US 4,954,502 AGrant

1-Indolyalkyl-4-(Substituted-Pyridinyl)piperazines

Issue Date:1990-09-04

•58 Claims

Abstract

A series of 1,4-disubstituted piperazine derivatives comprised of indol-3-ylalkyl and substituted pyridin-2-yl substituent groups. These compounds are useful as antidepressant agents.

Metadata

Assignee

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Inventors

David W. Smith
Frank D. Yocca
Joseph P. Yevich
Ronald J. Mattson

Application Information

Application Number:US 3382532

Filing Date:1989-04-14

Priority Date:1988-06-10

Art Unit:122

Classifications

IPC:

A61K 31495A61K 3144C07D40114

Field of Search:

544514364;349253

Patent Drawings

This patent does not have any drawings.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The compounds which constitute this invention, their methods of preparation and their biologic actions will appear more fully from consideration of the following examples, which are given for the purpose of illustration only and are not be construed as limiting the invention in sphere or scope. In the following examples, used to illustrate the foregoing synthetic processes, temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius and melting points are uncorrected. The nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR) spectral characteristics refer to chemical shifts (.delta.) expressed as parts per million (ppm) versus tetramethylsilane (TMS) as reference standard. The relative area reported for the various shifts in the H NMR spectral data corresponds to the number of hydrogen atoms of a particular functional type in the molecule. The nature of the shifts as to multiplicity is reported as broad singlet (bs), singlet (s), multiplet (m) or doublet (d). Abbreviations employed are DMSO-d.sub.6 (deuterodimethylsulfoxide), CDCl.sub.3 (deuterochloroform) and are otherwise conventional. The infrared (IR) spectral descriptions include only absorption wave numbers (cm.sup.-1) having functional group identification value. The IR determinations were employed using potassium bromide (KBr) as diluent. The elemental analyses are reported as percent by weight and are given in Table 3.

The following examples describe in detail the preparation of compounds of Formula I, as well as synthetic intermediates in each process. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, both of materials and methods, will allow preparation of other compounds disclosed herein. From the foregoing description and the following examples it is believed that one skilled in the art is able to use the invention to the fullest extent.

A. Preparation of Intermediate Compounds

Some representative procedures for preparation of synthetic intermediate compounds utilized in the three processes of Scheme 1 are given hereinbelow. Most starting materials and certain intermediates (e.g. Formula II and VII compounds), are either commercially available or procedures for their synthesis are readily available in the chemical literature allowing their full utilization by one skilled in the art of organic synthetic chemistry.

Compounds of Formula III

EXAMPLE 1

1-(3-Methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine

To a stirred mixture of 2-bromo-3-pyridinol (71.0 g) and pulverized KOH (77.8 g) in DMSO (500 mL) at 55.degree.-60.degree. C. and under N.sub.2 atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of CH.sub.3 I (72.4 g) in DMSO (100 mL). After the addition was complete, the reaction was maintained at 55.degree.-60.degree. C. for 1/2 h. The mixture was then poured into ice water (800 g) and the precipitate filtered. The precipitate was triturated with Et.sub.2 O (3.times.500 mL) and the combined extracts treated in turn with 1 N NaOH (500 mL), water (500 mL), 1 N HCl (3.times.250 mL), and sat. NaCl solution (500 mL). The organic phase was dried with anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 2-bromo-3-methoxypyridine (52.3 g; 68%).

Anhydrous piperazine (45.6 g) and 2-bromo-3-methoxypyridine (10.0 g) were heated neat in an autoclave at 100.degree. C. for 20 h. Upon cooling, the mixture was treated with 5% NaCO.sub.3 (20 mL) and extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The extracts were dried using anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 1-(3-methoxy-2pyridinyl)piperazine (III; 8.43 g; 82%) after silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2/ MeOH/NH.sub.4 OH; 93:7:0.7).

EXAMPLE 2

1-(3-Trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)piperazine

A mixture of 2-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl pyridine (5.0 g), anhydrous piperazine (7.22 g), and micropulverized anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (7.73 g) in acetonitrile (50 mL) was heated at reflux with stirring while under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 20 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (15 mL) added to the concentrate. Ihe aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH/NH.sub.4 OH; 94:6:0.6) of the residue yielded 1-(3-trifluoromethyl-2pyridinyl)piperazine (III; 5.50 g; 85%).

EXAMPLE 3

1-(6-Methoxy-2-pvridinyl)piperazine

A mixture of 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (6.0 g) and NaOMe (16.42 g) in DMF (25 mL,) was heated at 100.degree. C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 20 h. The excess DMF was then removed under reduced pressure. Water (5 mL) was added to the residue and the mixture extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. The combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 98:2) of the concentrate yielded the 4-(6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)1-piperazinecarboxaldehyde (5.13 g; 81%).

A mixture of the formamide intermediate, prepared above, (3.55 g) in 6 N HCl (30 mL) was heated at reflux for 1/2 h. The reaction was cooled to 0.degree. C., made basic with 10N NaOH, and extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrat.ed under reduced pressure to afford 1-(6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (2.72 g; 83%).

EXAMPLE 4

1-(6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine

A mixture of 2.6-dichloropyridine (4.0 g), anhydrous piperazine (6.97 g), and micropulverized anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (7.45 g) in acetonitrile (50 ml) was heated at reflux with stirring while under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 20 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (15 mL) added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, are concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatc,graphy (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH/NH.sub.4 OH; 94:6:0.6) of the residue yielded 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (4.80 g; 90%).

EXAMPLE 5

2-(3-Methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1S,4S)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

A. Preparation of (1S,4S)-N-Benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane

(cf: J. Org. Chem. (1966), 31. 1059-1062)

(1) N-Tosylhydroxy-L-proline

To a solution of hydroxy-L-proline (80 g) in 2N NaOH (800 mL) was added tosyl chloride (136.1 g) in Et.sub.2 O (700 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 11/2 h and continued for an additional 31/2 h at 23.degree. C. The aqueous layer was separated, acidified with concentrated HCl to pH 1 and allowed to stand at -10.degree. C. for 12 h. The precipitate was filtered, washed with cold water, and concentrated in vacuo to a volume of 300 mL. The precipitate obtained was combined with the previous precipitate. The combined solids were recrystallized from ethyl acetate. Drying in vacuo at 50.degree. C. for 24 h afforded trans-4-hydroxy-1-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-L-proline (107.38 g, 62%).

(2) Potassium salt of trans-4-hydroxy-1-(4-toluene- sulfonyl)-L-proline

To a solution of trans-4-hydroxy-1-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-L-proline (107.38 g) in acetone (450 mL) was added potassium 2-ethyl hexanoate in BuOH (1.91N; 189.5 mL). After standing at 23.degree. C. for 20 min, the insoluble material was filtered and the resulting solution was concentrated to 320 mL. Et.sub.2 O (1000 mL) was added to the concentrate and the solvents removed under reduced pressure yielting a solid (122.90 g). The hygrosoopic product was used in the next step without further purification.

(3) N-Tosylhydroxy-L-proline methyl ester

To a solution of potassium trans-4-hydroxy-1-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-L-proline (122.90 g) in 250 mL of N,N-dimethylacetamide was added methyl iodide (24.5 mL) while under nitrogen atmosphere. The light protected mixture was stirred 16 h. The mixture was poured onto ice water and extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.400 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 2% NaHCO.sub.3 (400 mL), H.sub.2 O (4.times.1.5 L), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to leave a viscous oil. The crude oil was triturated within petroleum ether to give N-tosylhydroxy-L-proline methyl ester as a pale yellow solid (63.20 g, 56.2%) which was used in the next step without further purification.

(4) (2S,4R)-1-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-2-hydroxymethyl4-hydroxy pyrrolidine

To a solution of N-tosylhydroxy-L-proline methyl ester (62.20 g) in THF (600 mL) at 0.degree. C. for 1 h and allowed to stand at 23.degree. C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to -20.degree. C., made neutral with 6N HCl, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with water (550 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4.times.300 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with H.sub.2 O, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give N-tosylhydroxy-L-prolinol as a white solid (50.56 g, 88.8%) which was used in the next step without further purification.

(5) (2S,4R)-1-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-2-(4-toluenesulfonyloxymethyl)-4-(4-toluene- sulfonyloxy)-pyrrolidine

To a solution of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (155 g) in pyridine (330 mL) at 0.degree. C. was added N-tosylhydroxy-L-prolinol (104.40 g). The reaction mixture was kept at 6.degree. C. for 72 h and then poured into cold 2N HCl (2.5 L). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.1000 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give an oil. The oil was triturated with EtOH and the solid that formed was collected by filtration. The crude product was recrystallized from EtOH (3.5 L) to give tritosylhydroxy-L-prolinol (99.87 g, 44.2%, m.p. 130.degree.-132.degree. C., [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.24 =-57.1, c=1.2, acetone).

(6) 1S,4S)-2-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-5-phenylmethyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

To a suspension of tritosylhydroxy-L,-prolinol (98.87 g) in toluene (350 mL) was added benzylaxine (54.83 g). The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 18 h and allowed to cool to 23.degree. C. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with ethanol and the solid that formed was collected by filtration to give (1S,4S)2-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-5-phenylmethyl-2,5-diazabicycloheptane (54.18 g, 93.2%) which was used in the next step without further purification.

(7) (1S,4S)-N-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dihydrobromide

A mixture of (1S,4S)-2-(4-toluenesulfonyl)-5-phenylmethyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan e (54.9 g) in acetic acid (830 mL) containing hydrobromic acid (30% wt) was heated at 70.degree. C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and concentrated under reduced pressure to a final volumen of ca. 300 mL. The precipitate that formed was filtered and washed with acetone to give (1S,4S)-N-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (50.30 g 91.3%, m.p. 272-275.degree. C.).

By adjusting the starting materials and using the foregoing synthetic scheme the other isomer, (1R,4R)-N-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane can be obtained (cf: J. Org. Chem. (1981), 46 2954-2960).

B. 2-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1S,4S)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

(1) 2-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-5-phenylmethyl-(1S,4S)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]-h eptane

A mixture of 2-bromo-3-methoxy pyridine (9.9 g) and (1S,4S)-N-benzyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (10.9 g) was heated at 100.degree. C. in a Parr bomb for 67 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 23.degree. C., dissolved in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, extracted with 5% NaHCO.sub.3, and finally wit:h H.sub.2 O. The organic layer was dried over K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude oil was purified by silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 :MeOH; 96:4) to give the desired product (7.93 g, 51%).

(2) 2-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-5-phenylmethyl-(1S,4S)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]he ptane

(7.88 g) in EtOH (250mL) was acidified to a pH of 1 with ethanolic HCl. The reaction mixture was treated with 5% palladium-on-carbon (2.05 g) and hydrogenated at 50 psi at 60.degree. C. for 6 h. After this time, the heating was discontinued and the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and the hydrogenation continued for 16 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was made alkaline by the addition of 5N NaOH. The solution was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (4.times.250 mL) and combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were dried over K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and conoentrated under reduced pressure to give 2-(3-methoxy-2pyridinyl)-(1S,4S)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (4.67 g; 85.2%).

Compounds of Formula IV

EXAMPLE 6

1-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxobutyl]4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine

To a mixture of 1-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (III; 1.28 g), 3-indolebutyric acid (1.08 g), and triethylamine (1.02 g) in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (50 mL) was added 1-methyl-2-chloropyridinium iodide (1.62 g). The reaction was heated at reflux with stirring and under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 4 h. After cooling to ambient temperature, the solution was extracted with aqueous 5% HCl followed by aqueous 5% NaHCO.sub.3. The organic phase was dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 98.2) of the concentrate afforded the amide product (IV; 1.00 g; 50%).

Compounds of Formula V

EXAMPLE 7

3-(3-bromopropyl)-1H-indole

Phosphorus tribromide (17.4 g) in Et.sub.2 O (30 mL) was added dropwise to a Et20 solution (100 mL) containing 3-(3-hydroxypropyl)indole (VI; 7.5 g) at 0.degree. C. with stirring and under N.sub.2 atmosphere. After the addition was complete, the reaction was allowed to warm to 23.degree. C. and continuously stirred for 16 h. At the end of this time, the reaction was cooled to 0.degree. C. and ice (ca. 25 mL) added portionwise and stirred an additional 2 h. The organic phase was separated from the aqueous phase and the aqueous layer extracted with Et.sub.2 O. The combined organic phases were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with MgSO.sub.4. filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 3-(3-bromopropyl)indole (V; 1.51 g; 15%).

EXAMPLE 8

5-Fluoro-3-(2-bromoethvl)indole

To a solution of 5-fluoro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)indole (10.3 g, 0.056 mol) and CBr (24.8 g, 0.073 mol) in 100 mL of dry acetonitrile at 0.degree. C. under Ar was added a solution of triphenylphosphine (19.6 g, 0.073 mol) in 200 mL of dry acetonitrile. The mixture was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 1 h and then at room temperature for 2 h. The resulting mixture was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed (SiO.sub.2 /ethyl acetate-hexane=1:4) to give the product (8.50 g, 61%) as a brown solid;

IR (neat) 3440 cm.sup.-1 ;

.sup.1 Hnmr (80 MHz, CDCl.sub.3)

.delta.:7.75 (br s, 1H), 7.15-6.57 (m, 4H), 3.53-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.17-2.94 (m,2H).

Compounds of Formula VI

EXAMPLE 9

3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-lH-indole

To a stirred suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (4.02 g) in THF (200 mL) at 0.degree. C. and under N atmosphere was added dropwise a THF solution (100 mL) containing indole-3-propanoic acid (20.0 g). After the addition was complete, the reaction was heated at reflux for 16 h, after which time the mixture was cooled to 0.degree. C. and water (4 mL) added, followed by 15% NaOH (4 mL), and finally additional water (12 mL). The reaction was filtered and the THF filtrate extracted with 5% NaOH (4 mL), and finally additional water (12 mL). The reaction was filtered and the THF filtrate extracted with 5% NaHCO.sub.3 followed by a sat. NaCl solution. The organic phase was dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 3-(3-hydroxypropyl)indole (VI; 7.5 g; 41%).

EXAMPLE 10

3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-indole

To a stirred suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (3.24g) in THF (200 mL) at 0.degree. C. and under N.sub.2 atmosphere was added tropwise a THF solution (50 mL) containing indole-3-acetic acid (10.0 g). After the addition was complete, the reaction was heated at reflux for 3 h, after which time the mixture was cooled to 0.degree. C. and water (3.3 mL) added, followed by 15% NaOH (3.3 mL), and finally additional water (9.9 mL). The reaction was filtered and the filter cake washed with Et.sub.2 O. The organic layers were combined, dried with anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 3-(2hydroxyethyl)indole (VI; 7.4 g; 80%).

EXAMPLE 11

5-Floro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)indole

To a suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (8.60 g, 0.23 mol) in 400 mL of dry THF was added 5-fluoro-3-indoleglyoxylic acid ethyl ester (13.50 g, 0.057 mol) portionwise at room temperature. Preparation of this ester intermediate is given hereinbelow. The mixture was heated to reflux under Ar for 1 h and was then cooled at 0.degree. C. and quenched according to the method of Fieser (Fieser and Fieser, "Reagents for Organic Synthesis", Vol. 1, pg. 584). The resulting slurry was filtered and the filter cake was washed with THF. The filtrate was dried (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and evaporated to give the product (10.00 g, 100%) as a yellow oil. It was used as such without further purification;

IR (neat) 3420 cm.sup.-1

.sup.1 Hnmr (80 MHz, CDCl.sub.3)

.delta.7.73 (br s, 1H), 7.1-6.4 (m, 4H), 3.57 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H), 2.66 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.20 (br s, 1H).

5-Fluoro-3-indoleglyoxylic acid ethyl ester

To a solution of 5-fluoroindole (7.35 g, 0.054 mol) in 75 mL of anhydrous ether was added oxalyl chlcride (5.60 mL, 0.064 mol) dropwise at 0.degree. C. under Ar.

The yellow suspension was stirred at 0.degree. C. for 11/2 h and then the solid was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to give 5-fluoro-3-indoleglyoxylyl chloride (12.0 g, 100%) as a yellow solid; IR (neat) 1765, 1627 cm.sup.-1.

This solid was taken up in 160 mL of absolute ethanol and was then treated with triethylamine (8.1 mL, 0.058 mol) dropwise at 0.degree. C. under Ar. The mixture was refluxed for 41/2 h and was then allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered and then dried in vacuo to give the product (10.8 g, 87%) as a yellow solid which was used without further purification.

Compounds of Formula VIII

EXAMPLE 12

4-[4-(6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-cyclohexan-1-one

A solution of 4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-cyclohexan-1-one ethylene ketal (IX, Example 13: 7.56 g, 22 mmole) in 10% aqueous HCl (200 mL) was refluxed for 16 h. The solution was cooled and then neutralized with 30% aqueous NaOH solution. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3.times.75 mL) and the extracts were dried over Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate as the eluent to give the desired ketone product (VIII) as an oil (5.70 g, 92%).

Compounds of Formula IX

EXAMPLE 13

4-[4-(6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl ]-cyclohexan-1-one ethylene ketal

A solution of 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine (8.00 g, 40 mmole) 1,4-cyclohexanedione mono-ethylene ketal (6 25 g, 40 mmole), and titanium(IV) isopropoxide (15 mL, 14.21 g, 50 mmole) was heated to 80.degree. C. for 30 min. The mixture was cooled and diluted with absolute ethanol (40 mL). Sodium borohydride (ten 0.4 g tablets, 0.1 mole) was added and the mixture was stirred for 4 h. Water (10 mL) was added to the solution with stirring and the solid titanium dioxide was filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (75 mL). The solution was again filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate as the eluent to give the desired ketal product (IX) as an oil (7.56 g, 56%).

B. Preparation of Formula I Products

By Process 1 (Ia Products)

EXAMPLE 14

4-[6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl]-1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]piperazine hydrochloride

A mixture of 3-(2-bromoethyl)indole (2.05 g), 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (3.61 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (2 52 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.16 g) in acetonitrile (25 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 21/2 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (15 mL) added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 C1.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 Cl.sub.3, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc/Hexanes; 70:30) of the residue yielded the free base (3.10 g; 99%) which was treated with ethanolic HCl to provide the desired Ia product (2.63 g; 77%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.19 H.sub.21 N.sub.4 Cl.HCl:

C, 60.49; H, 5.88; H, 14.85

found: C, 60.27; H, 5.88; N, 14.66

NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): 3.24 (8H, m); 3.72 (2H, m); 4.40 (2H, m); 6.81 (1, d, 7.4 Hz); 7.02 (3H, m); 7.25 (lH, d, 1.0 Hz); 7.39 (1H, m); 7.64 (2H, m); 10.85 (1H, bs); 10.98 (lH, bs).

IR (KBr): 750, 770, 960, 1140, 1270, 1420, 1460, 1550, 1600, 2440 and 3240 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 15

1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-4-6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl]piperazine hydrochloride

A mixture of 3-(1-bromoethyl)indole (1.12 g), 1-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (2.31 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (1.38 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.08 g) in acetonitrile (50 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 21/2 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (10 mL) added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and concentrated under reduced preesure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 98:2) of the residue yielded the free base (1.56 g; 83%) which was treated with ethanolic HCl to yield the hydrochloride salt of the desired Ia product (1.17 g; 68%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.20 H.sub.21 N.sub.4 F.sub.3.HCl:

C, 58 47; H, 5.40; N, 13.64

Found C, 58.37; H, 5.38; N, 13.56.

NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): 3.25 (8H, m); 3.72 (2H, d, 13.4 Hz); 4.48 (2H, d, 13.4 Hz); 7.10 (5H, m); 7.34 (1H, d, 7.0 Hz); 7.61 (1H, d, 7.0 Hz); 7.83 (1H, m); 10.60 (1H, bs); 10.95 (1H, bs).

IR (KBr): 740, 800, 960, 1120, 1130, 1340, 1490, 1610, 2600, 2925 and 3250 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 16

1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-4[6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl-piperazine hydrate

A mixture of 3-(2-bromoethyl)indole (1.66 g), 1-(6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (2.86 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (2.04 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate 0.13 g) in acetonitrile (50 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 2 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (10 mL) added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography. (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 96:4) of the residue yielded the free base of the desired Ia product (2.20 g; 89%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.20 H.sub.24 N.sub.O. 0.5 C.sub.2 H.sub.6 O.0.5 H.sub.2 O:

C, 68.46; H, 7.66; N, 15.21; H.sub.2 O, 2.45

Found: C, 68.24; H, 7.59; N, 15.35; H.sub.2 O, 2.30.

NMR (CDCl.sub.3) 2.70 (6H, m); 3.08 (2H, m); 3.61 (4H m); 3.90 (3H, s); 6.11 (1H, d, 9.5 Hz); 6.20 (1H, d, 9.0 Hz); 7.12 (3H, m); 7.40 (2H, m); 7.68 (1H, m); 8.00 (1H, bs).

IR (KBr): 745, 790, 985, 1250, 1450, 1460, 1590, 2840, 3180 and 3550 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 17

1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-4-[3-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl]piperazine hydrochloride

A mixture of 3-(2-bromoethyl)indole (1.79 g), 1-(3-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (1.85 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (2.21 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sufate (0.014 g) in acetonitrile (50 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 3 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (10 mL) added tothe concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and concentrated urnder reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 97.3) of the residue yielded the free base (1.66 g; 56%) which was treated with ethanolic HCl to yield the hydrochloride salt of the desired Ia product (1.45 g; 80%).

Anal Calcd for C.sub.20 H.sub.21 N.sub.4 F.sub.3.HCl:

C, 58.47; H, 5.40; N, 13.64

Found: C, 58.60; H, 5.43; N, 13.66.

NMR (DMSO-d ): 3.30 (10H, m); 3.72 (2H, m); 7.08 (2H, m); 7.22 (1H, d, 4.9 Hz); 7.35 (2H, m); 7.66 (1H, m); 8.12 (1H, m); 8.60 (1H, m).

IR (KBr): 750, 1040, 1130, 1320, 1450, 1580, 1595 2460, 2580 and 3230 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 18

1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-4-[3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl]-piperazine

A mixture of 3-(2-bromoethyl)indole (2.00 g), 1-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (1.72 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (2.46 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (0.15 g), in acetonitrile (50 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 5 h. The excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and water (10 mL) was added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.50 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 96.4) of the residue yielded the free base of the desired Ia product (1.32 g; 44%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.20 H.sub.24 N.sub.4 O:

C, 71.41; H, 7.20; N, 16.66

Found: C, 71.34; H, 7.23; N, 16.55.

NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 2.80 (6H, m); 3.04 (2H, m); 3.55 (4H, m); 3.90 (3H, s); 6.86 (1H, dd, 4.8, 7.6 Hz); 7.14 (4H, m); 7.36 (1H, m); 7.66 (1H, m); 7.92 (1H, dd, 1.4, 4.8 Hz); 8.14 (1H, bs).

IR (film): 740, 1210, 1240, 1440, 1450, 1470, 1590, 2840, 2940, 3200 and 3450 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 19

1-(6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-4-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]piperazine hydrochloride

An acetonitrile solution (25 mL) containing 3-(3-bromopropyl)indole (V; 1.51 g), 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (III; 2.50 g), micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (1.75 g), and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate was heated at reflux with stirring and under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 1 h. Excess acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining mixture was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl2. The solid residue was dissolved in water (10 mL) and extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2. The combined organic extracts were dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a viscous material. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc/CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 ; 4:1) yielded the free base (1.67 g; 74%) which was treated with ethanolic HCl to provide the hydrochloride salt of the desired Ia product (1.6 g; 87%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.20 H.sub.23 ClN.sub.4.HCl:

C, 61.39; H, 6.19; N, 14.32

Found: C, 61.49, H, 6.24; N, 14.35.

NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): 2.14 (2H, m); 2.80 (2H, t, 6.9 Hz); 3.18 (4H, m); 3.55 (4H, m); 4.36 (2H, d, 13.6 Hz); 6.82 (1H, d, 8.1 Hz); 6.91 (1H, d, 8.1 Hz); 7.05 (3H, m); 7.40 (1H, d, 92 Hz); 7.62 (2H, m); 11.00 (1H, bs); 11.55 (1H, bs).

IR (KBr): 740, 785, 950, 1130, 1260, 1440, 1590, 2600, 2920 and 3150 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 20

1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propyl]-4-[3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl]piperazine dihydrochloride hydrate

A mixture of 3-(3-bromopropyl)indole (1.55 g), 1-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (2.51 g), micrppulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (1.79 g) and tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (b 0.11 g) in acetonitrile (100 mL) was heated at reflux under N.sub.2 atmosphere for 3 h. The excess acetonitrile was remoVed under reduced pressure and water (15 mL) added to the concentrate. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 3.times.60 mL). The combined CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 extracts were washed with sat. NaCl solution, dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 95:5) of the residue yielded the free base which was treated with ethanolic HCl to yield the dihydrochloride salt of the desired Ia product (1.30 g; 45%)

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.21 H.sub.26 N.sub.4 O.2HCL.0.95 H.sub.2 O:

C, 57.27; H, 6.85; N, 12.72; H.sub.2 O, 3.89

Found: C, 57.67; H, 6.82; N, 12.67; H.sub.2 O, 4.18.

NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) 2.16 (2H, m); 2.78 (2H, t, 6.7 Hz); 3.20 (6H, m) 3.57 (2H, d, 12.5 Hz); 3.85 (3H, S); 4.08 (2H, d, 12.5 Hz); 4.80 (3H, bs); 7.02 (4H, m); 7.39 (2H, m); 7.56 (1H d, 7.8 Hz); 7.81 (1H, dd, 5.8, 0.8 Hz); 10.85 (2H, bs).

IR (KBr): 760, 770, 1010, 1255, 1430, 1470, 1555, 1610, 2450, 2910 and 3210 cm.sup.-1.

By Process 2. (Ia Products)

EXAMPLE 21

1-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridine-1)piperazine dihydrochloride

Borane-methyl sulfide complex (3.3 mL; 2.0 M THF soln.) was added dropwise to a THF (9 mL) solution containing 1-[4-(indol-3-yl)-1-oxobutyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (IV; 1.0 g) at 0.degree. C. while under N atmosphere. After the addition was complete, the reaction was heated at reflux for 3 h. Upon cooling to 0.degree. C., MeOH (5 mL) was added and the reaction allowed to stand 20 h at 22.degree. C. The reaction was cooled to 0.degree. C. and HCl gas introduced until a pH<2 was attained, after which the solution was gently refluxed for 1 h. The reaction was cooled, MeOH (10 mL) added, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was heated atreflux in 4 N acetic acid for 5 h. After cooling, the reaction was made basic with 10 N NaOH (pH>10) and extracted with Et.sub.2 O. The combined Et.sub.2 O extracts were dried with anhydrous K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH; 97:3) aforded the free base which was treated with ethanolic HCl to provide the dihydrochloride of the desired Ia product (83 mg; 8%).

Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.28 N.sub.4 O.2HCl:

C, 60.42; H, 6.92; N, 12.81

Found: C, 60.15; H, 6.73; N, 12.67.

NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) 1.73 (4H, m); 2.74 (2H, t, 6.6 Hz); 318 (4H, m); 3.33 (2H, m); 3.53 (2H, d, 12.0 Hz); 4.00 (v, m, bs, CH.sub.2, H.sup.+, H.sub.2 O); 3.85 (3H, s); 7.04 (3H, m); 7.16 (1H, d, 2.2 Hz); 7.34 (1H, d, 7.6 Hz); 7.42 (1H, dd, 8.0, 1.2 Hz); 7.52 (1H, d, 7.2 Hz), 7.83 (1H, dd, 5.2, 1.2 Hz).

IR (KBr): 740, 805, 1000, 1270, 1460, 1550, 1560, 1600, 2570, 2930 and 3250 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 22

4-[6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl]-1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propyl]piperazine

To a mixture of 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridyl)piperazine (1.418 g,7.2 mmol), triethylamine hydrochloride (994 mg, 7.2 mmol) and NaCNBH.sub.3 (1.512 g, 24 mmol) in 12 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran was added a solution of 3-(2-oxopropyl)indole (416 mg, 2.4 mmol) in 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature under Ar for 17 h and then it was poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with ethyl acetate (.times.3). The organic phase was washed with H.sub.2 O, (.times.2) and 0.1N HCl (25 mL) and then it was dried (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and evaporated to give a gum. Chromatography (SiO.sub.2 /CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 -acetonitrile=1:1) of this gum gave the product (714 mg, 84%) as a white foam.

.sup.1 NMR (CDCl.sub.3)

.delta.7.98 (br s, 1H), 7.64-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.343 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.50 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.62-3.57 (m, 4H), 3.18--3.09 (m, 1H) 3.06-2.93 (m, 1H) 2 79-2.74 (m 4H) 2.65 (dd, J=13.5, 9.1 Hz, 1.03 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H).

The hydrochloride was prepared by treating an ethereal solution of the product with anhydrous HCl. The resulting white fluffy solid was crystallized from ethanol-ether to give the hydrochloride salt (660 mg, 85%) as a white, microcrystalline solid: m.p. 242.degree.-244.degree. C. (dec).

By Process 3 (Ib and Ic Products)

EXAMPLE 23

3-[4-[4-(6-Chloro-2-pvridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-1cyclohexen-1-yl]-5-methoxy-1 H-indole

A solution of 5-methoxyindole (0.26 g, 1 8 mmole), 4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-1-piperazinyl]-cyclohexane-1one (VIII; 0.50 g, 1.7 mmole), and pyrrolidine (0 5 mL) in ethanol (10 mL) was refluxed for 18 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate as the eluent to give the desired product of formula Ib (0.59 g, 82%., m.p. 210.degree.-213.degree. C.).

Anal Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 ClN.sub.4 O:

C, 68.16; H, 6.44; N, 13.25

Found: C, 68.00; H, 6.57; N, 12.97

NMR(DMSO-d.sub.6): 1.52 (1H, m); 2.04 (1H, m), 2.22 (1H, m); 2.0 (2H, m); 2.64 (6H, m); 3.48 (4H, m); 3.75 (3H, s); 8.07 (1H, m); 6.63 (1H, d, 7.4 Hz); 6.75 (2H, m); 7.26 (3H, m); 7.53 (1H, dd, 7.9, 8.1 Hz); 10.91 (1H, bs).

IR (KBr): 780,800, 980, 1140, 1260, 1450, 1480, 1550, 1600, 2840 and 2920 cm.sup.-1.

EXAMPLE 24

3-[4-[4-(Substituted-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-1-cyclohexan-1-yl]-1H-indo le

4-(1H-indol-3-yl)cyclohex-3-enone, ethylene ketal, XII

Indole (1.17 g, 10 mmol), 1.4-cyclohexanedione monoethylene ketal (1.95 g, 12.5 mmol), and pyrrolidine (1.77 g, 25mmol, 2.1 mL) were refluxed in ethanol (50 mL) for 3 days The solution was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was washed with ethyl acetate (30 mL) and the solid product was collected and dried (yield: 2.05 g, 80%). The product was recrystallized from methanol (20 mL) to give compound XII as a white powder (1.75 g).

4-(1H-indol-3-yl)cyclohexanone, XI

Compound XII (1.75 g, 6.9 mmol) was hydrogenated for 18 h at 60 psi using 10% Pd/C (0.15 g). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was refluxed for 18 h in acetone (150 mL) with water (10 mL) and p-toluene sulfonic acid (0.10 g). Sodium carbonate (5.0 g) was added and the mixture refluxed for 30 min. The mixture was cooled and filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate as the eluent to give the XI desired product (129 g, 88%).

3-[4-(4-(Substituted-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl)-1-cyclohexyl]-1H-indole, Ic

A mixture of compound II (10 mmol), the desired substituted-pyridinyl piperazine (III; 10 mmol), and titanium(IV) isoprcpoxide (3.72 mL, 12.5 mmol) would be stirred until the IR spectrum of the mixture showed no remaining ketone band (gentle heating may be required). The viscous solution would then be diluted with ethanol (10-20 mL) and sodium cyanoborohydride (0.42 g, 6.7 mmol) added. After stirring for 20 hr, water (2 mL) would be added and the resulting inorganic precipitate filtered and washed with ethanol. The filtrate could then be concentrated in vacuo and the crude product purified by chromatography on silica gel. Alternately, cyclchexenyl products of Formula Ib may be hydrogenated to yield products of Formula Ic in cases where other substituents on the precursor molecule are stable to the hydrogenation process

Compound preparation data for these and other Formula I compounds, prepared in a manner similar to the above procedures, is shown in Table 1. Selection of appropriate starting materials and intermediates as well as adjustments of the procedures would be well within the skill of one skilled in the art.

Additional Detailed Description of the Invention

Some additional compounds of Formula I have been made, tested and found to have useful CNS properties particularly antidepressant properties. The additional compounds were prepared by employing the synthetic processes described hereinabove, using alterations which would be apparent to a skilled chemist in order to produce the desired product compound Some additional examples are given here for further guidance.

Additional Intermediate Compounds.

Compounds of Formula III

EXAMPLE 58

1-6-Chloro-2-pyridinyl)-2-methylpiperazine

A mixture of 2-methylpiperazine (21.31 g), 2,6-dichloropyridine (10.0 g) and micropulverized K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 (27.99 g) in CH.sub.3 CN (200 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen atmosphere for 24 h. The reaction was filtered and the filtrate concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentrate was dissolved in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 and extracted with 5% NaHCO.sub.3 and water. The organic phase was dried with K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH/NH.sub.4 OH; 96:4:0:4) of the residue yielded product: (13.34 g, 93%).

EXAMPLE 59

1-(3-Methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-2-methylpiperazine

A mixture of 2-methylpiperazine (6.66 g) and 2-bromo-3-methoxypyridine (2.5 g) was heated in an autoclave at 100.degree. C. for 24 h. The reaction mixture was dissolved in CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 and extracted with 5% NaHCO.sub.3 and water. The organic phase was dried with K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH/NH.sub.4 OH; 92:8:8.0) of the residue yielded the product (2.28 g, 83%).

EXAMPLE 60

1-(5-Chloro-3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine

(a) 2-bromo-5-chloro-3-pyridinol

A solution of bromine (12.35 g) in 10% NaOH (70 mL) was added dropwise with stirring to a solution of 5-chloro-3-pyridinol (10.00 g) in 10% NaOH (70 mL). After the addition was complete, the reaction was stirred at 22.degree. C. for 20 h. The reaction was cooled to 0.degree. C. and acidified to pH 5.3 with concentrated HCl (aq). The precipitate was filtered and dried under vacuum for 60 h to afford a) (15.66 g, 97%).

(b) 2-bromo-5-chloro-3-methoxypyridine

To a stirred mixture of 2-bromo-5-chloro-3-pyridinol (15.66 g) and pulverized KOH (16.79 g) in DMSO (100 mL) at 55-60.degree. C. was added dropwise a solution of CH.sub.3 I (13.27 g) in DMSO (35 mL) while under nitrogen atmosphere. After the addition was complete, the reaction was maintained at 55.degree.-60.degree. C. for 1 h. The reaction was extracted with Et.sub.2 O (3.times.150 mL) and the combined Et.sub.2 O extracts were treated in turn with 1N NaOH (150 mL), water (150 mL), 1N HCl (150 mL), water (150 mL), and a saturated NaCl solution (150 mL). The organic phase was dried with MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield a solid material. Recrystallization of the solid from hexane afforded b) (3.52 g, 21%).

Anhydrous piperazine (13.41 g) and 2-bromo-5-chloro-3-methoxypridine (3.50 g) were heated in an autoclave at 100.degree. C. for 20 h. The mixture was dissolved in water (10 mL) and extracted with CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (3.times.100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with a saturated NaCl soution, dried with K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Silica gel chromatography (CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 /MeOH; 90:10) of the residue yielded product (1.17 g, 33%).

Compounds of Formula V

EXAMPLE 61

3-2-Bromoethyl)-1-methylindole

(a) Methyl 1-methylindole-3-acetate

A dispersion of 35% KH in oil (21.0 g, 0.18 mol) was washed free of oil with dry pentane under an Ar atmosphere To a suspension of the resulting solid in 100 mL of dry dimethylformamide was added a solution of indole-3-acetic acid (10.5 g, 0.060 mol) in 60 mL of dimethylformamide, dropwise at -20.degree. C. under Ar. The mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 2 h and then CH.sub.3 I (12.0 ml, 0.19 mol) was added dropwise. Stirring was continued at -20.degree. to 10.degree. C. for 21/2 h and then the mixture was stored at 5.degree. C. for 16 h. Ether was then added and the mixture was washed (H.sub.2 O, brine), dried (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and evaporated to give an orange oil. Flash chromatography (SiO.sub.2 /10-20% ethyl acetate-hexane.times.2) of this oil afforded the product (5.25 g, 43%) as an oil: IR (near) 1745 cm.sup.-1 ; .sup.1 Hnmr (80 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.75-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.07 (m, 4H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H).

(b) 3-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1-methylindole

To a suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (2.0 g, 0.052 mol) in 50 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise a solution of methyl 1-methylindole-3-acetate (5.25 g, 0.026 mol) in 70 mL of dry tetrahyqrofuran at -10.degree. C. under Ar. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h and then it was cooled at 0.degree. C. and quenched by the sequential addition of 2 mL of H.sub.2 O, 2 mL of 15% aqueous NaOH and finally 6 mL of H.sub.2 O. The resulting slurry was filtered and the filter cake was washed with additional tetrahydrofuran. Evaporation of the filtrate gave the product (40 g, 89%) as an oil which was used without further purification.

To a solution of 1-methyl-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)indole (4.00 g,0.023 mol) in 50 mL of acetonitrile at -20.degree. C. under Ar was added a solution of CBr.sub.4 (10.16 g, 0.031 mol) in 25 mL of acetonitrile, followed by a solution of triphenylphosphine (8.00 g, 0.031 mol) in 125 mL of acetonitrile. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to 0.degree. C. over 2 h. The resulting mixture was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed (SiO.sub.2 /hexane, then ethyl acetate-hexane=1:4) to give the product (4.00 g, 74%) as a brown oil: IR (neat) 2940, 1617, 1552 cm.sup.-1 ; .sup.1 Hnmr (200 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.58 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.09 (m, 3H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.62 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.32 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H).

EXAMPLE 62

3-[1-Methyl-3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)propyl]indole

To a suspension of LiAlH.sub.4 (1.50 g, 39 mmol) in 100 mL of dry THF at -10.degree. C. under Ar was added a solution of ethyl 3-(3-indolyl)-3-methylpropionate.sup.1 (7.00 g, 30 mmol) in 50 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h and then it was quenched at 0.degree. C. with 2 mL of H.sub.2 O. The resulting slurry was filtered and the filter cake was washed with THF. The filtrate was then dried (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and evaporated to give the intermediate VI product, 3-(1-methyl-3-hydroxypropyl)indole (5.05 g, 88%) as an oil: IR (neat) 3420, 3300 cm.sup.-1.

To an ice cold solution of 3-(1-methyl-3-hydroxypropyl)indole (5.00 g. 0.026 mol) in 100 mL of CH.sub.2 C;.sub.2 was added triethylamine (4.1 mL, 0.03 mol), p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (5.50 g, 0.029 mol) and 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (0.6 g). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under Ar for 18 h and then it was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed (SiO.sub.2 /ethyl acetate-hexane=1:0, then ethyl acetate) to give the product (7.75 g, 86%) as a light brown gum: IR (neat) 3420, 1357, 1175 cm.sup.-1.

1. Oikawa, et. al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1759 (1978).

Additional Formula I Compounds.

EXAMPLE 36 - ALTERNATE PREPARATION

3-[2-[4-(6-Chloro-2-pyridyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-indole

To a mixture of 1-(6-chloro-2-pyridyl)piperazine (1.418 g. 7.2 mmol), triethylamine hydrochloride (994 mg, 7.2 mmol) and NaCNCH.sub.3 (1.512 g, 24 mmol) in 12 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran was added a solution of 3-(2-oxopropyl)indole (416 mg, 2.4 mmol) in 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature under Ar for 17 h and then it was poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with ethyl acetate (.times.3). The organic phase was washed with H.sub.2 O (.times.2) and 0.1N HCl (25 mL) and then it was dried (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and evaporated to give a gum. Chromatography (SiO.sub.2 /CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 -acetonitrile=1:1) of this gum gave the product (714 mg, 84%) as a white foam: .sup.1 Hnmr (200 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.98 (br, s, 1H), 7.64-7.5(m, 1H), 7.43-7.343 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.50 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H, 3.62-3.57 (m, 4H), 3.18-3.09 (m, 1H), 3.06-2.93 (m, 1H), 2.79-2.74 (m, 4H), 2.65 (dd, J=13.5, 9.1 Hz, 1H), 1.03 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H). The hydrochloride salt was prepared by treating an ethereal solution of the product with anhydrous HCl. The resulting white fluffy solid was crystallized from ethanol-ether to give the hydrochloride salt (660 mg, 85%) as a white, micro-crystalline solid: m.p. 242.degree.-244.degree. C. (dec); IR KBr) 3430, 3190, 1590 cm.sup.-1.

Additional Formula I compounds which have been prepared by appropriate modifications of the reaction schemes and procedures given hereinabove, are displayed in Table IA.

Claims

We claim:

1. A compound of Formula I aor the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, ##STR58## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from hydrogen and lower alkyl, wherein lower means C.sub.1-4 ; R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 are independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, carboxamide, halogen, trifluoromethyl and thio-lower alkyl, with the proviso that R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 cannot both be hydrogen at the same time; A is a C.sub.5-7 cycloalkanyl or cycloalkenyl ring, or A is ##STR59## wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3 and R.sup.5 is the same as R.sup.1 ; and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 can be taken together as a methylene bridge.

2. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is a C.sub.5-7 cycloalkanyl or cycloalkenyl ring.

3. The compound cf claim 1 wherein A is ##STR60##

4. The compound cf claim 1 wherein R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are selected from hydrogen or methyl.

5. The compound cf claim 1 wherein R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are taken together as a methylene bridge.

6. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

7. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(3-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl) -piperazine.

8. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-2-methypiperazine.

9. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-5(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1R,4R)-2,5-diazabicyc lo[2.2.1] heptane.

10. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

11. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(6-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

12. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-5(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1S,4S)-b 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1] heptane.

13. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

14. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

15. The compound of claim 1; 1-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-4(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

16. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

17. The compound of claim 1; 2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-5(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-(1S,4S)-2,5diazabicyclo [2.2.1]heptane.

18. The compound of claim 1; 2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-5(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-(1R,4R)-2,5-diazabicycl o[2.2.1] heptane.

19. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

20. The compound of claim 1; 1-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-4(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

21. The compound of claim 1; 1-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butyl]-4(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

22. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4(4-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

23. The compound of claim 1; 2-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-5(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1S,4)-2,5-diazabicyc lo[2.2.1] heptane.

24. The compound of claim 1; 2-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-5(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-(1R,4R)- 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1] heptane.

25. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-2-methylpiperazine.

26. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(4-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

27. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

28. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

29. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-chIoro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

30. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

31. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-4(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

32. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)piper azine.

33. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)pipe razine.

34. The compound of claim 1; 3-[4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)1-piperazinyl]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]-5-methoxyi ndole.

35. The compound of claim 1; 3-[4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]-1H-indole

36. The compound of claim 1; 3-[4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)1-piperazinyl]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]-1H-indole- 5-carboxamide.

37. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(N-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

38. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5,6-dimethoxy-1H-indol-3yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazin e.

39. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(N-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

40. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(N-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

41. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

42. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

43. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4(5-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

44. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-[N-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

45. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-chloro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

46. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-chloro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

47. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5-chloro-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-methyl-piperazi ne.

48. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-2-methyl-piperazine.

49. The compound of claim 1; 4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-[2-(6-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-piperazine.

50. The compound of claim 1; 1- methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-piperazine.

51. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-methylpropyl]-4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine.

52. The compound of claim 1; 1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-methylpropyl]-4-(3-methoxy-2-pyridiyl)piperazine.

53. The compound of claim 1; 1-[2-(5,6-dimethoxy-1H-indol3-yl)ethyl]-4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)p iperazine.

54. The compound of claim 1; 3-[4-[4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1piperazinyl]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]-5-fluoro-1 H-indole.

55. The compound of claim 1; 4-(5-chloro-3-methoxy-2-pyridinyl)-1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propypyl]-piperazi ne hydrochloride.

56. The compound of claim 1; 4-(6-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1-[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]-2-methyl-piperazine.

57. A method for ameliorating of depression in a mammal comprising administration to said mammal of an effective antidepressant amount of a compound claimed in claim 1.

58. A antidepressant pharmaceutical composition in dosage unit form suitable for systemic administration to a mammalian host comprising a pharmaceutical carrier and from about 1 to 500 mg of an active compound selected from the compounds claimed in claim 1.

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