NAPHTHOQUINONE DERIVATIVES FOR TREATMENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS DISORDERS

Abstract

Disclosed herein are naphthoquinone derivative compounds of the formula shown below, compositions thereof, and methods of using such compounds and compositions for treating or suppressing oxidative stress disorders and/or neurodegenerative disorders and/or for inhibiting ferroptosis.

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A compound of the formula: ##STR00460## or the reduced form thereof; wherein: X and Y are C; or X is N, Y is C, and R.sub.2 is not present; or X is C, Y is N, and R.sub.5 is not present; Z is N or N-oxide, wherein when Z is N-oxide then X and Y are C; R.sub.1 is —C(R.sub.11)(R.sub.12)—; R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, —C(O)OH, —C(O)O(phenyl), —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14, —OH, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkoxy; R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, H, or OH; where the C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl is optionally substituted with a 3-7 membered heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl; R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, —NHSO.sub.2CH.sub.3, and 5-6 membered heteroaryl where the 5-6 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; R.sub.11 and R.sub.12 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and methoxy; with the proviso that R.sub.1 and R.sub.12 are not both methoxy; and R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 are each independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or wherein R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic ring in which one of the carbons is optionally replaced by an additional N, and wherein the 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halo and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH.sub.2—; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CD.sub.2-; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

4. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH(CH.sub.3)—; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

5. The compound of claim 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH(OCH.sub.3)—; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

6. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkoxy, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, —OH, cyano, —C(O)OH, and —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

7. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkoxy, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, —OH, cyano, —C(O)OH, and —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

8. The compound of any one of claims 1-7, wherein R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 are each independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

9. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CHF.sub.2, —CF.sub.3, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.3, —CF.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, —F, —Cl, —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —OCH.sub.3, —OCF.sub.3, and —OCHF.sub.2, —C≡CH, —C≡CCH.sub.3, —OH, —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)—NH.sub.2, —C(O)—N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), —C(O)—N(H)(CH.sub.2-cyclopropyl), —C(O)—N(H)(cyclopentyl), —C(O)—N(CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and ##STR00461## or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

10. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CF.sub.3, —CHF.sub.2, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, —OCF.sub.3, and —CN; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

11. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CHF.sub.2, —CF.sub.3, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.3, —CF.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, —F, —Cl, —CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —OCH.sub.3, —OCF.sub.3, and —OCHF.sub.2, —C≡CH, —C≡CCH.sub.3, —OH, —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)—NH.sub.2, —C(O)—N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), —C(O)—N(H)(CH.sub.2-cyclopropyl), —C(O)—N(H)(cyclopentyl), —C(O)—N(CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and ##STR00462## and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

12. The compound of any one of claims 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CF.sub.3, —CHF.sub.2, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, —OCF.sub.3, and —CN, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

13. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

14. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, —CD.sub.3, ethyl, cyclopropyl, and n-propyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

15. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is unsubstituted C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

16. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is methyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

17. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —CD.sub.3; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

18. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is ethyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

19. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is n-propyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

20. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is cyclopropyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

21. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl substituted with a 3-7 membered heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

22. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl substituted with a 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

23. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —CD.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, -cyclopropyl, ##STR00463## —H, and —OH; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

24. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is methyl or —CD.sub.3.

25. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —H; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

26. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —OH; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

27. The compound of any one of claims 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is not methyl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

28. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

29. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

30. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

31. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

32. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

33. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and —F; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

34. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and —Cl; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

35. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

36. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are —F, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

37. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

38. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are —F, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

39. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are —Cl, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

40. The compound of any one of claims 1-27, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: —F and —Cl, and wherein the others are hydrogen; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

41. The compound of any one of claims 1-40, wherein Z is N; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

42. The compound of any one of claims 1-40, wherein Z is N-oxide; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

43. The compound of any one of claims 1-41, wherein X and Y are C; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

44. The compound of any one of claims 1-41, wherein X is N, Y is C, and R.sub.2 is not present; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

45. The compound of any one of claims 1-41, wherein Y is N, X is C, and R.sub.5 is not present; or any salt(s), stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue(s), solvate(s), and/or hydrate(s) thereof.

46. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00464## ##STR00465## ##STR00466## ##STR00467## ##STR00468## ##STR00469## ##STR00470## ##STR00471## ##STR00472## ##STR00473## ##STR00474## ##STR00475## ##STR00476## ##STR00477## ##STR00478## ##STR00479## ##STR00480## ##STR00481## ##STR00482## ##STR00483## ##STR00484## ##STR00485## ##STR00486## ##STR00487## ##STR00488## ##STR00489## ##STR00490## ##STR00491## ##STR00492## and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

47. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00493## ##STR00494## ##STR00495## ##STR00496## ##STR00497## ##STR00498## ##STR00499## ##STR00500## ##STR00501## ##STR00502## ##STR00503## ##STR00504## ##STR00505## ##STR00506## and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

48. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00507## ##STR00508## ##STR00509## ##STR00510## ##STR00511## ##STR00512## ##STR00513## ##STR00514## ##STR00515## ##STR00516## ##STR00517## ##STR00518## ##STR00519## and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

49. The compound of any one of claims 1-48 wherein the compound is in the oxidized (quinone) form.

50. The compound of any one of claims 1-48, wherein the compound is in the reduced (hydroquinone) form.

51. The compound of any one of claims 1-50 wherein the compound is not a salt.

52. The compound of any one of claims 1-50 wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

53. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1-52 or a salt, stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue, solvate, and/or hydrate thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

54. A method of treating or suppressing an oxidative stress disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1-52 or a salt, stereoisomer, mixture of stereoisomers, isotopologue, solvate, and/or hydrate thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of claim 53; wherein when the compound is a salt, the salt is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is selected from the group consisting of: a neurodegenerative disease; an α-synucleinopathy; Parkinson's disease; familial Parkinson's Disease; idiopathic Parkinson's Disease; Parkinson's Disease wherein the patient has a mutation in one or more of the following genes: MAPT (Microtubule-associated protein tau), PRKN (parkin), PINK1 (PINK1), LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), GBA (glucocerebrosidase), SNCA (alpha synuclein), PARK7 (DJ-1), and/or UCHL1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase Li); Parkinson's Disease with dementia (PDD); multisystem atrophy (MSA); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB); Gaucher's disease (GD); Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA); neuroaxonal dystrophies (PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration); a tauopathy; Alzheimer's disease; dementia pugilistica; Guam Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-Dementia (Guam ALS/PD); Pick Disease; Argyrophilic grain dementia; Nieman-Pick type C; Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE); Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP); Corticobasoganglionic degeneration; Frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17 (FTDP-17); Postencephalitic Parkinsonism (PEP); Autosomal recessive Parkinsonism; Huntington's Disease; Juvenile Huntington's Disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); a motor neuron disease; a leukodystrophy; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Adrenomyeloneuropathy; traumatic brain injury; chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE); spinal muscular atrophy (SMA); a neurological disease; epilepsy; seizures; a mood disorder; schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Tourette syndrome; a pervasive developmental disorder; Down's syndrome; autistic disorder; Asperger's syndrome; childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD); Rett syndrome; CDKL5 deficiency disorder; PDD-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS); NGLY1-congenital disorder of deglycosylation; a mitochondrial disorder; an inherited mitochondrial disease; Alpers Disease; Barth syndrome; a Beta-oxidation Defect; Carnitine-Acyl-Carnitine Deficiency; Camitine Deficiency; a Creatine Deficiency Syndrome; Co-Enzyme Q10 Deficiency; Complex I Deficiency; Complex II Deficiency; Complex III Deficiency; Complex IV Deficiency; Complex V Deficiency; COX Deficiency; chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO); CPT I Deficiency; CPT II deficiency; Friedreich's Ataxia (FA); Glutaric Aciduria Type II; Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS); Lactic Acidosis; Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (LCAD); Long-chain 3—Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (LCHAD); Leigh Syndrome; Leigh-like Syndrome; Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON); Lethal Infantile Cardiomyopathy (LIC); Luft Disease; Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MAD); Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (MCAD); Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactacidosis, Stroke (MELAS); Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF); Mitochondrial Recessive Ataxia Syndrome (MIRAS); Mitochondrial Cytopathy, Mitochondrial DNA Depletion; Mitochondrial Encephalopathy; Mitochondrial Myopathy; Myoneurogastointestinal Disorder and Encephalopathy (MNGIE); Neuropathy, Ataxia, and Retinitis Pigmentosa (NARP); Pearson Syndrome; Pyruvate Carboxylase Deficiency; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; disorder associated with a POLG Mutation; a Respiratory Chain Disorder; Short-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCAD); Short-chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCHAD); Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (VLCAD); a myopathy; cardiomyopathy; encephalomyopathy; a mitochondrial myopathy; a primary mitochondrial myopathy; a muscular dystrophy; Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); Becker muscular dystrophy; congenital muscular dystrophy; Fukuyama type congenital muscular dystrophy; limb-girdle muscular dystrophy; myotonic dystrophy; a cerebrovascular accident; stroke; a vision impairment; vision disorders; ocular disease; optic neuropathy; dominant inherited juvenile optic atrophy; optic neuropathy caused by a toxic agent; Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON); Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA); DOA plus; glaucoma; retinitis pigmentosa; macular degeneration; age-related macular degeneration (AMD); dry AMD; wet AMD; Stargardt's macular dystrophy; diabetic retinopathy; diabetic maculopathy; retinopathy of prematurity; ischemic reperfusion related retinal injury; ischemia; ischemia reperfusion injury; ischemia reperfusion injury due to transplant; ischemia reperfusion injury due to surgery; oxygen poisoning; an age-associated disease; diabetes; metabolic syndrome; Wolfram's disease; cancer; brain cancer; glioblastoma; chronic fatigue; a genetic disease; a haemoglobionopathy; thalassemia; sickle cell anemia; G6PD deficiency; Multiple Sclerosis; a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in hearing or balance impairment; hearing loss; noise induced hearing loss; Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD); renal tubular acidosis; acute tubular necrosis; contrast-induced kidney damage; contrast-induced retinopathy damage; Abetalipoproteinemia; cobalamin c defect; methylmalonic aciduria; and radiation damage or injury.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is a neurodegenerative disorder.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Juvenile Huntington's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Friedreich's Ataxia.

58. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is selected from the group consisting of Parkinson's Disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Leigh Syndrome, Complex I Deficiency, and Huntington's Disease.

59. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is Parkinson's Disease.

60. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

61. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is Leigh Syndrome.

62. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is Complex I Deficiency.

63. The method of claim 55, wherein the oxidative stress disorder is Huntington's Disease.

64. The method of any one of claims 54-63, wherein the method is for treating the oxidative stress disorder.

65. The method of any one of claims 54-63, wherein the method is for suppressing the oxidative stress disorder.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Provided herein are compounds useful in treating or suppressing diseases, developmental delays and symptoms related to oxidative stress such as mitochondrial disorders, impaired energy processing disorders, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and diseases of aging, and methods of using such compounds for treating or suppressing an oxidative stress disorder. Further provided herein are compounds useful in inhibiting ferroptosis. Further provided herein are compounds useful in treating or suppressing neurodegenerative disorders. In some embodiments, the compounds advantageously do not inhibit, or have a reduced level of inhibition of, CYP3A4. Compounds that potently inhibit CYP3A4 may cause drug-drug interactions, and may limit therapeutic utility. However, compounds that inhibit CYP3A4 at substantially higher concentrations than is necessary to treat or suppress an oxidative stress disorder, rescue from ferroptosis, and/or to treat or suppress a neurodegenerative disorder, may still be therapeutically useful.

[0045] The abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within the chemical and biological arts, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes (and describes) variations that are directed to that value or parameter per se. For example, description referring to “about X” includes description of “X”. As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms “about” and “approximately,” when used in connection with temperatures, doses, amounts, or weight percent of ingredients of a composition or a dosage form, mean a dose, amount, or weight percent that is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art to provide a pharmacological effect equivalent to that obtained from the specified dose, amount, or weight percent. Specifically, the terms “about” and “approximately,” when used in this context, contemplate a dose, amount, or weight percent within 15%, within 10%, within 5%, within 4%, within 3%, within 2%, within 1%, or within 0.5% of the specified dose, amount, or weight percent.

[0047] The terms “a” and “an,” as used in herein mean one or more, unless context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0048] The terms “subject,” “individual,” and “patient” mean an individual organism, preferably a vertebrate, more preferably a mammal, most preferably a human.

[0049] “Treating” a disorder with the compounds and methods discussed herein is defined as administering one or more of the compounds discussed herein, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in order to reduce or eliminate either the disorder or one or more symptoms of the disorder, or to retard the progression of the disorder or of one or more symptoms of the disorder, or to reduce the severity of the disorder or of one or more symptoms of the disorder. “Suppression” of a disorder with the compounds and methods discussed herein is defined as administering one or more of the compounds discussed herein, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in order to suppress the clinical manifestation of the disorder, or to suppress the manifestation of adverse symptoms of the disorder. The distinction between treatment and suppression is that treatment occurs after adverse symptoms of the disorder are manifest in a subject, while suppression occurs before adverse symptoms of the disorder are manifest in a subject. Suppression may be partial, substantially total, or total. In some embodiments, genetic screening can be used to identify patients at risk of the disorder. The compounds and methods disclosed herein can then be administered to asymptomatic patients at risk of developing the clinical symptoms of the disorder, in order to suppress the appearance of any adverse symptoms.

[0050] “Therapeutic use” of the compounds discussed herein is defined as using one or more of the compounds discussed herein to treat or suppress a disorder, as defined herein. A “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound is an amount of the compound, which, when administered to a subject, is sufficient to reduce or eliminate either a disorder or one or more symptoms of a disorder, or to retard the progression of a disorder or of one or more symptoms of a disorder, or to reduce the severity of a disorder or of one or more symptoms of a disorder, or to suppress the clinical manifestation of a disorder, or to suppress the manifestation of adverse symptoms of a disorder. A therapeutically effective amount can be given in one or more administrations.

[0051] While the compounds described herein can occur and can be used as the neutral (non-salt) compound, the description is intended to embrace all salts of the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such salts of the compounds. In some embodiments, the salts of the compounds comprise pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those salts which can be administered as drugs or pharmaceuticals to humans and/or animals and which, upon administration, retain at least some of the biological activity of the free compound (non-ionic compound or non-salt compound). The desired salt of a basic compound may be prepared by methods known to those of skill in the art by treating the compound with an acid. In some embodiments, inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, organic acids include, but are not limited to, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, sulfonic acids, and salicylic acid. Salts of basic compounds with amino acids, such as aspartate salts and glutamate salts, can also be prepared. The desired salt of an acidic compound can be prepared by methods known to those of skill in the art by treating the compound with a base. In some embodiments, inorganic salts of acid compounds include, but are not limited to, alkali metal and alkaline earth salts, such as sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, and calcium salts; ammonium salts; and aluminum salts. In some embodiments, organic salts of acid compounds include, but are not limited to, procaine, dibenzylamine, N-ethylpiperidine, N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, and triethylamine salts. Salts of acidic compounds with amino acids, such as lysine salts, can also be prepared.

[0052] Included herein, when chemically relevant, are all stereoisomers of the compounds, including diastereomers and enantiomers. Also included are mixtures of possible stereoisomers in any ratio, including, but not limited to, racemic mixtures. Unless stereochemistry is explicitly indicated in a structure, the structure is intended to embrace all possible stereoisomers of the compound depicted. If stereochemistry is explicitly indicated for one portion or portions of a molecule, but not for another portion or portions of a molecule, the structure is intended to embrace all possible stereoisomers for the portion or portions where stereochemistry is not explicitly indicated.

[0053] “Isotopologue” refers herein to a compound which differs in its isotopic composition from its “natural” isotopic composition. “Isotopic composition” refers to the amount of each isotope present for a given atom, and “natural isotopic composition” refers to the naturally occurring isotopic composition or abundance for a given atom. Atoms containing their natural isotopic composition may also be referred to herein as “non-enriched” atoms. Unless otherwise designated, the atoms of the compounds recited herein are meant to represent any stable isotope of that atom. For example, unless otherwise stated, when a position is designated specifically as “H” or “hydrogen,” the position is understood to have hydrogen at its natural isotopic composition. The description of compounds herein also includes all isotopologues, in some embodiments, partially deuterated or perdeuterated analogs of all compounds herein. “Isotopically enriched” may also refer to a compound containing at least one atom having an isotopic composition other than the natural isotopic composition of that atom. “Isotopic enrichment” refers to the percentage of incorporation of an amount of a specific isotope at a given atom in a molecule in the place of that atom's natural isotopic abundance. For example, deuterium enrichment of 1% at a given position means that 1% of the molecules in a given sample contain deuterium at the specified position. Because the naturally occurring distribution of deuterium is about 0.0156%, deuterium enrichment at any position in a compound synthesized using non-enriched starting materials is about 0.0156%. The isotopic enrichment of the compounds provided herein can be determined using conventional analytical methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In some embodiments, the compound comprises a —CD.sub.3 group.

[0054] The description of compounds herein also includes all salts, stereoisomers, mixture of stereoisomers, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context.

[0055] “Hydroquinone form” or “reduced form” indicates the form of the compound when a two electron reduction of the quinone ring is effected, providing a net conversion of the two oxo groups to two hydroxy groups. For example, the hydroquinone (reduced) form of the compounds described herein indicates:

##STR00053##

wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, X, Y, and Z are as defined herein. The quinone (oxidized) form of the compounds described herein indicates the following structure:

##STR00054##

wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, X, Y, and Z are as defined herein.

[0056] The term “alkyl” is intended to embrace a saturated linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon, or any combination thereof. The point of attachment of the alkyl group to the remainder of the molecule can be at any chemically possible location on the alkyl group. In some embodiments, an alkyl has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms (“C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl”), from 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl”), from 1 to 3 carbon atoms (“C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl”), or from 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C.sub.1-C.sub.2 alkyl”). In some embodiments, non-limiting examples of “C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl” include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl-methyl, methyl-cyclopropyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, hexyl, and cyclohexyl.

[0057] The term “alkenyl” is intended to embrace a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon, or any combination thereof, comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. The point of attachment of the alkenyl group to the remainder of the molecule can be at any chemically possible location on the alkenyl group. In some embodiments, alkenyl includes vinyl, allyl, propenyl, butenyl, cyclohexenyl, and cyclohexenylmethyl.

[0058] The term “alkynyl” is intended to embrace a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon, or any combination thereof, comprising one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. The point of attachment of the alkynyl group to the remainder of the molecule can be at any chemically possible location on the alkynyl group. In some embodiments, alkynyl includes ethynyl, propynyl, and butynyl.

[0059] The term “alkylene” is intended to embrace a divalent alkyl as defined herein.

[0060] The term “alkenylene” is intended to embrace a divalent alkenyl as defined herein.

[0061] The term “alkynylene” is intended to embrace a divalent alkynyl as defined herein.

[0062] The term “alkoxy” is intended to embrace —O-alkyl, wherein alkyl is defined above.

[0063] “Cycloalkyl” in intended to embrace a monocyclic, saturated hydrocarbon radical having three to six carbon atoms. In some embodiments, cycloalkyl is cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

[0064] The term “halo” indicates —F, —Cl, —Br, or —I.

[0065] As used herein, “haloalkyl” refers to alkyl, as defined above, wherein the alkyl includes at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a halogen, e.g., F, Cl, Br, and/or I. In some embodiments, the alkyl in haloalkyl is substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 halo which are independently selected; in some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 halo which are independently selected; in some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, or 5 halo which are independently selected. In some embodiments, haloalkyl includes, but is not limited to, —CF.sub.3, —CHF.sub.2, —CH.sub.2F, —CH.sub.2—CF.sub.3, —CH.sub.2—CHF.sub.2, or —CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2F. When haloalkyl is a C.sub.1 haloalkyl, then the C.sub.1 haloalkyl is selected from —CX.sub.3, —CHX.sub.2, and —CH.sub.2X, wherein X is independently in each instance selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I.

[0066] As used herein, “haloalkoxy” refers to —O-haloalkyl.

[0067] As used herein, “heterocyclic ring” or “heterocyclic group” generally refers to a cyclic hydrocarbon in which one or more (e.g. one to four, one to three, one to two, or one) carbon atoms are replaced by a heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S(O).sub.0-2. Heterocyclic groups may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic. In some embodiments, a heterocyclic group may be a “3-7 membered heterocyclic group,” containing 3-7 ring atoms. In some embodiments, a heterocyclic group may be a “4-6 membered heterocyclic group,” containing 4-6 ring atoms. In some embodiments, a heterocyclic group may be a “5-6 membered heterocyclic group,” containing 5-6 ring atoms. In some embodiments, saturated heterocyclic rings include, but are not limited to, oxetanyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, and pyrrolidinyl.

[0068] As used herein, “heteroaryl” refers to a monovalent moiety that is a radical of an aromatic compound wherein the ring atoms contain carbon atoms and at least one oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen atom. Embodiments of heteroaryl moieties include those having 5 to 6 ring atoms. In some embodiments, heteroaryl is pyridinyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, and pyrazinyl.

[0069] As used herein, “optionally substituted,” when used to describe a radical moiety, e.g., a heteroaryl group is optionally independently substituted with one or more substituents, means that such moiety is optionally bonded to e.g. one, two, three, or four or more such substituents. It is to be understood that only chemically possible substitutions are included. In certain embodiments, when a radical moiety is optionally substituted with an optional substituent(s), the optional substituent(s) is not further substituted, unless otherwise specified.

[0070] By “respiratory chain disorder” is meant a disorder which results in the decreased utilization of oxygen by a mitochondrion, cell, tissue, or individual, due to a defect or disorder in a protein or other component contained in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. By “protein or other component contained in the mitochondrial respiratory chain” is meant the components (including, but not limited to, proteins, tetrapyrroles, and cytochromes) comprising mitochondrial complex I, II, III, IV, and/or V. “Respiratory chain protein” refers to the protein components of those complexes, and “respiratory chain protein disorder” is meant a disorder which results in the decreased utilization of oxygen by a mitochondrion, cell, tissue, or individual, due to a defect or disorder in a protein contained in the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

[0071] The terms “Parkinson's,” (also called “Parkinsonism” and “Parkinsonian syndrome”) (“PD”) is intended to include not only Parkinson's disease but also drug-induced Parkinsonism and post-encephalitic Parkinsonism. Parkinson's disease is also known as paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. It is characterized by tremor, muscular rigidity, and loss of postural reflexes. The disease usually progresses slowly with intervals of 10 to 20 years elapsing before the symptoms cause incapacity. Due to their mimicry of effects of Parkinson's disease, treatment of animals with methamphetamine, rotenone, or MPTP has been used to generate models for Parkinson's disease. These animal models have been used to evaluate the efficacy of various therapies for Parkinson's disease. In some embodiments, the patient has a mutation in one or more of the following genes: APT (Microtubule-associated protein tau), PRKN (parkin), PINK1 (PINK1), LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), GBA (glucocerebrosidase), SNCA (alpha synuclein), PARK7 (DJ-1), and/or UCHL1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase Li). In some embodiments, Parkinson's is familial Parkinson's Disease. In some embodiments, Parkinson's is idiopathic Parkinson's Disease. In some embodiments, Parkinson's is Parkinson's Disease with dementia (PDD).

Diseases Amenable to Treatment or Suppression with Compounds and Methods Disclosed Herein

[0072] A variety of disorders/diseases are believed to be caused or aggravated by oxidative stress affecting normal electron flow in the cells, such as mitochondrial disorders, impaired energy processing disorders, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and diseases of aging, and can be treated or suppressed using the compounds and methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, including the foregoing embodiment, oxidative stress disorders include, in some embodiments, mitochondrial disorders (including inherited mitochondrial diseases) such as Alpers Disease, Barth syndrome, Beta-oxidation Defects, Camitine-Acyl-Carnitine Deficiency, Carnitine Deficiency, Creatine Deficiency Syndromes, Co-Enzyme Q10 Deficiency, Complex I Deficiency, Complex II Deficiency, Complex III Deficiency, Complex IV Deficiency, Complex V Deficiency, COX Deficiency, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), CPT I Deficiency, CPT II Deficiency, Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), Glutaric Aciduria Type II, Keams-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), Lactic Acidosis, Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (LCAD), Long-chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (LCHAD), Leigh Syndrome, Leigh-like Syndrome, Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON, also referred to as Leber's Disease, Leber's Optic Atrophy (LOA), Leber's Optic Neuropathy (LON)), Lethal Infantile Cardiomyopathy (LIC), Luft Disease, Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MAD), Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (MCAD); Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactacidosis, Stroke (MELAS); Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF), Mitochondrial Recessive Ataxia Syndrome (MIRAS), Mitochondrial Cytopathy, Mitochondrial DNA Depletion, Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Mitochondrial Myopathy; Myoneurogastointestinal Disorder and Encephalopathy (MNGIE); Neuropathy, Ataxia, and Retinitis Pigmentosa (NARP); Pearson Syndrome, Pyruvate Carboxylase Deficiency, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, disorder associated with POLG Mutations, Respiratory Chain Disorder, Short-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCAD), Short-chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SCHAD), Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrongenase Deficiency (VLCAD); myopathies such as cardiomyopathy, encephalomyopathy, and mitochondrial myopathy; neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Pick disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease); motor neuron diseases; neurological diseases such as epilepsy; age-associated diseases, including diseases for which CoQ10 has been proposed for treatment, such as macular degeneration, diabetes (e.g. Type 2 diabetes mellitus), metabolic syndrome, and cancer (e.g. brain cancer); genetic diseases such as Huntington's Disease (which is also a neurological disease); mood disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; pervasive developmental disorders such as autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Rett's disorder, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, and PDD-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS); cerebrovascular accidents such as stroke; vision impairments such as those caused by neurodegenerative diseases of the eye such as optic neuropathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, dominant inherited juvenile optic atrophy, Dominant optic atrophy (DOA), DOA plus, retinitis pigmentosa; optic neuropathy caused by toxic agents, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (both “dry” or non-exudative macular degeneration and “wet” or exudative macular degeneration), Stargardt's macular dystrophy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, or ischemic reperfusion-related retinal injury; muscular dystrophies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy, Fukuyama type congenital muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, or myotonic dystrophy; disorders caused by energy impairment include diseases due to deprivation, poisoning, or toxicity of oxygen, and qualitative or quantitative disruption in the transport of oxygen such as haemoglobinopathies, in some embodiments, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other anemias such as those associated with G6PD deficiency; other diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated such as excitoxic, neuronal injury, such as that associated with seizures, stroke and ischemia; and other disorders including renal tubular acidosis; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); neurodegenerative disorders resulting in hearing or balance impairment; Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD); chronic fatigue; contrast-induced kidney damage; contrast-induced retinopathy damage; Abetalipoproteinemia; Wolfram's disease; Tourette syndrome; cobalamin c defect; methylmalonic aciduria; glioblastoma; Down's syndrome; acute tubular necrosis; leukodystrophies; spinal muscular atrophy; hearing loss (e.g. noise induced hearing loss); traumatic brain injury; Juvenile Huntington's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; NGLY1; Multisystem atrophy; Adrenoleukodystrophy; and Adrenomyeloneuropathy. It is to be understood that certain specific diseases or disorders may fall within more than one category; in some embodiments, Huntington's Disease is a genetic disease as well as a neurological disease. Furthermore, certain oxidative stress diseases and disorders may also be considered mitochondrial disorders.

[0073] Neurodegenerative disorders include, for example, α-synucleinopathies; Parkinson's disease; familial Parkinson's Disease; idiopathic Parkinson's Disease; Parkinson's Disease wherein the patient has a mutation in one or more of the following genes: MAPT (Microtubule-associated protein tau), PRKN (parkin), PINK1 (PINK1), LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), GBA (glucocerebrosidase), SNCA (alpha synuclein), PARK7 (DJ-1), and/or UCHL1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase Li); Parkinson's Disease with dementia (PDD); multisystem atrophy (MSA); Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD); Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB); Gaucher's disease (GD); Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA); neuroaxonal dystrophies (PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration); tauopathies; Alzheimer's disease; dementia pugilistica; Guam Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-Dementia (Guam ALS/PD); Pick Disease; Argyrophilic grain dementia; Nieman-Pick type C; Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE); Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP); Corticobasoganglionic degeneration; Frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism-17 (FTDP-17); Postencephalitic Parkinsonism (PEP); Autosomal recessive Parkinsonism; Huntington's Disease; Juvenile Huntington's Disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); a motor neuron disease; a leukodystrophy; Adrenoleukodystrophy; Adrenomyeloneuropathy; Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; Machado-Joseph disease; Spino-cerebellar ataxia; and Multiple sclerosis (MS).

[0074] For some disorders amenable to treatment with compounds and methods disclosed herein, the primary cause of the disorder is due to a defect in the respiratory chain or another defect preventing normal utilization of energy in mitochondria, cells, or tissue(s). In some embodiments, disorders falling in this category include inherited mitochondrial diseases, such as Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF), Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactacidosis, and Stroke (MELAS), Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON, also referred to as Leber's Disease, Leber's Optic Atrophy (LOA), or Leber's Optic Neuropathy (LON)), Leigh Syndrome, Leigh-like Syndrome, Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS), and Friedreich's Ataxia (FA). For some disorders amenable to treatment with compounds and methods disclosed herein, the primary cause of the disorder is not due to respiratory chain defects or other defects preventing normal utilization of energy in mitochondria, cells, or tissue(s); in some embodiments, disorders falling in this category include stroke, cancer, and diabetes. However, these latter disorders are particularly aggravated by energy impairments, and are particularly amenable to treatment with compounds disclosed herein in order to ameliorate the condition. In some embodiments, such disorders include ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, where the primary cause of the disorder is due to impaired blood supply to the brain. While an ischemic episode caused by a thrombosis or embolism, or a hemorrhagic episode caused by a ruptured blood vessel, is not primarily caused by a defect in the respiratory chain or another metabolic defect preventing normal utilization of energy, oxidative stress plays a role in the ischemic cascade due to oxygen reperfusion injury following hypoxia (this cascade occurs in heart attacks as well as in strokes). Accordingly, treatment with compounds and methods disclosed herein will mitigate the effects of the disease, disorder or condition. Modulating one or more energy biomarkers, normalizing one or more energy biomarkers, or enhancing one or more energy biomarkers can also prove beneficial in such disorders both as a therapeutic measure and a prophylactic measure. In some embodiments, for a patient scheduled to undergo non-emergency repair of an aneurysm, enhancing energy biomarkers before and during the pre-operative can improve the patient's prognosis should the aneurysm rupture before successful repair.

[0075] The term “oxidative stress disorder” or “oxidative stress disease” encompasses both diseases caused by oxidative stress and diseases aggravated by oxidative stress. The terms “oxidative stress disorder” and “oxidative stress disease” encompass (1) both diseases and disorders where the primary cause of the disease is due to a defect in the respiratory chain or another defect preventing normal utilization of energy in mitochondria, cells, or tissue(s), and (2) also diseases and disorders where the primary cause of the disease is not due to a defect in the respiratory chain or another defect preventing normal utilization of energy in mitochondria, cells, or tissue(s). The set of diseases in (1) can be referred to as “primary oxidative stress disorders,” while set of diseases in (2) can be referred to as “secondary oxidative stress disorders.” It should be noted that the distinction between “diseases caused by oxidative stress” and “diseases aggravated by oxidative stress” is not absolute; a disease may be both a disease caused by oxidative stress and a disease aggravated by oxidative stress. The boundary between “primary oxidative stress disorder” and a “secondary oxidative stress disorder” is more distinct, provided that there is only one primary cause of a disease or disorder and that primary cause is known.

[0076] Bearing in mind the somewhat fluid boundary between diseases caused by oxidative stress and diseases aggravated by oxidative stress, mitochondrial diseases or disorders and impaired energy processing diseases and disorders tend to fall into the category of diseases caused by oxidative stress, while neurodegenerative disorders and diseases of aging tend to fall into the category of diseases aggravated by oxidative stress. Mitochondrial diseases or disorders and impaired energy processing diseases and disorders are generally primary oxidative stress disorders, while neurodegenerative disorders and diseases of aging may be primary or secondary oxidative stress disorders.

Clinical Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Efficacy of Therapy

[0077] Several readily measurable clinical markers are used to assess the metabolic state of patients with oxidative stress disorders. These markers can also be used as indicators of the efficacy of a given therapy, as the level of a marker is moved from the pathological value to the healthy value. These clinical markers include, but are not limited to, energy biomarkers such as lactic acid (lactate) levels, either in whole blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or cerebral ventricular fluid; pyruvic acid (pyruvate) levels, either in whole blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or cerebral ventricular fluid; lactate/pyruvate ratios, either in whole blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or cerebral ventricular fluid; total, reduced or oxidized glutathione levels, or reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio either in whole blood, plasma, lymphocytes, cerebrospinal fluid, or cerebral ventricular fluid; total, reduced or oxidized cysteine levels, or reduced/oxidized cysteine ratio either in whole blood, plasma, lymphocytes, cerebrospinal fluid, or cerebral ventricular fluid; phosphocreatine levels, NADH (NADH+H+) or NADPH (NADPH+H+) levels; NAD+ or NADP+ levels; ATP levels; anaerobic threshold; reduced coenzyme Q (CoQred) levels; oxidized coenzyme Q (CoQox) levels; total coenzyme Q (CoQtot) levels; oxidized cytochrome C levels; reduced cytochrome C levels; oxidized cytochrome C/reduced cytochrome C ratio; acetoacetate levels, β-hydroxybutyrate levels, acetoacetate/p-hydroxybutyrate ratio, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels; levels of reactive oxygen species; and levels of oxygen consumption (VO.sub.2), levels of carbon dioxide output (VCO.sub.2), and respiratory quotient (VCO.sub.2/VO.sub.2). Several of these clinical markers are measured routinely in exercise physiology laboratories, and provide convenient assessments of the metabolic state of a subject. In one embodiment, the level of one or more energy biomarkers in a patient suffering from an oxidative stress disorder, such as Friedreich's ataxia, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, MELAS, KSS or CoQ10 deficiency, is improved to within two standard deviations of the average level in a healthy subject. In another embodiment, the level of one or more of these energy biomarkers in a patient suffering from an oxidative stress disorder, such as Friedreich's ataxia, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, MELAS, KSS or CoQ10 deficiency is improved to within one standard deviation of the average level in a healthy subject. Exercise intolerance can also be used as an indicator of the efficacy of a given therapy, where an improvement in exercise tolerance (i.e., a decrease in exercise intolerance) indicates efficacy of a given therapy.

[0078] Several metabolic biomarkers have already been used to evaluate efficacy of CoQ10, and these metabolic biomarkers can be monitored as energy biomarkers for use in the methods disclosed herein. Lactate, a product of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose, is removed by reduction to pyruvate in an aerobic setting or by oxidative metabolism, which is dependent on a functional mitochondrial respiratory chain. Dysfunction of the respiratory chain may lead to inadequate removal of lactate and pyruvate from the circulation and elevated lactate/pyruvate ratios are observed in mitochondrial cytopathies (see Scriver C R, The metabolic and molecular bases of inherited disease, 7th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, 1995; and Munnich et al., J. Inherit. Metab. Dis. 15(4):448-55 (1992)). Blood lactate/pyruvate ratio (Chariot et al., Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. 118(7):695-7 (1994)) is, therefore, widely used as a noninvasive test for detection of mitochondrial cytopathies (see again Scriver C R, The metabolic and molecular bases of inherited disease, 7th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, 1995; and Munnich et al., J. Inherit. Metab. Dis. 15(4):448-55 (1992)) and toxic mitochondrial myopathies (Chariot et al., Arthritis Rheum. 37(4):583-6 (1994)). Changes in the redox state of liver mitochondria can be investigated by measuring the arterial ketone body ratio (acetoacetate/3-hydroxybutyrate: AKBR) (Ueda et al., J. Cardiol. 29(2):95-102 (1997)). Urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) often has been used as a biomarker to assess the extent of repair of ROS-induced DNA damage in both clinical and occupational settings (Erhola et al., FEBS Lett. 409(2):287-91 (1997); Honda et al., Leuk. Res. 24(6):461-8 (2000); Pilger et al., Free Radic. Res. 35(3):273-80 (2001); Kim et al. Environ Health Perspect 112(6):666-71 (2004)).

[0079] Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been useful in the diagnoses of mitochondrial cytopathy by demonstrating elevations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cortical white matter lactate using proton MRS (1H-MRS) (Kaufmann et al., Neurology 62(8):1297-302 (2004)). Phosphorous MRS (31P-MRS) has been used to demonstrate low levels of cortical phosphocreatine (PCr) (Matthews et al., Ann. Neurol. 29(4):435-8 (1991)), and a delay in PCr recovery kinetics following exercise in skeletal muscle (Matthews et al., Ann. Neurol. 29(4):435-8 (1991); Barbiroli et al., J. Neurol. 242(7):472-7 (1995); Fabrizi et al., J. Neurol. Sci. 137(1):20-7 (1996)). A low skeletal muscle PCr has also been confirmed in patients with mitochondrial cytopathy by direct biochemical measurements.

[0080] Exercise testing is particularly helpful as an evaluation and screening tool in mitochondrial myopathies. One of the hallmark characteristics of mitochondrial myopathies is a reduction in maximal whole body oxygen consumption (VO.sub.2max) (Taivassalo et al., Brain 126(Pt 2):413-23 (2003)). Given that VO.sub.2max is determined by cardiac output (Qc) and peripheral oxygen extraction (arterial-venous total oxygen content) difference, some mitochondrial cytopathies affect cardiac function where delivery can be altered; however, most mitochondrial myopathies show a characteristic deficit in peripheral oxygen extraction (A-VO2 difference) and an enhanced oxygen delivery (hyperkinetic circulation) (Taivassalo et al., Brain 126(Pt 2):413-23 (2003)). This can be demonstrated by a lack of exercise induced deoxygenation of venous blood with direct AV balance measurements (Taivassalo et al., Ann. Neurol. 51(1):38-44 (2002)) and non-invasively by near infrared spectroscopy (Lynch et al., Muscle Nerve 25(5):664-73 (2002); van Beekvelt et al., Ann. Neurol. 46(4):667-70 (1999)).

[0081] Several of these energy biomarkers are discussed in more detail as follows. It should be emphasized that, while certain energy biomarkers are discussed and enumerated herein, the invention is not limited to modulation, normalization or enhancement of only these enumerated energy biomarkers.

[0082] Lactic acid (lactate) levels: Mitochondrial dysfunction typically results in abnormal levels of lactic acid, as pyruvate levels increase and pyruvate is converted to lactate to maintain capacity for glycolysis. Mitochondrial dysfunction can also result in abnormal levels of NADH+H+, NADPH+H+, NAD+, or NADP+, as the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides are not efficiently processed by the respiratory chain. Lactate levels can be measured by taking samples of appropriate bodily fluids such as whole blood, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid. Using magnetic resonance, lactate levels can be measured in virtually any volume of the body desired, such as the brain.

[0083] Measurement of cerebral lactic acidosis using magnetic resonance in MELAS patients is described in Kaufmann et al., Neurology 62(8):1297 (2004). Values of the levels of lactic acid in the lateral ventricles of the brain are presented for two mutations resulting in MELAS, A3243G and A8344G. Whole blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels can be measured by commercially available equipment such as the YSI 2300 STAT Plus Glucose & Lactate Analyzer (YSI Life Sciences, Ohio).

[0084] NAD, NADP, NADH and NADPH levels: Measurement of NAD, NADP, NADH (NADH+H+) or NADPH (NADPH+H+) can be measured by a variety of fluorescent, enzymatic, or electrochemical techniques, e.g., the electrochemical assay described in US 2005/0067303.

[0085] GSH, GSSG, Cys, and CySS levels: Briefly, plasma levels of GSH, GSSG, Cys, and CySS are used to calculate the in vivo Eh values. Samples are collected using the procedure of Jones et al (2009 Free Radical Biology & Medicine 47(10) pp. 1329-1338), and bromobimane is used to alkylate free thiols and HPLC and either electrochemical or MSMS to separate, detect, and quantify the molecules. United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2015-0218079, describes in more detail a method for different experimental parameters to analyze the most common monothiols and disulfide (cystine, cysteine, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG)) present in human plasma, and using Bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid as the internal standard (IS). Complete separation of all the targets analytes and IS at 35-C on a C18 RP column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 3 micron) was achieved using 0.2% TFA:Acetonitrile as a mobile phase pumped at the rate of 0.6 ml min−1 using electrochemical detector in DC mode at the detector potential of 1475 mV. Oxygen consumption (vO.sub.2 or VO.sub.2), carbon dioxide output (vCO.sub.2 or VCO.sub.2), and respiratory quotient (VCO.sub.2/VO.sub.2): vO.sub.2 is usually measured either while resting (resting vO.sub.2) or at maximal exercise intensity (vO.sub.2 max). Optimally, both values will be measured. However, for severely disabled patients, measurement of vO.sub.2 max may be impractical. Measurement of both forms of vO.sub.2 is readily accomplished using standard equipment from a variety of vendors, e.g. Korr Medical Technologies, Inc. (Salt Lake City, Utah). VCO.sub.2 can also be readily measured, and the ratio of VCO.sub.2 to VO.sub.2 under the same conditions (VCO.sub.2/VO.sub.2, either resting or at maximal exercise intensity) provides the respiratory quotient (RQ).

[0086] Oxidized Cytochrome C, reduced Cytochrome C, and ratio of oxidized Cytochrome C to reduced Cytochrome C: Cytochrome C parameters, such as oxidized cytochrome C levels (Cyt Cox), reduced cytochrome C levels (Cyt Cred), and the ratio of oxidized cytochrome C/reduced cytochrome C ratio (Cyt Cox)/(Cyt Cred), can be measured by in vivo near infrared spectroscopy. See, e.g., Rolfe, P., “In vivo near-infrared spectroscopy,” Annu. Rev. Biomed. Eng. 2:715-54 (2000) and Strangman et al., “Non-invasive neuroimaging using near-infrared light” Biol. Psychiatry 52:679-93 (2002).

[0087] Exercise tolerance/Exercise intolerance: Exercise intolerance is defined as “the reduced ability to perform activities that involve dynamic movement of large skeletal muscles because of symptoms of dyspnea or fatigue” (Piña et al., Circulation 107:1210 (2003)). Exercise intolerance is often accompanied by myoglobinuria, due to breakdown of muscle tissue and subsequent excretion of muscle myoglobin in the urine. Various measures of exercise intolerance can be used, such as time spent walking or running on a treadmill before exhaustion, time spent on an exercise bicycle (stationary bicycle) before exhaustion, and the like. Treatment with the compounds or methods disclosed herein can result in about a 10% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance (in some embodiments, about a 10% or greater increase in time to exhaustion, in some embodiments, from 10 minutes to 11 minutes), about a 20% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance, about a 30% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance, about a 40% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance, about a 50% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance, about a 75% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance, or about a 100% or greater improvement in exercise tolerance. While exercise tolerance is not, strictly speaking, an energy biomarker, for the purposes disclosed herein, modulation, normalization, or enhancement of energy biomarkers includes modulation, normalization, or enhancement of exercise tolerance.

[0088] Similarly, tests for normal and abnormal values of pyruvic acid (pyruvate) levels, lactate/pyruvate ratio, ATP levels, anaerobic threshold, reduced coenzyme Q (CoQred) levels, oxidized coenzyme Q (CoQox) levels, total coenzyme Q (CoQtot) levels, oxidized cytochrome C levels, reduced cytochrome C levels, oxidized cytochrome C/reduced cytochrome C ratio, GSH and cysteine reduced, oxidized, total levels and ratio, acetoacetate levels, β-hydroxy butyrate levels, acetoacetate/p-hydroxy butyrate ratio, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and levels of reactive oxygen species are known in the art and can be used to evaluate efficacy of the compounds and methods disclosed herein. (For the purposes disclosed herein, modulation, normalization, or enhancement of energy biomarkers includes modulation, normalization, or enhancement of anaerobic threshold.)

[0089] Table A, following, illustrates the effect that various dysfunctions can have on biochemistry and energy biomarkers. It also indicates the physical effect (such as a disease symptom or other effect of the dysfunction) typically associated with a given dysfunction. It should be noted that any of the energy biomarkers listed in the table, in addition to energy biomarkers enumerated elsewhere, can also be modulated, enhanced, or normalized by the compounds and methods disclosed herein. RQ=respiratory quotient; BMR=basal metabolic rate; HR (CO)=heart rate (cardiac output); T=body temperature (preferably measured as core temperature); AT=anaerobic threshold; pH=blood pH (venous and/or arterial).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Site of Biochemical Measurable Energy Physical Dysfunction Event Biomarker Effect Respiratory ↑ NADH Δ lactate, Δ lactate: Metabolic Chain pyruvate ratio; and Δ dyscrasia acetoacetate: β-hydroxy & fatigue butyrate ratio Respiratory ↓ H+ gradient Δ ATP Organ Chain dependent dysfunction Respiratory ↓ Electron flux Δ VO.sub.2, RQ, BMR, ΔT, Metabolic Chain AT, pH dyscrasia & fatigue Mitochondria & ↓ ATP, V VO.sub.2 Δ Work, ΔHR (CO) Exercise cytosol intolerance Mitochondria & ↓ ATP Δ PCr Exercise cytosol intolerance Respiratory ↓ Cyt COx/Red Δ λ~700-900 nm Exercise Chain (Near Infrared intolerance Spectroscopy) Intermediary ↓ Catabolism Δ C14-Labeled Metabolic metabolism substrates dyscrasia & fatigue Respiratory ↓ Electron flux Δ Mixed Venous VO.sub.2 Metabolic Chain dyscrasia & fatigue Mitochondria & ↑ Oxidative stress Δ Tocopherol & Uncertain cytosol Tocotrienols, CoQ10, docosahexaenoic acid Mitochondria & ↑ Oxidative stress Δ Glutathione.sub.red Uncertain cytosol Mitochondria & Nucleic acid Δ 8-hydroxy 2-deoxy Uncertain cytosol oxidation guanosine Mitochondria & Lipid oxidation Δ Isoprostane(s), Uncertain cytosol eicosanoids Cell membranes Lipid oxidation Δ Ethane (breath) Uncertain Cell membranes Lipid oxidation Δ Malondialdehyde Uncertain

[0090] Treatment of a subject afflicted by an oxidative stress disorder in accordance with the methods disclosed herein may result in the inducement of a reduction or alleviation of symptoms in the subject, e.g., to halt the further progression of the disorder.

[0091] Partial or complete suppression of the oxidative stress disorder can result in a lessening of the severity of one or more of the symptoms that the subject would otherwise experience. In some embodiments, partial suppression of MELAS could result in reduction in the number of stroke-like or seizure episodes suffered.

[0092] Any one or any combination of the energy biomarkers described herein provide conveniently measurable benchmarks by which to gauge the effectiveness of treatment or suppressive therapy. Additionally, other energy biomarkers are known to those skilled in the art and can be monitored to evaluate the efficacy of treatment or suppressive therapy.

Other Uses of Compounds, Including in Research Applications, Experimental Systems, and Assays

[0093] The compounds disclosed herein can also be used in research applications. They can be used in in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo experiments to modulate one or more energy biomarkers in an experimental system. Such experimental systems can be cell samples, tissue samples, cell components or mixtures of cell components, partial organs, whole organs, or organisms. Any one or more of the compounds as described herein can be used in experimental systems or research applications. Such research applications can include, but are not limited to, use as assay reagents, elucidation of biochemical pathways, or evaluation of the effects of other agents on the metabolic state of the experimental system in the presence/absence of one or more compounds disclosed herein.

[0094] Additionally, the compounds disclosed herein can be used in biochemical tests or assays. Such tests can include incubation of one or more compounds disclosed herein with a tissue or cell sample from a subject to evaluate a subject's potential response (or the response of a specific subset of subjects) to administration of said one or more compounds, or to determine which compound disclosed herein produces the optimum effect in a specific subject or subset of subjects. One such test or assay would involve 1) obtaining a cell sample or tissue sample from a subject in which modulation of one or more energy biomarkers can be assayed; 2) administering one or more compounds disclosed herein to the cell sample or tissue sample; and 3) determining the amount of modulation of the one or more energy biomarkers after administration of the one or more compounds, compared to the status of the energy biomarker prior to administration of the one or more compounds. Another such test or assay would involve 1) obtaining a cell sample or tissue sample from a subject in which modulation of one or more energy biomarkers can be assayed; 2) administering at least two compounds disclosed herein to the cell sample or tissue sample; 3) determining the amount of modulation of the one or more energy biomarkers after administration of the at least two compounds, compared to the status of the energy biomarker prior to administration of the at least two compounds, and 4) selecting a compound or compounds for use in treatment, suppression, or modulation based on the amount of modulation determined in step 3.

[0095] Additionally, uses include in vivo uses where one or more of the compounds described herein forms in vivo after administration of another compound.

[0096] Also included is a method of contacting a cell with a compound, or any embodiment thereof, as described herein.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0097] The terms “pharmaceutical formulation” and “pharmaceutical composition” are used interchangeably herein.

[0098] The compounds described herein can be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions by formulation with additives such as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles. The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable excipients,” “pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,” and “pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles” are used interchangeably herein. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers and vehicles include processing agents and drug delivery modifiers and enhancers, such as, in some embodiments, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, talc, monosaccharides, disaccharides, starch, gelatin, cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, dextrose, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, low melting waxes, ion exchange resins, and the like, as well as combinations of any two or more thereof. Other suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Pub. Co., New Jersey (1991), and “Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy,” Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 20.sup.th edition (2003) and 21.sup.st edition (2005), incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] A pharmaceutical composition can comprise a unit dose formulation, where the unit dose is a dose sufficient to have a therapeutic (including a suppressive) effect. The unit dose may be sufficient as a single dose to have a therapeutic (including a suppressive) effect. Alternatively, the unit dose may be a dose administered periodically in a course of treatment, prophylaxis, or suppression of a disorder.

[0100] Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds disclosed herein may be in any form suitable for the intended method of administration, including, in some embodiments, a solution, a suspension, or an emulsion. Liquid carriers are typically used in preparing solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Liquid carriers contemplated for use in the practice include in some embodiments, water, saline, pharmaceutically acceptable organic solvent(s), pharmaceutically acceptable oils or fats, and the like, as well as mixtures of two or more thereof. The liquid carrier may contain other suitable pharmaceutically acceptable additives such as solubilizers, emulsifiers, nutrients, buffers, preservatives, suspending agents, thickening agents, viscosity regulators, stabilizers, and the like. Suitable organic solvents include, in some embodiments, monohydric alcohols, such as ethanol, and polyhydric alcohols, such as glycols. Suitable oils include, in some embodiments, soybean oil, coconut oil, olive oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, and the like. For parenteral administration, the carrier can also be an oily ester such as ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, and the like. Compositions disclosed herein may also be in the form of microparticles, microcapsules, liposomal encapsulates, and the like, as well as combinations of any two or more thereof.

[0101] Time-release or controlled release delivery systems may be used, such as a diffusion controlled matrix system or an erodible system, as described for example in: Lee, “Diffusion-Controlled Matrix Systems”, pp. 155-198 and Ron and Langer, “Erodible Systems”, pp. 199-224, in “Treatise on Controlled Drug Delivery”, A. Kydonieus Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York 1992. The matrix may be, in some embodiments, a biodegradable material that can degrade spontaneously in situ and in vivo, in some embodiments, by hydrolysis or enzymatic cleavage, e.g., by proteases. The delivery system may be, in some embodiments, a naturally occurring or synthetic polymer or copolymer, in some embodiments, in the form of a hydrogel. Exemplary polymers with cleavable linkages include polyesters, polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, polysaccharides, poly(phosphoesters), polyamides, polyurethanes, poly(imidocarbonates) and poly(phosphazenes).

[0102] The compounds disclosed herein may be administered enterally, orally, parenterally, sublingually, by inhalation (e.g. as mists or sprays), rectally, or topically in dosage unit formulations containing conventional nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles as desired. In some embodiments, suitable modes of administration include oral, subcutaneous, transdermal, transmucosal, iontophoretic, intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intranasal (e.g. via nasal mucosa), subdural, rectal, gastrointestinal, and the like, and directly to a specific or affected organ or tissue. For delivery to the central nervous system, spinal and epidural administration, or administration to cerebral ventricles, can be used. Topical administration may also involve the use of transdermal administration such as transdermal patches or iontophoresis devices. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-sternal injection, or infusion techniques. The compounds are mixed with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles appropriate for the desired route of administration. Oral administration is a preferred route of administration, and formulations suitable for oral administration are preferred formulations. The compounds described for use herein can be administered in solid form, in liquid form, in aerosol form, or in the form of tablets, pills, powder mixtures, capsules, granules, injectables, creams, solutions, suppositories, enemas, colonic irrigations, emulsions, dispersions, food premixes, and in other suitable forms. The compounds can also be administered in liposome formulations. Additional methods of administration are known in the art.

[0103] In some embodiments, especially those embodiments where a formulation is used for injection or other parenteral administration including the routes listed herein, but also including embodiments used for oral, gastric, gastrointestinal, or enteric administration, the formulations and preparations used in the methods disclosed herein are sterile. Sterile pharmaceutical compositions are compounded or manufactured according to pharmaceutical-grade sterilization standards (United States Pharmacopeia Chapters 797, 1072, and 1211; California Business & Professions Code 4127.7; 16 California Code of Regulations 1751, 21 Code of Federal Regulations 211) known to those of skill in the art.

[0104] Injectable preparations, in some embodiments, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions, may be formulated as would be appreciated by a person of skill 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 nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, in some embodiments, as a solution in propylene glycol. 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. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

[0105] Solid dosage forms for oral administration may include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound may be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose, or starch. Such dosage forms may also comprise additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents. Tablets and pills can additionally be prepared with enteric coatings.

[0106] Liquid dosage forms for oral administration may include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs containing inert diluents, such as water. Such compositions may also comprise adjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, cyclodextrins, and sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

[0107] The compounds disclosed herein can also be administered in the form of liposomes. As appreciated by a person of skill in the art, liposomes are generally derived from phospholipids or other lipid substances. Liposomes are formed by mono- or multilamellar hydrated liquid crystals that are dispersed in an aqueous medium. Any non-toxic, physiologically acceptable and metabolizable lipid capable of forming liposomes can be used. The present compositions in liposome form can contain, in addition to a compound disclosed herein, stabilizers, preservatives, excipients, and the like. The preferred lipids are the phospholipids and phosphatidyl cholines (lecithins), both natural and synthetic. Methods to form liposomes will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. See, for example, Prescott, Ed., Methods in Cell Biology, Volume XIV, Academic Press, New York, N.W., p. 33 et seq (1976).

[0108] Also provided are articles of manufacture and kits containing materials. Also provided are kits which comprise any one or more of the compounds as described herein. In some embodiments, the kit disclosed herein comprises the container described herein.

[0109] In other aspects, the kits may be used for any of the methods described herein.

[0110] The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host to which the active ingredient is administered and the particular mode of administration. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, body area, body mass index (BMI), general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the type, progression, and severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy. The pharmaceutical unit dosage chosen is usually fabricated and administered to provide a defined final concentration of drug in the blood, tissues, organs, or other targeted region of the body. The therapeutically effective amount for a given situation can be readily determined by routine experimentation and is within the skill and judgment of the ordinary clinician.

[0111] In some embodiments, dosages which can be used are a therapeutically effective amount within the dosage range of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 300 mg/kg body weight, or within about 1.0 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg body weight, or within about 1.0 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg body weight, or within about 1.0 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg body weight, or within about 1.0 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg body weight, or within about 10 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg body weight, or within about 50 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg body weight, or within about 100 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg body weight, or within about 150 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg body weight, or within about 200 mg/kg to about 300 mg/kg body weight, or within about 250 mg/kg to about 300 mg/kg body weight. Compounds disclosed herein may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided dosage of two, three or four times daily.

[0112] While the compounds disclosed herein can be administered as the sole active pharmaceutical agent, they can also be used in combination with one or more other agents used in the treatment or suppression of disorders. Representative agents useful in combination with the compounds disclosed herein for the treatment or suppression of neurodegenerative disorders include, but are not limited to, Coenzyme Q, vitamin E, idebenone, MitoQ, vitamins, NAC, and antioxidant compounds.

[0113] When additional active agents are used in combination with the compounds disclosed herein, the additional active agents may generally be employed in therapeutic amounts as indicated in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) 53.sup.rd Edition (1999), or such therapeutically useful amounts as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0114] The compounds disclosed herein and the other therapeutically active agents can be administered at the recommended maximum clinical dosage or at lower doses. Dosage levels of the active compounds in the compositions disclosed herein may be varied so as to obtain a desired therapeutic response depending on the route of administration, severity of the disease and the response of the patient. When administered in combination with other therapeutic agents, the therapeutic agents can be formulated as separate compositions that are given at the same time or different times, or the therapeutic agents can be given as a single composition.

[0115] The disclosure will be further understood by the following non-limiting examples.

Preparation of Compounds

[0116] The compounds disclosed herein can be prepared from readily available starting materials; non-limiting exemplary methods are described in the Examples. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvents used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art.

Synthetic Reaction Parameters

[0117] The terms “solvent”, “inert organic solvent” and “inert solvent” embrace a solvent that is inert under the conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith.

[0118] Solvents employed in synthesis of the compounds disclosed herein include, in some embodiments, methanol (“MeOH”), acetone, water, acetonitrile, 1,4-dioxane, dimethylformamide (“DMF”), benzene, toluene, xylene, tetrahydrofuran (“THF”), chloroform, methylene chloride (or dichloromethane, (“DCM”)), diethyl ether, pyridine and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions disclosed herein are inert organic solvents.

[0119] The term “q.s.” means adding a quantity sufficient to achieve a stated function, e.g., to bring a solution to the desired volume (i.e., 100%).

[0120] The term “eq” means an equivalent quantity of one reagent with respect to another reagent.

[0121] The term “o/n” or “O/N” means overnight.

[0122] The compounds herein are synthesized by an appropriate combination of generally well-known synthetic methods. Techniques useful in synthesizing the compounds herein are both readily apparent and accessible to those of skill in the relevant art in light of the teachings described herein. While the Examples illustrate some of the diverse methods available for use in assembling the compounds herein, they are not intended to define the scope of reactions or reaction sequences that are useful in preparing the compounds herein. Synthetic methods for other compounds disclosed herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the illustrative examples.

[0123] For all of the compounds and methods described herein, the quinone form can also be used in its reduced (hydroquinone) form when desired. Likewise, the hydroquinone form can also be used in its oxidized (quinone) form when desired. The reduced (hydroxy) form may readily be converted to the oxidized (quinone) form using methods known in the art. See, e.g., air, silica Miller et al PCT Intl Appl 2006130775 7 Dec. 2006. The oxidized (quinone) form may readily be converted to the reduced hydroxy form using methods known in the art. See, e.g., Zn, AcOH Fuchs et al EJOC 6 (2009) 833-40.

Exemplary Synthetic Schemes for Preparation of Compounds Disclosed Herein

[0124] ##STR00055##

[0125] Tetralone AA is purchased commercially or prepared using methods known in the art. Aldol condensation followed by base-mediated isomerization provides B. Oxidation of B using hypervalent iodine or other oxidant leads to C. Intermediate C is trapped with a nucleophilic radical generated from an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid resulting in D. Alternatively, dione E is obtained commercially or prepared using methods known in the art. This compound is trapped with a nucleophilic radical generated from an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid resulting in D. Alternatively, E can be reduced and methylated to provide F. Halomethylation under acidic conditions leads to G which can be coupled under Negishi (or similar) conditions with an appropriately substituted halide resulting in H. Oxidative cleavage results in D. Alternatively, naphthalene diol BB reacts with aldehydes under acidic, aerobic conditions to form D.

EXAMPLES

[0126] The following abbreviations were used in this section:

TABLE-US-00002 AcOH Acetic acid ACN or MeCN Acetonitrile CAN Cerric ammonium nitrate DCE Dichloroethane DCM Dichloromethane DIEA N,N-Diisopropylethylamine DME 1,2-dimethoxyethane DMF Dimethyl formamide DMSO Dimethyl sulfoxide EtOAc or EA Ethyl Acetate EG ethyleneglycol IPA isopropyl alcohol LAH Lithium aluminum hydride LDA Lithium diisopropylamide MCPBA meta Chloroperbenzoic acid MOMCI Methoxymethyl chloride MsCl Methanesulfonyl chloride MTBE Methyl tert butyl ether M.W. Microwave PDC Pyridinium dichromate Pd(dppf)Cl.sub.2 [1,1′-Bis(dipheny lphosphino)ferrocene] dichloropalladium(II) PE Petroleum ether PIDA lodosobenzene diacetate p-TsOH para-toluene sulfonic acid TEA Triethylamine TFA Trifluoroacetic acid TFAA Trifluoroacetic anhydride TMSCI Trimethylsilyl chloride THF Tetrahydrofuran TLC Thin layer chromatography UHP urea hydrogen peroxide

[0127] All reagents were obtained from commercial suppliers and used without further purification unless otherwise stated.

Example 1—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0128] ##STR00056##

Step 1—2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (2)

[0129] ##STR00057##

[0130] To a 250 mL solution of menadione (1) (20 g, 0.116 mol) in EtOAc was added a solution of sodium dithionite (61 g, 0.349 mol) in 250 mL water under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was subjected to vigorous stirring. The discoloration of the organic layer indicated the completion of the reaction which was supported by TLC observation. The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated sodium chloride solution and finally dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 before evaporating the solvent in vacuum. A pale purple solid was recovered which was triturated with 300 mL of hexanes and the solid was filtered off to obtain 2-Methyl-naphthalene-1,4-diol 2 (20 g, 98%) which was used in the next reaction without any purification.

Step 2—1,4-dimethoxy-2-methylnaphthalene (3)

[0131] ##STR00058##

[0132] To a 250 mL solution of 2-methyl-naphthalene-1,4-diol (2) (20 g, 0.115 mol) in acetone was sequentially added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (72 g, 0.575 mol) and dimethylsulfate (79 g, 0.575 mol). The resulting orange colored reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h at which time TLC indicated the completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was treated with 1N NaOH solution. The organic layer was separated and washed with brine before drying over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide crude 1,4-dimethoxy-2-methylnaphthalene (3). The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: PE) to give 1,4-dimethoxy-2-methylnaphthalene (3) (20 g, 87%) as a yellow oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.03 (d, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 2.46 (s, 3H).

Step 3—2-(chloromethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene (4)

[0133] ##STR00059##

[0134] A mixture of 1,4-dimethoxy-2-methylnaphthalene (3) (20 g, 99 mmol), 37% aqueous formaldehyde (75 mL), and concentrated HCl (125 mL) was stirred for 4 h at 80° C. The product was extracted with EA, and the extract was washed with water, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: PE) to give 2-(chloromethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene (4) (17 g, 68%) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.08 (d, 2H), 7.54 (m, 2H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H).

Step 4—((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)zinc(II) chloride (5)

[0135] ##STR00060##

[0136] A dry and nitrogen-purged three-neck flask, equipped with a magnetic stirrer and a septum, was charged with magnesium turnings (2.4 g, 99.7 mmol) and LiCl (2.2 g, 51.9 mmol). Then ZnCl.sub.2 (43.9 mL, 1.0 M in THF, 43.9 mmol) was added. The solution of 2-(chloromethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene (4) (10 g, 39.9 mmol) in 100 mL dry THF was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and used in the next reaction without any isolation or purification.

Step 5—2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine (7)

[0137] ##STR00061##

[0138] To a solution of 2-bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine (6) (10.8 g, 47.9 mmol) in 50 mL THF at 25° C. was added successively ((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)zinc(II) chloride (5) prepared in the previous step (144 mL, 39.9 mmol) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (2.3 g, 2 mmol). The resulting reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for 5 h. After cooling to 25° C., the reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL) and quenched with sat. aqueous NH.sub.4Cl solution. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined extracts were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. Evaporation of the solvents in vacuo and purification by flash chromatography (silica gel, PE/EA=20/1) afforded 2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine (7) (9.1 g, 63%) as a light yellow oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.07 (m, 2H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

Step 6—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 1)

[0139] ##STR00062##

[0140] To a solution of 2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine (7) (8.5 g, 23.5 mmol) in DCM (120 mL) was added BBr.sub.3 (59 mL, 2 M in DCM, 118 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. MeOH was added dropwise to quench the reaction at 0° C. Then saturated NaHCO.sub.3 was added to adjust the pH to 8-9 and the aqueous mixture was extracted with DCM. The combined organic layer was washed with brine. The solution was stirred at room temperature under an 02 balloon for 1 h. Solvent was removed to give a residue which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: PE/EA=20/1) to give 2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 1) (7.2 g, 92%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.97-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332.05 (M+H).

[0141] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 1:

##STR00063##

Example 2—2-((5-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0142] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11F.sub.4NO.sub.2 found: 350.115 (M+H).

##STR00064##

Example 3—2-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0143] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.09 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 2.28-2.26 (m, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.14FNO.sub.2: found 296.15 (M+H).

##STR00065##

Example 4—2-methyl-3-((4-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0144] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.25 (M+H).

##STR00066##

Example 5—2-methyl-3-((6-methylpyridazin-3-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0145] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.14N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 279.15 (M+H).

##STR00067##

Example 6—2-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0146] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.31 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.08-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.26 (m, 2H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.12FNO.sub.2: found 282.15 (M+H).

##STR00068##

Example 7—2-methyl-3-((5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0147] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.38 (dd, J=1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.27 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.15NO.sub.2: found 278.05 (M+H).

##STR00069##

Example 8—2-methyl-3-((6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0148] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.11-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.49 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332.25 (M+H).

##STR00070##

Example 9—2-methyl-3-((4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0149] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.63 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.11-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.34-7.33 (m, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332.15 (M+H).

##STR00071##

Example 10—2-methyl-3-((6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0150] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.10-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.95-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.79-7.76 (m, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.11F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 333.05 (M+H).

##STR00072##

Example 11—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0151] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (m, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.11F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 333.10 (M+H).

##STR00073##

Example 12—2-methyl-3-(pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0152] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 9.04 (dd, J=5.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.11-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.52 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (m, 1H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.16H.sub.12N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 265.10 (M+H).

##STR00074##

Example 13—2-((5,6-dimethylpyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0153] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 293.05 (M+H).

##STR00075##

Example 14—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridazine-3-carboxamide

[0154] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.25 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.89-7.88 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.71 (m, 3H), 5.67 (s, 1H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.13N.sub.3O.sub.3: found 308.05 (M+H).

##STR00076##

Example 15—2-methyl-3-((5-methylpyridazin-3-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0155] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 4.32 (s, 2H), 2.34 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.14N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 279.10 (M+H).

##STR00077##

Example 16—2-((5-ethoxypyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0156] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 4.14-4.09 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 2H), 1.44 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 3H); MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 309.05 (M+H).

##STR00078##

Example 17—2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0157] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.11-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.74-7.70 (m, 3H), 4.32 (s, 2H), 4.19 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.13F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 363.15 (M+H).

##STR00079##

Example 18—2-((6-methoxy-5-methylpyridazin-3-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0158] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.10-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 4.08 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.16N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 309.10 (M+H).

##STR00080##

Example 19—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0159] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.86 (s, 2H), 8.14-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.71 (m, 2H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.11F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 333.20 (M+H).

##STR00081##

Example 20—2-((5-(difluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0160] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.74-7.68 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.36 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.78-6.50 (t, J=55.8 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.13F.sub.2NO.sub.2: found 312.05 (M−H).

##STR00082##

Example 21—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl-d.SUB.2.)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0161] .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.72 (m, 1H), 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.41 (m, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10D.sub.2F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 334.15 (M+H).

##STR00083##

Example 22—2-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl-d.SUB.2.)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0162] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.78 (m, 1H), 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.41 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.7D.sub.5F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 337.20 (M+H).

Example 23—2-methyl-3-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0163] ##STR00084##

[0164] To a solution of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)acetic acid hydrochloride (8) (2 g, 11.63 mmol, 1.2 eq) in ACN (12 mL) was added menadione (1) (1.68 g, 9.69 mmol, 1.0 eq) and AgNO.sub.3 (1.65 g, 9.69 mmol, 1.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 20 min. Then to the mixture was added K.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.8 (3.14 g, 11.63 mmol, 1.2 eq) in H.sub.2O. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for another 2 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The mixture was extracted with EA (3×100 mL) and separated. The organic layer was washed by water, brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica (PE:EA=50:1-20:1) to give the title compound (37 mg, 1%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.39-8.38 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.06 (m, 3H), 8.03-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.84-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.68 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.13NO.sub.2: found 264.20 (M+H).

[0165] The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Example 23:

##STR00085##

Example 24—2-methyl-3-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0166] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.47 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.08-8.06 (m, 1H), 8.00-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.69-7.63 (m, 3H), 7.34 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.74 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 1.72 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.15NO.sub.2: found 278.10 (M+H).

Example 25—2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione and

Example 26—2-ethyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0167] ##STR00086##

Step 1—2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (11)

[0168] ##STR00087##

[0169] To a solution of 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (9) (6.4 g, 43.43 mmol, 1.0 eq) and 5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (10) (7.6 g, 43.43 mmol, 1.0 eq) in EtOH (100 mL) was added KOH (4.9 g, 86.86 mmol, 2.0 eq) under nitrogen atmosphere and stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. Then the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and extracted with EA (3×100 mL). The organic layer was washed with H.sub.2O (3×100 mL) and brine. The mixture was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica gel to give 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (11)(4.27 g, 32%) as yellow solid.

Step 2—2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 25)

[0170] ##STR00088##

[0171] To a solution of 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (11) (2 g, 6.60 mmol, 1.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (20 mL/6 mL) was added PIDA (4.46 g, 13.86 mmol, 2.1 eq) at 0° C. After being stirred at 0° C. for 30 min, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. To the mixture was added saturated aqueous of NaHCO.sub.3 to adjust pH=7 and extracted with EA (3×30 mL). The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give the title compound (Example 25) (1.8 g, 86%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.91-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.49 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.10F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 318.10 (M+H).

Step 3—2-ethyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 26)

[0172] ##STR00089##

[0173] To a solution of 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 25) (100 mg, 0.315 mmol, 1.0 eq) and propionic acid (12) (117 mg, 1.58 mmol, 5.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (4 mL/1 mL) was added AgNO.sub.3 (54 mg, 0.315 mmol, 1.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 min. Then to the mixture was added (NH.sub.4).sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.8 (180 mg, 0.787 mmol, 2.5 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (3 mL/1 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for another 1 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The mixture was extracted with EA (3×10 mL) and separated. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give the title compound (Example 26) (33 mg, 30%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.09-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.70 (s, 2H), 7.44-7.42 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.80-2.78 (m, 2H), 1.10 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.05 (M+H).

[0174] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 26:

##STR00090##

Example 27—2-cyclopropyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0175] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 2H), 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.68 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.39 (m, 1H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 1.92 (s, 1H), 1.27 (m, 2H), 1.04 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 358.15 (M+H).

##STR00091##

Example 28—2-neopentyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0176] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 2.87 (m, 2H), 0.99-0.98 (m, 9H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.20F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 388.15 (M+H).

##STR00092##

Example 29—2-isobutyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0177] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.71 (m, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 2.71-2.69 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.93 (m, 1H), 0.94-0.95 (m, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.18F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 374.15 (M+H).

##STR00093##

Example 30—2-isopropyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0178] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.06 (s, 2H), 7.82-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 3.36-3.35 (m, 1H), 1.32-1.25 (m, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.16F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 360.20 (M+H).

##STR00094##

Example 31—2-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0179] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.10 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 1.37-1.36 (m, 3H), 0.84-0.82 (m, 4H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.16F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 372.20 (M+H).

##STR00095##

Example 32—2-(2-(3-methyloxetan-3-yl)ethyl)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0180] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.12 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.97-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.64 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.29-4.28 (m, 4H), 4.19 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.58-2.54 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.54 (m, 2H), 1.22 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.23H.sub.20F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 416.15 (M+H).

##STR00096##

Example 33—2-(2-(oxetan-3-yl)ethyl)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0181] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.83 (dd, J=2.4, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.83-4.79 (m, 2H), 4.34 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 3.07-3.3 (m, 1H), 2.74-2.70 (m, 2H), 1.88 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.18F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 402.20 (M+H).

##STR00097##

Example 34—2-isopentyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0182] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.82 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.75-2.71 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.61 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.25 (m, 2H), 0.93 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.20F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 388.30 (M+H).

##STR00098##

Example 35—2-cyclopropyl-3-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0183] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.31 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.05-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.24 (m, 2H), 4.36 (s, 2H), 1.96-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.29-1.25 (m, 2H), 1.04-0.99 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14FNO.sub.2: found 308.05 (M+H).

##STR00099##

Example 36—6-methoxy-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0184] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 362.05 (M+H).

##STR00100##

Example 37—6-methoxy-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0185] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 362.05 (M+H).

##STR00101##

Example 38—2-cyclopropyl-3-((5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0186] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.38 (dd, J=2.0, 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (s, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.96-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.28-1.24 (m, 2H), 1.02-0.97 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.17NO.sub.2: found 304.15 (M+H).

##STR00102##

Example 39—2-methyl-3-((3-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0187] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.50 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.12 (m, 1H), 8.09-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.21 (m, 1H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332.15 (M+H).

##STR00103##

Example 40—5-methoxy-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0188] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 362.05 (M+H).

##STR00104##

Example 41—6,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0189] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.75 (s, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.15H.sub.11NO.sub.3: found 392.20 (M+H).

##STR00105##

Example 42—2,6-dimethyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0190] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (s, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.10 (M+H).

##STR00106##

Example 43—2,6,7-trimethyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0191] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.75 (s, 1H), 7.87-7.82 (m, 3H), 7.46-7.42 (m, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

##STR00107##

Example 44—6-fluoro-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0192] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 350.05 (M+H).

##STR00108##

Example 45—6-fluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0193] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 350.05 (M+H).

##STR00109##

Example 46—5-fluoro-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0194] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 350.00 (M+H).

##STR00110##

Example 47—6-fluoro-3-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0195] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.36 (m, 1H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.18 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.11F.sub.2NO.sub.2: found 300.05 (M+H).

##STR00111##

Example 48—6-fluoro-2-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0196] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.08 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 3H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.11F.sub.2NO.sub.2: found 300.15 (M+H).

##STR00112##

Example 49—5,7-difluoro-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0197] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.74 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.10 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.05 (M+H).

##STR00113##

Example 50—5,7-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0198] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.15-7.06 (m, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.05 (M+H).

##STR00114##

Example 51—5-fluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0199] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.90-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.38 (m, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 350.10 (M+H).

##STR00115##

Example 52—5,8-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0200] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.38 (m, 3H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.20 (M+H).

##STR00116##

Example 53—2-methyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0201] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11F.sub.6NO.sub.2: found 398.05 (M−H).

##STR00117##

Example 54—2-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0202] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.77-7.74 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.37-7.35 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.9D.sub.3F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 0.335 (M−H).

##STR00118##

Example 55—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0203] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.68 (s, 1H), 7.82-7.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.79-2.73 (dd, J=15.2 Hz, 7.6 Hz, 2H) and 1.12-1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 0.382 (M+H).

##STR00119##

Example 56—3-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0204] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.09 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.72 (d, J=9.8 Hz, 2H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 2H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.60-2.58 (m, 2H) and 0.95-0.91 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 0.382 (M+H).

##STR00120##

Example 57—5,7-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0205] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.83-7.81 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.40 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.12-7.08 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), and 4.22 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.7D.sub.3F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 0.371.05 (M+H).

##STR00121##

Example 58—5,7-dichloro-3-methyl-2-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyl]methyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0206] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10Cl.sub.2F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 400.0 (M).

##STR00122##

Example 59—6-chloro-3-methyl-2-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyl]methyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0207] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (dd, J=8.3, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (dd, J=8.3, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11ClF.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 366.2 (M+H).

##STR00123##

Example 60—5-chloro-3-methyl-2-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridyl]methyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0208] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.07 (dd, J=7.6, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J=8.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (dd, J=8.1, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.11ClF.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 366.2 (M+H).

##STR00124##

Example 61—3-ethyl-5-fluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0209] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (dd, J=12.4, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.33 (m, 2H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.75 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ−62.38, −112.70. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.13F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 364.3 (M+H).

##STR00125##

Example 62—2-((5-(1,1-difluoroethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-ethyl-5,8-difluoronaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0210] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.38 (m, 3H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 2.74 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.89 (t, J=18.4 Hz, 3H), 1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −87.82, −116.16. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.15F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 378.3 (M+H).

##STR00126##

Example 63—2-ethyl-5,6-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0211] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.71 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 2.79 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.11 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −61.82, −126.84, −138.22. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 382.3 (M+H).

##STR00127##

Example 64—2-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-3-((3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0212] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.27 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.0 Hz 1H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.59 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.96 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −55.75, −93.81, −117.74. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11F.sub.6NO.sub.2: found 400.2 (M+H).

##STR00128##

Example 65—2-cyclopropyl-5,7-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0213] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 7.87 (dd, J=8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J=8.4, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (ddd, J=10.6, 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 1.92-1.95 (m, 1H), 1.25-1.20 (m, 2H), 1.09-1.03 (m, 2H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ− 62.33, −97.482, −97.521, −106.548, −106.884. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 394.2 (M+H).

##STR00129##

Example 66—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0214] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 7.64-7.70 (m, 3H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 2.58 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s, 1H), 0.93 (s, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ −62.58, −117.23. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 396.1 (M+H).

##STR00130##

Example 67—3-((5-(difluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-2-ethyl-5,7-difluoronaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0215] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd, J=9.2, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (s, 1H), 6.64 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 1.09 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −97.576, −106.606, −111.903, −112.055. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.13F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 364.2 (M+H).

##STR00131##

Example 68—2-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-ethyl-5,8-difluoronaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0216] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 2H), 4.29 (s, 2H), 2.62 (s, 2H), 1.08 (s, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −62.34, −116.11. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11ClF.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 416.1 (M+H).

##STR00132##

Example 69—5-chloro-3-ethyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0217] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.61 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ −60.77. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.13C.sub.1F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 380.2 (M+H).

Example 70—6-((6-fluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0218] ##STR00133##

Step 1—(E)-6-((6-fluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (15)

[0219] ##STR00134##

[0220] To the mixture of 6-fluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (13) (1.0 g, 6.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in methanol (12 mL) was added 6-formyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (14) (1.46 g, 7.3 mmol, 1.1 eq) and aq. HCl (16 mL). The mixture was stirred at reflux for 16 h. LCMS analysis of the reaction mixture showed full conversion to the desired product. Then the mixture was concentrated, extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica gel (petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford (E)-6-((6-fluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (15) (1.6 g, 76%).

Step 2—6-((6-fluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (16)

[0221] ##STR00135##

[0222] The mixture of (E)-6-((6-fluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (15) (900 mg, 2.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) and rhodium trichloride (45 mg, 5% w/w) in ethylene glycol (10 mL) was stirred at 180° C. in microwave reactor for 1 h. LCMS analysis of the reaction mixture showed full conversion to the desired product. Then the mixture was concentrated, extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica gel (petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford 6-((6-fluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (16) (650 mg, 72%).

Step 3—6-((6-fluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (17)

[0223] ##STR00136##

[0224] To the mixture of 6-((6-fluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (16) (300 mg, 0.87 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (4 mL/2 mL) was added (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (558 mg, 1.73 mmol, 2.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed the reaction was complete. Then the mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography on a silica gel (petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford 6-((6-fluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (17) (100 mg, 32%).

Step 4—6-((6-fluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (Example 70)

[0225] ##STR00137##

[0226] To a mixture of 6-((6-fluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (17) (125 mg, 0.35 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (4 mL/2 mL) was added acetic acid (41.67 mg, 0.70 mmol, 2.0 eq), ammonium persulfate (159.6 mg, 0.70 mmol, 2.0 eq) and silver nitrate (59.5 mg, 0.35 mmol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 2 h until complete by TLC. Then the mixture was cooled to room temperature and extracted with ethyl acetate and water. The combined organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. This residue was purified by prep-HPLC to afford 6-((6-fluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (Example 70) (60 mg, 46%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.08-8.05 (m, 1H), 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.33 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H) and 2.34 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.10F.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 375.05 (M+H).

[0227] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 70:

##STR00138##

Example 71—6-((5,7-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0228] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.02-8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.10 (m, 1H) and 4.24 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.6D.sub.3F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 394.15 (M−H).

##STR00139##

Example 72—6-((6,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0229] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H) and 4.23 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.6D.sub.3F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 394.15 (M−H).

##STR00140##

Example 73—6-((6-fluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0230] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.08-8.05 (dd, J=8.8 Hz, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.24 (m, 1H) and 4.26 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.7D.sub.3F.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 378.10 (M+H).

##STR00141##

Example 74—6-((5,7-difluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0231] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.02-8.00 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.10 (m, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H) and 2.32 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.9F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 391.10 (M−H).

##STR00142##

Example 75—6-((6,8-difluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0232] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H) and 2.35 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.9F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 393.40 (M+H).

##STR00143##

Example 76—6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0233] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.38 (m, 2H) and 4.21 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.6D.sub.3F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 396.05 (M+H).

##STR00144##

Example 77—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0234] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.11-7.98 (m, 3H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.70 (m, 3H), 4.27 (s, 2H) and 2.34 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 357.10 (M+H).

##STR00145##

Example 78—6,7-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0235] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.81 (m, 3H), 7.42-7.40 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H) and 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.05 (M+H).

##STR00146##

Example 79—6-((5,8-difluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0236] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.37 (m, 2H), 4.23 (s, 2H) and 2.32 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.9F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 393.05 (M+H).

##STR00147##

Example 80—5,6-difluoro-3-methyl-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0237] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.40 (m, 2H), 4.23 (s, 2H) and 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.05 (M+H).

##STR00148##

Example 81—6-((3-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0238] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.27 (m, 1H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.79-2.73 (m, 2H) and 1.14-1.10 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.12F.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 389.05 (M+H).

##STR00149##

Example 82—6-((5,7-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-3-propyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0239] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.80 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.76-2.72 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.55 (s, 2H) and 1.04-1.00 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.13F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 421.10 (M+H).

##STR00150##

Example 83—6-((3-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0240] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.35 (m, 2H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.82-2.76 (m, 2H) and 1.19-1.16 (m, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 407.10 (M+H).

##STR00151##

Example 84—6-((3-cyclopropyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0241] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.34 (m, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 1.93-1.91 (m, 1H), 1.27-1.23 (m, 2H) and 1.11-1.06 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 407.10 (M+H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 419.05 (M+H).

##STR00152##

Example 85—6-((5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-3-propyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0242] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.01-7.99 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.36 (m, 2H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.75-2.71 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.51 (m, 2H) and 1.04-1.00 (m, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 419.05 (M+H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.13F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 421.10 (M+H).

##STR00153##

Example 86—6-((3-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0243] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.040-8.37 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96-7.94 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.56 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.65-2.59 (dd, J=14.8 Hz, 7.4 Hz, 2H) and 1.02-0.98 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 407.10 (M+H).

##STR00154##

Example 87—2-cyclopropyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0244] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.29 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.26 (m, 4H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 1.96-1.89 (m, 1H), 1.24-1.21 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.00 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 344.2 (M+H).

##STR00155##

Example 88—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0245] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.30 (m, 2H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J=8 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332 (M+H).

##STR00156##

Example 89—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0246] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.45 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.52 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 2.82 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.15F.sub.2NO.sub.3: found 344.3 (M+H).

##STR00157##

Example 90—5,8-difluoro-2-(oxetan-3-ylmethyl)-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0247] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.66 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (s, 2H), 4.72 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.52 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.24 (s, 2H), 3.31-3.20 (m, 1H), 3.15 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 424.3 (M+H).

##STR00158##

Example 91—2-cyclopropyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0248] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.33 (m, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 1.89 (s, 1H), 1.21 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 1.03 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 394.1 (M+H).

##STR00159##

Example 92—2-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-3-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0249] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J=13.6, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −97.64, −106.74, −130.30. MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 332.3 (M+H).

##STR00160##

Example 93—6-((3-ethyl-6,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0250] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.01 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.82 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.18 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −61.75, −96.69, −106.57. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 407.3 (M+H).

##STR00161##

Example 94—3-((3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-2-ethyl-5,7-difluoronaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0251] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 2.63 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −62.33, −97.70, −106.62. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11ClF.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 416.3 (M+H).

##STR00162##

Example 95—6-((3-cyclopropyl-6,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0252] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (t, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (s, 2H), 1.91-1.97 (m, 1H), 1.24 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 1.10 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −61.76, −96.79, −106.54. MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.11F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 419.2 (M+H).

##STR00163##

Example 96—6-((3-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0253] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.00-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.33 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 1.92-1.96 (m, 1H), 1.28 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H). 19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −61.78, −102.06. MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.12F.sub.4N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 399.3 (M−H).

##STR00164##

Example 97—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxy-5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0254] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.35 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 6.8 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.6 (s, 3H), 2.84 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.10 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −116.50. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.17F.sub.2NO.sub.3: found 358.1 (M−H).

##STR00165##

Example 98—2-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-3-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0255] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (dd, J=23.0, 7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.07 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (376 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −97.79, −106.77, −136.54. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.1 (M−H).

Example 99:—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinic acid and

Example 100:—N-cyclopentyl-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide

[0256] ##STR00166## ##STR00167##

Step 1—2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (19)

[0257] ##STR00168##

[0258] To a solution of 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (9) (3.19 g, 21.83 mmol, 1.0 eq) in EtOH (30 mL) was added NaOH (1.048 g, 26.20 mmol, 1.2 eq). After being stirred at room temperature for 30 min, 5-bromopicolinaldehyde (18) (4.06 g, 21.83 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added. Then the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for another 6 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. Upon completion, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and extracted with EA (3×10 mL) and washed with water. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to provide the title compound (19) (4.2 g, 61%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 11.21 (s, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.34 (d, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.40 (m, 1H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 4.13 (s, 2H).

Step 2—2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (20)

[0259] ##STR00169##

[0260] To a solution of 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (19) (4.2 g, 13.37 mmol, 1.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (120 mL/40 mL) was slowly added PIDA (1.048 g, 26.20 mmol, 1.2 eq) at −5° C. After being stirred at −5° C. for 30 min, the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. To the mixture was added saturated aqueous of NaHCO.sub.3 to adjust to pH=7 and extracted with EA (3×100 mL). The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (20) (3.7 g, 84%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.06 (m, 2H), 7.77 (m, 3H), 7.24 (m, 1H), 6.78 (s, 1H), 4.03 (s, 2H).

Step 3—2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (21)

[0261] ##STR00170##

[0262] To a solution of 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (20) (3.7 g, 11.28 mmol, 1.0 eq) and AcOH (1.35 g, 22.56 mmol, 2.0 eq) in ACN (150 mL) was added AgNO.sub.3 (1.92 g, 11.28 mmol, 1.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 min. Then to the mixture was added K.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.8 (6.1 g, 22.56 mmol, 2.0 eq) in H.sub.2O (100 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for another 2 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The mixture was extracted with EA (3×10 mL) and separated. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica (PE:EA=100:1-60:1) to give the title compound (21) (1.4 g, 36%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.07 (m, 2H), 7.71 (m, 3H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

Step 4—phenyl 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinate (22)

[0263] ##STR00171##

[0264] To a solution of 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (21) (0.8 g, 2.34 mmol, 1.0 eq), phenyl formate (572 mg, 4.68 mmol, 2.0 eq), Xantphos (135 mg, 0.234 mmol, 0.1 eq) and Et.sub.3N (945 mg, 9.36 mmol, 4.0 eq) in toluene (10 mL) was added Pd(OAc).sub.2 (26.2 mg, 0.117 mmol, 0.05 eq). The mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 8 h under N.sub.2. The reaction was monitored by TLC. Upon completion, the reaction was cooled to room temperature and was filtered through celite. The filtrate was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with brine. The organic phase was separated, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give phenyl 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinate (22) (708 mg, 78%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 9.25 (s, 1H), 8.33 (m, 1H), 8.11 (m, 2H), 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.44 (m, 3H), 7.27 (m, 1H), 7.17 (m, 2H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

Step 5—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinic acid (Example 99)

[0265] ##STR00172##

[0266] To a solution of phenyl 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinate (22) (115 mg, 0.300 mmol, 1.0 eq) in DCE (2 mL) was added Me.sub.3SnOH (271 mg, 1.50 mmol, 5.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 5 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC. The mixture was filtered, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduce pressure. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinic acid (Example 99) (87 mg, 94%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 9.13 (s, 1H), 8.23 (dd, J=2.0, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.71 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.13NO.sub.4: found 308.10 (M+H).

Step 6—N-cyclopentyl-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide (Example 100)

[0267] ##STR00173##

[0268] To a solution of 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinic acid (Example 99) (100 mg, 0.326 mmol, 1.0 eq) in DCM (2 mL) was added cyclopentanamine (34 mg, 0.391 mmol, 1.2 eq), HATU (149 mg, 0.391 mmol, 1.2 eq) and TEA (66 mg, 0.652 mmol, 2.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The mixture was filtered and the solids were washed with EA (3×2 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine. The residue was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resultant residue was purified by prep-TLC to give N-cyclopentyl-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide (Example 100)(41 mg, 33%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.77 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.11-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.98 (dd, J=7.6, 2.4 Hz, 2H), 7.73-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.95-5.94 (m, 1H), 4.37 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 24H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.11-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.74-1.62 (m, 4H), 1.50-144 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.23H.sub.22N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 375.15 (M+H).

[0269] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 100:

##STR00174##

Example 101—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide

[0270] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.83 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.03-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.98-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.84-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.14N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 307.05 (M+H).

##STR00175##

Example 102—N-ethyl-N-isopropyl-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide

[0271] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.09-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.78-7.72 (m, 3H), 7.44 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 3.88 (s, 1H), 3.45-3.43 (m, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.26-1.17 (m, 9H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.23H.sub.24N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 377.30 (M+H).

##STR00176##

Example 103—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-N-(1-methylcyclobutyl)nicotinamide

[0272] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.96 (m, 3H), 7.84-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.30-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.95-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.79-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.42 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.23H.sub.22N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 375.20 (M+H).

##STR00177##

Example 104—N-isopropyl-N-methyl-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide

[0273] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.80-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.46-7.44 (m, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 3.94-3.87 (m, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H) and 1.23-1.17 (m, 6H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.22N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 363.15 (M+H).

##STR00178##

Example 105—N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide

[0274] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.82-8.81 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.06 (m, 2H), 8.03-8.01 (dd, J=7.6 Hz, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.34 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.13 (m, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.32-3.28 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.06-1.04 (m, 1H), 0.57-0.53 (m, 2H) and 0.28-0.25 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.20N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 361.25 (M+H).

Example 106—2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0275] ##STR00179##

Step 1—((1,4-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)zinc(II) bromide (24)

[0276] ##STR00180##

[0277] To a mixture of Mg (120 mg, 5.0 mmol, 2.5 eq) and LiCl (109 mg, 2.6 mmol, 1.3 eq) was added ZnCl.sub.2 (0.5 M in THF, 4.4 mL, 2.2 mmol, 1.1 eq) under nitrogen atmosphere. Then a solution of 2-(bromomethyl)-1,4-dimethoxynaphthalene (23) in THF (560 mg, 2.0 mmol, 1.0 eq) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction was monitored by .sup.1H NMR. The solution was used in next step directly without isolation or purification.

Step 2—5-chloro-2-((1,4-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (26)

[0278] ##STR00181##

[0279] To a solution of 2-bromo-5-chloropyridine (25) (458 mg, 2.4 mmol, 1.2 eq) and Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (116 mg, 0.1 mmol, 0.05 eq) in THF (3 mL) was slowly added the solution from the previous step (24). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h under N.sub.2. The reaction was monitored by TLC until completion. The mixture was concentrated, diluted with EA and H.sub.2O, and extracted with EA (3×100 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give 5-chloro-2-((1,4-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (26) (200 mg, 31%).

Step 3—2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (27)

[0280] ##STR00182##

[0281] To a mixture of 5-chloro-2-((1,4-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (26) (180 mg, 0.575 mmol, 1.0 eq) in DCM (2 mL) was added BBr.sub.3 (0.5 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. Then the mixture was quenched with aq. NaHCO.sub.3 (5 mL) and extracted with EA (2×5 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, and filtered. This solution was stirred at rt for 24 h under 02. The resulting mixture was concentrated. The residue was purified by Prep-TLC to give 2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (27) (100 mg, 61%).

Step 4—2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthaline-1,4-dione (Example 106)

[0282] ##STR00183##

[0283] To a solution of 2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (27) (100 mg, 0.353 mmol, 1.0 eq) and butyric acid (28) (155 mg, 1.77 mmol, 5.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (4 mL/1 mL) was added AgNO.sub.3 (60 mg, 0.353 mmol, 1.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 min. To this mixture was added (NH.sub.4).sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.8 (201 mg, 0.883 mmol, 2.5 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (3 mL/1 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at 80° C. for another 1 h. Upon completion, the mixture was extracted with EA (3×10 mL) and separated. The organic layer was washed with water and brine. Then the organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The resultant residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica to give compound 2-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 106) (38 mg, 33%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.71 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.06-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.77-7.72 (m, 3H), 7.34 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (s, 2H), 2.66 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.44-1.38 (m, 2H), 0.95 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.16ClNO.sub.2: found 326.15 (M+H).

[0284] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 106:

##STR00184##

Example 107—2-propyl-3-((6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridazin-3-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0285] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) δ 8.08 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 8.04-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.79-7.76 (m, 2H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 2.77-2.73 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.48 (m, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.15F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 361.25 (M+H).

##STR00185##

Example 108—2-((3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0286] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.13-8.11 (m, 1H), 8.04-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.68-2.64 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.46 (m, 2H), 0.98 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.15F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 378.10 (M+H).

##STR00186##

Example 109—2-propyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0287] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.08 (m, 2H), 7.82 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.76-2.72 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.42 (m, 2H), 1.00 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.16F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 360.20 (M+H).

##STR00187##

Example 110—2-((1,4-dioxo-3-propyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-fluoroisonicotinonitrile

[0288] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD): δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.09-8.06 (m, 1H), 8.03-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.82-7.75 (m, 3H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.73-2.69 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.47 (m, 2H), 0.98 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.15FN.sub.2O.sub.2: found 333.05 (M−H).

##STR00188##

Example 111—2-((5-fluoro-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0289] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.12-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.06-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.19 (dd, J=2.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 2.64-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 1.49-1.43 (m, 2H), 0.95 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.18FNO.sub.2: found 324.20 (M+H).

##STR00189##

Example 112—6-((1,4-dioxo-3-propyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile

[0290] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.16-8.11 (m, 1H), 8.10-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.74-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.62 (dd, J=4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.78-2.74 (m, 2H), 1.54-1.48 (m, 2H), 1.04 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.15FN.sub.2O.sub.2: found 335.15 (M+H).

##STR00190##

Example 113—2-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0291] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.08 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 2.75-2.71 (m, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.48-1.42 (m, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.18FNO.sub.2: found 324.20 (M+H).

##STR00191##

Example 114—6-((1,4-dioxo-3-propyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0292] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.11-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.74-7.68 (m, 3H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.79-2.75 (m, 2H), 1.57-1.51 (m, 2H), 1.04 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.15F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 385.10 (M+H).

##STR00192##

Example 115—2-((5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0293] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.69 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 2.74-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.44 (q, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 0.97 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.19NO.sub.2: found 306.20 (M+H).

##STR00193##

Example 116—2-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0294] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.31 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.28 (m, 2H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.73 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.16FNO.sub.2: found 310.20 (M+H).

##STR00194##

Example 117—2-((3,5-difluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0295] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.13 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.11-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.18 (td, J=8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.64 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.96 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.15F.sub.2NO.sub.2: found 328.10 (M+H).

##STR00195##

Example 118—2-((5-fluoro-6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0296] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.08-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.02-7.01 (m, 1H), 4.15 (s, 2H), 2.74 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 1.48-1.42 (m, 2H), 0.99 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.18FNO.sub.2: found 324.20 (M+H).

##STR00196##

Example 119—2-((5-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-propylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0297] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.76-2.73 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.46 (m, 2H), 1.03-0.99 (m, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.15F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 378.05 (M+H).

##STR00197##

Example 120—2-cyclopropyl-3-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0298] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.07 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.99-1.91 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.26 (m, 2H), 1.04-0.99 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.16FNO.sub.2: found 322.20 (M+H).

##STR00198##

Example 121—2-((5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-(2-(oxetan-3-yl)ethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0299] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.30-8.29 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.26 (m, 2H), 4.82-4.78 (m, 2H), 4.44-4.41 (m, 2H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 3.06-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.73-2.69 (m, 2H) and 1.88-1.83 (m, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.21H.sub.18FNO.sub.3: found 352.15 (M+H).

##STR00199##

Example 122—2-((5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-(2-(oxetan-3-yl)ethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0300] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.28 (m, 1H), 8.09-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.79-4.76 (m, 2H), 4.42-4.39 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.15 (s, 2H), 3.04-3.01 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.67 (m, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H) and 1.85-1.79 (m, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.22H.sub.21NO.sub.3: found 348.20 (M+H).

Example 123—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile

[0301] ##STR00200##

Step 1—2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (29)

[0302] ##STR00201##

[0303] To a solution of 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (21) (500 mg, 11.63 mmol, 1.0 eq) in EtOAc (5 mL) was added a solution of Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.4 (763 mg, 4.38 mmol, 3.0 eq) in H.sub.2O (5 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h. The reaction was monitored by TLC until completion. The mixture was washed with water and extracted with EA (3×30 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (29)(460 mg, 91%) as a yellow oil. This material was used directly in the next step.

Step 2—5-bromo-2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (30)

[0304] ##STR00202##

[0305] To a solution of 2-((5-bromopyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (29) (460 mg, 1.16 mmol, 1.0 eq) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (641 mg, 4.64 mmol, 4.0 eq) in acetone (5 mL) was added dimethyl sulfate (366 mg, 2.90 mmol, 2.5 eq) under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. Upon completion, the mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with EA (3×30 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to give 5-bromo-2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (30) (330 mg, 76%) as a yellow oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.59 (d, 1H), 8.08 (m, 2H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.51 (m, 2H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

Step 3—6-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile (31)

[0306] ##STR00203##

[0307] To a solution of 5-bromo-2-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)pyridine (30) (230 mg, 0.620 mmol, 1.0 eq) and CuI (59 mg, 0.311 mmol, 0.5 eq) in DMF (5 mL) was added K.sub.4Fe(CN).sub.6 (262 mg, 0.620 mmol, 1.0 eq) under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at 140° C. for 16 h. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed disappearance of starting material. Then the mixture was filtered through a pad of celite and the filtrate was diluted with water and extracted with EA. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to afford 6-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile (31) (100 mg, 50%) as a yellow oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.81 (d, 1H), 8.08 (m, 2H), 7.77 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

Step 4—6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile (Example 123)

[0308] ##STR00204##

[0309] To a solution of 6-((1,4-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile (31) (120 mg, 0.377 mmol, 1.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (2 mL/1 mL) was added a solution of CAN (620 mg, 1.13 mmol, 3.0 eq) in H.sub.2O at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed full conversion to the desired product. Then the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-TLC to afford compound 6-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinonitrile (Example 123) (26 mg, 24%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.07-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.86 (dd, J=2.0, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t, J=3.8 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 2.3013 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 288.95 (M+H).

Example 124—2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione Scheme 8

[0310] ##STR00205##

Step 1—2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (32)

[0311] ##STR00206##

[0312] To a solution of 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 25) (100 mg, 0.315 mmol, 1.0 eq) in MeOH (15 mL) was added H.sub.2SO.sub.4 (1 mL) and Fe.sub.2(SO).sub.3 (252 mg, 0.63 mmol, 2.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at reflux for 1 h. The reaction was monitored by LCMS. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice water (20 mL), and extracted with EA (2×5 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine. The mixture was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by Prep-TLC (PE:EA=6:1) to give 2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (32)(25 mg, 23%) as a brown oil.

Step 2—2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 124)

[0313] ##STR00207##

[0314] A mixture of 2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (32) (360 mg, 0.07 mmol, 1.0 eq), HOAc (42 mg, 0.7 mmol, 10.0 eq), AgNO.sub.3 (12 mg, 0.07 mmol, 1.0 eq) and (NH.sub.4).sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.8 (32 mg, 0.14 mmol, 2.0 eq) in ACN/H.sub.2O (1 mL/0.5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 10 min in the microwave under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was monitored by LCMS. Then the mixture was quenched with H.sub.2O and extracted with EA (3×5 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine. The residue was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by Prep-TLC (PE/EA, 8:1) to give 2-(methoxy(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 124) (10 mg, 40%) as a brown oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (s, 1H), 3.54 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 362.05 (M+H).

Example 125—2-hydroxy-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0315] ##STR00208##

[0316] To a solution of 2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 25) (300 mg, 0.95 mmol, 1.0 eq) in EtOH (2 mL) was added Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 (13 mg, 0.17 mmol, 0.13 eq) in H.sub.2O (0.2 mL). The mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h until complete by TLC. Then the mixture was diluted with aq. Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.3, and extracted with EA (3×2 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na.sub.2SO.sub.4) and concentrated in vacuo. To this residue was added H.sub.2SO.sub.4 (1 mL). This mixture was stirred at rt for 1 h. Then the mixture was poured into ice water and diluted with NaHCO.sub.3 to pH 7. This solution was extracted with EA (3×2 mL) and the layers separated. The organic layer was washed with brine. The organics were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by Prep-TLC (PE:EA, 1:1) to provide 2-hydroxy-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 125) (40 mg, 13%) as a yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.95 (m, 3H), 7.85-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.17H.sub.10F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 334.10 (M+H).

Example 126—6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinamide

[0317] ##STR00209##

[0318] A mixture of 6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.sub.3)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (Example 76) (200 mg, 0.51 mmol, 1.0 eq) was suspended in concentrated sulfuric acid (3 mL), warmed to 50° C. and stirred for 5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and, extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layer was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford 6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.sub.3)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinamide (Example 126) (50 mg, 24%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.19-8.17 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.76-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.65-7.63 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H) and 4.19 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.8D.sub.3F.sub.5N.sub.2O.sub.3: found 414.05 (M+H).

Example 127—6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.SUB.3.)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinic acid

[0319] ##STR00210##

[0320] 6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.sub.3)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinamide (Example 126) (300 mg, 0.73 mmol, 1.0 eq) was suspended in sulfuric acid/water (8 mL/8 mL), warmed to 130° C. and stirred for 4 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layer was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to afford 6-((5,8-difluoro-3-(methyl-d.sub.3)-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinic acid (Example 127) (50 mg, 37%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6): δ 8.22-8.20 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.64 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H) and 4.21 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.7D.sub.3F.sub.5NO.sub.4: found 415.20 (M+H).

Example 128—5,6-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0321] ##STR00211##

Step 1—1-(2,3-difluorophenyl)cyclobutan-1-ol (35)

[0322] ##STR00212##

[0323] To the mixture of 1-bromo-2,3-difluorobenzene (33) (3.5 g, 18.13 mmol, 1.0 eq) in diethyl ether (20 mL) was added n-Butyllithium (8.7 mL, 21.76 mmol, 1.2 eq) dropwise at −78° C. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 0.5 h. Cyclobutanone (34)(1.52 g, 21.76 mmol, 1.2 eq) was then added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed full conversion to the desired product. Then the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride. The solution was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether:ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 1-(2,3-difluorophenyl)cyclobutan-1-ol (35) (1.1 g, 33%).

Step 2—7,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (36)

[0324] ##STR00213##

[0325] 1-(2,3-difluorophenyl)cyclobutan-1-ol (35) (1.1 mg, 5.98 mmol, 1.0 eq) and silver nitrate (203 mg, 1.2 mmol, 0.2 eq) were dissolved in dichloromethane (10 mL) and stirred at room temperature. Potassium persulfate (4.84 g, 17.9 mmol, 3.0 eq) in water (10 mL) was then added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Then the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 7,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (36) (700 mg, 64%).

Step 3—7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (37)

[0326] ##STR00214##

[0327] A mixture of 7,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (36) (600 mg, 3.66 mmol, 1.0 eq) and 5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (10) (704 mg, 4.02 mmol, 1.1 eq) in ethanol (20 mL) was cooled to 0° C. Potassium hydroxide (410 mg, 7.32 mmol, 2.0 eq) was then added and the solution was warmed to room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h under nitrogen atmosphere. Upon completion, the mixture was diluted with water, and extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol(37) (500 mg, 40%).

Step 4—7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (38)

[0328] ##STR00215##

[0329] To the mixture of 7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol(37) (500 mg, 1.47 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (8 mL/4 mL) was added (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (950 mg, 2.95 mmol, 2.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Then the mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (38) (333 mg, 64%).

Step 5—5,6-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 128)

[0330] ##STR00216##

[0331] To a mixture of 7,8-difluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione(38)(170 mg, 0.48 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (3 mL/1.5 mL) was added acetic acid (58 mg, 0.96 mmol, 2.0 eq), ammonium persulfate (219 mg, 0.96 mmol, 2.0 eq) and silver nitrate (81.6 mg, 0.48 mmol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. in a microwave for 10 min. Then the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to afford 5,6-difluoro-2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 128) (40 mg, 23%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.83-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 4.22 (s, 2H) and 2.29 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.10F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 368.05 (M+H).

[0332] The following compound was made in a similar manner to Example 128:

##STR00217##

Example 129—5-chloro-3-ethyl-8-fluoro-2-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0333] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) δ 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (dd, J=8.8, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J=9.7 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.69 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.03 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) δ −63.92, −114.89. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12ClF.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 398.2 (M+H).

Intermediate 1—5,7,8-trifluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one

[0334] ##STR00218##

Step 1—ethyl 4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoate (41)

[0335] ##STR00219##

[0336] 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl (Cphos) (0.45 g, 0.04 eq., 1.04 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (0.12 g, 0.02 eq., 0.53 mmol), and 1-bromo-2,4,5-trifluorobenzene (39, 5.3 g, 1 eq. 25.1 mmol) were weighed into an oven dried 250 mL round bottom flask fitted with a stir bar, septum, and nitrogen bubbler. Anhydrous THF (100 mL) was added and a clear ruby solution was obtained. This solution was cooled in an ice/water bath. To this solution was added 50 mL of a 0.56 M solution of (4-methoxy-2-methyl-4-oxobutyl)zinc bromide (40) in THF over 60 min via syringe pump. The ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture warmed to room temperature to stir overnight [18 h]. The reaction was quenched with 100 mL of 20 wt % NH.sub.4Cl in water. 50 mL of MTBE was added and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was back extracted with 100 mL of MTBE. The combined organic phases were washed with 200 mL of brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on a 220 g Isco Gold™ silica gel column eluted a 0.fwdarw.75% CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/heptane gradient to obtain 2.9 g of ethyl 4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoate (41) as a colorless liquid (45% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.03-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.91-6.84 (m, 1H), 4.13 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.91 (quintet, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

Step 2—5,7,8-trifluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (Intermediate 1)

[0337] ##STR00220##

[0338] Ethyl 4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoate (41) (2.9 g, 1 eq., 11.78 mmol) was weighed into a 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with a stir bar and cap. To this was added 25 mL of 1,2-dimethoxyethane. A clear colorless solution was obtained. Lithium hydroxide (13 mL of 2.0 M) was added. The resulting cloudy colorless solution was warmed to 50° C. and stirred for 5 h. Upon reaction completion, 60 mL of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid was added and the solution was extracted with 2×100 mL of MTBE. The organic phase was washed with 2×100 mL of brine, dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to obtain 2.45 g of the product as a clear pale yellow liquid. This material was used directly in the next step without further purification.

[0339] To a 20 mL scintillation vial containing 2.44 g crude product was added 10 mL dry DCE. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature until the material dissolved. The solution was then cooled in an ice bath. Oxalyl chloride (2.13 g, 1.5 eq., 16.78 mmol) was added dropwise over 5 min and reaction was stirred at 4° C. for an additional 20 min. The reaction mixture was then warmed to room temperature and stirred for an additional 2 hours. Aluminum trichloride (0.5 eq.) was added in one portion at room temperature. The reaction mixture was warmed to 85° C. and stirred for 6 hours. Then another 0.6 eq of aluminum trichloride was added in one portion. The resulting suspension was stirred at 85° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a plug of celite and silica eluting with 300 mL ethyl acetate. The filtrate was washed with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL each). The aqueous layer was back extracted 4 times with 100 mL EA each. The combined organics were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated to obtain a dark brown solid residue. This was purified by automated column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 0-20% ethyl acetate/heptane to obtain 1.65 g solid (62% yield over two steps) of 5,7,8-trifluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (Intermediate 1). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.14-7.08 (m, 1H), 2.90 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.13 (quintet, J=6.4 Hz, 2H).

Example 130—6-((5,7,8-trifluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile

[0340] ##STR00221##

[0341] 6-((5,7,8-trifluoro-3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)picolinonitrile (Example 130) was prepared as described in Example 70, using Intermediate 1 instead of 6-fluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.033 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.26 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 2H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.8F.sub.6N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 409.20 (M−H).

Example 131—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-diol Scheme 14

Step 1—2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-diol (Example 131)

[0342] ##STR00222##

[0343] A solution comprising 2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 1) (1.0 eq) and Pd/C (10% w/w) in THF (0.5 M) was stirred at 25° C. for 16 h under H.sub.2. The reaction was monitored by LCMS until completion. The reaction was filtered through a plug of silica gel and concentrated under vacuum to give 2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-diol (Example 131). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) δ 8.91 (s, 1H), 8.85 (s, 1H), 8.37 (s, 1H), 8.11 (td, J=7.0, 3.9 Hz, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=8.3, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dq, J=5.9, 3.3, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 333.31 (M+H).

Example 132—6-((3-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile

[0344] ##STR00223##

Step 1—3-fluoro-6-vinylpicolinonitrile (44)

[0345] ##STR00224##

[0346] To the mixture of 6-chloro-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (42)(4.8 g, 30.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) in isopropyl alcohol (50 mL) was added vinyl potassium trifluoroborate (43) (4.9 g, 36.7 mmol, 1.2 eq), DIEA (3.9 g, 30.6 mmol, 1.0 eq) and Pd(dppf)Cl.sub.2 (756 mg, 0.92 mmol, 0.03 eq). The reaction mixture was warmed to 80° C. and stirred for 4 h under nitrogen. Upon reaction completion, the reaction mixture was diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL×3). The organic layer was washed with sat. NaCl aq. (50 mL×2) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The suspension was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 95:5) to afford 3-fluoro-6-vinylpicolinonitrile (44)(3.7 g, 76%) as white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.63-7.47 (m, 2H), 6.77 (dd, J=17.2, 10.8 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (d, J=17.2 Hz, 1H), 5.60 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H).

Step 2—3-fluoro-6-formylpicolinonitrile (45)

[0347] ##STR00225##

[0348] Ozone was bubbled into a solution of 3-fluoro-6-vinylpicolinonitrile (44)(3.8 g, 25.7 mmol, 1.0 eq) in methanol (50 mL) at −78° C. for 0.5 h. Excess 03 was then purged by using N.sub.2 and the resulting solution was warmed to 0° C. Me.sub.2S (4 mL) was added dropwise. Then the mixture was diluted with water (40 mL) and extracted with dichloromethane (40 mL×3). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (40 mL×2) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The suspension was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford 3-fluoro-6-formylpicolinonitrile (45)(3.4 g, 88%) as colorless oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 9.99 (s, 1H), 8.31-8.18 (m, 1H), 7.80 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H).

Step 3—(E)-6-((5,8-difluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (47)

[0349] ##STR00226##

[0350] 5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (46)(2.0 g, 11.0 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (30 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Sodium hydride (1.1 g, 27.5 mmol, 2.5 eq) was then added portionwise at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 0.5 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Then a solution of aldehyde 45 (2.5 g, 16.5 mmol, 1.5 eq) was added at the same temperature. Then the mixture was warmed to 60° C. and stirred for another 2 h. The reaction ran to completion and was cooled to 0° C. It was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 94:6) to afford (E)-6-((5,8-difluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (47)(700 mg, 20%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.74-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.02 (td, J=9.6, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 3.53 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.97 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

Step 4—6-((5,8-difluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (48)

[0351] ##STR00227##

[0352] To a solution of (E)-6-((5,8-difluoro-1-oxo-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-ylidene)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (47)(400 mg, 1.27 mmol, 1.0 eq) in ethylene glycol (15 mL) was added rhodium chloride trihydrate (20 mg). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. in a microwave reactor for 30 min. Then the mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The suspension was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. This was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 92:8) to afford 6-((5,8-difluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (48) (200 mg, 50%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ=7.60-7.58 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.49 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.021-6.98 (m, 2H), 4.32 (s, 2H).

Step 5—6-((5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (49)

[0353] ##STR00228##

[0354] 6-((5,8-difluoro-1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (48)(350 mg, 1.11 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in acetonitrile/water (10 mL/5 mL) and cooled to 0° C. (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (718 mg, 2.23 mmol, 2.0 eq) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. Then the mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The suspension was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford 6-((5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (49)(300 mg, 82%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ=7.65-7.62 (q, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.55 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.41 (m, 2H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H).

Step 6—6-((3-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile

[0355] ##STR00229##

[0356] 6-((5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (49)(300 mg, 0.91 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in acetonitrile/water (10 mL/5 mL). Propionic acid (135 mg, 1.83 mmol, 2.0 eq), ammonium persulfate (417 mg, 1.83 mmol, 2.0 eq) and silver nitrate (155 mg, 0.91 mmol, 1.0 eq) were then added. The resulting mixture was stirred at 80° C. in a microwave reactor for 10 min. Then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and water. The combined organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by prep-HPLC to afford 6-((3-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-3-fluoropicolinonitrile (Example 132)(160 mg, 49%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.74-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.30 (m, 2H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 2.79 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.15 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11F.sub.3N.sub.2O.sub.2: found 357.2 (M+H).

[0357] The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Example 132:

##STR00230##

Example 133—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0358] .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.18 (m, 3H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 3.30 (t, J=10.8 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.07 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 396.3 (M+H).

##STR00231##

Example 134—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0359] Example 134 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.38 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.75 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.10 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 412.3 (M+H).

##STR00232##

Example 135—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0360] Example 135 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): (8.14 (s, 1H), 7.38-7.34 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.11 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (s, 2H), 2.74 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.07 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H) MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.1 (M+H).

##STR00233##

Example 136—2-((5-(difluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-ethyl-5,8-difluoronaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0361] Example 136 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 3H), 6.64 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.75 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.13F.sub.4NO.sub.2: found 364.3 (M+H).

##STR00234##

Example 137—2-((5-(1,1-difluoroethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0362] Example 137 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.68 (s, 3H), 7.32 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.89 (t, J=18.4 Hz, 3H), 1.08 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.17F.sub.2NO.sub.2: found 342.4 (M+H).

##STR00235##

Example 138—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethoxy)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0363] Example 138 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.37 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 2.79 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 398.3 (M+H).

##STR00236##

Example 139—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0364] Example 139 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.77 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (s, 2H), 7.23 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 2.80 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 1.15 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −62.16, −116.15. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 396.2 (M+H).

##STR00237##

Example 140—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-fluoro-6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0365] Example 140 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.36 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 1.09 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −116.29, −128.60. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 346.2 (M+H).

##STR00238##

Example 141—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((5-(perfluoroethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0366] Example 141 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.65 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.11 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −84.95, −116.00. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.12F.sub.7NO.sub.2: found 432.1 (M+H).

##STR00239##

Example 142—2-ethyl-5,7-difluoro-3-((5-(trifluoromethoxy)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0367] Example 142 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.37 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 2.80 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.11 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −58.30, −97.59, −106.66. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 398.2 (M+H).

##STR00240##

Example 143—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((3-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0368] Example 143 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.39 (m, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 2.65 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.10 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ −62.48, −116.31. MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 396.2 (M+H).

##STR00241##

Example 144—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0369] Example 144 was prepared in a similar manner to Example 26 (Scheme 3). The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 7.93 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (m, 3H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 2.77 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.15 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ −60.73, −68.578, −117.16. MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.11F.sub.6NO.sub.2: found 400.0 (M+H).

Example 145—2-((5-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

[0370] ##STR00242##

[0371] To the mixture of 5-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (50)(prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45)(0.30 g, 1.7 mmol, 1.0 eq) in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was added 2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (0.35 g, 1.7 mmol, 1.0 eq) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.33 g, 1.7 mmol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was degassed with nitrogen three times, warmed to 80° C. and stirred for 16 h. LCMS analysis of the reaction mixture showed full conversion to the desired product. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with ethanol (2 mL). The precipitated solid was filtered. The filter cake was dried under reduced pressure to afford 2-((5-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)-3-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 145)(269.1 mg, 43%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.07 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.14F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 362.3 (M+H).

Intermediate 2—2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-diol

[0372] ##STR00243##

Step 1—2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (52)

[0373] ##STR00244##

[0374] Naphthoquinone (51)(10.0 g, 63.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in acetonitrile/water (100 mL/50 mL). To this solution was added propionic acid (12)(4.68 g, 63.3 mmol, 1.0 eq), ammonium persulfate (28.1 g, 126.6 mmol, 2.0 eq) and silver nitrate (10.7, 63.3 mmol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 1 h. Then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL×2). The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (52)(5.0 g, 45%) as yellow solid.

Step 2—2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (Intermediate 2)

[0375] ##STR00245##

[0376] To a solution of Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.4 (11.7 g, 67.2 mol, 2.5 eq) in H.sub.2O/EA (50 mL/50 mL) was added 2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione (52)(5.0 g, 26.9 mol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC until the starting material disappeared. Then the mixture was filtered and extracted with EA (50 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL). The residue was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude 2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (Intermediate 2). This material was triturated with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (15/1). The solid was collected and dried under reduced pressure to afford 2-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-diol (Intermediate 2)(3.5 g, 70%) as grey solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ 9.33 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J=28.8, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (dt, J=26.8, 7.2 Hz, 2H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 2.65 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H).

[0377] The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to Example 145:

##STR00246##

Example 146—2-ethyl-3-((5-fluoro-4-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0378] Example 146 was prepared from Intermediate 2. The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.72-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.07 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (s, 2H), 2.76 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.05 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.16FNO.sub.2: found 310.1 (M+H).

##STR00247##

Example 147—2-ethyl-3-((5-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)141yridine-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0379] Example 147 was prepared from Intermediate 2. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.09-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.68 (t, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (s, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.77 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.09 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.16F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 376.2 (M+H).

##STR00248##

Example 148—2-ethyl-3-((5-(perfluoroethyl)142yridine-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0380] Example 148 was prepared from Intermediate 2. The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, d.sub.6-DMSO) δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.09-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.86-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 2.60 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.91 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H) MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.2: found 396.4 (M+H).

##STR00249##

Example 149—2-ethyl-3-((5-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0381] Example 149 was prepared from Intermediate 2. The aldehyde coupling partner was prepared as described in Scheme 15, compound 45. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) δ 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.15-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.79 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 1.10 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.16F.sub.3NO.sub.2: found 360.4 (M+H).

Example 150—2-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide

[0382] ##STR00250##

[0383] 2-methyl-3-((5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 1)(300 mg, 0.9 mmol, 1 eq.) was dissolved in methylene chloride (5 mL, 0.2 M) and cooled in an ice bath over 5 minutes. meta-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (345 mg, 1.5 mmol, 1.7 eq.) was added in one portion. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature over 1 hour and then stirred at ambient temperature for a total of 24 hours. The homogeneous solution remained clear pale yellow throughout. The reaction solution was partitioned between water (75 mL) and ethyl acetate (75 mL) and extracted three times. The organic layers were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified over flash chromatography (ethyl acetate/heptane gradient from 0-60%, on 24 g silica cartridge; product elutes at 60%) and 2-((3-methyl-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide (Example 150) was isolated as a pale yellow solid (286 mg, 90% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.43 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.18H.sub.12F.sub.3NO.sub.3: found 348 (M+H).

[0384] The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to Example 150:

##STR00251##

Example 151—2-((3-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide

[0385] .sup.1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 8.478 (s, 1H), 7.476-7.373 (m, 4H), 4.217 (s, 2H), 2.782 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H), 1.116 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H). .sup.19F NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): δ 63.181 (s, 3F), 115 (s, 2F). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 398.2 (M+H).

Example 152—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione and

Example 153—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

[0386] ##STR00252## ##STR00253##

Step 1—2-(methoxycarbonyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide (54)

[0387] ##STR00254##

[0388] To the mixture of 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide (53) (10.0 g, 48.8 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dichloromethane (500 mL) was added urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP)(16.0 g, 170.7 mmol, 3.5 eq). The resulting mixture was cooled to 0° C. Then trifluoroacetic anhydride (25.6 g, 122 mmol, 2.5 eq) was added dropwise into the mixture at 0° C. over 1 h. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and quenched via addition of saturated sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The resulting suspension was filtered and the filter cake was washed with 100 mL dichloromethane, 200 mL water, and dried under reduced pressure to afford 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide (54)(9.8 g, 91%) as white solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 8.44 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H).

Step 2—methyl 6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (55)

[0389] ##STR00255##

[0390] 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine 1-oxide (54)(9.8 g, 44.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in N,N-Dimethylformamide (200 mL) and cooled to 0° C. To this solution was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (46.6 g, 222 mmol, 5.0 eq) dropwise at 0° C. over 0.5 h. The mixture was warmed to 60° C. and stirred for 16 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Upon completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. NaCl a.q. (150 mL×3), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. This was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford methyl 6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (55)(6.6 g, 67%) as white solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.88 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 4.00 (s, 3H).

Step 3—methyl 6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (56)

[0391] ##STR00256##

[0392] To the mixture of methyl 6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (55)(4.0 g, 18.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in trichloromethane (200 mL) was added iodomethane (2.57 g, 54.3 mmol, 3.0 eq) and silver carbonate (6.0 g, 21.7 mmol, 1.2 eq). The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 16 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Upon reaction completion, the suspension was filtered and the filter cake was washed with 20 mL dichloromethane. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 96:4) to afford methyl 6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (56)(3.7 g, 85%) as white solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.98 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 4.11 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 3H).

Step 4—(6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (57)

[0393] ##STR00257##

[0394] Methyl 6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinate (56)(4.2 g, 17.9 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in methanol (40 mL) and cooled to 0° C. LiBH.sub.4 (793 mg, 35.7 mmol, 2.0 eq) was added portionwise at 0° C. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled back to 0° C. and diluted with water (30 mL). This mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq.NaCl (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 94:6) to afford (6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (57) (3.4 g, 92%) as colorless oil. .sup.1H NMR (CD.sub.3OD, 400 MHz): δ=7.93 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.17 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H).

Step 5—6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (58)

[0395] ##STR00258##

[0396] To the mixture of (6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (57)(3.4 g, 16.4 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dichloromethane (30 mL) was added Dess Martin periodinane (8.36 g, 19.7 mmol, 1.2 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Upon completion, the reaction mixture was filtered. The filtrate was diluted with water (30 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 96:4) to afford 6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (58)(2.7 g, 74%) as white solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ=9.98 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 4.13 (s, 3H).

Step 6—5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (59)

[0397] ##STR00259##

[0398] Methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinaldehyde (58)(2.7 g, 13.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) and 5,8-difluoro-tetralone (46)(2.4 g, 13.2 mmol, 1.0 eq) were dissolved in ethanol (40 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Potassium hydroxide (1.48 g, 26.3 mmol, 2.0 eq) in ethanol (10 mL) was added dropwise at 0° C. The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Then the mixture was warmed to 65° C. and stirred for another 2 h. Upon reaction completion, the mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water (30 mL), and extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 95:5) to afford 5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (59)(1.8 g, 37%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ=9.40 (s, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=8.4, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=8.8, 1H), 7.00-6.92 (m, 3H), 4.21 (s, 2H), 4.09 (s, 3H).

Step 7—5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (60)

[0399] ##STR00260##

[0400] To the mixture of 5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalen-1-ol (59)(1.8 g, 4.88 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (20 mL/10 mL) was added (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (3.1 g, 9.76 mmol, 2.0 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. It was then diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 90:10) to afford 5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (60)(1.8 g, 96%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ=7.78 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 7.48-7.38 (m, 2H), 6.96 (d, J=7.6, 1H), 6.79 (s, 1H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H).

Step 8—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 152)

[0401] ##STR00261##

[0402] The mixture of 5,8-difluoro-2-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (60)(500 mg, 1.3 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile/water (10 mL/5 mL) was added propionic acid (12)(193 mg, 2.6 mmol, 2.0 eq), ammonium persulfate (595 mg, 2.6 mmol, 2.0 eq) and silver nitrate (222 mg, 2.6 mmol, 1.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. in the microwave for 10 min. Then the mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was washed with sat. aq. NaCl (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 92:8) to afford 2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 152) (300 mg, 56%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ 7.74 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.30 (m, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.09 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.82 (6, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.13 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.20H.sub.14F.sub.5NO.sub.3: found 412.0 (M+H).

Step 9—2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 153)

[0403] ##STR00262##

[0404] To the mixture of 2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 152)(411 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 eq) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was added trimethyl chlorosilane (436 mg, 4.0 mmol, 4.0 eq) and potassium iodide (332 mg, 2.0 mmol, 2.0 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h under a nitrogen atmosphere. Then the mixture was warmed to 65° C. for and stirred for 2 h. Upon reaction completion, the solution was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (20 mL×2). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (petroleum ether: ethyl acetate, 85:15) to afford 2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3-((6-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)methyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (Example 153) (130 mg, 33%) as yellow solid. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): δ 7.72 (m, 3H), 6.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 2.48 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.96 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H). MS (m/z) for C.sub.19H.sub.12F.sub.5N.sub.03: found 398.3 (M+H).

Example 154. Biological Data

Example 154A. Cell Rescue in Oxidative Stress Models

[0405] In neuronal cells excess extracellular glutamate inhibits the cystine/glutamate antiporter leading to intracellular cysteine depletion, GSH depletion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death, a phenomenon termed oxidative glutamate toxicity, oxytosis, or ferroptosis. Ferroptosis has been shown to lead to neurodegeneration. Q7 cells (ST HDH Q7/7; immortalized mouse striatal cells) challenged with cystine-free media or the selective, irreversible GPX4 inhibitor, methyl (1S,3R)-2-(2-chloroacetyl)-1-(4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate (hereafter referred to as RSL3), recapitulate this phenotype, as do normal human fibroblasts (NHF) challenged with RSL3. An initial screen was performed to identify compounds effective in rescuing Q7 and/or NHF cells from death resulting from cystine deprivation or RSL3 challenge. This method is further described in Yonezawa et al., J. Neurochem 67, 566-573 (1996), Li et al., J Neurosci., 23, 5816-5826 (2003), Yang and Stockwell, Chem Biol., 15: 234-45 (2008), and Yang et al., Cell 156, 317-331 (2014). See also Hinman A, Holst C R, Latham J C, et al. Vitamin E hydroquinone is an endogenous regulator of ferroptosis via redox control of 15-lipoxygenase. PLoS One. 2018; 13(8):e0201369. Published 2018 Aug. 15. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0201369; and Kahn-Kirby A H, Amagata A, Maeder C I, et al. Targeting ferroptosis: A novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of mitochondrial disease-related epilepsy. PLoS One. 2019; 14(3):e0214250. Published 2019 Mar. 28. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0214250.

[0406] DMEM (Catalog no. 11995-040), DMEM without Cystine (Catalog no. 21013-024), DMEM without Glucose (Catalog A1443001), PBS (Phosphate buffered saline), Penicillin-streptomycin mix, L-Glutamine, Glucose, Phenol Red, and Pyruvate were purchased from ThermoFisher Scientific (Gibco). Fetal Bovine Serum was obtained from Mediatech, Inc., or Sigma Aldrich. Mouse striatum derived ST HDH Q7/7 (Q7) and normal human skin fibroblast (NHF, product number GM21811) cells were obtained from the Coriell Institute. Methionine and Vitamin K2 were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. RSL3 was synthesized as previously described (see e.g. US Patent Publication US2010/0081654). Cell Titer Glo 2.0 was purchased from Promega. Q7 cell culture medium (Q7 growth medium) was made by combining 50 mL Fetal Bovine Serum, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 microgram/mL streptomycin; DMEM was added to make the volume up to 500 mL. Assay medium for the Cystine Deprivation assay was prepared by combining 50 mL Fetal Bovine Serum, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 microgram/mL streptomycin, 4 mM L-Glutamine, 1 mM Pyruvate and 30 mg/L Methionine; DMEM without Cystine was added to make the volume up to 500 mL. NHF cell culture medium (NHF growth medium) was made by combining 50 mL Fetal Bovine Serum, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 microgram/mL streptomycin, 2.8 mL 20% Glucose solution (final concentration 6 mM), L-glutamine (final concentration 2 mM), phenol red (final concentration 15 mg/L); DMEM without Glucose was added to make the volume up to 500 mL. Assay medium for the RSL3 challenge assay was identical to Growth medium. While not in use during the course of the experiments, these solutions were stored at 4° C. The cells were grown in 150-cm.sup.2 tissue culture-treated flasks. Every third or fourth day, the cells were sub-cultured by trypsinization and re-seeded at a cell density of 600,000 (Q7) or 300,000 (NHF) cells per flask.

[0407] Test samples were supplied in 1.5 mL glass vials. The compounds were diluted with an appropriate volume of DMSO to result in a 10 mM stock solution. Once dissolved, they were stored at −20° C.

[0408] Test samples were screened according to the following protocol:

[0409] Q7 or NHF cells were cultured routinely as described herein. For 384-well cell survival assays, cells were seeded in clear bottom, black wall 384-well tissue culture-treated polystyrene plates by re-suspending a cell suspension at a density of 50,000 cells/mL in growth medium, then dispensing 60 microliters of cell suspension per well using either an electronic multichannel pipette or a Multidrop™ Combi Reagent Dispenser (ThermoFisher Scientific), corresponding to 3,000 cells/well. The cell-containing plates were incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes followed by 5 hours at 33° C. (Q7) or 37° C. (NHF) in an atmosphere with 95% humidity and 5% CO.sub.2 to allow attachment of the cells to the culture plate.

[0410] For the Cystine Deprivation assay, 5 hours after cell seeding into the 384-well assay plate, the cell culture medium was replaced by washing 2 times with 70 microliters/well PBS (without Ca.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++) using a BioTek ELx405 plate washer. After the final aspiration, 60 microliters/well of Assay medium (without cystine) was added using the Multidrop™ Combi Reagent Dispenser. Within 45 minutes, test compounds were then added to varying final concentrations using the Tecan D300e Digital Dispenser, with subsequent back-filling with DMSO diluent to a final concentration of 0.3% (v/v). Cell plates were then incubated at 33° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO.sub.2 and 95% humidity.

[0411] For the RSL3 challenge assay, 5 hours after cell seeding into the 384-well assay plate, test compounds were added to varying final concentrations using the Tecan D300e Digital Dispenser, followed within 15 minutes by RSL3 (2 micromolar final concentration). DMSO diluent was back-filled to a final concentration of 0.3% (v/v). Cell plates were then incubated at 33° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO.sub.2 and 95% humidity.

[0412] 18 (Q7) or 48 hours (NHF) hours later, the plates were equilibrated to room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, 10 microliters/well of room temperature Cell Titer Glo 2.0 reagent was added using the Multidrop™ Combi Reagent Dispenser. After 15 minutes of incubation at room temperature, the luminescence (100 ms integration time) per well was determined using the BioTek Synergy plate reader. Data was imported into Microsoft Excel, then either analyzed using ACAS Curve Curator (John McNeil and Company) or Dotmatics Studies software suite to calculate the EC.sub.50 values for each compound using standard four-parameter curve fitting algorithms.

[0413] For the Cystine Deprivation assay, the relative viability of test compound-treated cells were calculated relative to the average cystine-deprived, DMSO-treated cell viability (defined as 0% relative viability) and the average cystine-deprived, Vitamin K2 (1 micromolar) treated cell viability (defined as 100% relative viability).

[0414] For the RSL3 challenge assay, the relative viability of test compound-treated cells were calculated relative to the average RSL3-treated, DMSO-treated cell viability (defined as 0% relative viability) and the average RSL3-treated, Vitamin K2 (1 or 3 micromolar)-treated cell viability (defined as 100% relative viability).

[0415] EC.sub.50 was the concentration corresponding to 50% relative viability. The assay performance was gauged by Z-prime calculations on each assay plate, with observed Z-prime values of >0.5.

Example 154B Assay 1. CYP450 Inhibition Assay 1

[0416] The CYP450 inhibition assay provides in vitro assessment of the inhibitory potential of the test compounds against cytochrome P450 enzymes. Selective substrates were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes (HLM) as single substrates. The substrate, protein, and incubation time for each enzyme is summarized in Table 1 below. All assays employed 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer at pH 7.4.

[0417] The assays were performed in a 96-well PCR plate in a final volume of 140 μL at 37° C. Test compounds were evaluated at seven concentrations to obtain IC.sub.50 values, with a final concentration of 0.1% DMSO in the incubation (total organic solvent at 1% in the incubation). Reactions were initiated by the addition of NADPH. After the enzyme-specific incubation time had elapsed, an aliquot from that enzyme reaction was quenched in Acetonitrile with 0.2% Formic Acid. Supernatant from the quenched reactions was diluted with an equal volume of water, prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1 Summarized Assay Conditions HLM Substrate Metabolite (mg/ Time Enzyme Substrate (μM) (Mass Transition m/z) mL) (min) CYP3A4 Midazolam 5 1′-Hydroxymidazolam 0.05 5 (341.9 .fwdarw. 324.0)

LC-MS/MS Conditions

[0418] All samples were analyzed on LC-MS/MS using an AB Sciex 6500+ instrument equipped with electrospray ionization source, coupled to a Shimadzu Nexera X2 system. Samples were separated using a Waters UPLC HSS T3, 1.8 μm column, 1×50 mm (catalog #186003535) at a flow rate of 200 μL/min. LC method consisted of mobile phases listed in Table 2. Injection volume was 2 μL.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Chromatography Solvents Solvent Composition Mobile Phase A 0.1% Formic Acid + 1 mM Ammonium Formate in Water Mobile Phase B 0.1% Formic Acid + 1 mM Ammonium Formate in (9:1) ACN:PA

Example 154B Assay 2. CYP450 Inhibition Assay 2

[0419] In an alternative experimental design, test compounds were evaluated at 5 concentrations in a 96 well assay plate. Initial combination with pooled human liver microsomes (0.05 mg protein/mL) was followed by a 5 minute incubation. Then the substrate cocktail containing 1′-Hydroxymidazolam (2.5 μM) was added. The assay plate was incubated for an additional 30 minutes before the reaction was initiated with the addition of NADPH. After 10 minutes of reaction time, the reaction was quenched and samples were analyzed in a similar manner as described above.

Example 154 Results

[0420] Results are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Cell Rescue and CYP3A4 Inhibition Assays NHF Q7 Cystine Q7 GM21811 Deprivation RSL3 RSL3 CYP3A4 CYP3A4 Synth. Survival Survival Survival IC.sub.50 (μM) IC.sub.50 (μM) Compound Ex. No. EC50* EC50* EC50* (Assay 1) (Assay 2) [00263] 1 ++++ ++++ ++++ 5.782 35.7 [00264] 2 ++++ [00265] 3 ++++ [00266] 4 ++++ [00267] 5 ++++ [00268] 6 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00269] 7 ++++ [00270] 8 ++++ [00271] 9 ++++ 37.2 [00272] 10 ++++ [00273] 11 ++++ [00274] 12 ++++ [00275] 13 ++++ [00276] 14 ++++ [00277] 15 ++++ [00278] 16 ++++ [00279] 17 ++++ [00280] 18 + [00281] 19 ++++ [00282] 20 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00283] 21 ++++ ++++ [00284] 22 ++++ [00285] 23 ++++ 22.75 12.7 [00286] 24 ++++ 20.1 [00287] 25 ++ [00288] 26 ++++ ++++ ++++ 14.2 [00289] 27 ++++ 11.9 [00290] 28 +++ 50 [00291] 29 ++++ 21.4 [00292] 30 ++++ ++++ 10.3 [00293] 31 ++++ 17.4 [00294] 32 ++++ ++++ +++ [00295] 33 ++++ ++++ +++ [00296] 34 +++ [00297] 35 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00298] 36 ++++ [00299] 37 ++++ [00300] 38 ++++ [00301] 39 ++++ 50 [00302] 40 ++++ [00303] 41 ++++ [00304] 42 ++++ ++++ [00305] 43 +++ ++ [00306] 44 ++++ ++++ [00307] 45 ++++ [00308] 46 ++++ [00309] 47 ++++ ++++ [00310] 48 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00311] 49 ++++ ++++ [00312] 50 ++++ ++++ [00313] 51 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00314] 52 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00315] 53 +++ +++ [00316] 54 ++++ ++++ [00317] 55 ++++ ++++ 3.678 [00318] 56 ++++ ++++ [00319] 57 ++++ 1.488 [00320] 58 ++++ [00321] 59 ++++ [00322] 60 ++++ ++++ [00323] 61 ++++ [00324] 62 ++++ [00325] 63 ++++ [00326] 64 ++++ [00327] 65 ++++ [00328] 66 ++++ [00329] 67 ++++ [00330] 70 ++++ ++++ 4.14 [00331] 71 ++++ ++++ [00332] 72 ++++ ++++ [00333] 73 ++++ ++++ [00334] 74 +++ ++++ [00335] 75 ++++ ++++ [00336] 76 ++++ ++++ [00337] 77 ++++ ++++ [00338] 78 ++++ [00339] 79 ++++ ++++ 2.399 [00340] 80 ++++ [00341] 81 ++++ ++++ 10.99 [00342] 82 ++++ ++++ [00343] 83 ++++ 2.727 [00344] 84 ++++ ++++ 1.559 [00345] 85 ++++ [00346] 86 ++++ ++++ 6.656 [00347] 87 ++++ ++++ [00348] 88 ++++ ++++ [00349] 89 ++++ [00350] 90 ++++ [00351] 91 ++++ [00352] 92 ++++ [00353] 93 ++++ [00354] 94 ++++ [00355] 95 ++++ [00356] 96 ++++ [00357] 97 ++++ [00358] 99 + 50 [00359] 100 +++ 50 [00360] 101 ++++ 23 [00361] 102 ++++ 8.8 [00362] 103 ++ 41.5 [00363] 104 ++++ 20.7 [00364] 105 +++ 50 [00365] 106 ++++ [00366] 107 ++++ [00367] 108 +++ [00368] 109 ++++ 15.6 [00369] 110 ++++ [00370] 111 +++ [00371] 112 ++++ [00372] 113 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00373] 114 ++++ ++++ [00374] 115 ++++ [00375] 116 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00376] 117 ++++ [00377] 118 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00378] 119 ++++ [00379] 120 ++++ ++++ ++++ [00380] 121 ++++ [00381] 122 ++++ ++++ +++ [00382] 123 ++++ 50 [00383] 124 ++++ [00384] 125 + [00385] 126 ++++ [00386] 127 +++ [00387] 128 ++++ 1.304 [00388] 130 + [00389] 131 ++++ ++++ [00390] 132 ++++ [00391] 133 ++++ [00392] 134 ++++ [00393] 135 ++++ [00394] 136 ++++ [00395] 137 ++++ [00396] 138 ++++ [00397] 139 ++++ [00398] 140 ++++ [00399] 141 ++++ [00400] 142 ++++ [00401] 145 ++++ [00402] 146 ++++ [00403] 147 ++++ [00404] 148 ++++ [00405] 149 ++++ [00406] 150 ++++ [00407] 152 ++++ [00408] 153 ++++ *++++ is ≤50 nM; +++ is >50 to 250 nM; ++ is >250 to 1000 nM; + is >1000 nM

[0421] Table 4 compares CYP3A4 IC.sub.50 for a compound of the invention with two comparison compounds, wherein the orientation of the pyridine ring is different. Comparison compound 1 is a very potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, and Comparison compound 2 is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 4 CYP3A4 Inhibition Comparison Synthetic CYP3A4 IC.sub.50 CYP3A4 IC.sub.50 Compound Example No. (μM) (Assay 1) (μM) (Assay 2) [00409] Comparison Compound 1 0.4213 [00410] Comparison Compound 2 1.068 [00411] 023 22.75 12.7

Example 155. Administration of Compounds Disclosed Herein

[0422] A compound disclosed herein is presented in a capsule containing 300 mg of compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A capsule is taken orally, once a day, preferably during breakfast or lunch. In the case of very young children, the capsule is broken and its contents are mixed with food.

[0423] Non-limiting embodiments include the following:

[0424] Embodiment 1. A compound of the formula:

##STR00412##

or the reduced form thereof,
wherein:

[0425] X and Y are C; or X is N, Y is C, and R.sub.2 is not present; or X is C, Y is N, and R.sub.5 is not present;

[0426] R.sub.1 is —C(R.sub.11)(R.sub.12)—;

[0427] R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkynyl, cyano, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, —C(O)OH, and —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14;

[0428] R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, H, or OH; where the C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl is optionally substituted with a 3-7 membered heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl;

[0429] R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, hydroxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, —NHSO.sub.2CH.sub.3, and 5-6 membered heteroaryl where the 5-6 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;

[0430] R.sub.11 and R.sub.12 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and methoxy; with the proviso that Rn and R.sub.12 are not both methoxy; and

[0431] R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 are each independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; or wherein R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic ring in which one of the carbons is optionally replaced by an additional N, and wherein the 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halo and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

[0432] Embodiment 2. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH.sub.2—.

[0433] Embodiment 3. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CD.sub.2-.

[0434] Embodiment 4. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH(CH.sub.3)—.

[0435] Embodiment 5. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein R.sub.1 is —CH(OCH.sub.3)—.

[0436] Embodiment 6. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, cyano, —C(O)OH, and —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14.

[0437] Embodiment 7. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, cyano, —C(O)OH, and —C(O)NR.sub.13R.sub.14, and the others are hydrogen.

[0438] Embodiment 8. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein R.sub.13 and R.sub.14 are each independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl.

[0439] Embodiment 9. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CHF.sub.2, —CF.sub.3, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)—NH.sub.2, —C(O)—N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), —C(O)—N(H)(CH.sub.2-cyclopropyl), —C(O)—N(H)(cyclopentyl), —C(O)—N(CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and

##STR00413##

[0440] Embodiment 10. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —CF.sub.3, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, and —CN.

[0441] Embodiment 11. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CHF.sub.2, —CF.sub.3, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, —CN, —C(O)OH, —C(O)—NH.sub.2, —C(O)—N(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), —C(O)—N(H)(CH.sub.2-cyclopropyl), —C(O)—N(H)(cyclopentyl), —C(O)—N(CH.sub.3)(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), and

##STR00414##

and the others are hydrogen.

[0442] Embodiment 12. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein zero to two of R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CF.sub.3, F, Cl, —CH.sub.3, and —CN, and the others are hydrogen.

[0443] Embodiment 13. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl.

[0444] Embodiment 14. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of methyl, —CD.sub.3, ethyl, cyclopropyl, and n-propyl.

[0445] Embodiment 15. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is unsubstituted C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkyl.

[0446] Embodiment 16. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is methyl.

[0447] Embodiment 17. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —CD.sub.3.

[0448] Embodiment 18. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is ethyl.

[0449] Embodiment 19. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is n-propyl.

[0450] Embodiment 20. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is cyclopropyl.

[0451] Embodiment 21. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl substituted with a 3-7 membered heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl.

[0452] Embodiment 22. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl substituted with a 4-6 membered saturated heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl.

[0453] Embodiment 23. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —CD.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, —CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, —CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, -cyclopropyl,

##STR00415##

—H, and OH.

[0454] Embodiment 24. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —H.

[0455] Embodiment 25. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is —OH.

[0456] Embodiment 26. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein R.sub.6 is not methyl.

[0457] Embodiment 27. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy.

[0458] Embodiment 28. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and the others are hydrogen.

[0459] Embodiment 29. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: halo, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 haloalkyl, and C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, and the others are hydrogen.

[0460] Embodiment 30. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are hydrogen.

[0461] Embodiment 31. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3.

[0462] Embodiment 32. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen and —F.

[0463] Embodiment 33. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3, and the others are hydrogen.

[0464] Embodiment 34. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein zero to three of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are —F, and the others are hydrogen.

[0465] Embodiment 35. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: —CH.sub.3, —OCH.sub.3, —F, —Cl, and —CF.sub.3, and the others are hydrogen.

[0466] Embodiment 36. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein one or two of R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, and R.sub.10 are —F, and the others are hydrogen.

[0467] Embodiment 37. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein X and Y are C.

[0468] Embodiment 38. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein X is N, Y is C, and R.sub.2 is not present.

[0469] Embodiment 39. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-36, wherein Y is N, X is C, and R.sub.5 is not present.

[0470] Embodiment 40. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00416## ##STR00417## ##STR00418## ##STR00419## ##STR00420## ##STR00421## ##STR00422## ##STR00423## ##STR00424## ##STR00425## ##STR00426## ##STR00427## ##STR00428## ##STR00429## ##STR00430## ##STR00431## ##STR00432## ##STR00433## ##STR00434## ##STR00435## ##STR00436##

and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

[0471] Embodiment 41. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00437## ##STR00438## ##STR00439## ##STR00440## ##STR00441## ##STR00442## ##STR00443## ##STR00444## ##STR00445## ##STR00446## ##STR00447## ##STR00448## ##STR00449## ##STR00450## ##STR00451## ##STR00452##

and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

[0472] Embodiment 42. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00453## ##STR00454## ##STR00455## ##STR00456## ##STR00457## ##STR00458## ##STR00459##

and OH and the reduced forms thereof; and all salts, stereoisomers, mixtures of stereoisomers, isotopologues, solvates, and/or hydrates thereof.

[0473] Embodiment 43. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-42 wherein the compound is in the oxidized (quinone) form.

[0474] Embodiment 44. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-42, wherein the compound is in the reduced (hydroquinone) form.

[0475] Embodiment 45. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-44 wherein the compound is not a salt.

[0476] Embodiment 46. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-44 wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0477] Embodiment 47. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of embodiments 1-46 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0478] Embodiment 48. A method of treating or suppressing a neurodegenerative disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of embodiments 1-46, or a pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 47, wherein when the compound is a salt, the salt is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0479] Embodiment 49. The method of embodiment 48, wherein the neurodegenerative disorder is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Juvenile Huntington's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Friedreich's Ataxia.

[0480] Embodiment 50. The method of embodiment 48 or 49, wherein the method is for treating the neurodegenerative disorder.

[0481] Embodiment 51. The method of embodiment 48 or 49, wherein the method is for suppressing the neurodegenerative disorder.

[0482] The disclosures of all publications, patents, patent applications and published patent applications referred to herein by an identifying citation are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0483] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that certain minor changes and modifications will be practiced. Therefore, the description and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.