mL). The mixture was refluxed at 75 ⁰C for 18 h. After this time, LCMS analysis showed >95% conversion to the desired product. The crude mixture was purified by reverse-phase HPLC to provide 4-oxo-N-[3-[2-(l- piperidyl)ethylsulfonylamino]-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (318) as a yellowish solid (15 mg, 25 %). ¹H-NMR (</₆-Acetone, 300 MHz) δ 8.92 (br s, IH), 8.4 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH)₃ 8.05 (br s, IH), 7.94 (br s, IH), 7.78 (br s, 2H), 7.53-751 (m, IH), 7.36 (br s, IH), 3.97 (t, J= 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.66 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H), 3.31-3.24 (m, 6H), 1.36-1.31 (m, 4H); ESI-MS 489.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00734] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00735] Example 6:

[00736] General Scheme:

[00737] Specific example:

[00738] 258; N-Indolin-6-yl-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide A mixture of N-(l-acetylindolin-6-yl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (233) (43mg, 0.12 mmol), IN NaOH solution (0.5 mL) and ethanol (0.5 mL) was heated to reflux for 48 h. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in DMSO (1 mL) and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN - H₂O) to yield the product, N-indolin-6-yl-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide (258) (10 mg, 20 %). HPLC ret. time 2.05 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI- MS 306.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00739] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00740] Example 2: [00741] General Scheme:

[00742] Specific example:

[00743] 299; 4-Oxo-N-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-7-yl)-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide A mixture of 7-[(4-oxo- 1 H-quinolin-3 -yl)carbonylamino]- 1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydroquinoline- 1 - carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (183) (23 mg, 0.05 mmol), TFA (1 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in DMSO (1 mL) and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN - H₂O) to yield the product, 4-oxo-N-(l, 2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-7-yl)-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (299) (7 mg, 32 %). HPLC ret. time 2.18 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 320.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00744] Another example:

[00745] 300; N-(4,4-Dimethyl-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoIin-7-yl)-4-oxo-lH- quinoline-3-carboxamide N-(4,4-Dimethyl- 1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydroquinolin-7-yl)-4-oxo- 1 H-quinoline-3 -carboxamide (300) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from 4,4-dimethyl-7-[(4-oxo-lH- quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]-l, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroquino line- 1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (108). Yield (33 %). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-J₆) δ 13.23 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, IH), 12.59 (s, IH), 8.87 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, IH), 8.33 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, IH), 7.86-7.79 (m, 3H), 7.58-7.42 (m, 3H), 3.38 (m, 2H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 1.30 (s, 6H); HPLC ret. time 2.40 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 348.2 m/z (MH⁺).

[00746] Other [00747] Example 1:

[00748] General scheme

[00749] Specific example:

[00750] 163; 4-Oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-aminomethyl- 2'-ethoxy-biphenyl-2-yl)-amide {2'-Ethoxy-2-[(4-oxo-l,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carbonyl)-amino]-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl}-carbamic acid tot-butyl ester (304) (40 mg, 0.078 mmol) was stirred in a CH₂Cl₂ / TFA mixture (3:1, 20 mL) at room temperature for 1 h. The volatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC to afford 4-oxo-l,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylix acid (4-aminomethyl-2'-ethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)amine (163) as a tan solid (14 mg. 43 %). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆) δ 12.87 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 11.83 (s, IH), 8.76 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 8.40 (s, IH), 8.26 (br s, 2H), 8.01 (dd, J= 8.4 Hz₃ J= 1.5 Hz, IH), 7.75 (dt, J= 8.1 Hz, J= 1.2 Hz, IH), 7.67 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, IH), 7.47-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.24 (s, 2H), 7.15 (dd, J= 7.5 Hz, J= 1.8 Hz, IH), 7.10 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.02 (dt, J= 7.5 Hz, J= 0.9 Hz, IH), 4.09 (m, 2H), 4.04 (q, J= 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J= 6.9 Hz, 3H); HPLC ret. time 1.71 min, 10-100 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS 414.1 m/z (MH⁺).

[00751] Another example:

[00752] 390; N-[3-(AmmomethyI)-4-fe/^butyl-phenyl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3- carboxamide N-[3-(Aminomethyl)-4-tert-butyl-phenyl]-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (390) was synthesized following the general scheme above starting from [5-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3- yl)carbonylamino]-2-fer^butyl-phenyl]methylaminofoπnic acid tert-butyl ester (465). HPLC ret. time 2.44 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min gradient; ESI-MS m/z 350.3 (M + H)⁺.

[00753] Example 2:

[00754] General scheme:

[00755] Specific example:

[00756] 3-(2-(4-(l-Amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)phenyl)acetyl)quinolin-4(lH)- one (2-Methyl-2-{4-[2-oxo-2-(4-oxo-l,4-dihydro-quinolin-3-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl}-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (88) (0.50 g, 1.15 mmol), TFA (5 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (5 rnL) were combined and stirred at room temerpature overnight. The reaction mixture was then neutralized with IN NaOH. The precipitate was collected via filtration to yield the product 3-(2-(4-(l-amino-2- methylpropan-2-yl)phenyl)acetyl)quinolin-4(lH)-one as a brown solid (651 mg, 91 %). HPLC ret. time 2.26 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 336.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00757] 323; [2-Methyl-2-[4-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]phenyl]- propyl]aminoformic acid methyl ester Methyl chloroformate (0.012 g, 0.150 mmol) was added to a solution of 3-(2-(4-(l-amino-2- methylproρan-2-yl)phenyl)acetyl)quinolin-4(lH)-one (0.025 g, 0.075 mmol), TEA (0.150 mmol, 0.021 niL) and DMF (1 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Then piperidine (0.074 ml, 0.750 rnmol) was added and the reaction was stirred for another 30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified by preparative HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN-H₂O) to yield the product [2- methyl-2-[4-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]phenyl]-propyl]aminoformic acid methyl ester (323). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.94 (br s, IH), 12.44 (s, IH), 8.89 (s, IH), 8.33 (dd, J= 8.2, 1.1 Hz, IH), 7.82 (t, J= 8.3 Hz, IH), 7.76 (d, J= 7.7 Hz, IH), 7.67 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (t, J= 8.1 Hz, IH), 7.35 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (t, J= 6.3 Hz, IH), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.17 (d, J= 6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (s, 6H); HPLC ret. time 2.93 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 394.0 m/z (MH⁺).

[00758] The table below lists other examples synthesized following the general scheme above.

[00759] Example 3:

[00760] General Scheme:

[00761] Specific example:

²⁷³ 273-1 _15β [00762] 273-1; N-(l-Aminotetralin-7-yl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoIine-3-carboxamide To a solution of [7-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]tetralin-l-yl]aminoformic acid tert- butyl ester (273) (250 mg, 0.6 mmol) in dichloromethane (2 mL) was added TFA (2 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. More dichloromethane (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the solution was washed with sat. NaHCO₃ solution (5 mL). A precipitate began to form in the organic layer so the combined organic layers were concentrated to yield N-(I -amino tetralin-7-yl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (273-1) (185 mg, 93 %). HPLC ret. time 1.94 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 334.5 m/z (MH⁺).

[00763] 159; [7-[(4-Oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]tetralin-l- yl]aminoformic acid methyl ester To a solution of N-(l-aminotetralin-7-yl)-4-oxo-lH-quinoline-3-carboxamide (273-1) (65 mg, 0.20 mmol) and DIEA (52 μL, 0.29 mmol) in methanol (1 mL) was added methyl chloroformate (22 μL, 0.29 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. LCMS analysis of the reaction mixture showed peaks corresponding to both the single and bis addition products. Piperidine (2 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight after which only the single addition product was observed. The resulting solution was filtered and purified by HPLC (10-99 % CH₃CN - H₂O) to yield the product, [7-[(4-oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]tetralin-l- yl]ammoformic acid methyl ester (159) (27 mg, 35 %). HPLC ret. time 2.68 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 392.3 m/z (MH⁺).

[00764] Another example:

[00765] 482; [7-[(4-Oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yI)carbonylamino]tetralin-l- yljaminoformic acid ethyl ester [7-[(4-Oxo-lH-quinolin-3-yl)carbonylamino]tetralin-l-yl]amino formic acid ethyl ester (482) was synthesized following the general scheme above, from amine (273-1) and ethyl chloroformate. Overall yield (18 %). HPLC ret. time 2.84 min, 10-99 % CH₃CN, 5 min run; ESI-MS 406.5 m/z (MH⁺). [00766] Set forth below is the characterizing data for compounds of the present invention prepared according to the above Examples. [00767] Table 2

NMR data for selected compounds is shown below in Table 2- A:

[00768] B) Assays for Detecting and Measuring ΔF508-CFTR Correction Properties of Compounds [00769] I) Membrane potential optical methods for assaying ΔF508-CFTR modulation properties of compounds [00770] The optical membrane potential assay utilized voltage-sensitive FRET sensors described by Gonzalez and Tsien (See, Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1995) "Voltage sensing by fluorescence resonance energy transfer in single cells" Biophys J 69(4): 1272-80, and Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1997) "Improved indicators of cell membrane potential that use fluorescence resonance energy transfer" Chem Biol 4(4): 269-77) in combination with instrumentation for measuring fluorescence changes such as the Voltage/Ion Probe Reader (VIPR) (See, Gonzalez, J. E., K. Oades, et al. (1999) "Cell-based assays and instrumentation for screening ion-channel targets" Drug Discov Today 4(9): 431-439). [00771] These voltage sensitive assays are based on the change in fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) between the membrane-soluble, voltage-sensitive dye, DiSBAC₂(3), and a fluorescent phospholipid, CC2-DMPE, which is attached to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and acts as a FRET donor. Changes in membrane potential (V_m) cause the negatively charged DiSBAC₂(3) to redistribute across the plasma membrane and the amount of energy transfer from CC2-DMPE changes accordingly. The changes in fluorescence emission were monitored using VIPR™ II, which is an integrated liquid handler and fluorescent detector designed to conduct cell-based screens in 96- or 384-well microtiter plates. [00772] Identification of Correction Compounds [00773] To identify small molecules that correct the trafficking defect associated with ΔF508-CFTR; a single-addition HTS assay format was developed. The cells were incubated in serum-free medium for 16 hrs at 37 ⁰C in the presence or absence (negative control) of test compound. As a positive control, cells plated in 384-well plates were incubated for 16 hrs at 27 °C to "temperature-correct" ΔF508-CFTR. The cells were subsequently rinsed 3X with Krebs Ringers solution and loaded with the voltage-sensitive dyes. To activate ΔF508-CFTR, 10 μM forskolin and the CFTR potentiator, genistein (20 μM), were added along with Cr-free medium to each well. The addition of CF-free medium promoted CF efflux in response to ΔF508-CFTR activation and the resulting membrane depolarization was optically monitored using the FRET-based voltage-sensor dyes. [00774] Identification of Potentiator Compounds [00775] To identify potentiators of ΔF508-CFTR, a double-addition HTS assay format was developed. During the first addition, a CF-free medium with or without test compound was added to each well. After 22 sec, a second addition of CF-free medium containing 2 - 10 μM forskolin was added to activate ΔF508-CFTR. The extracellular CF concentration following both additions was 28 raM, which promoted CF efflux in response to ΔF508-CFTR activation and the resulting membrane depolarization was optically monitored using the FRET-based voltage-sensor dyes. Solutions Bath Solution #1 : (in mM) NaCl 160, KCl 4.5, CaCl₂ 2, MgCl₂ 1, HEPES 10, pH 7.4 with NaOH. Chloride- free bath solution: Chloride salts in Bath Solution #1 are substituted with gluconate salts. CC2-DMPE: Prepared as a 10 mM stock solution in DMSO and stored at -20°C. DiSBAC₂(3): Prepared as a 10 mM stock in DMSO and stored at -20°C.

[00776] Cell Culture [00777] NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF5O8-CFTR are used for optical measurements of membrane potential. The cells are maintained at 37 ⁰C in 5% CO₂ and 90 % humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10 % fetal bovine serum, 1 X NEAA, β-ME, 1 X pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For all optical assays, the cells were seeded at 30,000/well in 384- well matrigel-coated plates and cultured for 2 hrs at 37 ⁰C before culturing at 27 ⁰C for 24 hrs. for the potentiator assay. For the correction assays, the cells are cultured at 27 ⁰C or 37 ⁰C with and without compounds for 16 - 24 hoursB) Electrophysiological Assays for assaying ΔF508-CFTR modulation properties of compounds [00779] 1.Ussing Chamber Assay [00780] Ussing chamber experiments were performed on polarized epithelial cells expressing ΔF508-CFTR to further characterize the ΔF508-CFTR modulators identified in the optical assays. FRJ^ΔF508-^CFΓR epithelial cells grown on Costar Snapwell cell culture inserts were mounted in an Ussing chamber (Physiologic Instruments, Inc., San Diego, CA), and the monolayers were continuously short-circuited using a Voltage-clamp System (Department of Bioengineering, University of Iowa, IA, and, Physiologic Instruments, Inc., San Diego, CA). Transepithelial resistance was measured by applying a 2-mV pulse. Under these conditions, the FRT epithelia demonstrated resistances of 4 KΩ/ cm² or more. The solutions were maintained at 27 ⁰C and bubbled with air. The electrode offset potential and fluid resistance were corrected using a cell-free insert. Under these conditions, the current reflects the flow of Cl^" through ΔF508-CFTR expressed in the apical membrane. The Isc was digitally acquired using an MPlOOA-CE interface and AcqKnowledge software (v3.2.6; BIOPAC Systems, Santa Barbara, CA). [00781] Identification of Correction Compounds [00782] Typical protocol utilized a basolateral to apical membrane Cl^" concentration gradient. To set up this gradient, normal ringer was used on the basolateral membrane, whereas apical NaCl was replaced by equimolar sodium gluconate (titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH) to give a large Cl^" concentration gradient across the epithelium. All experiments were performed with intact monolayers. To fully activate ΔF508-CFTR, forskolin (10 μM) and the PDE inhibitor, IBMX (100 μM), were applied followed by the addition of the CFTR potentiator, genistein (50 μM). [00783] As observed in other cell types, incubation at low temperatures of FRT cells stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR increases the functional density of CFTR in the plasma membrane. To determine the activity of correction compounds, the cells were incubated with 10 μM of the test compound for 24 hours at 37⁰C and were subsequently washed 3X prior to recording. The cAMP- and genistein-mediated Isc in compound-treated cells was normalized to the 27°C and 37°C controls and expressed as percentage activity. Preincubation of the cells with the correction compound significantly increased the cAMP- and genistein-mediated Isc compared to the 37°C controls. [00784] Identification of Potentiator Compounds [00785] Typical protocol utilized a basolateral to apical membrane Cl^" concentration gradient. To set up this gradient, normal ringers was used on the basolateral membrane and was permeabilized with nystatin (360 μg/ml), whereas apical NaCl was replaced by equimolar sodium gluconate (titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH) to give a large Cl^" concentration gradient across the epithelium. All experiments were performed 30 min after nystatin permeabilization. Forskolin (10 μM) and all test compounds were added to both sides of the cell culture inserts. The efficacy of the putative ΔF508-CFTR potentiators was compared to that of the known potentiator, genistein. [00786] Solutions Basolateral solution (in mM): NaCl (135), CaCl₂ (1.2), MgCl₂ (1.2), K₂HPO₄ (2.4), KHPO₄ (0.6), N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2- ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (10), and dextrose (10). The solution was titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH. Apical solution (in mM): Same as basolateral solution with NaCl replaced with Na Gluconate (135). [00787] Cell Culture [00788] Fisher rat epithelial (FRT) cells expressing ΔF508-CFTR (FRT^ΔF508"CFTR) were used for Ussing chamber experiments for the putative ΔF5O8-CFTR modulators identified from our optical assays. The cells were cultured on Costar Snapwell cell culture inserts and cultured for five days at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ in Coon's modified Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml streptomycin. Prior to use for characterizing the potentiator activity of compounds, the cells were incubated at 27 ⁰C for 16 - 48 hrs to correct for the ΔF508-CFTR. To determine the activity of corrections compounds, the cells were incubated at 27 ⁰C or 37 ⁰C with and without the compounds for 24 hours. [00789] 2. Whole-cell recordings [00790] The macroscopic ΔF508-CFTR current (I_ΔFSOS) in temperature- and test compound-corrected NIH3T3 cells stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR were monitored using the perforated-patch, whole-cell recording. Briefly, voltage-clamp recordings of I_ΛFSQ_S were performed at room temperature using an Axopatch 200B patch-clamp amplifier (Axon Instruments Inc., Foster City, CA). All recordings were acquired at a sampling frequency of 10 kHz and low-pass filtered at 1 kHz. Pipettes had a resistance of 5 - 6 MΩ when filled with the intracellular solution. Under these recording conditions, the calculated reversal potential for Cl^" (Eci) at room temperature was -28 mV. All recordings had a seal resistance > 20 GΩ and a series resistance < 15 MΩ. Pulse generation, data acquisition, and analysis were performed using a PC equipped with a Digidata 1320 A/D interface in conjunction with Clampex 8 (Axon Instruments Inc.). The bath contained < 250 μl of saline and was continuously perifused at a rate of 2 ml/min using a gravity-driven perfusion system. [00791] Identification of Correction Compounds [00792] To determine the activity of correction compounds for increasing the density of functional ΔF508-CFTR in the plasma membrane, we used the above-described perforated-patch-recording techniques to measure the current density following 24-hr treatment with the correction compounds. To fully activate ΔF508-CFTR, 10 μM forskolin and 20 μM genistein were added to the cells. Under our recording conditions, the current density following 24-hr incubation at 27°C was higher than that observed following 24-hr incubation at 37 °C. These results are consistent with the known effects of low-temperature incubation on the density of ΔF508-CFTR in the plasma membrane. To determine the effects of correction compounds on CFTR current density, the cells were incubated with 10 μM of the test compound for 24 hours at 37°C and the current density was compared to the 27°C and 37°C controls (% activity). Prior to recording, the cells were washed 3 X with extracellular recording medium to remove any remaining test compound. Preincubation with 10 μM of correction compounds significantly increased the cAMP- and genistein-dependent current compared to the 37°C controls. [00793] Identification of Potentiator Compounds [00794] The ability of ΔF508-CFTR potentiators to increase the macroscopic ΔF508-CFTR Cl^" current (I_ΔFSOS) in NIH3T3 cells stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR was also investigated using perforated-patch-recording techniques. The potentiators identified from the optical assays evoked a dose-dependent increase in I_ΔFSOS with similar potency and efficacy observed in the optical assays. In all cells examined, the reversal potential before and during potentiator application was around -30 mV, which is the calculated EQ (-28 mV). [00795] Solutions Intracellular solution (in mM): Cs-aspartate (90), CsCl (50), MgCl₂ (1), HEPES (10), and 240 μg/ml amphotericin-B (pH adjusted to 7.35 with CsOH). Extracellular solution (in mM): iV-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG)-Cl (150), MgCl₂ (2), CaCl₂ (2), HEPES (10) (pH adjusted to 7.35 with HCl).

[00796] Cell Culture [00797] NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR are used for whole-cell recordings. The cells are maintained at 37 ⁰C in 5% CO₂ and 90 % humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10 % fetal bovine serum, 1 X NEAA, β-ME, 1 X pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For whole-cell recordings, 2,500 - 5,000 cells were seeded on poly-L-lysine-coated glass coverslips and cultured for 24 - 48 hrs at 27 °C before use to test the activity of potentiators; and incubated with or without the correction compound at 37 °C for measuring the activity of correctors. [00798] 3. Single-channel recordings [00799] The single-channel activities of temperature-corrected ΔF508-CFTR stably expressed in NIH3T3 cells and activities of potentiator compounds were observed using excised inside-out membrane patch. Briefly, voltage-clamp recordings of single-channel activity were performed at room temperature with an Axopatch 200B patch-clamp amplifier (Axon Instruments Inc.). All recordings were acquired at a sampling frequency of 10 kHz and low-pass filtered at 400 Hz. Patch pipettes were fabricated from Coming Kovar Sealing #7052 glass (World Precision Instruments, Inc., Sarasota, FL) and had a resistance of 5 - 8 MΩ when filled with the extracellular solution. The ΔF508-CFTR was activated after excision, by adding 1 mM Mg-ATP, and 75 nM of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit (PKA; Promega Corp. Madison, WI). After channel activity stabilized, the patch was perifused using a gravity- driven microperfusion system. The inflow was placed adjacent to the patch, resulting in complete solution exchange within 1 - 2 sec. To maintain ΔF508-CFTR activity during the rapid perifusion, the nonspecific phosphatase inhibitor F^" (10 mM NaF) was added to the bath solution. Under these recording conditions, channel activity remained constant throughout the duration of the patch recording (up to 60 min). Currents produced by positive charge moving from the intra- to extracellular solutions (anions moving in the opposite direction) are shown as positive currents. The pipette potential (V_p) was maintained at 80 mV. [00800] Channel activity was analyzed from membrane patches containing < 2 active channels. The maximum number of simultaneous openings determined the number of active channels during the course of an experiment. To determine the single-channel current amplitude, the data recorded from 120 sec of ΔF508-CFTR activity was filtered "off-line" at 100 Hz and then used to construct all-point amplitude histograms that were fitted with multigaussian functions using Bio-Patch Analysis software (Bio-Logic Comp. France). The total microscopic current and open probability (P₀) were determined from 120 sec of channel activity. The P₀ was determined using the Bio-Patch software or from the relationship P₀ = I/i(N), where I = mean current, i = single-channel current amplitude, and N = number of active channels in patch.

[00801] Solutions Extracellular solution (in mM): NMDG (150), aspartic acid (150), CaCl₂ (5), MgCl₂ (2), and HEPES (10) (pH adjusted to 7.35 with Tris base). Intracellular solution (in mM): NMDG-Cl (150), MgCl₂ (2), EGTA (5), TES (10), and Tris base (14) (pH adjusted to 7.35 with HCl).

[00802] CeU Culture [00803] NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR are used for excised-membrane patch-clamp recordings. The cells are maintained at 37 ⁰C in 5% CO₂ and 90 % humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10 % fetal bovine serum, 1 X NEAA, β-ME, 1 X pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For single channel recordings, 2,500 - 5,000 cells were seeded on poly-L-lysine-coated glass coverslips and cultured for 24 - 48 hrs at 27 ⁰C before use.

[00804] Compounds of the invention are useful as modulators of ATP binding cassette transporters. Table 3 below illustrates the EC50 and relative efficacy of certain embodiments in Table 1. [00805] In Table 3 below, the following meanings apply: EC50: "+++" means <10 uM; "++" means between lOuM to 25 uM; "+" means between 25 uM to 6OuM. % Efficacy: "+" means < 25%; "++" means between 25% to 100%; "+++" means > 100%. Table3

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A compound of formula I:

I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Ar¹ is a 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a 5-12 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, aromatic, partially unsaturated, or saturated ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein Ar¹ has m substituents each independently selected from — WR^W; W is a bond or is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of W are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁷CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^w is independently R⁵, halo, NO₂, CN, CF3, or OCF3; m is 0-5; each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently -X-R^x; X is a bond or is an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of X are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR⁵-, -CONR⁵NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR⁵CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR⁵NR⁵, - NR⁵NR⁵CO-, -NR⁵CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR⁵-, -SO₂NR⁵-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^xis independently R', halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; R⁶ is hydrogen, CF₃, -OR⁵, -SR⁵, or an optionally substituted C_1-8 aliphatic group; R is hydrogen or a C_1-6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with -X-R ; R⁵ is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from a C_1-C₈ aliphatic group, a 3-8-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated bicyclic ring system having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or two occurrences of R are taken together with the atom(s) to which they are bound to form an optionally substituted 3-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; provided that: i) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not phenyl, 2- methoxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2- bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 2,4-dinitrophenyl, 3,5-dicarboxylic acid phenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2-ethylphenyl, 3-nitro-4-methylphenyl, 3- carboxylic-acid phenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3- ethoxyphenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 2-ethylphenyl, or 4-ethoxycarbonylphenyl; ii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is methoxy, then Ar¹ is not 2- fiuorophenyl or 3 -fluorophenyl; iii) when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-l-yl- sulfonyl, then Ar¹ is not 3-trifluoromethylphenyl; iv) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R⁶ is methyl, then Ar¹ is not phenyl; v) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² and R³, taken together, are methylenedioxy, then Ar¹ is not 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, A- carboethoxyphenyl, 6-ethoxy-benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-carboethoxy-benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-halo- benzothiazol-2-yl, 6-nitro-benzothiazol-2-yl, or 6-thiocyano-benzothiazol-2-yl. vi) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen, R² and R³, taken together, are methylenedioxy, then Ar¹ is not 4-substituted phenyl wherein said substituent is -SO₂NHR^XX, wherein R^xx is 2-pyridinyl, 4-methyl-2-pyrimidinyl, 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl; vii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not thiazόl-2-yl, IH- l,2,4-triazol-3-yl, or lH-l,3,4-triazol-2-yl; viii) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are hydrogen, and R⁴ is CF₃, OMe, chloro, SCF₃, or OCF₃, then Ar¹ is not 5-methyl-l,2-oxazol-3-yl, thiazol-2-yl, 4-fluorophenyl, pyrimidin-2-yl, 1- methyl-l,2-(7H)-pyrazol-5-yl, pyridine-2-yl, phenyl, N-methyl-imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-2-yl, 5- methyl-imidazol-2-yl, l,3-oxazol-2-yl, or l,3,5-(7H)-triazol-2-yl; ix) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then Ar¹ is not pyrimidin-2-yl, 4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl, 4-methoxy-6-methyl- 1 ,3 ,5-triazin-2-yl; 5-bromo-pyridin-2-yl, pyridin-2-yl, or 3,5-dichloro-pyridin-2-yl; x) when R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁷ each is hydrogen, R⁶ is hydroxy, then Ar¹ is not 2,6- dichloro-4-aminosulfonyl-phenyl; xi) when R or R is an optionally substituted N-piperazyl, N-piperidyl, or N- morpholinyl, then Ar¹ is not an optionally substituted ring selected from thiazol-2-yl, pyridyl, phenyl, thiadiazolyl, benzothiazol-2-yl, or indazolyl; xii) when R² is optionally substituted cyclohexylamino, then ArI is not optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, or thiadiazolyl; xiii) Ar¹ is not optionally substituted tetrazolyl; xiv) when R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R¹ and R³ both are simultaneously CF₃, chloro, methyl, or methoxy, then Ar¹ is not 4,5-dihydro- 1,3 -thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-2-yl, or [3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-7i/-pyrazol-l-yl]phenyl; xv) when R¹, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and Ar¹ is thiazol-2-yl, then neither R² nor R³ is isopropyl, chloro, or CF₃; xvi) when Ar¹ is 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, phenyl, or 3-chlorophenyl, then: a) when R¹, R², R , R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R³ is not methoxy; or b) when R¹, R³, R , R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R² is not chloro; or c) when R¹, R², R³, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R⁴ is not methoxy; or d) when when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R⁵ is ethyl, then R² is not chloro; e) when R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, then R³ is not chloro; xvi) when R¹, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R² is CF₃ or OCF₃, then Ar¹ is not [3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-iH-pyrazol-l-yl]phenyl; xvii) when R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ each is hydrogen, and R3 is hydrogen or CF3, then ArI is not a phenyl substituted with -OCH₂CH₂Ph, -OCH₂CH₂(2-trifluoromethyl-ρhenyl), - OCH₂CH₂-(6,7-dimethoxy-l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl), or substituted lH^"-ρyrazol-3-yl; and xviii) the following two compounds are excluded:

and

2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein Ar is selected from:

a-i a-ii; wherein ring A₁ 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or A₁ and A₂, together, is an 8-14 aromatic, bicyclic or tricyclic aryl ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

3. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₁ is an optionally substituted 6 membered aromatic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms, wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen.

4. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₁ is an optionally substituted phenyl.

5. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₂ is an optionally substituted 6 membered aromatic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

6. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₂ is an optionally substituted 5- membered aromatic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

7. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₂ is a 5-membered aromatic ring having 1-2 nitrogen atoms.

8. The compound according to claim 2, wherein A₂ is selected from:

u in IV

Vl VU VlU

IX Xl XU

XUl XlV XV xvi

XVU XVlU XlX

XX XXI XXIl XXIII

xxiv XXV XXVl xxviii

xxix xxx xxxi xxxii; wherein ring A₂ is fused to ring A₁ through two adjacent ring atoms.

9. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁵ and R⁶ is hydrogen.

10. The compound according to claim 9, wherein R³ and R⁴ are simultaneously hydrogen; R is hydrogen or -OH; and R is hydrogen or fluoro.

11. The compound according to claim 10, R⁷ is hydrogen.

12. The compound according to claim 1, wherein each occurrence of WR^W is independently -C 1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 perhaloalkyl, -O(C1-C3 alkyl), -CF₃, -OCF₃, -SCF₃, -F, -Cl, -Br, or -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -C0N(R')(R'), -(CH₂)₂OR', - (CH₂)OR', optionally substituted monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring, optionally substituted arylsulfone, optionally substituted 5-membered heteroaryl ring, -N(R')(R'), -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or -(CH₂)N(RO(R').

13. The compound according to claim 12, wherein each occurrence of WR ^w is selected from halo, cyano, CF₃, CHF₂, OCHF₂, Me, Et, CH(Me)₂, CHMeEt, n-propyl, t-butyl, OMe, OEt, OPh, O-fluorophenyl, O-difluorophenyl, O-methoxyphenyl, O-tolyl, O-benzyl, SMe, SCF₃, SCHF₂, SEt, CH₂CN, NH₂, NHMe, N(Me)₂, NHEt, N(Et)₂, C(O)CH₃, C(O)Ph, C(O)NH₂, SPh, SO₂-(amino-pyridyl), SO₂NH₂, SO₂Ph, SO₂NHPh, S0₂-N-morpholino, SO₂-N-pyrrolidyl, N- pyrrolyl, N-morpholino, 1-piperidyl, phenyl, benzyl, (cyclohexyl-methylamino)methyl, A- Methyl-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one-2-yl, benzimidazol-2yl, furan-2-yl, 4-methyl-4H- [l,2,4]triazol-3-yl, 3-(4'-chlorophenyl)-[l,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl, NHC(O)Me, NHC(O)Et, NHC(O)Ph, NHSO₂Me, 2-indolyl, 5-indolyl, -CH₂CH₂OH, -OCF₃, O-(2,3-dimethylphenyl), 5- methylfuryl, -SO₂-N-piperidyl, 2-tolyl, 3-tolyl, 4-tolyl, O-butyl, NHCO₂C(Me)₃, CO₂C(Me)₃, isopropenyl, n-butyl, O-(2,4-dichlorophenyl), NHSO₂PhMe, O-(3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-2- pyridyl), phenylhydroxymethyl, 2,5-dimethylpyiτolyl, NHCOCH₂C(Me)₃, O-{2-tert- butyl)phenyl, 2,3-dimethylphenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 4-hydroxymethyl phenyl, 4- dimethylaminophenyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3- trifluoromethylphenyl, A- trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-cyanomethylphenyl, 4-isobutylphenyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, A- isopropylphenyl, 3-isopropylphenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, 3-ethoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 2- methylthiophenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 2,6- dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl, 2-OCF₃-phenyl, 3- trifluoromethoxy-phenyl, 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, 2- fluoro-3-methoxy-phenyl, 2,4-dimethoxy-5-pyrimidyl, 5-isopropyl-2-methoxyphenyl, 2- fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,3-difluorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl, 3,5- difluorophenyl, 3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 2,3- dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 3-methoxycarbonylphenyl, A- methoxycarbonyl phenyl, 3-isopropyloxycarbonylphenyl, 3-acetamidophenyl, 4-fluoro-3- methylphenyl, 4-methanesulfinyl-phenyl, 4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl, 4-N-(2-N,N- dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoylρhenyl, 5-acetyl-2-thienyl, 2-benzothienyl, 3-benzothienyl, furan- 3-yl, 4-methyl-2-thienyl, 5-cyano-2-thienyl, N'-phenylcarbonyl-N-piperazinyl, -NHCO₂Et, - NHCO₂Me, N-pyrrolidinyl, -NHSO₂(CH₂)₂ N-ρiρeridine, -NHSO₂(CH₂)₂ N-morpholine, - NHSO₂(CH₂)₂N(Me)₂, COCH₂N(Me)COCH₂NHMe, -CO₂Et, O-propyl, - CH₂CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, hydroxy, aminomethyl, pentyl, adamantyl, cyclopentyl, ethoxyethyl, C(Me)₂CH₂OH, C(Me)₂CO₂Et, -CHOHMe, CH₂CO₂Et, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, O(CH₂)₂OEt, O(CH₂)₂OH, CO₂Me, hydroxymethyl, , 1 -methyl- 1-cyclohexyl, 1 -methyl- 1- cyclooctyl, 1 -methyl- 1 -cycloheptyl, C(Et)₂C(Me)₃, C(Et)₃, CONHCH₂CH(Me)₂, 2-aminomethyl- phenyl, ethenyl, 1-piperidinylcarbonyl, ethynyl, cyclohexyl, 4-methylpiperidinyl, -OCO₂Me, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂CH(Me)₂, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂CH₂CH_3, .C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂Et, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂Me, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂C(Me)₃, -CH₂NHCOCF₃, -CH₂NHCO₂C(Me)₃, -C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂(CH₂)₃CH₃, C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂(CH₂)₂OMe, C(OH) (CF₃)₂, - C(Me)₂CH₂NHCO₂CH₂-tetrahydroftιran-3-yl, C(Me)₂CH₂O(CH₂)₂OMe, or 3-ethyl-2,6- dioxopiperidin-3-yl.

14. The compound according to claim 2, wherein said compound has formula HA or formula HB:

HA HB.

15. The compound according to claim 2, wherein said compound has formula HIA, formula IIIB, formula IHC, formula HID, or formula HIE:

HIA

IHB IIIC

HID HIE wherein: each of Xi, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ is independently selected from CH or N; and X₆ is O, S, or NR'.

16. The compound according to claim 15, wherein X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅, taken together with WR^W and m, is optionally substituted phenyl.

17. The compounds according to claim 15, wherein X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, and X₅ taken together in compound of formula IHA is an optionally substituted ring selected from:

a-i a-u a-iii a-iv a-v

a-vi a-vu a-vui a-ix a-x

a-xl a-xu a-xiu a-xiv a-xv a-xvi

a-xvii a-xviii a-xix a-xx a-xxi

a-xxii a-xxHi a-xxiv a-xxv

18. The compound according to claim 15, wherein X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, X₅, or X₆, taken together with ring A₂ in compounds of formula HIB, formula IHC, formula IHD, or formula IHE, is an optionally substituted ring selected from:

b-i b-ii b-iii b-iv b-v

b-xvi b-xvii -XVlIl b-xix b-xx

b-xxiv b-xxv

bxxxi b-xxxii b-xxxiii b-xxxiv

b-xxxv b-xxxvi b-xxxvii

b-xxxviii b-xL b-xLi b-xLϋ

b-xLviϋ b-xLviii b-xLix b-L

b-Lv b-Lvi b-Lvii b-Lviii

b-Lix b-Lx b-Lxi b-Lxii

b-Lxvii b-Lxvϋi b-Lxix b-Lxx

b-Lxxi b-Lxxii b-Lxxiii b-Lxxiv

b-Lxxv b-Lxxvi b-Lxxvii b-Lxxviii

b-Lxxix b-Lxxx b-Lxxxi b-Lxxxii

b-Lxxxv b-Lxxxvi

b-Lxxxviii b-Lxxxix

b-xCi

b-xCi b-xCii b-xCiii b-xCiv

b-xCv b-xCvi

b-xCviii

b-xCix b-C b-Ci b-Cii.

19. The compound according to claim 15, wherein said compound has formula IVA, formula IVB, or formula IVC:

IVA

IVB IVC.

20. The compound according to claim 19, wherein ring A₂ is an optionally substituted, saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic 5-7 membered ring with 0-3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N.

21. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula VA-I:

VA-I wherein each of WR^W2 and WR ^W4 is independently selected from hydrogen, CN, CF₃, halo, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, 3-12 membered cycloaliphatic, phenyl, C5-C10 heteroaryl or C3-C7 heterocyclic, wherein said heteroaryl or heterocyclic has up to 3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, wherein said WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently and optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from -OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, SR', S(O)R', SO₂R', -SCF₃, halo, CN, -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -O(CH₂)N(R')(R'), - CON(R'XR'), -(CH₂)₂OR', -(CH₂)OR', CH₂CN, optionally substituted phenyl or phenoxy, - N(R')(R'), -NR'C(O)OR\ -NR⁵C(O)R', -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or -(CH₂)N(R')(R'); and WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, -OH, NH₂, CN, CHF₂, NHR', N(R')₂, -NHC(O)R', -NHC(O)OR', NHSO₂R', -OR', CH₂OH, CH2N(R')₂, C(O)OR', SO₂NHR', SO₂N(R')₂, or CH₂NHC(O)OR'. Or, WR^W4 and WR^W5 taken together form a 5-7 membered ring containing 0-3 three heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S, wherein said ring is optionally substituted with up to three WR^W substituents.

22. The compound according to claim 21, wherein: each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently selected from hydrogen, CN, CF₃, halo, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, 3-12 membered cycloaliphatic, or phenyl, wherein said WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently and optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from -OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, -SCF₃, halo, -COOR', -COR', -O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), - O(CH₂)N(R')(R')₅ -C0N(R^!)(R'), -(CH₂)₂OR', -(CH₂)OR', optionally substituted phenyl, - N(R¹XR'), -NC(O)OR', -NC(O)R', -(CH₂)₂N(R')(R^!), or -(CH₂)N(RO(R'); and WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, -OH, NH₂, CN, NHR', N(IT)₂, -NHC(O)R', - NHC(O)OR', NHSO₂R', -OR', CH₂OH, C(O)OR', SO₂NHR', or CH₂NHC(O)O-(R').

23. The compound according to claim 22, wherein: WR ² is a phenyl ring optionally substituted with up to three substituents selected from - OR', -CF₃, -OCF₃, SR', S(O)R', SO₂R', -SCF₃, halo, CN, -COOR', -COR', - O(CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), -0(CH₂)N(R')(R'), -C0N(R')(R'), -(CHa)₂OR', -(CH₂)OR', CH₂CN, optionally substituted phenyl or phenoxy, -N(R')(R'), -NR⁵C(O)OR', -NR⁵C(O)R', - (CH₂)₂N(R')(R'), or -(CH₂)N(R')(R'); WR^W4 is C 1 -C6 straight or branched alkyl; and WR^W5 is OH.

24. The compound according to claim 22, wherein each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is independently selected from CF₃, halo, CN, or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl.

25. The compound according claim 24, wherein each of WR and WR^w is independently selected from optionally substituted n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t- butyl, l,l-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl, l,l-dimethyl-2-(ethoxycarbonyl)-ethyl, l,l-dimethyl-3-(t- butoxycarbonyl-amino) propyl, or n-pentyl.

26. The compound according claim 25, wherein each of WR^W2 and WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl.

27. The compound according to claim 21, wherein WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, CHF₂, NH₂, CN, NHR', N(R')₂, CH₂N(R')₂, -NHC(O)R', -NHC(O)OR', -OR', C(O)OR', or SO₂NHR'.

28. The compound according to claim 21, wherein WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, NH₂, CN, CHF₂, NH(Cl-Co alkyl), N(C1-C6 alkyl)₂, -NHC(O)(Cl-CO alkyl), -CH₂NHC(O)O(C1-C6 alkyl), -NHC(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), -OH, -O(C1-C6 alkyl), C(O)O(C1-C6 alkyl), CH₂O(Cl-Co alkyl), or SO₂NH₂.

29. The compound according to claim 28, wherein WR^W5 is selected from -OH, OMe, NH₂, -NHMe, -N(Me)₂, -CH₂NH₂, CH₂OH, NHC(O)OMe, NHC(O)OEt, CN, CHF₂, - CH₂NHC(O)O(t-butyl), -O-(ethoxyethyl), -O-(hydroxyethyl), -C(O)OMe, Or -SO₂NH₂.

30. The compound according to claim 21, wherein said compound has one, preferably more, or more preferably all, of the following features: a. WR^W2 is hydrogen; b. WR^W4 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or monocyclic or bicyclic aliphatic; and c. WR^W5 is selected from hydrogen, CN, CHF₂, NH₂, NH(Cl-Co alkyl), N(C1-C6 alkyl)₂, -NHC(O)(Cl-CO alkyl), -NHC(O)O(Cl-Co alkyl), -CH₂C(O)O(Cl-CO alkyl), -OH, -O(C1-C6 alkyl), C(O)O(Cl-CO alkyl), or SO₂NH₂.

31. The compound according to claim 21 , wherein said compound has one, preferably more, or more preferably all, of the following features: a. WR^W2 is halo, C1-C6 alkyl, CF₃, CN, or phenyl optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from C1-C4 alkyl, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), or halo; b. WR^W4 is CF₃, halo, C1-C6 alkyl, or C6-C10 cycloaliphatic; and c. WR^WS is OH, NH₂, NH(C1-C6 alkyl), or N(Cl-CO alkyl).

32. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-A-2:

V-A-2 wherein: Y is CH₂, C(O)O, C(O), or S(O)₂; and m is 0-4.

33. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-A-3:

V-A-3 wherein: Q is W; R^Q is R^w; m is 0-4; and n is 0-4.

34. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-A-4:

V-A-4.

35. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-A-5:

V-A-5 wherein: m is 0-4.

36. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-A-6:

V-A-6 wherein: ring B is a 5-7 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R , Q is W; R^Q is R^w; m is 0-4; and n is 0-4.

37. The compound according to claim 36, wherein ring B is a 5-7 membered monocyclic, heterocyclic ring having up to 2 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R .

38. The compound according to claim 36, wherein ring B is a 5-6 membered monocyclic, heteroaryl ring having up to 2 heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, optionally substituted with up to n occurrences of -Q-R^Q.

39. ÷The compound according to claim 36, wherein ring B is selected from N-morpholinyl, N-piperidinyl, 4-benzoyl-piperazin-l-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, or 4-methyl-piperidin-l-yl, benzimidazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-furan-2-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-pyrrol-l-yl, pyridine-4-yl, indol-5-yl, indol-2-yl, 2,4-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl, furan-2-yl, furan-3-yl, 2-acyl-thien-2-yl, benzothiophen-2-yl, 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-cyano-thien-2-yl, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 2-yl.

40. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-I:

V-B-I wherein: one of Qi and Q₃ is N(WR , W' ) and the other of Qi and Q₃ is selected from O, S, or N(WR^W); Q₂ is C(O), CH₂-C(O), C(O)-CH₂, CH₂, CH₂-CH₂, CF₂, or CF₂-CF₂; and m is 0-3.

41. The compound according to claim 40, wherein Q₃ is N(WR ^w), wherein WR^W is hydrogen, C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)Cl-Co aliphatic, or C(O)OC 1-C6 aliphatic.

42. The compound according to claim 41, wherein Q₂ is C(O), CH₂, CH₂-CH₂, and Qi is O.

43. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-2:

V-B-2 wherein: R^W1 is hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; each of R^W3 is hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; or both R^W3 taken together form a C3-C6 cycloalkyl or heterocyclic ring having up to two heteroatoms selected from O, S, or NR', wherein said ring is optionally substituted with up to two WR^W substituents; and m is 0-4.

44. The compound according to claim 43, wherein WR^WI is hydrogen, C1-C6 aliphatic, C(O)C 1 -C6 aliphatic, or C(O)OC 1 -C6 aliphatic.

45. The compound according to claim 43, wherein each R^W3 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl; or both R^W3 taken together form a C3-C6 cycloaliphatic ring or 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring having up to two heteroatoms selected from O, S, or N, wherein said cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with up to three substitutents selected from WR W l

.

46. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-3:

V-B-3 wherein: Q₄ is a bond, C(O), C(O)O, or S(O)₂; R^W1 is hydrogen or C1-C6 aliphatic; and m is 0-4.

47. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-4:

V-B-4 wherein: m is 0-4.

48. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-5:

V-B-5 wherein: ring A₂ is a phenyl or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein ring A₂ and the phenyl ring fused thereto together have up 4 substituents independently selected from WR^W; and m is 0-4.

49. The compound according to claim 48, wherein ring A₂ is selected from:

aa bb cc dd

ee ff gg; wherein said ring is optionally substituted.

50. The compound according to claim 19, wherein said compound has formula V-B-5-a:

V-B-5-a wherein: G₄ is hydrogen, halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic, aryl-Cl-C6 alkyl, or a phenyl, wherein G₄ is optionally substituted with up to 4 WR^W substituents; wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR³SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-. ; G₅ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic; wherein said indole ring system is further optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W,

51. The compound according to claim 50, wherein G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is C1-C6 aliphatic, wherein said aliphatic is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, and wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-.

52. The compound according to claim 50, wherein G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, cyanomethyl, methoxyethyl, CH₂C(O)OMe, (CH₂)₂-NHC(O)O-terf-But, or cyclopentyl.

53. The compound according to claim 50, wherein G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, C1-C6 aliphatic or phenyl, wherein said aliphatic or phenyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR⁵-, -OCONR⁵-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-.

54. The compound according to claim 50, wherein G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, ethoxycarbonyl, t-butyl, 2-methoxyρhenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, (4-C(O)NH(CH₂)₂-NMe₂)-phenyl, 2-methoxy-4-chloro-phenyl, pyridine-3-yl, 4-isoρropylphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, sec- butylaminocarbonyl, ethyl, t-butyl, orpiperidin-1-ylcarbonyl.

55. The compound according to claim 1 , wherein said compound is selected from Table 1.

56. A compound having formula A-I:

A-I; or a salt thereof; wherein: Gi is hydrogen, R', C(O)R', C(S)R', S(O)R', S(O)₂R', Si(CH₃)₂R\ P(O)(OR')₃, P(S)(OR')₃, or B(OR')₂; G₂ is halo, CN, CF₃, isopropyl, or phenyl wherein said isopropyl or phenyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR , wherein W and R^w are as defined above for formula I and embodiments thereof; G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W, wherein W and R^w are as defined above for formula I and embodiments thereof; provided that when Gi is methoxy, G₃ is tert-butyl, then G₂ is not 2-amino-4-methoxy-5-tert- butyl-phenyl.

57. The compound according to claim 56, wherein: G₁ is hydrogen; G₂ is halo or isopropyl, wherein said isopropyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'.

58. The compound according to claim 57, wherein: Gi is hydrogen; G₂ is halo, preferably fluoro; and G₃ is a C3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

59. The compound according to claim 56, wherein: Gi is hydrogen; G₂ is CN, halo, or CF₃; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3-C10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'.

60. The compound according to claim 56, wherein: Gi is hydrogen; G₂ is phenyl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from -OC1-C4 alkyl, CF₃, halo, or CN; and G₃ is an isopropyl or a C3 -C 10 cycloaliphatic ring, wherein said G₃ is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from R'.

61. The compound according to claim 56, wherein G₃ is selected from optionally substituted cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or adamantyl.

62. The compound according to claim 56, wherein G₃ is C3-C8 branched aliphatic chain.

63. A compound having formula A-II:

A-II; or a salt thereof, wherein: G₄ is hydrogen, halo, CN, CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic, aralkyl, or a phenyl ring optionally substituted with up to 4 WR^W substituents; G₅ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted C1-C6 aliphatic; provided that both, G₄ and G₅, are not simultaneously hydrogen; wherein said indole ring system is further optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected from WR^W.

64. The compound according to claim 63, wherein G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is C1-C6 aliphatic, wherein said aliphatic is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, and wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁷CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR' CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, or -NR³SO₂NR'-.

65. The compound according to claim 63, wherein G₄ is hydrogen, and G₅ is cyano, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, cyanomethyl, methoxyethyl, CH₂C(O)OMe, (CH₂)₂-NHC(O)O-fert-But, or cyclopentyl.

66. The compound according to claim 63, wherein G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, C1-C6 aliphatic or phenyl, wherein said aliphatic or phenyl is optionally substituted with C1-C6 alkyl, halo, cyano, or CF₃, wherein up to two methylene units of said C1-C6 aliphatic or C1-C6 alkyl is optionally replaced with -CO-, -CONR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -0-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR¹SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-.

67. The compound according to claim 63, wherein G₅ is hydrogen, and G₄ is halo, CF₃, ethoxycarbonyl, t-butyl, 2-methoxyphenyl, 2-ethoxyphenyl, 4-C(O)NH(CH₂)₂-NMe₂, 2- methoxy-4-chloro-phenyl, pyridine-3-yl, 4-isopropylphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, sec- butylaminocarbonyl, ethyl, t-butyl, or piperidin-1-ylcarbonyl.

68. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or adjuvant.

69. The composition according to claim 68, wherein said composition comprises an additional agent selected from a mucolytic agent, bronchodialator, an anti-biotic, an anti- infective agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, CFTR modulator, or a nutritional agent.

70. A method of modulating ABC transporter activity comprising the step of contacting said ABC transporter with a compound of formula (I):

I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: Ar¹ is a 5-6 membered aromatic monocyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein said ring is optionally fused to a 5-12 membered monocyclic or bicyclic, aromatic, partially unsaturated, or saturated ring, wherein each ring contains 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, wherein Ar¹ has m substituents each independently selected from -WR^W; W is a bond or is an optionally substituted Ci-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of W are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR'-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR'-, -OCONR'-, -NR'NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR⁵CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR⁵SO₂-, -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^w is independently R', halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; m is 0-5; each of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ is independently -X-R^x; X is a bond or is an optionally substituted Ci-C₆ alkylidene chain wherein up to two methylene units of X are optionally and independently replaced by -CO-, -CS-, -COCO-, - CONR'-, -CONR'NR⁵-, -CO₂-, -OCO-, -NR⁵CO₂-, -O-, -NR'CONR⁵-, -OCONR'-, -NR⁵NR', - NR'NR'CO-, -NR'CO-, -S-, -SO, -SO₂-, -NR'-, -SO₂NR'-, NR¹SO₂-, or -NR⁵SO₂NR'-; R^xis independently R', halo, NO₂, CN, CF₃, or OCF₃; R⁶ is hydrogen, CF₃, -OR', -SR', or an optionally substituted Ci_-8 aliphatic group; R⁷ is hydrogen or a C_1-6 aliphatic group optionally substituted with -X-R^x; R' is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted group selected from a C_1-C₈ aliphatic group, a 3-8-membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic ring having 0-3 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or an 8-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated bicyclic ring system having 0-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or two occurrences of R are taken together with the atom(s) to which they are bound to form an optionally substituted 3-12 membered saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic ring having 0-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

71. The method according to claim 70, wherein said ABC transporter is CFTR.

72. A method of treating or lessening the severity of a disease in a patient, wherein said disease is selected from cystic fibrosis, hereditary emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), neurophyseal DI, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and myotonic dystrophy, as well as spongiform encephalopathies, such as hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjogren's disease, said method comprising the step of administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 70.

73. A kit for use in measuring the activity of a ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in a biological sample in vitro or in vivo, comprising: (i) a composition comprising a compound of formula (I) according to claim 70; (ii) instructions for: a) contacting the composition with the biological sample; b) measuring activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof.

74. The kit of claim 73, further comprising instructions for a) contacting an additional composition with the biological sample; b) measuring the activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in the presence of said additional compound, and c) comparing the activity of the ABC transporter in the presence of the additional compound with the density of the ABC transporter in the presence of a composition of formula (I).

75. The kit of claim 74, wherein the kit is used to measure the density of CFTR.