Abstract: The invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are as defined herein. The above compounds of formula (I) are selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV and the production of tumor necrosis factor, and therefore may be used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders such as asthma, joint inflammation, and other conditions or diseases.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of the core azobicyclo[7.3.1]tridecaenediyne moiety of the antitumor antibiotic dynemicin. The synthesis allows efficient production of the enediyne as a stable, compound in good yield from the adamantyl N-protected azabicyclo[7.3.1]tridecadiyne. The adamantyl protecting group is employed in the starting material, N-adamantyl dihydroquinoline or N-adamantyl 6-methoxy quinoline. Also disclosed are process for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-6-methoxyquinoline and several N-substituted derivatives of azobicyclo[7.3.1]tridecaenediyne. Solid tumor and leukemia assays were performed on the analogs of dynemicin. The results suggest a method that these compounds will useful in treating certain types of leukemias and solid tumors. The disclosed synthesis provides a route to new dynemicin intermediates and analogs which will allow development of second and third generation dynemicins.