Vesicular Monoamine Transporter-2 Ligands and Their Use in the Treatment of Psychostimulant Abuse

Abstract
The present invention relates to methods of treatment of a disease or pathology of the central nervous system, an eating disorder, or substance use disorder, drug dependence/abuse/addiction and withdrawal therefrom comprising administering at least one N-phenylalkyl amphetamine derivative and pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one N-phenylalkyl amphetamine derivative to an individual in need thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and formula (II). The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) or formula (II) and to methods of treatment of a disease or pathology of the central nervous system, an eating disorder, or substance use disorder, drug dependence/abuse/addiction and withdrawal therefrom comprising administering N-phenylalkyl amphetamine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds to an individual in need thereof.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The action of many therapeutic neuropharmacological agents involve the modulation of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) release, uptake and storage within their respective terminals in the central nervous system (CNS). Most neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles, which are prominent features of nerve terminals. Sequestration into vesicles appears to be responsible for maintaining a ready supply of neurotransmitter molecules available for neuronal exocytotic release into the synaptic cleft. Vesicles also serve the role of protecting the neurotransmitter molecules from metabolic breakdown. One transport site on the vesicle membrane is the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2), whose role is to transport transmitters from the cytosol into the synaptic vesicle. Once the neurotransmitter is released from the terminal into the synaptic space, it interacts with postsynaptic receptors and subsequently is taken back up into the terminal via the plasma membrane transporter (e.g., DAT and/or the serotonin transporter [SERT]). Thus, transporter proteins modify the concentration of neurotransmitters in the cytosolic and vesicular storage pools, and thereby have the ability to alter subsequent neurotransmission.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I):




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is an integer in the range from 1 to 3;

    • n is zero or an integer in the range from 1 to 5;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group and which are independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents;

    • R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; 2-methoxyethyl; 1-methoxyethyl; aminomethyl; 2-aminoethyl; 1-aminoethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; 2-N-methylaminoethyl; 1-N-methylaminoethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; 1-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); amide (—CONH2); methyl amide (—CONHCH3), ethyl amide (—CONHCH2CH3); propyl amide (—CONHCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl amide (—CONHCH(CH3)2); butylamide (—CONHCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylamide (—CONHCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylamide (—CONHC(CH3)3); dimethyl amide (—CON(CH3)2), diethyl amide (—CON(CH2CH3)2); dipropyl amide (—CON(CH2CH2CH3)2); isopropyl amide (—CON[CH(CH3)2]2); dibutylamide (—CON(CH2CH2CH2CH3)2); di-sec-butylamide (—CON[CH(CH3)(CH2CH3)]2); di-tert-butylamide (—CON[C(CH3)3]2); methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2;

    • R4 is a hydrogen atom; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6)); and

    • R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O;

    • R6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl, wherein the methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups;

    • a is an integer in the range from 1 to 5; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Examples of an aryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl; and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzenephenyl; phenylethyl; amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; N-cyclopentylamino; N,N-dicyclopentylamino; N-cyclohexylamino; N,N-dicyclohexylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; phenyl; methylsulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); vinyl; allyl; propargyl; nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3);


isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; and ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene,

    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; nitro; azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; and nitrile; and
    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.


Examples of a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, phenyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloheptadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, cyclooctatrienyl, cyclooctatetraenyl, naphthalenyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, carbazolyl, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione; and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl.


Examples of an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, and isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydroselenophenyl, dihydroselenophenyl, tetrahydroselenopyranyl, dihydroselenopyranyl, selenopyranyl, selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophenyl, benzo[c]selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]selenophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, selenomorpholinyl, 1,2-oxathiolanyl, 1,3-oxathiolanyl, 1,2-oxaselenolanyl, 1,3-oxaselenolanyl, 1,2-thiaselenolanyl, 1,3-thiaselenolanyl, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, selenazolidine, isoselenazolidine, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, selenazolyl, isoselenazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[d]selenazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c]isoselenazole, benzo[d]isoselenazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole, oxazinyl, thiazinyl, and selenazinyl.


Examples of an aryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl. Each of these aryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one. Each of these heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive:




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is an integer in the range from 1 to 3;

    • n is zero or an integer in the range from 1 to 5;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group and which are independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents;

    • R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; 2-methoxyethyl; 1-methoxyethyl; aminomethyl; 2-aminoethyl; 1-aminoethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; 2-N-methylaminoethyl; 1-N-methylaminoethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; 1-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); amide (—CONH2); methyl amide (—CONHCH3), ethyl amide (—CONHCH2CH3); propyl amide (—CONHCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl amide (—CONHCH(CH3)2); butylamide (—CONHCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylamide (—CONHCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylamide (—CONHC(CH3)3); dimethyl amide (—CON(CH3)2), diethyl amide (—CON(CH2CH3)2); dipropyl amide (—CON(CH2CH2CH3)2); isopropyl amide (—CON[CH(CH3)2]2); dibutylamide (—CON(CH2CH2CH2CH3)2); di-sec-butylamide (—CON[CH(CH3)(CH2CH3)]2); di-tert-butylamide (—CON[C(CH3)3]2); methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2; R4 is a hydrogen atom; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6)); and

    • R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O;

    • R6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl, wherein the methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups;

    • a is an integer in the range from 1 to 5; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Examples of an aryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzenephenyl; phenylethyl; amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; N-cyclopentylamino; N,N-dicyclopentylamino; N-cyclohexylamino; N,N-dicyclohexylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; phenyl; methylsulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); vinyl; allyl; propargyl; nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3);


isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; and ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene,

    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; nitro; azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; and nitrile; and
    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.


Examples of a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, phenyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloheptadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, cyclooctatrienyl, cyclooctatetraenyl, naphthalenyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, carbazolyl, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl.


Examples of an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, and isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydroselenophenyl, dihydroselenophenyl, tetrahydroselenopyranyl, dihydroselenopyranyl, selenopyranyl, selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophenyl, benzo[c]selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]selenophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, selenomorpholinyl, 1,2-oxathiolanyl, 1,3-oxathiolanyl, 1,2-oxaselenolanyl, 1,3-oxaselenolanyl, 1,2-thiaselenolanyl, 1,3-thiaselenolanyl, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, selenazolidine, isoselenazolidine, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, selenazolyl, isoselenazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[d]selenazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c]isoselenazole, benzo[d]isoselenazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole, oxazinyl, thiazinyl, and selenazinyl.


Examples of an aryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl. Each of these aryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one. Each of these heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


The present invention provides a method of treating a substance use disorder, drug dependence/abuse/addiction or withdrawal from drug dependence/abuse/addiction in an individual in need thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the individual a compound of formula (I):




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is an integer in the range from 1 to 3;

    • n is zero or an integer in the range from 1 to 5;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group and which are independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents;

    • R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; 2-methoxyethyl; 1-methoxyethyl; aminomethyl; 2-aminoethyl; 1-aminoethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; 2-N-methylaminoethyl; 1-N-methylaminoethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; 1-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); amide (—CONH2); methyl amide (—CONHCH3), ethyl amide (—CONHCH2CH3); propyl amide (—CONHCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl amide (—CONHCH(CH3)2); butylamide (—CONHCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylamide (—CONHCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylamide (—CONHC(CH3)3); dimethyl amide (—CON(CH3)2), diethyl amide (—CON(CH2CH3)2); dipropyl amide (—CON(CH2CH2CH3)2); isopropyl amide (—CON[CH(CH3)2]2); dibutylamide (—CON(CH2CH2CH2CH3)2);


      di-sec-butylamide (—CON[CH(CH3)(CH2CH3)]2); di-tert-butylamide (—CON[C(CH3)3]2); methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2;

    • R4 is a hydrogen atom; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6)); and

    • R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O; R6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl, wherein the methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups;

    • a is an integer in the range from 1 to 5; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Examples of an aryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzenephenyl; phenylethyl; amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; N-cyclopentylamino; N,N-dicyclopentylamino; N-cyclohexylamino; N,N-dicyclohexylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; phenyl; methylsulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); vinyl; allyl; propargyl; nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; and ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene,

    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; nitro; azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; and nitrile; and
    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.


Examples of a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, phenyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloheptadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, cyclooctatrienyl, cyclooctatetraenyl, naphthalenyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, carbazolyl, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl.


Examples of an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, and isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydroselenophenyl, dihydroselenophenyl, tetrahydroselenopyranyl, dihydroselenopyranyl, selenopyranyl, selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophenyl, benzo[c]selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]selenophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, selenomorpholinyl, 1,2-oxathiolanyl, 1,3-oxathiolanyl, 1,2-oxaselenolanyl, 1,3-oxaselenolanyl, 1,2-thiaselenolanyl, 1,3-thiaselenolanyl, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, selenazolidine, isoselenazolidine, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, selenazolyl, isoselenazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[d]selenazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c]isoselenazole, benzo[d]isoselenazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole, oxazinyl, thiazinyl, and selenazinyl.


Examples of an aryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl. Each of these aryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl. Each of these heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


The present invention provides a compound of formula (II):




embedded image




    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

    • wherein

    • m, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are the same as those described above for formula (I).





The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (II), an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive, wherein the compound of formula (II) is:




embedded image




    • wherein m, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are the same as those described above for formula (I).





The present invention provides a method of treating a substance use disorder, drug dependence/abuse/addiction or withdrawal from drug dependence/abuse/addiction in an individual in need thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the individual a compound of formula (II):




embedded image




    • wherein m, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are the same as those described above for formula (I); or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.










DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I):




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is an integer in the range from 1 to 3;

    • n is zero or an integer in the range from 1 to 5;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group and which are independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents;

    • R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; 2-methoxyethyl; 1-methoxyethyl; aminomethyl; 2-aminoethyl; 1-aminoethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; 2-N-methylaminoethyl; 1-N-methylaminoethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; 2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; 1-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); amide (—CONH2); methyl amide (—CONHCH3), ethyl amide (—CONHCH2CH3); propyl amide (—CONHCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl amide (—CONHCH(CH3)2); butylamide (—CONHCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylamide (—CONHCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylamide (—CONHC(CH3)3); dimethyl amide (—CON(CH3)2), diethyl amide (—CON(CH2CH3)2); dipropyl amide (—CON(CH2CH2CH3)2); isopropyl amide (—CON[CH(CH3)2]2); dibutylamide (—CON(CH2CH2CH2CH3)2); di-sec-butylamide (—CON[CH(CH3)(CH2CH3)]2); di-tert-butylamide (—CON[C(CH3)3]2); methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2;

    • R4 is a hydrogen atom; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6)); and

    • R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O;

    • R6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl, wherein the methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl groups;

    • a is an integer in the range from 1 to 5; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Examples of an aryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as R1 or R2 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzenephenyl; phenylethyl; amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; N-cyclopentylamino; N,N-dicyclopentylamino; N-cyclohexylamino; N,N-dicyclohexylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; phenyl; methylsulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); vinyl; allyl; propargyl; nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; and ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene,

    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; nitro; azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; and nitrile; and
    • wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.


Examples of a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexadienyl, phenyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloheptadienyl, cycloheptatrienyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, cyclooctatrienyl, cyclooctatetraenyl, naphthalenyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl.


Examples of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, carbazolyl, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl.


Examples of an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, furanyl, pyranyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, and isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, dihydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are tetrahydroselenophenyl, dihydroselenophenyl, tetrahydroselenopyranyl, dihydroselenopyranyl, selenopyranyl, selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophenyl, benzo[c]selenophenyl, benzo[b]selenophen-2(3H)-one, and benzo[c]selenophen-1(3H)-one.


Examples of a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium that may be used as substituents on R1 and R2 are morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, selenomorpholinyl, 1,2-oxathiolanyl, 1,3-oxathiolanyl, 1,2-oxaselenolanyl, 1,3-oxaselenolanyl, 1,2-thiaselenolanyl, 1,3-thiaselenolanyl, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, selenazolidine, isoselenazolidine, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, selenazolyl, isoselenazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[d]selenazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c]isoselenazole, benzo[d]isoselenazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole, oxazinyl, thiazinyl, and selenazinyl.


Examples of an aryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl. Each of these aryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


Examples of a heteroaryl group that may be used as substituents on R6 are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one. Each of these heteroaryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is 1;

    • n is 2;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group which may be substituted by one or more substituents;

    • wherein substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; phenyl; amino; cycloalkylamine; isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N, N-dimethylamino; ethylcarboxylate; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; hydroxyl; methoxy; difluoromethoxy; thiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; nitro; nitrile; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; and a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety,

    • wherein one or more of the phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2;

    • R3 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, hydroxymethyl, or methyl substituted with one or more fluoro; or benzyl; and

    • R4 is a hydrogen atom; a carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; and

    • R5 is hydrogen or methyl; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein: m is 1 or 2; and n is an integer from 1 to 5; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


An further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein: m is 1 or 2; and n is an integer from 1 to 5; R3 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein: m is 1 or 2; and n is an integer from 1 to 5; wherein R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 1; R1 and R2 are each independently a phenyl group, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of benzyl; amino; hydroxyl; methoxy; fluoro; and bromo; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; R1 and R2 are each independently a phenyl group, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of benzyl; amino; hydroxyl; methoxy; fluoro; and bromo; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 2; n is 1; R1 and R2 are each independently a phenyl group, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methoxy and bromo; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Yet another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 2; n is 2; R1 and R2 are each independently a phenyl group, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more methoxy groups; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Yet another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is an integer from 3 to 5; R1 and R2 are each independently a phenyl group, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methoxy and bromo; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Yet another embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; R1 is an unsubstituted phenyl group; R2 is a phenyl group substituted with a methoxy group; R3 is methyl; and R4 is a hydrogen atom; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1 and n is 2; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and R1 and R2 are aryl groups; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein: m is 1; n is 2; R1 and R2 are independently aryl or heteroaryl groups, at least one of which is independently substituted with methyl; alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; phenyl; amino; cycloalkylamine; isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N, N-dimethylamino; ethylcarboxylate; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; hydroxyl; methoxy; difluoromethoxy; thiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; nitro; nitrile; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; and a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety, wherein one or more of the phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.


A further embodiment is a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 is a pyridyl group; a pyrimidyl group; an unsubstituted phenyl; or a phenyl substituted with chloro, fluoro, bromo, difluoro, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, carboxamide, amino, pyridinyl, or nitro; and R2 is a indolyl group; a pyridyl group; a pyrazolyl group; an imidazolyl group; a quinolinyl group; a methylpyrazolyl group; an unsubstituted phenyl; or a phenyl substituted with fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, carboxamide, methylcarboxamide, amine, aminoisopropyl, nitro, methylsulfonyl, methylsulfinyl, aminocyclobutyl, dimethylamino, ethylcarboxylate, pyrimidinyl, pyridinyl, indolyl, thiophene, or hydroxyl; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; R1 and R2 are aryl groups, at least one of which is independently substituted with amino; fluoro; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; or a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a heteroaryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is an aryl group fused with a heteroaryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a heteroaryl group fused with one or more additional heteroaryl groups; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a heteroaryl group fused with an aryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a heteroaryl group fused with or linked to an aryl group, wherein the aryl group is substituted with an alkyl, methoxy, or carbonyl group; or at least one of R1 and R2 is an aryl group fused with or linked to a heteroaryl group, wherein the heteroaryl group is substituted with an alkyl, methoxy, or carbonyl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


A further embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl group fused with a phenyl; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


In an embodiment of formula (I), R5 is hydrogen. In another embodiment of formula (I), R5 is methyl.


A preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I),




embedded image




    • wherein: m is 1; n is 2; R1 and R2 are each independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substitutents;

    • wherein the substituents on R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of amino; hydroxy; thiol; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; methoxy; fluoro; chloro; bromo; trifluoromethyl; nitro; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); carboxamide; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; and a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur;

    • wherein one or more of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; or mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2;

    • wherein R3 is methyl, hydroxymethyl; or methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro;

    • R4 is hydrogen; and

    • R5 is hydrogen; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I),




embedded image




    • wherein:

    • m is 1;

    • n is 2;

    • R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, furanyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one

    • wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; amino; isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); and isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); phenyl; pyrrolyl; imidazolyl; pyrazolyl; thiazolyl; isothiazolyl; oxazolyl; isoxazolyl; pyridinyl; pyridazinyl; pyrmidinyl; pyrazinyl; 1H-indolyl; 3H-indolyl; 2H-isoindolyl; indolizinyl; quinolinyl; isoquinolinyl; quinoxalinyl; cinnolinyl; quinazolinyl; phthalazinyl; purinyl; indazolyl; benzimidazolyl; benzo[d]oxazole; benzo[d]thiazole; benzo[c]isoxazole; benzo[d]isoxazole; benzo[c]isothiazole; benzo[d]isothiazole; benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole; benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole; quinoline-2(1H)-one; isoquinoline-1(2H)-one; indolin-2-one; isoindolin-1-one; 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one; furanyl; benzofuranyl; isobenzofuranyl; benzofuran-2(3H)-one; isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one; thiophenyl; benzo[b]thiophenyl; benzo[c]thiophenyl; benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one; benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one; and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl;

    • R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; carboxylate; methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2;

    • R4 is hydrogen; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6));

    • R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O; and

    • R6 is methyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted aryl groups and substituted heteroaryl groups; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I),




embedded image




    • wherein:

    • m is 1;

    • n is 2;

    • R1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, quinoxalinyl, and benzimidazolyl;

    • wherein R1 is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; amino; carboxamide; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); and sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2).

    • R2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, quinoxalinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl;

    • wherein R2 is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; amino; carboxamide; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); and sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2);

    • R3 is methyl;

    • R4 is hydrogen; and

    • R5 is hydrogen; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I),




embedded image




    • wherein:

    • m is 1;

    • n is 2;

    • R1 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted quinoxalinyl, unsubstituted benzimidazolyl, or phenyl substituted with 3-fluoro, 4-fluoro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 3-amine, 4-amine, 3-ureido, 4-ureido, 3-carboxamide, 4-carboxamide, 3,4-difluoro, 3,4-dichloro, 3,5-difluoro, or 3,5-dichloro;

    • R2 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted quinoxalinyl, unsubstituted indazolyl, unsubstituted benzimidazolyl, unsubstituted benzo[d]oxazole, unsubstituted benzo[c]isoxazole, unsubstituted benzo[d]isoxazole, unsubstituted 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and phenyl substituted with 3-fluoro, 4-fluoro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 3-amine, 4-amine, 3-ureido, 4-ureido, 3-carboxamide, 4-carboxamide, 3-sulfonamide, 4-sulfonamide, 3,4-difluoro, 3,4-dichloro, 3,5-difluoro, 3,5-dichloro, 3-fluoro-4-carboxamide, 3-chloro-4-carboxamide, 3-fluoro-4-sulfonamide, 3-chloro-4-sulfonamide, 3-fluoro-4-ureido, or 3-chloro-4-ureido;

    • R3 is methyl;

    • R4 is hydrogen; and

    • R5 is hydrogen; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is an unsubstituted phenyl; or a phenyl substituted with one or more of chloro, fluoro, bromo, difluoro, trifluoromethyl, amino, carboxamide, or nitro; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is an unsubstituted heteroaryl; or a heteroaryl substituted with trifluoromethyl; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a phenyl fused with a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; and at least one of R1 and R2 is a phenyl linked with a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl group; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; R1 is a phenyl substituted with chloro, fluoro, difluoro, or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (I), wherein m is 1; n is 2; R3 is methyl; R4 is hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (II),




embedded image




    • wherein

    • m is 1 or 2;

    • n is 1 or 2;

    • R1 and R2 are independently an aryl group or a heteroaryl group which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents;

    • wherein substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; phenyl; amino; cycloalkylamine; isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N, N-dimethylamino; ethylcarboxylate; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; hydroxyl; methoxy; difluoromethoxy; thiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; nitro; nitrile; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; and a sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety,

    • wherein one or more of the phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2;

    • R3 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, hydroxymethyl, or methyl substituted with one or more fluoro; or benzyl; and

    • R4 is a hydrogen atom; a carbonyl group; or a methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; and

    • R5 is hydrogen or methyl; or

    • an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.





Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (II), wherein: m is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 are each independently an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, amino, carboxamide, hydroxyl, methoxy, thiol, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, nitro, and nitrile; R3 is methyl; R4 is hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of formula (II), wherein: m is 1; n is 1; R1 and R2 are each independently an unsubstituted phenyl; R3 is methyl; R4 is hydrogen; R5 is hydrogen; or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Compounds of formula (I) include the following compounds:

  • 1. m=1, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 2. m=1, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CH3, R5=H
  • 3. m=1, n=1, R1=4-BrPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 4. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 5. R-, m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 6. S—, m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 7. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CH3, R5=H
  • 8. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 9. R-, m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 10. S—, m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 11. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 12. R-, m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 13. S—, m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 14. m=1, n=3, R1=4-BrPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 15. m=1, n=3, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 16. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 17. m=1, n=4, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 18. m=1, n=5, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R2=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 19. m=1 n=1, R1=Ph, R2=PhO, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 20. m=1, n=1, R1=4-BrPh, R2=PhO, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 21. m=1, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 22. m=1, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=3,4-diBnOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 23. m=1, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=3,4-diOHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 24. m=1, n=1, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 25. m=1, n=1, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CH3, R5=H
  • 26. m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 27. R-, m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 28. S—, m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 29. m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 30. m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CH3, R5=H
  • 31. m=2, n=1, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 32. m=2, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 33. m=2, n=1, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 34. m=2, n=1, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 35. m=1, n=1, R1=4-OHPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 36. m=1, n=2, R1=4-OHPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 37. m=1, n=2, R1=4-OHPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 38. m=1, n=1, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 39. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 40. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 41. m=1, n=1, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 42. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 43. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 44. m=1, n=1, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 45. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 46. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diMeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 47. m=1, n=3, R1=3,4-diMeOPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 48. m=2, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 49. m=2, n=1, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 50. m=2, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 51. m=2, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CH3, R5=H
  • 52. m=2, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 53. m=2, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H.
  • 54. m=1, n=2, R1=4-CF3Ph, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 55. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-indol-5-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 56. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-indol-5-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 57. m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 58. m=1, n=2, R1=4-MeOPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 59. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 60. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 61. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 62. m=1, n=2, R1=4-ClPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 63. m=1, n=2, R1=4-ClPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 64. m=1, n=2, R1=4-ClPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 65. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[NH(isopropyl)]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 66. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[Me(CO)NH]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 67. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[Me(CO)NH]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 68. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 69. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 70. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 71. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 72. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 73. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 74. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=CHO, R5=H
  • 75. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CHO, R5=H
  • 76. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=CHO, R5=H
  • 77. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 78. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 79. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 80. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 81. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CF2H, R4=H, R5=H
  • 82. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CF2H, R4=H, R5=H
  • 83. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 84. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 85. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 86. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 87. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 88. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 89. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 90. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NH—CHO)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 91. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-indole-3-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 92. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-indole-3-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 93. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[NH(cyclobutyl)]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 94. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 95. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 96. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 97. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 98. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 99. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 100. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 101. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 102. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 103. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 104. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 105. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 106. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 107. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 108. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 109. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 110. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 111. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 112. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 113. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 114. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 115. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 116. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 117. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 118. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 119. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 120. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 121. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 122. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 123. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 124. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 125. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 126. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 127. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 128. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 129. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 130. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-pyrazole-1-yl, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 131. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-pyrazole-1-yl, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 132. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-pyrazole-1-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 133. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-pyrazole-1-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 134. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-imidazole-1-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 135. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-imidazole-1-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 136. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=isopropyl, R4=H, R5=H
  • 137. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-MeSO2Ph, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 138. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-MeSO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 139. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-MeSO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 140. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=isopropyl, R4=H, R5=H
  • 141. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=isopropyl, R4=H, R5=H
  • 142. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 143. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 144. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-MeSOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 145. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 146. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 147. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 148. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=quinoline-4-yl, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 149. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=quinoline-4-yl, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 150. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 151. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 152. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 153. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2F, R4=H, R5=H
  • 154. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 155. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 156. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NMe2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 157. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NMe2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 158. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[EtO(CO)]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 159. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[EtO(CO)]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 160. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 161. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 162. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=quinoline-4-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 163. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=quinoline-4-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 164. m=1, n=2, R1=4-CF3Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 165. m=1, n=2, R1=4-CF3Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 166. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 167. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 168. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 169. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 170. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 171. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 172. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 173. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 174. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 175. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 176. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 177. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 178. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 179. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 180. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 181. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 182. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 183. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 184. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 185. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 186. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 187. m=1, n=2, R1=4-pyridyl, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 188. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 189. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 190. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 191. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 192. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 193. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 194. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-CF3Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 195. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-CF3Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 196. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 197. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 198. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=Me
  • 199. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-MeOPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=Me
  • 200. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 201. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 202. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 203. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 204. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 205. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-pyridyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 206. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-(thiophen-2-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 207. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Et, R4=H, R5=H
  • 208. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Et, R4=H, R5=H
  • 209. m=1, n=2, R1=4-CF3Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 210. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 211. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-(pyridin-3-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 212. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 213. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 214. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 215. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 216. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-SHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 217. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-SHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 218. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 219. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-BrPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 220. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 221. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 222. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 223. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 224. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 225. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl, R5=H
  • 226. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl, R5=H
  • 227. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzofurazan, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 228. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzimidazole, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 229. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-ureaphenyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 230. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-(sulfonamide)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 231. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 232. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=quinoxaline, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 233. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=1H-indazol-6-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 234. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=1H-indazol-5-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 235. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-ureaphenyl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 236. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-(sulfonamide)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 237. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 238. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2—NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 239. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=acetanilide, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 240. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 241. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=3—NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 242. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=NH2ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 243. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-pyridinePh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 244. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 245. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 246. m=1, n=2, R1=1H-indole-3-yl, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 247. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=trifluoromethylpyridine, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 248. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=CH2OH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 249. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 250. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-CF3Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 251. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=CF3NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 252. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzothiazole, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 253. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=phthalide, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 254. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=1-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 255. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzoxaol-7-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 256. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzoxaol-6-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 257. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=COOHPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 258. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-F3COPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 259. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=isopropoxybenzene, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 260. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=thiophenol, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 261. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=thioanisole, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 262. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=methyl phenyl sulfoxide, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 263. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=methyl phenyl sulfone, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 264. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=tert-butylbenzene, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 265. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3—NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 266. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=N,N-dimethylaniline, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 267. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 268. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2-ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 269. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2,4-diClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 270. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3,3-diClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 271. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2,3-diClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 272. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3,4-diClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 273. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3.4-CF3ClPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 274. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 275. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 276. m=1, n=2, R1=4-BrPh, R2=acetanilide, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 277. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=1H-indole-3-yl, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 278. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=2-pyridine, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 279. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=3-pyridine, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 280. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=pyridine, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 281. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 282. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=2-pyridinePh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 283. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-pyridinePh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 285. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=benzylamine, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 286. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=COOH, R4=H, R5=H
  • 287. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-BrPh, R3=2-amino-3-(1-benzyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoate, R4=H, R5=H
  • 288. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OHPh, R3=Me, R4=tert-butyl acetate, R5=H
  • 289. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-NO2Ph, R3=Me, R4=benzyl acetate, R5=H
  • 290. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-IPh, R3=Me, R4=benzyl acetate, R5=H
  • 291. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-NH2Ph, R3=Me, R4=benzyl acetate, R5=H
  • 292. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=Ph, R3=ethylbenzene, R4=H, R5=H
  • 293. m=1, n=2, R1=4-NO2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=carbonyl
  • 294. m=1, n=2, R1=4-CNPh, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=carbonyl
  • 297. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-Cl-4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 298. m=1, n=2, R1=4-FPh, R2=4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 299. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=3-F-4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 300. m=1, n=2, R1=3,5-diFPh, R2=4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 301. m=1, n=2, R1=3-(CONH2)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 302. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(NHCONH2)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 303. m=1, n=2, R1=benzimidazole, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 304. m=1, n=2, R1=4-(CONH2)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 305. m=1, n=2, R1=quinoxaline, R2=4-[(SO2)NH2]Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 306. m=1, n=2, R1=3-(NHCONH2)Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 307. m=1, n=2, R1=quinoxaline, R2=4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 308. m=1, n=2, R1=quinoxaline, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 309. m=1, n=2, R1=3-FPh, R2=4-(CONH2)Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 310. m=1, n=2, R1=3-NH2Ph, R2=4-FPh, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 311. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=benzo[d]isoxazole, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 312. m=1, n=2, R1=3,4-diFPh, R2=1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H
  • 313. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=4-OCH3Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H


Compounds of formula (II) include the following compounds:

  • 295. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H (racemic)
  • 296. m=1, n=2, R1=Ph, R2=Ph, R3=Me, R4=H, R5=H (isolated enantiomer)


Definitions

The term “aryl” refers to aromatic groups having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, and “substituted aryl” refers to aryl groups further bearing one or more substituents. The aryl groups may have one ring or two or more fused rings.


The term “alkyl” refers to straight or branched chain alkyl radicals having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, and “substituted alkyl” refers to alkyl radicals further bearing one or more substituents.


The term “lower alkyl” refers to straight or branched chain alkyl radicals having in the range of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.


The term “cycloalkyl” refers to cyclic ring-containing moieties containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and “substituted cycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl moieties further bearing one or more substituents.


The term “carboxamide” refers to a moiety of the general formula R—(C═O)—N(R′)(R″), wherein R, R′, and R″ independently represent organic groups or hydrogen atoms. As used herein, any of R, R′ and R″ may be R1 or R2 as defined above in formula (I).


The term “alkenyl” refers to straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl groups having at least one carbon-carbon double bond and having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, and “substituted alkenyl” refers to alkenyl groups further bearing one or more substituents.


The term “heteroaryl” refers to aromatic groups containing one or more heteroatoms as part of the ring structure and having 3 to 24 carbon atoms, and “substituted heteroaryl” refers to heteroaryl moieties further bearing one or more substituents. Heteroaryl groups may have one ring or two or more fused rings.


The term “heterocyclic” refers to cyclic moieties containing one or more heteroatoms as part of the ring structure and having 3 to 24 carbon atoms, and “substituted heterocyclic” refers to heterocyclic moieties further bearing one or more substituents.


Heterocycle groups may have one ring or two or more fused rings.


The term “linked” refers to a first moiety (e.g., an aryl group or a heteroaryl group) that is directly bound to a second moiety (e.g., a second aryl group or heteroaryl group) via a single bond.


Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include Cl, Br, I, NO2, HSO4, SO4, HPO4, PO42−, ethanesulfonate, trifluromethane sulfate, p-toluenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, salicylate, proprionate, ascorbate, aspartate, fumarate, galactarate, maleate, citrate, glutamate, glycolate, lactate, malate, maleate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate, or similar acid addition salts. The above salt forms may be in some cases hydrates or solvates with alcohols and other solvents.


Pharmaceutical Compositions

Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. For example, the pharmaceutical composition may include a pharmaceutically acceptable additive, such as a stabilizer, buffer, salt, preservative, filler, flavor enhancer and the like, as known to those skilled in the art. Representative buffers include phosphates, carbonates, and citrates. Exemplary preservatives include EDTA, EGTA, BHA, and BHT.


The pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein may be administered by inhalation (i.e., intranasally as an aerosol or inhalation solution or suspension); topically (i.e., in the form of an ointment, cream or lotion); orally (i.e., in solid or liquid form (tablet, capsule, gel cap, time release capsule, powder, solution, or suspension in aqueous or non-aqueous liquid); intravenously as an infusion or injection (i.e., as a solution, suspension or emulsion in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier); subcutaneously as an infusion or injection (i.e., as a solution, suspension or emulsion in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) or as a depot formulation; transdermally (e.g., via a transdermal patch), rectally (e.g., as a suppository), or intraperitoneally.


There is no limitation in the route of administration or dosage form, and the composition may be administered in accordance with specific form of the preparation, age, sex and the other conditions of a patient, severity of disease, etc. For example, in the case of tablet, pill, solution, suspension, emulsion, granule and capsule, the composition is orally administered. In the case of injection, the composition is intravenously administered alone or in a mixture with conventional replacement fluid such as glucose and amino acids, and if necessary, and the preparation alone may be also administered intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously or intraperitoneally.


The compounds disclosed herein can be administered alone, combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, or co-administered with a second drug. Co-administration may provide a similar or synergistic effect. A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be administered subcutaneously as an infusion, injection, or depot formulation; intramuscularly as an infusion or injection; intravenously as an infusion or injection; transdermally, orally, topically, intranasally, intrapulmonary, intraperitoneally, or rectally.


The dose of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is appropriately selected in accordance with dosage regimen, age, sex and the other conditions of a patient. The amount to be administered depends to some extent on the lipophilicity of the specific compound selected, since it is expected that this property of the compound will cause it to partition into fat deposits of the subject. The precise amount to be administered can be determined by the skilled practitioner in view of desired dosages, side effects and medical history of the patient and the like.


The pharmaceutical composition may comprise a compound of formula (I) or an enantiomer or racemate thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, Drug Dependence, or Drug Abuse/Addiction

VMAT2 is considered as a valid target for the development of treatments for the abuse of drugs, including, for example, methamphetamine (METH), amphetamine, cocaine, methylphenidate, and opiate abuse and use disorders. For example, METH decreases vesicular DA sequestration by inhibiting vesicular uptake through VMAT2 (IC50=14.9 μM) and by diffusing across the vesicular membranes to decrease the pH gradient, resulting in the loss of free energy needed for monoamine transport.


Lobelane competitively inhibits [3H]DA uptake into rat brain vesicles via interaction with VMAT2 (Ki=45 nM), decreases METH-evoked DA overflow from rat striatal slices, and decreases METH self-administration, but does not act as a psychostimulant, suggesting that it has potential as a novel treatment for METH abuse. Nor-Lobelane (Ki=

  • 44 nM) is equipotent with lobelane at VMAT2 in inhibiting [3H]DA uptake.


METH can be considered as a structural fragment of lobelane/nor-lobelane, and introducing bulky substituents onto the N-atom of METH afforded compounds with increased inhibitory potency at VMAT2, reduced the psychostimulant effects of METH, diminishing its abuse potential. Importantly, these new analogs did not increase locomotor activity in rats, indicating they do not act as psychostimulants. Lee, N.-R. et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence, “Enantiomers of (±)GZ-888 potently and selectively inhibit vesicular monoamine transporter-2 function and methamphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity,” (2016).




embedded image


Treatment of a Disease or Pathology of the Central Nervous System or an Eating Disorder

Modulation of VMAT2 has potential as a therapeutic for central nervous system diseases or pathologies. Thus, VMAT2 is a target for the development of treatments for a disease or pathology of the central nervous system, including, for example, cognitive disorders, brain trauma, memory loss, psychosis, sleep disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic disorders, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperkinetic syndrome, chronic nervous exhaustion, narcolepsy, pain, motion sickness, depression, and/or dyskinesias resulting from administration from another pharmaceutical compound.


VMAT2 is also a target for the development of treatments for eating disorders, including, for example, obesity. Compulsive eating is linked to addiction-like neuroadaptive responses in brain reward circuits. Johnson, P. M. et al., “Dopamine D2 receptors in addiction-like reward dysfunction and compulsive eating in obese rats,” Nature Neuroscience, 2010, 13, 635-641. Modulation of VMAT2 may lead to reduced reward responses, diminishing overeating.


A preferred compound is a compound of formula (I), wherein the compound is 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propan-1-amine or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred compound is a compound of formula (I), wherein the compound is 4-(3-((1-(3,4-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)amino)propyl)benzamide.


Another preferred compound is a compound of formula (I), wherein the compound is 4-(3-((1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)amino)propyl)benzamide.


Another preferred compound is (S)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propan-1-amine hydrochloride.


Another preferred embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propan-1-amine or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. A further preferred embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (S)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propan-1-amine hydrochloride and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


Another preferred embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition comprising 4-(3-((1-(3,4-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)amino)propyl)benzamide or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


Another preferred embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition comprising 4-(3-((1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl)amino)propyl)benzamide or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.


Other preferred embodiments of the present invention include




embedded image


or an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Other preferred embodiments of the present invention include




embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


or


an enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a disease or pathology of the central nervous system or an eating disorder in an individual in need thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the individual a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.


The compounds of the present invention may be used in a method of treating a disease or pathology of the central nervous system, wherein the disease may be cognitive disorders, brain trauma, memory loss, psychosis, sleep disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic disorders, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperkinetic syndrome, chronic nervous exhaustion, narcolepsy, pain, motion sickness, depression, and/or dyskinesias resulting from administration from another pharmaceutical compound.


The compounds of the present invention may also be used in a method of treating an eating disorder. The eating disorder may be obesity.


The compounds of the present invention may be used in a method of treating one or more substance use disorders, drug dependence/abuse/addiction or withdrawal from drug dependence/abuse/addiction in an individual in need thereof. Substance use disorder and drug dependence/abuse/addiction includes dependence/abuse/addiction of psychostimulants or drugs that release dopamine. For example, the drug which the individual is using and/or dependent upon may be amphetamine, methamphetamine, and other drugs that release dopamine.


EXAMPLES

A series of VMAT2 inhibitors were synthesized and evaluated for their activity at VMAT2, dopamine transporters (DAT), and serotonin transporters (SERT) using rat striatum, hERG channels expressed by HEK-293 cells, and for their effect on METH-stimulated locomotor activity in rats. Compounds of the invention exhibited affinity at VMAT2 as well as selectivity at VMAT2 over hERG, DAT, and SERT. Further, a significant reduction of METH-stimulated locomotor activity was observed after administration of the compounds.


Example 1
Synthesis of Compound 10. (S)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propan-1-amine

To a solution of phenyllithium (50 mL, 1.8 M in dibutyl ether) in THE (50 mL) was added (R)-propylene oxide (5 g) dropwise at −78° C. The resulting mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 1 hr before warmed to room temperature. After stirred at room temperature overnight, the reaction was quenched by adding saturated NH4Cl aqueous solution. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was chromatographed on silica (hexanes/ethyl acetate 10:1 to 3:1) to afford (R)-1-phenylpropan-2-ol (10.4 g) as a colorless oil.


To a solution of (R)-1-phenylpropan-2-ol (4.16 g, 30.50 mmol) and triethylamine (7.72 g, 10.64 mL, 76.27 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added methanesulfonyl chloride (4.54 gm, 3.07 mL, 39.65 mmol) dropwise at 0° C. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 15 min. Dichloromethane (100 mL) was added to the mixture and then washed with water (2×150 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting light yellow oil was mixed with sodium azide (5.95 g, 91.5 mmol) in DMF (40 mL) and heated at 55° C. for 3 hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether (150 mL) and washed with water (2×100 mL) and brine (100 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was chromatographed on silica (hexanes/ethyl acetate 50:1 to 20:1) to afford (S)-(2-azidopropyl)benzene (4.38 g) as a colorless oil.


To a solution of (S)-(2-azidopropyl)benzene (4.0 g, 24.81 mmol) in THE (90 mL) and water (10 mL) was added triphenylphosphine (9.11 g, 34.74 mmol) at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirred for 18 hrs and water (50 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was treated with HCl (1.0 M) to pH ˜1 and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 mL) and dichloromethane (2×100 mL). NaOH (15%) was added dropwise to the aqueous phase to adjust the pH to about 11 and extracted with dichloromethane (5×60 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford (S)-1-phenylpropan-2-amine as a colorless oil. The crude amino product (3.03 g, 22.41 mmol) was mixed with 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (4.44 g, 24.65 mmol), and HOBt (3.63 g, 26.89 mmol) in dichloromethane (60 mL) at room temperature. Triethylamine (5.67 g, 56.03 mmol) was added followed by EDCI (5.15 g, 26.89 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (100 mL) and washed with water (3×50 mL), and brine (50 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was chromatographed on silica (dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 10:1) to afford (S)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propanamide (6.18 g) as a white solid. (S)-3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl)propanamide (5.0 g, 16.81 mmol) in THE was cooled to 0° C. LAH (60 mL, 1.0 M in THF) was added dropwise and the resulted reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 6 hrs. After cooled to 0° C., water (2.28 mL) was carefully added, followed by NaOH (15%, 2.28 mL) and water (6.84 mL). The resulted mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 hrs. Filtered over celite and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the crude product was chromatographed

    • on silica (dichloromethane/methanol 30:1 to 10:1) to afford compound 10 (4.3 g) as a white solid.


Example 2
[3H]Dihydrotetrabenazine ([3H]DTBZ) Binding Assay, Vesicular Preparation

Synaptic vesicles were prepared from rat brain using a modification of a previously described procedure (Teng et al., 1998). Briefly, fresh whole brain (excluding cerebellum) was homogenized using a Teflon pestle (clearance 0.003 inches) with 7 vertical strokes at 800 rpm in 20 vol of ice-cold 0.32 M sucrose and centrifuged at 1000 g for 12 min at 4° C. The resulting supernatant (Si) was then centrifuged at 22,000 g for 10 min at 4° C. The synaptosomal pellets (P2) were homogenized in 18 mL of ice-cold Milli-Q water and exposed for 5 min for lysing synaptosomes. Osmolarity was restored by addition of 2 mL of 25 mM HEPES with 100 mM dipotassium tartrate (pH 7.5). Samples were centrifuged at 20,000 g for 20 min at 4° C. to remove lysed synaptosomal membranes. MgSO4 (1 mM) was added to the supernatant (S3), and was centrifuged at 100,000 g for 45 min at 4° C. The final vesicular pellets (P4) were resuspended in ice-cold assay buffer (see below) providing ˜15 μg protein/100 μL, determined by the method of Bradford (1976) using bovine serum albumin as the standard. Aliquot parts (100 μL) of suspension of vesicle membrane protein were incubated in assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, 100 mM dipotassium tartrate, 5 mM MgSO4, 0.1 mM EDTA and 0.05 mM EGTA, pH 7.5, at 25° C.) in the presence of 3 nM [3H]DTBZ and at least 7 concentrations (1 nM-1 mM) of compound for 1 hr at room temperature. Nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of 20 μM tetrabenazine, a standard compound. Assays were performed in duplicate using a 96-well plate format. Reactions were terminated by filtration of samples on a Unifilter-96 GF/B filter plates (presoaked in 0.5% polyethylenimine), using a FilterMate harvester (Packard BioScience Co., Meriden, Conn.). After washing 5 times with 350 μL of the ice-cold wash buffer (25 mM HEPES, 100 mM dipotassium tartrate, 5 mM MgSO4 and 10 mM NaCl, pH 7.5), filter plates were dried, sealed and each well filled with 40 μL Packard's MicroScint 20 cocktail. Bound [3H]DTBZ was measured using a Packard TopCount NXT scintillation counter with a Packard Windows NT based operating system.


Example 3
[3H]Dopamine ([H]DA) Uptake Assay, Vesicular Preparation

Inhibition of [3H]DA uptake was conducted using isolated synaptic vesicle preparations (Teng et al., 1997). Briefly, rat striata were homogenized with 10 up-and-down strokes of a Teflon pestle homogenizer (clearance ˜0.003″) in 14 ml of 0.32 M sucrose solution. Homogenates were centrifuged (2,000 g for 10 min at 4° C.), and then the supernatants were centrifuged (10,000 g for 30 min at 4° C.). Pellets were resuspended in 2 ml of 0.32 M sucrose solution and subjected to osmotic shock by adding 7 ml of ice-cold MilliQ water to the preparation. After 1 min, osmolarity was restored by adding 900 μl of 0.25 M HEPES buffer and 900 μl of 1.0 M potassium tartrate solution. Samples were centrifuged (20,000 g for 20 min at 4° C.), and the supernatants were centrifuged (55,000 g for 1 hr at 4° C.), followed by addition of 100 μl of 10 mM MgSO4, 100 μl of 0.25 M HEPES and 100 μl of 1.0 M potassium tartrate solution prior to the final centrifugation (100,000 g for 45 min at 4° C.). Final pellets were resuspended in 2.4 ml of assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, 100 mM potassium tartrate, 50 μM EGTA, 100 μM EDTA, 1.7 mM ascorbic acid, 2 mM ATP-Mg2+, pH 7.4). Aliquots of the vesicular suspension (100 μl) were added to tubes containing assay buffer, various concentrations of compound (0.1 nM-10 mM) and 0.1 μM [3H]DA in a final volume of 500 μl, and incubated at 37° C. for 8 min. Nonspecific uptake was determined in the presence of the standard compound, Ro4-1284 (10 μM). Reactions were terminated by filtration, and radioactivity retained by the filters was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry (Tri-Carb 2100TR liquid scintillation analyzer; PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Boston, Mass.).


Example 4
[3H]Dofetilide Binding Assay, HEK-293 Cell Membrane Preparation

[3H]Dofetilide binding assays were conducted using commercially available HEK-293 cell membranes which stably express the hERG channel. Membranes were suspended in assay buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2, pH 7.4) prior to the experiment. Assays were performed in duplicate in a total volume of 250 μL. Aliquots of the HEK-293 cell membrane suspension which contained 5 μg membrane protein were added to tubes containing assay buffer, 5 nM [3H]dofetilide and a range of concentrations of analog (10 nM-100 μM). Nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of amitriptyline (1 mM). Samples were incubated for 1 hr. at 24° C., followed by rapid filtration. Radioactivity retained by the filters was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry as described above for the [3H]DA uptake assay. The affinity for the [3H]dofetilide binding site on the hERG channel expressed in the HEK-293 cellular membrane was determined from the analog concentration response curves.


Example 5
[3H]DA and [3H]5-HT Uptake Assay, Synaptosomal Preparation

[3H]DA and [3H]5-HT uptake into striatal synaptosomes was determined to evaluate compound inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT), respectively. Striata from individual rats were homogenized in ice-cold sucrose solution containing 5 mM NaHCO3 (pH 7.4), with 16 up-and-down strokes of a Teflon pestle homogenizer (clearance ˜ 0.003″). Homogenates were centrifuged at 2000 g for 10 min at 4° C., and resulting supernatants were centrifuged at 20,000 g for 17 min at 4° C. Pellets were resuspended in 2.4 mL (for DAT assays) or 1.5 mL (for SERT assays) of assay buffer (125 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 1.5 mM MgSO4, 1.25 mM CaCl2), 1.5 mM KH2PO4, 10 mM alpha-D-glucose, 25 mM HEPES, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.1 mM pargyline, 0.1 mM ascorbic acid, saturated with 95% O2/5% CO2, pH 7.4). Assays were performed in duplicate in a total volume of 500 μL (for DAT assays) or 250 μL (for SERT assays). Aliquots of the synaptosomal suspension (25 μL for DAT, 50 μL for SERT) were added to tubes containing assay buffer and various concentrations of analog (1 nM-100 μM), and incubated at 34° C. for 5 min. Nonspecific uptake was determined in the presence of nomifensine (10 μM) for DAT assays or fluoxetine (10 μM) for SERT assays. GBR-12935 (100 nM) was included in the assay buffer for the SERT assay to maximally inhibit [3H]5-HT uptake through DAT and isolate uptake to SERT. Samples were placed on ice, and 50 μL of 0.1 μM [3H]DA (for DAT assays) or 25 μL of 0.1 μM [3H]5-HT (for SERT assays) was added to each tube, and incubated for 10 min at 34° C. Reactions were terminated by addition of 3 mL of ice-cold assay buffer and subsequent filtration and radioactivity retained by the filters was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry (Tri-Carb 2100TR liquid scintillation analyzer; PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Boston, Mass.).


Exemplary compounds 1-53 were tested in [3H]dihydrotetrabenazine ([3H]DTBZ) binding assay according to Example 2 and the [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake assay according to Example 3. The results of these assays are set forth in Table 1.












TABLE 1







[3H]DTBZ binding
[3H]DA uptake


Compound
Structure
(Ki) VMAT2 (μM)
(Ki) VMAT2 (μM)


















 1


embedded image


7.70 ± 1.25
0.063 ± 0.005





 2


embedded image


7.53 ± 2.16
0.51 ± 0.10





 3


embedded image


1.23 ± 0.13
0.033 ± 0.007





 4


embedded image


1.13 ± 0.31
0.007 ± 0.002





 5


embedded image


0.91 ± 0.59
0.006 ± 0.001





 6


embedded image


0.75 ± 0.14
0.065 ± 0.004





 7


embedded image


1.56 ± 0.47
0.096 ± 0.010





 8


embedded image


 2.2 ± 0.11
0.014 ± 0.003





 9


embedded image



0.0087 ± 0.0065





10


embedded image



 0.026 ± 0.0036





11


embedded image


 0.70 ± 0.063
0.008 ± 0.001





12


embedded image



0.006 ± 0.001





13


embedded image



0.032 ± 0.004





14


embedded image


0.081 ± 0.016
 0.003 ± 0.0003





15


embedded image


 0.19 ± 0.020
0.003 ± 0.002





16


embedded image


0.46 ± 0.08
0.012 ± 0.003





17


embedded image


0.63
0.014 ± 0.001





18


embedded image


0.91 ± 0.59
0.009 ± 0.002





19


embedded image


4.1 ± 0.3
0.059 ± 0.007





20


embedded image


2.0 ± 0.1
0.013 ± 0.009





21


embedded image


1.5 ± 0.2
0.12 ± 0.01





22


embedded image


2.0 ± 0.1
 0.12 ± 0.001





23


embedded image


3.4 ± 0.6
0.092 ± 0.017





24


embedded image


3.77 ± 0.99
0.074 ± 0.002





25


embedded image


11.9 ± 1.84
 0.46 ± 0.075





26


embedded image


1.27 ± 0.09
0.022 ± 0.003





27


embedded image



0.045 ± 0.004





28


embedded image



0.020 ± 0.001





29


embedded image


0.41 ± 0.14
0.011 ± 0.002





30


embedded image


7.11 ± 0.82
 0.27 ± 0.038





31


embedded image


2.4 ± 0.1
0.062 ± 0.029





32


embedded image


4.7 ± 0.4
0.030 ± 0.002





33


embedded image


1.5 ± 0.2
0.060 ± 0.007





34


embedded image


0.87 ± 0.03
0.010 ± 0.004





35


embedded image


2.6 ± 0.4
0.047 ± 0.006





36


embedded image


0.23 ± 0.06
0.072 ± 0.030





37


embedded image


0.82 ± 0.27
0.033 ± 0.008





38


embedded image


2.5 ± 1.6
0.069 ± 0.009





39


embedded image


1.3 ± 0.3
 0.010 ± 0.0002





40


embedded image


1.7 ± 0.4
0.017 ± 0.003





41


embedded image


5.1 ± 1.2
0.060 ± 0.007





42


embedded image


2.0 ± 0.3
0.013 ± 0.004





43


embedded image


1.4 ± 0.4
0.008 ± 0.002





44


embedded image


 17 ± 6.6
0.21 ± 0.08





45


embedded image


2.8 ± 0.7
0.036 ± 0.003





46


embedded image


3.8 ± 0.1
 0.14 ± 0.013





47


embedded image


1.1 ± 0.1
0.029 ± 0.011





48


embedded image


1.60 ± 0.33
0.050 ± 0.004





49


embedded image


29.8 ± 11.2
0.084 ± 0.004





50


embedded image


4.81 ± 1.13
0.050 ± 0.012





51


embedded image


17.2 ± 6.33
 0.36 ± 0.034





52


embedded image


3.2 ± 0.1
0.026 ± 0.002





53


embedded image


1.5 ± 0.7
0.024 ± 0.006









As illustrated by Table 1, compounds of the invention exhibited high affinity at VMAT2. Selectivity at VMAT2 over hERG, DAT, and SERT were also observed. For example, Compound 9 exhibited a Ki value of 8.71+3.65 nM at VMAT2, and Compound 10 exhibited a Ki value of 25.5+3.57 nM at VMAT2. Further, both Compound 9 and Compound 10 exhibited a >30-fold selectivity at VMAT2 over hERG, DAT, and SERT.


The compounds of the invention were also evaluated for their effect on METH-stimulated locomotor activity in rats. The compounds were observed to exhibit a significant reduction of METH-stimulated locomotor activity after administration. For example, a significant reduction of METH-stimulated locomotor activity was observed after administration of Compound 9 (3 mg/kg, s.c.) and Compound 10 (17 mg/kg, s.c.).


Further exemplary Compounds 54-226 were synthesized and are illustrated in Table 2 below. An additional exemplary synthetic procedure is set forth below in Example 6.


Exemplary compounds 54-226 were tested using the [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake assay according to Example 3, and the microsomal assays according to Example 7. The results of these assays are set forth in Table 2. In addition, various exemplary compounds from among 54-226 were tested using the pharmacokinetic assays according to Example 8.















TABLE 2











Micro-




VMAT2 (rat)
hERG


somal




Inhibition:
Binding:
Micro-
Micro-
stability




Mean Ki
Mean Ki
somal
somal
assays:




(nM) ±
(nM) ±
stability
assays:
Clearance




Standard
Standard
assays:
Half-life
(ml/min



Structure
Deviation
Deviation
Species
(hr)
/kg)





















 54


embedded image


61.8 ± 1.69
908 ± 102








 55


embedded image


27.4 ± 8.93
1550 ± 630 
Rat
<0.1
>400





 56


embedded image


27.4 ± 8.93
1550 ± 630 
Human
0.2
106





 57


embedded image


68.9 ± 13.3
4250 ± 0220








 58


embedded image


16.6 ± 3.99
42.3 ± 8.21








 59


embedded image


13.1 ± 2.87
55.6 ± 7.7 








 60


embedded image


48.3 ± 16.4
3140 ± 1550
Rat
1
30.7





 61


embedded image


48.3 ± 16.4
3140 ± 1550
Human
2.2
9.6





 62


embedded image


31.6 ± 4.66
2380 ± 1120
Rat
0.6
83





 63


embedded image


31.6 ± 4.66
2380 ± 1120
Human
1.8
11.6





 64


embedded image


16.4 ± 1.47
28.8 ± 13.7








 65


embedded image


 112 ± 16.8
Not determined








 66


embedded image


32.5 ± 3.52
10100 ± 3350 
rat
1.5
30.7





 67


embedded image


32.5 ± 3.52
10100 ± 3350 
Human
>4
<10.0





 68


embedded image


 5.53 ± 0.567
 633 ± 46.3
Human
<0.1
>400





 69


embedded image


 5.53 ± 0.567
 633 ± 46.3
Rat
0.6
76.8





 70


embedded image


22.5 ± 4.48
2600 ± 711 
Human
0.9
23





 71


embedded image


22.5 ± 4.48
2600 ± 711 
Rat
0.5
97.2





 72


embedded image


16.4 ± 2.89
 516 ± 63.6
Human
0.8
26.5





 73


embedded image


16.4 ± 2.89
 516 ± 63.6
Rat
1.1
43.7





 74


embedded image


8.82 ± 2.05
831 ± 187








 75


embedded image


22700 ± 432 
Not determined
Human
0.2
121





 76


embedded image


22700 ± 432 
Not determined
Rat
0.8
56





 77


embedded image


 21 ± 1.1
1760 ± 630 
Human
1.9
11.2





 78


embedded image


 21 ± 1.1
1760 ± 630 
Rat
0.3
167





 79


embedded image


19.8 ± 9.29
3441 ± 983 
Rat
2.2
21.1





 80


embedded image


19.8 ± 9.29
3441 ± 983 
Human
0.7
29.5





 81


embedded image


386 ± 194
Not determined
Rat
0.6
83.2





 82


embedded image


386 ± 194
Not determined
Human
0.8
26.3





 83


embedded image


27.7 ± 13.9
6751 ± 3617
Rat
0.4
113





 84


embedded image


27.7 ± 13.9
6751 ± 3617
Human
0.1
173





 85


embedded image


35.7 ± 7.32
1134 ± 711 
Rat
0.1
335





 86


embedded image


35.7 ± 7.32
1134 ± 711 
Human
1.1
18.1





 87


embedded image


12.7 ± 2.85
738 ± 244
Rat
3.5
13.3






Batch A










 88


embedded image


12.7 ± 2.85
738 ± 244
Human
1.6
13.4






Batch A










 89


embedded image


12.7 ± 2.85
738 ± 244
Human
1.5
14






Batch B










 90


embedded image


12.7 ± 2.85
738 ± 244
Rat
1.9
24.9






Batch B










 91


embedded image


36.5 ± 5.56
2200 ± 124 
Rat
<0.1
>400





 92


embedded image


36.5 ± 5.56
2200 ± 124 
Human
0.2
112





 93


embedded image


 129 ± 7.41
Not determined








 94


embedded image


84.6 ± 29.1
3980 ± 3410
Rat
0.4
119





 95


embedded image


84.6 ± 29.1
3980 ± 3410
Human
1.6
12.9





 96


embedded image


78.5 ± 15.8
4070 ± 734 
Rat
0.5
96.8





 97


embedded image


78.5 ± 15.8
4070 ± 734 
Human
1.7
11.9





 98


embedded image


27.8 ± 5.29
17100 ± 12100
Rat
<0.1
>400





 99


embedded image


27.8 ± 5.29
17100 ± 12100
Human
0.2
119





100


embedded image


51.2 ± 12  
7390 ± 1360








101


embedded image


14.7 ± 9.28
4800 ± 940 
Rat
0.2
253





102


embedded image


14.7 ± 9.28
4800 ± 940 
Human
0.6
33.9





103


embedded image


378 ± 30 
Not determined








104
See Compound 105 and








Compound 106










105


embedded image


26.8 ± 6.49
4610 ± 1010
Human
0.7
29.6





106


embedded image


26.8 ± 6.49
4610 ± 1010
Rat
2.6
17.9





107


embedded image


  105 ± 0.189
Not determined
Rat
0.6
82.2





108


embedded image


  105 ± 0.189
Not determined
Human
2.2
9.6





109


embedded image


19.2 ± 4.43
2594 ± 792 
Human
0.8
25.2






Batch A










110


embedded image


19.2 ± 4.43
2594 ± 792 
Rat
>4
<10.0






Batch A










111


embedded image


16.7 ± 3.34
2501 ± 435 
Rat
2.4
19.5






Batch B










112


embedded image


16.7 ± 3.34
2501 ± 435 
Human
0.9
23.5






Batch B










113


embedded image


 157 ± 72.5
Not determined
Human
3.3
6.3





114


embedded image


 157 ± 72.5
Not determined
Rat
0.5
95.9





115


embedded image


  19 ± 3.81
 285 ± 78.8
Human
>4
<5.20





116


embedded image


  19 ± 3.81
 285 ± 78.8
Rat
<0.1
>400





117


embedded image


7.08 ± 1.29
206 ± 137
Rat
0.3
148






Batch A










118


embedded image


7.08 ± 1.29
206 ± 137
Human
>4
<5.20






Batch A










119


embedded image


9.85 ± 1.62
 130 ± 25.6
Rat
0.4
112






Batch B










120


embedded image


9.85 ± 1.62
 130 ± 25.6
Human
>4
<5.20





121


embedded image


13.4 ± 4.8 
  80 ± 67.7
Human
> 4
<5.20





122


embedded image


13.4 ± 4.8 
  80 ± 67.7
Rat
<0.1
>400





123


embedded image


43.7 ± 8.77
223 ± 199
Human
1.2
18.1





124


embedded image


43.7 ± 8.77
223 ± 199
Rat
0.4
116





125


embedded image


8.58 ± 3.71
  82 ± 12.7








126


embedded image


19.3 ± 5.14
2050 ± 773 
Human
1.8
11.5





127


embedded image


19.3 ± 5.14
2050 ± 773 
Rat
<0.1
>400





128


embedded image


 963 ± 50.5
Not determined
Rat
>4
<10.0





129


embedded image


963 ± 50.5
Not determined
Human
>4
<5.20





130


embedded image


634 ± 195
Not determined
Human
0.6
37.3





131


embedded image


634 ± 195
Not determined
Rat
0.3
139





132


embedded image


709 ± 172
Not determined
Rat
0.3
180





133


embedded image


709 ± 172
Not determined
Human
>4
<5.20





134


embedded image


517 ± 112
Not determined
Human
>4
<5.20





135


embedded image


517 ± 112
Not determined
Rat
>4
<7.00





136


embedded image


 386 ± 66.4
Not determined








137


embedded image


 182 ± 56.7
Not determined








138


embedded image


 146 ± 41.9
Not determined
Human
>4
<5.20





139


embedded image


 146 ± 41.9
Not determined
Rat
>4
<7.00





140


embedded image


 132 ± 29.5
Not determined
Human
1.4
14.4





141


embedded image


 132 ± 29.5
Not determined
Rat
<0.1
>450





142


embedded image


117 ± 18.7
Not determined
Rat
0.5
38.3





143


embedded image


 117 ± 18.7
Not determined
Human
0.5
98.1





144


embedded image


 178 ± 78.9
Not determined








145


embedded image


22.1 ± 6.5 
506 ± 199
Rat
0.1
402





146


embedded image


22.1 ± 6.5 
506 ± 199
Human
>4
<5.20





147


embedded image


30.1 ± 14.2
1150 ± 417 








148


embedded image


70.3 ± 13  
4700 ± 373 
Rat
<0.1
>400





149


embedded image


70.3 ± 13  
4700 ± 373 
Human
0.1
162





150


embedded image


39.1 ± 7.97
2340 ± 1070
Rat
0.1
540





151


embedded image


39.1 ± 7.97
2340 ± 1070
Human
0.9
22.6





152


embedded image


27.3 ± 12.8
5697 ± 2972
Rat
0.2
298





153


embedded image


27.3 ± 12.8
5697 ± 2972
Human
1
20.5





154


embedded image


69.1 ± 13.6
 1910 ± 62.7 
Human
>4
<5.20





155


embedded image


69.1 ± 13.6
 1910 ± 62.7 
Rat
<0.1
>450





156


embedded image


 118 ± 25.8
Not determined
Human
0.1
182





157


embedded image


 118 ± 25.8
Not determined
Rat
<0.1
>400





158


embedded image


42.8 ± 8.89
1410 ± 275 
Rat
0.4
120





159


embedded image


42.8 ± 8.89
1410 ± 275 
Human
0.1
216





160


embedded image


14.3 ± 2.2 
67.1 ± 14.7
Rat
0.4
119





161


embedded image


14.3 ± 2.2 
67.1 ± 14.7
Human
>4
<5.20





162


embedded image


30.5 ± 8.59
2951 ± 1360
Human
0.2
102





163


embedded image


30.5 ± 8.59
2951 ± 1360
Rat
<0.1
>400





164


embedded image


53.2 ± 6.5 
1889 ± 639 
Rat
0.6
83.3





165


embedded image


53.2 ± 6.5 
1889 ± 639 
Human
>4
<5.20





166


embedded image


46.5 ± 8.97
2200 ± 251 
Human
0.6
34.3





167


embedded image


46.5 ± 8.97
2200 ± 251 
Rat
0.4
111





168


embedded image


  41 ± 11.1
1780 ± 468 
Human
3.5
6





169


embedded image


  41 ± 11.1
1780 ± 468 
Rat
0.2
200





170


embedded image


6.74 ± 2.59
 199 ± 64.9
Rat
1.4
34.2





171


embedded image


6.74 ± 2.59
 199 ± 64.9
Human
0.3
75.2





172


embedded image


186 ± 127
Not determined
Human
0.5
42.9





173


embedded image


186 ± 127
Not determined
Rat
0.4
126





174


embedded image


52.1 ± 35.9
880 ± 251
Rat
0.4
126





175


embedded image


52.1 ± 35.9
880 ± 251
Human
>4
<5.20





176


embedded image


80.7 ± 21  
 3770 ± 2.04 
Rat
0.7
71.8





177


embedded image


80.7 ± 21  
 3770 ± 2.04 
Human
>4
<5.20





178


embedded image


 124 ± 29.4
 5070 ± 71.4 
Rat
0.5
89.3





179


embedded image


 124 ± 29.4
 5070 ± 71.4 
Human
>4
<5.20





180


embedded image


48.4 ± 19.4
601 ± 195
Rat
0.2
290





181


embedded image


48.4 ± 19.4
601 ± 195
Human
>4
<5.20





182


embedded image


52.7 ± 6.35
512 ± 126
Rat
0.1
375





183


embedded image


52.7 ± 6.35
512 ± 126
Human
>4
<5.20





184


embedded image


9.06 ± 1.61
 196 ± 30.5
Rat
0.1
452





185


embedded image


9.06 ± 1.61
 196 ± 30.5
Human
>4
<5.20





186


embedded image


72.4 ± 29.8
3320 ± 1930
Human
4.8
4.3





187


embedded image


72.4 ± 29.8
3320 ± 1930
Rat
0.3
150





188


embedded image


  22 ± 7.72
467 ± 280
Human
4.4
4.7





189


embedded image


  22 ± 7.72
467 ± 280
Rat
<0.1
>400





190


embedded image


 8.28 ± 0.736
789 ± 221
Human
3.9
5.4





191


embedded image


 8.28 ± 0.736
789 ± 221
Rat
0.2
195





192


embedded image


11.9 ± 9.94
675 ± 127
Rat
0.6
77.2





193


embedded image


11.9 ± 9.94
675 ± 127
Human
0.1
144





194


embedded image


27.7 ± 7.81
791 ± 270
Rat
0.3
138





195


embedded image


27.7 ± 7.81
791 ± 270
Human
>4
<5.20





196


embedded image


7.12 ± 1.59
 402 ± 72.2
Rat
3.2
14.7





197


embedded image


7.12 ± 1.59
 402 ± 72.2
Human
0.5
40.4





198


embedded image


 152 + 25.6
Not determined
Rat
0.1
414





199


embedded image


 152 + 25.6
Not determined
Human
<0.1
>400





200


embedded image


15.2 ± 8.86
242 ± 76 
Rat
0.3
186





201


embedded image


15.2 ± 8.86
242 ± 76 
Human
>4
<5.20





202


embedded image


 119 ± 31.8
Not determined
Human
0.1
155





203


embedded image


 119 ± 31.8
Not determined
Rat
0.2
248





204


embedded image


49.1 ± 3.51
8460 ± 4580
Human
3.6
5.8





205


embedded image


49.1 ± 3.51
8460 ± 4580
Rat
0.5
90.6





206


embedded image


 125 ± 25.4
Not determined








207


embedded image


37.8 ± 6.59
2380 ± 517
Rat
<0.1
>400





208


embedded image


37.8 ± 6.59
2380 ± 517 
Human
<0.1
>400





209


embedded image


17.1 ± 6.86
252 ± 109








210


embedded image


55.4 ± 7.94
3120 ± 251 
Rat
0.1
392





211


embedded image


55.4 ± 7.94
3120 ± 251 
Human
<0.1
>400





212


embedded image


22.2 ± 2.21
642 ± 168
Rat
0.1
439





213


embedded image


22.2 ± 2.21
642 ± 168
Human
>4
<5.20





214


embedded image


6.86 ± 1.81
3043 ± 1373
Human
1.2
17.6





215


embedded image


6.86 ± 1.81
3043 ± 1373
Rat
0.3
148





216


embedded image


65.4 ± 23.4
4190 ± 1080
Rat
0.3
170





217


embedded image


65.4 ± 23.4
4190 ± 1080
Rat
0.3
170





218


embedded image


14.2 ± 2.17
 421 ± 38.1
Human
2.2
9.5





219


embedded image


14.2 ± 2.17
 421 ± 38.1
Rat
<0.1
>400





220


embedded image


40.4 ± 4.72
5340 ± 5630
Rat
0.7
65.3





221
See Compound 220










222


embedded image


4.97 ± 3.08
96.1 ± 28.3
Rat
<0.1
>400





223


embedded image


5.01 ± 1.72
2750 ± 1080









Batch A










224


embedded image




Rat
<0.1
>400






Batch B










225


embedded image


4.99 ± 1.19









226
See Compound 225









Example 6
Synthesis of [N-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-yl]-3-(4-aminophenyl)-1-fluoro-2-propylamine

2-(4-Nirophenylmethylene)oxirane (3.58 g, 20.0 mmol, 1 eq), triethylaminetrihydro-fluoride (3.22 g, 20.0 mmole, 1 eq) and diisopropylethylamine (5.17 g, 40.0 mmol, 2 eq) were placed in a thick-walled glass pressure vial (50 ml) and heated overnight in an oil bath of 150° C. Subsequently, the reaction was cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with 100 ml of ethyl ether. The solution was extracted with 2×20 ml of 10% hydrochloric acid, 20 ml of a concentrated solution of sodium bicarbonate, and 25 ml of brine. The organic layer was separated and concentrated at 25° C. under vacuum of 40 Torr to yield 3.36 g of a mixture (9:1) of 1-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-2-ol with 2-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-1-ol, which was submitted to flash chromatography on silica gel using a solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane (1:8) as an eluent. The desired product, 1-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-2-ol, was collected as the first fraction and the eluents containing it were concentrated at 35° C. and 20 Torr to yield 2.94 g (74% yield) of a light yellow, viscous, transparent oil.


A solution of 1-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-2-ol (2.76 g, 13.85 mmol, 1 eq) in 10 ml anhydrous DCM was added drop by drop by a syringe into a suspension of pyridinium chlorochromate (4.48 g, 20.8 mmol, 1.5 eq) and 4.0 g of Celite in 200 ml of anhydrous DCM while agitated well at ambient temperature. The reaction was energetically agitated at ambient temperature for 17 hours. Subsequently the mixture was diluted with 150 ml of ethyl ether, stirred for an additional 30 minutes, and filtered through a 10 cm-thick layer of 100 ml silica gel. The gel was washed with 3×25 ml of ethyl ether. The filtrates were concentrated at 35° C. and under vacuum of 40 Torr to yield 2.76 g of yellow-brown viscous oil which was purified by flash chromatography on silica-gel using a solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane (1:9). The eluents colored light yellow were evaporated under vacuum at 40° C. and under 15 Torr to yield 2.56 g (93.8% yield) of the desired product, 2-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-1-ol, as light yellow viscous oil.


Into a stirred suspension of 5 g of A4 dry molecular sieves in 30 ml of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane were added 1-fluoro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propan-2-one (2.4 g, 12.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-propylamine (1.86 g, 12.1 mmol, 1.0 eq), and the mixture was stirred for 5 hours at ambient temperature. Subsequently, sodium borohydridetriacetate (4.53 g, 21 mmole, 1.75 eq) was added at ambient temperature, in a single portion, with intense agitation that was maintained overnight. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was diluted with 50 ml of DCM, the liquids were decanted, and the residue A4 molecular sieves were washed 5× with 10 ml of DCM each. All of the solutions were combined and placed in a separatory funnel, washed with a standard solution of sodium bicarbonate 3×20 ml, and then washed with brine 2×25 ml. The lower, organic phase was collected and dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under vacuum at 45° C. and 15 Torr to yield 3.5 g of a yellow-orange colored viscous oil, which was submitted to flash chromatography on silicagel using a solvent mixture of methanol and dichloromethane (1:10). The desired product, [N-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-yl]-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-fluoro-2-propylamine (Rf 0.45), was collected after removal of solvents under vacuum at 35° C. and at 15 Torr as a viscous yellow oil in amount of 2.91 g (71.9% yield).


[N-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-yl]-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-fluoro-2-propylamine (334 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.eq) was suspended/dissolved in 4.0 ml of methanol placed in a 25 ml flask under septum. The flask was flushed with nitrogen, then 60 mg of 5% palladium on carbon was added under nitrogen, which was subsequently replaced with hydrogen from a balloon. The reduction was run overnight under the pressure of the hydrogen from the balloon at ambient temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered through a layer of Celite, concentrated under vacuum at 25° C. and 15 Torr to yield 272 mg (89.4% yield) of viscous, oily product of the desired [N-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-yl]-3-(4-aminophenyl)-1-fluoro-2-propylamine.


A scheme for the synthesis of [N-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-yl]-3-(4-aminophenyl)-1-fluoro-2-propylamine is provided below:




embedded image


Example 7
Microsomal Assays

Liver microsomes (20 mg/ml protein) were purchased from Fisher scientific (female Sprague-Dawley rat microsomes, #50-722-704; pooled mix gender human liver microsomes, #50-722-516). Liver microsomes (0.73 ml) were mixed with EDTA solution (0.06 ml, 0.5 M in water) and potassium phosphate buffer (22.31 ml, 0.1M, pH 7.4, 37° C.) to make 23.1 mL of liver microsome solution (20 mg/mL liver microsome protein). 10 mM stocks of compound in DMSO were diluted with DMSO and acetonitrile (1:4, v:v) to a final concentration of 0.08 mM. 10 mM stocks of controls in DMSO (diphenhydramine HCl, verapamil HCl) were diluted to a final concentration of 0.4 mM. Each diluted compound stock (37.8 μL) was added to an aliquot of the liver microsomal solution (3 ml) and vortexed. The resulting solution was added to each of 3 wells of a master assay plate (pION Inc., MA, #110323). Each plate holds triplicate samples of two controls (0.4 mM) and up to 14 compounds (0.08 mM) in rat and human liver microsomes. Aliquots of each well of the plate (175 μl of each well) were transferred from the master plate into 5 assay plates. For 0-hr time point, pre-cooled (4° C.) internal standard (437.5 μM, 2 μM caffeine in methanol) was added to the first plate before the reaction starts. NADPH regenerating system solution A (6.05 ml, Fisher Scientific, #NC9255727) was combined with NADPH regenerating system solution B (1.21 ml, Fisher Scientific, #NC9016235) in potassium phosphate buffer (15.8 ml, 0.1 M, pH 7.4, 37° C.). The resulting NADPH solution (43.8 μl) was added to each well of all the 96-well assay plates and mixed with pipette briefly making the final protein and compound concentrations respectively: 0.5 mg/ml, 0.08 μM (0.4 μM for controls). Plates were sealed, and all plates except the 0-hr plate were incubated at 37° C., shaken at a speed of 60 rpm. A single assay plate was tested at each time point: 0.5 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, and 4 hr. At each time point, 437.5 μL of pre-cooled internal standard was added each well of the plate to quench the reaction. The quenched plate was then centrifuged (model 5810R, Eppendorf, Westbury, N.Y.) at 3300 rpm for 15 minutes at 4° C. 120 μl supernatant was transferred to a 96-well plate, centrifuged again and analyzed by UPLC-MS (Waters Inc., Milford, Mass.). The compounds and internal standard were detected by selected ion recording (SIR).


The amount of material was measured as a ratio of peak area to the internal standard and graphed. Using the slope from the initial linear portion of this curve, the degradation rate constant is calculated using equation [1]. The rate constant was then used to calculate the compounds half-life in plasma using equation [2]. Intrinsic clearance was calculated as CLint′=(0.693/(t½))*(1/microsomal concentration in the reaction solution)*(45 mg microsome/gram liver)*(gram liver/kg b.w.), where microsomal concentration in the reaction solution is 0.5 mg/ml, and gram liver/kg b.w. of rat and human are 45, 32 and 20, respectively. Intrinsic clearance was also calculated as CLint′ (μL/min/mg protein)=(1000)*(0.693/(t½*60))/0.5.









k
=

-
slope
×
2.303





[
1
]













t

1
/
2


=

ln2
k





[
2
]







Example 8
Pharmacokinetic Assays

Animals: Oral and intravenous dose pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in tandem in age matched female Swiss Webster mice and/or age matched male Sprague-Dawley rats purchased from Envigo-Harlan. Animals were housed in IVC cages with wood chip bedding and given food and water ad libitum. All experiments were conducted in accordance with recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed., and were approved by the University of Kentucky's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.


Dose Formulation and Administration Volumes: Hydrochloric acid salts or free base forms were used for formulation. Dose solutions of these compounds were prepared gravimetrically in 15% Kolliphor EL: 85% Saline (w:w) at concentrations allowing for administration volumes of 2.5×-10× animal body weight (kg animal body weight to mL dose volume conversion factor) depending upon compound solubility in the excipients. Drug solutions were typically warmed to 60° C. while mixing at 650 rpm for 0.25-1 h on an incubating shaker, then sterilized by filtration through 0.2μ nylon syringe filter.


Pharmacokinetic Studies: Groups of 6 animals were dosed with formulated test compound by bolus lateral tail vein injection (iv), by oral gavage (po), or by subcutaneous injection (sc) into left hind flank. At predefined timepoints (typically 5-15 min, 20-30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 8-9 h), whole blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein using pre-heparinized pipet tips (n=3/timepoint from the 6 animals/group/compound having been divided into 2 groups of 3 with sampling alternated between the 2 groups). Whole blood samples were collected into microtubes and centrifuged at 4000×g for 2 min. Plasma supernatants were collected and immediately frozen on dry ice, then transferred to a −80° C. freezer to await processing for LC-MS/MS analysis. Typical dose rates were 2 mg/kg iv, 10 mg/kg po, and <30 mg/kg sc.


Calibrator and Quality Control (OC) Preparation: Analyte spiking solutions (21× concentrated solutions in 50:50 MeOH:H2O) were created by independent dilutions from 1 or 100 μg/mL compound solutions in 50:50 MeOH:H2O). Plasma calibrators (usually 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 15, 30, 100, 400, 700, and 1000 ng/mL) were generated by the addition of 5 μL of appropriate spiking solution into 100 μL blank plasma followed by vortex mixing. Plasma QC samples (usually 0.75, 25, 500, and 850 ng/mL) were prepared in a similar manner using an independent 2nd analyte stock solution. Calibrators and QCs were stored alongside experimental samples at −80° C. until analysis.


Calibrator and Quality Control (OC) Preparation: Analyte spiking solutions (21× concentrated solutions in 50:50 MeOH:H2O) were created by independent dilutions from 1 or 100 μg/mL compound solutions in 50:50 MeOH:H2O). Plasma calibrators (usually 0.25, 0.5, 1, 5, 15, 30, 100, 400, 700, and 1000 ng/mL) were generated by the addition of 5 μL of appropriate spiking solution into 100 μL blank plasma followed by vortex mixing. Plasma QC samples (usually 0.75, 25, 500, and 850 ng/mL) were prepared in a similar manner using an independent 2nd analyte stock solution. Calibrators and QCs were stored alongside experimental samples at −80° C. until analysis.


LC-MS/MS Analysis: Methanolic supernatants were analyzed for compound-specific m z molecular ion/fragment transitions and m z 294.2→105.2 (for GZ-361b ISTD) by LC-MS/MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Analyte and internal standard contained in 5 μL sample injections (15° C. temp.; 1.5 mL 0.1% formic acid in MeOH or 1:1 MeOH: isopropanol injector rinse; 10 sec rinse dip time) were eluted from a guard-protected (2.7 μL, 3×5 mm) Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (2.7 μL, 3×50 mm; oven temp. 40° C.) analytical column with a 0.1% formic acid in water (mobile Phase-A): 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (mobile Phase-B) gradient. Flow rate was constant at 0.4 mL/min and the gradient usually progressed from an initial 0.5 min hold at 10% mobile Phase-B increased linearly to 90% over 3.8 min. The 90% mobile Phase-B was typically maintained for 1.2 min before returning to the initial 10% over a 1 min ramp, with re-equilibration at 10% organic for 1.5 min (7.5 min total run time). Positive-mode ESI Turbo V® source and MS gas, temperature, and probe settings were optimized for 0.4 mL flow rate at CUR=35/ISV=4500/TEM=550/GS1=65/GS2=65/CAD=10 with the probe position=7/0.5 horizontal/vertical. Whereas compound-dependent voltage potential settings were optimized prior to analysis using infusions of ˜100 ng/mL drug standards in 50:50 mobile phase mixture (e.g., Analyte SK-4-292; DP=30, EP=10, CE=47, CXP=15). ISTD voltage potentials were set at DP=70, EP=10, CE=35 and CXP=6. Sample sequences consisted of single randomized experimental sample injections flanked by sets of blanks, calibrators and QCs with QCs interspersed, as needed, to maintain >5% total QC to experimental sample occurrence. High QCs (5,000 and 10,000 ng/mL) were inserted at end of sequence prior to second calibrator injections. Calibration curves were typically constructed by weighted (1/x2) non-linear regression analysis of analyte/ISTD concentration ratios to analyte/ISTD peak area ratios using AB SciexMultiQuant software (Ver 3.0.31721.0).


Various exemplary compounds were tested using the [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake assay according to Example 3, the [3H]Dofetilide binding assay according to Example 4, the microsomal assays according to Example 7, and the pharmacokinetic assays according to Example 8. The results of these assays are set forth in Table 3.
















TABLE 3












Micro-









somal




VMAT2




stability




(rat)
hERG



assays:




Inhibition:
Binding:


Bio-
Species/




Mean Ki
Mean Ki
clog
CNS
avail.
Half-life



Structure
(nM)a
(nM)b
Pc
MPOd
(F %)
(hr)






















220


embedded image


   40
5,340
3.87
3.97
Fmice: quant; Frat: quant
Rat: 0.7 hr





94


embedded image


   85
3,980 N = 2
4.01
3.90

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: 1.6 hr





60


embedded image


   48
3,140 N = 2
4.15
3.83

Rat: 1 hr Human: 2.2 hr





62


embedded image


   32
2,380
4.47
3.67

Rat: 0.6 hr Human: 1.8 hr





57


embedded image


   69
4,250 N = 2
3.71
4.15

Not Deter- mined





70


embedded image


   23
2,600
4.03
3.99







105


embedded image


   27
4,610
3.87
3.97







77


embedded image


   21
1,760 N = 2
3.88
4.06

Rat: 0.3 hr Human: 1.9 hr





109


embedded image


   19
2,500
4.01
3.90

Rat: >4 hr Human: 0.8 hr





88


embedded image


   12 N = 4
738 N = 2
4.03
3.99

Rat: 3.5 hr Human: 1.6 hr





91


embedded image


   37
2,200 N = 2
4.94
2.85

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.2 hr





56


embedded image


   27
1,260 N = 2
4.94
2.86

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.2 hr





148


embedded image


   70
4,700
4.84
3.05

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.1 hr





162


embedded image


   30
3,000
4.99
2.98

Rat: <0.1 hr Human: 0.2 hr





166


embedded image


   47
2,200
4.83
3.40

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: 0.6 hr





187


embedded image


   72
3,320
3.62
3.77
Fmice: 9.4%
Rat: 0.3 hr Human: >4 hr





168


embedded image


   41
1,780
4.25
3.46

Rat: 0.2 hr Human: 3.5 hr





204


embedded image


   49
8,460
3.48
3.84
Fmice: 10% (prelim rat done)
Rat: 0.5 hr Human: 3.6 hr





176


embedded image


   81
5,100
3.62
3.77
Fmice: ~22% (prelim rat done)
Rat: 0.7 hr Human: >4 hr





174


embedded image


   52
 880
4.25
3.46

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: >4 hr





164


embedded image


   53
1,900
4.35
3.40

Rat: 0.6 hr Human: >4 hr





96


embedded image


   79
4,070 N = 2
3.76
3.70

Rat: 0.5 hr Human: 1.7 hr





98


embedded image


   29
17,100  N = 2
4.54
3.10

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.2 hr





100


embedded image


   49
7,390 N = 2
4.68
2.95

Not Deter- mined





101


embedded image


   17
4,800 N = 2
4.68
2.95

Rat: 0.2 hr Human: 0.6 hr





223


embedded image


    5
2,750
3.65
3.79
Fmice: 8.9%
Not Deter- mined





216


embedded image


   65
4,190
4.31
1.85
Fmice: 0.9%
Rat: 0.3%





150


embedded image


   39
2,340
5.29
2.49

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.9 hr





126


embedded image


   19
2,050
4.84
2.90

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 1.8 hr





158


embedded image


   43
1,410
5.2
3.54

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: 0.1 hr





222


embedded image


    5
 100
4.63
4.02

Not Deter- mined





194


embedded image


   28
 800
5.57
2.47
Fmice: 11.9%
Rat: 0.3 hr Human: >4 hr





94


embedded image


   85
3,980 N = 2
4.01
3.57

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: 1.6 hr





188


embedded image


   22
 500
5.44
2.52

Rat: <0.1 hr Human: 4.4 hr





190


embedded image


    9
 790
4.98
2.76
Fmice: 5%
Rat: 0.2 hr Human: 3.9 hr





156


embedded image


   118
49,000  N = 1
4.95
2.81

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.1 hr





178


embedded image


   124
5,070 N = 2
2.52
4.5

Rat: 0.5 hr Human: >4 hr





172


embedded image


   186
Not Deter- mined
3.32
4.38

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.5 hr





103


embedded image


   386
Not Deter- mined
2.65
4.17

Not Deter- mined





134


embedded image


   515
Not Deter- mined
2.35
4.33

Rat: >4 hr Human: >4 hr





192


embedded image


   12
 680
5.27
2.86
Fmice: 6.7%
Rat: 0.6 hr Human: 0.1 hr





196


embedded image


    8
 400
4.56
3.94
Fmice: 3.4% (prelim rat done)
Rat: 3.2 hr Human: 0.5 hr





154


embedded image


   69
 1900
4.56
3.28

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





136


embedded image


   460
Not Deter- mined
5.72
2.46

Not Deter- mined





140


embedded image


   132
Not Deter- mined
6.49
1.94

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 1.4 hr





207


embedded image


   38
2,380
4.07
3.57

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 0.1 hr





198


embedded image


   152
Not Deter- mined
4.95
2.89

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: <0.1 hr





218


embedded image


   14
 420
5.46
2.52

Rat: <0.1 hr Human: 2.2 hr





212


embedded image


   22
 640
5.62
2.3

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





184


embedded image


    9
 202
6.07
2.16

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





200


embedded image


   15
 242
5.61
2.44

Rat: 0.3 hr Human: >4 hr





85


embedded image


   37
 1134
5.45
2.35

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: 1.1 hr





182


embedded image


   53
 512
5.77
2.09

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





180


embedded image


   48
 600
6.39
1.35

Rat: 0.2 hr Human: >4 hr





145


embedded image


   23
 500
5.61
2.43

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





209


embedded image


   17
 252
4.55
3.11

Rat: 0.2 hr Human: 0.1 hr





121


embedded image


   13
  80
5.4
3.37

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: >4 hr





125


embedded image


    9
  82 N = 2
5.24
3.57







79


embedded image


   20
 3441
3.85
4.02

Rat: 2.2 hr Human: 0.7 hr





58


embedded image


   17
  42
4.48
4.09

Not Deter- mined





160


embedded image


   14
  67
4.78
3.94

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: >4 hr





64


embedded image


   16
  29
5.24
3.6NP H- NB1- 226

Not Deter- mined





59


embedded image


   13
  56
4.92
3.77

Not Deter- mined





123


embedded image


   44
 223
4.62
4.02

Rat: 0.4 hr Human: 1.2 hr





54


embedded image


   62
 908
4.74
3.2

Not Deter- mined





170


embedded image


    7
 200
5.02
3.58

Rat: 1.4 hr Human: 0.3 hr





68


embedded image


    5
 633
4.41
4.07

Rat: 0.6 hr Human: 0.1 hr





133


embedded image


   709
Not Deter- mined
2.67
4.33

Rat: 0.3 hr Human: >4 hr





202


embedded image


   119
Not Deter- mined
4.42
4.01

Rat: 0.2 hr Human: 0.1 hr





128


embedded image


   634
Not Deter- mined
1.62
4.67

Rat: 0.3 hr Human: 0.6 hr





227


embedded image


   49
 650
4.33
4.14
No detection






228


embedded image


   41
6,770
4.27
3.87
Frat: 5%






229


embedded image


   36
4,290
3.88
3.72
Frat: 22%






230


embedded image


   42
1,030
3.03
4.43
Frat: >100%






231


embedded image


   29
3,500
3.83
4.08
Frat: 80%






232


embedded image


   52
3,300
4.31
4.07







233


embedded image


   33
 483
4.66
3.67







234


embedded image


   54
1,020
4.66
3.67







235


embedded image


    4 N = 4
4,380
3.88
3.72







236


embedded image


   99
2,010 N = 4
2.99
4.44







237


embedded image


   32
4,780
3.83
4.08







238


embedded image


   220
3,250
4.15
3.83







239


embedded image


   33
10,100 N = 2
4.15
3.83

Rat: 1.5 hr Human: >4 hr





240


embedded image


   48
1,130 N = 2
4.63
3.59







241


embedded image


   106
6,390
4.01
3.90







242


embedded image


   38
1,440
4.61
3.60







243


embedded image


   55
3,180
5.12
2.93

Rat: 0.1 hr Human: <0.1 hr





244


embedded image


   118
1,030 N = 2
4.98
3.16







245


embedded image


   136
2,240 N = 1
4.98
3.15







246


embedded image


   66
 731
4.94
2.92







247


embedded image


   349
Not Deter- mined
5.04
2.93







248


embedded image


   30
1,150
3.93
3.73







249


embedded image


    6
3,000 N = 4
4.84
2.91
Fmice: 2.0%
Rat: 0.3 hr Human: 1.2 hr





250


embedded image


   39
4,100
5.86
2.27







251


embedded image


   55
 535
5.66
3.22







252


embedded image


   67
1,580
5.12
2.89







253


embedded image


   268
Not Deter- mined
4.53
3.98







254


embedded image


   187
Not Deter- mined
4.20
3.90







255


embedded image


   54
3,370
4.33
4.07







256


embedded image


   50
4,880 N = 2
4.33
4.07







257


embedded image


  6480
>34,700 
2.17
4.42







258


embedded image


   16
  90
6.13
2.25

Rat: Not Deter- mined Human: >4 hr





259


embedded image


   104
 818
5.6
2.48







260


embedded image


   65
4,190
4.31
1.85
Fmice: 0.9%
Rat: 0.3 hr





261


embedded image


   32
 316
5.61
2.4







262


embedded image


   178
Not Deter- mined
3.57
4.0

Not Deter- mined





263


embedded image


   146
Not Deter- mined
3.68
4.49

Rat: >4 hr Human: >4 hr





264


embedded image


   209
2,190
6.52
1.95







265


embedded image


   202
5,560
4.15
3.83







266


embedded image


   171
2,460
5.09
2.67







267


embedded image


   19
1,000
5.58
2.41







268


embedded image


   28
 233
5.58
2.40







269


embedded image


   61
 279
6.19
2.1







270


embedded image


   38
1,500
6.19
2.09







271


embedded image


   42
 462
6.19
2.09







272


embedded image


   57
 462
6.19
2.11







273


embedded image


   538
1,220
6.46
1.74







274


embedded image


   45
 220
2.75
4.34







275


embedded image


   53
 308
2.55
4.47







276


embedded image


   24
 3430 N = 2
4.70
3.44







277


embedded image


   66
 732
4.94
2.92







278


embedded image


   98
3,980
3.62
3.77







279


embedded image


   200
2,400 N = 2
3.49
3.83







280


embedded image


   79
4,070 N = 2
3.76
3.7

Rat: 0.5 hr human: 1.7 hr





281


embedded image


   51
 592
4.98
3.15







282


embedded image


   88
 364 N = 2
5.41
2.70







283


embedded image


   41 N = 4
 182
5.41
2.7







285


embedded image


   461
Not Deter- mined
3.96
3.59

Rat: >4 hr Human: >4 hr





286


embedded image


  3126
Not Deter- mined
2.41
4.15







287


embedded image


   533
Not Deter- mined
6.16
1.49







288


embedded image


>100,000
Not Deter- mined
5.67
3.77

Not Deter- mined





289


embedded image


  2970
Not Deter- mined
6.59
3.48

Not Deter- mined





290


embedded image


  4,800
Not Deter- mined
7.58
2.48

Not Deter- mined





291


embedded image


  3,100
Not Deter- mined
5.82
3.2

Not Deter- mined





292


embedded image


   346
Not Deter- mined
6.49
2.04

Rat: <0.1 hr Human: 0.6 hr





293


embedded image


 10,800
Not Deter- mined
3.98
4.35

Rat: 0.5 hr Human: 0.4 hr





294


embedded image


 40,600
Not Deter- mined
3.9
4.43

Rat: 0.8 hr Human: 0.8 hr





295


embedded image


 41,300
Not Deter- mined
4.3
3.24

Not Deter- mined





296


embedded image


 20,000
Not Deter- mined
4.3
3.24

Not Deter- mined






aUnless otherwise indicated on Table 3, the VMAT2 values are mean values obtained minimally from n = 3 experiments.




bUnless otherwise indicated on Table 3, the hERG values are mean values obtained minimally from n = 3 experiments.




ccLogP, the calculated log of the partition coefficient between octanol and water with assumed neutral molecule, is calculated using methods embedded within Collaborative Drug Discovery software that implement Hansch's method, which sums the contributions of functional groups in previously parameterized non-overlapping fragments and includes Hammett corrections. Hansch C, Leo A(1979). “Chapter 5: Calculation of Octanol-Water Partition Coefficients from Fragments, etc.”. Substituent Constants for Correlation Analysis in Chemistry and Biology. NewYork: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. ISBN 978-0-471-05062-9.




dCNS MPO score is calculated using methods embedded within Collaborative Drug Discovery software that implement Hager's method that integrates calculated cLogP, calculated log of the distribution constant of the ionized compounds at pH 7.4 (cLogD), molecular weight, total polar surface area, number of hydrogen bonds, and the most basic center on the molecule into a single score predicting central nervous system penetration. Wager T T, Hou X, Verhoest P R, Villalobos A. Moving beyond rules: the development of a central nervous system multiparameter optimization (CNS MPO) approach to enable alignment of druglike properties. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2010 Jun 16;1(6):435-49. doi: 10.1021/cn100008c. Epub 2010 Mar 25. PMID: 22778837; PMCID: PMC3368654.







Various exemplary compounds were tested using the [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake assay according to Example 3, the [3H]Dofetilide binding assay according to Example 4, the [3H]DA and [3H]5-HT uptake assay according to Example 5, the microsomal assays according to Example 7, and the pharmacokinetic assays according to Example 8. The results of these assays are set forth in Table 3.

















TABLE 4







VMAT2




RLM





(rat)
hERG



CLint





Inhibition:
Binding:


DAT:
(mL/





Mean Ki
Mean Ki
clog
CNS
Ki
min/
Bioavail.



Structure
(nM)a
(nM)b
Pc
MPOd
(nM)e
kg)f
(F %)























231


embedded image


29
3,500
3.83
4.08
2,750
23
Rat oral: 62%; Rat SC: 84%





230


embedded image


42
1,030
3.03
4.43
8,240
<17
Rat oral: 94%; Rat SC: 44%





229


embedded image


36
4,290
3.88
3.72
1,530
41
Rat oral: 94%





237


embedded image


32
4,780
3.83
4.08
3,120
30
Rat oral: 2%





228


embedded image


41
6,770
4.27
3.87
3,040
48
Rat oral: 6%





235


embedded image


 4 N = 4
4,380
3.88
3.72
1,290
71
Rat oral: 8%





234


embedded image


54
1020
4.30
3.85
 703
114






232


embedded image


52
2,590
4.31
4.07
3,580
159






297


embedded image


21
5,020
4.43
3.73
5,820
<17






298


embedded image


16
12,400
3.69
4.16
3,980
18






299


embedded image


29
12,100
3.97
4.01
4,210
19






300


embedded image


 6
8,100
3.83
4.08
1,570
21






301


embedded image


43
1,310
3.69
4.16
6,070
22






302


embedded image


34
7,110
3.74
3.80
3,130
30






303


embedded image


22
2,900
4.12
3.94
4,770
40






304


embedded image


31
1,610
3.69
4.16
5,570
41






305


embedded image


46
4,390
2.06
4.1
20,500 
43






306


embedded image


 9
2,750
3.74
3.80
2,970
47






307


embedded image


17
21,000
2.87
4.5
8,890
51
Rat oral: 8%; Rat SC: >100%





308


embedded image


13
1,900
4.16
4.5
2,930
56






309


embedded image


 6
12,000
3.69
4.16
1,630
57
Rat oral: 5%; Rat SC: 76%





310


embedded image


 5
2,730
4.01
3.90
2,230
74






311


embedded image


51
4,200
4.36
4.05
2,720
117






312


embedded image


 8
3,000
3.02
4.5
1,900 (n = 1)
115
Rat oral: 7%; Rat SC: 42%





313g


embedded image


72 N = 4
4,160



978
Frat: 3.4%






aUnless otherwise indicated on Table 4, the VMAT2 values are mean values obtained minimally from n = 3 experiments.




bUnless otherwise indicated on Table 4, the hERG values are mean values obtained minimally from n = 3 experiments.




ccLogP, the calculated log of the partition coefficient between octanol and water with assumed neutral molecule, is calculated using methods embedded within Collaborative Drug Discovery software that implement Hansch's method, which sums the contributions of functional groups in previously parameterized non-overlapping fragments and includes Hammett corrections. Hansch C, Leo A(1979). “Chapter 5: Calculation of Octanol-Water Partition Coefficients from Fragments, etc.”. Substituent Constants for Correlation Analysis in Chemistry and Biology. New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. ISBN 978-0-471-05062-9.




dCNS MPO score is calculated using methods embedded within Collaborative Drug Discovery software that implement Hager's method that integrates calculated cLogP, calculated log of the distribution constant of the ionized compounds at pH 7.4 (cLogD), molecular weight, total polar surface area, number of hydrogen bonds, and the most basic center on the molecule into a single score predicting central nervous system penetration. Wager T T, Hou X, Verhoest P R, Villalobos A. Moving beyond rules: the development of a central nervous system multiparameter optimization (CNS MPO) approach to enable alignment of druglike properties. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2010 Jun 16;1(6):435-49. doi: 10.1021/cn100008c. Epub 2010 Mar 25. PMID: 22778837; PMCID: PMC3368654.




eDAT Ki values represent inhibition constants for the the dopamine transporter located on the Synaptosomal membrane. DAT Ki values were calculated by subtracting nonspecific uptake determined in the presence of nomifensine (10 uM) from total uptake. IC50 values were obtained from individual concentration-response curves via an iterative curve-fitting program (Prism 7.03; GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA). Inhibition constants (Ki values) were determined using the Cheng-Prusoff equation. Cheng Y and Prusoff W H (1973) Relationship between the inhibition constant (K1) and the concentration of inhibitor which causes 50 per cent inhibition (I50) of an enzymatic reaction. Biochem Pharmacol 22:3099-3108.




fRat Liver Microsome Intrinsic Clearance.




gA microsomal stability assay using rat liver microsomes determined this compound to have a <0.1 hour Species/Half-life. This value was determined using the microsomal assays according to Example 7.







The foregoing description and examples have been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and are not meant to be limiting. Since modifications of the described embodiments incorporating the spirit and the substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed broadly to include all variations within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims
  • 1. A compound of formula (I):
  • 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R1 and R2 are independently an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group selected from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthalenyl, cyclobutadienyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl, tirphenylenyl, fluorenyl, and pyrenyl; or an unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl group selected from the group consisting of pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione, furanyl, carbazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, xanthenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one.
  • 3. The compound of claim 2, wherein substituents on R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); alkylsulfonyl; alkylsulfinyl; a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted phenyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzyl; ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzenephenyl; phenylethyl; amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; N-cyclopentylamino; N,N-dicyclopentylamino; N-cyclohexylamino; N,N-dicyclohexylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; phenyl; methylsulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); vinyl; allyl; propargyl; nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; an oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; a mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; and ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene, wherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; mono-, di-, or tri-deuterium methyl, mono-, di-, or tri-tritium; methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C4-C7 alkenyl (including cis and trans geometrical forms); amino; cycloalkylamino, isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; nitro; azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; and nitrile; andwherein one or more of the benzyl; phenyl; saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon ring; nitrogen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; oxygen-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; sulfur-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; selenium-containing heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety; mixed heterocyclic or heteroaryl moiety containing at least two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium; or ortho-, meta-, or para-substituted benzene substituent on R1 or R2 may be independently fused to R1 or R2 or linked to R1 or R2.
  • 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein: m is 1;n is 2;R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of phenyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrmidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-indolyl, 3H-indolyl, 2H-isoindolyl, indolizinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, phthalazinyl, purinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[d]thiazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, benzo[c]isothiazole, benzo[d]isothiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, quinoline-2(1H)-one, isoquinoline-1(2H)-one, indolin-2-one, isoindolin-1-one, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one, furanyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, 1H-isochromenyl, 3H-isochromenyl, benzofuran-2(3H)-one, isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, benzo[c]thiophenyl, benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one;wherein R1 and R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; C4-C7 straight chain or branched alkyl; amino; isopropylamino; N-methylamino; N,N-dimethylamino; N-cyclopropylamino; N,N-dicyclopropylamino; N-cyclobutylamino; N,N-dicyclobutylamino; carboxylate; methylcarboxylate; ethylcarboxylate; propylcarboxylate; isopropylcarboxylate; carboxaldehyde; acetoxy; propionyloxy; isopropionyloxy; cyano; aminomethyl; N-methylaminomethyl; N,N-dimethylaminomethyl; carboxamide; N-methylcarboxamide; N,N-dimethylcarboxamide; acetyl; propionyl; formyl; benzoyl; sulfate; hydroxyl; methoxy; mono-, di-, or tri-fluoromethoxy; ethoxy; propoxy; isopropoxy; thiol; methylthio; ethylthio; propiothiol; isopropiothiol; methylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH3); ethylsulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH3); propiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfinyl (—S(═O)—CH(CH3)2); methylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); isopropiosulfonyl (—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; trifluoromethyl; trichloromethyl; tribromomethyl; triiodomethyl; aminomethyl (—CH2NH2); nitro; carbamoyl; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); azido; isocyanate; thioisocyanate; hydroxylamino; nitrile; sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2); methylsulfonamide (—NH—S(═O)2—CH3); ethylsulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH3); propiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH2CH2CH3); and isopropiosulfonamide (—NH2—S(═O)2—CH(CH3)2); phenyl; pyrrolyl; imidazolyl; pyrazolyl; thiazolyl; isothiazolyl; oxazolyl; isoxazolyl; pyridinyl; pyridazinyl; pyrmidinyl; pyrazinyl; 1H-indolyl; 3H-indolyl; 2H-isoindolyl; indolizinyl; quinolinyl; isoquinolinyl; quinoxalinyl; cinnolinyl; quinazolinyl; phthalazinyl; purinyl; indazolyl; benzimidazolyl; benzo[d]oxazole; benzo[d]thiazole; benzo[c]isoxazole; benzo[d]isoxazole; benzo[c]isothiazole; benzo[d]isothiazole; benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole; benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole; quinoline-2(1H)-one; isoquinoline-1(2H)-one; indolin-2-one; isoindolin-1-one; 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-one; furanyl; benzofuranyl; isobenzofuranyl; benzofuran-2(3H)-one; isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one; thiophenyl; benzo[b]thiophenyl; benzo[c]thiophenyl; benzo[b]thiophen-2(3H)-one; benzo[c]thiophen-1(3H)-one; and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl;R3 is ═O, methyl; ethyl; propyl; isopropyl; hydroxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; 1-hydroxyethyl; methoxymethyl; carboxylate; methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo; benzyl; or —(CH2)a—O—(C═O)—CHR6—NH2;R4 is hydrogen; a methyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl group substituted with a hydroxyaryl group; carboxylate; methyl ester (—COOCH3), ethyl ester (—COOCH2CH3); propyl ester (—COOCH2CH2CH3); isopropyl ester (—COOCH(CH3)2); butylester (—COOCH2CH2CH2CH3); sec-butylester (—COOCH(CH3)(CH2CH3)); tert-butylester (—COOC(CH3)3); or benzyl ester (—COOCH2(C6H6));R5 is hydrogen, methyl, or ═O; andR6 is methyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of substituted aryl groups and substituted heteroaryl groups; oran enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • 5. The compound of claim 4, wherein R6 is an imidazole substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl substituted with one or more fluoro, chloro, amino, phenyl, or pyridinyl.
  • 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein: m is 1;n is 2;R1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, quinoxalinyl, and benzimidazolyl;wherein R1 is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; amino; carboxamide; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); and sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2).R2 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, quinoxalinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzo[d]oxazole, benzo[c]isoxazole, benzo[d]isoxazole, and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl;wherein R2 is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substitutents selected from the group consisting of fluoro; chloro; bromo; iodo; amino; carboxamide; ureido (—NH(C═O)—NH2); and sulfonamide (—S(═O)2—NH2);R3 is methyl;R4 is hydrogen; andR5 is hydrogen; oran enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein: m is 1;n is 2;R1 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted quinoxalinyl, unsubstituted benzimidazolyl, or phenyl substituted with 3-fluoro, 4-fluoro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 3-amine, 4-amine, 3-ureido, 4-ureido, 3-carboxamide, 4-carboxamide, 3,4-difluoro, 3,4-dichloro, 3,5-difluoro, or 3,5-dichloro;R2 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted quinoxalinyl, unsubstituted indazolyl, unsubstituted benzimidazolyl, unsubstituted benzo[d]oxazole, unsubstituted benzo[c]isoxazole, unsubstituted benzo[d]isoxazole, unsubstituted 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazolyl, and phenyl substituted with 3-fluoro, 4-fluoro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 3-amine, 4-amine, 3-ureido, 4-ureido, 3-carboxamide, 4-carboxamide, 3-sulfonamide, 4-sulfonamide, 3,4-difluoro, 3,4-dichloro, 3,5-difluoro, 3,5-dichloro, 3-fluoro-4-carboxamide, 3-chloro-4-carboxamide, 3-fluoro-4-sulfonamide, 3-chloro-4-sulfonamide, 3-fluoro-4-ureido, or 3-chloro-4-ureido;R3 is methyl;R4 is hydrogen; andR5 is hydrogen; oran enantiomer; racemate; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 9. The compound of claim 8, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive.
  • 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 13. A method of treating a substance use disorder, drug dependence/abuse/addiction or withdrawal from drug dependence/abuse/addiction in an individual in need thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the individual a compound of claim 1.
  • 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the compound is administered to the individual intranasally; intrapulmonarily; topically; orally; intravenously as an infusion or injection; intramuscularly as an infusion or injection; subcutaneously as an infusion, injection, or depot formulation; transdermally; intraperitoneally; or rectally.
  • 17. A method of treating a disease or pathology of the central nervous system, wherein the disease may be cognitive disorders, brain trauma, memory loss, psychosis, sleep disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic disorders, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hyperkinetic syndrome, chronic nervous exhaustion, narcolepsy, pain, motion sickness, depression, and/or dyskinesias resulting from administration from another pharmaceutical compound in an individual in need thereof, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the individual a compound of claim 1.
  • 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:
  • 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the compound is administered to the individual intranasally; intrapulmonarily; topically; orally; intravenously as an infusion or injection; intramuscularly as an infusion or injection; subcutaneously as an infusion, injection, or depot formulation; transdermally; intraperitoneally; or rectally.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/848,462, filed Apr. 14, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/493,836, filed Apr. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,668,030, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/325,875, filed Apr. 21, 2016, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62325875 Apr 2016 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 16848462 Apr 2020 US
Child 17842425 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 15493836 Apr 2017 US
Child 16848462 US