Squaric derivatives for the treatment of hepatitis C

Abstract

Compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are set forth, in addition to compositions and methods of using these compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV. ##STR00001##

Claims

1. A compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR00064## wherein a, b and c are nitrogen; R.sup.1is selected from alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, indanyl, alkylcarbonyl, and benzyl, wherein the benzyl moiety is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyl, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; R.sup.2 is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, (Ar.sup.2)alkyl, (Ar.sup.2)cycloalkyl, ((Ar.sup.2)cycloalkyl)alkyl, ((Ar.sup.2)alkyl)cycloalkyl, and (((Ar.sup.2)alkyl)cycloalkyl)alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R.sup.5 is ##STR00065## wherein ring A is a 4 to 7 membered alkylene ring substituted with L; R.sup.6 is selected from hydrogen, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; R.sup.7 is hydroxy, alkyloxy, phenoxy, SO.sub.2R.sup.9, SO.sub.2N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), CN, alkyl, cycloalkyl, benzocycloalkyl, bicyclicalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, ((alkyl))cycloalkyl)alkyl, or bridged bicycloalkyl, and is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, benzocycloalkyl, bicyclicalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, ether, cyclicether, benzocyclicether, bicyclicether, CO.sub.2R.sup.9, NR.sup.9CO.sub.2R.sup.11, N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), CON(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), NR.sup.9CON(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, Ar.sup.3, OAr.sup.3, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, and N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.3; or R.sup.7 is hydrogen, N-alkoxycarbonylpiperidinyl, piperidinonyl, or Ar.sup.4; R.sup.8 is hydrogen, alkyl, or cycloalkyl, and alkyl or cycloalkyl is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, spiro bicyclic alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, CO.sub.2R.sup.9, N(R.sup.10) (R.sup.11), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, Ar.sup.3, OAr.sup.3, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, and N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.3; or R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.9 is hydrogen, Ar.sup.3, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ((hydroxyalkyl)alkoxy)alkoxy, or ((alkoxy)alkoxy)alkoxy; R.sup.10is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or Ar.sup.6; R.sup.11is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; or R.sup.10and R.sup.11taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.12is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; R.sup.13is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or Ar.sup.6, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R.sup.15) (R.sup.16) and alkylCO; R.sup.14is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; or R.sup.13and R.sup.14taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl, or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.15is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.16is hydrogen, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; or R.sup.15and R.sup.16taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl, or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; L is selected from the group of alkylene, cycloalkylene, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, and alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl, and is substituted with 0-1 CO.sub.2R.sup.12or CONR.sup.13R.sup.14; Ar.sup.1is phenyl or pyridyl or pyrimidinyl or pyrazolyl, substituted with 1 CON(R.sup.5)(R.sup.6) and with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; Ar.sup.2 is phenyl substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; Ar.sup.3 is phenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, fluorenyl, fluorenonyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzoisothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, indolinyl, chromenonyl, or dibenzofuranyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, Ar.sup.5, OAr.sup.5, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.5, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.5, N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.5, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone, sulfamide, and PhCONHSO.sub.2; and said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkynyl or Ar.sup.5 is further substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryoxy, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone, sulfamide, PhCONHSO.sub.2 and Ar.sup.6; or Ar.sup.3 is phenyl substituted with 1 substituent selected from benzyl, phenoxy, pyridyloxy, pyrimidyloxy, tetrazolyloxy, thiazolyl, phenylpyrazolyl, methyloxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, methyltriazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, dimethoxypyrimdinyl, indolyl, indolinyl, and isoindolinyl; Ar.sup.4 is phenyl, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, isochromanyl, benzodioxolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, or triazolyl, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), and alkylCO; Ar.sup.5 is phenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, azabenzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, azabenzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, or indolinyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, OAr.sup.6, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.6, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14 amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone and sulfamide; Ar.sup.6 is phenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, azabenzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, azabenzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, or indolinyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, ester, ketone, amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone and sulfamide.

2. A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from the group of ##STR00066## ##STR00067## ##STR00068## ##STR00069## ##STR00070## ##STR00071##

3. A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from the group of ##STR00072## ##STR00073## ##STR00074## ##STR00075## ##STR00076##

4. A composition comprising a compound of claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

5. A composition comprising a compound of claim 2, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

6. A composition comprising a compound of claim 3, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

7. A method of treating hepatitis C infection comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1 to a patient.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(1) Unless otherwise specifically set forth elsewhere in the application, these terms have the following meanings. H refers to hydrogen, including its isotopes, such as deuterium. Halo means fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo. Alkyl means a straight or branched alkyl group composed of 1 to 6 carbons. Alkenyl means a straight or branched alkyl group composed of 2 to 6 carbons with at least one double bond. Cycloalkyl means a monocyclic ring system composed of 3 to 8 carbons. Alkylene means a straight or branched divalent alkyl group. Alkenylene means a straight or branched divalent alkyl group with at least one double bond. Cycloalkylene means a divalent cycloalkane moiety composed of 3 to 7 carbons and includes gem-divalency (for example 1,1-cyclopropanediyl) as well as non-gem-divalency (for example, 1,4-cyclohexanediyl). Alkylidinyl means a divalent alkene substituent where the divalency occurs on the same carbon of the alkene. Hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy and other terms with a substituted alkyl moiety include straight and branched isomers composed of 1 to 6 carbon atoms for the alkyl moiety. Haloalkyl and haloalkoxy include all halogenated isomers from monohalo substituted alkyl to perhalo substituted alkyl. Aryl includes carbocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic substituents. Phenylene is a divalent benzene ring. 1,4-Phenylene means 1,4-benzenediyl with respect to regiochemistry for the divalent moiety. Parenthetic and multiparenthetic terms are intended to clarify bonding relationships to those skilled in the art. For example, a term such as ((R)alkyl) means an alkyl substituent further substituted with the substituent R.

(2) The substituents described above may be attached at any suitable point of attachment unless otherwise specified. However, it is understood that the compounds encompassed by the present invention are those that are chemically stable as understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, the compounds encompassed by the present disclosure are those that are suitably stable for use as a pharmaceutical agent.

(3) As set forth above, the invention includes all pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of the compounds. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those in which the counter ions do not contribute significantly to the physiological activity or toxicity of the compounds and as such function as pharmacological equivalents. These salts can be made according to common organic techniques employing commercially available reagents. Some anionic salt forms include acetate, acistrate, besylate, bromide, camsylate, chloride, citrate, fumarate, glucouronate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroiodide, iodide, lactate, maleate, mesylate, nitrate, pamoate, phosphate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, tosylate, and xinofoate. Some cationic salt forms include ammonium, aluminum, benzathine, bismuth, calcium, choline, diethylamine, diethanolamine, lithium, magnesium, meglumine, 4-phenylcyclohexylamine, piperazine, potassium, sodium, tromethamine, and zinc.

(4) Some of the compounds of the invention possess asymmetric carbon atoms (see, for example, the structures below). The invention includes all stereoisomeric forms, including enantiomers and diastereomers as well as mixtures of stereoisomers such as racemates. Some stereoisomers can be made using methods known in the art. Stereoisomeric mixtures of the compounds and related intermediates can be separated into individual isomers according to methods commonly known in the art. The use of wedges or hashes in the depictions of molecular structures in the following schemes and tables is intended only to indicate relative stereochemistry, and should not be interpreted as implying absolute stereochemical assignments.

(5) The invention is intended to include all isotopes of atoms occurring in the present compounds. Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen include deuterium and tritium. Isotopes of carbon include .sup.13C and .sup.14C. Isotopically-labeled compounds of the invention can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or by processes analogous to those described herein, using an appropriate isotopically-labeled reagent in place of the non-labeled reagent otherwise employed. Such compounds may have a variety of potential uses, for example as standards and reagents in determining biological activity. In the case of stable isotopes, such compounds may have the potential to favorably modify biological, pharmacological, or pharmacokinetic properties.

(6) As set forth above, the invention is directed to compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

(7) ##STR00004##
wherein a, b and c are nitrogen; or a and b are nitrogen, while c is CH; or b and c are nitrogen, while a is CH; or a and c are nitrogen, while b is CH; R.sup.1 is selected from alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, indanyl, alkylcarbonyl, and benzyl, wherein the benzyl moiety is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyl, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; R.sup.2 is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, (Ar.sup.2)alkyl, (Ar.sup.2)cycloalkyl, ((Ar.sup.2)cycloalkyl)alkyl, ((Ar.sup.2)alkyl)cycloalkyl, and (((Ar.sup.2)alkyl)cycloalkyl)alkyl; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R.sup.5 is

(8) ##STR00005## wherein ring A is a 4 to 7 membered alkylene ring substituted with L; R.sup.6 is selected from hydrogen, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; R.sup.7 is hydroxy, alkyloxy, phenoxy, SO.sub.2R.sup.9, SO.sub.2 N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), CN, alkyl, cycloalkyl, benzocycloalkyl, bicyclicalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, ((alkyl))cycloalkyl)alkyl, or bridged bicycloalkyl, and is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, benzocycloalkyl, bicyclicalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, ether, cyclicether, benzocyclicether, bicyclicether, CO.sub.2R.sup.9, NR.sup.9CO.sub.2R.sup.11, N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), CON(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), NR.sup.9CON(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, Ar.sup.3, OAr.sup.3, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, and N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.3; or R.sup.7 is hydrogen, N-alkoxycarbonylpiperidinyl, piperidinonyl, or Ar.sup.4; R.sup.8 is hydrogen, alkyl, or cycloalkyl, and alkyl or cycloalkyl is substituted with 0-4 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, fused bicyclic alkyl, bridged bicyclic alkyl, spiro bicyclic alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, CO.sub.2R.sup.9, N(R.sup.10)(R.sup.11), tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, Ar.sup.3, OAr.sup.3, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.3, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.3, and N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.3; or R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.9 is hydrogen, Ar.sup.3, alkyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, ((hydroxyalkyl)alkoxy)alkoxy, or ((alkoxy)alkoxy)alkoxy; R.sup.10 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or Ar.sup.6; R.sup.11 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; or R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.12 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; R.sup.13 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or Ar.sup.6, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R.sup.15)(R.sup.16), and alkylCO; R.sup.14 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or Ar.sup.6; or R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl, or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.15 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl; R.sup.16 is hydrogen, alkyl, or cycloalkyl; or R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached is azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiomorpholine 1,1-dioxide, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, indolinyl, or isoindolinyl, and is substituted with 0-2 substituents selected from alkyl, (aryl)aklyl, alkylcarbonyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; L is selected from the group of alkylene, cycloalkylene, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, (alkyl)cycloalkyl, and alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl, and is substituted with 0-1CO.sub.2R.sup.12 or CONR.sup.13R.sup.14; Ar.sup.1 is phenyl or pyridyl or pyrimidinyl or pyrazolyl, substituted with 1CON(R.sup.5)(R.sup.6), OR.sup.5, N(R.sup.5)(R.sup.6) or R.sup.5, or with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; Ar.sup.2 is phenyl substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy; Ar.sup.3 is phenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, fluorenyl, fluorenonyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzoisothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, indolinyl, chromenonyl, or dibenzofuranyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, Ar.sup.5, OAr.sup.5, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.5, N(R.sup.13)COAr.sup.5, N(R.sup.13)SO.sub.2Ar.sup.5, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone, sulfamide, and PhCONHSO.sub.2; and said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkynyl or Ar.sup.5 is further substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryoxy, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone, sulfamide, PhCONHSO.sub.2 and Ar.sup.6; or Ar.sup.3 is phenyl substituted with 1 substituent selected from benzyl, phenoxy, pyridyloxy, pyrimidyloxy, tetrazolyloxy, thiazolyl, phenylpyrazolyl, methyloxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, methyltriazolyl, tetrazolyl, pyridinyl, dimethoxypyrimdinyl, indolyl, indolinyl, and isoindolinyl; Ar.sup.4 is phenyl, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, isochromanyl, benzodioxolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, or triazolyl, and is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, alkyenyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, and haloalkoxy, N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), and alkylCO; Ar.sup.5 is phenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, azabenzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, azabenzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, or indolinyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkyl, (CO.sub.2R.sup.12)alkenyl, (CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14))alkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, OAr.sup.6, NR.sup.13Ar.sup.6, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, CO.sub.2R.sup.12, COR.sup.12, SO.sub.2R.sup.12, CON(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), SO.sub.2N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), N(R.sup.13)(R.sup.14), amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone and sulfamide; Ar.sup.6 is phenyl, naphthalenyl, furanyl, benzofuranyl, azabenzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, azabenzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, indanyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, azaquinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, azaisoquinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, azaquinoxalinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, azaquinazolinyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, azaindazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, azabenzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzoisoxazolyl, azabenzoisoxazolyl, imidazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, azabenzoimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, benzoisothiazolyl, azabenzothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, benzotriazolyl, azabenzotriazolyl, tetrazolyl, or indolinyl, and is substituted with 0-5 substituents selected from cyano, halo, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylthio, haloalkoxy, haloalkylthio, alkylcarbonyl, ester, ketone, amidine, urea, ketone, sulfone and sulfamide;

(9) More preferred compounds, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are selected from the group of

(10) ##STR00006## ##STR00007## ##STR00008## ##STR00009## ##STR00010## ##STR00011##

(11) In addition, other preferred compounds, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are selected from the group of

(12) ##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015##

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Methods of Treatment

(13) The compounds demonstrate activity against HCV NS5B and can be useful in treating HCV and HCV infection. Therefore, another aspect of the invention is a composition comprising a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

(14) Another aspect of the invention is a composition further comprising a compound having anti-HCV activity.

(15) Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is an interferon or a ribavirin. Another aspect of the invention is where the interferon is selected from interferon alpha 2B, pegylated interferon alpha, consensus interferon, interferon alpha 2A, interferon lambda, and lymphoblastoid interferon tau.

(16) Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is a cyclosporin. Another aspect of the invention is where the cyclosporin is cyclosporin A.

(17) Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is selected from the group consisting of interleukin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 12, a compound that enhances the development of a type 1 helper T cell response, interfering RNA, anti-sense RNA, Imiqimod, ribavirin, an inosine 5-monophospate dehydrogenase inhibitor, amantadine, and rimantadine.

(18) Another aspect of the invention is a composition where the compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of a target selected from HCV metalloprotease, HCV serine protease, HCV polymerase, HCV helicase, HCV NS4B protein, HCV entry, HCV assembly, HCV egress, HCV NS5A protein, IMPDH, and a nucleoside analog for the treatment of an HCV infection.

(19) Another aspect of the invention is a composition comprising a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, an interferon and ribavirin.

(20) Another aspect of the invention is a method of inhibiting the function of the HCV replicon comprising contacting the HCV replicon with a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

(21) Another aspect of the invention is a method of inhibiting the function of the HCV NS5B protein comprising contacting the HCV NS5B protein with a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

(22) Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating an HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment the compound is effective to inhibit the function of the HCV replicon. In another embodiment the compound is effective to inhibit the function of the HCV NS5B protein.

(23) Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating an HCV infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in conjunction with (prior to, after, or concurrently) another compound having anti-HCV activity.

(24) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is an interferon or a ribavirin.

(25) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the interferon is selected from interferon alpha 2B, pegylated interferon alpha, consensus interferon, interferon alpha 2A, interferon lambda, and lymphoblastoid interferon tau.

(26) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is a cyclosporin.

(27) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the cyclosporin is cyclosporin A.

(28) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is selected from interleukin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 12, a compound that enhances the development of a type 1 helper T cell response, interfering RNA, anti-sense RNA, Imiqimod, ribavirin, an inosine 5-monophospate dehydrogenase inhibitor, amantadine, and rimantadine.

(29) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of a target selected from the group consisting of HCV metalloprotease, HCV serine protease, HCV polymerase, HCV helicase, HCV NS4B protein, HCV entry, HCV assembly, HCV egress, HCV NS5A protein, IMPDH, and a nucleoside analog for the treatment of an HCV infection.

(30) Another aspect of the invention is the method where the other compound having anti-HCV activity is effective to inhibit the function of target in the HCV life cycle other than the HCV NS5B protein.

(31) Therapeutically effective means the amount of agent required to provide a meaningful patient benefit as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.

(32) Patient means a person infected with the HCV virus and suitable for therapy as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.

(33) Treatment, therapy, regimen, HCV infection, and related terms are used as understood by practitioners in the field of hepatitis and HCV infection.

(34) The compounds of this invention are generally given as pharmaceutical compositions comprised of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and may contain conventional excipients. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are those conventionally known carriers having acceptable safety profiles. Compositions encompass all common solid and liquid forms including for example capsules, tablets, lozenges, and powders as well as liquid suspensions, syrups, elixirs, and solutions. Compositions are made using common formulation techniques, and conventional excipients (such as binding and wetting agents) and vehicles (such as water and alcohols) are generally used for compositions. See, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 17th edition, 1985.

(35) Solid compositions are normally formulated in dosage units and compositions providing from about 1 to 1000 mg of the active ingredient per dose are preferred. Some examples of dosages are 1 mg, 10 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg. Generally, other agents will be present in a unit range similar to agents of that class used clinically. Typically, this is 0.25-1000 mg/unit.

(36) Liquid compositions are usually in dosage unit ranges. Generally, the liquid composition will be in a unit dosage range of about 1-100 mg/mL. Some examples of dosages are 1 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL. Generally, other agents will be present in a unit range similar to agents of that class used clinically. Typically, this is about 1-100 mg/mL.

(37) The invention encompasses all conventional modes of administration; oral and parenteral methods are preferred. Generally, the dosing regimen will be similar to other agents used clinically. Typically, the daily dose will be about 1-100 mg/kg body weight daily. Generally, more compound is required orally and less parenterally. The specific dosing regimen, however, will be determined by a physician using sound medical judgment.

(38) The invention also encompasses methods where the compound is given in combination therapy. That is, the compound can be used in conjunction with, but separately from, other agents useful in treating hepatitis and HCV infection. In these combination methods, the compound will generally be given in a daily dose of about 1-100 mg/kg body weight daily in conjunction with other agents. The other agents generally will be given in the amounts used therapeutically. The specific dosing regimen, however, will be determined by a physician using sound medical judgment.

(39) Some examples of compounds suitable for compositions and methods are listed in Table 1.

(40) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Type of Inhibitor or Brand Name Physiological Class Target Source Company NIM811 Cyclophilin Inhibitor Novartis Zadaxin Immuno-modulator Sciclone Suvus Methylene blue Bioenvision Actilon TLR9 agonist Coley (CPG10101) Batabulin (T67) Anticancer -tubulin inhibitor Tularik Inc., South San Francisco, CA ISIS 14803 Antiviral antisense ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc, Carlsbad, CA/Elan Phamaceuticals Inc., New York, NY Summetrel Antiviral antiviral Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc., Chadds Ford, PA GS-9132 (ACH- Antiviral HCV Inhibitor Achillion/Gilead 806) Pyrazolopyrimidine Antiviral HCV Inhibitors Arrow Therapeutics compounds and Ltd. salts From WO- 2005047288 26 May 2005 Levovirin Antiviral IMPDH inhibitor Ribapharm Inc., Costa Mesa, CA Merimepodib Antiviral IMPDH inhibitor Vertex (VX-497) Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA XTL-6865 (XTL- Antiviral monoclonal antibody XTL 002) Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Rehovot, Isreal Telaprevir Antiviral NS3 serine protease Vertex (VX-950, LY- inhibitor Pharmaceuticals 570310) Inc., Cambridge, MA/Eli Lilly and Co. Inc., Indianapolis, IN HCV-796 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Wyeth/Viropharma Inhibitor NM-283 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Idenix/Novartis Inhibitor GL-59728 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Gene Labs/ Inhibitor Novartis GL-60667 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Gene Labs/ Inhibitor Novartis 2C MeA Antiviral NS5B Replicase Gilead Inhibitor PSI 6130 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Roche Inhibitor R1626 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Roche Inhibitor 2C Methyl Antiviral NS5B Replicase Merck adenosine Inhibitor JTK-003 Antiviral RdRp inhibitor Japan Tobacco Inc., Tokyo, Japan Levovirin Antiviral ribavirin ICN Pharmaceuticals, Costa Mesa, CA Ribavirin Antiviral ribavirin Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ Viramidine Antiviral Ribavirin Prodrug Ribapharm Inc., Costa Mesa, CA Heptazyme Antiviral ribozyme Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boulder, CO BILN-2061 Antiviral serine protease Boehringer inhibitor Ingelheim Pharma KG, Ingelheim, Germany SCH 503034 Antiviral serine protease Schering Plough inhibitor Zadazim Immune modulator Immune modulator SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Mateo, CA Ceplene Immunomodulator immune modulator Maxim Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA CellCept Immunosuppressant HCV IgG immuno- F. Hoffmann-La suppressant Roche LTD, Basel, Switzerland Civacir Immunosuppressant HCV IgG immuno- Nabi suppressant Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Boca Raton, FL Albuferon- Interferon albumin IFN-2b Human Genome Sciences Inc., Rockville, MD Infergen A Interferon IFN InterMune alfacon-1 Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brisbane, CA Omega IFN Interferon IFN- Intarcia Therapeutics IFN- and EMZ701 Interferon IFN- and EMZ701 Transition Therapeutics Inc., Ontario, Canada Rebif Interferon IFN-1a Serono, Geneva, Switzerland Roferon A Interferon IFN-2a F. Hoffmann-La Roche LTD, Basel, Switzerland Intron A Interferon IFN-2b Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ Intron A and Interferon IFN-2b/1-thymosin RegeneRx Zadaxin Biopharma. Inc., Bethesda, MD/ SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc, San Mateo, CA Rebetron Interferon IFN-2b/ribavirin Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ Actimmune Interferon INF- InterMune Inc., Brisbane, CA Interferon- Interferon Interferon--1a Serono Multiferon Interferon Long lasting IFN Viragen/ Valentis Wellferon Interferon Lympho-blastoid IFN- GlaxoSmithKline n1 plc, Uxbridge, UK Omniferon Interferon natural IFN- Viragen Inc., Plantation, FL Pegasys Interferon PEGylated IFN-2a F. Hoffmann-La Roche LTD, Basel, Switzerland Pegasys and Interferon PEGylated IFN-2a/ Maxim Ceplene immune modulator Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA Pegasys and Interferon PEGylated IFN- F. Hoffmann-La Ribavirin 2a/ribavirin Roche LTD, Basel, Switzerland PEG-Intron Interferon PEGylated IFN-2b Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ PEG-Intron/ Interferon PEGylated IFN- Schering-Plough Ribavirin 2b/ribavirin Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ IP-501 Liver protection antifibrotic Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Lexington, MA IDN-6556 Liver protection caspase inhibitor Idun Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA ITMN-191 (R-7227) Antiviral serine protease InterMune inhibitor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brisbane, CA GL-59728 Antiviral NS5B Replicase Genelabs Inhibitor ANA-971 Antiviral TLR-7 agonist Anadys Boceprevir Antiviral serine protease Schering Plough inhibitor TMS-435 Antiviral serine protease Tibotec BVBA, inhibitor Mechelen, Belgium BI-201335 Antiviral serine protease Boehringer inhibitor Ingelheim Pharma KG, Ingelheim, Germany MK-7009 Antiviral serine protease Merck inhibitor PF-00868554 Antiviral replicase inhibitor Pfizer ANA598 Antiviral Non-Nucleoside Anadys NS5B Polymerase Pharmaceuticals, Inhibitor Inc., San Diego, CA, USA IDX375 Antiviral Non-Nucleoside Idenix Replicase Inhibitor Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA BILB 1941 Antiviral NS5B Polymerase Boehringer Inhibitor Ingelheim Canada Ltd R&D, Laval, QC, Canada PSI-7851 Antiviral Nucleoside Pharmasset, Polymerase Inhibitor Princeton, NJ, USA PSI-7977 Antiviral Nucleotide NS5B Pharmasset, Polymerase Inhibitor Princeton, NJ, USA VCH-759 Antiviral NS5B Polymerase ViroChem Pharma Inhibitor VCH-916 Antiviral NS5B Polymerase ViroChem Pharma Inhibitor GS-9190 Antiviral NS5B Polymerase Gilead Inhibitor Peg-interferon Antiviral Interferon ZymoGenetics/Bristol- lamda Myers Squibb

Synthetic Methods

(41) The compounds may be made by methods available in the art, as well as those described below and including variations within the skill of the art. Some reagents and intermediates are known in the art. Other reagents and intermediates can be made by methods known in the art using readily available materials. The variables (e.g. numbered R substituents) used to describe the synthesis of the compounds are intended only to illustrate how to make the compounds and are not to be confused with variables used in the claims or in other sections of the specification. The following methods are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

(42) Abbreviations used in the schemes generally follow conventions used in the art. Chemical abbreviations used in the specification and examples are defined as follows: NaHMDS for sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide; DMF for N,N-dimethylformamide; MeOH for methanol; NBS for N-bromosuccinimide; Ar for aryl; TFA for trifluoroacetic acid; LAH for lithium aluminum hydride; BOC, DMSO for dimethylsulfoxide; h for hours; rt for room temperature or retention time (context will dictate); min for minutes; EtOAc for ethyl acetate; THF for tetrahydrofuran; EDTA for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Et.sub.2O for diethyl ether; DMAP for 4-dimethylaminopyridine; DCE for 1,2-dichloroethane; ACN for acetonitrile; DME for 1,2-dimethoxyethane; HOBt for 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate; DIEA for diisopropylethylamine, Nf for CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.3SO.sub.2; and TMOF for trimethylorthoformate.

(43) Abbreviations are defined as follows: 1 for once, 2 for twice, 3 for thrice, C. for degrees Celsius, eq for equivalent or equivalents, g for gram or grams, mg for milligram or milligrams, L for liter or liters, mL for milliliter or milliliters, L for microliter or microliters, N for normal, M for molar, mmol for millimole or millimoles, min for minute or minutes, h for hour or hours, rt for room temperature, RT for retention time, atm for atmosphere, psi for pounds per square inch, conc. for concentrate, sat or sat'd for saturated, MW for molecular weight, mp for melting point, cc for enantiomeric excess, MS or Mass Spec for mass spectrometry, ESI for electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, HR for high resolution, HRMS for high resolution mass spectrometry, LCMS for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, HPLC for high pressure liquid chromatography, RP HPLC for reverse phase HPLC, TLC or tlc for thin layer chromatography, NMR for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, .sup.1H for proton, for delta, s for singlet, d for doublet, t for triplet, q for quartet, m for multiplet, br for broad, Hz for hertz, and , , R, S, E, and Z are stereochemical designations familiar to one skilled in the art.

Chemistry Experimental

(44) LC/MS Method (i.e., Compound Identification)

(45) All Liquid Chromatography (LC) data were recorded on a Shimadzu LC-10AS or LC-20AS liquid chromotograph using a SPD-10AV or SPD-20A UV-Vis detector and Mass Spectrometry (MS) data were determined with a Micromass Platform for LC in electrospray mode.

(46) HPLC Method (i.e., Compound Isolation)

(47) Compounds purified by preparative HPLC were diluted in methanol (1.2 mL) and purified using a Shimadzu LC-8A or LC-10A automated preparative HPLC system.

(48) Syntheses of Intermediates:

Preparation of 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoic acid

(49) ##STR00016##

(50) Step 1: To a solution of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (15 g) in THF (300 mL) was added 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (8.14 g) and Hunig'sBase (15.63 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred for 16 hours. After removal of most THF and precipitate through a plug washing with THF, the filtrate was concentrate to give a crude that will be used as it is.

(51) Step 2: To a solution of the product in Step 1 above (10 g) in THF (100 mL) was added tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate (7.79 g) and Hunig'sBase (7.04 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred for 16 h. The precipitate was filtered and washed with Et.sub.2O, dried, then washed with water and dried to give 10.6 g of tert-butyl 4-(4-chloro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate as a solid.

(52) TABLE-US-00002 tert-butyl 4-(4-chloro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)- 1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 405.1 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 405.0 LC Condition Solvent A 100% Water-0.1% TFA Solvent B 100% ACN-0.1% TFA Start % B 2 Final % B 98 Gradient Time 1.6 min Stop Time 1.8 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN-H.sub.20-0.1% TFA Column Aquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 um

(53) Step 3: To a slurry of tert-butyl 4-(4-chloro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate (3.6 g) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropanamine (1.49 g) in THF (50 mL) was stirred for 5 hours at 80 C. The precipitate was filtrated through a plug washing with THF to give a crude product that was purified by Biotage eluting with 4/1-hexane/ethyl acetate to give 1.8 g of tert-butyl 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate as a solid.

(54) TABLE-US-00003 tert-butyl 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 536.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 536.0 LC Condition Solvent A 100% Water-0.1% TFA Solvent B 100% ACN-0.1% TFA Start % B 2 Final % B 98 Gradient Time 1.6 min Stop Time 1.8 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN-H.sub.20-0.1% TFA Column Aquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 um

(55) Step 4: A solution of above tert-butyl 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoate (4 g) and HCl in dioxane (7.46 ml, 4M) was stirred for 4 hours. Concentration gave 3.58 g of 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoic acid as a solid.

(56) TABLE-US-00004 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)- 1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoic acid MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 480.1 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 480.1 LC Condition Solvent A 100% Water-0.1% TFA Solvent B 100% ACN-0.1% TFA Start % B 2 Final % B 98 Gradient Time 1.6 min Stop Time 1.8 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN-H.sub.20-0.1% TFA Column Aquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 um

Preparation of (S)-methyl 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate

(57) ##STR00017##

(58) To a solution of 4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzoic acid (50 mg) in DMF (2 mL) was added O-(benzotriazol-1-yl-N,N,N,N-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (23.82 mg) and (S)-methyl 2-amino-3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)propanoate hydrochloride (18.90 mg) and iPr.sub.2NEt (0.052 ml). After stirring at rt for 4 h, the mixture was purified by preparative HPLC to give (S)-methyl 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate.

(59) TABLE-US-00005 (S)-methyl 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4- chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)- 1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 680.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 680.3 Retention Time 3.44 min LC Condition Solvent A 5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Solvent B 95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 4 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate Column Phenomenex Luna C18, 50 2, 3u

Preparation of (S)-methyl 3-amino-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate

(60) ##STR00018##

(61) To a solution of (S)-methyl 3-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate (1 g) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (10 mL) was added TFA (3 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. All the solvents were removed under vacuum to give (S)-methyl 3-amino-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate (0.8 g).

(62) TABLE-US-00006 (S)-methyl 3-amino-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6- (2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 580.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 580.0 Retention Time 1.35 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 50 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um
Syntheses of Claim I:

Synthesis of Compound 1001, (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-methoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate

(63) ##STR00019##

(64) A mixture of (S)-methyl 3-amino-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate (20 mg) and 3,4-diethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (7.35 mg) in methanol (2 mL) was heated at 100 C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was purified by preparative HPLC to give (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-methoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate (4 mg).

(65) TABLE-US-00007 Compound 1001 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 690.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 690.1 Retention Time 3.01 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 50 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 4 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 50 mm 3 um

Synthesis of Compound 1002, (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate and Compound 1003, (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate

(66) ##STR00020##

(67) A mixture of (S)-methyl 3-amino-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)propanoate (50 mg) and 3,4-diethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (22.01 mg) in ethanol (2 mL) was heated at 100 C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was purified by preparative HPLC to give (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate (8 mg) and (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate (12 mg).

(68) TABLE-US-00008 Compound 1002 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 704.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 704.1 Retention Time 3.15 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 50 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 4 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 50 mm 3 um

(69) TABLE-US-00009 Compound 1003 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 676.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 676.1 Retention Time 2.90 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 50 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 4 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 50 mm 3 um

Synthesis of Compound 1004, (S)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoic acid

(70) ##STR00021##

(71) A mixture of (S)-methyl 2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoate (10 mg) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (7.85 mg, 0.057 mmol) in acetone-water (2 mL, 1:1 by volume) was heated at 100 C. for 3 hours. All the solvents were removed under vacuum and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC to give (S)-2-(4-(4-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)benzamido)-3-(2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino)propanoic acid (3.8 mg).

(72) TABLE-US-00010 Compound 1004 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 690.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 690.1 Retention Time 3.60 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 30 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 4 min Flow Rate 0.8 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 50 mm 3 um

Synthesis of Compound 1005, 4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-N-(3-((2-ethoxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-en-1-yl)amino)-2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzamide

(73) ##STR00022##

(74) Compound 1005 was made using the same procedure preparing Compound 1002, using N-(3-amino-2,2-dimethylpropyl)-4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamide as the starting material.

(75) TABLE-US-00011 Compound 1005 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 688.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 688.4 Retention Time 1.87 min LC Condition Solvent A 5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Solvent B 95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Start % B 30 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate Column Phenomenex LUNA C18, 30 2, 3u

Synthesis of Compound 1006, 4-((4(1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-N-(3-((2-hydroxy-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-en-1-yl)amino)-2,2-dimethylpropyl)benzamide

(76) ##STR00023##

(77) K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (5.2 mg) was added into the solution of Compound 1005 (25 mg) in EtOH (2 mL) and water (2 mL). The reaction was carried out at room temperature for 16 hours. All the solvents were removed under vacuum and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC to give Compound 1006.

(78) TABLE-US-00012 Compound 1006 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 660.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 660.2 Retention Time 2.28 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um
General Procedure to Prepare Claim I from Compound 1005:

(79) iPr.sub.2NEt oe Et.sub.3N (1-20 eq.) and amine was added into a solution of Compound 1005 were combined in MeOH, EtOH, THF or DMF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature or 115 C. for 17 hours. The solvents were removed via evaporation at reduced pressure and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC system.

(80) ##STR00024##

(81) TABLE-US-00013 Compound 1007 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 713.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 713.3 Retention Time 2.37 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(82) TABLE-US-00014 Compound 1008 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 785.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 785.3 Retention Time 2.40 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(83) TABLE-US-00015 Compound 1009 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 755.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 755.3 Retention Time 2.48 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(84) TABLE-US-00016 Compound 1010 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 796.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 796.5 Retention Time 2.11 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(85) TABLE-US-00017 Compound 1013 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 735.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 735.3 Retention Time 2.43 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

General procedure to prepare Claim I from (S)-methyl 4-amino-2-(4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamido)butanoate

(86) ##STR00030##

(87) A mixture of (S)-methyl 4-amino-2-(4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamido)butanoate (1 eq.) and 3,4-diethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione or 3,4-dimethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (1-2 eq.) in ethanol was heated at 100 C. to 130 C. for 16 hours. Then, amine (10-20 eq.) and iPr.sub.2NEt (20 eq.) were added and the resulting mixture was heated to 100 C. to 130 C. for 1-16 hours. The mixture was purified by preparative HPLC system.

(88) TABLE-US-00018 Compound 1011 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 782.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 782.4 Retention Time 2.29 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(89) TABLE-US-00019 Compound 1014 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 826.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 826.4 Retention Time 2.56 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(90) TABLE-US-00020 Compound 1018 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 866.4 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 866.5 Retention Time 2.57 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(91) TABLE-US-00021 Compound 1019 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 862.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 862.5 Retention Time 2.51 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(92) TABLE-US-00022 Compound 1020 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 926.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 926.6 Retention Time 1.91 min LC Condition Solvent A 5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Solvent B 95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate Column Phenomenex LUNA C18, 30 2, 3 u

General procedure to prepare Claim I from (S)-methyl 4-amino-2-(4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamido)butanoate

(93) ##STR00036##

(94) A mixture of (S)-methyl 4-amino-2-(4-((4-((1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclopropyl)amino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)benzamido)butanoate (1 eq.) and 3,4-diethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione or 3,4-dimethoxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (1-2 eq.) in ethanol was heated at 100 C. to 130 C. for 16 hours. Then, amine (10-20 eq.) and iPr.sub.2NEt (20 eq.) were added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16-72 hours. The mixture was purified by preparative HPLC system.

(95) TABLE-US-00023 Compound 1022 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 799.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 799.4 Retention Time 2.43 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(96) General Procedure to Prepare Claim I from Esters:

(97) ##STR00038##

(98) K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (2 eq.) was added into a solution of methyl ester derivative and/or ethyl ester derivative (1 eq.) in EtOH and water. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours before solid was removed via filtration. The filtrate was purified by preparative HPLC system.

(99) TABLE-US-00024 Compound 1012 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 785.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 785.3 Retention Time 2.45 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(100) TABLE-US-00025 Compound 1015 0 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 809.3 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 809.4 Retention Time 2.04 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(101) TABLE-US-00026 Compound 1016 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 751.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 751.3 Retention Time 2.29 min LC Condition Solvent A 90% Water-10% Methanol-0.1% TFA Solvent B 10% Water-90% Methanol-0.1% TFA Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair Water-Methanol-TFA Column PHENOMENEX-LUNA 2.0 30 mm 3 um

(102) TABLE-US-00027 Compound 1017 MS (M + H).sup.+ Calcd. 769.2 MS (M + H).sup.+ Observ. 769.5 Retention Time 1.53 min LC Condition Solvent A 5% ACN:95% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Solvent B 95% ACN:5% Water:10 mM Ammonium Actetate Start % B 0 Final % B 100 Gradient Time 2 min Flow Rate 1 mL/min Wavelength 220 Solvent Pair ACN:Water:Ammonium Actetate Column Phenomenex LUNA C18, 30 2, 3 u

Biological Methods

(103) Infection assays. HCV pseudoparticles, produced using standardized methodology (Bartosch, B., Dubuisson, J. and Cosset, F.-L. J. Exp. Med. 2003, 197:633-642) were made via a liposome-based transfection procedure of 293T cells with plasmids expressing the murine leukemia virus capsid and polymerase proteins, an MLV genome encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and envelope glycoproteins from either HCV or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The genotype 1a HCV E1 and E2 envelope coding sequences were derived from the H77C isolate (GenBank accession number AF009606). Media containing pseudoparticles was collected 3 days following transfection, filtered, and stored at 20 C. as a viral stock. Infections were performed in 384-well plates by mixing pseudovirus with 110.sup.4 Huh7 cells/well in the presence or absence of test inhibitors, followed by incubation at 37 C. Luciferase activity, reflecting the degree of entry of the pseudoparticles into host cells, was measured 2 days after infection. The specificity of the compounds for inhibiting HCV was determined by evaluating inhibition of VSV pseudoparticle infection.

(104) Compounds and data analysis. Test compounds were serially diluted 3-fold in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to give a final concentration range in the assay of 50.0 M to 0.04 pM. Maximum activity (100% of control) and background were derived from control wells containing DMSO but no inhibitor or from uninfected wells, respectively. The individual signals in each of the compound test wells were then divided by the averaged control values after background subtraction and multiplied by 100% to determine percent activity. Assays were performed in duplicate and average EC.sub.50 values (reflecting the concentration at which 50% inhibition of virus replication was achieved) were calculated. Compound EC.sub.50 data is expressed as A=0.0110 nM; B=10-1000 nM. Representative data for compounds are reported in Table 2.

(105) TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 2 EC.sub.50 EC.sub.50 Compd # Structure (1a, nM) (1a, nM) 1001 117.20 B 1002 B 1003 47.00 B 1004 B 1005 A 1006 0.52 A 1007 A 1008 0 0.050 A 1009 A 1010 A 1011 5.98 A 1012 A 1013 A 1014 B 1015 6.55 A 1016 A 1017 A 1018 0 A 1019 B 1020 A 1021 1.24 A

(106) It will be evident to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing illustrative examples, and that it can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. It is therefore desired that the examples be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing examples, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.