PREPARATION OF SUBSTITUTED ACRYLATE COMPOUND

Abstract

A method for preparing a substituted acrylate compound of general formula (I) is provided.

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A method of preparing a compound of general formula (I), comprising reacting a compound of general formula (II) with a compound of general formula (III), in the presence of a base: ##STR00029## wherein ring A is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; X is S or P; R.sub.1 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, and 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; R.sub.2 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; R.sub.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.0-6 aryl, and —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m R′ group(s); R.sub.4 is selected from C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —OR.sub.a, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s); R is selected from H, halogen, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; wherein R′ and R″ are independently selected from halogen, —NO.sub.2, —CN, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b, C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and phenyl; m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; m′ is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein X is S.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein R.sub.4 is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, which is unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-propylphenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, mesityl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 2-dodecylphenyl, 3-dodecylphenyl, 4-dodecylphenyl, 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-biphenyl, thienyl and 5-bromothienyl; alternatively, R.sub.4 is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 4-propylphenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-trii sopropylphenyl, 2-dodecylphenyl, 3-dodecylphenyl, 4-dodecylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-methylphenyl and mesityl; yet alternatively, R.sub.4 is selected from phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methylphenyl and mesityl.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-12 alkyl, —OR.sub.a, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, or 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, which is unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from N,N-dimethylamino, methyl, ethyl, butyl, dodecyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and cyclopropyl.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein ring A is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl or thienyl; alternatively substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein R is H, halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, or C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; alternatively, R is H or halogen.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein ##STR00030## is selected from phenyl, naphthalene-1-yl, naphthalene-2-yl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,3,5 -trichlorophenyl, 4-isopropylphenyl and 4-t-butylphenyl; alternatively, ##STR00031## is 2-chlorophenyl.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, such as methyl.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein R.sub.2 is H.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3 is H, —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, phenyl or —CH.sub.2-phenyl; alternatively, R.sub.3 is —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 or —CH.sub.2-phenyl.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the base is selected from inorganic bases and organic bases; alternatively, the inorganic base is selected from carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, hydrogenphosphates, dihydrogenphosphates, hydroxides and hydrides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, for example, LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Li.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3, Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 and NaH; alternatively, the organic base is selected from alkoxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals and organic amines, such as NaOMe, KOMe, NaOEt, KOEt, NaOtBu, KOtBu, triethylamine, DBU, DIPEA, DABCO and DMAP.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of a solvent selected from water, alkanes, ethers, esters, alcohols, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, amides, sulfones, sulfoxides, nitriles, and mixtures thereof, such as water, n-heptane, toluene, THF, MTBE, methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, butyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, tert-amyl alcohol, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, acetone, 2-butanone, DMF, DMA, NMP, DMSO and acetonitrile.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction temperature is from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, alternatively 40-90° C.; yet alternatively 50-80° C.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of the general formula (II) to the compound of the general formula (III) is 1:(0.7-3), alternatively 1:(0.7-1.5), yet alternatively 1:(1-1.2), still alternatively 1:1, 1:1.05, 1:1.1, 1:1.15 or 1.1.2.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of the general formula (II) to the base is 1:(1-5), alternatively 1:(2-4), yet alternatively 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6, 1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9 or 1:3.

18. A compound of formula (I), which is prepared by the method described in claim 1: ##STR00032## wherein ring A is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; R.sub.1 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, and 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; R.sub.2 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; R.sub.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.6-10 aryl, and —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m R′ group(s); R is selected from H, halogen, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; wherein R′ is selected from halogen, —NO.sub.2, —CN, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b, C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and phenyl; m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definition

Chemical Definitions

[0035] Definitions of specific functional groups and chemical terms are described in more detail below.

[0036] When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within the range. For example “C.sub.1-6 alkyl” is intended to include C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5, C.sub.6, C.sub.1-6, C.sub.1-5, C.sub.1-4, C.sub.1-3, C.sub.1-2, C.sub.2-6, C.sub.2-5, C.sub.2-4, C.sub.2-3, C.sub.3-6, C.sub.3-5, C.sub.3-4, C.sub.4-6, C.sub.4-5 and C.sub.5-6 alkyl.

[0037] The term “about” means having a value that falls within the standard error of the accepted mean when considered by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” means ±10% of the indicated amount, or ±5% of the indicated amount.

[0038] “C.sub.1-20 alkyl” refers to a radical of a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, C.sub.1-12 alkyl is alternative. In some embodiments, C.sub.1-6 alkyl is alternative. In some embodiments, C.sub.1-4 alkyl is alternative. Examples of C.sub.1-6 alkyl include methyl (C.sub.1), ethyl (C.sub.2), n-propyl (C.sub.3), iso-propyl (C.sub.3), n-butyl (C.sub.4), tert-butyl (C.sub.4), sec-butyl (C.sub.4), iso-butyl (C.sub.4), n-pentyl (C.sub.5), 3-pentyl (C.sub.5), pentyl (C.sub.5), neopentyl (C.sub.5), 3-methyl-2-butyl (C.sub.5), tert-pentyl (C.sub.5) and n-hexyl (C.sub.6). The term “C.sub.1-6 alkyl” also includes heteroalkyl, wherein one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) carbon atoms are substituted with heteroatoms (e.g., oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, boron, silicon, phosphorus). Alkyl groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent. Conventional abbreviations of alkyl include Me (—CH.sub.3), Et (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), iPr (—CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), nPr (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), nBu (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3) or iBu (—CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2).

[0039] “C.sub.2-6 alkenyl” refers to a radical of a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. In some embodiments, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl is alternative. Examples of C.sub.2-6 alkenyl include vinyl (C.sub.2), 1-propenyl (C.sub.3), 2-propenyl (C.sub.3), 1-butenyl (C.sub.4), 2-butenyl (C.sub.4), butadienyl (C.sub.4), pentenyl (C.sub.5), pentadienyl (C.sub.5), hexenyl (C.sub.6), etc. The term “C.sub.2-6 alkenyl” also includes heteroalkenyl, wherein one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (e.g., oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, boron, silicon, phosphorus). The alkenyl groups can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0040] “C.sub.2-6 alkynyl” refers to a radical of a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and optionally one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. In some embodiments, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl is alternative. Examples of C.sub.2-6 alkynyl include, but are not limited to, ethynyl (C.sub.2), 1-propynyl (C.sub.3), 2-propynyl (C.sub.3), 1-butynyl (C.sub.4), 2-butynyl (C.sub.4), pentynyl (C.sub.5), hexynyl (C.sub.6), etc. The term “C.sub.2-6 alkynyl” also includes heteroalkynyl, wherein one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (e.g., oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, boron, silicon, phosphorus). The alkynyl groups can be substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0041] “C.sub.1-6 alkylene” refers to a divalent group of the “C.sub.1-6 alkyl” as defined above, i.e., a divalent group formed by removing another hydrogen of the C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and can be a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene. In some embodiments, C.sub.1-4 alkylene is yet alternative. The unsubstituted alkylene groups include, but are not limited to, methylene (—CH.sub.2—), ethylene (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), propylene (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), butylene (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), pentylene (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), hexylene (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), etc. Examples of substituted alkylene groups, such as those substituted with one or more alkyl (methyl) groups, include, but are not limited to, substituted methylene (—CH(CH.sub.3)—, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.2—), substituted ethylene (—CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)—, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2—), substituted propylene (—CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)—, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2—), etc.

[0042] “C.sub.0-6 alkylene” refers to a chemical bond and “C.sub.1-6 alkylene”.

[0043] “Halo” or “halogen” refers to fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br) and iodine (I).

[0044] Thus, “C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl” refers to the above “C.sub.1-6 alkyl”, which is substituted by one or more halogens. In some embodiments, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl is yet alternative, and still alternatively C.sub.1-2 haloalkyl. Exemplary haloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, —CF.sub.3, —CH.sub.2F, —CHF.sub.2, —CHFCH.sub.2F, —CH.sub.2CHF.sub.2, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.3, —CCl.sub.3, —CH.sub.2Cl, —CHCl.sub.2, 2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dimethyl-ethyl, and the like. The haloalkyl can be substituted at any available point of attachment, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0045] “C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl” refers to a radical of a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 3 to 7 ring carbon atoms and zero heteroatom. In some embodiments, C.sub.3-5 cycloalkyl is alternative. In other embodiments, C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl is alternative. In other embodiments, C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl is alternative. The cycloalkyl also includes a ring system in which the cycloalkyl described herein is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein the point of attachment is on the cycloalkyl ring, and in such case, the number of carbon atoms continues to represent the number of carbon atoms in the cycloalkyl system. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl (C.sub.3), cyclopropenyl (C.sub.3), cyclobutyl (C.sub.4), cyclobutenyl (C.sub.4), cyclopentyl (C.sub.5), cyclopentenyl (C.sub.5), cyclohexyl (C.sub.6), cyclohexenyl (C.sub.6), cyclohexadienyl (C.sub.6), cycloheptyl (C.sub.7), cycloheptenyl (C.sub.7), cycloheptadienyl (C.sub.7), cycloheptatrienyl (C.sub.7), etc. The cycloalkyl can be substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0046] “3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl” refers to a radical of 3- to 8-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 4 ring heteroatoms. 3- to 6-membered heterocyclyl is alternative, which is a radical of 3- to 6-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 3 ring heteroatoms. 3- to 5-membered heterocyclyl is alternative, which is a radical of 3- to 5-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 2 ring heteroatoms. 4- to 8-membered heterocyclyl is alternative, which is a radical of 4- to 8-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 3 ring heteroatoms. 5- to 6-membered heterocyclyl is yet alternative, which is a radical of 5- to 6-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 3 ring heteroatoms. The heterocyclyl also includes a ring system wherein the heterocyclyl described above is fused with one or more cycloalkyl groups, wherein the point of attachment is on the cycloalkyl ring, or the heterocyclyl described above is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein the point of attachment is on the heterocyclyl ring; and in such cases, the number of ring members continues to represent the number of ring members in the heterocyclyl ring system. Exemplary 3-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, aziridinyl, oxiranyl and thiiranyl (thiorenyl). Exemplary 4-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, azetidinyl, oxetanyl and thietanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothienyl, pyrrolidinyl, dihydropyrrolyl and pyrrolyl-2,5-dione. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing two heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, dioxolanyl, oxasulfuranyl, disulfuranyl, and oxazolidin-2-one. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing three heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, triazolinyl, oxadiazolinyl, and thiadiazolinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, piperidyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyridyl and thianyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing two heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl and dioxanyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing three heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, triazinanyl. Exemplary 7-membered heterocycly groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, azepanyl, oxepanyl and thiepanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups fused with a C.sub.6 aryl (also referred as 5,6-bicyclic heterocyclyl herein) include, but are not limited to, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, dihydrobenzothiophenyl, benzoxazolinonyl, etc. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups fused with a C.sub.6 aryl (also referred as 6,6-bicyclic heterocyclyl herein) include, but are not limited to, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, etc. The heterocyclyl can be substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0047] “C.sub.6-10 aryl” refers to a radical of monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system having 6-10 ring carbon atoms and zero heteroatom (e.g., having 6 or 10 shared π electrons in a cyclic array). In some embodiments, the aryl group has six ring carbon atoms (“C.sub.6 aryl”; for example, phenyl). In some embodiments, the aryl group has ten ring carbon atoms (“C.sub.10 aryl”; for example, naphthyl, e.g., 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl). The aryl group also includes a ring system in which the aryl ring described above is fused with one or more cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl groups, and the point of attachment is on the aryl ring, in which case the number of carbon atoms continues to represent the number of carbon atoms in the aryl ring system. The aryl can be substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 sub stituents, 1 to 3 sub stituents or 1 substituent.

[0048] “5- to 10-membered heteroaryl” refers to a radical of 5- to 10-membered monocyclic or bicyclic 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6 or 10 shared π electrons in a cyclic array) having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. In the heteroaryl group containing one or more nitrogen atoms, the point of attachment can be a carbon or nitrogen atom as long as the valence permits. Heteroaryl bicyclic systems may include one or more heteroatoms in one or two rings. Heteroaryl also includes ring systems wherein the heteroaryl ring described above is fused with one or more cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl groups, and the point of attachment is on the heteroaryl ring. In such case, the number the carbon atoms continues to represent the number of carbon atoms in the heteroaryl ring system. In some embodiments, 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl groups are yet alternative, which are radicals of 5- to 6-membered monocyclic or bicyclic 4n+2 aromatic ring systems having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, pyrrolyl, furyl and thienyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing two heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, and isothiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing three heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl (such as, 1,2,4-oxadiazoly), and thiadiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing four heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, tetrazolyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, pyridyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing two heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrazinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing three or four heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, triazinyl and tetrazinyl, respectively. Exemplary 7-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, but are not limited to, azepinyl, oxepinyl, and thiepinyl. Exemplary 5,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, benzoisofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, indolizinyl and purinyl. Exemplary 6,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalazinyl and quinazolinyl. The heteroaryl can be substituted with one or more substituents, for example, with 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents or 1 substituent.

[0049] Specific examples of alternative heteroaryl groups include: pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazolyl (4H-1,2,4-triazolyl, 1H-1,2,3-triazolyl, 2H-1,2,3-triazolyl, pyranyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl (1,2,4-oxazolyl, 1,3,4-oxazolyl, 1,2,5-oxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl (1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl).

[0050] Alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl as defined herein are optionally substituted groups.

[0051] Exemplary substituents on carbon atoms include, but are not limited to, halogen, —CN, —NO.sub.2, —N.sub.3, —SO.sub.2H, —SO.sub.3H, —OH, —OR.sup.aa, —ON(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —N(R.sup.bb).sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−, —N(OR.sup.cc)R.sup.bb, —SH, —SR.sup.aa, —SSR.sup.cc, —C(═O)R.sup.aa, —CO.sub.2H, —CHO, —C(OR.sup.cc).sub.2, —CO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —OC(═O)R.sup.aa, —OCO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —C(═O)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —OC(═O)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —NR.sup.bbC(═O)R.sup.aa, —NR.sup.bbCO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —NR.sup.bbC(═O)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —C(═NR.sup.bb)R.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.bb)OR.sup.aa, —OC(═NR.sup.bb)R.sup.aa, —OC(═NR.sup.bb)OR.sup.aa, —C(NR.sup.bb)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —OC(═NR.sup.bb)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —NR.sup.bbC(═NR.sup.bb)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —C(═O)NR.sup.bbSO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —NR.sup.bbSO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —SO.sub.2N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —SO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —SO.sub.2OR.sup.aa, —OSO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —S(═O)R.sup.aa, —OS(═O)R.sup.aa, —Si(R.sup.aa).sub.3, —OSi(R.sup.aa).sub.3, —C(═S)N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —C(═O)SR.sup.aa, —C(═S)SR.sup.aa, —SC(═S)SR.sup.aa, —SC(═O)SR.sup.aa, —OC(═O)SR.sup.aa, —SC(═O)OR.sup.aa, —SC(═O)R.sup.aa, —P(═O).sub.2R.sup.aa, —OP(═O).sub.2R.sup.aa, —P(═O)(R.sup.aa).sub.2, —OP(═O)(R.sup.aa).sub.2, —OP(═O)(OR.sup.cc).sub.2, —P(═O).sub.2N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —OP(═O).sub.2N(R.sup.bb).sub.2, —P(═O)(NR.sup.bb).sup.2, —OP(═O)(NR.sup.bb).sub.2, —NR.sup.bbP(═O)(OR.sup.cc).sub.2, —NR.sup.bbP(═O)(NR.sup.bb).sub.2, —P(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —P(R.sup.cc).sub.3, —OP(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —OP(R.sup.cc).sub.3, —B(R.sup.aa).sub.2, —B(OR.sup.cc).sub.2, —BR.sup.aa(OR.sup.aa), alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.dd groups;

[0052] or two geminal hydrogens on a carbon atom are replaced with ═O, ═S, ═NN(R.sup.bb).sub.2, ═NNR.sup.bbC(═O)R.sup.aa, NNR.sup.bbC(═O)OR.sup.aa, ═NNR.sup.bbS(═O).sub.2R.sup.aa, ═NR.sup.bb or ═NOR.sup.cc groups;

[0053] each of the R.sup.aa is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or two of the Raa groups are combined to form a heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.dd groups;

[0054] each of the R.sup.bb is independently selected from hydrogen, —OH, —OR.sup.aa, —N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —CN, —C(═O)R.sup.aa, —C(═O)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —CO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —SO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.cc)OR.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.cc)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —SO.sub.2N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —SO.sub.2OR.sup.cc, —SO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —C(═S)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —C(═O)SR.sup.cc, —C(═S)SR.sup.cc, —P(═O).sub.2R.sup.aa, —P(═O)(R.sup.aa).sub.2, —P(═O).sub.2N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —P(═O)(NR.sup.cc).sup.2, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or two R.sup.bb groups are combined to form a heterocyclyl or a heteroaryl ring, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.dd groups;

[0055] each of the R.sup.cc is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or two R.sup.cc groups are combined to form a heterocyclyl or a heteroaryl ring, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.dd groups;

[0056] each of the R.sup.dd is independently selected from halogen, —CN, —NO.sub.2, —N.sub.3, —SO.sub.2H, —SO.sub.3H, —OH, —OR.sup.ee, —ON(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —N(R.sup.ff).sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−, —N(OR.sup.ee)R.sup.ff, —SH, —SR.sup.ee, —SSR.sup.ee, —C(═O)R.sup.ee, —CO.sub.2H, —CO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —OC(═O)R.sup.ee, —OCO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —(═O)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —OC(═O)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —NR.sup.ffC(═O)R.sup.ee, —NR.sup.ffCO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —NR.sup.ffC(═O)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —C(═NR.sup.ff)OR.sup.ee, —OC(═NR.sup.ff)R.sup.ee,—OC(═NR.sup.ff)OR.sup.ee, —C(═NR.sup.ff)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —OC(═NR.sup.ff)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —NR.sup.ffC(═NR.sup.ff)N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —NR.sup.ffSO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —SO.sub.2N(R.sup.ff).sub.2, —SO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —SO.sub.3OR.sup.ee, —OSO.sub.2R.sup.ee, —S(═O)R.sup.ee, —Si(R.sup.ee).sub.3, —OSi(R.sup.ee—).sub.3, —C(═S)N(R.sup.ff).sup.2, —C(═O)SR.sup.ee, —C(═S)SR.sup.ee, —SC(═S)SR.sup.ee, —P(═O).sub.2R.sup.ee, —P(═O)(R.sup.ee).sub.2, —OP(═O)(R.sup.ee).sub.2, —OP(═O)(OR.sup.ee).sub.2, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.gg groups, or two geminal R.sup.dd substituents can be combined to form ═O or ═S;

[0057] each of the R.sup.ee is independently selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.gg groups;

[0058] each of the R.sup.ff is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or two R.sup.ff groups are combined to form a heterocyclyl or a heteroaryl ring, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.gg groups;

[0059] each of the R.sup.gg is independently selected from halogen, —CN, —NO.sub.2, —N.sub.3, —SO.sub.2H, —SO.sub.3H, —OH, —OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —ON(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−, —NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2.sup.+X.sup.31, —NH.sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sup.30X.sup.−, —NH.sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−, —N(OC.sub.1-6 alkyl)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —N(OH)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —NH(OH), —SH, —SC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —SS(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —C(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —CO.sub.2H, —CO.sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —OC(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —OCO.sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —C(═O)NH.sub.2, —C(═O)N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —OC(═O)NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —NHC(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl)C(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —NHCO.sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —NHC(═O)N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —NHC(═O)NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —NHC(═O)NH.sub.2, —C(═NH)O(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —OC(═NH)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —OC(═NH)OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —C(═NH)N(C.sub.1-6 alky).sub.2, —C(═NH)NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —C(═NH)NH.sub.2, —OC(═NH)N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —OC(NH)NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —OC(NH)NH.sub.2, —NHC(NH)N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2, —NHSO.sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), −SO.sub.2N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —SO.sub.2NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —SO.sub.2NH.sub.2, —SO.sub.2C.sub.1-6 alkyl, —SO.sub.2OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —OSO.sub.2C.sub.1-6 alkyl, —SOC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —Si(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.3, —OSi(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.3, —C(═S)N(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, C(═S)NH(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), C(═S)NH.sub.2, —C(═O)S(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —C(═S)SC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —SC(═S)SC.sub.1-6 alkyl, —P(═O).sub.2(C.sub.1-6 alkyl), —P(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —OP(═O)(C.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, —OP(═O)(OC.sub.1-6 alkyl).sub.2, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.7 carbocyclyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.10 aryl, C.sub.3-C.sub.7 heterocyclyl, C.sub.5-C.sub.10 heteroaryl; or two geminal R.sup.gg substituents may combine to form ═O or ═S; wherein X.sup.− is a counter-ion.

[0060] Exemplary substituents on nitrogen atoms include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, —OH, —OR.sup.aa, —N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —CN, —C(═O)R.sup.aa, —C(═O)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —CO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —SO.sub.2R.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.bb)R.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.cc)OR.sup.aa, —C(═NR.sup.cc)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —SO.sub.2N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —SO.sub.2R.sup.cc, —SO.sub.2OR.sup.cc, —SOR.sup.aa, —C(═S)N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —C(═O)SR.sup.cc, —C(═S)SR.sup.cc, —P(═O).sub.2R.sup.aa, —P(═O)(R.sup.aa).sub.2, —P(═O).sub.2N(R.sup.cc).sub.2, —P(═O)(NR.sup.cc).sub.2, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or two R.sup.cc groups attached to a nitrogen atom combine to form a heterocyclyl or a heteroaryl ring, wherein each of the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 R.sup.dd groups, and wherein R.sup.aa, R.sup.bb, R.sup.cc and R.sup.dd are as described herein.

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0061] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a compound of general formula (I), comprising reacting a compound of general formula (II) with a compound of general formula (III), in the presence of a base:

##STR00006##

[0062] wherein

[0063] ring A is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl;

[0064] X is S or P;

[0065] R.sub.1 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, and 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl;

[0066] R.sub.2 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl;

[0067] R.sub.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.6-10 aryl, and —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m R′ group(s);

[0068] R.sub.4 is selected from C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —ORa, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s);

[0069] R is selected from H, halogen, —O-C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl;

[0070] n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

[0071] wherein R′ and R″ are independently selected from halogen, —NO.sub.2, —CN, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b, C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —O-C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and phenyl;

[0072] m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

[0073] m′ is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

[0074] R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl.

Ring A

[0075] In a specific embodiment, ring A is C.sub.6-10 aryl; in another specific embodiment, ring A is 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; in another specific embodiment, ring A is phenyl; in another specific embodiment, ring A is naphthyl; in another specific embodiment, ring A is 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl; in another specific embodiment, ring A is thienyl.

X

[0076] In a specific embodiment, X is S; in another specific embodiment, X is P.

R.SUB.1

[0077] In a specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is H; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is methyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.1 is 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl.

R.SUB.2

[0078] In a specific embodiment, R.sub.2 is H; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl.

R.SUB.3

[0079] In a specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is H; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is ethyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is t-butyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is C.sub.2-6 alkenyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is C.sub.2-6 alkynyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.6-10 aryl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.3 is benzyl. In the above specific embodiments, the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m R′ group(s).

R.SUB.4

[0080] In a specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-20 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-12 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is —ORa; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is methyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is —NR.sub.aR.sub.b; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is C.sub.6-10 aryl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is phenyl; in another specific embodiment, R.sub.4 is 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl. In the above specific embodiments, the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s).

R′ and R″

[0081] In a specific embodiment, R′ is halogen; in another specific embodiment, R′ is chloro; in another specific embodiment, R′ is —NO.sub.2; in another specific embodiment, R′ is —CN; in another specific embodiment, R′ is —NR.sub.aR.sub.b; in another specific embodiment, R′ is —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b; in another specific embodiment, R′ is C.sub.1-20 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is C.sub.1-12 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is methyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R′ is phenyl.

[0082] In a specific embodiment, R″ is halogen; in another specific embodiment, R″ is chloro; in another specific embodiment, R″ is —NO.sub.2; in another specific embodiment, R″ is —CN; in another specific embodiment, R″ is —NR.sub.aR.sub.b; in another specific embodiment, R″ is —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b; in another specific embodiment, R″ is C.sub.1-20 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is C.sub.1-12 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is methyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is —O-C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R″ is phenyl.

[0083] In the above specific embodiments, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl.

m

[0084] In a specific embodiment, m is 0; in another specific embodiment, m is 1; in another specific embodiment, m is 2; in another specific embodiment, m is 3; in another specific embodiment, m is 4; in another specific embodiment, m is 5.

m′

[0085] In a specific embodiment, m′ is 0; in another specific embodiment, m′ is 1; in another specific embodiment, m′ is 2; in another specific embodiment, m′ is 3; in another specific embodiment, m′ is 4; in another specific embodiment, m′ is 5.

R

[0086] In a specific embodiment, R is H; in another specific embodiment, R is halogen; in another specific embodiment, R is chloro; in another specific embodiment, R is —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R is C.sub.1-6 alkyl; in another specific embodiment, R is C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl.

n

[0087] In a specific embodiment, n is 0; in another specific embodiment, n is 1; in another specific embodiment, n is 2; in another specific embodiment, n is 3; in another specific embodiment, n is 4; in another specific embodiment, n is 5.

[0088] Any technical solution or any combination thereof in any one of the above specific embodiments may be combined with any technical solution or any combination thereof in other specific embodiments. For example, any technical solution or any combination thereof of X may be combined with any technical solution or any combination thereof of ring A, R.sub.1-R.sub.4, R, R′, R″, m, m′, n, and the like. The present disclosure is intended to include all the combinations of such technical solutions, which are not exhaustively listed here to save space.

[0089] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein X is S.

[0090] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.4 is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, which is unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s).

[0091] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, 3-cyanophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 2-nitrophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-propylphenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, mesityl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 2-dodecylphenyl, 3-dodecylphenyl, 4-dodecylphenyl, 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3 -(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-biphenyl, thienyl and 5-bromothienyl; alternatively, R4 is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 4-propylphenyl, 4-t-butylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, 2-dodecylphenyl, 3-dodecylphenyl, 4-dodecylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-acetylaminophenyl, 4-methylphenyl and mesityl; yet alternatively, R.sub.4 is selected from phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-methylphenyl and mesityl.

[0092] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-12 alkyl, —OR.sub.a, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, or 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, which is unsubstituted or independently substituted with m′ R″ group(s).

[0093] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.4 is selected from N,N-dimethylamino, methyl, ethyl, butyl, dodecyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and cyclopropyl.

[0094] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein ring A is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl or thienyl; alternatively substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

[0095] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R is H, halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, or C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl; alternatively, R is H or halogen.

[0096] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein

##STR00007##

is selected from phenyl, naphthalene-1-yl, naphthalene-2-yl, 2-chlorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 2,3-dichlorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,5-dichlorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,3,5-trichlorophenyl, 4-isopropylphenyl and 4-t-butylphenyl; alternatively,

##STR00008##

is 2-chlorophenyl.

[0097] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.1 is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, such as methyl.

[0098] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.2 is H.

[0099] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein R.sub.3 is H, —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, phenyl or —CH.sub.2-phenyl; alternatively, R.sub.3 is —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 or —CH.sub.2-phenyl.

[0100] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein the base is selected from inorganic bases and organic bases; alternatively, the inorganic base is selected from carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, hydrogenphosphates, dihydrogenphosphates, hydroxides and hydrides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, for example, LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Li.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3, Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, Na.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.3PO.sub.4, K.sub.2HPO.sub.4, KH.sub.2PO.sub.4 and NaH; alternatively, the organic base is selected from alkoxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and organic amines, such as NaOMe, KOMe, NaOEt, KOEt, NaOtBu, KOtBu, triethylamine, DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene), DIPEA (N,N-diisopropylethylamine), DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine).

[0101] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of a solvent selected from water, alkanes, ethers, esters, alcohols, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, amides, sulfones, sulfoxides, nitriles, and mixtures thereof, such as water, n-heptane, toluene, THF (tetrahydrofuran), MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, butyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, tert-amyl alcohol, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, acetone, 2-butanone, DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide), DMA (N,N-dimethylacetamide), NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone), DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and acetonitrile.

[0102] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein the reaction temperature is from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent, alternatively 40-90° C.; yet alternatively 50-80° C.

[0103] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of the general formula (II) to the compound of the general formula (III) is 1:(0.7-3), alternatively 1:(0.7-1.5), yet alternatively 1:(1-1.2), still alternatively 1:1, 1:1.05, 1:1.1, 1:1.15, or 1:1.2.

[0104] In a more specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides the above method, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of the general formula (II) to the base is 1:(1-5), alternatively 1:(2-4), yet alternatively 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6, 1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9, or 1:3.

[0105] In a more specific embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is implemented on an industrial scale.

[0106] The present disclosure also provides a compound of formula (I), prepared by the method described above:

##STR00009##

[0107] wherein

[0108] ring A is C.sub.6-10 aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl;

[0109] R.sub.1 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, and 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl;

[0110] R.sub.2 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl;

[0111] R.sub.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, —C.sub.0-6 alkylene-C.sub.6-10 aryl, and —.sub.0-6 alkylene-5- to 10-membered heteroaryl, wherein the groups are unsubstituted or independently substituted with m R′ group(s);

[0112] R is selected from H, halogen, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl;

[0113] n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

[0114] wherein R′ is selected from halogen, —NO.sub.2, —CN, —NR.sub.aR.sub.b, —NR.sub.aC(O)R.sub.b, C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, —O—C.sub.1-6 alkyl, and phenyl;

[0115] m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

[0116] R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 haloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, and 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl; or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form 3- to 8-membered heterocyclyl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl.

Examples

[0117] Materials or reagents used herein are either commercially available or prepared by synthetic methods generally known in the art. The following reaction scheme exemplarily illustrates the practice of the method for the compound of the present disclosure.

General Operation

[0118] The reaction scheme and typical operation of preparing the compound of general formula (I) are as follows:

##STR00010##

[0119] To a reactor are added the compound of general formula (III), a base, the compound of general formula (II), and an optional solvent, and the temperature is maintained at room temperature to reflux temperature of the solvent. The mixture is stirred until the reaction is completed, during which the progress of the reaction is monitored. After completion of the reaction, the reaction solution is cooled down to room temperature. The organic phase is separated and purified to give the compound of general formula (I).

[0120] The compound of general formula (II) is commercially available, or is prepared by a method known in the art. For example, the following route can be used:

##STR00011##

[0121] To a reactor are added the compound of general formula (IV), the compound of general formula (V), a base and a solvent. The mixture is stirred at a certain temperature until the reaction is completed, during which the progress of the reaction is monitored. After completion of the reaction, the organic phase is separated. The organic phase can be directly used for the next reaction step, or evaporated to dryness for later use, or purified by rectification or column chromatography.

[0122] Alternatively, the compound of general formula (V) can be converted into an acid anhydride before reacted with the compound of general formula (IV) as described above.

Example 1

Preparation of ethyl 3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-butenoate

[0123] ##STR00012##

[0124] (1) Ethyl acetoacetate (50.0 g, 384 mmol, 1.0 eq), triethylamine (38.8 g, 384 mmol, 1 eq), DABCO (17.2 g, 154 mmol, 0.4 eq), and 250 mL of isopropyl acetate were added to a reactor, and then a solution of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (87.8 g, 460.8 mmol, 1.2 eq) in isopropyl acetate (250 mL) was added dropwise at 0-10° C. over 1-2 h. After the addition was completed, the mixture was reacted with stirring at 10-20° C. for 3 h. After the reaction was completed, 250 mL of water was added to quench the reaction. The organic phase was separated and washed respectively with 250 mL of 5% p-toluenesulfonic acid solution and 250 mL of 8% sodium bicarbonate solution to give a solution of ethyl 3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-2-butenoate in isopropyl acetate (98.7% yield (external standard method)), which was used after evaporation to dryness (99.2% purity) or directly for the next reaction.

[0125] (2) Potassium carbonate (150 g, 1.09 mol, 2.8 eq), 350 mL of isopropyl acetate, and the solution of ethyl 3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)-2-butenoate in isopropyl acetate from step (1) were added to a reactor. The mixture was heated to 70-80° C., and then a solution of 2-chlorophenol (50 g, 0.389 mol, 1.0 eq) in isopropyl acetate (400 mL) was added dropwise at 70-80° C. over 2-3 h. After the addition was completed, the mixture was reacted with stirring at 70-80° C. for another 19 h. The reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature and quenched by adding water. The organic phase was separated as a solution of ethyl 3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-butenoate in isopropyl acetate with a purity of 94.9%. The above solution of ethyl 3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-butenoate in isopropyl acetate was concentrated to give 99.7 g of crude product (containing 85.4% product), with a total yield of 92.1% over two steps.

[0126] .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.46-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.21-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.11 (m, 1H), 4.78 (s, 1H), 4.11 (q, 2H, J=4.2), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.23 (t, 3H, J=4.2).

Examples 2-15

[0127] The corresponding compounds were prepared according to the method of Example 1, using the reagents or groups in the table below.

##STR00013##

TABLE-US-00001 Example Structure of   [00014] R.sub.3 Base Solvent Temperature and time Yield 2 [00015] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 1.9 eq IPrOAc + DMF = 2:1 70-80° C., 16 h 94.3% 3 [00016] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 1.9 eq IPrOAc + DMF = 2:1 70-80° C., 16 h 73.7% over two steps 4 [00017] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 1.9 eq IPrOAc + DMF = 2:1 70-80° C., 16 h 96.3% 5 [00018] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 2.0 eq IPrOAc + DMF = 2:1 60-70° C., 16 h 73.6% 6 [00019] Bn K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 2.0 eq IPrOAc 70-80° C., 16 h 89.3% 7 [00020] Et K.sub.3PO.sub.4 .Math. 3H.sub.2O, 2.0 eq IPrOAc 50-60° C., 20 h 82.3% 8 [00021] Et NaOH, 2.0 eq IPrOAc 50-60° C., 16 h 88.9% 9 [00022] Et K.sub.3PO.sub.4, 2.0 eq IPrOAc 50-60° C., 16 h 91.6% 10 [00023] Et DABCO, 2.0 eq IPrOAc 50-60° C., 42 h 90.2% 11 [00024] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 2.0 eq n-Hep 60-70° C., 16 h 70.7% 12 [00025] E K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 2.0 eq Me—THF 60-70° C., 16 h 97.3% 13 [00026] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 1.9 eq DMF 70-80° C., 15 h 90.5% 14 [00027] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 3.0 eq tert-Amyl alcohol 80° C., 16 h 85.5% 15 [00028] Et K.sub.2CO.sub.3, 1.9 eq 2-Butanone 60-70° C., 16 h 97.6% Notes: IPrOAc: isopropyl acetate; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide; Bn: benzyl; DABCO: 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; n-Hep: n-heptane; Me—THF: 2-methyltetrahydrofuran.

[0128] Example 6: tert-Butyl 3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-butenoate, .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ7.36-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.11 (m, 1H), 7.01-7.03 (m, 1H), 4.61 (s, 1H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 9H).

[0129] Example 7: Benzyl 3-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2-butenoate, .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ7.33-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.32 (m, 6H), 7.17-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.00-7.10 (m, 1H), 4.99 (s, 2H), 4.72 (s, 1H), 2.46 (s, 3H).

[0130] The above is a further detailed description of the present disclosure in connection with the specific alternative embodiments, and the specific embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced by making various simple deduction and replacement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.