Methods of using dihydropteridinones

Abstract

Disclosed are dihydropteridinones of the formula (I): 1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to new dihydropteridinones of general formula (I) 2

[0003] wherein the groups X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meanings given in the claims and specification, the isomers thereof, processes for preparing these dihydropteridinones and the use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] Pteridinone derivatives are known from the prior art as active substances with an antiproliferative activity. WO 01/019825 describes the use of pteridinone derivatives for the treatment of neoplastic and viral diseases. The resistance of many types of tumours calls for the development of new pharmaceutical compositions for combating tumours.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to prepare new compounds with an antiinflammatory and antiproliferative activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Surprisingly it has been found that compounds of general formula (I) wherein the groups X and R1 to R7 have the meanings given hereinafter act as inhibitors of specific cell cycle kinases. Thus, the compounds according to the invention may be used for example to treat diseases connected with the activity of specific cell cycle kinases and characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to compounds of general formula (I) 3

[0008] wherein

[0009] R1 denotes a group selected from among hydrogen, NH2, XH, halogen and a C1-C3-alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms,

[0010] R2 denotes a group selected from among hydrogen, CHO, XH, —X—C1-C2-alkyl and an optionally substituted C1-C3-alkyl group,

[0011] R3, R4 which may be identical or different denote a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C3-C8-heterocycloalkyl, —X-aryl, —X-heteroaryl, —X-cycloalkyl, —X-heterocycloalkyl, —NR8-aryl, —NR8-heteroaryl, —NR8-cycloalkyl and —NR8-heterocycloalkyl, or a group selected from among hydrogen, halogen, COXR8, CON(R8)2, COR8 and XR8, or

[0012] R3 and R4 together denote a 2- to 5-membered alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms,

[0013] R5 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and —C3-C6-cycloalkyl, or

[0014] R3 and R5 or R4 and R5 together denote a saturated or unsaturated C3-C4-alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms,

[0015] R6 denotes optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl,

[0016] R7 denotes hydrogen or —CO—X—C1-C4-alkyl, and

[0017] X in each case independently of one another denotes O or S,

[0018] R8 in each case independently of one another denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C4-alkenyl, C2-C4-alkynyl and phenyl,

[0019] optionally in the form of the tautomers, the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and the mixtures thereof, and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

[0020] Preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein

[0021] X and R6 have the meaning indicated, and

[0022] R1 denotes hydrogen,

[0023] R2 denotes a group selected from among a CHO, OH, and CH3 group,

[0024] R3, R4 which may be identical or different denote a group selected from among hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl, or

[0025] R3 and R4 together denote a C2-C5-alkyl bridge,

[0026] R5 denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl and C3-C6-cycloalkenyl, or

[0027] R3 and R5 or R4 and R5 together denote a saturated or unsaturated C3-C4-alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms, and

[0028] R7 denotes hydrogen,

[0029] optionally in the form of the tautomers, the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and the mixtures thereof, and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

[0030] Particularly preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein

[0031] R1-R5, R7, R8 and X have the meaning indicated, and

[0032] R6 denotes a group of general formula 4

[0033] wherein

[0034] n denotes 1, 2, 3 or 4,

[0035] R9 denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, —CONH—C1-C10-alkylene, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-cycloalkyl, —O-heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl or a group selected from among —O—C1-C6-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C1-C10-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C2-C10-alkenyl-Q1, —CONR8—Q2, halogen, OH, —SO2R8, —SO2N(R8)2, —COR8,—COOR8, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, CONR8OC1-C10 alkylQ1 and CONR8OQ2,

[0036] Q1 denotes hydrogen, —NHCOR8, or a group selected from among an optionally substituted —NH-aryl, —NH-heteroaryl, aryl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl- and heterocycloalkyl group,

[0037] Q2 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among an optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-heterocycloalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl- and C1-C4-alkyl-C3-C8-cycloalkyl group,

[0038] R10 which may be identical or different denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl , C2-C6-alkenyl and C2-C6-alkynyl, —O—C1-C6-alkyl, —O—C2-C6-alkenyl, —O—C2-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-heterocycloalkyl and C3-C6-cycloalkyl, or a group selected from among hydrogen, —CONH2, —COOR8, —OCON(R8)2, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, —NHCON(R8)2, —NO2 and halogen, or

[0039] adjacent groups R9 and R10 together denote a bridge of general formula 5

[0040] Y denotes O, S or NR11,

[0041] m denotes 0, 1 or 2

[0042] R11 denotes hydrogen or C1-C2-alkyl, and

[0043] R12 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-phenyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyridyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrimidinyl and —C1-C3-alkyl-pyridazinyl, p1 R13 denotes C1-C6-alkyl,

[0044] optionally in the form of the tautomers, the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and the mixtures thereof, and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

[0045] Particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I) wherein

[0046] R3—R6, R8 and X have the meaning indicated, and

[0047] R1 denotes hydrogen,

[0048] R2 denotes CH3, and

[0049] R7 denotes hydrogen,

[0050] optionally in the form of the tautomers, the racemates, the enantiomers, the diastereomers and the mixtures thereof, and optionally the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

[0051] The invention further relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein X and R1-R7 have the meanings indicated, for use as pharmaceutical compositions.

[0052] Of particular importance according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein X and R1-R7 have the meaning indicated, for use as pharmaceutical compositions with an antiproliferative activity.

[0053] The invention also relates to the use of a compound of formula (I), wherein X and R1-R7 have the meaning indicated, for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method of treating and/or preventing cancer, infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, characterised in that a patient is given an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), wherein X and R1-R7 have the meanings indicated.

[0055] The invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations, containing as active substance one or more compounds of general formula (I), wherein X and R1-R7 have the meanings indicated, or the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, optionally combined with conventional excipients and/or carriers.

[0056] The invention also relates to a process for preparing a compound of general formula (I), 6

[0057] wherein

[0058] R1-R7 and X are as hereinbefore defined, characterised in that a compound of general formula (II) 7

[0059] wherein

[0060] R1-R5 and X are as hereinbefore defined and L is a leaving group, is reacted with an optionally substituted compound of general formula (III) 8

[0061] wherein

[0062] R6 and R7 are as hereinbefore defined.

[0063] The invention also relates to a compound of formula (II), 9

[0064] wherein

[0065] R1-R5 and X are as hereinbefore defined. Compounds of formula (II) are important intermediate products for preparing the compounds of formula (I) according to the invention.

[0066] The invention also relates to a process for preparing a compound of general formula (I), 10

[0067] wherein

[0068] R6 denotes a group of general formula, 11

[0069] R9 denotes an optionally substituted group —CONH—C1-C10-alkylene or a group selected from among —CONR8—C1-C10-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C2-C10-alkenyl-Q1, —CONR8—Q2 and —COOR8, and

[0070] R1-R5, R7, R10, n and X are as hereinbefore defined, characterised in that a compound of general formula (IA) 12

[0071] wherein

[0072] R1 to R5, R7 and R10 are as hereinbefore defined, and

[0073] L denotes a leaving group,

[0074] is reacted with a primary or secondary amine to form the corresponding amide or is reacted with an alcohol to form the corresponding ester.

[0075] The term alkyl groups, including alkyl groups which are a part of other groups, denotes branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1-6, most preferably 1-4 carbon atoms, such as, for example: methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl. Unless otherwise stated, the abovementioned terms propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl include all the possible isomeric forms. For example, the term propyl includes the two isomeric groups n-propyl and iso-propyl, the term butyl includes n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec. butyl and tert.-butyl, the term pentyl includes iso-pentyl, neopentyl, etc.

[0076] In the abovementioned alkyl groups one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example these alkyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The substituents fluorine and chlorine are preferred. The substituent chlorine is particularly preferred. All the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally also be replaced.

[0077] Similarly, in the abovementioned alkyl groups, unless otherwise stated, one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced for example by an optionally substituted group selected from among CN, OCOCH3, aryl, preferably phenyl, heteroaryl, preferably thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl or pyrazinyl, saturated or unsaturated heterocycloalkyl, preferably pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydro-oxazinyl, an amine group, preferably methylamine, benzylamine, phenylamine or heteroarylamine, saturated or unsaturated bicyclic ring systems, preferably benzimidazolyl and cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl or cyclopropyl.

[0078] The term alkyl bridge, unless otherwise stated, denotes branched and unbranched alkyl groups with 2 to 5 carbon atoms, for example propylene, isopropylene, n-butylene, iso-butyl, sec. butyl and tert.-butyl etc. bridges. Propylene and butylene bridges are particularly preferred. In the alkyl bridges mentioned 1 to 2 C-atoms may optionally be replaced by one or more heteroatoms selected from among oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur.

[0079] The term alkenyl groups (including those which are a part of other groups) denotes branched and unbranched alkylene groups with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 2-6 carbon atoms, most preferably 2-3 carbon atoms, provided that they have at least one double bond. Examples include: ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl etc. Unless otherwise stated, the abovementioned terms propenyl, butenyl, etc also include all the possible isomeric forms. For example, the term butylene includes n-butenyl, 1-methylpropenyl, 2-methylpropenyl, 1.1-dimethylethenyl, 1.2-dimethylethenyl etc.

[0080] In the abovementioned alkenyl groups, unless otherwise stated, one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example, these alkyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The substituents fluorine and chlorine are preferred. The substituent chlorine is particularly preferred. All the hydrogen atoms of the alkenyl group may optionally also be replaced.

[0081] The term alkynyl groups (including those which are a part of other groups) denotes branched and unbranched alkynyl groups with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, provided that they have at least one triple bond, for example ethynyl, propargyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl etc., preferably ethynyl or propynyl.

[0082] In the abovementioned alkynyl groups, unless otherwise stated, one or more hydrogen atoms may optionally be replaced by other groups. For example, these alkyl groups may be substituted by the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The substituents fluorine and chlorine are preferred. The substituent chlorine is particularly preferred. All the hydrogen atoms of the alkynyl group may optionally also be replaced.

[0083] The term aryl denotes an aromatic ring system with 6 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 or 10 carbon atoms, preferably phenyl, which, unless otherwise stated, may carry one or more of the following substituents, for example: OH, NO2, CN, —OCHF2, —OCF3, —NH2, halogen, for example fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine or chlorine, C1-C10-alkyl, preferably C1-C5-alkyl, preferably C1-C3-alkyl, most preferably methyl or ethyl, —O—C1-C3-alkyl, preferably —O-methyl or —O-ethyl, —N-methyl-tetrahydro-oxazinyl, —COOH, —COO—C1-C4-alkyl, preferably —COOCH2CH3, —COO—C(CH3)3 or —COOCH3, —CONH2, —CONH—C1-C10-alkyl, while this alkyl may optionally be further substituted, optionally substituted —CONH—C3-C6-cycloalkyl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-cyclopentyl, optionally substituted —CONH-heterocycloalkyl, preferably piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl or piperazinyl, optionally substituted —CONH-heteroaryl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-pyridyl, optionally substituted —CONH-aryl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-phenyl, —CONMeC1-C3-alkyl, while this alkyl may optionally be further substituted, preferably —CONMeCH2-pyridyl, benzimidazole or a group of formula 13

[0084] Examples of 5-10-membered mono- or bicyclic heteroaryl rings wherein up to three C-atoms may be replaced by one or more heteroatoms selected from among oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur include furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, triazine, oxazole, isoxazole, thiazole, thiadiazole and oxadiazole, while each of the abovementioned heterocycles may optionally also be annellated onto a benzene ring, preferably benzimidazole, and unless otherwise stated these heterocycles may for example carry one or more of the following substituents: OH, NO2, CN, —OCHF2, —OCF3, —NH2, halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine, C1-C10-alkyl, preferably C1-C5-alkyl, preferably C1-C3-alkyl, most preferably methyl or ethyl, —O—C1-C3-alkyl, preferably —O-methyl or —O-ethyl, -methyl-N-tetrahydro-oxazinyl, —COOH, —COO—C1-C4-alkyl, preferably —COO—C(CH3)3 or —COOCH3, —CONH2, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, preferably optionally substituted pyridyl or pyrazinyl, —CONH—C1-C10-alkyl, while this alkyl may itself optionally be substituted, optionally substituted —CONH—C3-C6-cycloalkyl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-cyclopentyl, optionally substituted —CONH-heteroaryl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-pyridyl, optionally substituted —CONH-aryl, preferably optionally substituted —CONH-phenyl, —CONMeC1-C3-alkyl, while this alkyl may itself optionally be substituted, preferably —CONMeCH2-pyridyl, benzimidazole or a group of formula 14

[0085] The term cycloalkyl groups denotes, for example, saturated or unsaturated cycloalkyl groups with 3-8 carbon atoms, for example cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl, preferably cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, while each of the abovementioned cycloalkyl groups may optionally also carry one or more substituents, preferably ═O, or may be annellated to a benzene ring.

[0086] “═O” denotes an oxygen atom linked via a double bond.

[0087] The term heterocycloalkyl groups, unless otherwise described in the definitions, may denote 5-, 6- or 7-membered, saturated or unsaturated heterocycles, which may contain nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur as heteroatoms, for example tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuranon, γ-butyrolactone, α-pyran, γ-pyran, dioxolane, tetrahydropyran, dioxane, dihydrothiophene, thiolan, dithiolan, pyrroline, pyrrolidine, pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, imidazoline, imidazolidine, tetrazole, piperidine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, piperazine, triazine, tetrazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, diazepan, oxazine, tetrahydro-oxazinyl, isothiazole and pyrazolidine, preferably pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydro-oxazinyl, while the heterocycle may optionally be substituted.

[0088] Generally, the term halogen denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

[0089] The leaving group L denotes either identical or different leaving groups such as for example chlorine, bromine, iodine, methanesulphonyl, trifluoromethanesulphonyl or p-toluenesulphonyl, preferably chlorine.

[0090] The compounds according to the invention may be present in the form of the individual optical isomers, mixtures of the individual enantiomers, diastereomers or racemates, in the form of the tautomers and also in the form of the free bases or the corresponding acid addition salts with pharmacologically acceptable acids—such as for example acid addition salts with hydrohalic acids, for example hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid, or organic acids, such as for example oxalic, fumaric, diglycolic or methanesulphonic acid.

[0091] The substituent R1 may denote a group selected from among hydrogen, NH2, XH, preferably OH, halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine and a C1-C3-alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more, preferably one, two or three halogen atoms, preferably fluorine or chlorine, preferably methyl or ethyl. Most preferably, the substituent R1 is hydrogen .

[0092] The substituent R2 may denote a group selected from among hydrogen, CHO, XH, preferably OH, —X—C1-C2-alkyl, preferably —O—CH3 or —O—CH2CH3, and an optionally substituted C1-C3-alkyl group, while the alkyl group preferably consists of 1 to 2 carbon atoms, particularly preferably a carbon atom and may optionally be substituted, preferably by halogen atoms, most preferably by fluorine atoms. In particular, the substituent R2 denotes methyl.

[0093] The substituents R3 and R4 may be identical or different and may represent a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, preferably C1-C6-alkyl, preferably C1-C4-alkyl, most preferably methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly preferably methyl or ethyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, preferably ethenyl or propenyl, preferably ethenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, preferably ethynyl or propynyl, aryl, preferably optionally substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, preferably cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl, C3-C8-heterocycloalkyl, —X-aryl, —X-heteroaryl, —X-cycloalkyl, —X-heterocycloalkyl, —NR8-aryl, —NR8-heteroaryl, —NR8-cycloalkyl and —NR8-heterocycloalkyl, or

[0094] a group selected from among hydrogen, halogen, COXR8, CON(R8)2, COR8 and XR8, preferably hydrogen, or

[0095] the groups R3 and R4 may together denote a 2- to 5-membered alkyl bridge, preferably an ethylene, propylene or butylene bridge , while the propylene or butylene bridge may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms, preferably oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, most preferably an ethylene bridge.

[0096] Most preferably, the substituent R3 denotes methyl or ethyl. The substituent R4 most preferably denotes hydrogen or methyl. Particularly preferred are compounds wherein R3 and R4 represent methyl.

[0097] All the groups mentioned in the definition of R3 and R4 may optionally be substituted.

[0098] The group R5 may contain hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, for example C1-C6-alkyl-aryl or C1-C6-alkyl-heteroaryl, preferably C1-C6-alkyl, most preferably C1-C5-alkyl, particularly preferably propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, —CH2-cyclohexyl, (CH2)1-2cyclopropyl or (CH2)4—OCOCH3, C2-C10-alkenyl, preferably propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl or hexenyl, preferably propenyl or hexenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, preferably propynyl, butynyl or pentynyl, preferably propynyl, aryl, preferably phenyl, heteroaryl, —C3-C6-cycloalkyl, preferably cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl and -C3-C6-cycloalkenyl, preferably cyclohexenyl or cyclopentenyl, or the substituents R3 and R5 or R4 and R5 together denote a saturated or unsaturated C3-C4-alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms, preferably oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen.

[0099] All the groups mentioned in the definition of R5 may optionally be substituted.

[0100] The substituent R6 may denote optionally substituted aryl, or heteroaryl, preferably aryl, preferably phenyl.

[0101] Most preferably, the substituent R6 denotes a phenyl group, which may be substituted by one of the groups R9 and R10 described hereinafter, while the phenyl ring may carry one of the groups R9, preferably in the para position, and one, two, three or four, preferably one or two, of the groups R10, preferably in the ortho or meta position.

[0102] The substituent R7 may denote hydrogen or —CO—X—C1-C4-alkyl, preferably hydrogen.

[0103] X denotes, in each case independently of one another, O or S, preferably O.

[0104] The groups R8 mentioned in the definitions of the substituents R3 and R4 represent, independently of one another in each case, hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C4-alkenyl, C2-C4-alkynyl and phenyl, preferably hydrogen or C1-C2-alkyl.

[0105] The substituent R9 may represent a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl, preferably C1-C4-alkyl, preferably methyl, ethyl or propyl, most preferably methyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, —CONH—C1-C10-alkylene, preferably —CONH—C1-C3-alkylene, preferably —CONH—C1-C2-alkylene, —O-aryl, preferably O—C6-C10-aryl, most preferably O-phenyl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-cycloalkyl, preferably O—C3-C6-cycloalkyl, most preferably O-cyclopropyl, —O-heterocycloalkyl, aryl, preferably C6-C10-aryl, most preferably phenyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, preferably C3-C6-cycloalkyl, most preferably cyclopropyl, and heterocycloalkyl, or a group selected from among —O—C1-C6-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C1-C10-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C1-C10-alkenyl-Q1, —CONR8Q2, halogen, for example fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, OH, —SO2R8, —SO2N(R8)2, —COR8,—COOR8, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, CONR8OC1-C10-alkylQ1 and CONR8OQ2, where Q1 and Q2 are as hereinbefore defined.

[0106] Preferably, R9 denotes one of the following groups —CONH—C1-C10-alkyl, preferably —CONH—C1-C3-alkyl, most preferably —CONH—C1-C2-alkyl, while this alkyl may itself optionally be substituted, by CN, optionally substituted aryl, preferably optionally substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, preferably thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl or pyrazinyl, saturated or unsaturated heterocycloalkyl, preferably pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or tetrahydro-oxazinyl, an amine group, preferably methylamine, benzylamine, phenylamine or heteroarylamine, saturated or unsaturated bicyclic ring systems, preferably benzimidazolyl and cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl. Moreover R9 preferably denotes —CONH-heteroaryl, preferably —CONH-pyridyl, —CONH—C3-C10-cycloalkyl, preferably —CONH-cyclopropyl —CONH-cyclobutyl or —CONH-cyclopentyl, most preferably —CONH-cyclopropyl; —CONH—C3-C10-heterocycloalkyl, —CONH—C6-C10-aryl, preferably —CONH-phenyl, COO—C1-C3-alkyl, most preferably COOCH3, COOH, halogen, preferably F or chlorine, OH or a group of formula 15

[0107] All the groups mentioned in the definition of R9 may optionally be substituted, preferably by one or more of the groups selected from among OH, OCH3, Cl, F, CH3, COOH, CONHCH2Ph and CONHCH2-pyrazinyl-CH3.

[0108] The substituent R10 may be identical or different in each case and may denote a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl , preferably C1-C3-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, preferably C2-C3-alkenyl and C2-C6-alkynyl, preferably C2-C3-alkynyl, —O—C1-C6-alkyl, preferably —O—C1-C3-alkyl, —O—C2-C6-alkenyl, —O—C2-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-heterocycloalkyl and C3-C6-cycloalkyl, or a group selected from among hydrogen, —CONH2, —COOR8, —OCON(R8)2, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, —NHCON(R8)2, —NO2 and halogen, for example fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

[0109] Preferably, the substituent R10 denotes hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, fluorine or chlorine, most preferably hydrogen or methoxy, particularly preferably methoxy.

[0110] Adjacent groups R9 and R10 may together denote a bridge of general formula 16

[0111] wherein

[0112] Y denotes O, S or NR11, preferably NR11,

[0113] m denotes 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1,

[0114] R11 denotes hydrogen or C1-C2-alkyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl, most preferably hydrogen,

[0115] R12 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-phenyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyridyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrimidinyl and -C1-C3-alkyl-pyridazinyl, preferably phenyl, pyridyl and pyrazinyl, and

[0116] R13 denotes C1-C6-alkyl, preferably methyl or ethyl.

[0117] The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by synthesis methods A and B described hereinafter, while the substituents of general formulae (A1) to (A6) have the meanings given hereinbefore. These methods are to be understood as illustrations of the invention without restricting it to their subject matter.

[0118] Method A

[0119] Step 1A

[0120] A compound of formula (A1) is reacted with a compound of formula (A2) to obtain a compound of formula (A3) (Diagram 1A). This reaction may be carried out according to WO 0043369 or WO 0043372. Compound (A1) is commercially obtainable, for example, from City Chemical LLC, 139 Allings Crossing Road, West Haven, Conn., 06516, USA. Compound (A2) may be prepared by procedures known from the literature: (a) F. Effenberger, U. Burkhart, J. Willfahrt Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1986, 314-333; b) T. Fukuyama, C.-K. Jow, M. Cheung, Tetrahedron Lett. 1995, 36, 6373-6374; c) R. K. Olsen, J. Org. Chem. 1970, 35, 1912-1915; d) F. E. Dutton, B. H. Byung Tetrahedron Lett. 1998, 30, 5313-5316; e) J. M. Ranajuhi, M. M. Joullie Synth. Commun. 1996, 26, 1379-1384.). 17

[0121] In Step 1A, 1 equivalent of the compound (A1) and 1 to 1.5 equivalents, preferably 1.1 equivalents of a base, preferably potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate, most preferably potassium carbonate, are stirred in a diluent, for example acetone, aqueous acetone, tetrahydrofuran, diethylether or dioxane, preferably acetone or diethylether, most preferably acetone.

[0122] At a temperature of 0 to 15° C., preferably 5 to 10° C., 1 equivalent of an amino acid of formula (A2), dissolved in an organic solvent, for example acetone, tetrahydrofuran, diethylether or dioxane, preferably acetone, is added dropwise.

[0123] The reaction mixture is heated to a temperature of 18° C. to 30° C., preferably about 22° C., with stirring and then stirred for a further 10 to 24 hours, preferably about 12 hours. Then the diluent is distilled off, the residue is combined with water and the mixture is extracted two to three times with an organic solvent, such as diethylether or ethyl acetate, preferably ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts are dried and the solvent is distilled off. The residue (compound A3) may be used in Step 2 without any prior purification.

[0124] Step 2A

[0125] The compound obtained in Step 1A (A3) is reduced at the nitro group and cyclised to form the compound of formula (A4) (Diagram 2A). 18

[0126] In Step 2A, 1 equivalent of the nitro compound (A3) is dissolved in an acid, preferably glacial acetic acid, formic acid or hydrochloric acid, preferably glacial acetic acid, and heated to 50 to 70° C., preferably about 60° C. Then a reducing agent, for example zinc, tin or iron, preferably iron filings, is added to complete the exothermic reaction and the mixture is stirred for 0.2 to 2 hours, preferably 0.5 hours, at 100 to 125° C., preferably at about 117° C. After cooling to ambient temperature the iron salt is filtered off and the solvent is distilled off. The residue is taken up in a solvent or mixture of solvents, for example ethyl acetate or dichloromethane/methanol 9/1 and semisaturated NaCl solution, and filtered through kieselgur, for example. The organic phase is dried and evaporated down. The residue (compound (A4)) may be purified by chromatography or by crystallisation or used as the crude product in Step 3A of the synthesis.

[0127] Step 3A

[0128] The compound obtained in Step 2A (A4) may be reacted by electrophilic substitution as shown in Diagram 3A to obtain the compound of formula (A5). 19

[0129] In Step 3A 1 equivalent of the amide of formula (A4) is dissolved in an organic solvent, for example dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide, preferably dimethylacetamide, and cooled to about −5 to 5° C., preferably 0° C. Then 0.9 to 1.3 equivalents of sodium hydride and 0.9 to 1.3 equivalents of alkyl halide, for example methyl iodide, are added. The reaction mixture is stirred for 0.1-3 hours, preferably about 1 hour, at about 0 to 10° C., preferably at about 5° C., and may optionally be left to stand for a further 12 hours at this temperature. The reaction mixture is evaporated down and extracted with water and an organic solvent, preferably dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. The organic phases are evaporated down. The residue (compound (A5)) may be purified by chromatography, preferably over silica gel.

[0130] Step 4A

[0131] The amination of the compound (A5) obtained in Step 3A to yield the compound of formula (A7) (Diagram 4A) may be carried out using the methods known from the literature of variants 4.1 A (a) M. P. V. Boarland, J. F. W. McOmie J. Chem. Soc. 1951, 1218-1221; b) F. H. S. Curd, F. C. Rose J. Chem. Soc. 1946, 343-348., 4.2 A (a) Banks J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1944, 66,1131 b) Ghosh and Dolly J. Indian Chem. Soc. 1981, 58, 512-513. 20

[0132] For example, in variant 4.1 A, 1 equivalent of the compound (A5) and 1 to 3 equivalents, preferably about 2 equivalents of the compound (A6) are heated without a solvent or in an organic solvent such as for example sulpholane, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylsulphoxide or dioxane, preferably sulpholane, for 0.1 to 4 hours, preferably 1 hour, at 100 to 220° C., preferably at about 160° C. After cooling, the product (A7) is crystallised by the addition of organic solvents or mixtures of solvents, e.g. diethylether/methanol, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, or diethylether, preferably diethylether/methanol 9/1, or purified by chromatography.

[0133] For example, in variant 4.2 A, 1 equivalent of the compound (A5) and 1 to 3 equivalents of the compound (A6) are stirred with acid, for example 1-10 equivalents of 10-38% hydrochloric acid and/or an alcohol, for example ethanol, propanol, butanol, preferably ethanol, at reflux temperature for 1 to 48 hours, preferably about 5 hours.

[0134] The product precipitated (A7) is filtered off and optionally washed with water, dried and crystallised from a suitable organic solvent.

[0135] If R6 denotes an optionally substituted benzimidazole, the preparation of the compounds (A6) using methods known from the literature may be carried out as shown in the following diagram, for example: 21

[0136] Accordingly, for example, 33 mmol of the compound (Z1), 49 mmol of the compound (Z2) and 49 mmol of 1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxydihydroquinoline (EEDQ) are stirred into 50 ml of an organic solvent, preferably dimethylformamide, at about 100 to 130° C., preferably at about 115° C., 1 to 4 hours, preferably about 3 hours. Then the cooled reaction solution is added to 50 to 400 ml, preferably about 200 ml of a water/ethyl acetate mixture (mixing ratio about 1:1). The crystals formed (Z3) are suction filtered and washed.

[0137] Then 4.2 mmol of the compound (Z3) are stirred with 12.5 mmol of tin(II)chloride and 30 mmol of potassium carbonate in about 50 ml of an organic diluent, preferably ethyl acetate, at about 22° C. for 4 to 48 hours, preferably about 24 hours. After the addition of 22 g of kieselgur the mixture is extracted with an organic diluent or mixture of diluents, preferably with a mixture of dichloromethane/methanol (9:1), the combined extracts are evaporated down and the precipitate formed (Z4) or the crystals produced (Z4) is or are isolated.

[0138] Step 5A

[0139] If R9 denotes —CONR8—C1-C10-alkyl-Q1, —CONH—C1-C5-alkylene or —CONR8—Q2, wherein the substituents have the meanings given hereinbefore, the compounds according to the invention may be prepared using methods known from the literature, for example as shown in Diagram 5A.

[0140] The compound (A7′) obtained in Step 4A may be reacted either by saponification and subsequent amination to obtain the amide of general formula (A10) (Diagram (5A) variant 5.1 A), or by saponification, with subsequent conversion into the acid chloride (A9) and subsequent amination (Diagram (5A) variant 5.2A). 22

[0141] Variant 5.1 A:

[0142] In variant 5.1 A, for example, 20 mmol of the ester (A7′) are heated in about 100 ml of a base, preferably 1N sodium hydroxide solution or lithium hydroxide solution and about 500 ml of an alcohol, for example with ethanol, dioxane or methanol, preferably methanol, until the ester is completely reacted. Then the alcohol is distilled off. The residue is taken up in about 200 ml of water and acidified while cooling with acid, for example hydrochloric acid, preferably with 2 N hydrochloric acid. The product (A8) is filtered off and dried.

[0143] For example, about 0.5 mmol of the compound (A8) are dissolved with about 0.5 mmol of O-benzotriazolyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU) and about 1.4 mmol of diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) in about 5 ml of an organic diluent, for example tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylacetamide, preferably dimethylformamide. After the addition of about 0.75 mmol of an amine which forms the substituent R9, the reaction mixture is stirred for 0.1 to 24 hours, preferably about 12 hours at 20° C. to 100° C. The product of formula (A10) is obtained for example by crystallisation or chromatographic purification.

[0144] Variant 5.2 A:

[0145] In variant 5.2 A about 1 mmol of the acid (A8) for example is suspended in about 2.7 ml of thionyl chloride. The mixture is heated to 40° C. to 80° C., preferably about 50° C., and at constant temperature 2 to 10 drops, preferably about 3 drops of dimethylformamide are added to the reaction mixture with stirring. Then stirring is continued at 90° C. until the reaction is complete. Excess thionyl chloride is distilled off. About 1 mmol of the acid chloride formed (A9) are dissolved in about 30 ml of an organic diluent, for example dichloromethane. After the addition of an amine which forms the substituent R9 the mixture is stirred at about 22° C. The precipitate formed is filtered off and washed with water. The residue remaining is washed with an organic diluent, for example methanol. The mother liquor is purified, for example by chromatography, and evaporated down. The product (A10) remains.

[0146] Method B

[0147] Alternatively to the methods described above, after Step 1A first the compound (A3) may be aminated and then the product (B1) may be cyclised to yield the compound (B2), as shown in Diagram B. Further substitution of the compound (B2) to yield the compound (A7) may be carried out for example as in Step 3A. 23

[0148] The new compounds of general formula (I) may be synthesised analogously to the following examples of synthesis. These Examples are, however, intended only as examples of procedures to illustrate the invention further, without restricting the invention to their subject matter.

EXAMPLE 63 AND EXAMPLE 109

[0149] In order to synthesise the compounds 63 and 109, first an intermediate compound 4 24

[0150] is prepared as described hereinafter.

[0151] 38.9 ml (0.263 mol) of ethyl 2-bromobutyrate and 36.4 g (0.263 mol) of potassium carbonate were placed in 350 ml of ethyl acetate, and then 46.7 ml (0.402 mol) of isoamylamine, dissolved in 70 ml of ethyl acetate, were rapidly added dropwise. The mixture was refluxed for 20 h. The salt formed was filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation, combined with 50 ml of toluene and again evaporated to dryness.

[0152] Yield: 54.3 g of a compound 1 (red oil)

[0153] 54.3 g of compound 1, dissolved in 400 ml acetone, and 30.7 g (0.222 mol) of potassium carbonate were cooled to 8° C. with stirring, combined with a solution of 43.1 g (0.222 mol) of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine in 250 ml acetone and then stirred for 24 h at RT.

[0154] The suspension formed was concentrated by evaporation, the residue was extracted with water and ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed with water and NaCl solution, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to dryness.

[0155] Yield: 87.3 g of a compound 2 (brown oil)

[0156] 44.1 g of compound 2 were dissolved in 800 ml glacial acetic acid and heated to 65° C. and 36 g of iron filings were added batchwise. Then the mixture was stirred for 3 h at 70° C., the precipitate was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation.

[0157] The residue was applied to silica gel in dichloromethane/methanol 90:10, concentrated by evaporation and purified by column chromatography (eluant: ethyl acetate/cyclohexane 1:1).

[0158] The residue was precipitated from ethyl acetate/petroleum ether.

[0159] Yield: 16.1 g of a compound 3 (beige powder)

[0160] 16.1 g of compound 3 were dissolved in 75 ml of dimethylacetamide and cooled to 5° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere with stirring. Then 2.51 g (0.063 mol) of NaH, 60% dispersion in mineral oil, was added, whereupon the temperature temporarily rose to 16° C. After 30 minutes 3.94 ml (0.063 mol) of methyl iodide, dissolved in 75 ml dimethylacetamide, were added, and the mixture was stirred for 24 h at 22° C.

[0161] The solvent was concentrated by evaporation, combined with 200 ml of water and the precipitate formed was suction filtered, then extracted by stirring with petroleum ether.

[0162] Yield: 15.1 g of a compound 4 (yellow powder)

[0163] 1 H-NMR (250 MHz):=7.80 (1H, s), 4.35 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.22 (s, 3H), 3.14 (m, 1H), 1.81 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.40 (m, 3H), 0.90 (m, 6H), 0.70 (t, 3H).

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 63

[0164] 2.5 g of compound 4, 1.43 g of 4-amino-3-methoxybenzoic acid, 1.25 mL of conc. hydrochloric acid, 150 mL of dist. water and 37.5 mL of ethanol were refluxed for 10 h. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and extracted by stirring in methanol. Then the precipitate was recrystallised using petroleum ether and ether.

[0165] Yield: 1.6 g of a compound 5 (white powder)

[0166] 0.2 g of compound 5, 5 mL of benzylamine, 0.16 g of TBTU, 0.17 g of DIPEA were dissolved in 2 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF) and stirred for 48 h at ambient temperature. Then the reaction mixture was taken up in methylene chloride, washed with water and the organic phase was evaporated down. When petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 9:1 was added the product was precipitated in the form of light beige crystals.

[0167] Yield: 0.18 g. Melting point: 178° C.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 109

[0168] 5 g of 2 amino-5-nitroaniline, 6.03 g of 4-pyridylcarboxylic acid, 12.1 g of EEDQ are dissolved in 50 mL of DMF and stirred at 115° C. for 1.75 h, then the DMF is distilled off in vacuo and the reaction mixture is then heated to 180° C. for 1 h. The residue is taken up in 30 mL of DMF and combined with 200 mL of water and 100 mL of ethyl acetate. The crystal slurry obtained is filtered off and washed with water, ethyl acetate and ether.

[0169] Yield: 5.8 g of a compound 6

[0170] 2 g of the compound 6 is combined with 0.2 g of 5% Pd/C in 30 mL of ethanol and hydrogenated in the presence of hydrogen. It is then evaporated down and crystallised from ethanol and toluene.

[0171] Yield: 1.75 g of white powder of a compound 7.

[0172] 0.2 g of the compound 5, 0.28 g of the compound 7, 0.001 g of sodium-tert. butoxide, 2.5 mL of ethyleneglycol dimethylether, 0.006 g of palladium(II) acetate and 0.22 g of 2-(di-tert.-butylphospino)biphenyl are dissolved in 1.5 mL of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). Then the mixture is heated to 160° C. for 0.5 h. The reaction mixture is then purified over 20 g of silica gel and the product is crystallised from ether, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether.

[0173] Yield: 0.04 g of yellow crystals. Melting point: 180° C.

EXAMPLE 218, 58 AND 4

[0174] In order to synthesise the compounds 218, 58 and 4, first an intermediate compound 11 25

[0175] is prepared as described hereinafter.

[0176] 55.8 g of DL-alanine methyl ester×HCl were dissolved in 500 ml of methanol, then 76.1 ml of 30% sodium methoxide solution was added and the salt was filtered off. 37.8 g of trimethylacetaldehyde were added to the filtrate, then it was left to stand for 22 h. Then 9.5 g of 10% Pd/C was added and the mixture was hydrogenated for 3.1 h at 0.5 bar and 20° C. The reaction mixture was suction filtered through kieselgur and concentrated by evaporation. The residue was taken up in diethylether, the salts were filtered through kieselgur and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation.

[0177] Yield: 55.8 g of a compound 8 (clear liquid)

[0178] 48.5 g of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine were placed in 400 ml of diethylether, 41.0 g of potassium hydrogen carbonate in 400 ml of water were added, and the mixture was cooled to −5° C. 43.3 g of compound 8 were dissolved in 400 ml of diethylether and added dropwise at −5° C. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at −5° C. and for 2 h at 0° C., then heated to ambient temperature and the reaction mixture was left to stand for 24 h.

[0179] The organic phase was separated off, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to dryness.

[0180] Yield: 79.2 g of a compound 9 (yellow resin)

[0181] 79.0 g of compound 9 were dissolved in 1000 ml of glacial acetic acid and heated to 70° C. After the removal of the heat source 52 g of iron was added batchwise. The temperature rose to about 110° C. and the mixture was stirred for 1 h at this temperature. The suspension was filtered while hot and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation.

[0182] The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and combined with 150 ml of conc. HCl, the organic phase was separated off and the aqueous phase extracted several times with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were concentrated by evaporation, applied to silica gel and purified by column chromatography (eluant: petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 1:1).

[0183] As the isolated substance was still highly contaminated, it was again purified over silica gel. The desired compound crystallised out, the crystals were suction filtered. The mother liquor was concentrated by evaporation and recrystallised from ethyl acetate/diethylether.

[0184] Yield: 17.63 g of a compound 10

[0185] 7.6 g of the compound 10 and 6.4 ml of methyl iodide were placed in 75 ml of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and cooled to −15° C. 1.25 g of NaH, 60% dispersion in mineral oil, was added batchwise, and stirred for 30 min. at −10° to −5° C. Then 150 ml of ice water were added, the crystals were suction filtered and washed with water and petroleum ether. The crystals were taken up in dichloromethane, filtered through kieselgur and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. It was recrystallised from petroleum ether.

[0186] Yield: 6.3 g of compound 11 (beige crystals) 1H-NMR (250 MHz):=7.73 (1H, s), 4.35 (d, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 2.55 (d, 1H), 1.31 (d, 3H), 0.95 (s, 9H).

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 218

[0187] 0.2 g of compound 11, 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxyaniline and 0.75 mL of sulpholane were heated to 130° C. for 15 min, to 140° C. for 15 min and to 170° C. for 10 min. Then the mixture was combined with ether, the supernatant solution was decanted off and the residue was crystallised from methanol/ether and recrystallised again from methanol.

[0188] Yield: 0.15 g of white crystals. Melting point:>250° C.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 4

[0189] 6.3 g of compound 11 were dissolved in 25 mL of sulpholane at 100° C., then combined with 4.0 g of ethyl 4-aminobenzoate and heated to 170° C. for 1 h. Then the mixture was combined with 50 mL of ether. After crystallisation started, a further 50 mL of ether and 50 mL of methanol were added. The crystals were recrystallised from methanol.

[0190] Yield: 6.6 g of a compound 12 (yellowish crystals), melting point: from 65° C. decomposition sets in

[0191] 3.55 g of compound 12 were suspended in 250 mL of methanol and at 60° C. combined with 25 mL of 4N sodium hydroxide solution. After 6 h, 15 mL of glacial acetic acid were added, the resulting crystals were filtered off and washed with methanol/ether.

[0192] Yield: 1.2 g of a compound 13 (white crystals)

[0193] 1.5 g of compound 13 were dissolved in 7.5 mL of thionyl chloride and heated to 80° C. for 1 h. Then the thionyl chloride was eliminated by distillation, the residue was stirred with ether, the crystals were suction filtered and washed with ether.

[0194] Yield: 1.7 g of a compound 14 (yellow crystals)

[0195] 0.18 g of 3-aminopyridine were dissolved in 10 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and combined with 0.4 mL of triethylamine. Then 0.22 g of compound 14 were added and the mixture was stirred for 16 h at ambient temperature. The mixture was evaporated to dryness, taken up in ethyl acetate, extracted with water, evaporated down again and the product was crystallised from ethyl acetate.

[0196] Yield: 0.07 g (beige crystals), Melting point: 215-216° C.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 58

[0197] 0.05 g of compound 13 were suspended in 10 mL of dichloromethane, then combined with 0.15 mL of DIPEA and 0.05 g of TBTU. The solution was then stirred for 30 min and combined with 0.01 mL of 4-picolylamine. After 18 h the mixture was combined with 20 mL of water, the organic phase was separated off and the product was purified by silica gel chromatography, then recrystallised from ethyl acetate/petroleum ether.

[0198] Yield: 0.044 g (white crystals), Melting point: 238-240° C.

EXAMPLES 65 AND 125

[0199] In order to synthesise the compounds 65 and 125, first an intermediate compound 18 26

[0200] is prepared as described hereinafter.

[0201] 28.3 g of isobutylamine, 36 g of ethyl R,S-2-bromopropionate and 28 g of potassium carbonate were refluxed in 150 ml of ethyl acetate for 6 h. After cooling the salt was suction filtered, the mother liquor was concentrated by evaporation.

[0202] The residue was combined with 100 ml of toluene and evaporated to dryness.

[0203] Yield: 37.2 g of a compound 15 (yellow oil)

[0204] 38.4 g of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine were placed in 300 ml of diethylether, 30 g of potassium hydrogen carbonate in 300 ml of water were added and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. 37.0 g of compound 15 were dissolved in 300 ml of diethylether and added dropwise at 0°-3° C. After 3 h the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried and evaporated to dryness.

[0205] Yield: 71.6 g of a compound 16

[0206] 40.0 g of compound 16 were dissolved in 300 ml of glacial acetic acid and heated to 70° C. After removal of the heat source, 30 g of iron was added batchwise. The temperature rose to 110° C. The reaction mixture was cooled to 90° C. and stirred for 20 min. at this temperature. Then it was filtered while hot and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation. The residue was stirred with 300 ml of water and 300 ml of dichloromethane and filtered through kieselgur. The phases were separated. The organic phase was washed with water, dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to dryness. It was extracted from petroleum ether.

[0207] Yield: 26.7 g of a compound 17

[0208] 15.0 g of compound 17 were placed in 100 ml of DMA, 4.13 ml of methyl iodide were added and the mixture was cooled to 5° C. 2.60 g of NaH were added batchwise as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil. The temperature rose to 13° C. After 30 min. 300 ml of ice water were added, the crystals precipitated were suction filtered and washed with petroleum ether.

[0209] Yield: 13.9 g of a compound 18 1H-NMR (250 MHz):=7.95 (1H, s), 4.30 (m, 1H), 3.95 (m, 1H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 2.95 (m, 1H), 2.05 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, 3H), 0.96 (d, 3H), 0.92 (d, 3H).

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 65

[0210] 2.1 g of compound 18 were combined with ethyl 4-aminobenzoate in 10 mL sulpholane and stirred for 2 h at 160° C. Then ether was added and the crystals precipitated were washed with ether:

[0211] Yield: 3.0 g of a compound 19

[0212] 3 g of the compound 19 were combined with 200 mL of methanol and 25 mL of 4N NaOH and stirred for 4 h at 60° C. Then glacial acetic acid was added, the crystals precipitated were filtered off and washed with ether.

[0213] Yield: 2.3 g of a compound 20 (white crystals)

[0214] 0.1 g of compound 20 were suspended in 3 mL of dichloromethane and 3 mL of DMF, and then combined with 0.13 g of DIPEA, 0.095 g of TBTU and 0.045 g of hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt). Then the solution was stirred for 30 min and combined with 0.035 g of N-methyl-3-picolylamine. After 0.5 h the mixture was combined with water and 1 g of potassium carbonate, the aqueous phase was extracted twice with 50 mL of ethyl acetate and the product was purified by silica gel chromatography and then recrystallised from ethanol/acetone.

[0215] Yield: 0.08 g

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 125

[0216] 3.7 g of compound 20, 3.8 g of TBTU, 1.6 g of HOBt, 5 mL of DIPEA were dissolved in 40 mL of DMF and stirred for 4 h at ambient temperature. The mixture was evaporated down, taken up in 200 mL of ethyl acetate and extracted twice with 5 mL of 5% potassium carbonate solution. The organic phase was evaporated down, the crystals precipitated were filtered off and washed with ethyl acetate and ether.

[0217] Yield: 1.65 g of a compound 21 (yellowish crystals)

[0218] 0.486 g of compound 21 were refluxed with 0.33 g of 1,2-phenylenediamine in 10 mL of toluene for 0.5 h, then the mixture was evaporated down. The residue was combined with 100 mL ethyl acetate, the organic phase was extracted twice with water. The organic phase was evaporated down, the crystals precipitated were suction filtered and washed with a little ethyl acetate.

[0219] Yield: 0.25 g of a compound 22 (white crystals)

[0220] 0.22 g of compound 22 were stirred into 20 g of polyphosphoric acid for 0.5 h at 150° C., then the mixture was poured onto ice and ammonia was added. It was then extracted twice with 100 mL of ethyl acetate, the organic phase was washed with water and evaporated down. The precipitated product (crystals) was suction filtered and washed with ethyl acetate and ether.

[0221] Yield: 0.115 g of yellowish crystals, Melting point: 287° C. (decomposition)

EXAMPLE 171

[0222] In order to synthesise compound 171 first an intermediate compound 27 [sic] 27

[0223] 34.4 g of N-isopentyl-benzylamine, 36.2 g of ethyl 2-bromo-propionate and 42.0 g of potassium carbonate were placed in 250 ml of DMF and stirred for 3 h at 110° C. After cooling the inorganic salts were filtered off, the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation. The residue was extracted with water and diethylether, the organic phase was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness.

[0224] Yield: 55.5 g of a compound 23

[0225] 55.5 g of compound 23 were placed in 600 ml of ethanol, and hydrogenated with 20 ml of 32% HCl and 6 g of 10% Pd/C at 20° C. under 5 bar for 20 min. Then it was filtered through kieselgur and concentrated by evaporation. The residue was combined with 400 ml of diethylether, the precipitate was suction filtered and washed with diethylether.

[0226] Yield: 23.5 g of a compound 24, melting point 105° C.

[0227] 23.5 g of compound 24 were dissolved in 200 ml of water and combined with 20.0 g (0.103 mol) of 2,4-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine in 400 ml of diethylether. After the reaction mixture had been cooled to −10° C., 50.0 g (0.499 mol) of potassium carbonate were added batchwise. The mixture was stirred at −5° C. for 1 h and at 0° C. for 1 h, then heated to ambient temperature. The aqueous phase was separated off, the organic phase was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness.

[0228] Yield: 36.9 9 of a compound 25

[0229] 20.0 g of the compound 25 were dissolved in 280 ml of glacial acetic acid and heated to 70° C. After removal of the heat source 17 g of iron were added. The temperature rose to 100° C., then the mixture was stirred for 30 min. at this temperature.

[0230] It was then filtered while hot and the filtrate was concentrated by evaporation. The residue was combined with 300 ml of dichloromethane and 30 ml of 32% HCl, the phases were separated, the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane, the combined organic phases were washed with water and aqueous ammonia solution, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was extracted with diethylether.

[0231] Yield: 10.5 g of a compound 26, melting point: 182°-185° C.

[0232] 2.7 g of the compound 26 and 2.5 ml of methyl iodide were placed in 27 ml of DMA and cooled to −10° C. 0.45 g of NaH, 60% dispersion in mineral oil, was added and stirred for 30 min. at −5° C. Then 10 g of ice and 5 ml of 2N HCl were added and the mixture was concentrated by evaporation. The residue was extracted with ethyl acetate and water, the organic phase was dried, evaporated to dryness and filtered through silica gel.

[0233] Yield: 3.0 g of compound 27 (oil) 1H-NMR (250 MHz):=7.67 (1H, s), 4.32-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.32 (s, 3H), 3.08 (m, 1H), 1.70-1.50 (m, 3H), 1.42 (d, 3H), 0.95 (m, 6H).

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE 171

[0234] 0.28 g of compound 27, 0.9 mL of sulpholane and 0.22 g of p-aminobenzoic acid-benzylamide were stirred for 0.5 h at 170° C., then the mixture was combined with ether and the crystals were filtered off. The product was recrystallised from ethanol.

[0235] Yield: 0,15 g, melting point: 228-240° C. (yellowish crystals)

[0236] The compounds of formula (I) listed in Table 1 are obtained analogously to the process described above.

[0237] The abbreviations X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 used in Table 1 in each case denote a link to a position in the general formula shown under Table 1 instead of the corresponding groups R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6.

TABLE 1
		28
				config.			mp.
Ex.	R2	R3	R4	R3 or R4	R5	R6	[° C.]
1	29	H	H	rac.	30	31
2	32	33	H	rac.	34	35	208
3	36	37	H	rac.	38	39	241
4	40	41	H	rac.	42	43
5	44	45	H	rac.	46	47	175
6	48	49	H	R	50	51	190
7	52	53	H	rac.	54	55
8	56	57	H	rac.	58	59	200
9	60	61	H	rac.	62	63	168
10	64	65	H	rac.	66	67	190
11	68	69	H	rac.	70	71
12	72	73	H	rac.	74	75
13	76	77	H	rac.	78	79	145
14	80	81	H	rac.	82	83
15	84	85	H	rac.	86	87	55
16	88	89	H	rac.	90	91	250
17	92	93	H	rac.	94	95	204
18	96	97	H	rac.	98	99
19	100	101	H	rac.	102	103
20	104	105	H	R	106	107	221
21	108	109	H	rac.	110	111	172
22	112	113	H	rac.	114	115	221
23	116	117	H	rac.	118	119
24	120	121	H	rac.	122	123	210
25	124	125	H	R	126	127	213
26	128	129	H	rac.	130	131	188
27	132	133	H	rac.	134	135
28	136	137	H	S	138	139
29	140	141	H	rac.	142	143	178
30	144	145	H	R	146	147	175
31	148	149	H	rac.	150	151
32	152	153	H	rac.	154	155	221
33	156	157	H	R	158	159	124
34	160	161	H	rac.	162	163	136
35	164	165	H	rac.	166	167	162
36	168	169	H	rac.	170	171	169
37	172	173	H	rac.	174	175	219
38	176	177	H	rac.	178	179	179
39	180	181	H	rac.	182	183	211
40	184	185	H	rac.	186	187
41	188	189	H	rac.	190	191
42	192	193	H	R	194	195	100
43	196	197	H	rac.	198	199	175
44	200	201	H	rac.	202	203	203
45	204	205	H	rac.	206	207	165
46	208	209	H	rac.	210	211
47	212	213	H	rac.	214	215
48	216	217	H	rac.	218	219
49	220	221	H	rac.	222	223
50	224	225	H	rac.	226	227	212
51	228	229	H	S	230	231
52	232	233	H	rac.	234	235
53	236	237	H	rac.	238	239
54	240	241	H	rac.	242	243
55	244	245	H	rac.	246	247	191
56	248	249	H	rac.	250	251	158
57	252	253	H	rac.	254	255	230
58	256	257	H	rac.	258	259
59	260	261	H	R	262	263	125
60	264	H	H	rac.	265	266	250
61	267	268	H	rac.	269	270
62	271	272	H	rac.	273	274	169
63	275	276	H	rac.	277	278	178
64	279	280	H	rac.	281	282
65	283	284	H	rac.	285	286
66	287	288	H	R	289	290	225
67	291	292	H	rac.	293	294
68	295	296	H	rac.	297	298
69	299	300	H	rac.	301	302
70	303	304	H	rac.	305	306
71	307	308	H	rac.	309	310
72	311	312	H	rac.	313	314
73	315	316	H	rac.	317	318
74	319	320		321	322	167
75	323	324	H	rac.	325	326
76	327	328	H	rac.	329	330	246
77	331	332	H	rac.	333	334
78	335	336	H	rac.	337	338	172
79	339	340	H	rac.	341	342	170
80	343	344	345	rac.	346	347	222
81	348	349	H	rac.	350	351	187
82	352	353	H	rac.	354	355	215
83	356	357		358	359	199
84	360	361	362	rac.	363	364	127
85	365	366	H	rac.	367	368
86	369	370	H	rac.	371	372	169
87	373	374	H	rac.	375	376	250
88	377	378	H	rac.	379	380	233
89	381	382	H	rac.	383	384	160
90	385	386	H	rac.	387	388	154
91	389	390	H	rac.	391	392
92	393	394	H	rac.	395	396
93	397	398	H	rac.	399	400
94	401	402	H	R	403	404
95	405	406	H	rac.	407	408	150
96	409	410	411	rac.	412	413	300
97	414	415	H	rac.	416	417	243
98	418	419	H	rac.	420	421	209
99	422	423	H	rac.	424	425	182
100	426	427	H	rac.	428	429
101	430	431	H	R	432	433	232
102	434	435	H	rac.	436	437
103	438	439	H	rac.	440	441
104	442	443	H	rac.	444	445	146
105	446	447	H	rac.	448	449	209
106	450	451	H	rac.	452	453	286
107	454	455	H	rac.	456	457
108	458	459	H	R	460	461	202
109	462	463	H	rac.	464	465	180
110	466	467	H	rac.	468	469
111	470	471	H	rac.	472	473	250
112	474	475	H	rac.	476	477
113	478	479	H	rac.	480	481
114	482	X3—CH3	483		484	485	237
115	486	487	H	rac.	488	489	135
116	490	491	H	rac.	492	493
117	494	495	H	rac.	496	497
118	498	499	H	rac.	500	501
119	502	503	H	rac.	504	505	213
120	506	507	H	rac.	508	509	198
121	510	511	H	rac.	512	513
122	514	515	H	rac.	516	517
123	518	519	H	rac.	520	521
124	522	523	H	rac.	524	525
125	526	527	H	rac.	528	529	287
126	530	531	H	rac.	532	533
127	534	535	H	rac.	536	537
128	538	539	H	rac.	540	541
129	542	543	H	rac.	544	545	247
130	546	547	H	rac.	548	549
131	550	X3—CH3	551		552	553	281
132	554	555	H	rac.	556	557
133	558	559	H	rac.	560	561
134	562	563	H	rac.	564	565	208
135	566	567	H	rac.	568	569
136	570	571	H	R	572	573	192
137	574	575	H	rac.	576	577	212
138	578	579	H	rac.	580	581
139	582	583	H	rac.	584	585
140	586	587	H	rac.	588	589	148
141	590	591	H	rac.	592	593
142	594	595	H	rac.	596	597
143	598	599	H	rac.	600	601	186
144	602	603		604	605	199
145	606	607	H	rac.	608	609	214
146	610	611	H	rac.	612	613	155
147	614	615	H	rac.	616	617
148	618	619	H	rac.	620	621
149	622	623	H	rac.	624	625	245
150	626	627	H	rac.	628	629
151	630	631	H	rac.	632	633
152	634	635	H	rac.	636	637
153	638	639	H	rac.	640	641
154	642	643	H	rac.	644	645
155	646	647	H	rac.	648	649
156	650	651	H	rac.	652	653	265
157	654	655	H	rac.	656	657	192
158	658	659	H	rac.	660	661	222
159	662	663	H	rac.	664	665	221
160	666	667	668		669	670	298
161	671	672	H	rac.	673	674	181
162	675	676	H	S	677	678
163	679	680		681	682	172
164	683	684	H	rac.	685	686	227
165	687	688	H	rac.	689	690	258
166	691	X3—CH3	692		693	694	266
167	695	696	H	rac.	697	698
168	699	700	701	rac.	702	703	159
169	704	705		706	707	250
170	708	709	H	rac.	710	711	213
171	712	713	H	rac.	714	715	228
172	716	717	H	rac.	718	719	181
173	720	721	H	rac.	722	723	182
174	724	725	H	rac.	726	727
175	728	729	H	rac.	730	731	197
176	732	733	H	rac.	734	735
177	736	737	H	rac.	738	739	216
178	740	741	H	rac.	742	743	200
179	744	745	H	rac.	746	747	197
180	748	749	750	rac.	751	752	143
181	753	754		755	756	234
182	757	758	H	rac.	759	760
183	761	762	H	rac.	763	764	169
184	765	766	H	rac.	767	768
185	769	770	H	rac.	771	772	198
186	773	774		775	776	202
187	777	778	H	rac.	779	780	200
188	781	782	H	rac.	783	784
189	785	786	H	rac.	787	788	198
190	789	790		791	792	196
191	793	X3—CH3	794		795	796	253
192	797	798	H	rac.	799	800
193	801	802	H	rac.	803	804	201
194	805	806	H	rac.	807	808	250
195	809	810	H	rac.	811	812	198
196	813	814	H	rac.	815	816	245
197	817	818	H	rac.	819	820
198	821	822	H	rac.	823	824
199	825	826	H	rac.	827	828
200	829	X3—CH3	830		831	832	198
201	833	H	H	rac.	834	835
202	836	837	H	rac.	838	839
203	840	841	H	rac.	842	843	198
204	844	845	H	rac.	846	847
205	848	849	H	rac.	850	851
206	852	853	H	rac.	854	855
207	856	857	H	rac.	858	859	184
208	860	861	H	rac.	862	863	253
209	864	865	H	rac.	866	867	240
210	868	869	H	rac.	870	871
211	872	X3—CH3	873		874	875	266
212	876	877	H	rac.	878	879
213	880	881	H	rac.	882	883
214	884	885	H	rac.	886	887
215	888	889	H	rac.	890	891	232
216	892	893	H	rac.	894	895
217	896	897	H	rac.	898	899
218	900	901	H	rac.	902	903	>250
219	904	905	H	rac.	906	907	260 (Zers.)
220	908	909	H	R	910	911	190
221	912	913	H	R	914	915	228
222	916	917	H	R	918	919
223	920	921	H	R	922	923	243
224	924	925	H	R	926	927	258
225	928	929	H	R	930	931
226	932	933	H	R	934	935
227	936	937	H	R	938	939	241
228	940	941	H	R	942	943
229	944	945	H	R	946	947	300
230	948	949	H	R	950	951	200
231	952	953	H	R	954	955	232
232	956	957	H	R	958	959	149
234	960	961	H	R	962	963	197
235	964	965	H	R	966	967	226
236	968	969	H	R	970	971	182
237	972	973	H	R	974	975
238	976	977	H	R	978	979
239	980	981	H	R	982	983
240	984	985	H	R	986	987
241	988	989	H	R	990	991	194
242	992	993	H	R	994	995	200
243	996	997	H	R	998	999	156
244	1000	1001	H	R	1002	1003	195
245	1004	1005	H	R	1006	1007	147
246	1008	1009	H	R	1010	1011
247	1012	1013	H	R	1014	1015	85
248	1016	1017	H	R	1018	1019
249	1020	1021	H	R	1022	1023
250	1024	1025	H	R	1026	1027	158
251	1028	1029	H	R	1030	1031	188
252	1032	1033	H	R	1034	1035	245
253	1036	1037	H	R	1038	1039
254	1040	1041	H	R	1042	1043	128
255	1044	1045	H	R	1046	1047
256	1048	1049	H	R	1050	1051	181
257	1052	1053	H	R	1054	1055	217
258	1056	1057	H	R	1058	1059
259	1060	1061	H	R	1062	1063
260	1064	1065	H	R	1066	1067
261	1068	1069	H	R	1070	1071	230
262	1072	1073	H	R	1074	1075	193
263	1076	1077	H	R	1078	1079
264	1080	1081	H	R	1082	1083	152
265	1084	1085	H	R	1086	1087	207
266	1088	1089	H	R	1090	1091	229
267	1092	1093	H	R	1094	1095
268	1096	1097	H	R	1098	1099	183
269	1100	1101	H	R	1102	1103
270	1104	1105	H	R	1106	1107	161
271	1108	1109	H	R	1110	1111	282
272	1112	1113	H	R	1114	1115	157
273	1116	1117	H	R	1118	1119	129
274	1120	1121	H	R	1122	1123	164
275	1124	1125	H	R	1126	1127	219
276	1128	1129	H	R	1130	1131
277	1132	1133	H	R	1134	1135	200
278	1136	1137	H	R	1138	1139	200
279	1140	1141	H	R	1142	1143
280	1144	1145	H	R	1146	1147
281	1148	1149	H	R	1150	1151
282	1152	1153	H	R	1154	1155
283	1156	1157	H	R	1158	1159	277
284	1160	1161	H	R	1162	1163	197
285	1164	1165	H	R	1166	1167
286	1168	1169	H	R	1170	1171	182
287	1172	1173	H	R	1174	1175
288	1176	1177	H	R	1178	1179	163
289	1180	1181	H	R	1182	1183	212
290	1184	1185	H	R	1186	1187
291	1188	1189	H	R	1190	1191
292	1192	1193	H	R	1194	1195
293	1196	1197	H	R	1198	1199	200
294	1200	1201	H	R	1202	1203	144
295	1204	1205	H	R	1206	1207	221
296	1208	1209	H	R	1210	1211	150
297	1212	1213	H	R	1214	1215
298	1216	1217	H	R	1218	1219	163
299	1220	1221	H	R	1222	1223
300	1224	1225	H	R	1226	1227	98
301	1228	1229	H	R	1230	1231
302	1232	1233	H	R	1234	1235
303	1236	1237	H	R	1238	1239
304	1240	1241	H	R	1242	1243
305	1244	1245	H	R	1246	1247
306	1248	1249	H	R	1250	1251
307	1252	1253	H	R	1254	1255	179
308	1256	1257	H	R	1258	1259	174
309	1260	1261	H	R	1262	1263	231
310	1264	1265	H	R	1266	1267
311	1268	1269	H	R	1270	1271
312	1272	1273	H	R	1274	1275
313	1276	1277	H	R	1278	1279
314	1280	1281	H	R	1282	1283	69
315	1284	1285	H	R	1286	1287	200
316	1288	1289	H	R	1290	1291	210
317	1292	1293	H	R	1294	1295	131
318	1296	1297	H	R	1298	1299
319	1300	1301	H	R	1302	1303	145
320	1304	1305	H	R	1306	1307
321	1308	1309	H	R	1310	1311
322	1312	1313	H	R	1314	1315	149
323	1316	1317	H	R	1318	1319
324	1320	1321	H	R	1322	1323
325	1324	1325	H	R	1326	1327
326	1328	1329	H	R	1330	1331
327	1332	1333	H	R	1334	1335
328	1336	1337	H	R	1338	1339	176
329	1340	1341	H	R	1342	1343
330	1344	1345	H	R	1346	1347
331	1348	1349	H	R	1350	1351
332	1352	1353	H	R	1354	1355
333	1356	1357	H	R	1358	1359
334	1360	X3—CH3	1361		1362	1363	250
335	1364	X3—CH3	1365		1366	1367	236
In the preceding Table the abbreviations X1 to X6 in the groups specified denote the bond which links the particular group to the corresponding group R1 to R6.

[0238] As has been found, the compounds of general formula (I) are characterised by their wide range of applications in the therapeutic field. Particular mention should be made of those applications in which the inhibition of specific cell cycle kinases, particularly the inhibiting effect on the proliferation of cultivated human tumour cells but also the proliferation of other cells, such as endothelial cells, for example, plays a part.

[0239] As could be demonstrated by FACS analysis, the inhibition of proliferation brought about by the compounds according to the invention is mediated by the arrest of the cells, particularly at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The cells arrest, independently of the cells used, for a specific length of time in this phase of the cell cycle before programmed cell death is initiated. An arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle is triggered, for example, by the inhibition of specific cell cycle kinases. Studies in model organisms such as Schizosaccharomyces pombe or Xenopus, or investigations in human cells have shown that the transition from the G2 phase to mitosis is regulated by the CDK1/cyclin B kinase (Nurse, 1990). This kinase, which is also known as the “mitosis promoting factor” (MPF), phosphorylates and thereby regulates a number of proteins, such as e.g. nuclear lamins, kinesin-like motor proteins, condensins and Golgi matrix proteins, which play an important part in the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, in centrosome separation, the formation of the mitotic spindle apparatus, chromosome condensation and the breakdown of the Golgi apparatus (Nigg. E., 2001). A murine cell line with a temperature-sensitive CDK1 kinase mutant shows a rapid breakdown of the CDK1 kinase and a subsequent arrest in the G2/M phase after a temperature increase (Th'ng et al., 1990). The treatment of human tumour cells with inhibitors against CDK1/cyclin B such as e.g. butyrolactone also leads to an arrest in the G2/M phase and subsequent apoptosis (Nishio, et al. 1996). Another kinase which is involved in the G2 and mitosis phase is polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), which is responsible for the maturation of the centrosomes, for the activation of the phosphatase Cdc25C, as well as for the activation of the anaphase promoting complex (Glover et al., 1998, Qian, et al., 2001). The injection of Plk1 antibodies leads to a G2 arrest in untransformed cells whereas tumour cells arrest in the mitosis phase (Lane and Nigg, 1996). In addition, the protein kinase aurora B has been described as having an essential function during entry into mitosis. Aurora B phosphorylates histone H3 at Ser11 and thereby initiates chromosome condensation (Hsu, J. Y. et al., 2000). A specific cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase may, however, also be triggered e.g. by the inhibition of specific phosphatases such as e.g. Cdc25C (Russell and Nurse, 1986). Yeasts with a defective cdc25 gene arrest in the G2 phase, while overexpression of cdc25 leads to early entry into the mitosis phase (Russell and Nurse, 1987). However, an arrest in the G2/M phase can also be triggered by the inhibition of certain motor proteins, so-capped kinesins such as e.g. Eg5 (Mayer et al., 1999), or by agents which stabilise or destabilise microtubules (e.g. colchicin, taxol, etoposide, vinblastin, vincristin) (Schiff and Horwitz, 1980).

[0240] In view of their biological properties the compounds of general formula I according to the invention, their isomers and their physiologically acceptable salts are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation.

[0241] Such diseases include, for example: viral infections (e.g. HIV and Kaposi's sarcoma); inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (e.g. colitis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, glomerulonephritis and wound healing); bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic infections; leukaemias, lymphoma and solid tumours; skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis); bone diseases; cardiovascular diseases (e.g. restenosis and hypertrophy). They are also suitable for protecting proliferating cells (e.g. hair, intestinal, blood and progenitor cells) from damage to their DNA caused by radiation, UV treatment and/or cytostatic treatment (Davis et al., 2001).

[0242] The new compounds may be used for the prevention, short-term or long-term treatment of the abovementioned diseases, also in combination with other active substances used for the same indications, e.g. cytostatics.

[0243] The activity of the compounds according to the invention was determined in the cytotoxicity test on cultivated human tumour cells and/or in a FACS analysis, for example on HeLaS3 cells. In both test methods, the compounds exhibited a good to very good activity, i.e. for example an EC50 value in the HeLaS3 cytotoxicity test of less than 5 μmol, generally less than 1 μmol.

[0244] Measurement of Cytotoxicity on Cultivated Human Tumour Cells

[0245] To measure the cytotoxicity on cultivated human tumour cells, cells of the cervical cancer tumour cell line HeLaS3 (obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)) in Ham's F12 Medium (Life Technologies) and 10% foetal calf serum (Life Technologies) were cultivated and harvested in the logarithmic growth phase. Then the HeLaS3 cells were placed in 96-well plates (Costar) at a density of 1000 cells per well and incubated overnight in an incubator (at 37° C. and 5% CO2), while on each plate 6 wells were filled only with medium (3 wells as a control of the medium, 3 wells for incubation with reduced AlamarBlue). The active substances were added to the cells in various concentrations (dissolved in DMSO; final concentration: 1%) (in each case as a triple measurement). After 72 hours' incubation, 20 μl of AlamarBlue (AccuMed International) were added to each well, and the cells were incubated for a further 7 hours. As a control, 20 μl of reduced Alamar Blue (AlamarBlue reagent which had been autoclaved for 30 min) were added to 3 wells. After 7 h incubation the colour change of the AlamarBlue reagent in the individual wells was determined in a Perkin Elmer fluorescence spectrophotometer (excitation 530 nm, emission 590 nm, slits 15, integrate time 0.1). The amount of AlamarBlue reagent reacted represents the metabolic activity of the cells. The relative cell activity was calculated as a percentage of the control (HeLa S3 cells without inhibitor) and the active substance concentration which inhibits the cell activity by 50% (IC50) was obtained. The values were calculated from the average of three individual measurements, correcting for the control value (medium control).

[0246] FACS Analysis

[0247] Propidium iodide (PI) binds stoichiometrically to double-stranded DNA, and is thus suitable for determining the percentage of cells in the G1, S and G2/M phase of the cell cycle on the basis of the cell DNA content. Cells in the G0 and G1 phase have a diploid DNA content (2N), whereas cells in G2 or mitosis have a 4N DNA content. For PI staining, 0.4 million HeLaS3 cells were seeded, for example, on a 75 cm2 cell culture flask, and after 24 h either 1% DMSO was added as control or the substance was added in various concentrations (in 1% DMSO). The cells were incubated for 24 h with the substance or with DMSO, before the cells were washed with 2×PBS and detached with trypsin/EDTA. The cells were centrifuged (1000 rpm, 5 min, 4° C.), and the cell pellet was washed 2× with PBS, before the cells were resuspended in 0.1 ml of PBS. Then the cells were fixed with 80% ethanol for 16 hours at 4° C. or alternatively for 2 hours at −20° C. The fixed cells (106 cells) were centrifuged (1000 rpm, 5 min, 4° C.), washed with PBS and then centrifuged again. The cell pellet was resuspended in 2 ml of Triton X-100 in 0.25% PBS, and incubated for 5 min on ice, before 5 ml of PBS were added and the mixture was centrifuged again. The cell pellet was resuspended in 350 μl of PI stain solution (0.1 mg/ml of Raze A, 10 μg/ml of presidium iodide in 1×PBS). The cells were incubated for 20 min in the dark with the stain buffer before being transferred into sample measuring vessels for the FACS scan. The DNA measurement was carried out in a Becton Dickinson FACS Analyzer, with an argon laser (500 mW, emission 488 nm), and the DNA Cell Quest Program (BD). The logarithmic PI fluorescence was determined with a band-pass filter (BP 585/42). The cell populations in the individual phases of the cell cycle were quantified with the ModFit LT program of Becton Dickinson.

[0248] The compounds of general formula (I) may be used on their own or combined with other active substances according to the invention, optionally also in conjunction with other pharmacologically active substances. Suitable preparations include for example tablets, capsules, suppositories, solutions, particularly solutions for injection (s.c., i.v., i.m.) and infusion, syrups, emulsions or dispersible powders. The amount of pharmaceutically active compound in each case should be in the range from 0.1-90 wt. %, preferably 0.5-50 wt. % of the total composition, i.e. in amounts which are sufficient to achieve the dosage range given below. The doses specified may, if necessary, be given several times a day.

[0249] Suitable tablets may be obtained, for example, by mixing the active substance(s) with known excipients, for example inert diluents such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or lactose, disintegrants such as corn starch or alginic acid, binders such as starch or gelatine, lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc and/or agents for delaying release, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or polyvinyl acetate. The tablets may also comprise several layers.

[0250] Coated tablets may be prepared accordingly by coating cores produced analogously to the tablets with substances normally used for tablet coatings, for example collidone or shellac, gum arabic, talc, titanium dioxide or sugar. To achieve delayed release or prevent incompatibilities the core may also consist of a number of layers. Similarly the tablet coating may consist of a number of layers to achieve delayed release, possibly using the excipients mentioned above for the tablets.

[0251] Syrups or elixirs containing the active substances or combinations thereof according to the invention may additionally contain a sweetener such as saccharin, cyclamate, glycerol or sugar and a flavour enhancer, e.g. a flavouring such as vanillin or orange extract. They may also contain suspension adjuvants or thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, wetting agents such as, for example, condensation products of fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, or preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates.

[0252] Solutions for injection and infusion are prepared in the usual way, e.g. with the addition of preservatives such as p-hydroxybenzoates, or stabilisers such as alkali metal salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, optionally using emulsifiers and/or dispersants, while if water is used as the diluent organic solvents may optionally be used as solubilisers or auxiliary solvents, and transferred into injection vials or ampoules or infusion bottles.

[0253] Capsules containing one or more active substances or combinations of active substances may for example be prepared by mixing the active substances with inert carriers such as lactose or sorbitol and packing them into gelatine capsules.

[0254] Suitable suppositories may be made for example by mixing with carriers provided for this purpose, such as neutral fats or polyethyleneglycol or the derivatives thereof.

[0255] Suitable excipients may be, for example, water, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvents, such as paraffins (e.g. petroleum fractions), oils of vegetable origin (e.g. groundnut or sesame oil), mono- or polyfunctional alcohols (e.g. ethanol or glycerol), carriers such as e.g. natural mineral powders (e.g. kaolin, clays, talc, chalk), synthetic mineral powders (e.g. highly dispersed silica and silicates), sugar (e.g. glucose, lactose and dextrose), emulsifiers (e.g. lignin, spent sulphite liquors, methylcellulose, starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone) and lubricants (e.g. magnesium stearate, talc, stearic acid and sodium lauryl sulphate).

[0256] The preparations are administered in the usual way, preferably by oral or transdermal route, particularly preferably by oral route. When administered orally the tablets may, of course, contain additives, such as e.g. sodium citrate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate together with various additives, such as starch, preferably potato starch, gelatine and the like, in addition to the abovementioned carriers. Lubricants such as magnesium stearate, sodium laurylsulphate and talc may also be used to form tablets. In the case of aqueous suspensions the active substances may be combined with various flavour enhancers or colourings in addition to the abovementioned excipients.

[0257] For parenteral use, solutions of the active substances may be prepared using suitable liquid carrier materials.

[0258] The dosage for intravenous use is 1-1000 mg per hour, preferably between 5-500 mg per hour.

[0259] However, it may optionally be necessary to deviate from the amounts specified, depending on the body weight or method of administration, the individual response to the medication, the nature of the formulation used and the time or interval over which it is administered. Thus, in some cases, it may be sufficient to use less than the minimum quantity specified above, while in other cases the upper limit specified will have to be exceeded. When large amounts are administered it may be advisable to spread them over the day in a number of single doses.

[0260] The formulation examples that follow illustrate the present invention without restricting its scope:

Examples of Pharmaceutical Formulations

[0261]

A)	Tablets	per tablet
	active substance	100 mg
	lactose	140 mg
	corn starch	240 mg
	polyvinylpyrrolidone	15 mg
	magnesium stearate	5 mg
		500 mg

[0262] The finely ground active substance, lactose and some of the corn starch are mixed together. The mixture is screened, then moistened with a solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone in water, kneaded, wet-granulated and dried. The granules, the remaining corn starch and the magnesium stearate are screened and mixed together. The mixture is compressed to produce tablets of suitable shape and size.

B)	Tablets	per tablet
	active substance	80 mg
	lactose	55 mg
	corn starch	190 mg
	microcrystalline cellulose	35 mg
	polyvinylpyrrolidone	15 mg
	sodium-carboxymethyl starch	23 mg
	magnesium stearate	2 mg
		400 mg

[0263] The finely ground active substance, some of the corn starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone are mixed together, the mixture is screened and worked with the remaining corn starch and water to form a granulate which is dried and screened. The sodiumcarboxymethyl starch and the magnesium stearate are added and mixed in and the mixture is compressed to form tablets of a suitable size.

C) Ampoule solution
   active substance 50 mg
   sodium chloride  50 mg
   water for inj.   5 ml

[0264] The active substance is dissolved in water at its own pH or optionally at pH 5.5 to 6.5 and sodium chloride is added to make it isotonic. The solution obtained is filtered free from pyrogens and the filtrate is transferred under aseptic conditions into ampoules which are then sterilised and sealed by fusion. The ampoules contain 5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg of active substance.

Claims

1. A method of treating a disease or condition chosen from cancer, infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases said method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula (I),

2. A method of treating a disease or condition chosen from HIV, Kaposi's sarcoma, colitis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, glomerulonephritis, conditions related to wound healing, bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic infections, leukaemias, lymphoma, solid tumours, psoriasis, bone diseases and cardiovascular disease comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I)

3. The methods according to claims 1 or 2 wherein for the formula (I) R1 denotes hydrogen, R2 denotes a group selected from among a CHO, OH, and CH3 group, R3, R4 are identical or different and denote a group selected from among hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl, or R3 and R4 together denote a C2-C5-alkyl bridge, R5 denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C10-alkyl, C2-C10-alkenyl, C2-C10-alkynyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl and C3-C6-cycloalkenyl, or R3 and R5 or R4 and R5 together denote a saturated or unsaturated C3-C4-alkyl bridge which may contain 1 to 2 heteroatoms, and R7 denotes hydrogen.

4. The methods according to claim 3, wherein for the formula (I) R6 denotes a group of general formula 1370wherein n denotes 1, 2, 3 or 4, R9 denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, C2-C6-alkynyl, —CONH—C1-C10-alkylene, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-cycloalkyl, —O-heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl or a group selected from among —O—C1-C6-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C1-C10-alkyl-Q1, —CONR8—C2-C10-alkenyl-Q1, —CONR8—Q2, halogen, OH, —SO2R8, —SO2N(R8)2, —COR8, —COOR8, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, CONR8OC1-C10 alkylQ1 and CONR8OQ2, Q1 denotes hydrogen, —NHCOR8, or a group selected from among an optionally substituted —NH-aryl, —NH-heteroaryl, aryl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl- and heterocycloalkyl group, Q2 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among an optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, C3-C8-heterocycloalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl- and C1-C4-alkyl-C3-C8-cycloalkyl group, R10 is identical or different and denotes a group selected from among optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl , C2-C6-alkenyl and C2-C6-alkynyl, —O—C1-C6-alkyl, —O—C2-C6-alkenyl, —O—C2-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-heterocycloalkyl and C3-C6-cycloalkyl, or a group selected from among hydrogen, —CONH2, —COOR8, —OCON(R8)2, —N(R8)2, —NHCOR8, —NHCON(R8)2, —NO2 and halogen, or adjacent groups R9 and R10 together denote a bridge of the formula 1371Y denotes O, S or NR11, m denotes 0, 1 or 2 R11 denotes hydrogen or C1-C2-alkyl, and R12 denotes hydrogen or a group selected from among optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-phenyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyridyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrazinyl, —C1-C3-alkyl-pyrimidinyl and —C1-C3-alkyl-pyridazinyl, and R13 denotes C1-C6-alkyl.

5. The methods according to claim 4, wherein for the formula (I) R1 denotes hydrogen, R2 denotes CH3, and R7 denotes hydrogen.

6. A method of treating a disease or condition chosen from cancer, infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases said method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula (II),

7. A method of treating a disease or condition chosen from HIV, Kaposi's sarcoma, colitis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, glomerulonephritis, conditions related to wound healing, bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic infections, leukaemias, lymphoma, solid tumours, psoriasis, bone diseases and cardiovascular disease comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula (II),