Compounds useful as inhibitors of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase

Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds of general Formula (I), and/or tautomers, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention also relates to compounds of Formula (I) for use in therapy, methods of treating isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) related disorders or uses of compounds of Formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of ICMT-related disorders, wherein the disorder is cancer and/or progeria. The present invention further relates to processes for synthesizing compounds of Formula (I). ##STR00001##

Claims

1. A compound of Formula (I): ##STR00318## or a tautomer, enantiomer, solvate, hydrate, prodrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: ##STR00319## represents an aromatic ring system; Ring A is selected from the group consisting of formulas (ab), (a1) to (a8), and (a1′) to (a10″): formula (ab): ##STR00320## wherein: * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; A.sub.1 is N or C; A.sub.2 is N, S, or CH; A.sub.3 is CH or N; A.sub.4 is N; and A.sub.5 is C, CH, O, or N; formulas (a1) to (a8): ##STR00321## wherein * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; formulas (a1′) to (a8′): ##STR00322## wherein * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; and formulas (a1″) to (a10″): ##STR00323## wherein * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; B.sub.1, B.sub.2, and B.sub.3 are independently selected from C, CH, or N, wherein one of B.sub.1, B.sub.2, or B.sub.3 is N, and the remaining B.sub.1, B.sub.2, or B.sub.3 is C or CH; Ring B is of formula (bb1) or formula (bb2): ##STR00324## wherein: * represents the point of attachment to Ring A, and ** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.4)— moiety of formula (I); Ring C is a 5- or 6-membered substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic ring system, wherein 1 to 3 carbon atoms may be optionally replaced with a heteroatom; R.sub.1 is absent or selected from the group consisting of H, OH, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R.sub.2 is absent or selected from the group consisting of H, OH, cyano, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl, and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R.sub.3 is absent or selected from the group consisting of H, OH, cyano, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, and optionally substituted aryl; R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and aliphatic; n is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when n is more than 1, and each R.sub.1 substituted on Ring A may be the same or different; m is an integer selected from 0 to 4, wherein when m is more than 1, each R.sub.2 substituted on Ring B may be the same or different, and m is 1 when R.sub.2 is halogen; and p is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when p is more than 1, and each R.sub.3 substituted on Ring C may be the same or different.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl or cycloalkyl.

3. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ring B is selected from the group consisting of formulas (b2) to (b5): ##STR00325## wherein: * represents the point of attachment to Ring A; and represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.4)— moiety of formula (I).

4. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ring B is selected from the group consisting of formulas (b2′) to (b4′) and (b9′): ##STR00326## wherein: * represents the point of attachment to Ring A; and ** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.4)— moiety of formula (I).

5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.2 is H or F.

6. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ring C is selected from the group consisting of formulas (ca), (cb), (cc), (c1) to (c4), and (c1′) to (c6′): formula (ca): ##STR00327## wherein: ##STR00328## represents an aromatic ring system; *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I); and C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of C, CH, and N, formula (cb): ##STR00329## wherein: ##STR00330## represents an aromatic ring system; *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I); C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 are independently C, CH, or N; C.sub.4, C.sub.5, and C.sub.6 are C or CH; and C.sub.3 is C, formula (cc): ##STR00331## wherein: ##STR00332## represents an aromatic ring system; *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I); C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 are independently CH or N; C.sub.5 is CH; and C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.6 are C, formulas (c1) to (c4): ##STR00333## wherein: *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I), and formulas (c1′) to (c6′): ##STR00334## wherein: *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I).

7. The compound of claim 1, wherein Ring C is selected from the group consisting of (c1″) to (c22″): ##STR00335## wherein: *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I).

8. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3 is halogen, —CN, alkoxy, amino, haloalkyl, haloalkyloxy, or alkyl.

9. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.3 is fluoro, chloro, bromo, —CN, methoxy, methyl, —NH.sub.2, —OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, or CHF.sub.2.

10. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently H or alkyl.

11. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are H; or R.sub.4 is H and R.sub.5 is methyl; or R.sub.4 is methyl and R.sub.5 is H; or R.sub.4 is methyl and R.sub.5 is methyl.

12. The compound of claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00336## ##STR00337## ##STR00338## ##STR00339##

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

14. A method of inhibiting methylation of isoprenylated cysteine or isoprenylcysteine caused by isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) comprising contacting a compound of claim 1 with ICMT.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising administering the compound to a subject having an ICMT-related disorder.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of cancer, premature ageing, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), and linked to mutant Ras overactivity.

17. A process for synthesizing a compound according to claim 1, comprising: (a) reacting a compound of formula (III): ##STR00340## wherein R.sub.6 is a leaving group, in an organic solvent in the presence of a base with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR00341## wherein R.sub.7 is —OH to obtain the compound of claim 1; or (b) reacting a compound of formula (III): ##STR00342## wherein R.sub.6 is OH or an alkoxide, in an organic solvent in the presence of a base with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR00343## wherein R.sub.7 is halogen to obtain the compound of claim 1.

18. The compound of claim 2, wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or cyclopropyl.

19. The compound of claim 10, wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings illustrate a disclosed embodiment and serves to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for purposes of illustration only, and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 shows dose response curves showing the effects of compounds on the enzymatic activity of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase; for compound 7 (FIG. 1A); for compound 71 (FIG. 1B); for compound 53 (FIG. 1C); for compound 70 (FIG. 1D); for compound 59 (FIG. 1E); for compound 69 (FIG. 1F); and for compound 78 (FIG. 1G).

(3) FIG. 2 shows a Western blot image showing Prelamin A accumulation in MIAPaCa-2 cells following treatment with various concentrations of compound 59, 69, 70 and 71.

(4) FIG. 3 is the dose response curves showing the effects of compounds on the growth of MIAPaCa-2 cells; for compound 71 (FIG. 3A); for compound 53 (FIG. 3B); for compound 70 (FIG. 3C); for compound 59 (FIG. 3D); for compound 69 (FIG. 3E); and for compound 78 (FIG. 3F).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(5) The present invention relates to compounds having the following Formula (I):

(6) ##STR00010##

(7) and/or tautomers, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;

(8) wherein:

(9) ##STR00011##
represents an aromatic ring system;

(10) Ring A is a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic ring system, wherein 1 to 4 carbon atoms may be optionally replaced with a heteroatom;

(11) B.sub.1, B.sub.2 and B.sub.3 are independently selected from C, CH, or N;

(12) Ring C is a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic ring system, wherein 1 to 3 carbon atoms may be optionally replaced with a heteroatom;

(13) R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently absent or selected from H, OH, cyano, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

(14) R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from H or aliphatic;

(15) n is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when n is more than 1, each R.sub.1 substituted on Ring A may be the same or different;

(16) m is an integer selected from 0 to 4, wherein when m is more than 1, each R.sub.2 substituted on Ring B may be the same or different; and

(17) p is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when p is more than 1, each R.sub.3 substituted on Ring C may be the same or different.

(18) The present invention also relates to compounds having the following Formula (I):

(19) ##STR00012##

(20) and/or tautomers, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;

(21) wherein:

(22) ##STR00013##
represents an aromatic ring system;

(23) Ring A is a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic ring system, wherein 1 to 4 carbon atoms may be optionally replaced with a heteroatom;

(24) B.sub.1, B.sub.2 and B.sub.3 are independently selected from C, CH, or N, wherein when one of B.sub.1, B.sub.2 or B.sub.3 is N, the remaining B.sub.1, B.sub.2 or B.sub.3 is C or CH;

(25) Ring C is a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic ring system, wherein 1 to 3 carbon atoms may be optionally replaced with a heteroatom;

(26) R.sub.1 is absent or selected from H, OH, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

(27) R.sub.2 is absent or selected from H, OH, cyano, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

(28) R.sub.3 is absent or selected from H, OH, cyano, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, or optionally substituted aryl;

(29) R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from H or aliphatic;

(30) n is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when n is more than 1, each R.sub.1 substituted on Ring A may be the same or different;

(31) m is an integer selected from 0 to 4, wherein when m is more than 1, each R.sub.2 substituted on Ring B may be the same or different, and m is 1 when R.sub.2 is halogen; and

(32) p is an integer selected from 0 to 5, wherein when p is more than 1, each R.sub.3 substituted on Ring C may be the same or different.

(33) The present invention further relates to compounds having the following Formula (IA):

(34) ##STR00014##

(35) and/or tautomers, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

(36) ##STR00015##
represents an aromatic ring system; and

(37) A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3, A.sub.4 and A.sub.5, R.sub.1, n, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, R.sub.2, m, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5, C.sub.6, R.sub.3 and p are as defined herein.

(38) The present invention also relates to compounds of the following Formula (IE) or Formula (IF):

(39) ##STR00016##

(40) and/or tautomers, enantiomers, solvates, hydrates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

(41) ##STR00017##
represents an aromatic ring system; and

(42) A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3, A.sub.4 and A.sub.5, R.sub.1, n, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, R.sub.2, m, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5, C.sub.6, R.sub.3 and p are as defined herein.

(43) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be of the formula (aa):

(44) ##STR00018##

(45) wherein:

(46) * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; and

(47) A.sub.1, A.sub.2, A.sub.3, A.sub.4 and A.sub.5 are independently selected from C, CH, N, O or S.

(48) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be of the formula (ab):

(49) ##STR00019##

(50) wherein:

(51) * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; and

(52) A.sub.1 is N or C;

(53) A.sub.2 is N, S, CH, or C;

(54) A.sub.3 is C, CH, N, or O;

(55) A.sub.4 is N; and

(56) A.sub.5 is C, CH, O, or N.

(57) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be of formula (ac):

(58) ##STR00020##

(59) wherein:

(60) * represents the point of attachment to Ring B; and

(61) A.sub.1 is N or C;

(62) A.sub.2 is N, S, CH, or C;

(63) A.sub.3 is C, CH, N, or O;

(64) A.sub.4 is N; and

(65) A.sub.5 is C, O, or N.

(66) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (a1) to (a8):

(67) ##STR00021##

(68) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (a1′) to (a8′):

(69) ##STR00022##

(70) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring A may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (a1″) to (a10″):

(71) ##STR00023##

(72) wherein * represents the point of attachment to Ring B.

(73) In the formulas disclosed herein, R.sub.1 may be absent or H, OH, cyano, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br, I), optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, CH.sub.2F, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

(74) The optionally substituted alkyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkyl. The optionally substituted alkyl may of R.sub.1 be methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, or a haloalkyl, such as CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, or CH.sub.2F. The optionally substituted alkoxy of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkoxy. The optionally substituted cycloalkyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkyl. The optionally substituted cycloalkyl may be cyclopropyl. The optionally substituted cycloalkenyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl. The optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted aryl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.6-C.sub.18 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.6 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.13 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.14 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.15 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.16 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.17 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.18 aryl. The optionally substituted heteroaryl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted heteroaryl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted alkenyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. The optionally substituted alkynyl of R.sub.1 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkynyl.

(75) In the formulas disclosed herein, R.sub.2 may be absent or H, OH, cyano, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br, I), optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, CH.sub.2F, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

(76) The optionally substituted alkyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkyl. The optionally substituted alkoxy of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkoxy. The optionally substituted cycloalkyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkyl. The optionally substituted cycloalkenyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl. The optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted aryl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.6-C.sub.18 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.6 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.13 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.14 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.15 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.16 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.17 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.18 aryl. The optionally substituted heteroaryl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted heteroaryl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted alkenyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. The optionally substituted alkynyl of R.sub.2 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkynyl. R.sub.2 may be H or F.

(77) In the formulas disclosed herein, R.sub.3 may be absent or H, OH, cyano, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br, I), optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, CH.sub.2F, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.

(78) The optionally substituted alkyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkyl. The optionally substituted alkoxy of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkoxy, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkoxy, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkoxy. The optionally substituted cycloalkyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkyl. The optionally substituted cycloalkenyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.3-C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.3 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 cycloalkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 cycloalkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.9 cycloalkenyl. The optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted aryl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.6-C.sub.18 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.6 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.13 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.14 aryl, or optionally substituted C.sub.15 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.16 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.17 aryl, or optionally substituted Cis aryl. The optionally substituted heteroaryl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted heteroaryl having a ring atom number of 3 to 8 (such as a ring atom number of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and having 1 to 3 heteroatoms (such as 1, 2, 3 heteroatoms) independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The optionally substituted alkenyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. The optionally substituted alkynyl of R.sub.3 may be an optionally substituted C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkynyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkynyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkynyl. R.sub.3 may be halogen (such as F, Cl, Br, I), —CN, alkoxy (such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy), amino, haloalkyl (such as —CF.sub.3, —CHF.sub.2, —CH.sub.2F), haloalkyloxy (such as —OCF.sub.3, —OCHF.sub.2, —OCH.sub.2F), or alkyl (such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl).

(79) R.sub.3 may be fluoro, chloro, bromo, —CN, methoxy, methyl, —NH.sub.2, —OCF.sub.3 or —CF.sub.3.

(80) R.sub.4 may be H or aliphatic. R.sub.4 may be H or optionally substituted alkyl. R.sub.4 may be H or optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkynyl. R.sub.4 may be optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkyl. R.sub.4 may be optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. R.sub.4 may be optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. R.sub.4 may be H or methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl.

(81) R.sub.5 may be H or aliphatic. R.sub.5 may be H or optionally substituted alkyl. R.sub.5 may be H or optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkynyl. R.sub.4 may be optionally substituted C.sub.1 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkyl. R.sub.5 may be optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. R.sub.5 may be optionally substituted C.sub.2 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.3 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.4 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.5 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.7 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.8 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.9 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.10 alkenyl, optionally substituted C.sub.11 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C.sub.12 alkenyl. R.sub.5 may be H or methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl.

(82) R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be H; or R.sub.4 is H and R.sub.5 is methyl; or R.sub.4 is methyl and R.sub.5 is H; or R.sub.4 is methyl and R.sub.5 is methyl.

(83) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring B may be of formula (bb1) or formula (bb2):

(84) ##STR00024##

(85) wherein:

(86) * represents the point of attachment to Ring A; and

(87) ** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.4)— moiety of formula (I).

(88) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring B may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (b1) to (b5):

(89) ##STR00025##

(90) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring B may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (b1′) to (b9′):

(91) ##STR00026##

(92) wherein:

(93) * represents the point of attachment to Ring A; and

(94) ** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.4)— moiety of formula (I).

(95) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be of formula (ca):

(96) ##STR00027##

(97) wherein:

(98) ##STR00028##
represents an aromatic ring system;

(99) *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I); and

(100) C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 are independently selected from C, CH, or N.

(101) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be of the formula (cb):

(102) ##STR00029##

(103) wherein:

(104) ##STR00030##
represents an aromatic ring system;

(105) *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I);

(106) C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 are independently C, CH or N;

(107) C.sub.4, C.sub.5, and C.sub.6 are independently C or CH; and

(108) C.sub.3 is C.

(109) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be of formula (cc):

(110) ##STR00031##

(111) wherein:

(112) ##STR00032##
represents an aromatic ring system;

(113) *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I);

(114) C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 are independently CH or N;

(115) C.sub.5 is CH; and

(116) C.sub.3, C.sub.4, and C.sub.6 are C.

(117) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (c1) to (c4):

(118) ##STR00033##

(119) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be selected from the group consisting of formulas (c1′) to (c6′):

(120) ##STR00034##

(121) wherein:

(122) *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I).

(123) In the formulas disclosed herein, Ring C may be selected from the group consisting of (c1″) to (c22″):

(124) ##STR00035##

(125) wherein:

(126) *** represents the point of attachment to the —O(CHR.sub.5)— moiety of formula (I).

(127) Ring A may be a 5-membered carbocylic ring system, wherein 1 to 4 (such as 1, 2, 3, 4) carbon atoms is replaced with a heteroatom; and Ring B is of formula (bb1) or formula (bb2).

(128) Ring A may be a 5-membered heteroaryl, and Ring B is of formula (bb1) or formula (bb2).

(129) The compounds of the formulas disclosed herein may be selected from the group consisting of:

(130) ##STR00036## ##STR00037## ##STR00038## ##STR00039## ##STR00040## ##STR00041##

(131) There is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable form or prodrug thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

(132) The amount of compound in the compositions may be such that it is effective to measurably inhibit ICMT in a biological sample or in a patient. The composition may be formulated for administration to a patient in need of such composition.

(133) In using the compounds, they may be administered in any form or mode which may make the compound bioavailable. One skilled in the art of preparing formulations can readily select the proper form and mode of administration depending upon the particular characteristics of the compound selected, the condition to be treated, the stage of the condition to be treated and other relevant circumstances.

(134) The term “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” may refer to a non-toxic carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle that does not destroy the pharmacological activity of the compound with which it is formulated. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles that may be used in the compositions of this disclosure may include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol or wool fat.

(135) Compositions as defined above may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir. The term “parenteral” as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques. Preferably, the compositions are administered orally, intraperitoneally or intravenously. Sterile injectable forms of the compositions of this disclosure may be aqueous or oleaginous suspension. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium.

(136) For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or similar dispersing agents that are commonly used in the formulation of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms including emulsions and suspensions. Other commonly used surfactants, such as Tweens, Spans and other emulsifying agents or bioavailability enhancers which are commonly used in the manufacture of pharmaceutically acceptable solid, liquid, or other dosage forms may also be used for the purposes of formulation.

(137) Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried cornstarch. When aqueous suspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening, flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.

(138) Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral injection may comprise pharmaceutically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions as well as sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions just prior to use. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil), and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity may be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

(139) These compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preservative, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents. Prevention of the action of micro-organisms may be ensured by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents such as sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form may be brought about by the inclusion of agents that delay absorption such as aluminium monostearate and gelatin.

(140) If desired, and for more effective distribution, the compounds may be incorporated into slow release or targeted delivery systems such as polymer matrices, liposomes, and microspheres.

(141) The injectable formulations may be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions that can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium just prior to use.

(142) Alternatively, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These can be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritating excipient that is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

(143) Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may also be administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including diseases of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations may be readily prepared for each of these areas or organs.

(144) Topical application for the lower intestinal tract may be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-transdermal patches may also be used.

(145) For topical applications, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the active component suspended or dissolved in one or more carriers. Carriers for topical administration of compounds as defined above may include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components suspended or dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Suitable carriers may include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2 octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

(146) For ophthalmic use, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively, for ophthalmic uses, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

(147) Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may also be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions may be prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents.

(148) Most preferably, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may be formulated for oral administration. Such formulations may be administered with or without food. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may be administered without food. In other embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as defined above may be administered with food.

(149) The amount of compound that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a composition in a single dosage form may vary depending upon the host treated, the particular mode of administration. Preferably, the compositions should be formulated so that a dosage of between 0.01-100 mg/kg body weight/day of the inhibitor can be administered to a patient receiving these compositions.

(150) It should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the judgment of the treating physician and the severity of the particular disease being treated. The amount of a compound of the present disclosure in the composition will also depend upon the particular compound in the composition.

(151) There is provided a method of inhibiting methylation of isoprenylated cysteine or isoprenylcysteine caused by isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT) comprising contacting the compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein, with ICMT.

(152) There is also provided a method of inhibiting ICMT in a cell comprising contacting said cell with a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable form or prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein.

(153) The inhibition of ICMT may further comprise the inhibition of cell proliferation.

(154) There is further provided a method of treating a ICMT-related disorder comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment a compound disclosed herein, or pharmaceutical, or a composition disclosed herein. The method may further comprise the step of administering an additional therapeutic agent to the subject.

(155) The disorder may be cancer, premature ageing, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The cancer may be linked to mutant Ras overactivity. The cancer may be selected from the group consisting of hepatocellular carcinoma cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer or leukemia.

(156) There is also provided a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically form or prodrug thereof, or a composition disclosed herein for use in therapy. The compound may be administered in combination with an additional therapeutic agent.

(157) There is also provided a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically form or prodrug thereof, or a composition disclosed herein for use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and/or progeroid diseases.

(158) There is also provided a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically form or prodrug thereof, or a composition disclosed herein for use in the treatment of a ICMT-related disorder. The disorder may be cancer, premature ageing, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The cancer may be one linked to mutant Ras overactivity. The cancer may be hepatocellular carcinoma cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer or leukemia.

(159) There is also provided a use of a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically form or prodrug thereof, or a composition disclosed herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer and/or progeroid diseases. The medicament may be administered in combination with an additional therapeutic agent.

(160) There is also provided a use of a compound disclosed herein, or a pharmaceutically form or prodrug thereof, or a composition disclosed herein, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a ICMT-related disorder. The disorder may be cancer, premature ageing, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The cancer may be one linked to mutant Ras overactivity. The cancer may be hepatocellular carcinoma cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer or leukemia.

(161) The compounds of the present invention may have an ICMT IC50 of less than about 5 μM. The compounds of the present invention may have an ICMT IC50 of about 0.001 μM to about 5 μM.

(162) There is also provided a process for synthesizing a compound disclosed herein, comprising: (a) reacting a compound of formula (III):

(163) ##STR00042##

(164) wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, n and m are as defined herein, and R.sub.6 is a leaving group,

(165) in an organic solvent in the presence of a base with a compound of formula (IV):

(166) ##STR00043##

(167) wherein R.sub.3 and p are as defined herein, and R.sub.7 is —OH.

(168) R.sub.6 being a leaving group may be any suitable leaving group and may be a mesylate (OMs), tosylate (OTs), perfluoroalkylsulfonates (trifluoromethanesulfonate), bromide or iodide.

(169) The organic solvent for the above process (a) may be N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, acetone, acetonitrile or dimethylsulfoxide.

(170) The base for the above process (a) may be selected from a variety of bases including inorganic bases or nitrogen bases such as triethylamine, pyridine, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate caesium carbonate, sodium hydride or sodium bicarbonate.

(171) The above process (a) may be performed at a temperature that depends on the type of solvent and base used. As a guideline, the temperature may generally be in the range of about 40° C. to about 80° C. Process (a) may be performed at a temperature range of about 40° C. to about 80° C., about 45° C. to about 80° C., about 50° C. to about 80° C., about 55° C. to about 80° C., about 60° C. to about 80° C., about 65° C. to about 80° C., about 70° C. to about 80° C., about 75° C. to about 80° C., about 40° C. to about 75° C., about 40° C. to about 70° C., about 40° C. to about 65° C., about 40° C. to about 60° C., about 40° C. to about 55° C., about 40° C. to about 50° C., about 40° C. to about 45° C., or about 40° C., about 45° C., about 50° C., about 55° C., about 60° C., about 65° C., about 70° C., about 75° C., about 80° C., or any value or range therein,

(172) The above process (a) may be performed for a time duration that depends on the type of solvent and base used. As a guideline, the time duration may generally be in the range of about 12 hours to about 20 hours. Process (a) may be performed for about 12 hours to about 20 hours, about 13 hours to about 20 hours, about 14 hours to about 20 hours, about 15 hours to about 20 hours, about 16 hours to about 20 hours, about 17 hours to about 20 hours, about 18 hours to about 20 hours, about 19 hours to about 20 hours, about 12 hours to about 19 hours, about 12 hours to about 18 hours, about 12 hours to about 17 hours, about 12 hours to about 16 hours, about 12 hours to about 15 hours, about 12 hours to about 14 hours, about 12 hours to about 13 hours, or about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours, about 20 hours, or any value or range therein.

(173) There is also provided another process for synthesizing a compound disclosed herein, comprising: (b) reacting a compound of formula (III):

(174) ##STR00044##

(175) wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, n and m are as defined herein, and R.sub.6 is OH or an alkoxide, in an organic solvent in the presence of a base with a compound of formula (IV):

(176) ##STR00045##

(177) wherein R.sub.3 and p are as defined herein, and R.sub.7 is halogen.

(178) The organic solvent for the above process (b) may be N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, acetone, acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, propylene carbonate or nitromethane.

(179) The base for the above process (b) may be selected from a variety of bases including inorganic bases or nitrogen bases such as triethylamine, pyridine, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate or caesium carbonate.

(180) The above process (b) may be performed at a temperature that depends on the type of solvent and base used. As a guideline, the temperature may generally be in the range of about 80° C. to about 120° C. Process (b) may be performed at a temperature range of about 80° C. to about 120° C., about 85° C. to about 120° C., about 90° C. to about 120° C., about 95° C. to about 120° C., about 100° C. to about 120° C., about 105° C. to about 120° C., about 110° C. to about 120° C., about 115° C. to about 120° C., about 80° C. to about 115° C., about 80° C. to about 110° C., about 80° C. to about 105° C., about 80° C. to about 100° C., about 80° C. to about 95° C., about 80° C. to about 90° C., about 80° C. to about 85° C., or about 80° C., about 85° C., about 90° C., about 95° C., about 100° C., about 105° C., about 110° C., about 115° C., about 120° C., or any value or range therein.

(181) The above process (b) may be performed for a time duration that depends on the type of solvent and base used. As a guideline, the time duration may generally be in the range of about 12 hours to about 20 hours. Process (b) may be performed for about 12 hours to about 20 hours, about 13 hours to about 20 hours, about 14 hours to about 20 hours, about 15 hours to about 20 hours, about 16 hours to about 20 hours, about 17 hours to about 20 hours, about 18 hours to about 20 hours, about 19 hours to about 20 hours, about 12 hours to about 19 hours, about 12 hours to about 18 hours, about 12 hours to about 17 hours, about 12 hours to about 16 hours, about 12 hours to about 15 hours, about 12 hours to about 14 hours, about 12 hours to about 13 hours, or about 12 hours, about 13 hours, about 14 hours, about 15 hours, about 16 hours, about 17 hours, about 18 hours, about 19 hours, about 20 hours, or any value or range therein.

EXAMPLES

(182) Non-limiting examples of the invention will be further described in greater detail by reference to specific Examples, which should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the invention.

Example 1: Expression and Purification of ICMT Enzyme

(183) Recombinant human ICMT was prepared by infection of Sf9 cells with a recombinant baculovirus containing the entire open reading frame of the human ICMT cDNA.

(184) Briefly, Sf9 cells in log phase growth were diluted to 1×10.sup.6 cells/ml and infected with recombinant baculovirus at a multiplicity of infection of 2. Cells producing ICMT were harvested 66 hours post-infection. The cells are homogenized and resuspended in 5 mM NaHPO.sub.4 (pH 7.0), and a cocktail of protease inhibitors. The membrane was pelleted, after removal of nuclei and debris, at 100,000×g for 1 hour. Membranes were resuspended in 5 mM NaHPO.sub.4 (pH 7.0) with 5 mM EDTA at 10-12 mg/ml. The suspension was stored at −80° C. in multiple aliquots.

Example 2: ICMT Biochemical Assay

(185) An ICMT enzymatic assay was developed using Promega's Methyltransferase-GloTMreagents. In the assay, ICMT catalyzes the methylation of the N-Acetyl-S-farnesyl-L-cysteine by transferring a methyl group from SAM to the farnesylated cysteine and further converts the SAM to SAH. The methyltransferase activity is measured based on the amount of SAH produced from the reaction through the use of coupling enzymes that convert the SAH to ATP. The MTase-Glo detection solution then catalyzes the formation of light from ATP.

(186) For the IC50 determination, the compounds were incubated for 30 minutes with 0.04 ug/well ICMT membrane extract from Sf-9 cells. A final concentration of 2.0 μM and 20 μM of SAM and peptide were added and further incubated for 90 minutes at room temperature before adding the MTase Glo and detection reagent. Reaction signals were detected using microplate readers on luminescent mode (Satire Tecan). The IC50 was determined by nonlinear regression, using GraphPad Prism version, 5.03.

Example 3: Prelamin a Accumulation Assay

(187) The MIAPaCa-2 cells were seeded in 6-well plates. After seeding for 24 hours, the cells were treated with either DMSO or varying concentration of the compound and incubated for 48 hours. The cells were trypsinized and the lysate was extracted with RIPA buffer (Santa Cruz). The total protein concentration of lysate is quantified using the standard Bradford assay (Biorad protein assay, microplate standard assay).

(188) Western blot analysis was performed using antibody against Prelamin A in MIAPaCa cells treated with compound at various concentration for 48 hours. 15.0 μg of cell lysate was run on a SDS-PAGE and then transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. The membrane was then incubated in blocking buffer [PBS (phosphate buffered saline) with 0.1% Tween 20 and 5% dry milk] at room temperature for 1 hour, followed by incubation with Prelamin A antibody (rat monoclonal antibody) at 1:2500 dilution in PBS, 0.1% Tween 20 and 5% dry milk overnight at 4° C., followed by three washes (15 minutes each wash) in PBS, 0.1% Tween 20 on the next day.

(189) The nitrocellulose membrane was then incubated with secondary antibody solution at room temperature for 1 hour, washed three times before developed with enhanced Chemiluminescence (ECL) mixture (Amersham, Aylesbury, United Kingdom), incubated for 5 minutes and exposed using Fluor Chem E System instrument (Protein Simple).

Example 4: Soft Agar Assay

(190) MIAPaCa-2 cells were purchased from ATCC. For the soft agar assay, 600 μL of 0.6% agar was added to 24-well plate to form the base layer. This is followed by the addition of 500 μL of 0.36% agar middle layer (containing MIAPacCa-2 cells). Lastly, 500 μL of fresh growth medium (containing the corresponding serially diluted compound) was added above the middle layer. The plates were incubated at 37° C. with 5% carbon dioxide in a humidified incubator for 1 to 2 weeks, with media changes every 3 days. 70 μL of thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (5 mg/mL, Sigma Catalogue No: M5655) was added to each well and the plates were incubated at room temperature overnight. The plates with colonies imaged with dissecting microscope (4× magnification). The images were then analysed with ImageJ software for colony counts, which were plotted against compound concentrations using Graphpad Prism software. In addition, the software was used to perform non-linear curve fitting and the calculation of IC50.

Example 5: Cell Proliferation Assay

(191) Cell proliferation assay was performed using CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay (Promega) following manufacturer's instructions. The MIAPaCa-2 cells (ATCC) were treated with compounds that were serial diluted in the media (DMEM). Plates were incubated for 3 days at 37° C. in 5% CO.sub.2. After 3 days, an equal volume of Cell Titer Glo reagent was added. Plates were rocked on a rotator for 2 hours. 100 μL of each well was transferred to a 96-well opaque plate, and luminescence emitted was measured with the Tecan Safire II. The data for selected compounds is summarized in Table 1.

(192) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Summary of MIAPaCa-2 cells proliferation assay data for selected compounds. Compound GI.sub.50 (μM) 71 12.66 53 2.2 70 5.99 59 5.52 69 5.05 78 6.02

Example 6: Preparation of Phenol Intermediates

(193) General Procedure 1

(194) ##STR00046##

(195) To a well stirred solution of the respective halide, 1 (1 molar equiv.) in 4:1 ratio of 1,4-dioxane-water (0.6 M) were added boronic acid, 2 (1.2 molar equiv.), K.sub.3PO.sub.4 (2 molar equiv.) and Pd(dppf)Cl.sub.2.Math.DCM (0.05 molar equiv.) sequentially at room temperature and degassed with argon for 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into ice-cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water, brine, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude product. This crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford the desired product, 3.

(196) To a well stirred solution of 3 in excess HBr in acetic acid was heated at 80° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate and pH was adjusted to 8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the desired phenol, 4.

Preparation of 3-(thiazol-5-yl)phenol

(197) ##STR00047##

(198) .sup.1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.33 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.15 (m, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 6.91-6.88 (m, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 178.2 [C.sub.9H.sub.7NOS+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl) phenol

(199) ##STR00048##

(200) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.52 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.25 (m, 1H), 6.96-6.86 (m, 3H), 6.38 (t, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.30 (dd, J=6.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 175.2 [C.sub.10H.sub.10N.sub.2O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl) pyridin-4-ol

(201) ##STR00049##

(202) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 10.8 (s, 1H), 8.49 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.07 (s, 1H), 6.79 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.54 (s, 1H), 4.2 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 176.2 [C.sub.9H.sub.9N.sub.3O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(isoxazol-4-yl)phenol

(203) ##STR00050##

(204) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.66 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/z 162.2 [C.sub.9H.sub.7NO.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(isoxazol-4-yl)phenol

(205) ##STR00051##

(206) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.66 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/z 162.2 [C.sub.9H.sub.7NO.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenol

(207) ##STR00052##

(208) .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 10. 527 (brs, 1H), 7.434 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 6.765 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz), 6.715 (s, 1H), 6.623 (dd, 1H, J=10.8 & 2.0 Hz), 6.379 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 3.815 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 193.1 [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.2O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-3-ol

(209) ##STR00053##

(210) MS (ESI) m/z 176.1 [C.sub.9H.sub.9N.sub.3O].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-ol

(211) ##STR00054##

(212) .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.542 (t, 0.5H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.444 (t, 0.5H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.082 (d, 0.5H, J=7.2 Hz), 6.924 (d, 0.5H, J=7.2 Hz), 6.735 (d, 0.5H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.703 (d, 0.5H, J=8.0 Hz), 4.462-4.440 (m, 2H), 3.964-3.942 (m, 2H). MS (ESI) m/z 176.1 [C9H9N3O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenol

(213) ##STR00055##

(214) .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.54-7.53 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (t, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.97-6.93 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.32-6.31 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.09-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.98-3.96 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 193.1 [C10H9FN2O+H].sup.+.

(215) General Procedure 2

(216) ##STR00056##

(217) To a well stirred solution of 1-bromo-3-methoxybenzene, 1 (1 molar equiv.) in DMF (0.85 M) were added the respective amine, 1a (1.5 molar equiv.) and caesium carbonate (2 molar equiv.) and copper(I) iodide (0.1 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford the desired intermediate, 2.

(218) To a well stirred solution of 2 in excess HBr in acetic acid was heated at 80° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was basified with saturated sodium bicarbonate and pH was adjusted to 8 and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the desired phenol, 3.

Preparation of 3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenol

(219) ##STR00057##

(220) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 9.97 (s, 1H), 9.22 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.34-7.24 (m, 3H), 6.80-6.78 (m, 1H). MS (m/z): 162.2 [C.sub.8H.sub.7N.sub.3O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenol

(221) ##STR00058##

(222) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 9.94 (s, 1H), 9.23 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.35-7.24 (m, 3H), 6.93 (dd, J=1.6 Hz, 8.0 Hz, 1H). MS (ESI) m/z 162.2 [C.sub.8H.sub.7N.sub.3O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 2-(3-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-ol

(223) ##STR00059##

(224) MS (ESI) m/z 177.1 [C.sub.8H.sub.8N.sub.4O].sup.+.

Preparation of 2-(1H-tetrazo-1-yl)pyridin-4-ol

(225) ##STR00060##

(226) MS (ESI) m/z 177.1 [C.sub.6H.sub.5N.sub.5O].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol

(227) ##STR00061##

(228) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 9.91 (s, 1H), 7.32-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 6.68 (m, 1H), 6.84-6.81 (m, 2H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 175.1 [C.sub.10H.sub.10N.sub.2O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-methoxy-2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine

(229) ##STR00062##

(230) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 11.08 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87-6.80 (m, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 176.2 [C.sub.9H.sub.9N.sub.3O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-ol

(231) ##STR00063##

(232) MS (ESI) m/z 176.0 [C.sub.9H.sub.9N.sub.3O].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol

(233) ##STR00064##

(234) .sup.1HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 9.89 (s, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (dd, J=1.4 and 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.84-6.82 (m, 3H), 1.80-1.74 (m, 1H), 0.88-0.82 (m, 4H). MS (ESI) m/z 201.2 [C.sub.12H.sub.12N.sub.2O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-fluoro-3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol

(235) ##STR00065##

(236) .sup.1H NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz) δ 9.88 (s, 1H), 7.27 (t, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 6.91-6.87 (m, 1H), 6.80-6.78 (m, 1H), 2.17 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 192.8 [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.2O+H].sup.+.

Preparation of Ethyl 2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propanoate

(237) ##STR00066##

(238) To a well stirred solution of 3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol (1 molar equiv.) in DMF (0.3 M) were added ethyl 2-bromopropanoate (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water (200 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford ethyl 2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propanoate as a colorless gummy liquid.

(239) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.37 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.01-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.81 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.78-4.73 (m, 1H), 4.25-4.20 (s, 2H), 2.37 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 1.28 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H).

Preparation of 2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-1-ol

(240) ##STR00067##

(241) To a well stirred solution of ethyl 2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propanoate (0.07 M) in THF (20 mL) were added LAH (2 M in THF) (2 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was cooled at 0° C. to room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and quenched with saturated NaSO.sub.4 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-1-ol.

(242) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.38 (t, 1H), 7.05-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 4.58 (m, 1H), 3.78 (s, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 3H).

Preparation of 1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol

(243) ##STR00068##

(244) To a well stirred solution of 3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl) phenol (500 mg, 2.8 mmol) in DMSO (0.5 M) were added 1-chloropropan-2-ol (1.5 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol.

(245) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.02-6.95 (m, 3H), 6.29 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 4.04-3.96 (m, 1H), 3.96-3.82 (m, 4H), 2.31 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 1.31-1.24 (m, 3H).

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol

(246) ##STR00069##

(247) To a well stirred solution of 3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenol (1 equiv.) in DMSO (0.2 M) were added 1-chloropropan-2-ol (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol.

(248) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.37 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.97 (m, 3H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.97-3.84 (m, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.15 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H).

Preparation of (S)-1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol

(249) ##STR00070##

(250) To a well stirred solution of 3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol (1 molar equiv.) in DMSO (0.3 M) were added (S)-1-chloropropan-2-ol (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford (S)-1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol.

(251) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.02 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.97 (dd, J=4.0, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.34 (s, 1H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 3H), 1.12-1.09 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 259.21 [C.sub.15H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol

(252) ##STR00071##

(253) To a well stirred solution of 3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol (1 molar equiv.) in DMSO (0.3 M) were added (R)-1-chloropropan-2-ol (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford (R)-1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-ol.

(254) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.02 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.97 (dd, J=4.0, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.34 (s, 1H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 3H), 1.12-1.09 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 259.21 [C.sub.15H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-one

(255) ##STR00072##

(256) To a well stirred solution of 3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenol (1 molar equiv.) in DMSO (0.14 M) were added 3-bromobutan-2-one (1.5 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured in to water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-one.

(257) MS (ESI) m/z 245.2 [C.sub.14H.sub.16N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-ol

(258) ##STR00073##

(259) To a well stirred solution of 3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-one (1 molar equiv.) in methanol (0.12 M) was added NaBH.sup.4 (1.5 molar equiv.) at 0-5° C. and stirred the reaction mixture at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and diluted with water and extracted into EtOAc. The combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude product. This crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford 3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-ol.

(260) MS (ESI) m/z 247.2 [C.sub.14H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Example 7: Preparation of Final Compounds

(261) General Procedure A

(262) ##STR00074##

(263) To a well stirred solution of the respective phenol, 1 (1 molar equiv.) in DMSO (0.25 M) were added 2-chloroethanol (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. Upon completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was cooled and poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford the desired product, 2.

(264) To a solution of the respective compound 2 (1 molar equiv.) in dichloromethane (0.4 M) was added trimethylamine (3 molar equiv.) and tosyl chloride (1.5 molar equiv.) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. Upon completion of the reaction, the crude product was extracted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The combined organics was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude compound which was purified by column chromatography to afford the respective tosylate, 3.

(265) To a well stirred solution of the respective phenol, 4 (1 molar equiv.) in DMF (0.15 M) was added the respective tosylate, 3 (1.1 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 16 hours. Upon completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The combined organics was dried over sodium sulphate and washed concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product which was then purified further by column chromatography.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 1

(266) ##STR00075##

(267) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 7.63-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.43 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (t, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.97 (dd, J=0.8 and 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.42-4.41 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 307.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.14N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 2

(268) ##STR00076##

(269) .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.62 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.98 (m, 3H), 7.01 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.94-6.91 (m, 1H), 6.87 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.41-4.37 (m, 4H), 2.37 (s, 3H). MS (m/z): 320.2 [C.sub.19H.sub.17N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(thiazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 3

(270) ##STR00077##

(271) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (dd, J=2.4 and 8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.40 (s, 4H). MS (m/z): 322.9 [C.sub.18H.sub.14N.sub.2O.sub.2S+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)picolinonitrile, Compound 4

(272) ##STR00078##

(273) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.50 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (dd, J=5.2, 2.4 Hz, 3H), 7.45 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.04 (dd, J=16.4, 7.2 Hz, 3H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 4.54-4.43 (m, 4H), 2.29 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 321.23 [C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 5

(274) ##STR00079##

(275) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.67 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=2.0 and 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.00 (m, 3H), 6.96-6.90 (m, 1H), 6.89 (t, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 4.48-4.43 (m, 4H), 2.37 (s, 3H). MS (m/z): 354.3 [C.sub.19H.sub.16ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 6

(276) ##STR00080##

(277) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.85 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.05 (dd, J=17.6, 6.8 Hz, 3H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 4.53 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 338.20 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 9

(278) ##STR00081##

(279) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.68 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (dd, J=1.9 and 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.07-6.98 (m, 6H), 4.48-4.44 (m, 4H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.13-1.09 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.86 (m, 2H); MS (m/z): 380.3 [C.sub.21H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(thiazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 11

(280) ##STR00082##

(281) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (dd, J=2.0 and 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (dd, J=0.8 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.96-6.93 (m, 1H), 4.47 (s, 4H); MS (m/z): 357.3 [C.sub.18H.sub.13CN.sub.2O.sub.2S+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(thiazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 12

(282) ##STR00083##

(283) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=1.9 and 10.4 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.23-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=2.24 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.95-6.91 (m, 1H), 4.50-4.47 (m, 2H), 4.44-4.42 (m, 2H); MS (m/z): 339.4 [C.sub.18H.sub.13FN.sub.2O.sub.2S+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-(3-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole, Compound 27

(284) ##STR00084##

(285) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6)) δ (ppm): 7.45 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.05 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.93 (m, 3H), 6.40 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 4.40-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.32-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 327.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.19FN.sub.2O.sub.2.sup.+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 50

(286) ##STR00085##

(287) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.48-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.10-7.07 (m, 3H), 6.85 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (s, 4H), 1.85-1.79 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.85 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 373.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClFN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound

(288) ##STR00086##

(289) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.80-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.10 (m, 2H), 7.07-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.41 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.41 (m, 4H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 320.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.17N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(2-fluoro-4-methylphenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 58

(290) ##STR00087##

(291) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.38 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.0 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 3H), 6.94-6.84 (m, 5H), 4.37 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 4H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 327.14 [C.sub.19H.sub.19FN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 62

(292) ##STR00088##

(293) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.80-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.47 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.10-7.07 (m, 3H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 4.44-4.43 (m, 4H), 1.84-1.80 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.85 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 346.1 [C.sub.21H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(isoxazol-4-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 67

(294) ##STR00089##

(295) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.53 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (dd, J=19.2, 2.0 Hz, 3H), 6.90 (dd, J=8.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 307.22 [C.sub.18H.sub.14N203+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 85

(296) ##STR00090##

(297) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ8.41-8.40 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 3H), 6.89-6.86 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.43 (m, 4H), 2.60 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 321.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((6-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 86

(298) ##STR00091##

(299) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.95-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J=11.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.93-6.85 (m, 2H), 4.75-4.65 (m, 2H), 4.60-4.50 (m, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 87

(300) ##STR00092##

(301) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 8.22-8.21 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.68-7.65 (dd, J=6.8, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.88-6.86 (m, 1H), 4.76 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (t, J=4.6 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 357.2 [C.sub.18H.sub.14F.sub.2N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(1-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 88

(302) ##STR00093##

(303) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.88-7.84 (dd, J=11.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.14-7.09 (m, 2H), 6.4 (s, 1H), 4.52-4.51 (m, 2H), 4.42 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.55 (m, 1H), 0.92-0.91 (m, 2H), 0.9-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 353.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.17FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-((2-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 89

(304) ##STR00094##

(305) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.39 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.81-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.09 (m, 1H), 6.85 (s. 1H), 4.56-4.55 (m, 2H), 4.49-4.48 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.34 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.88 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 347.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.18N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-3-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 92

(306) ##STR00095##

(307) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.39-8.36 (m, 1H), 7.88-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.54 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.56 (s, 4H), 3.89 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 94

(308) ##STR00096##

(309) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.80-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.18-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.02-6.98 (m, 3H), 6.48 (s. 1H), 4.44 (s, 4H), 3.88 (m, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(3-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 95

(310) ##STR00097##

(311) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.40 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.13-7.11 (m, 1H), 4.58 (s, 4H), 2.74 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 340.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.14FN.sub.5O.sub.2].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(2-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 96

(312) ##STR00098##

(313) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.14-7.08 (m, 1H), 6.42 (s, 1H), 4.55-4.50 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 97

(314) ##STR00099##

(315) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.54-8.53 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.49-8.43 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.77-4.75 (m, 2H), 4.56-4.54 (m, 2H), 4.12 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 340.16 [C.sub.17H.sub.14FN.sub.5O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-chloro-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)-2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridine, Compound 101

(316) ##STR00100##

(317) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.49 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.43 (m, 2H), 7.38 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.04-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.53-4.51 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.43 (m, 1H), 4.13 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 348.0 [C.sub.17H.sub.15ClFN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 102

(318) ##STR00101##

(319) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.42-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.00-7.07 (m, 3H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 4.41 (s, 4H), 2.29 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 347.0 [C.sub.18H.sub.16ClFN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-chloro-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine, Compound 103

(320) ##STR00102##

(321) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.37 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (dd, J=11.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.18 (m, 3H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.60-4.50 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 348.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.15ClFN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine, Compound 104

(322) ##STR00103##

(323) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.37 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.32 (m, 1H), 7.28-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.10-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.60-4.50 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 394.0 [C.sub.17H.sub.15BrFN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 107

(324) ##STR00104##

(325) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 8.21 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.64 (dd, J=3.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.01-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.89-6.87 (dd, J=3.2, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 6.32-6.31 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.75 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 4.34 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.82-3.81 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H); MS (ESI) m/z 357.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.14F.sub.2N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 109

(326) ##STR00105##

(327) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 8.48 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.82-7.80 (dd, J=8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.01-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.89-6.87 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.86-6.85 (m, 1H), 4.74 (t, J=4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-(3-(2-(4-chlorophenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole, Compound 110

(328) ##STR00106##

(329) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.51 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.04-7.02 (m, 1H), 7.01-6.98 (m, 2H), 6.90-6.88 (m, 2H), 6.3 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.35-4.32 (m, 4H), 3.89 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 329.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.17ClN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-chlorophenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 112

(330) ##STR00107##

(331) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 7.41 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.04-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.94-6.89 (m, 4H), 4.37-4.33 (m, 4H), 2.39 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 329.2 [C.sub.18H.sub.17ClN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 113

(332) ##STR00108##

(333) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 7.56 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.44 (dt, 1H, J=8.8 & 0.8 Hz), 7.39 (dd, 1H, J=10.4 & 2.0 Hz), 7.15-7.07 (m, 2H), 6.984 (dt, 1H, J=8.8 & 3.6 Hz), 6.89 (dd, 1H, J=6.0 & 3.0 Hz), 4.47-4.45 (m, 2H), 4.38-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.83 (d, 3H, J=1.2 Hz); MS (ESI) m/z 356.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.15F.sub.2N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-chlorophenoxy)ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine, Compound 115

(334) ##STR00109##

(335) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.38-8.36 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.20 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.07 (dd, J=6.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.03-7.00 (m, 2H), 6.92 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.53-4.51 (m, 2H), 4.37-4.34 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 330.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.16ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-2-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 119

(336) ##STR00110##

(337) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.38-8.37 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.74 (dd, J=8.4, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.35 (dd, J=9.2, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.23-7.22 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.08 (dd, J=6.0, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.96-6.95 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.58-4.56 (m, 2H), 4.54-4.53 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.2 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-((2-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 120

(338) ##STR00111##

(339) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 10.15 (s, 1H), 8.47 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.28-7.26 (m, 1H), 4.67-4.65 (m, 2H), 4.60-4.58 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 327.1 [C.sub.15H.sub.11FN.sub.6O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-bromo-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)-2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridine, Compound 121

(340) ##STR00112##

(341) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 8.51 (d, J=6 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 7.28-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (dd, J=6 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.40 (m, 4H), 4.20 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 392.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.15BrFN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

(342) General Procedure B

(343) ##STR00113##

(344) To a well stirred solution of the respective phenol, 1 (1 molar equiv.) in DMSO (0.25M) were added 2-chloroethanol (2 molar equiv.) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. Upon completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was cooled and poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford the desired product, 2.

(345) To a well stirred solution of 2 (1 molar equiv.) in DMF (0.1 M) were added the respective fluoro compound, 3 (1.3 molar equiv.) and Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3.2 molar equiv.). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organics was washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude product. This crude product was purified by column chromatography to afford the desired product.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 7

(346) ##STR00114##

(347) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.02 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.39 (m, 3H)), 7.12-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.40 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (dd, J=4.8, 3.6 Hz, 2H), 4.45 (dd, J=6.4, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 354.21 [C.sub.19H.sub.16ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 8

(348) ##STR00115##

(349) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.46-7.41 (m, 3H), 7.29 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.07-7.01 (m, 3H), 6.89 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.54-4.31 (m, 4H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 350.28 [C.sub.20H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 10

(350) ##STR00116##

(351) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.70 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=16 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.07-7.01 (m, 4H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 4.68 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 4.41 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 321.23 [C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-methyl-2-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 13

(352) ##STR00117##

(353) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.53-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=8.8, Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.02 (m, 3H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H); MS (ESI) m/z 334.26 [C.sub.20H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 14

(354) ##STR00118##

(355) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.92-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (t, J=16.4 Hz, 1H)), 7.57-7.39 (m, 3H)), 7.12-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.40 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (dd, J=4.4, 3.6 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (dd, J=6.0, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.27 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 15

(356) ##STR00119##

(357) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.46-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.20 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.04 (m, 3H), 6.41 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (m, 4H), 3.80 (s, 6H); MS (ESI) m/z 350.28 [C.sub.20H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3-(thiazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 16

(358) ##STR00120##

(359) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 9.08 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.43 (m, 3H), 7.31-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.01-6.99 (dd, J=2.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (m, 4H), 3.79 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 353.16 [C.sub.19H.sub.16N.sub.2O.sub.3S+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 17

(360) ##STR00121##

(361) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.88-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.06 (m, 3H), 6.85 ((d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.55-4.53 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.44 (m, 2H), 1.84-1.80 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.84 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.1 [C.sub.21H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-methyl-2-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 18

(362) ##STR00122##

(363) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (t, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.10 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.06 (m, 1H), 6.41 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.49-4.47 (m, 2H), 4.43-4.41 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 334.4 [C.sub.20H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-methoxybenzonitrile, Compound 19

(364) ##STR00123##

(365) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.50-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.27 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.23-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.85 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (s, 4H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 1.90-1.80 (m, 1H), 0.95-0.80 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 376.1 [C.sub.22H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 20

(366) ##STR00124##

(367) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.79 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.85 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 4H), 1.85-1.75 (m, 1H), 0.95-0.80 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 346.1 [C.sub.21H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of -(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 21

(368) ##STR00125##

(369) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.02-6.96 (m, 3H), 4.43-4.39 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 307.29 [C.sub.17H.sub.14N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 22

(370) ##STR00126##

(371) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.99 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=16.8, 16.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.01-4.98 (m, 1H), 4.38 (dd, J=16.8, 16 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.33 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenoxy) propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 23

(372) ##STR00127##

(373) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.81 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.01-4.64 (m, 1H), 4.38 (t, J=2.4 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.38 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.12 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 24

(374) ##STR00128##

(375) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.41 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.86-7.84 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.21-7.26 (m, 2H), 4.62-4.58 (dd, J=4.8, 5.2 Hz, 4H), 2.58 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 355.27 [C.sub.18H.sub.15ClN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile. Compound 25

(376) ##STR00129##

(377) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.42-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.14 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.81 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.14 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-ethynylphenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 26

(378) ##STR00130##

(379) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.47-7.39 (m, 3H), 7.28 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.10-6.96 (m, 5H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.30 (m, 4H), 4.01 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 319.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 28

(380) ##STR00131##

(381) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.80 (dd, J=11.2 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.06-6.98 (m, 3H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 5.90-5.05 (m, 1H), 4.29-4.21 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.73 (m, 1H), 1.36 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.91-0.79 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 378.21 [C.sub.22H.sub.20FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 29

(382) ##STR00132##

(383) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.36 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06-6.88 (m, 5H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 4.86-4.82 (m, 1H), 4.26-4.22 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H) 1.49 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.16 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methyl-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 30

(384) ##STR00133##

(385) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.92 (m, 4H)), 6.28 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.87-4.82 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.23-4.19 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.11-3.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 348.29 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 31

(386) ##STR00134##

(387) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H) 7.09 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.84 (dd, J=6.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J=9.6, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.13-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.26 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 32

(388) ##STR00135##

(389) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.99 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=16.8, 16.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.01-4.98 (m, 1H), 4.38 (dd, J=16.8, 16 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.33 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 33

(390) ##STR00136##

(391) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.99 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=16.8, 16.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 5.01-4.98 (m, 1H), 4.38 (dd, J=16.8, 16 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.33 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 34

(392) ##STR00137##

(393) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.84 (dd, J=11.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.98 (m, 3H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 5.01-4.97 (m, 1H), 4.38-4.31 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.37 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.25 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 35

(394) ##STR00138##

(395) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.84 (dd, J=11.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.98 (m, 3H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 5.01-4.97 (m, 1H), 4.38-4.31 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.37 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.25 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 36

(396) ##STR00139##

(397) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.78-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.18 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H), 7.02-6.95 (m, 3H), 4.60-4.50 (m, 2H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 2H), 2.33 (m, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 404.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.18F.sub.3N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 38

(398) ##STR00140##

(399) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.26 (m, 5H), 7.10 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (dd, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.49-4.45 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 325.10 [C.sub.17H.sub.13FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 37

(400) ##STR00141##

(401) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.17 (t, 3H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.92-6.91 (m, 2H), 6.28 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (dd, J=10.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.25-4.21 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.10 (m, 1H), 3.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 1.55-1.47 (m, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.25 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-methyl-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 39

(402) ##STR00142##

(403) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.92 (m, 4H)), 6.28 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.87-4.82 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.23-4.19 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.11-3.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 348.29 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-methyl-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 40

(404) ##STR00143##

(405) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.92 (m, 4H)), 6.28 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.87-4.82 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.23-4.19 (dd, J=6.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.11-3.88 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.48 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 348.29 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-4-(1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yloxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 41

(406) ##STR00144##

(407) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.02 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 4H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.97 (dd, J=4.0, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.34 (s, 1H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 3H), 1.12-1.09 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 259.21 [C.sub.15H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 42

(408) ##STR00145##

(409) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.84 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.01 (m, 3H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 5.11-5.07 (m, 1H), 4.31-4.23 (m, 2H), 1.81-1.77 (m, 1H), 1.39 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.91-0.82 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 378.26 [C.sub.22H.sub.20FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methoxybenzonitrile, Compound 43

(410) ##STR00146##

(411) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.43-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.23 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 3.2 Hz, 2H), 7.06-6.99 (m, 3H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.95 (dd, J=13.2 Hz, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 1.79-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.34 (dd, J=8.0, 11.2 Hz, 3H), 0.88-0.79 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 390.27 [C.sub.23H.sub.23N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 44

(412) ##STR00147##

(413) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.01-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (m, 1H), 4.27-4.23 (m, 1H), 4.15-4.12 (m, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.54 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.11 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 45

(414) ##STR00148##

(415) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.92-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (t, J=16.4 Hz, 1H)), 7.57-7.39 (m, 3H)), 7.12-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.40 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (dd, J=4.4, 3.6 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (dd, J=6.0, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.27 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 46

(416) ##STR00149##

(417) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.51 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.17-7.13 (m, 3H), 7.03-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.92-6.91 (m, 2H), 6.29 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (dd, J=10.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.26-4.21 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.11 (m, 1H), 3.89 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 1.52-1.47 (m, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.25 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 47

(418) ##STR00150##

(419) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.51 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.17-7.13 (m, 3H), 7.03-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.92-6.91 (m, 2H), 6.29 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (dd, J=10.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.26-4.21 (m, 1H), 4.14-4.11 (m, 1H), 3.89 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 1.52-1.47 (m, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.25 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 48

(420) ##STR00151##

(421) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.36 (t, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 7.04-7.01 (m, 2H), 6.96-6.92 (m, 2H), 6.29 (s, 2H), 4.90-4.83 (m, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J=10.0, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (dd, J=10.0, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (s, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 1.51 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.26 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methylbenzonitrile, Compound 49

(422) ##STR00152##

(423) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.62 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=10.8 Hz, 3H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.99 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, J=4.8, 10 Hz, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.88-0.80 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 374.30 [C.sub.23H.sub.23N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 1-(3-(2-(4-ethynyl-2-fluorophenoxy)ethoxy)phenyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole, Compound 51

(424) ##STR00153##

(425) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.44 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=1.6, 2 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.08-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.41 (m, 4H), 4.13 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 337.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.17FN.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-amino-4-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 52

(426) ##STR00154##

(427) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 7.47 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.17-7.05 (m, 4H), 7.03-6.95 (m, 3H), 6.88-6.92 (m, 1H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.85 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 361.1 [C.sub.21H.sub.20N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 53

(428) ##STR00155##

(429) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.37 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.85 (dd, J=1.6, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.44 (t, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.07 (dd, J=2.0, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 4.58-4.57 (m, 4H), 3.31 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.23 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-2-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 54

(430) ##STR00156##

(431) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05-6.97 (m, 4H), 6.30 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (q, J=2.8 Hz, 4H), 3.89 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.26 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-chloro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 55

(432) ##STR00157##

(433) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.01-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (m, 1H), 4.27-4.23 (m, 1H), 4.15-4.12 (m, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.54 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.11 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-chloro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 56

(434) ##STR00158##

(435) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.66 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (dd, J=2.0 Hz, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.01-6.90 (m, 4H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.91-4.87 (m, 1H), 4.27-4.23 (m, 1H), 4.15-4.12 (m, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.54 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 368.11 [C.sub.20H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 59

(436) ##STR00159##

(437) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.52 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 4.42 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 4H), 4.20 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 321.30 [C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 60

(438) ##STR00160##

(439) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.50 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H) 7.09 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.84 (dd, J=6.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J=9.6, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.13-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.26 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methylbenzonitrile, Compound 61

(440) ##STR00161##

(441) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.62 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=10.8 Hz, 3H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.99 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, J=4.8, 10 Hz, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.88-0.80 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 374.30 [C.sub.23H.sub.23N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(3-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)butan-2-yloxy)benzonitrile, Compound 63

(442) ##STR00162##

(443) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.40-7.33 (m, 3H), 7.11-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.98-6.87 (m, 2H), 6.81 (t, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.65-4.56 (m, 2H), 2.37 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 3H), 1.57-1.40 (m, 6H); MS (ESI) m/z 366.15 [C.sub.21H.sub.20FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(isoxazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 64

(444) ##STR00163##

(445) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.62 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=2.0, 11.6 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.04 (dd, i=1.6, 5.2 Hz 2H), 5.10-5.06 (m, 1H), 4.30-4.23 (m, 2H), 1.35 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.19 [C.sub.19H.sub.15FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(isoxazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 65

(446) ##STR00164##

(447) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.62 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=2.0, 11.6 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.04 (dd, J=1.6, 5.2 Hz 2H), 5.10-5.06 (m, 1H), 4.30-4.23 (m, 2H), 1.35 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.19 [C.sub.19H.sub.15FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(isoxazol-5-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 66

(448) ##STR00165##

(449) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.62 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=2.0, 11.6 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.04 (dd, J=1.6, 5.2 Hz 2H), 5.10-5.06 (m, 1H), 4.30-4.23 (m, 2H), 1.35 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.19 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methylbenzonitrile, Compound 68

(450) ##STR00166##

(451) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 7.62 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=10.8 Hz, 3H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.99 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.76 (dd, J=4.8, 10 Hz, 1H), 1.37 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.88-0.80 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 374.30 [C.sub.23H.sub.23N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 69

(452) ##STR00167##

(453) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.52 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.5 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.8 Hz, 19.6 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.07 (m, 2H), 6.83-6.81 (m, 1H), 6.54 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (s, 4H), 4.20 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.19 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 70

(454) ##STR00168##

(455) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ (ppm): 8.72 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.37 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.19-8.17 (dd, J=2.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 4.73-4.71 (m, 2H), 4.56-4.54 (m, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 322.29 [C.sub.17H.sub.15N.sub.5O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 71

(456) ##STR00169##

(457) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.60 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 7.8 (dd, J=1.6, 8 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.53 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.78 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 4.42 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 4.20 (s, 3H); (MS (ESI) m/z 322.12[C.sub.17H.sub.15N.sub.5O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 72

(458) ##STR00170##

(459) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.36 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06-6.88 (m, 5H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 4.86-4.82 (m, 1H), 4.26-4.22 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H) 1.49 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.16 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)pyridazine-3-carbonitrile, Compound 73

(460) ##STR00171##

(461) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.25 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.07 (m, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 4.48 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 321.9 [C.sub.17H.sub.15N.sub.5O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 74

(462) ##STR00172##

(463) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.53 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 8.45-8.43 (m, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.01 (m, 3H), 6.89 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.9 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 75

(464) ##STR00173##

(465) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.71 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.19-8.16 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.04 (m, 4H), 6.40 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.70 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 4.41 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 320.9 [C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-((2-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 76

(466) ##STR00174##

(467) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.42 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.29 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.88 (dd, J=2.4, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (s, 4H), 2.19-2.14 (m, 1H), 1.17-1.13 (m, 2H), 0.98-0.94 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 365.23 [C.sub.20H.sub.17FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-methoxy-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 77

(468) ##STR00175##

(469) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.36 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06-6.88 (m, 5H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 4.86-4.82 (m, 1H), 4.26-4.22 (m, 1H), 4.12-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H) 1.49 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.16 [C.sub.21H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 78

(470) ##STR00176##

(471) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.42-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.14 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.81 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.14 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)benzonitrile, Compound 79

(472) ##STR00177##

(473) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.42-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.14 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.81 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.50 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 352.14 [C.sub.20H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methoxybenzonitrile, Compound 80

(474) ##STR00178##

(475) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.96 (m, 4H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.95 (dd, J=3.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.37 (s, 1H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.12-1.08 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 259.21 [C.sub.15H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of (S)-4-((1-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)propan-2-yl)oxy)-3-methoxybenzonitrile, Compound 81

(476) ##STR00179##

(477) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.96 (m, 4H), 4.25-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.95 (dd, J=3.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.37 (s, 1H), 1.82-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.12-1.08 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.87 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 259.21 [C.sub.15H.sub.18N.sub.2O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-(3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 82

(478) ##STR00180##

(479) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.53 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 8.45-8.42 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.41 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 4.43 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-(3-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-5-fluoronicotinonitrile, Compound 83

(480) ##STR00181##

(481) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.53 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 8.45-8.42 (m, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.10-7.08 (m, 3H), 6.84 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 1H); MS (ESI) m/z 365.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.17FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(isoxazol-4-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 84

(482) ##STR00182##

(483) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ (ppm): 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.33 (m, 3H), 7.08 (dd, J=17.6, 8.0 Hz, 3H), 6.90 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (t, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 4.42 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 325.24 [C.sub.18H.sub.13FN.sub.2O.sub.3+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 6-(2-((2-(2-cyclopropyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)-5-fluoronicotinonitrile, Compound 90

(484) ##STR00183##

(485) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.54 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.46-8.43 (m, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 4.77 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 4.59 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 2.37-2.33 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.87 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 366.1 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.5O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-6-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)nicotinonitrile, Compound 91

(486) ##STR00184##

(487) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ8.39 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.26-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.87 (m, 1H), 6.84 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.80 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 4.47 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 340.1 [C.sub.17H.sub.14FN.sub.5O.sub.2].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 93

(488) ##STR00185##

(489) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.12 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.88 (m, 4H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 4.35 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 3.81 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.12 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-chloro-2-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 98

(490) ##STR00186##

(491) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.50 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.75 (m, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.05-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (s, 4H), 4.12 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 355.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15ClN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-chloro-2-(2-((2-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 99

(492) ##STR00187##

(493) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ8.41 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 6.99 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 4.52-4.51 (m, 2H), 4.48-4.47 (m, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 355.0 [C.sub.18H.sub.15ClN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-((2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-4-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 100

(494) ##STR00188##

(495) 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.50 (d, J=5.6, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.39 (m, 3H), 7.06-7.00 (s, 1H), 6.83 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (s, 4H), 4.12 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 355.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15ClN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 105

(496) ##STR00189##

(497) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.508 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.460-7.376 (m, 2H), 7.092 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.783-6.700 (m, 3H), 6.310 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 4.485-4.463 (m, 2H), 4.413-4.391 (m, 2H), 3.902 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 356.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15F.sub.2N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-fluoro-4-(2-((6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-yl)oxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 106

(498) ##STR00190##

(499) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 7.662 (dd, 1H, J=7.6 & 7.2 Hz), 7.497 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 7.418 (dt, 1H, J=8.4 & 2.0 Hz), 7.375 (dd, 1H, J=10.4 & 2.0 Hz), 7.225 (dd, 1H, J=7.6 & 0.8 Hz), 7.086 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz), 6.747 (dd, 1H, J=8.0 & 0.8 Hz), 6.578 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 4.772 (t, 2H, J=4.8 Hz), 4.481 (t, 2H, J=4.8 Hz), 4.238 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 339.1 [C.sub.18H.sub.15FN.sub.4O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 108

(500) ##STR00191##

(501) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (m, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.19 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.06-7.05 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.02-6.97 (m, 3H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.87-6.85 (dd, J=6.4, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 4.36 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.2 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, Compound 111

(502) ##STR00192##

(503) 1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.89-7.88 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84-7.81 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.16 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 3H), 6.92-6.91 (m, 1H), 6.84 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.55-4.50 (m, 2H), 4.49-4.40 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H). MS (ESI) m/z 388.1 [C.sub.20H.sub.16F.sub.3N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 5-fluoro-2-(2-(3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 114

(504) ##STR00193##

(505) 1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 7.77-7.74 (dd, J=8.0, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.56 (dt, J=8.8, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.35 (dd, J=9.2, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.01 (m, 3H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 4.51-4.49 (m, 2H), 4.43-4.41 (m, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) m/z 338.2 [C.sub.19H.sub.16FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(1-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)-3-fluorobenzonitrile, Compound 116

(506) ##STR00194##

(507) 1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 7.88-7.84 (dd, J=11.4, 2.0, 1H), (td, J=8.8, 1.4, 1H), 4.47-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.06-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.43-6.42 (d, J=1.6, 1H), 4.55-4.52 (m, 2H), 4.44-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.77-3.72 (m, 1H), 0.97-0.91 (m, 4H); MS (ESI) m/z 364.2 [C.sub.21H.sub.18FN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 4-(2-(3-(1-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 117

(508) ##STR00195##

(509) 1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 7.63-7.61 (d, J=8.8, 2H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=8.0, 1H), 7.22-7.20 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.04-7.02 (d, J=8.8, 2H), 7.01-6.98 (d, J=8.8, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 4.41 (s, 4H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 1.17 (m, 2H), 0.98-0.97 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 346.2 [C.sub.21H.sub.19N.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Preparation of 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(1-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)benzonitrile, Compound 118

(510) ##STR00196##

(511) 1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 7.69-7.68 (d, J=1.6, 1H), 7.59-7.56 (dd, J=8.4, 1.6, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=8.0, 1H), 7.23-7.21 (d, J=7.2, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 7.09-7.07 (d, J=8.8, 1H), 7.02-7.00 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 4.48 (s, 4H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 1.17 (m, 2H), 0.98-0.97 (m, 2H); MS (ESI) m/z 380.2 [C.sub.21H.sub.18ClN.sub.3O.sub.2+H].sup.+.

Example 8: Compound List

(512) The following Table 2 shows a list representing the exemplified compounds of this disclosure, together with the biological activity data.

(513) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Table listing the structure and IC50 of exemplified compounds Compound ICMT # Structure IUPAC Name IC50 (μM) 1 4-(2-(3-(1H-1,2,4- triazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.56 2 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.027 3 4-(2-(3-(thiazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.63; 0.49 4 00 5-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) picolinonitrile 0.26; 0.22; 0.39 5 01 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.003; 0.0002; 0.0004 6 02 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.002; 0.001; 0.0024 7 03 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.003; 0.003 8 04 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3- (2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0002; 0.00036 9 05 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0001; 0.00018 10 06 6-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.08 11 07 3-chloro-4-(2-(3- (thiazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.02 12 08 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3- (thiazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.21 13 09 5-methyl-2-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.011 14 0 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.015 15 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3- (1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0011; 0.0009 16 3-methoxy-4-(2-(3- (thiazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.008; 0.011 17 4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3-fluorobenzonitrile 0.016 18 5-methyl-2-(2-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.003 19 4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3- methoxybenzonitrile 0.0045 20 4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.00017; 0.00016 21 4-(2-(3-(4H-1,2,4- triazol-4- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.298 22 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 0.003 23 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 0.061 24 0 3-chloro-4-(2-((2-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.001 25 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.023 26 1-(3-(2-(4- ethynylphenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.069 27 5-(3-(2-(4-fluoro-2- methylphenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-1- methyl-1H-pyrazole 0.29 28 4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.0016 29 3-methoxy-4-((1-(3- (2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.00008 30 3-methyl-4-((1-(3- (1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0016 31 3-methoxy-4-((1-(3- (1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0012 32 (R)-3-chloro-4-(2- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 0.2 33 (S)-3-chloro-4-(2- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 0.0015 34 0 (R)-3-fluoro-4-(2- (3-(2-methyl-1H- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 1.47 35 (S)-3-fluoro-4-(2-(3- (2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propoxy) benzonitrile 0.0036 36 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3-(trifluoromethoxy) benzonitrile 0.14 37 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0007 38 4-(2-(3-(4H-1,2,4- triazol-4- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3-fluorobenzonitrile 0.31 39 (R)-3-methyl-4-((1- (3-(1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan-2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0047 40 (S)-3-methyl-4-((1- (3-(1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0095 41 (R)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.000002 42 (S)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.012 43 (S)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methoxybenzonitrile 0.00068 44 0 3-chloro-4-((1-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.78 45 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2- methoxyphenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.076 46 (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.001 47 (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(1-methyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0068; 0.00038 48 (R)-3-methoxy-4- ((1-(3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.00064 49 (S)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methylbenzonitrile 0.0003 50 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazole 0.012 51 1-(3-(2-(4-ethynyl- 2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.02 52 3-amino-4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0036 53 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.00044 54 0 5-fluoro-2-(2-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.032 55 (R)-3-chloro-4-((1- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.011 56 (S)-3-chloro-4-((1- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.00015 57 4-(2-(3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.009 58 1-(3-(2-(2-fluoro-4- methylphenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.06 59 4-(2-((2-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.02 60 (S)-3-methoxy-4- ((1-(3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.81 nM 61 4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methylbenzonitrile 0.88 nM 62 4-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0085 63 3-fluoro-4-((3-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)butan-2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.018; 0.006 64 0 3-fluoro-4-((1-(3- (isoxazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.27; 0.47 65 (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(isoxazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 4.67; 4.39 66 (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(isoxazol-5- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.18; 0.19 67 4-(2-(3-(isoxazol-4- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.14; 0.10 68 (R)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methylbenzonitrile 0.0015; 0.013 69 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0028; 0.0014; 0.0015 70 6-(2-((2-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.027 71 6-(2-((2-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.044; 0.041 72 (S)-3-methoxy-4- ((1-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.0045 73 6-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) pyridazine-3- carbonitrile 0.95 74 0 5-fluoro-6-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.065 75 6-(2-(3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.06; 0.062 76 4-(2-((2-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.39 nM 77 (R)-3-methoxy-4- ((1-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile  0.7 nM 78 (R)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile   75 pM 79 (S)-3-fluoro-4-((1- (3-(2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2- yl)oxy)benzonitrile 0.031 80 4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methoxybenzonitrile   3 pM 81 (S)-4-((1-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)propan- 2-yl)oxy)-3- methoxybenzonitrile 0.001 82 5-fluoro-6-(2-(3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.21; 0.19 83 6-(2-(3-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 5- fluoronicotinonitrile 0.0037 84 0 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3- (isoxazol-4- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.028 85 4-(2-((2-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.015 86 3-fluoro-4-(2-((6-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-2- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.017 87 5-fluoro-6-(2-(4- fluoro-3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.033 88 4-(2-(3-(1- cyclopropyl-1H- pyrazol-5-yl)-4- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.018 89 4-(2-((2-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0028 90 6-(2-((2-(2- cyclopropyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy)-5- fluoronicotinonitrile 0.037 91 5-fluoro-6-(2-((2- (2-methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.12 92 3-fluoro-4-(2-((5-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-3- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.3-1 93 4-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0066 94 0 4-(2-(3-fluoro-5-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0016 95 3-fluoro-4-(2-((2-(3- methyl-4H-1,2,4- triazol-4-yl)pyridin- 4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.01 96 4-(2-(2-fluoro-5-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.4-3 97 5-fluoro-6-(2-((2-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.47-1 98 5-chloro-2-(2-((2-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.01 99 5-chloro-2-(2-((2-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0026 100 3-chloro-4-(2-((2-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0018 101 4-(2-(4-chloro-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)-2-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)pyridine 0.029 102 1-(3-(2-(4-chloro-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.068 103 4-(2-(4-chloro-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)pyridine 0.0031 104 00 4-(2-(4-bromo-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)pyridine 0.0017 105 01 3-fluoro-4-(2-(3- fluoro-5-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.006 106 02 3-fluoro-4-(2-((6-(1- methyl-1H-pyrazol- 5-yl)pyridin-2- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.3-1 107 03 5-fluoro-6-(2-(4- fluoro-3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.15 108 04 4-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.051 109 05 6-(2-(4-fluoro-3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) nicotinonitrile 0.17 110 06 5-(3-(2-(4- chlorophenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-1- methyl-1H-pyrazole 0.27 111 07 4-(2-(3-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3- (trifluoromethyl) benzonitrile 0.18 112 08 1-(3-(2-(4- chlorophenoxy) ethoxy)phenyl)-2- methyl-1H- imidazole 0.25 113 09 3-fluoro-4-(2-(4- fluoro-3-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.022 114 0 5-fluoro-2-(2-(3-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.082 115 4-(2-(4- chlorophenoxy) ethoxy)-2-(2-methyl- 1H-imidazol-1- yl)pyridine 0.16 116 4-(2-(3-(1- cyclopropyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy)- 3-fluorobenzonitrile 0.0095 117 4-(2-(3-(1- cyclopropyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.055 118 3-chloro-4-(2-(3-(1- cyclopropyl-1H- pyrazol-5- yl)phenoxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.0022 119 5-fluoro-2-(2-((2-(2- methyl-1H- imidazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy) benzonitrile 0.08 120 4-(2-((2-(1H- tetrazol-1- yl)pyridin-4- yl)oxy)ethoxy)-3- fluorobenzonitrile 0.012 121 4-(2-(4-bromo-2- fluorophenoxy) ethoxy)-2-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)pyridine 0.07

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(514) The compounds as defined above may find a multiple number of applications in which their ability to inhibit methyltransferases such as ICMT is useful. The compounds may also be used in treating or preventing a condition or disorder in which inhibition of a protein methyl transferase and/or co-factor thereof and/or via an unspecified mechanism prevents, inhibits or ameliorates apathology or a symptomology of the condition. The condition or disorder may be cancer or progeroid disease. The compounds may be particularly useful in treating cancer such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma cancer and other hypervascular tumors as well as angiogenic diseases.

(515) It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.