Benzothiophene Compounds Intermediate Compositions and Methods for Inhibiting Aortal Smooth Muscle Proliferation

This invention relates to the fields of pharmaceutical and organic chemistry and provides novel benzothiophene compounds which are useful for the treatment of the various medical indications associated with post-menopausal syndrome, and uterine fibroid disease, endometriosis, and aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation. The present invention further relates to intermediate compounds useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutical compositions.

"Post-menopausal syndrome" is a term used to describe various pathological conditions which frequently affect women who have entered into or completed the physiological metamorphosis known as menopause. Although numerous pathologies are contemplated by the use of this term, three major effects of post-menopausal syndrome are the source of the greatest long-term medical concern: osteoporosis, cardiovascular effects such as hyperlipidemia, and estrogen-dependent cancer, particularly breast and uterine cancer.

Osteoporosis describes a group of diseases which arise from diverse etiologies, but which are characterized by the net loss of bone mass per unit volume. The consequence of this loss of bone mass and resulting bone fracture is the failure of the skeleton to provide adequate structural support for the body. One of the most common types of osteoporosis is that associated with menopause. Most women lose from about 20% to about 60% of the bone mass in the trabecular compartment of the bone within 3 to 6 years after the cessation of manses. This rapid loss is generally associated with an increase of bone resorption and formation. However, the resorptive cycle is more dominant and the result is a net loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a common and serious disease among post-menopausal women.

There are an estimated 25 million women in the United States, alone, who are afflicted with this disease. The results of osteoporosis are personally harmful and also account for a large economic loss due its chronicity and the need for extensive and long term support (hospitalization and nursing home care) from the disease sequelae. This is especially true in more elderly patients. Additionally, although osteoporosis is not generally thought of as a life threatening condition, a 20% to 30% mortality rate is related with hip fractures in elderly women. A large percentage of this mortality rate can be directly associated with post-menopausal osteoporosis.

The most vulnerable tissue in the bone to the effects of post-menopausal osteoporosis is the trabecular bone. This tissue is often referred to as spongy or cancallous bone and is particularly concentrated near the ends of the bone (near the joints) and in the vertebrae of the spine. The trabecular tissue is characterized by small osteoid structures which interconnect with each other, as well as the more solid and dense cortical tissue which makes up the outer surface and central shaft of the bone. This inter-connected network of trabeculae gives lateral support to the outer cortical structure and is critical to the bio-mechanical strength of the overall structure. In post-menopausal osteoporosis, it is, primarily, the net resorption and loss of the trabeculae which leads to the failure and fracture of bone. In light of the loss of the trabeculae in post-menopausal women, it is not surprising that the most common fractures are those associated with bones which are highly dependent on trabecular support, e.g., the vertebrae, the neck of the weight bearing bones such as the femur and the fore-arm. Indeed, hip fracture, collies fractures, and vertebral crush fractures are hall-marks of post-menopausal osteoporosis.

At this time, the only generally accepted method for treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis is estrogen replacement therapy. Although therapy is generally successful, patient compliance with the therapy is low primarily because estrogen treatment frequently produces undesirable side effects.

Throughout premenopausal time, most women have less incidence of cardiovascular disease than age-matched men. Following menopause, however, the rate of cardiovascular disease in women slowly increases to match the rate seen in men. This loss of protection has been linked to the loss of estrogen and, in particular, to the loss of estrogen's ability to regulate the levels of serum lipids. The nature of estrogen's ability to regulate serum lipids is not well understood, but evidence to date indicates that estrogen can upregulate the low density lipid (LDL) receptors in the liver to remove excess cholesterol. Additionally, estrogen appears to have some effect on the biosynthesis of cholesterol, and other beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

It has been reported in the literature that post-menopausal women having estrogen replacement therapy have a return of serum lipid levels to concentrations to those of the pre-menopausal state. Thus, estrogen would appear to be a reasonable treatment for this condition. However, the side-effects of estrogen replacement therapy are not acceptable to many women, thus limiting the use of this therapy. An ideal therapy for this condition would be an agent which would regulate the serum lipid level as does estrogen, but would be devoid of the side-effects and risks associated with estrogen therapy.

The third major pathology associated with post-menopausal syndrome is estrogen-dependent breast cancer and, to a lesser extent, estrogen-dependent cancers of other organs, particularly the uterus. Although such neoplasms are not solely limited to a post-menopausal women, they are more prevalent in the older, post-menopausal population. Current chemotherapy of these cancers has relied heavily on the use of anti-estrogen compounds such as, for example, tamoxifen. Although such mixed agonist-antagonists have beneficial effects in the treatment of these cancers, and the estrogenic side-effects are tolerable in acute life-threatening situations, they are not ideal. For example, these agents may have stimulatory effects on certain cancer cell populations in the uterus due to their estrogenic (agonist) properties and they may, therefore, be contraproductive in some cases. A better therapy for the treatment of these cancers would be an agent which is an anti-estrogen compound having negligible or no estrogen agonist properties on reproductive tissues.

In response to the clear need for new pharmaceutical agents which are capable of alleviating the symptoms of, inter alia, post-menopausal syndrome, the present invention provides new benzothiophene compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using such compounds for the treatment of post-menopausal syndrome and other estrogen-related pathological conditions such as those mentioned below.

Uterine fibrosis (uterine fibroid disease) is an old and ever present clinical problem which goes under a variety of names, including uterine fibroid disease, uterine hypertrophy, uterine lieomyomata, myometrial hypertrophy, fibrosis uteri, and fibrotic metritis. Essentially, uterine fibrosis is a condition where there is an inappropriate deposition of fibroid tissue on the wall of the uterus.

This condition is a cause of dysmenorrhea and infertility in women. The exact cause of this condition is poorly understood but evidence suggests that it is an inappropriate response of fibroid tissue to estrogen. Such a condition has been produced in rabbits by daily administrations of estrogen for 3 months. In guinea pigs, the condition has been produced by daily administration of estrogen for four months. Further, in rats, estrogen causes similar hypertrophy.

The most common treatment of uterine fibrosis involves surgical procedures both costly and sometimes a source of complications such as the formation of abdominal adhesions and infections. In some patients, initial surgery is only a temporary treatment and the fibroids regrow. In those cases a hysterectomy is performed which effectively ends the fibroids but also the reproductive life of the patient. Also, gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists may be administered, yet their use is tempered by the fact they can lead to osteoporosis. Thus, there exists a need for new methods for treating uterine fibrosis, and the methods of the present invention satisfy that need.

Endometriosis is a condition of severe dysmenorrhea, which is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding into the endometrial masses or peritoneal cavity and often leads to infertility. The cause of the symptoms of this condition appear to be ectopic endometrial growths which respond inappropriately to normal hormonal control and are located in inappropriate tissues. Because of the inappropriate locations for endometrial growth, the tissue seems to initiate local inflammatory-like responses causing macrophage infiltration and a cascade of events leading to initiation of the painful response. The exact etiology of this disease is not well understood and its treatment by hormonal therapy is diverse, poorly defined, and marked by numerous unwanted and perhaps dangerous side effects.

One of the treatments for this disease is the use of low dose estrogen to suppress endometrial growth through a negative feedback effect on central gonadotropin release and subsequent ovarian production of estrogen; however, it is sometimes necessary to use continuous estrogen to control the symptoms. This use of estrogen can often lead to undesirable side effects and even the risk of endometrial cancer.

Another treatment consists of continuous administration of progestins which induces amenorrhea and by suppressing ovarian estrogen production can cause regressions of the endometrial growths. The use of chronic progestin therapy is often accompanied by the unpleasant CNS side effects of progestins and often leads to infertility due to suppression of ovarian function.

A third treatment consists of the administration of weak androgens, which are effective in controlling the endometriosis; however, they induce severe masculinizing effects. Several of these treatments for endometriosis have also been implicated in causing a mild degree of bone loss with continued therapy. Therefore, new methods of treating endometriosis are desirable.

Smooth aortal muscle cell proliferation plays an important role in diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Vascular restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been shown to be a tissue response characterized by an early and late phase. The early phase occurring hours to days after PTCA is due to thrombosis with some vasospasms while the late phase appears to be dominated by excessive proliferation and migration of aortal smooth muscle cells. In this disease, the increased cell motility and colonization by such muscle cells and macrophages contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of the disease. The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular aortal smooth muscle cells may be the primary mechanism to the reocclusion of coronary arteries following PTCA, atherectomy, laser angioplasty and arterial bypass graft surgery. See "Intimal Proliferation of Smooth Muscle Cells as an Explanation for Recurrent Coronary Artery Stenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty," Austin et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 8: 369-375 (Aug. 1985).

Vascular restenosis remains a major long term complication following surgical intervention of blocked arteries by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), atherectomy, laser angioplasty and arterial bypass graft surgery. In about 35% of the patients who undergo PTCA, reocclusion occurs within three to six months after the procedure. The current strategies for treating vascular restenosis include mechanical intervention by devices such as stents or pharmacologic therapies including heparin, low molecular weight heparin, coumarin, aspirin, fish oil, calcium antagonist, steroids, and prostacyclin. These strategies have failed to curb the reocclusion rate and have been ineffective for the treatment and prevention of vascular restenosis. See "Prevention of Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty: The Search for a `Magic Bullet`," Hermans et al., American Heart Journal, 122:171-187 (July 1991).

In the pathogenesis of restenosis excessive cell proliferation and migration occurs as a result of growth factors produced by cellular constituents in the blood and the damaged arterial vessel wall which mediate the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vascular restenosis.

Agents that inhibit the proliferation and/or migration of smooth aortal muscle cells are useful in the treatment and prevention of restenosis. The present invention provides for the use of compounds as smooth aortal muscle cell proliferation inhibitors and, thus inhibitors of restenosis.

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I ##STR2## wherein

R.sup.1 is --H, --OH, --O(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl), --OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, --OCO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), or --OSO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl );

R.sup.2 is --H, --OH, --O(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl), --OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, --OCO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), --OSO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl) or halo, providing when z is --S--, R.sup.2 is not halo;

R.sup.3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, diisopropylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;

n is 2 or 3; and

z is --O-- or --S--;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Also provided by the present invention are intermediate compounds of formula II which are useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active compounds of the present invention, and are shown below ##STR3## wherein

R.sup.1a is --H or --OR.sup.7 in which R.sup.7 is a hydroxy protecting group;

R.sup.2a is --H, halo, or --OR.sup.8 in which R.sup.8 is a hydroxy protecting group, providing when z is --S--, R.sup.2a is not halo;

R.sup.6 is --H or a hydroxy protecting group which can be selectively removed; and

Z is --O-- or --S--.

The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of formula I, optionally containing estrogen or progestin, and the use of such compounds, alone, or in combination with estrogen or progestin, for alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal syndrome, particularly osteoporosis, cardiovascular related pathological conditions, and estrogen-dependent cancer. As used herein, the term "estrogen" includes steroidal compounds having estrogenic activity such as, for example, 17.beta.-estradiol, estrone, conjugated estrogen (Premarin.RTM.), equine estrogen 17.beta.-ethynyl estradiol, and the like. As used herein, the term "progestin" includes compounds having progestational activity such as, for example, progesterone, norethylnodrel, nongestrel, megestrol acetate, norethindrone, and the like.

The compounds of the present invention also are useful for inhibiting uterine fibroid disease and endometriosis in women, and aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly restenosis, in humans.

One aspect of the present invention includes compounds of formula I ##STR4## wherein

R.sup.1 is --H, --OH, --O(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl ), --OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, --OCO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), or --OSO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl);

R.sup.2 is --H, --OH, --O(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl ), --OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, --OCO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), --OSO.sub.2 (C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl), or halo, providing when Z is --S--, R.sup.2 is not halo;

R.sup.3 is 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl, 4-morpholino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, diisopropylamino, or 1-hexamethyleneimino;

n is 2 or 3; and

z is --O-- or --S--;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

General terms used in the description of compounds herein described bear their usual meanings. For example, "C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl" refers to straight or branched aliphatic chains of 1 to 6 carbon atoms including moieties such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, n-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, and the like. Similarly, the term "C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy" represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group attached through an oxygen molecule and include moieties such as, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, and the like. Of these alkoxy groups, methoxy is highly preferred in most circumstances.

The starting material for one route for preparing compounds of formula I of the present invention, compounds of formula III, are prepared essentially as described by C. D. Jones in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,418,068, and 4,133,814, each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Formula III has the structure ##STR5## wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.2a are as defined above.

The R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 hydroxy protecting groups are moieties which generally are not found in the final, therapeutically active compounds of formula I, but which are intentionally introduced during a portion of the synthetic process to protect a group which otherwise might react in the course of chemical manipulations, and is then removed at a later stage of the synthesis. Since compounds bearing such protecting groups are of importance primarily as chemical intermediates (although some derivatives also exhibit biological activity), their precise structure is not critical. Numerous reactions for the formation, removal, and possibly, reformation of such protecting groups are described in a number of standard works including, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, Plenum Press (London and New York, 1973); Green, T. W., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley (New York, 1981); and The Peptides, Vol. I, Schrooder and Lubke, Academic Press, (London and New York, 1965).

Representative hydroxy protecting groups include, for example, --C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, --C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, --CO--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), --SO.sub.2 -- (C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 alkyl), and --CO--Ar in which Ar is optionally substituted phenyl. The term "substituted phenyl" refers to a phenyl group having one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, halo, and tri(chloro or fluoro) methyl. The term "halo" refers to bromo, chloro, fluoro, and iodo.

For compounds of formula III, preferred R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 substituents are methyl and methoxymethyl. Compounds in which R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 each are methyl are prepared via the procedure described in the above-referenced Jones patent. Another preferred hydroxy protecting group is methoxymethyl. However, a formula IV compound, as shown below, is first prepared bearing the preferred methyl or other hydroxy protecting group(s). These protecting groups are then removed, forming phenolic moieties, which are then reprotected with methoxymethyl protecting groups.

The first steps of the present process for preparing certain compounds of formula I include selectively placing a leaving group at the 3 position of a formula III compound, coupling the reaction product of the first step with a 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenol, and removing the phenol's hydroxy protecting group. The present process is depicted in Scheme I below. ##STR6##

In the first step of Scheme I, an appropriate leaving group is selectively placed at the 3-position of the formula III starting material via standard procedures. Appropriate R.sup.9 leaving groups include the sulfonates such as methanesulfonate, 4-bromobenzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, isopropanesulfonate, 4-methoxybenzenesUlfonate, 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate, 2-chlorobenzenesulfonate, triflate, and the like, halogens such as bromo, chloro, and iodo, and other related leaving groups. However, to insure proper placement of the leaving group, the named halogens are preferred, and bromo is especially preferred.

The present reaction is carried out using standard procedures. For example, when the preferred halogenating agents are used, an equivalent of such a halogenating agent, preferably bromine, is reacted with an equivalent of the formula III substrate, in the presence of a suitable solvent such as, for example, chloroform or acetic acid. The reaction is run at a temperature from about 40.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C.

The reaction product from the above process step, a compound of formula IV, is then reacted with a 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenol to form compounds of formula IIa in which R.sup.6 is a selectively removable hydroxy protecting group. Generally, the 4-hydroxy protecting moiety of the phenol may be any known protecting group which can be selectively removed without removing the R.sup.7 and, when present, R.sup.8 moieties of a formula IIa compound. Preferred R.sup.6 protecting groups include methoxymethyl, when R.sup.7 and/or R.sup.8 are not methoxymethyl, and benzyl. Of these, benzyl is especially preferred. The 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenol reactants are commercially available or can be prepared via standard procedures.

This coupling reaction is known in the art as an Ullman reaction and is run according to standard procedures [See, e.g., Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, Fourth Edition, 3-16, (J. March, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1992); Jones, C. D., J. Chem. Soc. Perk. Trans. I, 4:407 (1992)].

In general, equivalent amounts of the two aryl substrates, in the presence of up to an equimolar amount of a oxide catalyst and an appropriate solvent, are heated to reflux under an inert atmosphere. Preferably, an equivalent of a formula IV compound in which R.sup.9 is bromo is reacted with an equivalent amount of 4-benzyloxyphenol in the presence of an equivalent of cuprous oxide.

Appropriate solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. Typically, organic bases, particularly a hindered base such as, for example, 2,4,6-collidine, are preferred solvents.

The temperature employed in this step should be sufficient to effect completion of this coupling reaction, and will influence the amount of time required therefor. When the reaction mixture is heated to reflux under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, the time-to-completion usually will be from about 20 to about 60 hours.

Following coupling, which forms a formula IIa compound, formula IIb compounds are prepared by selectively removing the R.sup.6 hydroxy protecting group of a formula IIa compound via well known reduction procedures. It is imperative that the selected procedure will not affect the R.sup.7 and, when present, R.sup.8 hydroxy protecting groups.

When R.sup.6 is the preferred benzyl moiety, and R.sup.7 and, when present, R.sup.8 each are methyl, the present process step is carried out via standard hydrogenolysis procedures. Typically, the formula IIa substrate is added to a suitable solvent or mixture of solvents, followed by the addition of a proton donor to accelerate the reaction and an appropriate hydrogenation catalyst.

Appropriate catalysts include noble metals and oxides such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium oxide on a support such as carbon or calcium carbonate. Of these, palladium-on-carbon, particularly 10% palladium-on-carbon, is preferred.

Solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. Typically, ethylacetate and C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohols, particularly ethanol, is preferred.

For the present reaction, hydrochloric acid serves as an adequate and preferred proton donor.

When run at ambient temperature and a pressure ranging form about 30 psi to about 50 psi, the present reaction runs quite rapidly. Progress of this reaction may be monitored by standard chromatographic techniques such as thin layer chromatography.

Compounds of formula IIa and IIb are novel, are encompassed within the genus described herein as formula II compounds, and are useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active compounds of formula I.

Upon preparation of a formula IIb compound, it is reacted with a compound of formula V

R.sup.3 --(CH.sup.2).sub.n --Q V

wherein R.sup.3 and n are as defined above, and Q is a bromo or, preferably, a chloro moiety, to form a compound of formula VI. The formula VI compound is then deprotected to form a compound of formula Ia. These steps of the present process are shown in Scheme II below ##STR7## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.7, R.sup.2a, and n are as defined above, and R.sup.2b is --H, --OH, or halo.

In the first step of the process shown in Scheme II, the alkylation is carried out via standard procedures. Compounds of formula V are commercially available or are prepared by means well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the hydrochloride salt of a formula V compound, particularly 2-chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride, is used.

Generally, at least about 1 equivalent of formula IIb substrate are reacted with 2 equivalents of a formula V compound in the presence of at least about 4 equivalents of an alkali metal carbonate, preferably cesium carbonate, and an appropriate solvent.

Solvents for this reaction are those solvents or mixture of solvents which remain inert throughout the reaction. N,N-dimethylformamide, especially the anhydrous form thereof, is preferred.

The temperature employed in this step should be sufficient to effect completion of this alkylation reaction. Typically, ambient temperature is sufficient and preferred.

The present reaction preferably is run under an inert atmosphere, particularly nitrogen.

Under the preferred reaction conditions, this reaction will run to completion in about 16 to about 20 hours. Of course, the progress of the reaction can be monitored via standard chromatographic techniques.

As an alternative for preparing compounds of formula VI, a formula IIb compound is reacted with an excess of an alkylating agent of the formula

Q--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --Q'

wherein Q and Q' each are the same or different leaving group, in an alkali solution. Appropriate leaving groups are the aforementioned leaving groups used in the preparation of compounds of formula IV.

A preferred alkali solution for this alkylation reaction contains potassium carbonate in an inert solvent such as, for example, methyethyl ketone (MEK) or DMF. In this solution, the 4-hydroxy group of the benzoyl moiety of a formula IIb compound exists as a phenoxide ion which displaces one of the leaving groups of the alkylating agent.

This reaction is best when the alkali solution containing the reactants and reagents is brought to reflux and allowed to run to completion. When using MEK as the preferred solvent, reaction times run from about 6 hours to about 20 hours.

The reaction product from this step is then reacted with 1-piperidine, 1-pyrrolidine, methyl-1-pyrrolidine, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidine, 4-morpholine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diisopropylamine, or 1-hexamethyleneimine, via standard techniques, to form compounds of formula VI. Preferably, the hydrochloride salt of piperidine is reacted with the alkylated compound of formula IIb in an inert solvent, such as anhydrous DMF, and heated to a temperature in the range from about 60.degree. C. to about 110.degree. C. When the mixture is heated to a preferred temperature of about 90.degree. C., the reaction only takes about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. However, changes in the reaction conditions will influence the amount of time this reaction needs to be run for completion. Of course, the progress of this reaction step can be monitored via standard chromatographic techniques.

Compounds of formula VI, in which R.sup.7 and when present, R.sup.8 each are C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, preferably methyl, and in which R.sup.2a is --H or halo, are novel and are pharmaceutically active for the methods herein described. Accordingly, such compounds are encompassed by the definition herein of compounds of formula I.

Preferred compounds of formula I are obtained by cleaving the R.sup.7 and, when present, R.sup.8 hydroxy protecting groups of formula VI compounds via well known procedures. Numerous reactions for the formation and removal of such protecting groups are described in a number of standard works including, for example, Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, Plenum Press (London and New York, 1973); Green, T. W., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley, (New York, 1981); and The Peptides, Vol. I, Schrooder and Lubke, Academic Press (London and New York, 1965). Methods for removing preferred R.sup.7 and/or R.sup.8 hydroxy protecting groups, particularly methyl and methoxymethyl, are essentially as described in the Examples, infra.

Compounds of formula Ia are novel, are pharmaceutically active for the methods herein described, and are encompassed by formula I as defined herein.

Compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is --H are prepared via the synthetic route shown below in Scheme III. Using this route, a 3-position leaving group (R.sup.9) is placed on commercially available thianaphthene (formula VII) to form a compound of formula VIII, which is then coupled with a 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenol, providing compounds of formula IX. ##STR8## wherein R.sup.6 is a hydroxy protecting group which can be selectively removed and R.sup.9 is a leaving group.

The compound of formula VII is commercially available. Preparation of formulae VIII and IX compounds, including the definition of R.sup.6 and R.sup.9 substituents, as well as preferred reactants and conditions, unless otherwise herein stated, are the same as described above and shown in Scheme I, supra.

Compounds of formula IX are then arylated via Suzuki coupling [see, e.g., Suzuki, A., Pure and Appl. Chem., 6(2):213-222 (1994)]. Using one Suzuki coupling option, a formula IX compound is selectively halogenated at the 2-position, and then coupled with an arylboronic acid compound of formula XIa (Route A).

Preferably, however, an arylboronic acid of formula Xb is formed from a compound of formula IX, and then reacted with a halo-arene of formula XIb to give novel intermediates of formula IIc (Route B). Such novel intermediates are useful for preparing pharmaceutically active compounds of the present invention (formula Ib compounds) via alkylation and deprotection. These reactions are shown below in Scheme IV. ##STR9## wherein

R.sup.2, R.sup.2b, R.sup.3, R.sup.6 and n are as defined above;

X is iodo, bromo, or fluoro, in the order of preference; and

X' is iodo, bromo, or fluoro, in the order of preference, or triflate.

The first step in Route A in Scheme IV is the 2-position iodination or bromination of a formula IX compound using standard procedures. Generally, a formula IX compound is reacted with a slight excess of n-butyllithium in hexane, in an appropriate solvent and under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, followed by the dropwise addition of a slight excess of the desired halogenating agent in an appropriate solvent. Preferably, the halogenating agent for this step is iodine, but the use of bromine, N-bromosuccinimide is also permitted.

Appropriate solvents include an inert solvent or mixture of solvents such as, for example, diethyl ether, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Of these, tetrahydrofuran, particularly anhydrous THF, is preferred.

The present selective, 2-position halogenation reaction optionally is run at a temperature from about -75.degree. C. to about 85.degree. C.

The product of the above reaction, a halo-arene of formula Xa, is then coupled with an arylboronic acid of formula XIa, via standard Suzuki coupling procedures, to provide compounds of formula IIc. Compounds of formula XIa, in which R.sup.2a is --H, halo, or --OR.sup.8 (R.sup.8 is a hydroxy protecting group as defined, supra) are derived from commercially available compounds via procedures well known to one of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., March J.; and Suzuki, A., supra).

In the present coupling reaction, a slight excess of a formula XIa compound is reacted with each equivalent of a formula Xa compound in the presence of a palladium catalyst and an appropriate base in an inert solvent such as toluene.

Although various palladium catalysts drive Suzuki coupling reactions, the catalyst selected usually is reaction specific. Thus, the use of tetrakis triphenylphosphine palladium in the present reaction is highly preferred.

Likewise, various bases may be used in the present coupling reaction. However, it is preferred to use an alkali metal carbonate, particularly 2N sodium carbonate.

The temperature employed in this step should be sufficient to effect completion of the coupling reaction. Typically, heating the reaction mixture to reflux for a period from about 2 to about 4 hours is adequate and preferred.

In Route B of Scheme IV, a 2-position arylboronic of formula Xb is prepared using well known procedures. Generally, a compound of formula IX is treated with a slight excess of n-butyllithium in hexanes, in an appropriate solvent and under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, following by the dropwise addition of an appropriate trialkylborate.

Appropriate solvents include an inert solvent or mixture of solvents such as, for example, diethyl ether, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran (THF). THF, particularly anhydrous THF, is preferred.

The preferred trialkylborate used in the present reaction is triisopropyl borate.

The product of this reaction, a compound of formula Xb, is then reacted with a aryl halide or aryl triflate of formula XIb, via standard Suzuki coupling procedures, to provide compounds of formula IIc. The preferred reaction conditions for the present reaction are as described for the reaction of compounds of formulae XIa and Xa, in Scheme IV, which also provide compounds of formula IIc.

The transformation of compounds of formula IIc to formula Ia compounds is carried out as described above for the conversion of formula IIa compounds to compounds of formula Ia.

Compounds of formulae IIc and IId are novel, and are useful for the preparation of pharmaceutically active compounds of the present invention.

Compounds of formulae XII and Ib also are novel, are useful for the methods herein described, and are encompassed by formula I as herein defined.

As an alternative to the preparation of formula Ib compounds as shown in Scheme IV, supra, such compounds can be prepared starting from a compound of formula XIII, and using the synthetic sequence as shown in Scheme I, supra, and the associated above described preferred experimental conditions.

Compounds of formula XIII ##STR10## wherein R.sup.2a is as defined above, are known in the art and are described by Jones, C. D., et al., in the afore-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,133,814 and 4,418,068.

For preparation of compounds of formula I in which Z is S, a compound of formula IV above is metallated, the resulting product is reacted with a 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenyl disulfide, and the phenol protecting group is selectively removed. This general process is shown below in Scheme V. ##STR11## wherein

R.sup.1a is --H or --OR.sup.7 and R.sup.7 is a hydroxy protecting group;

R.sup.2a is --H, or --OR.sup.8 and R.sup.8 is a hydroxy protecting group;

R.sup.6 is a hydroxy protecting group which can be selectively removed;

R.sup.9 is a leaving group; and

M is a metal ion.

In the first two steps of Scheme V, a formula IVa compound is metallated via well known procedures. Most commonly, and preferably, a formula IVa compound is treated with a slight excess of n-butyllithium in hexanes in an appropriate solvent, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution of a disulfide compound of formula XV in an appropriate solvent.

Both of these reaction steps are run under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, while appropriate solvents for both steps include one or more inert solvents such as diethyl ether, dioxane, and THF. Of these, THF, particularly the anhydrous form thereof, is preferred. In addition, the present reaction steps are run at a temperature from about --78.degree. C. to about 85.degree. C.

In the first step of the present reaction, a metallated compound of formula XIV is provided. The 4-(protected-hydroxy)phenyl disulfide (a formula XV compound) which is reacted with such a formula XIV compound to give a compound of formula IIe, is prepared by protection of the hydroxy group of commercially available 4-hydrogenphenylsulfide with an appropriate protecting group according to conditions known in the art. A preferred R.sup.6 protecting group is methoxymethyl, providing R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, if either or both are present, is a hydroxy protecting group other than methoxymethyl. It is imperative that the R.sup.6 hydroxy protecting group is a moiety different than those formed by R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 hydroxy protecting groups, when present, so that the R.sup.6 group can selectively be removed, via standard procedures, to provide compounds of formula IIf.

To effect deprotection by removal of the R.sup.6 protecting group, a formula IIe compound in a protic solvent or mixture of solvents is reacted in an acid media containing at least one equivalent of acid, preferably methanesulfonic acid, and heating from about 25.degree. to about 110.degree. C. Typically, the reaction time is from about 6 to about 24 hours, but the progress of the reaction may be monitored via standard chromotographic techniques.

Appropriate solvents for the present reaction include, for example, water and methanol.

Compounds of formulae IIe and IIf are novel, are useful for preparing pharmaceutically active compounds of formula I and are herein encompassed within the above depiction of formula II.

Compounds of formula Ic ##STR12## wherein

R.sup.1b is --H or --OH;

R.sup.2b is --H or --OH; and

R.sup.3 and n, are as defined above, are prepared by using the above-described procedures related to the process steps shown in Schemes II and IV. Such compounds of formula Ic also are novel, are useful for the methods of the present invention, and are herein encompassed within the above depiction of formula I.

As an alternative, compounds of formula I on which either R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is --H and the other R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 substituent is --OH can be prepared from compounds of formula I in which both R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 are --OH. The dihydroxy compound of formula I is converted to a mixture of 6- and 4'-monotriflates, and the triflate moiety is reduced to hydrogen [see, Saa, J. M., et al., J. Org. Chem., 55:991 (1990)]. The resulting mixture of monohydroxy derivatives, either as the free base or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, preferrably the hydrochloride salt, can then be separated by standard crystallization techniques.

In general, a dihydroxy compound of formula I is treated with about 4 to about 6 equivalents of a amine base, such as triethylamine, in a non-reactive solvent followed by the addition of 1 equivalent of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride. A statistical mixture of mono- and bitriflates are produced and separated by standard chromatographic techniques. A preferred solvent for this step is anhydrous dichloromethane.

When run at a temperature range from about 0.degree. C. to about 25.degree. C., the present reaction is complete within from about 1 to about 5 hours.

The isolated mixture of monotriflated compounds is then hydrogenated, in a non-reactive solvent, in the presence of from about 3 to about 6 equivalents of a amine base, preferably triethylamine, and a hydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on carbon which is preferred. Preferred solvents for this reaction include ethyl acetate and ethanol or, alternatively, a mixture thereof. When this step of the present reaction is run under about 40 psi of H.sub.2, at ambient temperature, the reaction time is from about 2 to about 5 hours.

The resulting mixture of nonhydroxy derivatives of formula I have different solubilities in ethyl aceate and the 6-hydroxy-4'-hydrogen derivatives can be partially separated from the 6-hydrogen-4'-hydroxy derivatives by selective crystallization. Further separation, which provides pure monohydroxy compounds of formula I, can be achieved by conversion of the enriched mixtures to the hydrochloride salts followed by crystallization from ethyl acetate-ethanol.

Other preferred compounds of formula I are prepared by replacing 6- and/or 4'-position hydroxy moieties, when present, with a moiety of the formula --O--CO--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl), or --O--SO.sub.2 --(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl) via well known procedures. See, e.g. , U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,593.

For example, when an --O--CO(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) group is desired, a mono- or dihydroxy compound of formula I is reacted with an agent such as acyl chloride, bromide, cyanide, or azide, or with an appropriate anhydride or mixed anhydride. The reactions are conveniently carried out in a basic solvent such as pyridine, lutidine, quinoline or isoquinoline, or in a tertiary amine solvent such as triethylamine, tributylamine, methylpiperidine, and the like. The reaction also may be carried out in an inert solvent such as ethyl acetate, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxane, dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and the like, to which at least one equivalent of an acid scavenger (except as noted below), such as a tertiary amine, has been added. If desired, acylation catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine or 4-pyrrolidinopyridine may be used. See, e.g., Haslam, et al., Tetrahedron, 36:2409-2433 (1980).

The present reactions are carried out at moderate temperatures, in the range from about -25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., frequently under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen gas. However, ambient temperature is usually adequate for the reaction to run.

Acylation of a 6-position and/or 4'-position hydroxy group also may be performed by acid-catalyzed reactions of the appropriate carboxylic acids in inert organic solvents. Acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, polyphosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and the like are used.

The aforementioned R.sup.1 and/or R.sup.2 groups of formula I compounds also may be provided by forming an active ester of the appropriate acid, such as the esters formed by such known reagents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, acylimidazoles, nitrophenols, pentachlorophenol, N-hydroxysuccinimide, and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. See, e.g., Bull. Chem, Soc. Japan, 38:1979 (1965), and Chem. Ber., 788 and 2024 (1970).

Each of the above techniques which provide --O--CO--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) moieties are carried out in solvents as discussed above. Those techniques which do not produce an acid product in the course of the reaction, of course, do not call for the use of an acid scavenger in the reaction mixture.

When a formula I compound is desired in which the 6and/or 4'-position hydroxy group of a formula I compound is converted to a group of the formula --O--SO.sub.2 --(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkyl), the mono- or dihydroxy compound is reacted with, for example, a sulfonic anhydride or a derivative of the appropriate sulfonic acid such as a sulfonyl chloride, bromide, or sulfonyl ammonium salt, as taught by King and Monoir, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 97:2566-2567 (1975). The dihydroxy compound also can be reacted with the appropriate sulfonic anhydride or mixed sulfonic anhydrides. Such reactions are carried out under conditions such as were explained above in the discussion of reaction with acid halides and the like.

Although the free-base form of formula I compounds can be used in the methods of the present invention, it is preferred to prepare and use a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. Thus, the compounds used in the methods of this invention primarily form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic acids, and include the physiologically acceptable salts which are often used in pharmaceutical chemistry. Such salts are also part of this invention. Typical inorganic acids used to form such salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric, phosphoric, hypophosphoric, and the like. Salts derived from organic acids, such as aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, may also be used. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus include acetate, phenylacetate, trifluoroacetate, acrylate, ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate, phenylbutyrate, .beta.-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-dioate, hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, chloride, cinnamate, citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate, heptanoate, hippurate, lactate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, terephthalate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, propiolate, propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate, succinate, suberate, sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, sulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate, chlorobenzenesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. Preferred salts are the hydrochloride and oxalate salts.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formed by reacting a compound of formula I with an equimolar or excess amount of acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutual solvent such as diethyl ether or ethyl acetate. The salt normally precipitates out of solution within about one hour to 10 days and can be isolated by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off by conventional means.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubility characteristics compared to the compound from which they are derived, and thus are often more amenable to formulation as liquids or emulsions.

The following examples are presented to further illustrate the preparation of compounds of the present invention. It is not intended that the invention be limited in scope by reason of any of the following examples.

NMR data for the following Examples were generated on a GE 300 MHz NMR instrument, and anhydrous d-6 DMSO was used as the solvent unless otherwise indicated.

Preparation of [3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thioph ene

[3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR13##

To a solution of 3-bromo-benzo[b]thiophene (69.62 g, 0.325 mol) in 55 mL of anhydrous collidine under N.sub.2 was added 4-benzyloxyphenol (97.6 g, 0.488 mol) and cuprous oxide (23.3 g, 0.163 mol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 24 hours. Upon cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (200 mL) and the crude mixture filtered through a pad of Celite.RTM. (Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) to remove inorganic salts. The filtrate was washed with 1[hydrochloric acid (3.times.150 mL). The organic was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a liquid. Thianaphthene was removed by distillation (10 mm Hg, 115.degree.-120.degree. C.). The remainder of the material was chromatographed (silicon dioxide, hexanes: ethyl acetate 85:15) to provide 12.2 g of benzo[b]thiophene and 12.95 g (35% based on recovered starting material) of [3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo-[b]thiophene as an off-white solid. mp 84.degree.-86 .degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.7.91-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.34 (m, 7H), 7.04 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 5.07 (s, 2H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.16 O.sub.2 S: C, 75.88; H, 4.85. Found: C, 75.75; H, 5.00.

[2-Iodo-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo-[b]thiophene ##STR14##

To a solution of [3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (6.00 g, 18.1 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) under N.sub.2 at -78.degree. C. was added n-butyllithium (12.4 mL, 19.9 mmol, 1.6M in hexanes) dropwise via syringe. The solution turned from colorless to deep orange. After stirring for 20 minutes at -78.degree. C., the lithio species was treated with I2 (5.03, 19.9 mmol), added dropwise via canula as a solution in 50 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Upon completion of the addition, the reaction turned light yellow in color, and was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature. The reaction was quenched by the addition of 0.1N sodium sulfite solution (200 mL). The layers were separated and the aqueous extracted with ethyl acetate (2.times.150 mL). The organic was combined, dried (sodium sulfate), and concentrated in vacuo to give an oil that crystallized on standing. Recrystallization from hexanes/ethyl ether yielded 7.10 g (86%) of [ 2-Iodo-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene as a white crystalline powder. mp 87.degree.-92.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.7.72 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.20 (m, 8H), 6.89 (s, 4H), 5.01 (s, 2H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.15 O.sub.2 SI: C, 55.03; H, 3.30. Found: C, 55.29; H, 3.31.

[2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR15##

To a solution of [2-Iodo-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (4.50 g, 9.82 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was added 4-(tertbutoxy)phenyl boronic acid (2.28 g, 11.75 mmol) followed by tetrakistriphenylphosphinepalladium (0.76 g, 0.66 mmol). To this solution was added 14.5 mL of 2N sodium carbonate solution. The resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 3 hours. Upon cooling, the reaction was diluted with 150 mL of ethyl acetate. The organic was washed with 0.1N sodium hydroxide (2.times.100 mL) and then dried (sodium sulfate). Concentration produced a semi-solid that was dissolved in chloroform and passed through a pad of silicon dioxide. Concentration produced an oil that was triturated from hexanes to yield 4.00 g (91%) of [2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene as a white powder. mp 105.degree.-108.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.7.77 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J =8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.43-7.24 (m, 8H), 6.98 (d, J =8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (q, J.sub.AB =9.3 Hz, 4H), 4.99 (s, 2H), 1.36 (s, 9H). FD mass spec: 480. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.31 H.sub.28 O.sub.3 S: C, 77.47; H, 5.87. Found: C, 77.35; H, 5.99.

Prepared in a similar manner employing 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid was [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]-thiophene ##STR16##

Yield =73%. mp=115.degree.-118.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.7.80-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.33-7.53 (m, 8H), 6.93-7.06 (m, 6H), 5.00 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H). FD mass spec: 438. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.22 O.sub.3 S: C, 76.69; H, 5.06. Found: C, 76.52; H, 5.09.

[2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR17##

To a solution of [2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (1.50 g, 3.37 mmol) in 30 mL of absolute ethanol containing 1% concentrated hydrochloric acid was added 0.50 g of 10% palladium-on-carbon. The mixture was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 1 hour, after which the reaction was judged to be complete by thin layer chromatography. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite, and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was dissolved in minimal ethyl acetate and passed through a short silicon dioxide column to remove Celite (ethyl acetate as eluant). Concentration provided a white solid that was triturated from hexanes/ethyl ether. Filtration provided 868 mg (73%) of [2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)phenoxy]-benzo[b]thiophene. mp 210.degree.-213.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.13 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J =8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.35-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.01 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (q, J.sub.ABb =8.9 Hz, 4H), 1.28 (s, 9H). FD mass spec: 390. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.22 O.sub.3 S: C, 73.82; H, 5.68. Found: C, 73.98; H, 5.84.

Prepared in a similar manner was [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR18##

Yield =80%. mp=120.degree.-125.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta.7.80-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.48 (m, 2H), 6.90-7.03 (m, 4H), 6.76-6.86 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H). FD mass spec: 348; Anal Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.16 O.sub.3 S: C, 72.39; H, 4.63. Found: C, 72.68; H, 4.82.

[3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophe ne ##STR19##

To a solution of [2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy) phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (1.25 g, 3.20 mmol) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) at ambient temperature was added cesium carbonate (5.70 g, 17.6 mmol). After stirring for 20 minutes, 2-chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride (1.95 g, 10.56 mmol) was added in small portions. The resulting heterogeneous mixture was stirred vigorously for 24 hours. The contents of the reaction were then diluted with water (200 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3.times.100 mL). The combined organic layer was then washed with water (2.times.200 mL). Drying of the organic layer (sodium sulfate) and concentration in vacuo gave an oil. Chromatography (5-10% methanol/chloroform) provided 1.47 g (91%) of 3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)]benzo[b]-t hiophene that was carried on directly to the next step without characterization.

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thi ophene (1.37 g, 2.73 mmol) was dissolved in triflouroacetic acid (10 mL) at ambient temperature. After stirring for 15 minutes, the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (20 mL) and washed with sat. sodium bicarbonate solution (3.times.10 mL). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated whereupon a white solid precipitated formed in solution. The product was recrystallized from ethyl acetate-ethyl ether to provide 1.03 g (85%) of 3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-( 4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]-thiophene as colorless crystals. mp 169.degree.-172.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.81 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J =7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.26 (m, 3H), 6.86 (s, 4H), 6.78 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.10 (m, 2H), 3.29 (m, 2H), 2.95-2.75 (m, 4H), 1.68-1.40 (m, 6H) . Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.0.55 CF.sub.3 CO.sub.2 H: C, 66.40; H, 5.46; N, 2.76. Found: C, 65.99; H, 5.49; N, 2.61

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophen e was converted to its hydrochloride salt in 904 yield by treatment with ethyl ether.multidot.hydrochloric acid in ethyl acetate ##STR20##

Data for Example 2 mp 233.degree.-240.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.43 (m, 1H), 9.89 (s, 1H), 7.93-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.50 (m, 3H), 6.83-7.03 (m, 6H), 4.27-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.60 (m, 4H), 2.96-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.70-1.95 (m, 5H), 1.40-1.53 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 446. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.1.0HCl: C, 67.28; H, 5.86; N, 2.91. Found: C, 67,07; H, 5.66; N, 2.96.

Prepared in an analogous manner were the following examples: [3-[4-[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thioph ene ##STR21##

mp 150.degree.-155.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.79 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.26 (m, 3H), 6.84 (s, H), 6.78 )d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (bt, 2H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 1.73 (m, 4H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.0.33 CF.sub.3 CO.sub.2 H: C, 68.25; H, 5.44; N, 2.99. Found: C, 68.29; H, 5.46; N, 3.19.

3-[4-[2-(1-hexamethyleneimino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2- (4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR22##

mp 189.degree.-191.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.91 (d, J =7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J =8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.34-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.81 (s, 4H), 6.75 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 3.89 (bt, 2H), 2.75 (bt, 2H), 2.68 (m, 4H), 1.48 (m, 8H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.1.50 H.sub.2 O: C, 69.11; H, 6.79; N, 2.88. Found: C, 69.25; H, 6.79; N, 2.58.

3-[4-[2-(1-N , N-diethylamino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR23##

mp 70.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.91 (bs, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.35-7.24 (m, 3H), 6.82 (s, 4H), 6.78 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 3.88 (bt, 2H), 2.76 (bt, 2H), 2.51 (m, 4H), 0.91 (m, 6H). FD mass spec: 434. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.0.50 H.sub.2 O: C, 70.56; H, 6.38; N, 3.16 Found: C, 70.45; H, 6.26; N, 3.20.

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophen e hydrochloride ##STR24##

mp=228.degree.-230.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.96 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.35-7.50 (m, 3H), 6.98 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.86-6.90 (m, 4H), 4.28-4.31 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.45 (m, 4H), 2.92-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.46-2.48 (m, 5H), 1.74 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 459. Anal Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.1.0HCl: C, 67.80; H, 6.10; N, 2.82. Found: C, 68.06; H, H, 6.38; N, 2.60.

Alternate Synthesis of [2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene

[3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene-2-boronic acid ##STR25##

To a -78.degree. C. solution of [3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]-thiophene (5.00 g, 15.1 mmol) in 20 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran under N.sub.2 was added n-butyllithium (9.90 mL, 15.8 mmol, 1.6M in hexanes) dropwise via syringe. After stirring for 15 minutes, B (OiPr).sub.3 (3.83 mL, 16.6 mmol) was added via syringe, and the resulting mixture was allowed to warm to 0.degree. C. The reaction was then quenched by distributing between ethyl acetate and 1.0N hydrochloric acid (100 mL each). The layers were separated and the organic was extracted with water (1.times.100 mL). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a solid that was triturated from ethyl ether/hexanes. Filtration provided 3.96 g (70%) of [3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene-2-boronic acid as a white solid. mp 115.degree.-121.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.8.16 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.23 (m, 7H), 6.90 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 5.01 (s, 2H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.17 O.sub.4 SB: C, 67 04; H, 4.55. Found: C, 67.17; H, 4.78.

[3-(4-Benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene-2-boronic acid was reacted with 4-(-tertbutoxy)bromobenzene according to the conditions described above for [2-iodo-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene and 4-(tertbutoxy)phenyl boronic acid to give 2-(4-tertbutyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene in 81% yield.

Examples prepared by employing this method are:

[3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-phenyl-]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR26##

mp 223.degree.-226.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.99 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.30 (m, 7H), 6.90 (s, 4H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.35 (m, 4H), 2.97-2.88 (m, 2H), 1.73-1.61 (m, 5H), 1.34 (m, 1H) . Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.2 S.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 69.59; H, 6.06; N, 3.00. Found: C, 69.88; H, 6.11; N, 3.19.

[3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-flourophenyl)]benzo[b]thiophen e ##STR27##

mp 219.degree.-226.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.20 (bs, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.73 (m, 4H), 7.42-7.25 (m, 5H), 6.90 (s, 4H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.31 (m, 4H), 2.96-2.89 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.61 (m, H), 1.34 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 447. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 NO.sub.2 SF.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 67.00; H, 5.62; N, 2.89. Found: C, 67.26; H, 5.67; N, 3.03.

Synthesis of [6-Hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]ben zo[b]thiophene

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-bromo]benzo-[b]thiophene ##STR28##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene (27.0 g, 100 mmol)in 1.10 L of chloroform at 60.degree. C. was added bromine (15.98 g, 100 mmol) dropwise as a solution in 200 mL of chloroform. After the addition was complete, the reaction was cooled to room temperature, and the solvent removed in vacuo to provide 34.2 g (100%) of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-bromo]benzo[b]thiophene as a white solid. mp 83.degree.-85.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.70-7.62 (m, 4H), 7.17 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H). FD mass spec: 349, 350. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.13 O.sub.2 SBr: C, 55.03; H, 3.75. Found: C, 54.79; H, 3.76.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]-benzo[b]thiophene ##STR29##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-bromo]benzo[b]thiophene (34.00 g, 97.4 mmol) in 60 mL of collidine under N.sub.2 was added 4-benzyloxyphenol (38.96 g, 194.8 mmol) and cuprous oxide (14.5 g, 97.4 mmol). The resultant mixture was heated to reflux for 48 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature, the mixture was dissolved in acetone (200 mL), and the inorganic solids were removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue dissolved in methylene chloride (500 mL). The methylene chloride solution was washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3.times.300 mL), followed by 1N sodium hydroxide (3.times.300 mL). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in 100 mL of ethyl acetate whereupon a white solid formed that was collected by filtration [recovered [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene (4.62 g, 17.11 mmol]. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and then passed through a short pad of silica gel (methylene chloride as eluant) to remove baseline material. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue crystallized from hexanes/ethyl acetate to provide initially 7.19 g of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene as an off-white crystalline solid. The mother liquor was concentrated and chromatographed on silica gel (hexanes/ethyl acetate 80:20) to provide an additional 1.81 g of product. Total yield of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]-benzo[b]thiophene was 9.00 g (24% based on recovered starting material). The basic extract was acidified to pH=4 with 5N hydrochloric acid, and the resultant precipitate collected by filtration and dried to give 13.3 g of recovered 4-benzyloxyphenol. mp 100.degree.-103.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): .delta.7.60 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.24 (m, 7H), 6.90-6.85 (m, 7H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H) 3.81 (s, 3H). FD mass spec: 468. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.24 O.sub.4 S: C, 74.34; H, 5.16. Found: C, 74.64; H, 5.29.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) -3-(4-hydroxy)-phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR30##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (1.50 g, 3.20 mmol) in 50 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of 1% concentrate hydrochloric acid in ethanol was added 10% palladium-on-carbon (300 mg). The mixture was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 20 minutes, after which time the reaction was judged complete by thin layer chromatography. The mixture was passed through Celite to remove catalyst, and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to a white solid. The crude product was passed through a pad of silica gel (chloroform as eluant). Concentration provided 1.10 g (91%) of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]-thiophene as a white solid. mp 123.degree.-126.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) d 9.10 (s, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (dd, J=8.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.63 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H). FD mass spec: 378. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.18 O.sub.4 S: C, 69.82; H, 4.79. Found: C, 70.06; H, 4.98.

[6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benz o[b]thiophene. ##STR31##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) -3- (4-hydroxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (1.12 g, 2.97 mmol) in 7 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide under N.sub.2 was added cesium carbonate (3.86 g, 11.88 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes, 2-chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride (1.10 g, 1.48 mmol ) was added. The resultant mixture was stirred for 18 hours at ambient temperature. The reaction was the distributed between chloroform/water (100 mL each). The layers were separated and the aqueous extracted with chloroform (3.times.50 mL). The organic was combined and washed with water (2.times.100 mL). Drying of the organic (sodium sulfate) and concentration provided an oil that was chromatographed on silica gel (2% methanol/chloroform). The desired fractions were concentrated to an oil that was dissolved in 10 mL of ethyl acetate and treated with oxalic acid (311 mg, 3.4 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes, a white precipitate formed and was collected by filtration and dried to provide 1.17 g (70%) overall of [6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benz o[b]thiophene as the oxalate salt. mp 197.degree.-200.degree. C. (dec). .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.60 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (dd, J=8.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 4H), 4.19 (broad t, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.32 (broad t, 2H), 3.12-3.06 (m, 4H), 1.69-1.47 (m, 4H), 1.44-1.38 (m, 2H). FD mass spec: 489 . Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.31 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.0.88 HO.sub.2 CCO.sub.2 H: C, 64.95; H, 5.80; N, 2.46. Found: C, 64.92; H, 5.77; N, 2.54.

Treatment of free base with ethyl ether.multidot.hydrochloric acid provided [6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benz o[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR32##

mp 216.degree.-220.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.20 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J =1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (dd, J=9.0, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 HZ, 4H), 4.31 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.43 (m, 4H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 5H), 1.37 (m, 1H) . FD mass spec: 489. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.31 NO.sub.4 S,1.0 HCl: C, 66.21; H, 6.13; N, 2.66. Found: C, 66.,46; H, 6.16; N, 2.74.

Prepared in an analogous manner were the following examples:

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-pyrolodinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene ##STR33##

mp 95.degree.-98.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (s, 4H), 3.97 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.73 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.51 (m, 4H), 1.66 (m, 4H). FD mass spec: 477. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.4 S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.99. Found: C, 70.59; H, 6.15; N, 3.01.

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-hexamethyleneiminoethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) ]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR34##

mp 189.degree.-192.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.55 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, H), 6.86 (s, 4H), 3.94 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.80 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.66 (m, 4H), 1.53 (m, 8H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.30 H.sub.33 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 66.71; H, 6.35; N, 2.59. Found: C, 66.43; H, 6.46; N, 2.84.

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR35##

mp 196.degree.-198.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.48 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 4.25 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.09 (m, 4H), 2.00 (m, 3H), 1.88 (m, 3H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.31 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1-5 HCl: C, 63.18; H, 6.15; N, 2.63. Found: C, 63.46; H, 5.79; N, 2.85.

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[2-(morpholino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b]t hiophene hydrochloride ##STR36##

.sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.6 (bs, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 4.29 (m, 2H), 4.08-3.91 (m, 4H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.42 (m, 4H), 3.21-3.10 (m, 2H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.5 S.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 63.09; H, 5.73; N, 2.65. Found: C, 63.39; H, 5.80; N, 2.40.

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[3-(piperidino)propoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo[b ]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR37##

mp 195.degree.-200.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.90 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 4H), 3.97 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.44 (m, 2H), 3.15 (m, 2H), 2.87 (m, 2H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 5H) 1.39 (m, 1H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.30 H.sub.33 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.15 HCl: C, 66.01; H, 6.40; N, 2.73. Found: C, 66.01; H, 6.40; N, 2.73.

[6-Methoxy-3-[4-[3-(1-N,N-diethylamino)propoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl) ]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR38##

mp 164.degree.-166.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.77 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (s, 4H), 3.99 (t, J=6.0 Hz,2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.15 (m, 6H), 2.06 (m, 2H), 1.20 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.33 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 65.96; H, 6.49; N, 2.65. Found: C, 66.25; H, 6.64; N, 2.84.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benz o[b]thiophene ##STR39##

[6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene hydrochloride (10. 00 g, 19.05 mmol) was dissolved in 500 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride and cooled to 8.degree. C. To this solution was added boron tribromide (7.20 mL, 76.20 mmol). The resultant mixture was stirred at 8.degree. C. for 2.5 hours. The reaction was quenched by pouring into a stirring solution of saturated sodium bicarbonate (1 L), cooled to 0.degree. C. The methylene chloride layer was separated, and the remaining solids were dissolved in methanol/ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was then extracted with 5% methanol/ethyl acetate (3.times.500 mL). All of the organic extracts (ethyl acetate and methylene chloride) were combined and dried (sodium sulfate). Concentration in vacuo provided a tan solid that was chromatographed (silicon dioxide, 1-7% methanol/chloroform) to provide 7.13 g (81%) of [6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benz o[b]-thiophene as a white solid. mp 93.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.73 (bs, 1H), 9.68 (bs, 1H), 7.45 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (dd, J=8.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H (masked)), 6.81 (s, 4H) , 6.75 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.36 (m. 4H), 1.43 (m, 4H), 1.32 (m, 2H). FD mass spec: 462. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.4 S: C, 70.20; H, 5.90; N, 3.03. Found: C, 69.96; H, 5.90; N, 3.14.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene is converted to its oxalate salt in 804 yield by the procedure described above. Data for [6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benz o[b]thiophene oxalate ##STR40##

mp 246.degree.-249.degree. C. (dec). .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.45 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.22 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.05 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (dd, J=8.6, 1.8 Hz, 1H (masked)) , 6.84 (s, 4H), 6.75 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.08 (bt, 2H), 3.01 (bt, 2H), 2.79 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.40 (m, 2H). FD mass spec 462. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.0.75 HO.sub.2 CCO.sub.2 H: C, 64.63; H, 5.42; N, 2.64. Found: C, 64.61; H, 5.55; N, 2.62.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene was converted to its hydrochloride salt in 91% yield by treatment of the free base in ethyl acetate with ethyl ether.multidot.hydrochloric acid. Data for [6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR41##

mp 158.degree.-165.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.79 (s, 1H), 9.74 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (q, J.sub.AB =9.3 Hz, 4H), 6.76 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1), 6.74 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.26 (bt, 2H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 1.72 (m, 5 H), 1.25 (m, 1H). FD mass spec 461. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 65.11; H, 5.67; N, 2.81. Found: C, 64.84; H, 5.64; N, 2.91.

Prepared in an analogous manner were the following examples:

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-pyrolidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene ##STR42##

mp 99.degree.-113.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.75 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 6.80 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.93 (m, 2H), 2.73 (m, 2H), 2.53 (m, 4H), 0.96 (t, J =7.0 Hz, 4H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.0.5 H.sub.2 O: C, 68.40; H, 5.74; N, 3.07. Found: C, 68.52; H, 6.00; N, 3.34.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-hexamethyleneimino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl )]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR43##

mp 125.degree.-130.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.75 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (s, 3H), 6.80 (dd, J =9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=9.0 Hz), 3.94 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.80 (t, J=6.0 Hz, H), 2.66 (m, 4H) , 1.53 (m, 8H) . Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.4 S: C, 70.71; H, 6.15; N, 2.94. Found: C, 70.67; H, 6.31; N, 2.93.

[6 -hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-N,N-diethylamino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]b enzo[b]thiophene ##STR44##

mp 137.degree.-141.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.75 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, j=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (s, 4H), 6.80 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.95 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.74 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.51 (m, 4H), 1.66 (m, 6H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.27 NO.sub.4 S: C, 69.46; H, 6.05; N, 3.12. Found: C, 69.76; H, 5.85; N, 3.40.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(morpholino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b] thiophene hydrochloride ##STR45##

mp 157.degree.-162.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.60 (bs, 1H), 9.80 (s, 1H), 9.75 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 6.81 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.95 (m, 2H), 3.75 (m, 2H), 3.51 (m, 4H), 3.18 (m, 2H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 NO.sub.5 S.multidot.HCl: C, 62.46; H, 5.24; N, 2.80. Found: C, 69.69; H, 5.43; N, 2.92.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[3-(1-N, N-diethylamino)propoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR46##

mp 185.degree.-191.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.94 (bs, 1H), 9.81 (s, 1H), 9.75 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 4H), 6.80 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.99 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (m, 6H), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.20 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 6H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.29 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.30HCl: C, 63.46; H, 5.98; N, 2.7 4. Found: C, 63.23; H, 6.03; N, 3.14.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-N, N-diisopropylamino)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR47##

mp 128.degree.-131.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.81 (bs, 1H), 9.76 (s, 1H), 9.02 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (s, 4H), 6.79 (m, 3H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 3.68 (m, 2H), 3.50 (m, 2H). 1.31 (m, 12H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.31 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.33HCl: C, 63.92; H, 6.19; N, 2.66. Found: C, 63.82; H, 6.53; N, 2.61.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[3-(piperidino)propoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b ]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR48##

mp 258.degree.-262.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.85 (bs, 1H), 9.81 (s, 1H), 9.75 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 4H), 6.80 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.44 (m, 2H), 3.15 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 2.11 (m, 2H), 1.73 (m, 5H), 1.39 (m, 1H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.0.75HCl: C, 66.87; H, 5.96; N, 2.78. Found: C, 67.04; H, 5.90; N, 2.68.

Alternatively, as shown in Scheme III, supra, Example 19 was prepared using the methoxymethyl (MOM) protecting groups in place of methoxy. The methods are directly analogous to those just described, with the exception that the MOM groups are removed in the final step by acid hydrolysis.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxmethyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-benzyloxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiop hene ##STR49##

mp 94.degree.-96.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.65 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.43-7.32 (m, 5H), 7.23 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (q, J.sub.AB =9.2 Hz, 4H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 5.01 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.37 (S, 3H). FD mass spec 528.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxmethyloxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)phenoxy]benzo[b]thiophe ne ##STR50##

mp 90.degree.-91.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.15 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (q, J.sub.AB =9.1 Hz, 4H), 5.26 (s, 2H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.37 (s, 3H). FD mass spec 438. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.22 O.sub.6 S: C, 65.74; H, 5.06. Found: C, 65.50; H, 4.99.

[6-benzoyloxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)-ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-benzoyloxyphenyl )]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR51##

To a solution of Example 20 (0.50 g, 1.08 mmol) in 20 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran at 0.degree. C was added triethylamine (1.00 mL). To this mixture was added benzoylchloride (0.28 mL, 2.35 mmol). After stirring at 0.degree. C. for 2 hours, the reaction was quenched by distributing between ethyl acetate/saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (100 mL each). The layers were separated and the organic was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a white solid. The crude product was dissolved in 10 mL of ethyl acetate and treated with ethyl ether.multidot.hydrochloric acid. A white precipitate formed that was collected by filtration. Drying provided 390 mg (50%) of [6-benzoyloxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-benzoyloxyphenyl )]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride as a white solid. mp 200.degree.-204.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.95 (bs, 1H) , 8.18 (m, 1H), 8.16 (m, 2H) , 8.12 (dd, J=10.0, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (dd, J=7.0, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.78 (m, 2H), 7.64 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (s, 4H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 5H), 1.39 (m, 1H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.41 H.sub.35 NO.sub.6 S.multidot.1.5HCl: C, 67.97; H, 5.08; N, 1.93. Found: C, 68.05; H, 5.24; N, 2.01.

By the same procedure was prepared:

[6-ethylsulfonyloxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-ethylsulfon yloxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR52##

Yield=72%. mp 110.degree.-115.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.15 (bs, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (m, 3H), 7.34 (dd, J=9.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (m, 4H), 4.31 (m, 2H), 3.57 (m, 4H), 3.44 (m, 4H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 1.76 (m, 5H), 1.40 (m, 7H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.31 H.sub.35 NO.sub.8 S.sub.3 .multidot.1.5HCl: C, 54.57; H, 5.32; N, 2.05. Found: C, 54.36; H, 5.37; N, 2.05.

Prepared from Example 1 by similar procedures were:

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-benzoyloxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiop hene hydrochloride ##STR53##

Yield=85%. mp 190.degree.-198.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.48 (br s, 1H), 8.00-8.10 (m, 2H), 7.80-8.00 (m, 3H), 7.60-7.53 (m, 4H), 7.40-7.56 (m, 6H), 6.93 (s, 2H) , 4.37-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.00-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.53-2.63 (m, 6H), 1.75-1.95 (m, 3H), 1.40-1.50 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 550. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.34 H.sub.31 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.0HCl: C, 74.29; H, 5.68; N, 2.55. Found: C, 74.52; H, 5.80; N, 2.59.

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thio phene hydrochloride ##STR54##

Yield=90%. mp=193.degree.-197.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.10 (br s, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.15 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.00 (s, 5H), 4.33-4.40 (m, 2H), 3.45-3.60 (m, 4H), 3.00-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.70-1.90 (m, 6H), 1.40 (s, 9H). FD mass spec: 529. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.32 H.sub.35 NO.sub.4 S.multidot.1.0HCl: C, 67.89; H, 6.41; N, 2.47. Found: C, 68.94; H, 6.61; N, 1.72.

3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]]phenoxy]-2-(4-butylsulfonyloxyphenyl)]benzo[ b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR55##

Yield=85% white solid. mp=98.degree.-104.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.10.20 (br s, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.55 (m, 5H), 7.00 (s, 4H), 4.30-4.40 (m, 2H), 3.46-3.66 (m, 6H), 3.00-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.70-1.95 (m, 6H), 1.40-1.60 (m, 4H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). FD mass spec: 565. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.31 H.sub.35 NO.sub.5 S.sub.2 .multidot.1.0HCl: C, 61.83; H, 6.03; N, 2.33. Found: C, 61.55; H, 6.15; N, 2.25.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-thiophenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene ##STR56## Preparation of 4-(methoxymethyloxy)phenyldisulfide.

To a solution of 4-hydroxyphenyldisulfide (650 mg, 2.60 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide at 10.degree. C. was added sodium hydride (230 mg, 5.75 mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil). After stirring for 15 minutes, chloromethylmethyl ether (0.44 mL, 5.75 mmol) was added via syringe. The reaction was warmed to ambient temperature and stirred for 0.5 hours. The mixture was distributed between brine/ethyl acetate (20 mL each). The layers were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate (2.times.20 mL). The organic was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated to a yellow oil (993 mg, 100%). An analytical sample of 4-(methoxymethyloxy)-phenyldisulfide was prepared by chromatography (silicon dioxide, 4% ethyl acetate/hexanes). .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.40 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 4H), 7.00 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 4H), 5.15 (s, 4H), 3.32 (s, 6H). FD mass spec: 338. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.16 H.sub.18 O.sub.4 S.sub.2 : C, 56.78; H, 5.36. Found: C, 57.08; H, 5.44.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxymethyleneoxy)thiophenoxy]benzo[b ]thiophene. ##STR57##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-bromo]benzo[b]thiophene (1.82 g, 5.2 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran under N.sub.2 at -60.degree. C. was added n-butyllithium (3.15 mL, 5.0 mmol, 1.6M solution in hexanes) dropwise via syringe. The resulting mixture was warmed to -20.degree. C. for 10 minutes, then cooled back to -60.degree. C. 4-(methoxymethyloxy)-phenyldisulfide (800 mg, 2.36 mmol) in 5 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added to the lithio species, and the resultant mixture was allowed to gradually warm to 0.degree. C. After stirring for 20 minutes, the reaction was quenched by distributing between brine/ethyl acetate (50 mL each). The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate(2.times.50 mL). The organic layer was combined, dried (sodium sulfate), and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. Chromatography (silicon dioxide, 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 287 mg (27%) of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxymethyleneoxy)thiophenoxy]benzo[ b]thiophene as a colorless oil. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.85 (m, 7H), 5.06 (s, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H). FD mass spec: 438. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.22 O.sub.4 S.sub.2 : C, 65.73; H, 5.06. Found: C, 65.93; H, 5.10.

[6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)thiophenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene ##STR58##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxymethyleneoxy)thiophenoxy]benzo[ b]thiophene (233 mg, 0.53 mmol) in 10 mL of a 1:1:2 mixture of methanol:water:tetrahydrofuran was added methane sulfonic acid (0.2 mL, 2.66 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 5 hour. Upon cooling to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with water. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2.times.). The organic layer was washed with sat sodium bicarbonate solution several times. The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to provide 206 mg (99%) of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)thiophenoxy]benzo-[b]thiophene as a colorless oil. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.43 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H) , 6.63 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H) . FD mass spec: 395. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.18 O.sub.3 S.sub.2 : C, 66.98; H, 4.60. Found: C, 67.26; H, 4.78.

[6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]b enzo[b]thiophene ##STR59##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy)thiophenoxy]benzo[b]thiophene (242 mg, 0.61 mmol) in 8.0 mL of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide was added cesium carbonate (820 mg, 2.5 mmol) followed by 2-chloroethylpiperidine hydrochloride (194 mg, 1.05 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 48 hours at ambient temperature and then distributed between brine/ethyl acetate. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3.times.). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. Chromatography (silicon dioxide, 0-2% methanol/chloroform) provided 244 mg (92 %) of [6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene as an amber oil.

A sample of [6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene was converted to its hydrochloride salt according to the standard procedure in 72% yield ##STR60##

mp 198.degree.-201.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.63 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (dd, J=8.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (q, J.sub.AB =9.0 Hz, 4H), 4.24 (bt, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.80 (S, 3H), 3.49-3.39 (m, 4H), 2.93 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.62 (m, 5H), 1.38 (m, 1H). Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.32 NO.sub.3 S.sub.2 .multidot.1.0 HCl: C, 64.28; H, 5.95; N, 2.58. Found: C, 64.09; H, 6.08; N, 2.78.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-thiophenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene ##STR61##

To a solution of [6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride (160 mg, 0.29 mmol) in 15 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride at 0.degree. C. under N.sub.2 was added boron tribromide (0.15 mL). The resulting dark solution was stirred for 1 hour at 0.degree. C. and then immediately poured into a stirred solution of ethyl acetate/sat sodium bicarbonate solution (50 mL each). The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (3.times.30 mL). The organic was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to a white solid. Chromatography (silicon dioxide, 0-5% methanol/chloroform) provided 91 mg (60%) of [6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)] benzo[b]thiophene as a white solid. mp 123.degree.-127.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.79 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J=8.8 Hz,2H), 6.82-6.76 (m, 5H), 3.91 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (m, 4H), 1.41-1.28 (m, 6H). FD mass spec: 478. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.sub.2 : C, 67.90; H, 5.70; N, 2.93. Found: C, 68.14; H, 5.84; N, 2.65.

[6-Hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]b enzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR62##

mp 180.degree.-190.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.86 (s, 1H), 9.79 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.86-6.81 (m, 5H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.41-3.37 (m, 4H), 2.96-2.84 (m, 2H), 1.77-1.60 (m, 5H), 1.35-1.28 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 477. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.sub.2 .multidot.2.2 HCl: C, 58.13; H, 5.28; N, 2.51. Found: C, 58.11; H, 5.10; N, 2.61.

Prepared by the same procedures were:

[6-methoxy-3-[4-[2-(1-pyrolodinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)]b enzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR63##

mp 215.degree.-218.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.7.61-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.52 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.95 (m, 5H), 6.86 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.22 (bt, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H) , 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.47-3.42 (m, 4H), 3.01 (m, 2H), 1.94-1.80 (m, 4H). FD mass spec: 491. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 NO.sub.3 S.sub.2 .multidot.1.0HCl: C, 63.67; H, 5.73; N, 2.65. Found: C, 63.47; H, 5.78; N, 2.65.

[6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-pyrolodinyl)ethoxy]thiophenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]b enzo[b]thiophene hydrochloride ##STR64##

mp 137.degree.-140.degree. C. (dec). .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.86 (s, 1H), 9.80 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.87-6.81 (m, 5H), 4.21 (bt, 2H), 3.53-3.41 (m, 4H), 3.01 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.82 (m, 4H). FD mass spec: 464. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 NO.sub.3 S.sub.2 .multidot.1.0HCl: C, 62.45; H 5.24; N, 2.80. Found: C, 62.36; H, 5.37; N, 2.61.

6-Hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(phenyl)]benzo[b]thiophe ne hydrochloride ##STR65##

To a solution of 6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo [b]thiophene hydrochloride (5.00 g, 10.0 mmol) in 100 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride at 0.degree. C. under N.sub.2 was added triethylamine (8.38 mL, 60.0 mmol) followed by triflouromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.69 mL, 10.0 mmol). The resulting mixture was allowed to gradually warm to room temperature and stirred for 1.5 hours. The reaction was then quenched by pouring into 200 mL of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The aqueous phase was then extracted with ethylacetate (3.times.100 mL). The organic layer was dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. Chromatography (0-3 % methanol/chloroform) provided 2.82 g (39%) of 6-triflouromethanesulfonate-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-tr iflouromethanesulfonatephenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene, 1.82 g (31%) of a 1:1 mixture of 6-triflouromethanesulfonate-3-[4 -[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-phenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene and 3- [4- [2- (1-piperidinyl) ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-triflouromethanesulfonatephenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene, and 1.48 g (36%) of recovered staring material as the free base.

To a solution of a 1:1 mixture of monotriflate derivatives from the last reaction (0.50 g, 0.84 mmol) in 60 mL of ethanol-ethyl acetate (5:1) was added triethylamine (2.0 mL) and 5% palladium-on-carbon (0.50 g). The resulting mixture was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 2 hours. The mixture was then filtered through Celite.RTM. to remove the catalyst. The filtrate was concentrated to an oil. The resulting mixture of monohydroxy derivatives was dissolved in ethyl acetate from which 3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]benzo[b]thiophe ne precipitated. The filtrate consisted of a 4:1 mixture of monohydroxy derivatives where 6-hydroxy-3- [4- [2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(phenyl)]benzo[b]thiophene was the major component. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, and the resulting solid dissolved in minimal ethyl acetate and treated with ethyl ether-hydrochloric acid. The resulting solid was recrystallized from ethanol to give 69 mg (18%) of isomerically pure 6-hydroxy-3-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenoxy]-2-(phenyl)]benzo[b]thioph ene hydrochloride. mp 217.degree.-219.degree. C. .sup.1 H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6) .delta.9.87 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.26 (m, 4H), 7.10 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (s, 4H), 6.78 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (bt, 2H), 3.39-3.37 (m, 4H), 2.97-2.90 (m, 2H), 1.74-1.60 (m, 5H), 1.39 (m, 1H). FD mass spec: 446. Anal. Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 NO.sub.3 S.multidot.1.0HCl: C, 67.28; H, 5.86; N, 2.91. Found: C, 67.00; H, 5.59; N, 2.87.

In the examples illustrating the methods, a post-menopausal model was used in which effects of different treatments upon circulating lipids were determined.

Seventy-five day old female Sprague Dawley rats (weight range of 200 to 225g) were obtained from Charles River Laboratories (Portage, Mich.). The animals were either bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) or exposed to a Sham surgical procedure at Charles River Laboratories, and then shipped after one week. Upon arrival, they were housed in metal hanging cages in groups of 3 or 4 per cage and had ad libitum access to food (calcium content approximately 0.5%) and water for one week. Room temperature was maintained at 22.2.degree..+-.1.7.degree. C. with a minimum relative humidity of 40%. The photoperiod in the room was 12 hours light and 12 hours dark.

Dosing Regimen Tissue Collection

After a one week acclimation period (therefore, two weeks post-OVX) daily dosing with test compound was initiated. 17.alpha.-ethynyl estradiol or the test compound were given orally, unless otherwise stated, as a suspension in 1% carboxymethylcellulose or dissolved in 20% cyclodextrin. Animals were dosed daily for 4 days. Following the dosing regimen, animals were weighed and anesthetized with a ketamine: Xylazine (2:1, V:V) mixture and a blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture. The animals were then sacrificed by asphyxiation with CO.sub.2, the uterus was removed through a midline incision, and a wet uterine weight was determined.

Cholesterol Analysis

Blood samples were allowed to clot at room temperature for 2 hours, and serum was obtained following centrifugation for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm. Serum cholesterol was determined using a Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostics high performance cholesterol assay. Briefly the cholesterol was oxidized to cholest-4-en-3-one and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide was then reacted with phenol and 4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidase to produce a p-quinone imine dye, which was read spectrophotemetrically at 500 nm. Cholesterol concentration was then calculated against a standard curve. The entire assay was automated using a Biomek Automated Workstation.

Uterine Eosinophil Peroxidase (EPO) Assay

Uteri were kept at 4.degree. C. until time of enzymatic analysis. The uteri were then homogenized in 50 volumes of 50 mM Tris buffer (pH - 8.0) containing 0.005% Triton X-100. Upon addition of 0.01% hydrogen peroxide and 10 mM O-phenylenediamine (final concentrations) in Tris buffer, increase in absorbance was monitored for one minute at 450 nm. The presence of eosonophils in the uterus is an indication of estrogenic activity of a compound. The maximal velocity of a 15 second interval was determined over the initial, linear portion of the reaction curve.

Source of Compound

17.alpha.-ethynyl estradiol was obtained from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.

Data presented in Table 1 below show comparative results among ovariectomized rats, rats treated with 17.alpha.-ethynyl estradiol (EE.sub.2 ; an orally available form of estrogen), and rats treated with certain compounds of the present invention. Although EE.sub.2 caused a decrease in serum cholesterol when orally administered at 0.1 mg/kg/day, it also exerted a stimulatory action on the uterus so that EE.sub.2 uterine weight was substantially greater than the uterine weight of ovariectomized test animals. This uterine response to estrogen is well recognized in the art.

Not only did the compounds of the present invention generally reduce serum cholesterol compared to the ovariectomized control animals, but uterine weight was only minimally increased to slightly decreased with the majority of the formula compounds tested. Compared to estrogenic compounds known in the art, the benefit of serum cholesterol reduction without adversely affecting uterine weight is quite rare and desirable.

As is expressed in the below data, estrogenicity also was assessed by evaluating the adverse response of eosinophil infiltration into the uterus. The compounds of the present invention did not cause any increase in the number of eosinophils observed in the stromal layer of ovariectomized rats, while estradiol cause a substantial, expected increase in eosinophil infiltration.

The data presented in the Tables 1 below reflects the response of 5 to 6 rats per treatment.

In addition to the demonstrated benefits of the compounds of the present invention, especially when compared to estradiol, the above data clearly demonstrate that compounds of Formula I are not estrogen mimetics. Furthermore, no deleterious toxicological effects (survival) were observed with any treatment.

Osteoporosis Test Procedure

Following the General Preparation Procedure, infra, the rats were treated daily for 35 days (6 rats per treatment group) and sacrificed by carbon dioxide asphyxiation on the 36th day. The 35 day time period was sufficient to allow maximal reduction in bone density, measured as described herein. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri were removed, dissected free of extraneous tissue, and the fluid contents were expelled before determination of wet weight in order to confirm estrogen deficiency associated with complete ovariectomy. Uterine weight was routinely reduced about 75% in response to ovariectomy. The uteri were then placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to allow for subsequent histological analysis.

The right femurs were excised and digitilized x-rays generated and analyzed by an image analysis program (NIH image) at the distal metaphysis. The proximal aspect of the tibiae from these animals were also scanned by quantitative computed tomography.

In accordance with the above procedures, compounds of the present invention and ethynyl estradiol (EE2) in 20% hydroxypropyl .beta.-cyclodextrin were orally administered to test animals. Distal femur metaphysis data presented in Tables 2 and 3 below are the results of formula I compound treatments compared to intact and ovariectomized test animals. Results are reported as the mean .+-.the standard error of the mean.

In summary, ovariectomy of the test animals caused a significant reduction in femur density compared to intact, vehicle treated controls. Orally administered ethynyl estradiol (EE.sub.2) prevented this loss, but the risk of uterine stimulation with this treatment is ever-present.

The compounds of the present invention also prevented bone loss in a general, dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment of post-menopausal syndrome, particularly osteoporosis.

MCF-7 Proliferation Assay

MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells (ATCC HTB 22) were maintained in MEM (minimal essential medium, phenol red-free, Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) supplimented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (V/V), L-glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate (1 mM), HEPES {(N-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N'-[2-ethanesulfonic acid]10 mM}, non-essential amino acids and bovine insulin (1 ug/mL) (maintenance medium). Ten days prior to assay, MCF-7 cells were switched to maintenance medium supplemented with 10% dextran coated charcoal stripped fetal bovine serum (DCC-FBS) assay medium) in place of 10% FBS to deplete internal stores of steroids. MCF-7 cells were removed from maintenance flasks using cell dissociation medium (Ca++/Mg++free HBSS (phenol red-free) supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 2 mM EDTA). Cells were washed twice with assay medium and adjusted to 80,000 cells/mL. Approximately 100 .mu.L (8,000 cells) were added to flat-bottom microculture wells (Costar 3596) and incubated at 37.degree. C. in a 5% CO.sub.2 humidified incubator for 48 hours to allow for cell adherence and equilibration after transfer. Serial dilutions of drugs or DMSO as a diluent control were prepared in assay medium and 50 .mu.L transferred to triplicate microcultures followed by 50 .mu.L assay medium for a final volume of 200 .mu.L. After an additional 48 hours at 37.degree. C. in a 5% CO.sub.2 humidified incubator, microcultures were pulsed with tritiated thymidine (1 uCi/well) for 4 hours. Cultures were terminated by freezing at -70.degree. C. for 24 hours followed by thawing and harvesting of microcultures using a Skatron Semiautomatic Cell Harvester. Samples were counted by liquid scintillation using a Wallac BetaPlace .beta. counter. Results in Table 4 below show the IC.sub.50 for certain compounds of the present invention.

DMBA-Induced Mammary Tumor Inhibition

Estrogen-dependent mammary tumors are produced in female Sprague-Dawley rats which are purchased from Harlan Industries, Indianapolis, Ind. At about 55 days of age, the rats receive a single oral feeding of 20 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). About 6 weeks after DMBA administration, the mammary glands are palpated at weekly intervals for the appearance of tumors. Whenever one or more tumors appear, the longest and shortest diameters of each tumor are measured with a metric caliper, the measurements are recorded, and that animal is selected for experimentation. An attempt is made to uniformly distribute the various sizes of tumors in the treated and control groups such that average-sized tumors are equivalently distributed between test groups. Control groups and test groups for each experiment contain 5 to 9 animals.

Compounds of Formula I are administered either through intraperitoneal injections in 2% acacia, or orally. Orally administered compounds are either dissolved or suspended in 0.2 mL corn oil. Each treatment, including acacia and corn oil control treatments, is administered once daily to each test animal. Following the initial tumor measurement and selection of test animals, tumors are measured each week by the abovementioned method. The treatment and measurements of animals continue for 3 to 5 weeks at which time the final areas of the tumors are determined. For each compound and control treatment, the change in the mean tumor area is determined.

Uterine Fibrosis Test Procedures

Test 1

Between 3 and 20 women having uterine fibrosis are administered a compound of the present invention. The amount of compound administered is from 0.1 to 1000 mg/day, and the period of administration is 3 months.

The women are observed during the period of administration, and up to 3 months after discontinuance of administration, for effects on uterine fibrosis.

Test 2

The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the period of administration is 6 months.

Test 3

The same procedure is used as in Test 1, except the period of administration is 1 year.

Test 4

A. Induction of fibroid tumors in guinea pig.

Prolonged estrogen stimulation is used to induce leiomyomata in sexually mature female guinea pigs. Animals are dosed with estradiol 3-5 times per week by injection for 2-4 months or until tumors arise. Treatments consisting of a compound of the invention or vehicle is administered daily for 3-16 weeks and then animals are sacrificed and the uteri harvested and analyzed for tumor regression.

B. Implantation of human uterine fibroid tissue in nude mice.

Tissue from human leiomyomas are implanted into the peritoneal cavity and or uterine myometrium of sexually mature, castrated, female, nude mice. Exogenous estrogen are supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. In some cases, the harvested tumor cells are cultured in vitro prior to implantation. Treatment consisting of a compound of the present invention or vehicle is supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16 weeks and implants are removed and measured for growth or regression. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri is harvested to assess the status of the organ.

Test 5

A. Tissue from human uterine fibroid tumors is harvested and maintained, in vitro, as primary nontransformed cultures. Surgical specimens are pushed through a sterile mesh or sieve, or alternately teased apart from surrounding tissue to produce a single cell suspension. Cells are maintained in media containing 10% serum and antibiotic. Rates of growth in the presence and absence of estrogen are determined. Cells are assayed for their ability to produce complement component C3 and their response to growth factors and growth hormone. In vitro cultures are assessed for their proliferative response following treatment with progestins, GnRH, a compound of the present invention and vehicle. Levels of steroid hormone receptors are assessed weekly to determine whether important cell characteristics are maintained in vitro. Tissue from 5-25 patients are utilized.

Activity in at least one of the above tests indicates the compounds of the present invention are of potential in the treatment of uterine fibrosis.

Endometriosis Test Procedure

In Tests 1 and 2, effects of 14-day and 21-day administration of compounds of the present invention on the growth of explanted endometrial tissue can be examined.

Test 1

Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are used as test animals. They are divided into three groups of equal numbers. The estrous cycle of all animals is monitored. On the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on each female. Females in each group have the left uterine horn removed, sectioned into small squares, and the squares are loosely sutured at various sites adjacent to the mesenteric blood flow. In addition, females in Group 2 have the ovaries removed.

On the day following surgery, animals in Groups 1 and 2 receive intraperitoneal injections of water for 14 days whereas animals in Group 3 receive intraperitoneal injections of 1.0 mg of a compound of the present invention per kilogram of body weight for the same duration. Following 14 days of treatment, each female is sacrificed and the endometrial explants, adrenals, remaining uterus, and ovaries, where applicable, are removed and prepared for histological examination. The ovaries and adrenals are weighed.

Test 2

Twelve to thirty adult CD strain female rats are used as test animals. They are divided into two equal groups. The estrous cycle of all animals is monitored. On the day of proestrus, surgery is performed on each female. Females in each group have the left uterine horn removed, sectioned into small squares, and the squares are loosely sutured at various sites adjacent to the mesenteric blood flow.

Approximately 50 days following surgery, animals assigned to Group 1 receive intraperitoneal injections of water for 21 days whereas animals in Group 2 receive intraperitoneal injections of 1.0 mg of a compound of the present invention per kilogram of body weight for the same duration. Following 21 days of treatment, each female is sacrificed and the endometrial explants and adrenals are removed and weighed. The explants are measured as an indication of growth. Estrous cycles are monitored.

Test 3

A. Surgical induction of endometriosis

Autographs of endometrial tissue are used to induce endometriosis in rats and/or rabbits. Female animals at reproductive maturity undergo bilateral oophorectomy, and estrogen is supplied exogenously thus providing a specific and constant level of hormone. Autologous endometrial tissue is implanted in the peritoneum of 5-150 animals and estrogen supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. Treatment consisting of a compound of the present invention is supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16 weeks, and implants are removed and measured for growth or regression. At the time of sacrifice, the intact horn of the uterus is harvested to assess status of endometrium.

B. Implantation of human endometrial tissue in nude mice.

Tissue from human endometrial lesions is implanted into the peritoneum of sexually mature, castrated, female, nude mice. Exogenous estrogen is supplied to induce growth of the explanted tissue. In some cases, the harvested endometrial cells are cultured in vitro prior to implantation. Treatment consisting of a compound of the present invention supplied by gastric lavage on a daily basis for 3-16 weeks, and implants are removed and measured for growth or regression. At the time of sacrifice, the uteri is harvested to assess the status of the intact endometrium.

Test 4

A. Tissue from human endometrial lesions is harvested and maintained in vitro as primary nontransformed cultures. Surgical specimens are pushed through a sterile mesh or sieve, or alternately teased apart from surrounding tissue to produce a single cell suspension. Cells are maintained in media containing 10% serum and antibiotic. Rates of growth in the presence and absence of estrogen are determined. Cells are assayed for their ability to produce complement component C3 and their response to growth factors and growth hormone. In vitro cultures are assessed for their proliferative response following treatment with progestins, GnRH, a compound of the invention, and vehicle. Levels of steroid hormone receptors are assessed weekly to determine whether important cell characteristics are maintained in vitro. Tissue from 5-25 patients is utilized.

Activity in any of the above assays indicates that the compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of endometriosis.

Inhibition Of Aortal Smooth Cell Proliferation/Restenosis Test Procedure

Compounds of the present invention have capacity to inhibit aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation. This can be demonstrated by using cultured smooth cells derived from rabbit aorta, proliferation being determined by the measurement of DNA synthesis. Cells are obtained by explant method as described in Ross, J. of Cell Bio. 50:172 (1971). Cells are plated in 96 well microtiter plates for five days. The cultures become confluent and growth arrested. The cells are then transferred to Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) containing 0.5-2% platelet poor plasma, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 mg ml streptomycin, 1 mC/ml .sup.3 H-thymidine, 20 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor, and varying concentrations of the present compounds. Stock solution of the compounds is prepared in dimethyl sulphoxide and then diluted to appropriate concentration (0.01-30 mM) in the above assay medium. Cells are then incubated at 37.degree. C. for 24 hours under 5% CO.sub.2 /95% air. At the end of 24 hours, the cells are fixed in methanol. .sup.3 H thymidine incorporation in DNA is then determined by scintillation counting as described in Bonin, et al., Exp. Cell Res. 181: 475-482 (1989).

Inhibition of aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation by the compounds of the present invention are further demonstrated by determining their effects on exponentially growing cells. Smooth muscle cells from rabbit aortae are seeded in 12 well tissue culture plates in DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, and 100 mg/ml streptomycin. After 24 hours, the cells are attached and the medium is replaced with DMEM containing 10% serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 mg/ml streptomycin, and desired concentrations of the compounds. Cells are allowed to grow for four days. Cells are treated with trypsin and the number of cells in each culture is determined by counting using a ZM-Coulter counter.

Activity in the above tests indicates that the compounds of the present invention are of potential in the treatment of restenosis.

The present invention also provides a method of alleviating post-menopausal syndrome in women which comprises the aforementioned method using compounds of Formula I and further comprises administering to a woman an effective amount of estrogen or progestin. These treatments are particularly useful for treating osteoporosis and lowering serum cholesterol because the patient will receive the benefits of each pharmaceutical agent while the compounds of the present invention would inhibit undesirable side-effects of estrogen and progestin. Activity of these combination treatments in any of the post-menopausal tests, infra, indicates that the combination treatments are useful for alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal symptoms in women.

Various forms of estrogen and progestin are commercially available. Estrogen-based agents include, for example, ethynyl estrogen (0.01-0.03 mg/day), mestranol (0.05-0.15 mg/day), and conjugated estrogenic hormones such as Premarin.RTM. (Wyeth-Ayerst; 0.3-2.5 mg/day). Progestin-based agents include, for example, medroxyprogesterone such as Provera.RTM. (Upjohn; 2.5-10 mg/day), norethylnodrel (1.0-10.0 mg/day), and nonethindrone (0.5-2.0 mg/day). A preferred estrogen-based compound is Premarin, and norethylnodrel and norethindrone are preferred progestin-based agents.

The method of administration of each estrogen- and progestin-based agent is consistent with that which is known in the art. For the majority of the methods of the present invention, compounds of Formula I are administered continuously, from 1 to 3 times daily. However, cyclical therapy may especially be useful in the treatment of endometriosis or may be used acutely during painful attacks of the disease. In the case of restenosis, therapy may be limited to short (1-6 months) intervals following medical procedures such as angioplasty.

As used herein, the term "effective amount" means an amount of compound of the present invention which is capable of alleviating the symptoms of the various pathological conditions herein described. The specific dose of a compound administered according to this invention will, of course, be determined by the particular circumstances surrounding the case including, for example, the compound administered, the route of administration, the state of being of the patient, and the pathological condition being treated. A typical daily dose will contain a nontoxic dosage level of from about 5 mg to about 600 mg/day of a compound of the present invention. Preferred daily doses generally will be from about 15 mg to about 80 mg/day.

The compounds of this invention can be administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subucutaneus, intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. These compounds preferably are formulated prior to administration, the selection of which will be decided by the attending physician. Thus, another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally containing an effective amount of estrogen or progestin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.

The total active ingredients in such formulations comprises from 0.1% to 99.9% by weight of the formulation. By "pharmaceutically acceptable" it is meant the carrier, diluent, excipients and salt must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation, and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention can be prepared by procedures known in the art using well known and readily available ingredients. For example, the compounds of formula I, with or without an estrogen or progestin compound, can be formulated with common excipients, diluents, or carriers, and formed into tablets, capsules, suspensions, powders, and the like. Examples of excipients, diluents, and carriers that are suitable for such formulations include the following: fillers and extenders such as starch, sugars, mannitol, and silicic derivatives; binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose and other cellulose derivatives, alginates, gelatin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone; moisturizing agents such as glycerol; disintegrating agents such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; agents for retarding dissolution such as paraffin; resorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds; surface active agents such as cetyl alcohol, glycerol monostearate; adsorptive carriers such as kaolin and bentonite; and lubricants such as talc, calcium and magnesium stearate, and solid polyethyl glycols.

The compounds also can be formulated as elixirs or solutions for convenient oral administration or as solutions appropriate for parenteral administration, for example, by intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous routes. Additionally, the compounds are well suited to formulation as sustained release dosage forms and the like. The formulations can be so constituted that they release the active ingredient only or preferably in a particular physiological location, possibly over a period of time. The coatings, envelopes, and protective matrices may be made, for example, from polymeric substances or waxes.

Compounds of formula I, alone or in combination with a pharmaceutical agent of the present invention, generally will be administered in a convenient formulation. The following formulation examples only are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In the formulations which follow, "active ingredient" means a compound of formula I, or a salt or solvate thereof.

The formulation above may be changed in compliance with the reasonable variations provided.

A tablet formulation is prepared using the ingredients below:

The components are blended and compressed to form tablets.

Alternatively, tablets each containing 2.5-1000 mg of active ingredient are made up as follows:

The active ingredient, starch, and cellulose are passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders which are then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50.degree.-60.degree. C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No. 60 U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets.

Suspensions each containing 0.1-1000 mg of medicament per 5 ml dose are made as follows:

The medicament is passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed with the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and syrup to form a smooth paste. The benzoic acid solution, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added, with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

An aerosol solution is prepared containing the following ingredients:

The active ingredient is mixed with ethanol and the mixture added to a portion of the propellant 22, cooled to 30.degree. C., and transferred to a filling device. The required amount is then fed to a stainless steel container and diluted with the remaining propellant. The valve units are then fitted to the container.

Suppositories are prepared as follows:

The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimal necessary heat. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2 g capacity and allowed to cool.

An intravenous formulation is prepared as follows:

The solution of the above ingredients is intravenously administered to a patient at a rate of about 1 mL per minute.