4-SUBSTITUTED PYRIDINE-2,6-DICARBOXYLIC ACID DERIVATIVES AND METHOD OF PREPARING SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel 4-substituted pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives, compounds of formula I, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined herein. The compounds of formula I are useful for making pharmaceutical compositions to treat proliferative diseases. The present invention also relates to concise methods for preparing compounds of formula I that may be performed under mild reaction conditions.

Claims

1. A compound comprising the structure according to formula I, wherein ##STR00027## R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.18-cycloalkyl, aryl, C.sub.3-C.sub.18-heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.18-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.1-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl or benzyl; or racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures of the compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, except Dimethyl 4-methylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-ethylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-isopropylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(chloromethyl)pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(iodomethyl)pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(bromomethyl)pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(dimethoxymethyl)pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-phenyl-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3-bromopropyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3-methylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-cyclohexyl-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-methylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(2-methylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3-chlorophenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-naphthalenyl-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-methoxylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-[(4-octyloxyl)phenyl]-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-benzo[b]thien-2-yl-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-[(4-octadecyloxyl)phenyl]-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(2-methyl-1-piperidinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-morpholinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-methylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-ethylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-tert-butylpyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(2-carboxyethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(2-furanyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(4-cyanophenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(2-thienyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(3-thienyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(1-piperazinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(4-morpholinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(1-piperazinyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(9-anthracenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(5-chloro-2-ethoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(3-bromo-2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(3-hexyl-2-thienyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Di-tert-butyl 4-(bromomethyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Di-tert-butyl 4-(pyridine-4-yl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-hydroxy-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(3-hydroxypropyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-phenyl-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Diethyl 4-(4-ethylphenyl)-pyridine 2,6-dicarboxylate, Dimethyl 4-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate, and 2-(2,6-bis(methoxycarbonyl)pyridin-4-yl)acetic acid.

2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8-cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

4. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.3-C.sub.8-cycloalkyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

5. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, ethenyl, 2-propenyl, ethynyl, propargyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, nitro; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

6. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

7. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.1 is 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

8. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R.sup.2 is ethyl or benzyl; or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

9. The compound according to claim 1 selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00028## or racemate, enantiomer, diastereomer, mixture thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

10. A process for preparing compound of formula I: ##STR00029## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in claim 1; which process comprises reacting compound of formula II: ##STR00030## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in claim 1; with NH.sub.4OAc in a solvent.

11. The process for preparing compound of formula I according to claim 10, wherein the solvent is CH.sub.3CN.

12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant.

13. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12 for the treatment of proliferative diseases.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the present disclosure, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, concentrations, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skill of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0021] While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of skill in the art, the following definitions are nevertheless put forth to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting the meaning presently accepted by those of skill in the art.

[0022] The term “halogen” and “halo” are used interchangeably herein and denote fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

[0023] The term “alkyl” denotes a monovalent linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 24 carbon atoms, in particular of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more particular of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, further more particular of 1 to 8 carbon atoms for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl. The term “lower alkyl” refers an alkyl group of one to six carbon atoms, and includes, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and isopropyl.

[0024] The term “cycloalkyl”, alone or in combination with other groups, denotes a monovalent saturated monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 18 ring carbon atoms, particularly a monovalent saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 8 ring carbon atoms. Examples for monocyclic cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclobutanyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl.

[0025] The term “alkoxy” denotes a group of the formula —O—R′, wherein R′ is an alkyl group. Examples of alkoxy group include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy and tert-butoxy. Particular alkoxy group include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy and isopropoxy.

[0026] The term “halo-alkyl” denotes an alkyl group wherein at least one of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group has been replaced by same or different halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkyl include fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl, 1,1,1-trifluoropropyl and pentafluoroethyl.

[0027] The term “halo-alkoxy” denotes an alkoxy group wherein at least one of the hydrogen atoms of the alkoxy group has been replaced by same or different halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkoxy include fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 1,1,1-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,1-trifluoropropoxy, and pentafluoroethoxy.

[0028] The term “alkenyl” denotes a branched, unbranched or cyclic (e.g. in the case of C5 and C6) hydrocarbon group of 2 to 18, 2 to 12, or 2 to 8 carbon atoms, in some embodiments, carbon atoms containing at least one double bond, such as vinyl, allyl, octenyl, decenyl, dodecenyl, cyclohexenyl and the like. The term “lower alkenyl” refers an alkenyl group of two to six carbon atoms, and specifically includes vinyl and allyl. The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to cyclic alkenyl groups.

[0029] The term “alkynyl” denotes a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group of 2 to 18, 2 to 12, or 2 to 8 carbon atoms, in some embodiments, carbon atoms containing at least one triple bond, such as acetylenyl, n-propynyl, n-butynyl, isobutynyl, octynyl, decynyl and the like. The term “lower alkynyl” refers an alkynyl group of two to six carbon atoms, and includes, for example, acetylenyl and propynyl. The term “cycloalkynyl” refers to cyclic alkynyl groups.

[0030] The term “hydroxyl”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to —OH.

[0031] The term “nitro”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to —NO.sub.2.

[0032] The term “cyano”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to —CN.

[0033] The term “carboxyl”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to —COOH.

[0034] The term “aryl”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group comprising 6 to 14, preferably 6 to 10, carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring or multiple condensed rings in which at least one ring is aromatic. Examples of “aryl” include biphenyl, indanyl, naphthyl, phenyl (Ph) and the like. Preferred “aryl” is phenyl.

[0035] The term “heteroaryl”, alone or in combination with other groups, refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group of having a single 4 to 8 membered ring or multiple condensed rings comprising 6 to 14, more preferably 6 to 10, ring atoms and containing 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms individually selected from N, O and S, in particular N and O, in which group at least one heterocyclic ring is aromatic. Examples of “heteroaryl” include benzofuryl, benzoimidazolyl, benzoxazinyl, benzo thiazinyl, benzo thiazolyl, benzo thienyl, benzo triazolyl, furyl, imidazolyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl (pyrazyl), pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, quinolinyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, triazolyl and the like. Preferred are 1H-pyrazolyl, furyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyridinyl-N-oxide and pyrimidinyl. More preferred heteroaryls are pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl and pyrimidinyl.

[0036] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases or free acids, which are not bio-logically or otherwise undesirable. The salts are formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, in particular hydrochloric acid, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, N-acetylcysteine and the like. In addition these salts may be prepared by addition of an inorganic base or an organic base to the free acid. Salts derived from an inorganic base include, but are not limited to, the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium salts and the like. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, lysine, arginine, N-ethylpiperidine, piperidine, polyimine resins and the like. Particular pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) are the hydrochloride salts, methanesulfonic acid salts and citric acid salts.

[0037] The compounds of the present invention can contain several asymmetric centers and can be present in the form of optically pure enantiomers, mixtures of enantiomers such as, for example, racemates, optically pure diastereoisomers, mixtures of diastereoisomers, diastereoisomeric racemates or mixtures of diastereoisomeric racemates.

[0038] According to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog Convention the asymmetric carbon atom can be of the “R” or “S” configuration.

[0039] The 4-substituted pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives of the present invention may be represented by the following formula I:

##STR00007##

wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.18-cycloalkyl, aryl, C.sub.3-C.sub.18-heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.18-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.18-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.18-alkyl, preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, further more preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl or benzyl. Compounds of formula I according to the invention include racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0040] In further embodiments of the compounds of formula I, R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8-cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0041] Additional embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0042] Additional embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is C.sub.3-C.sub.8-cycloalkyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0043] Additional embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is phenyl substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, ethenyl, 2-propenyl, ethynyl, propargyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, nitro; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0044] Additional embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0045] Additional embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.1 is 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl containing at least one hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.8-alkynyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy, nitro, cyano, halogen, carboxyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, halo-C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkoxy and phenyl; and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0046] Additional particular embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.2 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, or benzyl.

[0047] Additional particular embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.2 is C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl, or benzyl.

[0048] Additional particular embodiments of the invention include the compounds of formula I in which R.sup.2 is ethyl or benzyl.

[0049] Particular embodiments of the invention include the compound of formula I selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00008## ##STR00009##

[0050] In addition to the compounds described above, the invention also relates to derivatives of these compounds, including racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, mixtures thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0051] Another aspect of the present invention includes methods for preparing the compound of formula I:

##STR00010##

[0052] wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above, comprising reacting compound of formula II:

##STR00011##

[0053] wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above, with NH.sub.4OAc in a solvent.

[0054] In particular embodiments of the invention, R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl branched at the position next to the 4-position of the pyridine ring.

[0055] In particular embodiments of the invention, the molar ration of compound of formula II to NH.sub.4OAc is 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 1 to 2.2.

[0056] In particular embodiments of the invention, the reaction can be carried out in a solvent, preferably in polar solvent such as CH.sub.3CN, THF, dioxane, most preferably CH.sub.3CN.

[0057] In particular embodiments of the invention, the reaction can be carried out at 4 to 40° C., preferably at 10 to 30° C., and more preferably at 15 to 28° C.

[0058] Another aspects of the present invention further include methods for the preparation of the compound of formula II:

##STR00012##

[0059] wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0060] For example, the compound of formula II may be prepared by adding (S)-proline, (R)-β-proline, or (±)-β-proline to a solution of aldehyde and ethyl pyruvate (or methyl or benzyl pyruvate) in CH.sub.3CN, at ambient temperature.

[0061] Pharmacological Tests:

[0062] The compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts possess valuable pharmacological properties. It has been found that the compounds of the present invention are associated with anti-cancer activity. The compounds were investigated in accordance with the test described below.

[0063] Cytotoxicity:

[0064] K562 cells (American Type Culture Collection) were cultured in a culture medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum (FCS) (manufactures by Sigma) to logarithmic phase. The cells were seeded in 96-well microtiter plate at a density of 5000 cells/well in 100 μL cell culture medium and incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO.sub.2 in a humidified incubator overnight. The test compounds of various concentrations were added in a well at 10 fold concentration in 1/10 volume of medium without FCS. After 6-48 hrs incubation at 37° C. in the CO.sub.2 incubator, 10 uL solution of the viable cell counting reagent, Cell counting Kit-8 (5 mmol/L WST-8, 0.2 mmol/L 1-Methoxy PMS, 150 mmol/L NaCl) (manufactured by Dojindo) was added to each well, and reacted for 1 to 4 hours in the CO.sub.2 incubator. After the incubation, an absorbance of formazan, generated by reduction of WST-8, was determined at 450 nm using a microplate reader.

[0065] The assay readout is correlated with the viable cell numbers. Lower values correspond to high inhibition and greater values to low inhibition of the cell growth. To determine IC.sub.50 values (i.e. the concentration inhibiting the cell growth by 50%) of the compounds of formula I, several assays were made with a range of concentrations chosen empirically to give low, high and intermediate inhibition of the growth and determined using curve fitting software.

[0066] The exemplified compounds according to formula I have an inhibitory activity in this assays (IC.sub.50) particular less than 1000 M, and more particularly less than 100 μM. The IC.sub.50 values can be converted logarithmically to pIC.sub.50 values (−log IC.sub.50), in which higher values indicate exponentially greater potency. The IC.sub.50 value is not an absolute value but depends on experimental conditions e.g. concentrations employed.

[0067] The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Cytotoxic activity evaluated Compound using K562 cells IC.sub.50 (μM) [00013] 35 [00014] 50 [00015] 51

[0068] The compounds of formula I are useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of proliferative diseases.

[0069] The invention further relates to use of the compounds of formula I for the treatment and prophylaxis of proliferative diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma and cirrhosis of the liver.

[0070] The invention further relates to methods for the treatment and prophylaxis of proliferative diseases, in which the methods comprise administering an effective amount of the compounds of formula I to a patient in need.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0071] The compounds of formula I as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used as medicaments, e.g. in the form of pharmaceutical preparations. The pharmaceutical preparations can be administered orally, e.g. in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragees, hard and soft capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. The administration can however, also be effected rectally, e.g. in the form of suppositories, or parenterally, e.g. in the form of injection solutions.

[0072] The compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be processed with pharmaceutically inert, inorganic or organic excipients for the production of tablets, coated tablets, dragees and hard gelatin capsules. Lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acid or its salts etc. can be used as such excipients e.g. for tablets, dragees and hard gelatin capsules.

[0073] Suitable excipients for soft gelatin capsules are e.g. vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semisolid and liquid polyols etc.

[0074] Suitable excipients for the manufacture of solutions and syrups are e.g. water, polyols, saccharose, invert sugar, glucose etc.

[0075] Suitable excipients for injection solutions are e.g. water, alcohols, polyols, glycerol, vegetable oils etc.

[0076] Suitable excipients for suppositories are e.g. natural or hardened oils, waxes, fats, semi-liquid or liquid polyols etc.

[0077] Moreover, the pharmaceutical preparations can contain preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorants, salts for varying the osmotic pressure, buffers, masking agents or antioxidants. They can also contain still other therapeutically valuable substances.

[0078] The dosage can be varied within wide limits and will, of course, be adapted to the individual requirements in each particular case. In general, in the case of oral administration a daily dosage of about 10 to 1000 mg per person of a compound of general formula I should be appropriate, although the above upper limit may be exceeded when necessary.

EXAMPLES

[0079] The invention is illustrated hereinafter by Examples, which have no limiting character. In case the preparative examples are obtained as a mixture of enantiomers and diastereomers, the pure enantiomers or diastereomers may be separated by methods described herein or by methods known to the person skilled in the art, such as chiral chromatography and crystallization.

Example 1

(2S*,4S*)-Diethyl 2-hydroxy-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1aa)

[0080] ##STR00016##

[0081] 3,4-Dihydro-2H-pyrans of Example 1 (compound 1aa) was prepared as follows. To a solution of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (1.0 mmol), and ethyl pyruvate (3.0 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (1.0 mL), (S)-β-proline (23 mg, 0.2 mmol) was added at the room temperature (25° C.) and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 24 h. The mixture was poured into a saturated aqueous NH.sub.4Cl solution (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were combined, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered, concentrated, and purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc) to afford the compound of Example 1 (3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran 1aa).

[0082] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.21 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.24 (dd, J = 2.4 Hz, 1.6, Hz, 1H), 4.60 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.39-4.23 (m, 4H), 3.98 (ddd, J = 12.4 Hz, 6.0 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 2.22 (ddd, J = 13.2 Hz, 6.0 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 2.11 (ddd, J = 13.2 Hz, 12.4 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 1.33 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.31 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 168.7, 161.9, 149.9, 147.2, 141.9, 128.5, 124.1, 113.0, 94.3, 63.6, 61.6, 35.3, 34.7, 14.1, 13.9. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.20O.sub.8N ([M + H].sup.+) 366.1183, found 366.1190.

Example 2

[0083] Diethyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1ea) [0084] Diethyl 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1fa) [0085] 4-(2,6-Bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)benzoic acid (1ja) [0086] Diethyl 2-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1la) [0087] Diethyl 4-(furan-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1na) [0088] Diethyl 4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1oa) [0089] Diethyl 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1pa) [0090] Diethyl 4-(dimethoxymethyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1qa) [0091] Diethyl 4-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1ra) [0092] Dibenzyl 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1gc)

[0093] 3,4-Dihydro-2H-pyrans of Example 2 (1ea to 1ra, and 1gc) were prepared according to Example 1.

Example 3

Diethyl 4-(4-nitrophenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16aa)

[0094] ##STR00017##

[0095] To a solution of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran 1aa (as a mixture with the corresponding linear form, 0.1 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (0.4 mL), ammonium acetate (16.9 mg, 0.22 mmol) was added at room temperature (25° C.), and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 24 h. The mixture was concentrated and purified by flash column chromatography to afford compound of Example 3 (4-substituted pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivative 16aa).

[0096] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 3:2); pale yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.51 (s, 2H), 8.39 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) 4.53 (q, J = 7.1, Hz, 4H), 1.48 (t, J = 7.1, Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.4, 149.7, 148.7, 148.5, 142.6, 128.3, 125.6, 124.6, 62.6, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.17O.sub.6N.sub.2 ([M + H].sup.+) 345.1081, found 345.1081.

Example 4

Diethyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16ea)

[0097] ##STR00018##

[0098] Compound of Example 4 (16ea) was prepared from diethyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1ea) according to Example 3.

[0099] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.46 (s, 2H), 7.69 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) 4.51 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 4H), 1.47 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.7, 149.7, 149.4, 136.4, 134.4, 129.6, 128.4, 125.2, 62.5, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.17ClO.sub.4N ([M + H].sup.+) 334.0841, found 334.0836.

Example 5

Diethyl 4-(4-bromophenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16fa)

[0100] ##STR00019##

[0101] Compound of Example 5 (16fa) was prepared from diethyl 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1fa) according to Example 3.

[0102] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.46 (s, 2H), 7.67 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) 4.51 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 4H), 1.47 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.7, 149.9, 149.4, 135.2, 132.2, 128.6, 125.2, 124.7, 62.5, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.17BrO.sub.4N ([M + H].sup.+) 378.0335, found 378.0335.

Example 6

4-(2,6-Bis(ethoxycarbonyl)pyridin-4-yl)benzoic acid (16ja)

[0103] ##STR00020##

[0104] Compound of Example 6 (16ja) was prepared from 4-(2,6-Bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)benzoic acid (1ja) according to Example 3.

[0105] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Flash column chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH = 10:1); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.58 (s, 2H), 8.19 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H) 4.50 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 1.46 (t, J = 7.2, Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 169.5, 165.8, 151.7, 150.7, 141.5, 131.7, 131.2, 128.4, 126.6, 63.4, 14.5. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.18H.sub.18O.sub.6N ([M + H].sup.+) 344.1129, found 344.1127.

Example 7

Diethyl 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16la)

[0106] ##STR00021##

[0107] Compound of Example 7 (16la) was prepared from diethyl 2-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1la) according to Example 3.

[0108] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.46 (s, 2H), 7.67 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 1.46 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 165.0, 157.9, 150.5, 149.1, 128.6, 128.4, 124.8, 116.4, 62.4, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.18O.sub.5N ([M + H].sup.+) 316.1179, found 316.1179.

Example 8

Diethyl 4-(furan-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (6na)

[0109] ##STR00022##

[0110] Compound of Example 8 (16na) was prepared from Diethyl 4-(furan-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1na) according to Example 3.

[0111] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.45 (s, 2H), 7.61 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (dd, J = 3.6 Hz, 0.4 Hz, 1H), 6.57 (dd, J = 3.6 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 1.47 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.7, 149.9, 149.3, 144.9, 139.9, 121.5, 112.5, 110.8, 62.4, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.15H.sub.16O.sub.5N ([M + H].sup.+) 290.1023, found 290.1027.

Example 9

Diethyl 4-cyclohexylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16oa)

[0112] ##STR00023##

[0113] Compound of Example 9 (16oa) was prepared from diethyl 4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1oa) according to Example 3.

[0114] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.11 (s, 2H), 4.48 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 2.70-2.63 (m, 1H), 1.96-1.86 (m, 4H), 1.82-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.45 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H), 1.53-1.25 (m, 5H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 165.0, 159.5, 148.6, 126.5, 62.2, 43.9, 33.3, 26.3, 25.7, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.17H.sub.24O.sub.4N ([M + H].sup.+) 306.1700, found 306.1702.

Example 10

Diethyl 4-isopropylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16pa)

[0115] ##STR00024##

[0116] Compound of Example 10 (16pa) was prepared from Diethyl 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1pa) according to Example 3.

[0117] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless gum. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.12 (d, J = 0.8 Hz, 2H), 4.47 (dq, J = 7.2 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 4H), 3.10-3.08 (m, 1H), 1.45 (dt, J = 7.2 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 6H), 1.31 (dd, J = 7.0 Hz, 1.6 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 165.0, 160.4, 148.7, 126.1, 62.2, 33.7, 22.9, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.14H.sub.20O.sub.4N ([M + H].sup.+) 266.1387, found 266.1388.

Example 11

Diethyl 4-(dimethoxymethyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16qa)

[0118] ##STR00025##

[0119] Compound of Example 11 (16qa) was prepared from diethyl 4-(dimethoxymethyl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1qa) according to Example 3.

[0120] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 7:3); colorless solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.33 (s, 2H), 5.48 (s, 1H), 4.48 (q, J = 7.2, Hz, 4H), 3.34 (s, 6H), 1.44 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.5, 149.8, 149.0, 125.9, 100.5, 62.3, 52.8, 14.2; ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.14H.sub.20O.sub.6N ([M + H].sup.+) 298.1285, found 298.1287.

Example 12

[0121] Diethyl 4-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (16ra)

##STR00026##

[0122] Compound of Example 12 (16ra) was prepared from diethyl 4-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-2-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylate (1ra) according to Example 3.

[0123] <Physical Data>

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc = 1:1); colorless gum. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.23 (s, 2H), 5.18 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H) 4.48 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 4.43 (dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 6.8, Hz, 1H), 3.72 (dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 1.56 (s, 3H), 1.49 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 164.5, 152.1, 149.0, 124.8, 110.9, 75.9, 70.7, 62.4, 26.3, 25.6, 14.2. ESI-HRMS: calcd for C.sub.16H.sub.22O.sub.6N ([M + H].sup.+) 324.1442, found 324.1440

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0124] The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined herein. The compounds of formula I are useful for making pharmaceutical compositions to treat proliferative diseases. The present invention also relates to concise methods of preparing compounds of formula I that may be performed under mild reaction conditions.