Tripeptidylpeptidase inhibitors

Abstract

A compound of the formula 1

Description

[0001] The present invention lies in the field of the prevention of the inactivation of endogenous neuropeptides such as cholecystokinin (CCK)

[0002] Thus, the invention more specifically relates to a process for screening drugs using the enzyme involved in this type of inactivation.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to chemical compounds of defined formula, as well as to processes for their preparation and to their use as inhibitors of the abovementioned enzymes, which are involved in the physiological inactivation of endogenous neuropeptides such as, in particular, cholecystokinin (CCK).

[0004] The subject of the invention is also physiologically acceptable compositions comprising the said compounds.

[0005] The subject of the invention is also the use of the said compounds in the preparation of drugs intended for man or animals.

[0006] The important physiological role of endogenous neuropeptides, and in particular that of cholecystokinin (CCK), is known. This neuropeptide is both a digestive hormone and a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the latter case, it is mainly in the form of an octapeptide sulphate (CCK-8-S) corresponding to the formula:

Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2.

[0007] CCK exerts various actions on motricity and digestive secretions (contraction of the bile vesicle, inhibition of gastric secretion, etc.) as well as on the central nervous system (analgesia, action on moods and cognition) and on the endocrine system (hypophyseal secretions) In addition, CCK and certain derivatives have a powerful anorexigenic activity by facilitating satiation by means of stimulating peripheral, and possibly central, receptors (J. J. Vanderhaegen and J. M. Crawley, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1985, 448: 1-697).

[0008] Although interesting effects might be expected from the pharmacological stimulation of CCK receptors, no agent which stimulates these receptors is currently therapeutically available, mainly for reasons of poor bioavailability of CCK and derivatives thereof. In addition, it has even been shown that direct stimulation of CCK receptors was liable to lead to undesirable anxiogenic effects.

[0009] Other studies have been geared towards identifying the enzyme(s) responsible for the physiological inactivation of these endogenous neuropeptides and in particular CCK.

[0010] Accordingly, the involvement has been suggested of various enzymes which are thought to attack certain peptide bonds in the molecule CCK-8, such as, in particular, that of an acidic aminopeptidase, which is distinct from aminopeptidase A (Deschodt-Lanckman et al., Peptides, 1983, 4: 71), of enkephalinase and of an aminopeptidase (Matsas et al., FEBS Lett., 1984, 175: 124; Deschodt-Lanckman et al., Regul. Peptides, 1981, 2: 15), that of thiolpeptidases (Mc Dermott et al., Neurochem. Int., 1983, 5: 641; Durieux et al., Neuropeptides, 1986, 7: 1) as well as that of a metalloendopeptidase (Steardo et al., J. Neurochem., 1985, 45: 784).

[0011] More recently, Rose et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad., Sci. USA, 1988, 85: 8326; Neurosci., 1989, 29: 583) have suggested the involvement of a serine peptidase. They also observed that general reagents for the serine groups of proteins, such as diisopropyl fluorophosphorate (DFP) or elastase-inhibiting boronic acids or chloromethyl ketones (a family of serine peptidases) were capable of preventing the enzymatic degradation of endogenous CCK-8 released by depolarization of slices of brain.

[0012] However, these experiments did not allow the enzyme responsible to be identified and purified, and the compounds used in these experiments in vitro should not be considered as drugs, in particular on account of their toxicity, their absence of specificity and/or their poor bioavailability.

[0013] More recently still, an enzyme has been purified and identified from soluble extracts of human brain (Wilson C. et al., Neurochem. Res. 1993, 18(7), 743-749), this enzyme having much similarity with a protease known as tripeptidylpeptidase TPP II previously isolated from rat liver or from human erythrocytes (Balöw R. M. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1986, 261: 2409-2417; Tomkinson B. et al., Biochemistry 1991, vol. 30, 168-174). The 4611-bp sequence of a mouse TPP II has also been described (Tomkinson B., Biochem. J., 1994, vol. 304: 517-523), the coding sequence of which shows great homology with the abovementioned human TPP II.

[0014] This purified enzyme was shown to be capable of hydrolysing several neuropeptides including exogenous CCK-8, but neither its application in the inactivation of endogenous CCK-8 nor the possibility of obtaining CCK-type biological responses by inhibiting it had been either demonstrated or even suggested.

[0015] Thus, it is seen that there is a need in the prior art for specific, bioavailable, non-toxic chemical compounds which can be used as drugs for preventing the inactivation of these endogenous neuropeptides.

[0016] Moreover, a TPP II inhibitor of weak affinity has been described (Tomkinson et coll., Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 1994, 314: 276), but this inhibitor has an oligopeptidergic structure, which raises the idea that its bioavailability is low, especially orally, and that it therefore cannot constitute a drug, this use, incidentally, not having been considered by the authors.

[0017] The invention has now made it possible to achieve this objective by providing, in particular, a process for screening drugs which uses the isolated enzyme responsible, thus making it possible, depending on whether the said enzyme is or is not inhibited, to distinguish molecules liable to constitute effective drugs in the treatment of disorders or complaints involving endogenous neuropeptides, and in particular cholecystokinin.

[0018] The present invention also provides chemical compounds of formula defined below, which can be used to prevent the inactivation of endogenous neuropeptides, and thus satisfies the essential need existing in the prior art.

[0019] The inventors have prepared a pure membrane-derived tripeptidylpeptidase according to a process comprising the following steps:

[0020] i) preparation of membranes from brain (cerebral cortex), for example from-rat brain;

[0021] ii) purification by high performance liquid chromatography/ies (HPLC);

[0022] iii) checking of the product obtained, by enzymatic reaction using a CCK substrate, for example the peptides CCK-8 (non-sulphated) of formula:

Asp-Tyr-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2

[0023] or CCK-5 of formula:

Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2

[0024] Studying the specificity of this purified enzyme on a series of model substrates showed that it behaves like an aminotripeptidylpeptidase.

[0025] The inventors have carried out sequencing work. One fragment of the purified protein is highly similar to a protease known as tripeptydylpeptidase II isolated previously from human erythrocytes or from rat liver (Balöw R. M. et al., and Tomkinson et al.).

[0026] Using traditional molecular cloning methods, the inventors identified two distinct clones in a library of rat brain complementary DNA using two probes A and B of 350 and 380 bases respectively. They were obtained by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed using the following primers: 1 SEQ ID No.3 (probe A, sense primer): GACTGAGGAGCCCTTCCCTTTTCA SEQ ID No.4 (probe A, antisense primer): GCCTTAGGATAGAAGTCATAGCCA SEQ ID No.5 (probe B, sense primer): CCCTTTGTAGGAAAGGTTGTGCC SEQ ID No.6 (probe B, antisense primer): GAATACGCAATAATCGGGAGGATAC

[0027] Their sequencing indicated that the first clone is the rodent homologue of human tripeptidylpeptidase II (TPP II). On the other hand, in the second, the sequence differs in the 5′ part (starting from nucleotide 293).

[0028] The nucleotide sequence coding for the isolated protein is given by the identifiers (SEQ ID No. 1 and SEQ ID No. 2).

[0029] The sequence includes a hydrophobic segment of about twenty amino acids, indicating the existence of a transmembrane segment. Thus, although this protein is probably derived from the same gene as the above one by a process of alternative splicing, it presents itself as a serine ectopeptidase.

[0030] Thus, the subject of the present invention is a process for screening drugs by measuring the activity of the membrane-bound tripeptidylpeptidase II enzyme or homologue, by using a model substrate for this enzyme.

[0031] Tripeptidylpeptidase can be prepared in accordance with the abovementioned process.

[0032] According to another embodiment, brain membranes, prepared by simple centrifugation of a homogenate, are incubated in the presence of an aminotripeptidylpeptidase substrate (such as AAF-Amc) and potential inhibitors of the enzymatic activity thus revealed.

[0033] The term homologous enzyme is understood to refer both to tripeptidylpeptidases which might be genetically modified and membrane-free, especially soluble, tripeptidylpeptidases, such as the one mentioned above, isolated by Barlöw R. M. et al.

[0034] The inventors have been able to develop degradation inhibitors for endogenous neuropeptides, in particular CCK, by measuring the activity of the said enzyme in purified form, but also, more simply, in native form, on membrane preparations from tissues using a model substrate of TPP II.

[0035] Thus, the subject of the present invention is also chemical compounds corresponding to the general formula (I) below: 2

[0036] in which:

[0037] R1 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0038] R2 represents a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

[0039] at least one from among R1 and R2 representing a hydrogen;

[0040] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m;

[0041] R and R′ each independently represent a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

[0042] R3 represents a divalent radical consisting of a —(CH2)2—, —CH2—CH (cis. F)— or —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— alkyl chain, of a unit 3

[0043] where R6 represents H, F, OCH3 or OCH2Ph, 4

[0044] where R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen or halogen atom, an O(C1-C4 alkyl), OCH2Ph, OH or C1-C4 alkyl group, including R6, (m) and (n) indicating the bond orientation with respect to the (CH2)n group (or to N if n=0) and to the (CRR′)m group (or to CHR4 if m=0)

[0045] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 where R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—SCH3, —CH2Ph, —CH2C6H11, (CH2)3OH, 5

[0046] group.

[0047] Throughout the description, “Ph” denotes an optionally substituted phenyl radical.

[0048] The compounds of formula (I) have several asymmetric centres and the invention thus covers the racemic mixtures as well as the various stereoisomers and mixtures thereof in any proportion.

[0049] The subject of the present invention is also chemical compounds corresponding to the general formula (I′) below: 6

[0050] in which:

[0051] R1 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0052] R2 represents a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

[0053] at least one from among R1 and R2 representing a hydrogen;

[0054] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m;

[0055] R3 represents a divalent radical consisting of a —(CH2)2—, —CH2—CH (cis. F)— or —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— alkyl chain, of a unit 7

[0056] where R6 represents H, F, OCH3 or OCH2Ph, 8

[0057] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 where R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—SCH3, —CH2Ph, —CH2C6H11, 9

[0058] group.

[0059] According to a first preferred variant, the subject of the invention is compounds of formula (I) as defined above in which n and m are either equal to 0 or 1 with the proviso, however, that n is different from m.

[0060] According to a first aspect, the invention relates more particularly to a first group of these compounds in which R3 represents the divalent radical —(CH2)2—.

[0061] A sub-family according to this aspect includes compounds where R and R′ each represent a hydrogen atom.

[0062] Compounds of this type are, especially, the compounds given in the examples below, Nos. 1 to 7 (prepared according to route 1); No. 8 (route 2); No. 9 (route 5); No. 10 (route 6).

[0063] Among the latter group of compounds, those in which R1 represents CH2CH3, (CH2)2CH3, (CH2)3CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH(CH3)2 and CH(CH3)CH2CH3, R2, R and R′ represent a hydrogen, R4 represents the amide group CO—NH—R5 and R5 represents a hydrogen, are known.

[0064] The compound of formula (I) in which R1 represents CH2CH(CH3)2, R2, R and R′ represent hydrogen, R3 is the divalent radical —(CH2)2— and R5 represents CH2CH3 is also known.

[0065] The compound of formula (I) in which R, represents CH3, R2, R and R′ represent hydrogen, R3 is the —(CH2)2— radical and R5 represents the unit 10

[0066] is also known.

[0067] According to another aspect, the invention relates more particularly to a second group of these compounds in which R3 represents the cis-fluoroethylene unit —CH2—CH(cis.F)— (substituted proline skeleton). One sub-family includes compounds in which R and R′ are each a hydrogen, such as, for example, the compound of Example 11 (route 3) described below.

[0068] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a third group of these compounds in which R3 represents the benzylethylene unit —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— (substituted proline skeleton). One sub-family includes compounds in which R and R′ are each a hydrogen, such as, for example, the compound of Example 12 (route 4) described below.

[0069] According to a second preferred variant, the subject of the invention is compounds of formula (I) as defined above in which n=0 and m=1.

[0070] According to one aspect of this variant, the invention relates to compounds in which R3 represents the unit 11

[0071] where (n) and (m) indicate the bond orientation as above.

[0072] One sub-family includes compounds in which R and R′ are each hydrogen, especially including the compound of Example 13 (route 3) described below.

[0073] According to a second particularly preferred aspect, the subject of the invention is compounds of formula (I) in which R and R′ represent hydrogen and R3 represents the unit 12

[0074] examples of which are, in particular, the compounds of Examples 14 to 17 (route 3); Examples 18 to 21 (route 7); described below.

[0075] According to another particularly preferred aspect of this second variant, the invention relates to compounds of formula (I) in which R3 represents the unit 13

[0076] examples of which are, in particular, the compounds of Examples 24 to 26 (route 8) and of Example 27 (route 9); 28 (route 11); 29 and 30 (route 10); 31 and 32 (route 9); 33 and 34 (route 12); 35 (route 8) ; 38 (route 13) and 37 (route 14) described below.

[0077] This class of compounds includes compounds of formula (I) in which R3 represents the unit 14

[0078] when R and R′ each represent a hydrogen, two of the substituents R8, R9 and R10 then being a hydrogen.

[0079] According to another aspect of this second variant, the invention relates to compounds in which R3 represents the unit 15

[0080] One sub-family includes compounds in which R and R′ each represent hydrogen, such as, in particular, the compound of Example 22 (route 3) given below.

[0081] Lastly, according to a third variant, the subject of the invention is compounds of formula (I) in which n=1 and m=0 and R3 represents the unit 16

[0082] such as the compound of Example 23 (route 4) described below.

[0083] The compounds of formula (I) in which R2 represents a hydrogen are also particularly preferred.

[0084] The inhibitory effect of these compounds was evaluated by measuring the membrane-bound TPP II activity and expressed in terms of their apparent dissociation constant Ki as described below.

[0085] The preferred compounds according to the invention are the following compounds:

[0086] 2(S)-aminobutyryl-L-prolinamide;

[0087] L-valyl-L-proline n-hexylamide;

[0088] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline 3-(methyl-thio)propylamide;

[0089] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-pentylamide;

[0090] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-butylamide;

[0091] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline[2(S)-methyl]butylamide;

[0092] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-propylamide;

[0093] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline isobutylamide;

[0094] L-valyl-L-proline n-butylamide;

[0095] L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-borovaline pinanediol ester;

[0096] L-alanyl-L-prolyldifluoro-L-borovaline borohydride;

[0097] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-fluoro)-L-proline n-butylamide;

[0098] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline n-butylamide;

[0099] 2-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0100] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0101] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide;

[0102] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide;

[0103] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide;

[0104] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0105] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(6-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0106] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0107] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-benzyloxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0108] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-[(3aS, 7aS)-perhydro]indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0109] 2-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0110] as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof.

[0111] These compounds constitute preferred inhibitors according to the invention and have a constant Ki with respect to the tripeptidylpeptidase enzyme according to the invention, of less than or equal to 1 &mgr;M.

[0112] Other compounds that are most particularly preferred are compounds of formula (I) having an indoline skeleton, namely the following compounds:

[0113] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0114] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide;

[0115] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide;

[0116] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0117] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

[0118] as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof.

[0119] These compounds are particularly preferred inhibitors having a constant Ki which does not exceed 0.02 &mgr;M.

[0120] Other compounds that are most particularly preferred are also the compounds of formula (I) below having an indoline skeleton:

[0121] 1-(L-valyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0122] 1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0123] 1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0124] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0125] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0126] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0127] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0128] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-ethoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0129] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0130] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-hydroxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0131] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-hydroxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0132] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0133] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-chloroindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

[0134] 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid (3-hydroxy)propylamide;

[0135] as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof.

[0136] The subject of the present invention is also processes for the preparation of the compounds of general formula (I) described above.

[0137] Thus, the invention relates more particularly to a process (route 1) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) defined above, in which:

[0138] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0139] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0140] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0141] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m and R3 represents —(CH2)2—; and

[0142] R4 represents CO—NH—R5

[0143] R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—S—CH3 or —CH2Ph group; characterized in that it comprises:

[0144] i) the formation of a compound of formula (III) 17

[0145] in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, starting with a compound of formula (II) 18

[0146] which is esterified on its acid function with a group Y and in which X, R1 and R2 have the meanings given above, by reaction with L-proline;

[0147] (ii) amidation of the acid function of compound (III) with the appropriate amine R5NH2

[0148] where R5 has the meaning given above, in order to form the derivative (IV) 19

[0149] which is protected on its primary amine function with the group X;

[0150] iii) removal of the group X from the derivative (IV), in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

[0151] The group Y preferably represents the unit 20

[0152] Step i) is carried out in the presence of triethylamine and of water.

[0153] Moreover, in step ii), the mixed anhydride of the acid (III) and of isobutyl chloroformate is formed and is then reacted in situ with the amine R5NH2.

[0154] In the compounds prepared according to this route 1, R1 preferably represents an ethyl or isopropyl group.

[0155] The invention also relates to a process (route 2) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0156] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0157] R2 represents a hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0158] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0159] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents a —(CH2)2— group; and

[0160] R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0161] characterized in that it comprises:

[0162] i) formation of a compound of formula (IV) 21

[0163] in which R1, R2 and R5 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, starting with a compound of formula (II) 22

[0164] which is esterified on its acid function with a group Y and in which R1, R2 and X have the meanings given above, by reaction with a prolineamide of formula (V) 23

[0165] in which R5 has the meaning given above;

[0166] ii) removal of the protecting group X from compound (IV) in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

[0167] The prolineamide (V) can be prepared by reacting L-proline 24

[0168] which is protected o n its amine function with a protecting group X and esterified on its acid function with a group Y, with the appropriate amine R5NH2.

[0169] The group Y preferably represents the unit 25

[0170] In order to form compound (IV), the prolineamide thus obtained is reacted with compound (II), in the presence of water and triethylamine in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or dioxane.

[0171] In the compounds prepared according to this route 2, R1 preferably represents an ethyl or isopropyl group and R5 preferably represents a hydrogen or an n-butyl group.

[0172] The invention also relates to a process (route 3) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0173] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0174] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0175] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0176] n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents a group 26

[0177] R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0178] characterized in that it comprises:

[0179] i) preparation of a compound of formula (X) 27

[0180] in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, by reaction of a compound of formula (VIII) 28

[0181] with a compound of formula (IX) 29

[0182] in which R1, R2, R4 and X have the meanings given above;

[0183] ii) removal of the group X from the compound (X), in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0184] According to this route 3, compound (VIII) is prepared by amidation of the acid function of a compound (VI) 30

[0185] which is protected on its amine function with a protecting group X and in which R3 has the meaning given above, with the appropriate amine R5NH2, in order to form the derivative (VII) 31

[0186] in which R3 R4 and X have the meanings given above, followed by removal of the protecting group X.

[0187] For this, the mixed anhydride of the acid (VI) and of isobutyl chloroformate is advantageously formed in the presence of N-ethylmorpholine in tetrahydrofuran, and is then reacted in situ with the appropriate amine R5NH2. These conditions can also constitute those of step i) except that compound (VII) is reacted instead of the amine R5NH2.

[0188] In the compounds prepared according to this route 3, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 preferably represents a hydrogen or a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl group.

[0189] The invention also relates to a process (route 4) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0190] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0191] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0192] n=1 and m=0 and R3 represents a —CH(CH2Ph)—CH2— group or 32

[0193] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0194] characterized in that it comprises:

[0195] i) production of a compound (XII) 33

[0196] which is protected on its primary amine function with a protecting group X and in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given above, by reaction of the compound of formula (IX) 34

[0197] with the compound of formula (XI) 35

[0198] in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group;

[0199] ii) hydrolysis of the ester function of compound (XII) thus obtained, in order to form the compound of formula (XIII) 36

[0200] in which R1, R2, R3 and X have the meanings given above;

[0201] iii) amidation of the acid function of compound (XIII) using the appropriate amine R5NH2, in order to form the derivative of formula (XIV) 37

[0202] in which R1, R2, R3, R5 and X have the meanings given above;

[0203] iv) removal of the protecting group X from the compound (XIV) in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0204] Step ii) of hydrolysis is advantageously carried out in the presence of sodium hydroxide in methanol.

[0205] In step iii), the mixed anhydride of the acid (XIII) and of isobutyl chloroformate is, formed and is then reacted in situ with the appropriate amine R5NH2.

[0206] In the compounds prepared according to this route 4, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 preferably represents a hydrogen or an n-butyl group.

[0207] The invention also relates to a process (route 5) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0208] R1 represents a methyl group;

[0209] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0210] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0211] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents the —(CH2)2— group; and

[0212] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents the unit 38

[0213] characterized in that it comprises:

[0214] i) amidation of the acid function of the compound of formula (XIX) 39

[0215] which is protected on its primary amine function with a protecting group X and in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above, using the amine (XVIII) 40

[0216] in order to form the derivative (XX) 41

[0217] in which R1, R2, R5 and X have the meanings given above;

[0218] ii) removal of the protecting group X from compound (XX) in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

[0219] Step i) is advantageously performed using isobutyl chloroformate, in order to form the mixed anhydride of the acid XIX, in the presence of N-ethylmorpholine in tetrahydrofuran.

[0220] Step ii) can, itself, be carried out using trifluoroacetic acid in methylene chloride.

[0221] The amine (XVIII) is prepared

[0222] i) by reaction of isopropylboronic acid with (+)-pinanediol in ether, in-order to obtain the derivative (XV) 42

[0223] ii) by reaction of compound (XV) with butyllithium and methylene chloride, followed by zinc chloride ZnCl2 in tetrahydrofuran, at low temperature, in order to form derivative (XVI) 43

[0224] iii) substitution of the chlorine in compound (XVI) using butyllithium and hexamethyldisilazane in tetrahydrofuran at low temperature, in order to form compound (XVII) 44

[0225] iv) liberation of the amine function in compound (XVII) in order to obtain the desired compound (XVIII).

[0226] Isopropylboronic acid is obtained by addition of triethyl borate to isopropylmagnesium chloride in ether at low temperature.

[0227] Step iv) mentioned above is advantageously performed using trifluoroacetic acid in pentane.

[0228] The invention also relates to a process (route 6) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0229] R1 represents a methyl group;

[0230] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0231] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0232] n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents a —(CH2)2— group; and

[0233] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents (CH3)2—CH—BF2;

[0234] characterized in that it comprises:

[0235] i) removal of the pinane unit from the compound of formula (I) in which R1, R2, n, m, R3 and R4 have the meanings given above and R5 represents 45

[0236] by the action of boron trichloride in methylene chloride, followed by hydrolysis, in order to obtain derivative (XXI) 46

[0237] ii) reaction of compound (XXI) with hydrofluoric acid in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0238] The invention relates to a process (route 7) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0239] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0240] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0241] R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

[0242] n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit 47

[0243] in which R6 represents an OCH3, OCH2Ph or F group; and

[0244] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0245] characterized in that it comprises:

[0246] i) formation of the amide of formula (XXXXIV) 48

[0247] starting with the ester of formula (XXXXIII) 49

[0248] in which formulae R6 has the meaning given above, by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2;

[0249] ii) reaction of compound (XXXXIV) with the compound of formula (IX) 50

[0250] in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meanings and X represents a protecting group, in order to form the compound of formula (XXXXV) 51

[0251] in which R1, R2, R5, R6 and X have the meanings given above;

[0252] iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0253] Step ii) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0254] As regards the methyl ester (XXXXIII), it can be obtained

[0255] i) by the action of sodium nitrite in the presence of hydrochloric acid, on the compound of formula (XXXIX) 52

[0256] in order to form the compound of formula (XXXX) 53

[0257] in which formulae R6 has the meaning indicated above

[0258] ii) by addition of ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate to compound (XXXX) thus obtained, in the presence of sodium nitrite in ethanol, in order to form the compound of formula (XXXXI) 54

[0259] in which R6 has the abovementioned meaning;

[0260] iii) by cyclization in acidic medium, in order to form the ethyl ester (XXXXII) 55

[0261] iv) by exchange starting with the ethyl ester (XXXXII) thus obtained, in the presence of magnesium in ethanol.

[0262] The ethyl ester undergoes an ester exchange and a reduction in the presence of magnesium and methanol in order to lead to the methyl ester (XXXXIII).

[0263] In the compounds prepared according to this route 7, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 preferably represents an n-butyl group.

[0264] The invention relates to a process (route 8) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

[0265] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0266] R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

[0267] n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit 56

[0268] in which R8 and R10 represent a hydrogen and R9 represents a group O(C1-C4 alkyl) or C1-C4 alkyl

[0269] R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which

[0270] R5 represents a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0271] characterized in that it comprises:

[0272] i) formation of the amide of formula (49) 57

[0273] starting with the ester of formula (48) 58

[0274] in which R9 and R5 have the meaning given above, by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2;

[0275] ii) reaction of compound (49) with the compound of formula (IX) 59

[0276] in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meanings and X represents a protecting group, in order to form the compound of formula (50) 60

[0277] in which R1, R2, R9 and X have the meanings given above;

[0278] iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0279] Step ii) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphonyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0280] The methyl ester (48) can be obtained from the corresponding acid (46) 61

[0281] in which R9 has the meaning given above

[0282] i) by treatment in ethanol or methanol with concentrated sulphuric acid, in order to lead to the corresponding ester (47) 62

[0283] in which R9 is as defined above

[0284] ii) after which, compound (47) is treated with magnesium in methanol.

[0285] In the compounds prepared according to this route 8, R1 preferably represents a CH3, C2H5 or (CH3)2CH group, R9 preferably represents an OCH3 or CH3 group and R5 preferably represents an n-butyl group.

[0286] The subject of the invention is also a process (route 9) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which

[0287] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0288] R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

[0289] n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit 63

[0290] in which R8 and R9 represent a hydrogen or an O(C1-C4 alkyl) group, it not being possible for R8 and R9 simultaneously to represent a hydrogen, and R10 represents a hydrogen p1 R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group,

[0291] characterized in that it comprises:

[0292] i) formation of compound (54) 64

[0293] by reaction of the-corresponding aldehyde (53) 65

[0294] in which R8, R9 and R10 are as defined above with ethyl azidoacetate (52) 66

[0295] ii) cyclization of compound (54) in order to lead to compound (55) 67

[0296] in which R8, R9 and R10 have the meanings given above

[0297] iii) formation of methyl ester (56) 68

[0298] in which R8, R9 and R10 have the meanings given above

[0299] starting with compound (55) in the presence of magnesium in methanol

[0300] iv) reaction of the ester (56) obtained with the appropriate amine R5NH2 in order to form the amide (57) 69

[0301] in which R8, R9 and R10 are as defined above

[0302] v) reaction of compound (57) with the compound of formula (IX) 70

[0303] in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meaning and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (58) 71

[0304] in which R1, R2, R5, R8, R9, R10 and X have the meaning given above,

[0305] vi) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0306] Compound (52) can be obtained by the action of sodium azide on ethyl bromoacetate in acetonitrile.

[0307] According to step i), sodium ethoxide is first formed and compounds (52) and (53) are then reacted.

[0308] The cyclization step ii) is advantageously carried out by refluxing in toluene.

[0309] Step v) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphonyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0310] In the compounds prepared according to this route 9, R1 preferably represents the CH2CH3 group, R8 an OCH3 or OC2H5 group and R9 a hydrogen, or alternatively R8 and R9 both represent an OCH3 group, and R8 preferably represents an n-butyl group.

[0311] The subject of the invention is also a process (route 10) for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

[0312] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0313] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0314] one of the substituents R or R′ represents a hydrogen and the other a C1-C2 alkyl group;

[0315] n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit 72

[0316] with R8, R9 and R10 representing a hydrogen

[0317] R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group,

[0318] characterized in that it comprises:

[0319] i) formation of compound (59) 73

[0320] in which R and R′ are as defined above

[0321] by reaction between phenylhydrazine and 2-ketobutyric acid in acidic medium

[0322] ii) formation of compound (60) from the compound (59) obtained 74

[0323] in which R and R′ are as defined above

[0324] in the presence of magnesium in methanol,

[0325] iii) formation of the amide (61) corresponding to compound (60) by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2 75

[0326] in which Rand R′ are as defined above

[0327] iv) separation of the cis isomers (61a), on the one hand, and the trans isomers (61b), on the other hand, of compound (61) 76

[0328] v) reaction, respectively, of compounds (61a) and (61b) with compound (IX) 77

[0329] in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form mixtures (62a) and (62b) respectively 78

[0330] in which R1, R2, R, R′ and R5 have the meaning given above

[0331] vi) removal of the protecting group X, leading to the desired compound (I) in the form of cis pairs (63a) and trans pairs (63b), respectively.

[0332] Step v) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0333] In the compounds prepared according to this route 10, R1 preferably represents the CH2CH3 group, R or R′ represents the CH3 group (the other substituent being a hydrogen) and R5 preferably represents the n-butyl group.

[0334] The subject of the invention is also a process (route 11) for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

[0335] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0336] R2 represents a hydrogen;

[0337] R and R′ each represent a C1-C2 alkyl group, which may be identical or different;

[0338] n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit 79

[0339] in which R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen;

[0340] R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0341] characterized in that it comprises:

[0342] i) formation of compound (65) of the following formula: 80

[0343] by reaction of phenylhydrazine with ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate (64)

[0344] ii) cyclization of compound (65) in acidic medium, in order to form compound (66) below: 81

[0345] iii) hydrogenation of compound (66), leading to compound (67) below 82

[0346] iv) formation of the corresponding amide (68) by the action of LiNHR5 in which R5 has the abovementioned meaning 83

[0347] v) reaction of compound (68) with the compound of formula (IX) 84

[0348] in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X is a protecting group, in order to form compound (69) 85

[0349] vi) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0350] Route 11 is illustrated above in the case where R and R′ represent a methyl group, but R and R′ can each represent an alkyl group, which may be identical or different. In this case, step i) is carried out with the appropriate compound, in particular a compound (64) 86

[0351] Step i) is advantageously carried out at a temperature of about 60° C. in toluene.

[0352] Step v) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0353] Ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate (64) can be obtained from diethyl oxalate with isopropylmagnesium chloride in ether at low temperature.

[0354] In the compounds prepared according to this route 11, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 preferably represents an n-butyl group.

[0355] The invention also relates to a process (route 12) for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

[0356] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0357] R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

[0358] n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit 87

[0359] in which R9 represents an OH group and R8 and R10 both represent a hydrogen;

[0360] R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0361] characterized in that it comprises:

[0362] i) formation of compound (71) 88

[0363] in which R9 represents an OCH2Ph group, R5 has the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, by reaction of compound (70) 89

[0364] in which R5 is as defined above, with a compound (IX) 90

[0365] in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group,

[0366] ii) removal of the groups CH2Ph and X from compound (71) in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0367] Step i) is advantageously carried out in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in methylene chloride.

[0368] Compound (70) can be obtained by the process described above (route 7).

[0369] In the compounds prepared according to this route 12, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 an n-butyl group.

[0370] The invention also relates to a process (route 13) for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

[0371] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0372] R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

[0373] n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit 91

[0374] in which R9 represents a halogen atom and R8 and R10 each represent a hydrogen

[0375] R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

[0376] characterized in that it comprises:

[0377] i) formation of the methyl ester (73) 92

[0378] from the corresponding acid (72) 93

[0379] in which R9 is as defined above,

[0380] with concentrated sulphuric acid in methanol,

[0381] ii) formation of compound (74) 94

[0382] in which R9 is as defined above,

[0383] starting with compound (73), with magnesium in methanol,

[0384] iii) formation of the corresponding amide (75) by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2 95

[0385] in which R5 and R9 are as defined above

[0386] iv) reaction of compound (75) with a compound (IX) 96

[0387] in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (76) 97

[0388] in which R1, R2, R5, R9 and X have the meanings given above,

[0389] v) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0390] Step iv) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride and ethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0391] In the compounds prepared according to this route 13, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group and R5 preferably represents an n-butyl group.

[0392] Lastly, the subject of the invention is a process (route 14) for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

[0393] R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

[0394] R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

[0395] n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit 98

[0396] in which R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen;

[0397] R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a (CH2)3OH group,

[0398] characterized in that it comprises:

[0399] i) reaction of the methyl ester of indoline-2S-carboxylic acid with a compound of formula (IX) 99

[0400] in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (77) below 100

[0401] in which R1, R2 and X are as defined above ii) formation of amide (78) 101

[0402] in which R1 and R2 have the above meaning

[0403] starting with compound (77), by the action of 3-hydroxypropylamine in methanol

[0404] iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

[0405] The methyl ester of indoline-2S-carboxylic acid can be prepared from indoline-2S-carboxylic acid with methanol and concentrated sulphuric acid.

[0406] Step ii) is advantageously carried out in the presence of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride and triethylamine in methylene chloride.

[0407] In the compounds prepared according to this route 14, R1 preferably represents an ethyl group.

[0408] In all of the processes described above, formation of the acid anhydrides can be carried out by the standard methods, advantageously using isobutyl chloroformate in the presence of N-ethylmorpholine in tetrahydrofuran.

[0409] Moreover, according to the invention, X or X′ represents a standard protecting group which is capable of protecting the desired function in a given molecule without affecting the other functions in that molecule, such as, in particular, the benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or tert-butoxycarbonyl groups. These groups are introduced by standard methods that are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0410] This is likewise the case for the deprotection steps, which are also carried out by methods known per se such as, in particular, acid hydrolysis or catalytic hydrogenation, in particular in the presence of Pd/C.

[0411] As regards the group Y, it is a radical capable of esterifying an acid function without modifying the other functions in the molecule, and constituting a good leaving group in order to be readily eliminated in a subsequent step. It is preferably the succinimide ester.

[0412] The Applicant's research has shown that the compounds of formula (I) have many therapeutic properties and in particular in the field of treating disorders or complaints which involve inactivation or excessive degradation (or which may be treated by delaying the physiological degradation) of endogenous neuropeptides, such as, in particular, disorders or complaints associated with inactivation of CCK.

[0413] Thus, the subject of the present invention is also the use of a compound of formula (I) as a drug for treating, in man or animals, in particular, eating, mood, cognitive or motor disorders, in particular anorexia, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and depression, as well as disorders of gastrointestinal transit such as irritable bowel syndrome, bulimia or pathological obesity conditions.

[0414] The subject of the present invention is also the use of a compound of formula (I) to prepare a drug intended for treating, in man or animals, complaints or disorders brought about by the physiological degradation of endogenous neuropeptides, in particular that of CCK.

[0415] The subject of the present invention is, in particular, the use of compounds of formula (I) to prepare a drug intended for treating disorders or complaints as mentioned above.

[0416] Compounds of the formula (I) which are useful as drugs may be administered in a physiologically acceptable vehicle.

[0417] Thus, the subject of the present invention is also pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) in combination with a physiologically acceptable vehicle.

[0418] The subject of the invention is also a process for treating, in man or animals, complaints or disorders associated with excessive degradation (or which may be treated by delaying the physiological degradation) of endogenous neuropeptides, in particular disorders or complaints associated with the inactivation of CCK, in particular the disorders given as examples above, comprising the administration of a pharmaceutical composition as defined above.

[0419] The subject of the present invention is also the use of the compounds of formula (I) as inactivation inhibitors for endogenous neuropeptides and in particular CCK.

[0420] The inventors have observed that, in general, among the compounds of formula (I), those having an L, L chirality (that is to say S, S according to the Ingold-Kahn-Prelog nomenclature) are the most active. In the examples given below, the configuration of the other optically active carbons is also indicated for the compounds of formula (I) having more than two asymmetric centres.

[0421] In all the abovementioned uses, it is preferred to choose compounds according to the invention that have a Ki constant less than or equal to 1 &mgr;M, such as those given as examples and, in an entirely preferable manner, the compounds of formula (I) having an indoline skeleton.

[0422] According to the invention, all the abovementioned uses also comprise that of the compounds of formula (I) which are already known, as indicated above, that is to say the compounds of formula (I) in which R2, R and R′ represent a hydrogen, n=0 and m=1 or n=1 and m=0, R3 represents the —(CH2)2— divalent radical, R4 represents an amide group CONHR5, R1 represents a CH2CH3, (CH2)2CH3, (CH2)3CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH(CH3)2 or CH(CH3)CH2CH3 group with R5 representing a hydrogen, R1 represents CH2CH(CH3)2 with R5 representing a CH2CH3 group and R1 represents CH3 with R5 representing the unit 102

[0423] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent on reading the experimental results which follow, in particular of a method of isolation and characterization of the tripeptidylpeptidase according to the invention, as well as the preparation examples given by way of non-limiting illustration.

Isolation and Characterization of the CCK-inactivating Enzyme

[0424] The inventors used rat brain (cerebral cortex) membranes as starting material and non-sulphated CCK-8 (Asp-Tyr-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) and CCK-5 (Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) peptides as substrates, the characteristic products of the reaction (CCK-5 and Gly-Trp-Met) being measured fluorimetrically after isolation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) according to Camus et al., (Neurosci., 1989, 29: 595).

[0425] The subsequent steps of HPLC purification used are described in Table I below, which also indicates the purification factors obtained using CCK-8 as substrate. 2 TABLE I Retention time or molarity of the Steps eluent at the peak Purification [eluent] of activity factor Membranes 1 Solubilization of 0.4 membranes (detergent: 1%) Ion exchange 300 mM 15 (DEAE SPW) [NaCl 0-300 mM] Hydroxyapatite (Bio- 220 mM 45 Gel HPHT) [phosphate 0-300 mN] Gel filtration 45 mm 3.500 (Protein Pak 3003W) [phosphate 50 mM] Hydrophobic column 0 8.571 (Phenyl-5 PW) [ (NH4)2SO4 1M-O]

[0426] From the second stage of purification onwards, the chromatography profile contains only one peak of enzymatic activity, on which is superimposed the peak obtained by measuring the hydrolysis of CCK-5, thereby indicating that only one enzyme is responsible for the two cleavages of the molecule CCK-8.

[0427] After the final step of purification, gel electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) indicates a single band irreversibly labelled with 3H-DFP, at an apparent mass of 135 kDa.

[0428] Study of the specificity of the purified enzyme on a series of model substrates showed that it behaves like an aminotripeptidylpeptidase, capable, in particular, of hydrolysing Ala-Ala-Phe-p-nitroanilide or Ala-Ala-Phe-amidomethylcoumarin (A-AP-Amc) fragments, releasing nitroaniline or aminomethylcoumarin.

Preparation Examples for Compounds of Formula (I)

[0429] For the spectral data indicated in all the examples below, the abbreviations used have the following meanings:

[0430] s=singlet, m=multiplet, d=doublet, dd=doubled doublet, t=triplet, dt=doubled triplet, q=quartet, tq=triplet of quartets and tt=triplet of triplets.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of L-valyl-L-proline n-hexylamide; route 1

[0431] R1=CH(CH3)2; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)5CH3

[0432] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valine

[0433] 10 g of L-valine (85 mmol) are dissolved in 4 M KOH (40 ml) and the mixture is cooled in ice. 21.9 g of benzyloxycarbonyl chloride (128 mmol) are added thereto over 5 minutes and a white solid forms. The mixture is stirred at 0° C. for one hour, the temperature is then allowed to rise and stirring is continued for another hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture is then diluted with 4 M KOH (200 ml) and is extracted with ether (2×100 ml). The aqueous phase is then brought to an acidic pH<1 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and is then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 ml). The extracts are combined and dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is evaporated off. A clear oil is obtained.

[0434] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.42-7.52 (1H, d, NH); 7.24-7.36 (5H, m, Ph); 5.00 (2H, s, Ph—CH2); 3.78-3.88 (1H, m, &agr;-CH acid); 1.98-2.08 (1H, m, &bgr;-CH acid); 0.80-0.88 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

[0435] b) Preparation of the succinimide ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valine

[0436] 15.63 g (62 mmol) of the product obtained in a) and 7.16 g of N-hydroxysuccinimide (62 mmol) are dissolved in dimethoxyethane (100 ml) and the mixture is cooled in ice. 12.8 g of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (62 mmol) are added with stirring and the mixture is refrigerated overnight. The white solid formed is removed by filtration and the filtrate is concentrated in order to obtain a white solid by crystallization from isopropanol. The desired product is obtained: m.p.=105-6° C. (literature: 116-7° C.)

[0437] 1H-NMR: 7.35 (5H, s, ArCH); 5.27-5.41 (1H, d, NH); 5.11 (2h, s, PhCH2); 4.58-4.71 (1H, m, &agr;-CH valine); 2.80 (4H, s, 2×CH2); 2.19-2.41 (1H, m, &bgr;-CH valine); 0.99-1.07 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

[0438] c) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-L-proline

[0439] 3.4 g of L-proline (29.9 mmol) are dissolved in water (100 ml) and 4.5 g of triethylamine (44.8 mmol) are added. 10 g (29.9 mmol) of the product obtained in b) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) and the solution is cooled with ice. The proline solution is added over 40 minutes and the mixture is stirred for one hour at 0° C. and then at room temperature overnight. The volume of solvent is reduced to about a half and the remaining solution is acidified (pH<1) with concentrated HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 ml). The organic phases are combined and dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is evaporated off. An oil is obtained.

[0440] TLC analysis (ethyl acetate/1% acetic acid) showed the presence of 4 components.

[0441] The product obtained is redissolved in ethyl acetate and extracted with 4M KOH (3×200 ml). The aqueous phases are acidified (pH<1) with concentrated HCl and are extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 ml). The combined organic phases are dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is evaporated off. An oil is obtained.

[0442] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.25-7.30 (5H, m, Ph,); 5.90-5.95 (1H, d, NH); 5.04-5.10 (2H, m, PhCH2); 4.50-4.57 (1H, m, &agr;-CH valine); 4.26-4.34 (1H, m, &agr;-CH proline); 3.63-3.79 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 1.95-2.14 (4H, m, 2×CH2 proline); 0.87-1.00 (6H, m, 2×CH3)

[0443] Mass spectrum (EI): 349 (M++1).

[0444] d) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-L-proline hexylamide

[0445] 2 g (5.7 mmol) of the product obtained in c) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml, dry, distilled) and the solution is cooled in an ice/salt bath. 660 mg of N-ethylmorpholine (5.7 mmol) and 780 mg of isobutyl chloroformate (5.7 mmol) are added and the mixture is kept cool for 30 minutes. 580 mg of n-hexylamine (5.7 mmol) are added, the temperature of the mixture is allowed to rise to room temperature and the mixture is left like this overnight. The mixture is dissolved in water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The organic phases are combined and dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is evaporated off. 2.95 g of a brown oil are obtained. By crystallization from an ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture, 370 mg of a white powder are obtained. The filtrates are concentrated. By chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent, the desired product is obtained.

[0446] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.33 (5H, s, Ph); 5.45-5.50 (1H, d, NH); 5.07-5.08 (2H, d, PhCH2); 4.52-4.57 (1H, m, &agr;-CH valine); 4.28-4.36 (1H, m, &agr;-CH proline); 3.56-3.72 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 3.11-3.21 (2H, m, (&agr;-CH2 amide); 1.69-2.39 (5H, m, &bgr;-CH valine, 2×CH2 proline); 1.15-1.45 (8H, m, 4×CH2); 0.81-0.98 (9H, m, 3×CH3)

[0447] e) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0448] 900 mg (208 mmol) of the product obtained in d) are dissolved in methanol (100 ml) and 300 mg of palladium-on-charcoal are added. The mixture is hydrogenated for 3 hours and the catalyst is then removed by filtration. After removal of the solvent, 602 mg (94.5%) of a pale oil are obtained.

[0449] TLC analysis showed that no more starting material remained.

[0450] 182 mg of oxalic acid (202 mmol) in 5 ml of ethanol are added and the oil is dissolved. After addition of ether (50 ml), a cloudy solution is obtained, which is refrigerated. The desired product is obtained in the form of the oxalate salt.

[0451] m.p.=146-7° C.

[0452] Elemental analysis: C16H31N3O2.C2H2O4 Found: C=55.99%; H=8.75%; N=10.63%; Theory: C=55.80%; H=8.58%; N=10.84%;

[0453] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO, ppm): 7.85-7.91 (1H, t, NH); 4.25-4.32 (1H, q, &agr;-H proline); 3.93-3.96 (1H, d, &agr;-H valine); 3.43-3.72 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 2.95-3.07 (2H, m, &agr;-CH2 amide); 1.66-2.15 (5H, m, &bgr;-CH valine, 2×CH2 proline); 1.25-1.39 (8H, m, 4×CH2); 0.8-1.2 (6H, m, 3×CH3).

[0454] IR (cm−1): 3400, 3333 (N—H), 2700-3200 (OH), 1683, 1639 (C═O), 1195 (CONH).

[0455] Mass spectrum (FAB): 298 (M++1).

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-L-proline 3-(methylthio)propylamide; route 1

[0456] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)3SCH3;

[0457] a) Preparation of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyric acid

[0458] 8 g of 2(S)-aminobutyric acid (77.6 mmol) are dissolved in a mixture of dioxane (155 ml), water (78 ml) and 1N NaOH (78 ml). The solution is cooled in an ice/salt bath and 18.62 g of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (85.4 mmol) are added. The solution is allowed to warm to room temperature and is stirred for one hour. The mixture is then concentrated under vacuum to a volume of about 90 ml and is then acidified with KHSO4 solution. The resulting solution is extracted with methylene chloride (2×200 ml) and the combined extracts are dried and evaporated, which leads to an oil. By prolonged drying under vacuum, a waxy white solid is obtained. m.p.=65-66° C.

[0459] b) Preparation of the succinimide ester of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyric acid

[0460] 14.2 g of acid (70 mmol) obtained in a) are dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran, under nitrogen at 0° C. 14.4 g of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (70 mmol) and 8.1 g of N-hydroxysuccinimide (70 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred overnight. The precipitate formed is removed by filtration and rinsed once with ethyl acetate, after which the solvent is removed under vacuum, which leads to an oil. The product is used in the subsequent steps without further purification.

[0461] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.6 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 2.6 (4H, 5, CH2CH2 succinimide); 1.5-1.7 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.2 (9H, s, (CH3)3); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0462] c) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline

[0463] 6.933 g of ester (23.1 mmol) obtained in b) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (150 ml) and the mixture is cooled to 0° C. A solution of 3.99 g of L-proline (34.7 mmol) and 3.51 g of triethylamine (34.7 mmol) in water (50 ml) is added. Stirring is maintained for 48 hours at room temperature. The tetrahydrofuran is removed under vacuum and is replaced by water, after which the pH is brought to about 2 with dilute KHSO4. The acidic solution is extracted with methylene chloride and the extracts are dried and evaporated, which leads to an oil.

[0464] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.3 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.2 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.6-3.8 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 1.9-2.1 (4H, m, CH2CH2CH2N proline); 1.6-1.8 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.5 (9H, s, (CH3)3); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0465] d) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline 3-(methylthio)propylamide

[0466] 2.47 g (8.23 mmol) of the product obtained in c) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml), under nitrogen, while cooling in an ice/salt bath. 0.948 g of N-ethylmorpholine (8.23 mmol) are added, followed by 1.125 g of isobutyl chloroformate (8.23 mmol). After 30 minutes, 0.864 g of 3-(methylthio)propylamine (8.23 mmol) are added. Stirring is maintained overnight. The suspension is poured into methylene chloride (250 ml), washed with 10% citric acid (3×100 ml) and then with 5% NaHCO3 (3×100 ml), dried and evaporated, which leads to an oil.

[0467] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.4 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.3 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.5-3.8 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 3.2 (2H, m, CH2N); 2.2 (2H, m, CH2CH2N proline); 2.0 (3H, s, CH3S); 1.6-1.8 (8H, m, CH2CH2CH2N proline, CH2CH2SCH3, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.5 (9H, s, (CH3)3) 0.9 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl)

[0468] e) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate salt

[0469] 5 g (12.9 mmol) of the product obtained in d) are dissolved in cooled trifluoroacetic acid (100 ml), with cooling in an ice/salt bath, and the mixture is stirred for 30 minutes. The acid is removed under vacuum, which leads to a clear oil. This oil is treated with 5% NaHCO3 and is extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase is dried and evaporated, which leads to the free base (clear oil). The oil obtained is dissolved in a small amount of ethanol and oxalic acid (1.1 equivalents) is added. After addition of ether, white crystals of the desired product in the form of the oxalate salt are obtained. This product is pure enough not to need recrystallization.

[0470] m.p.=120-121° C.

[0471] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm); 4.5 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.3 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.6 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 2.5 (2H, m, CH2N amide); 2.1 (3H, s, SCH3); 1.75-2.0 (10H, m, SCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2N proline, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.0 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0472] Elemental analysis: C13H25N3O2S.C2H2O4.0.5H2O Found: C=47.17%; H=7.05%; N=10.67%; Calculated: C=46.62%; H=7.30%; N=10.87%;

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-pentylamide; route 1

[0473] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)4CH3

[0474] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid

[0475] 10 g of 2(S)-aminobutyric acid (97 mmol) are dissolved in aqueous 4M KOH solution (100 ml) and the mixture is cooled to 0° C. 24.7 g of benzyl chloroformate (145 mmol) are added and the mixture is stirred while allowing its temperature to rise to room temperature over 2 hours 30 minutes. The mixture is then diluted with water (100 ml) and extracted with ether (2×200 ml). The aqueous phase is acidified to a pH<1 with concentrated HCl and is extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 ml). The ethyl acetate fractions are combined and dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is removed. A white solid is obtained.

[0476] 1H-NMR (ppm): 7.32 (5H, s, ArCH); 5.22-5.28 (1H, d, NH); 5.10 (2H, s, Ph—CH2); 4.02-4.44 (1H, m, &agr;-CH); 1.58-2.02 (2H, m, CH2); 0.9-1.2 (3H, t, CH3).

[0477] b) Preparation of the succinimide ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid

[0478] 20 g of acid (84 mmol) obtained in a) and 9.7 g of N-hydroxysuccinimide (20 mmol) are dissolved in dimethoxyethane (160 ml) and the solution is cooled in ice. 17.3 g of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (84 mmol) are added portionwise, with cooling, and a white precipitate forms rapidly. The mixture is refrigerated overnight, then filtered and the solvent is removed. A viscous oil is obtained. By crystallization from isopropanol, a white solid is obtained.

[0479] 1H-NMR (ppm): 7.31 (5H, s, ArCH); 5.3-5.6 (1H, d, NH); 5.1 (2H, s, Ph—CH2); 4.8-4.9 (1H, m, &agr;-CH); 2.9 (4H, s, 2×CH2 ester); 1.80-2.05 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.95-1.25 (3H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0480] c) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline

[0481] 5 g of ester (14.95 mmol) obtained in b) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and the solution is cooled in ice. 1.75 g of L-proline (14.95 mmol), 2.25 g of triethylamine (22.4 mmol) and water (50 ml) are then added thereto. The mixture is stirred and is cooled for one hour and is then maintained at room temperature overnight. The solvent content is reduced to about half the volume and the solution is acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The combined ethyl acetate fractions are dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is removed. A thick oil is obtained.

[0482] 1H-NMR (ppm): 7.38 (5H, s, ArCH); 5.9-6.0 (1H, d, NH); 5.08 (2H, s, Ph—CH2) ; 4.42-4.54 (2H, m, 2×&agr;-CH); 3.52-3.85 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 1.52-2.30 (6H, m, 2×CH2 proline, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.85-1.0 (3H, m, CH3).

[0483] d) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-pentylamide

[0484] 2 g (5.98 mmol) of the product obtained in c) are dissolved in dry, distilled tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and the solution is cooled in an ice/salt bath. 0.813 g of isobutyl chloroformate (5.98 mmol) and 0.687 g of N-ethylmorpholine (5.98 mmol) are added thereto with stirring and the solution becomes cloudy. Stirring is continued with cooling for 30 minutes, then 0.52 g of n-pentylamine (5.98 mmol) is added. The mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight and is then diluted with water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml). The combined organic extracts are dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is removed. 2.54 g of an oil are obtained. HPLC and TLC analysis showed that some starting acid remained. The oil obtained is thus redissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml), washed with 4M KOH (50 ml) and water and then dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed. The desired product is obtained.

[0485] 1H-NMR (ppm): 7.33 (5H, s, ArCH); 5.07-5.08 (2H, m, CH2Ph); 3.96-4.07 (2H, m, &agr;-CH); 3.48-3.9 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 1.1-2.5 (12H, m, 6×CH2); 0.75-1.0 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

[0486] e) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0487] 1 g (2.48 mmol) of the product obtained in d) is dissolved in methanol (100 ml) and 200 mg of Pd/C (10%) are added. This mixture is hydrogenated under pressure for 3 hours in Parr apparatus. The catalyst is removed by filtration, then the solvent is removed and 223 mg of oxalic acid (2.48 mmol) are added. By crystallization from an ethanol/ether mixture, the desired product is obtained.

[0488] m.p.=140-141° C.

[0489] Elemental analysis: C14H27N3O2.0.9C2H2O4.0.2C2H5OH.0.5H2O Found: C=52.63%; H=8.44%; N=11.24%; Calculated: C=52.78%; H=8.48%; N=11.40%;

[0490] Mass spectrum (FAB): 270 (M++1)

[0491] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 7.64-7.69 (1H, m, NH); 4.24-4.30 (1H, m, &agr;-CH); 4.03-4.09 (1H, m, &agr;-CH); 3.30-3.74 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 2.90-3.10 (—NH—CH2—); 1.52-2.10 (6H, m, 2×CH2 proline, CH2 butyl chain); 0.72-1.44 (12H, m, 2×CH3, 3×CH2 pentyl chain).

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-L-proline n-butylamide; route 1

[0492] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)3CH3

[0493] a) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-butylamide

[0494] 2.42 g of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline (8.05 mmol) prepared as in Example 2c) are dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (15 ml). The solution is cooled in an ice/salt bath and 0.927 g of N-ethylmorpholine (8.05 mmol) and 1.10 g of isobutyl chloroformate (8.05 mmol) are then added. The solution is stirred for 45 minutes and 0.59 g (8.05 mmol) of n-butylamine is added. After stirring overnight, methylene chloride (200 ml) is added and the mixture is washed with 10% citric acid (2×100 ml) and then with 5% NaHCO3 (2×100 ml). The organic phase is dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated under vacuum. A syrup is obtained. The deprotection is carried out without characterization.

[0495] b) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0496] The product obtained in a) is treated with cold trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (28 ml), with stirring, in an ice/salt bath for 30 minutes. The TFA is removed under vacuum. The resulting oil is treated with cold 5% NaHCO3 until the pH is about 10, and is then extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase is dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated. The oil is take up in a small volume of ethanol and treated with oxalic acid. After addition of ether, white crystals of the desired product are obtained in the form of the oxalate salt. This compound is sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0497] m.p.=165-167° C.

[0498] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 4.4 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.2 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.4-3.7 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 3.0-3.2 (2H, m, CH2NC4H9); 1.6-2.2 (4H, m, NCH2CH2CH2 proline); 1.2-1.5 (4H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl, NCH2CH2C4H9) ; 1.1 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3 of the n-butyl)

[0499] Elemental analysis: C13H25N3O2.C2H2O4.1.3H2O Found: C=49.15%; H=7.62%; N=11.06%; Theory: C=48.85%; H=8.09%; N=11.39%;

EXAMPLE 5

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline[2(S) methyl]butylamide; route 1

[0500] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(S)CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3;

[0501] a) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline

[0502] A solution of 2.1395 g of L-proline (18.6 mmol) and 1.56 g of NaHCO3 (18.6 mmol) in water (20 ml) is treated with a solution of 4.138 g of the succinimide ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (12.4 mmol) prepared as in Example 3b), in dimethoxyethane (25 ml). After 5 hours, 12.4 ml of water are added, the resulting mixture is acidified to pH=2 with concentrated HCl and is extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts are dried and are evaporated, which leads to a syrup.

[0503] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.2 (5H, m, H-aryl); 5.2 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 5.0 (3H, m, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl, &agr;-H); 4.0-4.1 (2H, m, CH2N); 1.8-2.0 (4H, m, CH2CH2CH2N); 1.1-1.2 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.9 (3H, t); 3.8 (2H, m, CH2 aryl); 3.5 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 3.2 (2H, m); 2.0 (2H, m); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0504] b) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline [2(S)-methyl]butylamide

[0505] 3.8 g (11.4 mmol) of the product obtained in a) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) and the mixture is cooled, under nitrogen, in an ice/salt bath. 1.31 g of N-ethylmorpholine (11.4 mmol) are added, followed by 1.487 g of isobutyl chloroformate (11.4 mmol). After 30 minutes, 0.99 g of 2(S)-methylbutylamide (11.4 mmol) are added and stirring is continued overnight. The suspension is poured into methylene chloride (250 ml), washed with 10% citric acid (3×100 ml) and then with 5% NaHCO3 (3×100 ml), dried and evaporated. An oil is obtained.

[0506] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.2 (5H, m, H-aryl); 5.0 (2H, d, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.3-4.5 (2H, m, 2&agr;H); 3.2-3.6 (2H, m, CH2N); 2.9-3.1 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 1.0-2.1 (18H, m, CH2CH2CH2N, CH3CH2 aminobutyryl, NCH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3).

[0507] c) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0508] 1.96 g of the product obtained in b) are dissolved in methanol and 0.24 g of palladium-on-charcoal (10%, wet) is added. This suspension is hydrogenated in Parr apparatus at 40 psi for 4 hours. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent is removed under vacuum. The resulting oil is dissolved in a small amount of ethanol and oxalic acid (1.1 equivalents) are added. After addition of ether, the desired product is obtained in the form of the oxalate salt.

[0509] m.p.=135-136° C.

[0510] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 4.4 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.25 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.65 (2H, m, CH2N proline); 3.0 (2H, m, CH2N amide); 2.0 (5H, m, CH2CH2N proline, CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2N); 1.5 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.1 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.9 (6H, m, CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2N).

[0511] Elemental analysis: C14H27N3O2.C2H2O4.5H2O Found: C=52.04%; H=7.82%; N=11.27% Calculated: C=52.16%; H=8.21%; N=11.41%

EXAMPLE6

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-L-proline n-propylamide; route 1

[0512] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)2CH3

[0513] a) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-propylamide

[0514] 2 g of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-amino-butyryl)-L-proline (6.6 mmol) prepared as in Example 2c) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (40 ml). 0.86 ml of isobutyl chloroformate (6.6 mmol) and 0.85 ml of N-ethylmorpholine (6.6 mmol) are then added to this solution, at −10° C. and under nitrogen. After stirring at −10° C. for 20 minutes, 2.75 ml of n-propylamine (33.0 mmol) are added. The mixture is left stirring at 0° C. for one hour and then at room temperature overnight. The solvent is evaporated off under vacuum and a white semi-solid material is obtained. It is dissolved in ethyl acetate (150 ml) and washed with 5% citric acid (30 ml), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (30 ml) and brine (20 ml). After drying (Na2SO4) the mixture is filtered and the solvent is evaporated off. An oil is obtained, which is purified by liquid chromatography on a column (eluent: ethyl acetate) and a white solid is obtained.

[0515] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 6.86 (1H, broad s, NH); 5.22 (1H, d, NH); 4.56 (1H, dd, &agr;-CH aminobutyryl); 4.37 (1H, m, &agr;-CH proline); 3.54 (2H, m, N—CH2 proline); 3.13 (2H, m, N—CH2 propyl); 2.39-1.31 (8H, m, 4×CH2); 1.24 (9H, s, (CH3)3—); 0.91 (3H, t, CH3 propyl); 0.86 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0516] Mass spectrum (FAB): 342 (MH+)

[0517] b) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the trifluoroacetate

[0518] 2.0 g (5.9 mmol) of the product obtained in a) are dissolved in dichloromethane (5 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (5 ml) is added to this cooled solution. The reaction mixture is stirred for 2 hours in an ice bath. The acid is evaporated off and, on precipitation with ethyl ether and drying overnight at 30° C. under 0.1 mmHg, the desired product is obtained.

[0519] m.p.=46-51° C. (open capillary)

[0520] 1H-NMR (D2O/TSP, ppm): 4.41 (1H, t, &agr;-CH aminobutyryl); 4.33 (1H, t, &agr;-CH proline); 3.71 (2H, m, N—CH2 proline); 3.17 (2H, dt, N—CH2 amide); 2.21 (2H, dt, CH2 proline); 1.86-2.03 (4H, m, 2×CH2); 1.54 (2H, tq, CH2 amide); 1.04 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.89 (3H, t, CH3 amide).

[0521] Mass spectrum (FAB): 242 (MH+)

[0522] Elemental analysis: C12H23N3O2.1.3CF3COOH Found: C=44.75%; H=6.13%; N=10.59%; Calculated: C=45.01%; H=6.29%; N=10.79%;

EXAMPLE 7

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-L-proline isobutylamide; route 1

[0523] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=CH2CH(CH3)2

[0524] a) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline isobutylamide

[0525] The process is performed as in Example 6a), using isobutylamine instead of n-propylamine. An oil is obtained.

[0526] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 6.93 (1H, broad s, NH); 5.24 (1H, broad s, NH); 4.56 (1H, dd, &agr;-CH aminobutyryl); 4.36 (1H, tt, &agr;-CH proline); 3.53 (2H, m, N—CH2 proline); 3.53 (2H, m, N—CH2 proline); 3.00 (2H, m, NCH2); 2.39-1.58 (7H, m, CH and CH2); 1.37 (9H, s, (CH3)3—); 0.94 (3H, t, CH3); 0.84 (6H, d, 2×CH3)

[0527] Mass spectrum (FAB): 356 (MH+)

[0528] b) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the trifluoroacetate

[0529] The process is performed as in Example 6b), starting with the product prepared in a), and the desired product is obtained by precipitation with ethyl ether and drying at room temperature under vacuum (0.1 mmHg) overnight.

[0530] m.p.=58-61° C. (open capillary)

[0531] 1H-NMR (D2O/TSP, ppm): 4.43 (1H, t, &agr;-CH aminobutyryl); 4.33 (1H, t, (&agr;-CH proline); 3.70 (2H, m, N—CH2 proline); 3.04 (2H, dd, N—CH2 amide); 2.23 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 1.96 (4H, m, CH2); 1.78 (1H, m, CH); 1.04 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.89 (6H, d, 2×CH3)

[0532] Mass spectrum (FAB): 256 (MH+)

[0533] IR (KBr disc, cm−1): 3298 and 3089 (N—H), 2962 (C—H), 1662 (C═O).

[0534] Elemental analysis: C13H25N3O2.1.2CF3COOH Found: C=47.15%; H=6.75%; N=10.72%; Calculated: C=47.16%; H=6.73%; N=10.71;

EXAMPLE 8

Preparation of L-valyl-L-proline n-butylamide; route 2

[0535] R1=CH(CH3)2; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=(CH2)3CH3

[0536] a) Preparation of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-proline n-butylamide

[0537] 5.0 g of succinimide ester of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-proline (0.016 mmol), marketed by Novabiochem, are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml). 1.533 ml of n-butylamine (0.015 mmol) are then added thereto, at 0° C. over 10 minutes, and the mixture is stirred for one hour. The solvent is removed and the resulting crude material is purified by chromatography on silica, using ethyl acetate as eluent. An oil is obtained.

[0538] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 6.3 (1H, broad s, NH); 4.25 (1H, m, methine); 3.6-3.1 (4H, m, methylene); 2.9 (2H, m, methylene); 1.95 (9H, s, methyl); 1.6-1.2 (6H, m, methylene).

[0539] b) Preparation of L-proline n-butylamide trifluoroacetate

[0540] 4.32 g of the product obtained in a) (0.014 mmol) and 15 ml of trifluoroacetic acid are stirred at room temperature for one hour. The excess acid is evaporated off under vacuum and the residue is dried under vacuum for 3 hours. The desired product is obtained.

[0541] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 9.3 (1H, broad s, NH); 7.65 (1H, broad s, NH); 4.7 (1H, m, methine); 3.5 (2H, m, methylene); 3.25 (2H, m, methylene); 2.1 (4H, m, methylene); 1.5 (2H, m, methylene); 1.3 (2H, m, methylene); 0.9 (3H, t, methyl).

[0542] c) Preparation of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-L-proline n-butylamide

[0543] 3.707 g of succinimide ester of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-valine (0.0117 mol), marketed by Novabiochem, are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml). A solution of 3.35 g of the product obtained in b) (0.0117 mol) in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran is added with stirring at 25° C. 3.0 ml of triethylamine are then added in order to neutralize the trifluoroacetate salt and the mixture is stirred for 20 hours. The solvent is evaporated off and the resulting crude material is purified by chromatography on silica, using a 1/1 mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate as eluent. The desired product is obtained in the form of a colourless oil.

[0544] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 6.9 (1H, broad s, NH); 5.2 (1H, d, NH); 4.5 (1H, dd, methine); 4.25 (1H, dd, methine); 3.6 (2H, m, methylene); 3.2 (2H, q, methylene); 1.1 (5H, m, methine and methylene); 1.4 (9H, s, CH3 tert-butyl); 1.3 (4H, m, methylene); 0.9 (6H, dd, methyl); 0.8 (3H, t, methyl).

[0545] d) Preparation of L-valyl-L-proline n-butylamide trifluoroacetate

[0546] 1.5 g of the product obtained in c) (4.8 mmol) and 6 ml of trifluoroacetic acid are stirred at 25° C. for 45 minutes. The excess acid is evaporated off and the resulting crude material is purified by chromatography on silica, using an ether/ethyl acetate/acetic acid mixture (1/1/0.1) and then an ethyl acetate/methanol/acetic acid mixture (1/1/0.1) as eluent. An additional purification is carried out by preparative HPLC under the following conditions: Lichrosorb r.p. select B column; eluent: 60/40 water/methanol+0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. The product is obtained in the form of an oil.

[0547] e) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0548] 1.7 g of the product obtained in d) (4.4 mmol) are dissolved in aqueous 20% Na2CO3 solution (5 ml) and the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×15 ml). The organic extracts are dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated so as to obtain an oil (0.734 g). 1 g of oxalic acid is dissolved in 3 ml of ethanol and this solution is added to the oil obtained above, and the resulting mixture is heated on a water bath for 10 minutes and then cooled. By addition of ethyl ether, a white precipitate is obtained, which is filtered and washed with ethyl ether. It is recrystallized from a methanol/ethyl acetate/ether mixture (1/1/3), which leads to white crystals.

[0549] m.p.=165-166° C.

[0550] TLC (6/2/2 ethyl acetate/methanol/acetic acid): Rf=0.25

[0551] IR (KBr, cm−1): 3432 (NH), 3072 (+NH3), 2958 (C—H), 1718 (C═O), 1641 (C═O), 1554 (N—H).

[0552] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): 7.9 (1H, t, NH); 7.3 (2H, broad s, NH2); 4.25 (1H, t, methine); 3.95 (1H, d, methine); 3.65 (1H, m, CH2 proline); 3.45 (1H, m, CH2 proline); 3.0 (2H, m, methylene); 2.2-1.5 (5H, m, methine and methylene); 1.3 (4H, m, methylene); 0.9 (6H, dd, methyl); 0.8 (3H, t, methyl).

[0553] Mass spectrum: 269 (M+) (2%).

[0554] Elemental analysis: C16H29N3O6.0.25(COOH)2 Found: C=52.12%; H=8.01%; N=11.07%; Calculated: C=52.19%; H=7.85%; N=11.13%;

EXAMPLE 9

Preparation of L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-borovaline pinanediol ester; route 5

[0555] R1=CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5= 103

[0556] a) Preparation of isopropylboronic acid

[0557] A solution of 149 g of triethyl borate (1 mol) in 300 cm3 of ether and a 2M solution of 103 g of isopropylmagnesium chloride (1 mol) in 500 cm3 of ether, are added simultaneously, under a nitrogen atmosphere and with vigorous stirring, into ethyl ether (500 cm3) stirred under nitrogen at −78° C., while maintaining the temperature below −70° C. for 2 hours. The temperature of the reaction mixture is allowed to rise to room temperature and stirring is continued for a further 24 hours. The mixture is then acidified with cold dilute 40% sulphuric acid (250 cm3) and is stirred while maintaining the temperature below 15° C. Stirring is carried out for a further 16 hours and the mixture is diluted again with water (250 cm3) in order to remove the emulsion. The ether phase is separated out and the aqueous phase is extracted with ether (3×200 cm3). The ether phases are combined, dried (magnesium sulphate) and then concentrated. The resulting solid is crystallized from water. The desired product is obtained (wet); this product needs to be kept wet or in ether in order to prevent autoxidation.

[0558] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), ppm): 3.4 (2H, broad s, OH); 0.8 (7H, s, methine and methyl).

[0559] [Isopropylboronic acid has been described by R. M. Washburn et al., Org. Syn., 1963, Coll. Vol. IV: 68-72].

[0560] b) Preparation of hexahydro-2(1-methylethyl)-3a,5,5-trimethyl-[3aS-(3a&agr;,4&agr;,6&agr;,7a&agr;)]-4,6-methano-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole (or isopropylboronic acid pinanediol ester): compound XV

[0561] 30 g of acid (0.34 mol) prepared in a) and 40 g of (+)-pinanediol (0.23 mol) in 150 cm3 of ether are stirred for 48 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with 150 cm3 of ether and 100 cm3 of water and the ether phase is then separated out. The aqueous phase is extracted with ether (3×50 cm3), and the organic phases are combined, dried (magnesium sulphate) and concentrated. The resulting oil is purified by chromatography on silica, eluting with a petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture (9/1). The oil obtained is further purified by distillation under vacuum and the desired product, having a boiling point of 64-68° C. at 0.3 Torr, is collected.

[0562] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.25 (1H, dd, methine); 2.4-1.7 (6H, m, methylene and methine); 1.35 (3H, s, methyl); 1.25 (3H, s, methyl); 1.0 (7H, s, methyl and methine); 0.8 (3H, s, methyl).

[0563] [This compound has been described by C. A. Kettner et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1984, 259, 15106].

[0564] c) Preparation of 2-(1-chloro-2-methylpropyl)-hexahydro-3a,5,5-trimethyl-[3aS-[2(1S),3a&agr;,4&agr;,6&agr;,7a&agr;]-4,6-methano-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole: compound XVI

[0565] 200 cm3 of tetrahydrofuran and 10.6 g of dichloromethane (0.124 mol) are stirred at −105° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. 46 cm3 of 1.6M butyllithium in hexane (0.084 mol) are introduced using a syringe, at −105° C. over 40 minutes. This mixture is stirred for 15 minutes, after which a mixture of 15 g of compound XV (0.0675 mol) obtained in b) in 60 cm3 of tetrahydrofuran is introduced slowly, using a syringe, while maintaining the temperature at −105° C. The reaction mixture is stirred for 30 minutes and then 40.5 cm3 of 1M zinc chloride in ethyl ether (0.0405 mol) are introduced at −105° C. over 20 minutes, using a syringe. The temperature is allowed to rise to room temperature and stirring is continued for a further 16 hours. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure and the resulting oil is taken up in 500 cm3 of ether. The ether extract is washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (100 Cm3) and the aqueous phase is separated out. It is extracted with ether (2×100 cm3) and the combined ether solutions are dried (magnesium sulphate) and concentrated. The resulting oil is distilled under vacuum and the desired compound XVI is obtained in the main fraction, this product having a boiling point of 74-108° C. at 0.2 Torr.

[0566] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.35 (1H, d, O—CH-pinane-diol ester); 3.32 (1H, d, CHCl); 2.45-1.9 (7H, m, methylene-methine pinanediol ester); 1.35 (3H, s, methyl); 1.25 (3H, s, methyl); 1.0 (6H, dd, CH3 isopropyl); 0.8 (3H, s, methyl).

[0567] d) Preparation of hexahydro-3a,5,5-trimethyl-&agr;-(1-methylethyl)-N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-[3aS-[2(1R)3a&agr;,4&agr;,6&agr;,7a&agr;)]-4,6-methano-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole-2-methanamine: compound XVII

[0568] 24.3 cm3 of hexamethyldisilazane (0.115 mol) and 120 cm3 of tetrahydrofuran are stirred at −72° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. 61 cm3 of 1.6M n-butyl-lithium in hexane (0.0974 mol) are added gradually thereto, between −72° C. and −70° C., over 40 minutes. The temperature is allowed to rise to 0° C. over 3 hours and the reaction mixture is again cooled to −72° C. A mixture of 24 g of compound XVI (0.0886 mol) obtained in c), in 100 cm3 of tetrahydrofuran, is introduced slowly thereto over 30 minutes at −72° C. The temperature is then brought to 20° C. and the mixture is stirred for 20 hours and then concentrated. The resulting oil is treated with ether (250 cm3) and with water (100 cm3). The organic phase is separated out and the aqueous phase is extracted with ethyl ether (2×100 cm3), after which the ether solutions are combined, dried (sodium sulphate) and concentrated. The resulting oil is distilled under vacuum (discarding the forerun) and compound XVII is obtained, this product having a boiling point of 120-155° C. at 0.2 Torr.

[0569] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 4.25 (1H, d, O—CH pinanediol ester); 2.4-1.7 (7H, m, methylene and methine) ; 1.35 (3H, s, methyl) ; 1.25 (3H, s, methyl); 1.15 (1H, d, methine); 0.9 (6H, dd, CH3 isopropyl); 0.8 (3H, s, methyl).

[0570] e) Preparation of hexahydro-3a,5,5-trimethyl-&agr;-(1-methylethyl)-[3aS-[2(1R),3a&agr;,4&agr;,6&agr;,7a&agr;]-4,6-methano-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole-2-methanamine trifluoroacetate (or borovaline pinanediol ester trifluoroacetate): compound XVIII

[0571] 1 g (0.0258 mol) of the product obtained in d) in 10 cm3 of pentate is stirred at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. 0.584 cm3 of trifluoroacetic acid (0.0758 mol) is introduced slowly thereto and this mixture is stirred for one hour at 0° C. After concentration under reduced pressure and then suction at high vacuum for 48 hours, compound XVIII is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0572] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 7.7 (2H, broad s, NH2); 4.3 (1H, d, O—CH); 2.8 (1H, m, &agr;-CH); 2.4-1.8 (7H, m, methine and methyl); 1.35 (3H, s, methyl); 1.25 (3H, s, methyl); 1.0 (6H, dd, methyl); 0.8 (3H, s, methyl).

[0573] [&agr;]D23+25° (c 1.0, CHCl3)

[0574] f) Preparation of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alanyl-L-proline: compound XIX

[0575] 3 g of L-alanyl-L-proline in hydrate form (0.0147 mol) are dissolved in 30 cm3 of aqueous 0.5M NaOH and 30 cm3 of dioxane and the mixture is cooled to 0° C. with stirring. 3.53 g of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (0.0162 mol) are introduced thereto at 0° C., using a syringe. The reaction mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes and then at 20° C. for one hour. 30 cm3 of ethyl acetate are added and the mixture is cooled to 0° C. It is then treated with dilute aqueous KHSO4 until pH=2 is reached, and a precipitate forms. This is filtered off, washed with ether and dried under vacuum. The desired product is obtained.

[0576] NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 6.9 (1H, d, NH); 4.2 (2H, m, &agr;-CH alanine and proline); 3.5 (2H, m, methylene); 2.1 (1H, m, CH2 proline); 1.9 (3H, m, CH2 praline); 1.3 (9H, s, methyl); 1.1 (3H, d, methyl).

[0577] [This compound has been described in particular by E. Wuensch et al., Int. J. Pept. Protein Res., 1988, 32, 368].

[0578] g) Preparation of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-alanyl-L-prolyl-L-borovaline pinanediol ester: compound XX

[0579] 3.17 g of the compound obtained in f) are dissolved in 30 cm3 of stirred tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen, and the solution is cooled to −20° C. 2.27 g of N-ethylmorpholine (0.0190 mol) are introduced thereto at −20° C., followed by 1.59 g of isobutyl chloroformate (0.0116 mol), and a precipitate forms. The reaction mixture is stirred at −20° C. for 30 minutes, after which a mixture of 4.05 g of compound XVIII in the form of the trifluoroacetate (0.0110 mol) as obtained in e) in 20 cm3 of tetrahydrofuran is introduced. The mixture is stirred at −20° C. for 30 minutes, after which it is allowed to warm to 20° C. and is maintained at this temperature for 30 minutes. 30 cm3 of water are then added and the mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 cm3). The combined organic phases are dried and concentrated. The resulting oil is purified by chromatography on silica, eluting with a chloroform/methanol mixture (9/1). By drying the resulting oil under vacuum, the desired compound is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0580] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.0 (1H, d, NH); 5.4 (1H, d, NH); 4.65 (1H, d, &agr;-CH); 4.45 (1H, t, &agr;-CH); 4.30 (1H, d, O—CH); 3.5 (2H, m, methine); 3.1 (1H, t, &agr;-CH borovaline); 2.5-1.5 (11H, m, methine and methylene praline and pinane); 1.4 (9H, s, methyl and tert-butyl); 1.35 (3H, s, methyl); 1.3 (3H, dd, methyl alanine); 0.9 (6H, dd, methyl); 0.75 (3H, 3, methyl).

[0581] h) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the trifluoroacetate

[0582] 0.5 g of the compound obtained in g) (0.000962 mol) is dissolved in 2 cm3 of dichloromethane and the mixture is cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen. 3.7 g of trifluoroacetic acid (0.0324 mol) are introduced therein, at 0° C. under nitrogen, and the mixture is stirred for 30 minutes. The excess acid is removed under reduced pressure and then under vacuum. The resulting oil is purified by preparative HPLC on a Kromasil column equipped with a 215 nm detector, eluting with a 3/7 aqueous 0.1% CF3COOH/methanolic 0.1% CF3COOH mixture and a colourless solid is obtained, this product having a retention time of 9.7 minutes.

[0583] m.p.=124-125° C.

[0584] IR (KBr, cm−1): 3475 (NH2), 1671 (C═O amide), 1614 (C═O amide)

[0585] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.9 (1H, s, NH); 4.5 (broad s, NH2 and &agr;-CH alanine); 4.2 (1H, d, B—O—H); 3.95 (1H, m, &agr;-CH proline); 3.45 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 2.4-1.6 (11H, m, methylene and methine); 1.4 (3H, d, CH3 alanine); 1.3 (3H, s, methyl); 1.2 (4H, s, methyl and methine); 0.8 (6H, dd, methyl); 0.7 (3H, s, methyl).

[0586] Elemental analysis: C22H38BN3O4.2CF3COOH Found: C=47.8%; H=6.50%; N=6.31%; Calculated: C=48.2%; H=6.23%; N=6.49%;

EXAMPLE 10

Preparation of L-alanyl-L-prolyldifluoro-L-borovaline borohydride; route 6

[0587] R1=CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5= 104

[0588] A solution of 0.20 g of 1M BCl3 in CH2Cl2 (0.000384 mol) is cooled to −50° C. A solution of 0.20 g of the compound obtained in Example 9 (0.000384 mol) in 1 cm3 of CH2Cl2 is added thereto using a syringe, under a nitrogen atmosphere and with stirring. This reaction mixture is stirred at this temperature for 15 minutes and the stirring is then continued at 0° C. for one hour. 1 cm3 of water is added thereto, followed by 5 cm3 of ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase is separated out and is evaporated to dryness at 20° C. The resulting white solid is dissolved in 2 cm3 of water and 1 cm3 of acetone and treated with aqueous 0.5M hydrofluoric acid (5 cm3) for 15 minutes. The solvent is removed at 20° C. under a high vacuum. The residual solid is stirred in methanol and the insoluble residue is removed by filtration, after which the filtrate is evaporated off. A white solid is obtained which is crystallized from an acetone/water/ether mixture. The desired compound is obtained in the form of the borohydride.

[0589] m.p.=207-208° C.

[0590] IR (KBr, cm−1): 3439 (NH), 3190 (NH3), 1652 (C═O amide), 1629 (C=O amide), 727 (B—F).

[0591] 1H-NMR (D2O, ppm): 4.8 (1H, m &agr;-CH proline); 4.5 (1H, m, &agr;-CH alanine); 3.8 (2H, m, CH2 proline); 2.31 (1H, m, &agr;-CH valine); 2.0 (4H, m, CH2 proline); 1.7 (1H, m, CH valine); 1.55 (3H, d, CH3 alanine); 0.88 (6H, dd, methyl).

[0592] Elemental analysis: C12H22BF2N3O20.95H3BO3 Found: C=41.51%; H=6.86%; N=11.72%; Calculated: C=41.43%; H=7.20%; N=12.08%;

EXAMPLE 11

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-(4(S)-fluoro)-L-proline n-butylamide; route 3

[0593] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—CH2—CH (cis.F)—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9;

[0594] a) Preparation of the methyl ester of N-benzyl-oxycarbonyl-4(S)-fluoro-L-proline

[0595] 4.83 g (17.29 mmol) of methyl ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4(R)-hydroxy-L-proline (marketed by Aldrich, Sigma) are dissolved, under nitrogen, in dichloromethane (90 ml) and this mixture is cooled to −70° C. and then treated dropwise with 3 ml (22.71 mmol) of diethylaminosulphur trifluoride (DAST). The resulting mixture is warmed up over one hour and is stirred for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into a water/ice mixture containing NaHCO3 and extracted with dichloromethane, and the extract is dried (MgSO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The yellow oil obtained is purified by chromatography on silica, eluting with a 40/60 and then 50/50 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture. After evaporation under vacuum, an oil is obtained; Rf=0.5 (50/50 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate)

[0596] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.40-7.27 (5H, m, ArH); 5.22 (1H, dt, —CHF—, JHF=52.4 Hz, J=3.7 Hz); 5.14-5.06 (2H, m, CH2 benzyl); 4.58 (dd, &agr;-H, J=30.1 Hz, J=9.5 Hz); 3.96-3.62 (2H, m, —CH2N—) ; 3.64, 3.75 (3h, OCH3); 2.59-2.47 (1H, m, —CH,); 2.47-2.24 (1H, m, —CH2—).

[0597] Mass spectrum (EI): m/e (% intensity)=281 (M+, 1.36); 261 (M+-HF, 0.01); 91 (Ph—CH2+, 100).

[0598] b) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4(S)-fluoro-L-proline

[0599] 3.29 g (11.70 mmol) of the compound prepared in a) are dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and 7 ml (14 mmol) of 2M sodium hydroxide are added dropwise at −5° C. The mixture is then left at room temperature for 17 hours. After addition of water (100 ml), the methanol is removed under vacuum and the aqueous solution is washed twice with dichloromethane. This solution is then acidified to pH=3 with citric acid (20%) and is then extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 cm3). The extracts are dried (MgSO4) and filtered, and the solvent is removed under vacuum (adding ether at the end). A white solid is thus obtained.

[0600] m.p.=123-124° C.

[0601] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.38-7.26 (5H, m, ArH); 5.32-5.15 (3H, m, —CHF— JHF=52.16 Hz, CH2 benzyl) ; 4.61 (1H, dd, &agr;-H J=27.6 Hz, J=9.6 Hz); 3.98-3.60 (2H, m, CH2N); 2.78-2.54 (1H, m, —CH2—); 2.52-2.24 (1H, m, —CH2—).

[0602] TLC (ethyl acetate): Rf=0.04

[0603] Mass spectrum (EI): m/e (% intensity)=267 (M+, 1.82); 247 (M+-HF, 0.02); 91 (PhCH2+, 100).

[0604] c) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4(S)-fluoro-L-proline n-butylamide

[0605] 1.40 g (5.24 mmol) of the compound obtained in b) are dissolved, under argon, in dry tetrahydrofuran (40 ml) and 0.66 ml (5.24 mmol) of 4-ethylmorpholine is added at 0° C., followed by 0.685 ml (5.24 mmol) of isobutyl chloroformate at −5° C. A white precipitate of 4-ethylmorpholine hydrochloride forms. After stirring for 20 minutes at −5° C., 0.54 ml (5.46 mmol) of n-butylamine is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for 40 minutes at 0° C. and then for one hour at room temperature. The solid is removed by filtration and washed with dry tetrahydrofuran, and the resulting solution is then evaporated under vacuum. The colourless residue is then treated with 50 ml of 5% citric acid solution and 120 ml of ethyl acetate. After shaking vigorously, the phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 50 ml of 10% KHCO3 and then with 50 ml of brine. After drying (MgSO4) and removal of the solvent under vacuum, a white solid is obtained which is washed with petroleum ether and dried under vacuum over P2O5. The desired product is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0606] m.p.=79-80° C.

[0607] TLC (50/50 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether): 0.5

[0608] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.34 (5H, broad s, ArH); 6.50-6.00 (1H, broad d, —NH—); 5.21 (1H, dt, —CHF— JHF=51.9 Hz, J=3.4 Hz); 5.20-5.00 (2H, m, CH2 benzyl); 4.48 (1H, d, &agr;-H J=1.4 Hz); 4.02-3.38 (2H, m, —CH2N proline); 3.32-3.02 (2H, m, —CH2—NH—NH butyl); 2.90-2.52 (1H, m, —CH2— proline); 2.48-2.08 (1H, m, —CH2— proline); 1.54-1.16 (4H, m, —CH2—NH butyl); 0.87 (3H, broad s, CH3 NH butyl).

[0609] d) Preparation of 4(S)-fluoro-L-proline n-butylamide

[0610] 1.48 g (4.59 mmol) of the compound obtained in c) are dissolved in 40 ml of methanol and 0.56 g of activated wet palladium-on-charcoal (10%) is added. The reaction mixture is hydrogenated under 60 psi for 3 hours and the solution is then filtered and concentrated under vacuum. An oil is obtained which crystallizes after drying under vacuum over P2O5 for 18 hours, which leads to the desired product.

[0611] m.p.=30° C.

[0612] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.53 (broad s, 1H, —NH—); 5.16 (1H, dt, —CHF— J1=53.1 Hz, J2 3.7 Hz); 3.82 (1H, dd, &agr;-H, J1=10.3 Hz, J2=3.3 Hz); 3.40-3.10 (4H, m, —CH2—N— and —CO—N—CH2—); 2.48-2.20 (2H, m, —CH2— proline); 2.12 (1H, broad s, —NH—); 1.42-1.52 (2H, m, —CH2—NH butyl); 1.37-1.28 (2H, m, —CH2—NH butyl); 0.91 (3H, t, J=7.34 Hz, —CH3).

[0613] e) Preparation of 1-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-fluoro)-L-proline n-butylamide

[0614] The process is performed as in step c), starting with 0.81 g (3.98 mmol) of (N-(tert-butoxy-carbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyric) acid prepared as in Example 2a) and using the compound obtained in d) instead of n-butylamine. The crude product obtained shows two spots on TLC with similar Rf values. These two products are separated by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with a gradient of from 20/80 to 60/40 of an ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture. The pure amide (second product) is obtained, which crystallizes after drying over P2O5 under vacuum for 5 days.

[0615] m.p.=67-68° C.

[0616] (trans isomer: T and cis isomer: C)

[0617] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.52 (0.37H, broad s, —NH—C); 6.55 (0.63H, broad s, —NH—T); 5.31 (0.37H, dt, —CHF— T J1=52.3 Hz, J2=4.0 Hz); 5.23 (0.63H, dt, —CHF— C J1=50.1 Hz, J2=3.2 Hz); 5.19 (0.63H, broad d, —NH— T, J=8.3 Hz); 5.19 (0.37H, broad d, —NH— C J−6.7 Hz); 4.76 (0.63H, d, &agr;H T, J=Hz); 4.43 (0.37H, d, &agr;H C, J=9.2 Hz); 4.33 (0.63H, q, &agr;H T, J1=8.5 Hz, J2=6.7 Hz); 4.09-3.76 (2.37H, m, —CH2—N— proline and &agr;H C); 3.46-2.85 (3H, m, —CO—N—CH2 and —CH2 aminobutyryl); 2.34-2.07 (1H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.89-1.20 (15H, m, tert-C4H9 and —CH2— proline and NH butyl); 1.00 (1.89H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl T, J=7.3 Hz); 1.00 (1.11H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl C, J=7.5 Hz); 0.89 (3H, t, CH3 NH butyl, J=7.3 Hz).

[0618] Mass spectrum (FAB):

[0619] Found: MH+=374 (11.7); 58 (100.0);

[0620] Calculated: M=373

[0621] f) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the trifluoroacetate

[0622] A 50/50 solution of CF3COOH/CH2Cl2 is cooled to 0° C. and 0.20 g (0.547 mmol) of the compound prepared in e) is added thereto. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 hour 15 minutes, after which the acid and the solvent are removed under vacuum, which leads to a yellow oil. 2×6 ml of CH2Cl2 are then added and the mixture is evaporated under vacuum in order to remove the excess acid. The resulting crude product is washed with 3×20 ml of anhydrous diethyl ether and a pure white solid is obtained, which is dried for 48 hours at room temperature under 0.25 mmHg. The desired product is obtained.

[0623] m.p.=60-63° C.

[0624] (T: trans isomer and C: cis isomer)

[0625] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD, ppm): 5.34 (0.73H, dm, —CHF— T); 5.27 (0.27H, dm, —CHF— C); 4.65 (1H, dd, &agr;-H aminobutyryl); 4.13 (0.73H, dd, &agr;-H proline T); 4.05-3.63 (2H, m, CH2—N proline and 0.27H, &agr;-H proline C); 3.28-3.08 (2H, m, —N—CH2— —NH butyl); 2.68-2.25 (2H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl); 2.10-1.75 (2H, m, —CH2 proline); 1.54-1.42 (2H, m, —CH2—CH2—CH3); 1.40-1.29 (2H, m, —CH2—CH2—CH3); 1.11 (2.19H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl T); 1.01 (0.81H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl C); 0.94 (0.81H, t, CH3 NH butyl C); 0.92 (2.19H, t, CH3 NH butyl T).

[0626] Mass spectrum (FAB): MH+ found=274 (100%);

[0627] Calculated:=273

[0628] IR (KBr disc, cm−1): 3438 (m, amide); 3073 (m, NH3+); 1668 (S, C═O)

[0629] Microanalysis: C13H24O2N3F.1.1CF3COOH Found: C=45.90%; H=6.30%; N=10.48% Calculated: C=45.78%; H=6.34%; N=10.54%;

EXAMPLE 12

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline n-butylamide; route 4

[0630] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—CH2—CH(CH2Ph)—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9;

[0631] a) Preparation of the methyl ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-keto-L-proline

[0632] 5.0 g (17.90 mmol) of the methyl ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-hydroxy-L-proline (marketed by Aldrich, Sigma) are dissolved in 300 ml of acetone. This solution is stirred magnetically and 15 ml of chromic acid in approximately 8N sulphuric acid are added over a period of about 3 minutes. Stirring is continued for one hour, after which the excess oxidizing agent is destroyed by adding 5 ml of isopropanol over 20 minutes. The solvent is removed and the residue is then dissolved in ether and filtered through fluorisil in order to remove the chromium salts. The crude product obtained after evaporation is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with a gradient of from 15/85 to 40/60 of an ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (b.p.<40° C.) mixture. A colourless oil is obtained after drying under reduced pressure overnight.

[0633] Rf=0.85 (ethyl acetate)

[0634] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.30 (5H, broad s, ArH); 5.20-5.00 (2H, m, CH2 benzyl); 4.85 (1H, t, &agr;-H); 3.95 (2H, broad s, —CH2—N proline); 3.70-3.60 (3H, d, —OCH3); 3.05-2.80 (1H, m, —CH2 proline); 3.65-3.50 (1H, m, CH2 proline).

[0635] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=300 ((M+Na)+, 100.0); 278 (MH+, 13.0); 154 (43.5); 136 (12); 107 (12.5); 91 (100).

[0636] b) Preparation of the methyl ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-benzylidene-L-proline

[0637] 3.68 g (9.46 mmol) of benzyltriphenyl-phosphonium chloride are suspended in 30 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran and this mixture is added to a solution of 0.22 g (9.65 mmol) of sodium hydride (95%) in 20 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran, under nitrogen. 25 ml of dry DMSO are then added and the mixture is heated at 70° C. until it becomes homogeneous (4 hours). After cooling the solution to 50° C., a mixture of 2.00 g (7.90 mmol) of the ester obtained in a) in 10 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran is added over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture is then heated at 70° C. for 16 hours, after which it is poured into 200 ml of water/ice containing 1.4 g of KHCO3. 150 ml of dichloromethane are then added, after which the organic phase is separated out and the aqueous phase is extracted once with 100 ml of dichloromethane. After drying (MgSO4) of the organic phases and evaporation under vacuum, the crude product obtained is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with a 15/85 and then 35/65 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture. After drying under vacuum under P2O5 overnight, a colourless oil is obtained.

[0638] Rf=0.90 (ethyl acetate)

[0639] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.50-7.05 (10H, m, ArH); 6.53-6.13 (1H, m, H vinyl); 5.30-5.00 (2H, m, H benzyl); 4.73-4.30 (3H, m, &agr;-H and N—CH2 proline); 3.80-3.50 (3H, dd, OCH3); 3.33-3.10 (1H, m, —CH2 proline); 3.05-2.67 (1H, m, —CH2 proline);

[0640] Mass spectrum (FAB, (MNOBA matrix+NaI) m/e (% intensity)=300 (MH++Na, 97); 278 (MH+, 13); 154 (44); 91 (C7H7+, 100).

[0641] c) Preparation of the methyl ester of 4(S) benzyl-L-proline

[0642] 0.95 g of activated palladium-on-charcoal (10% wet) is added to a solution of 2.10 g (5.97 mmol) of the ester obtained in b) in 250 ml of methanol and this reaction mixture is hydrogenated for 2 hours 30 minutes under 60 psi. After filtration of the solution, concentration under vacuum and drying over P2O5 overnight, the desired product is obtained.

[0643] The NMR spectrum shows the presence of two diastereoisomers in a 90/10 cis/trans ratio.

[0644] (T=trans isomer and C=cis isomer)

[0645] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, ppm): 7.32-7.12 (5H, m, ArH); 3.82 (1H, t, &agr;-H, J=8.0 Hz); 3.74 (3H, s, OCH3); 3.08-3.02 (1H, m, —CH2—N proline); 2.80-2.73 (1H, m, —CH2N proline); 2.72-2.58 (2H, m, H benzyl); 1.60-1.70 (0.1H, m, PhCH2CH T); 1.50-1.59 (0.9H, m, PhCH2CH C).

[0646] d) Preparation of the methyl ester of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline

[0647] 0.66 g (4.01 mmol) of 3-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazine-4(3H)-one and 0.83 g (4.01 mmol) of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) are added, at 0° C., to a solution of 0.815 g (3.43 mmol) of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid prepared as in Example 3a) in a mixture of 5 ml of dimethylformamide and 5 ml of methylene chloride. After 1 hour 15 minutes, a mixture of 0.88 g (4.01 mmol) of the ester obtained in c) in 5 ml of CH2Cl2 is added. The mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 15 minutes and then for 2 days at room temperature. After removal of the solvent under vacuum, the residue is taken up in ethyl acetate. The dicyclohexylurea is removed by filtration and the filtrate is subsequently washed with 4% NaHCO3, with 10% citric acid and then evaporated under vacuum. The crude product thus obtained is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with a gradient of from 15/85 to 35/65 of an ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture. After evaporation, a yellow paste is obtained.

[0648] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.50-6.95 (10H, m, ArH); 5.60 (1H, d, —NH—); 5.05 (2H, m, PhCH2O); 4.50-4.35 (2H, m, &agr;-H); 3.95-3.60 (4H, m, OCH3 and —CH2—N proline); 3.35-3.20 (1H, m, —CH2—N proline); 2.80-2.10 (4H, m, PhCH2C and —CH2 proline); 1.95-1.50 (3H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl and H proline); 0.95 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0649] Rf=0.61 (ethyl acetate) ps e) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline

[0650] 1.30 g (2.96 mmol) of the ester obtained in d) are saponified with 1.75 ml (3.50 mmol) of 2M NaOH in 30 ml of methanol for 20 hours at room temperature. After evaporation under vacuum, the residue is taken up in 100 ml of distilled water, washed twice with ether and then acidified to pH=1 with 5N aqueous HCl and extracted three times with 150 ml of ethyl ether, and the organic phases are dried (MgSO4), filtered and evaporated under vacuum. The desired product is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0651] m.p.=56-57° C.

[0652] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.5-7.0 (10H, m, ArH); 5.7 (1H, d, —NH—); 5.05 (2H, broad s, PhCH2O); 4.50-4.25 (2H, m, &agr;-H); 4.00-3.80 (1H, m, —N—CH2 proline); 3.30-3.10 (1H, m, —N—CH2 proline); 2.80-2.10 (4H, m, PhCH2C and —CH2 proline); 1.90-1.40 (3H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl and H proline); 0.90 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0653] f) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline n-butylamide

[0654] The process is performed as in Example 11c), starting with the compound obtained above in c). The resulting crude product is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with a gradient of from 15/85 to 50/50 of ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture. Two samples of the desired product are obtained.

[0655] g) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate hydrate

[0656] A solution of 0.75 g of the compound obtained above in f), in methanol, is hydrogenated under 60 psi for 2 hours 30 minutes, using 0.30 g of 10% palladium-on-charcoal (wet). After removal of the catalyst by filtration and of the solvent under vacuum, the crude product obtained is purified by flash chromatography, using a 50/50 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture and then a 50/50 ethyl acetate/methanol mixture. After evaporation of the solvent, the resulting oil is taken up in isopropanol and filtered in order to remove the silica. 350 mg (1.01 mmol) of free base are obtained. 0.12 g (1.32 mmol) of oxalic acid in ethanol is added thereto and ether is added. After crystallization, the desired product is obtained.

[0657] m.p.=89-93° C. (open capillary)

[0658] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD, ppm): 7.32-7.15 (5H, m, ArH); 4.48-4.28 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 4.22-4.10 (1H, m, &agr;-H); 3.87-3.68 (1H, m, —CH2—N proline); 3.42-3.06 (3H, m, —CH2N proline and —CH2—N NH2 butyl); 2.84-2.44 (3H, m, —CH2Ph and CH2 proline); 2.36-2.10 (1H, m, —CH2 proline); 2.02-1.76 (2H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.67-1.26 (5H, m, —CH2CH2 NH2 butyl and H proline); 1.12-0.86 (6H, m, —CH3 aminobutyryl and —CH3 NH2 butyl).

[0659] Microanalysis: C20H31N3O2.1.05 (COOH)2.0.9H2O Found: C=58.19%; H=7.24%; N=8.95% Calculated: C=58.18%; H=7.71%; N=9.21%;

[0660] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=368 (M++Na, 14); 346 (M+, 100); 261 (68); 160 ″(47); 91 (C7H7+, 7).

EXAMPLE 13

Preparation of 2-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 3

[0661] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R=R′=H; R3= 105

[0662] R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9

[0663] a) Preparation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid

[0664] 5.0 g (30.27 mmol) of L-phenylalanine are dissolved in 50 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 4.0 g of para-formaldehyde and 1 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid are added. This solution is maintained at reflux for two days. After cooling and filtration, the resulting solid is dissolved in a 1/1 (v/v) hot water/ethanol mixture and aqueous NH4OH (30%) is added until a pH 7.0 is reached. The crystals which have precipitated after cooling the solution are recovered by filtration, washed with ethanol and dried. The desired product is thus obtained.

[0665] m.p.=315° C. (lit.)23

[0666] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=178 (MH+, 23); 154 (100).

[0667] b) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid

[0668] A solution of 2.50 g (14.11 mmol) of the acid prepared in a), in 2N NaOH (8 ml), is cooled in an ice/water bath and is stirred vigorously using a magnetic stirrer. 2.21 ml (15.52 mmol) of benzyl chloroformate and 8 ml of 2N NaOH are added alternately, in about 10 portions. The temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained between 0 and 5° C. by controlling the rate of addition of the reactants. 9 ml of 2N NaOH are added and the mixture is maintained at room temperature for 30 minutes. The alkaline solution is washed with ether (4×50 ml) and then acidified by addition of 5n HCl (pH<2). The mixture is then extracted with methylene chloride, dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. After drying the resulting solid over P2O5, the desired product is obtained.

[0669] m.p.=52-55° C.

[0670] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.55-7.00 (9H, m, ArH); 5.10 (2H, d, H benylic); 5.00-4.50 (3H, m, &agr;-H and —CH2—N tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.20-3.00 (2H, m, —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline).

[0671] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=334 ((M+Na)+, 0.1); 312 (MH+, 3.5); 91 (C7H7+, 100).

[0672] c) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0673] The process is performed as in Example 11c), starting with the acid obtained in b). The reaction mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 40 minutes and then at room temperature overnight. 100 ml of methylene chloride are then added and the solution is washed with 3×50 ml of 15% citric acid. After shaking vigorously, the phases are separated and the organic phase is then washed with 2×50 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4, the crude product obtained is purified by flash chromatography, eluting with a 70/30 (v/v) ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture. After evaporation under vacuum, the resulting product is dried over P2O5 overnight. The pure amide is thus obtained in the form of an oil.

[0674] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.45-7.05 (9H, m, ArH); 5.80 (1H, d, —NH—); 5.25-2.06 (2H, m, —CH2—Ph); 4.90-4.40 (3H, m, &agr;-H and —NH—CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.42-2.78 (4H, m, —NH—CH2 NH2 butyl and —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.60-3.40 (2H, m, —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 1.18-0.66 (7H, m, —CH2CH2CH3 NH butyl).

[0675] Rf (ethyl acetate )=0.60

[0676] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=367 (MH+, 13.9); 91 (C6H5+, 100).

[0677] d) Preparation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0678] The compound obtained in c) is hydrogenated under the conditions of Example 11d). The desired product is obtained.

[0679] m.p.=58-60° C.

[0680] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.26-7.02 (5H, m, Ar—H and —NH amide); 4.08-3.98 (2H, m, &agr;-H and —CH2N tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.51-3.58 (1H, m, —CH2—NH tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.32-3.20 (3H, m, —CH2 amide and 1H —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 2.76-2.88 (1H, m, —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 1.81 (1H, broad s, —NH tetrahydroisoquinoline); 1.55-1.46 (2H, m, —NH—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH3); (2H, m, —NH—CH2—CH2—CH2—CH3); 0.93 (3H, t, CH3 amide J=7.3 Hz).

[0681] e) Preparation of 2-(-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0682] The process is performed as in step c), starting with N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid prepared as in Example 3a) and starting with the compound obtained in d). The reaction mixture is left to stand overnight at room temperature and 40 ml of methylene chloride are then added and this solution is washed with 3×50 ml of 10% citric acid. After shaking vigorously, the phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 2×50 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4 and evaporation under vacuum, the resulting crude product is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with a 15/85 and then 35/65 ethyl acetate/ether mixture. The desired product is obtained in the form of an oil which is dried under vacuum over P2O5 overnight.

[0683] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=474 ((M+Na)+, 0.1); 452 (M+, 2.5); 91 (C7H7+, 100).

[0684] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.42-7.08 (9H, m, Ar—H); 6.03 (1H, broad s, —NH amide); 5.68 and 5.39 (1H, d, —NH amide); 5.20-4.88 (3H, m, H benzyl and &agr;-H); 4.86-4.38 (3H, m, —CH2N tetrahydroisoquinoline and &agr;-H); 3.68-2.90 (4H, m, —CH2N NH2 butyl and —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline); 2.00-1.60 (2H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.44-1.16 (2H, m, —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH3); 1.16-0.96 (2H, m, —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH3); 0.86 and 0.78 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0685] f) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate

[0686] The compound obtained in e) is hydrogenated under the conditions of step d). 0.16 g (1.78 mmol) of oxalic acid is then added to the filter solution and this solution is concentrated under vacuum. Ethanol is then added, followed by ether (1/50 ratio), which leads to a crystallized product. After filtration and washing with diethyl ether, the solid is dried over P2O5 under vacuum at 30° C. for 24 hours and the desired compound is obtained.

[0687] m.p.=105-110° C. (open capillary)

[0688] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD, ppm): 7.34-7.15 (4H, m, Ar—H); 4.86-4.54 (4H, m, 2 &agr;-H and —CH2N tetrahydroisoquinoline); 3.43-2.88 (4H, m, —CH2 tetrahydroisoquinoline and —NH—CH2 NH butyl); 2.14-1.80 (2H, m, —CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.48-1.18 (4H, m, —CH2—CH2—NH butyl); 1.0-1.2 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.7-0.95 (3H, t, CH3—NH butyl).

[0689] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=318 (MH+, 96.1); 245 (30.9); 233 (40.3); 149 (100.0); 132 (65.4); 71 (38.8); 58 (53.7); 57 (73.0).

[0690] IR (KBr disc, cm−1): 3072 (m, NH); 2956 (s, CH); 1652 (s, C═O).

[0691] Microanalysis: C18H27N3O2.1.05 (COOH)2.0.5H2O Found: C=57.63%; H=7.08%; N=9.53%; Calculated: C=57.35%; H=7.21%; N=9.98%;

EXAMPLE 14

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 3

[0692] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 106

[0693] (R6=H), R=R′=H;

[0694] R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9

[0695] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0696] 7.699 g (25.9 mmol) of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid prepared as in Example 16a) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (150 ml), under nitrogen. 2.986 g (25.9 mmol) of N-ethylmorpholine are added, at 0° C., followed by 3.54 g (25.9 mmol) of isobutyl chloroformate. After 45 minutes, 1.903 g (25.9 mmol) of n-butylamine are added and the suspension is stirred overnight. Methylene chloride (300 ml) is added and the organic phase is washed with 10% citric acid (3×100 ml) and then NaHCO3 (3×100 ml). After drying and evaporation, a white solid is obtained which is recrystallized from methanol.

[0697] m.p.=164-165° C.

[0698] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 6.9-7.8 (9H, m, Ar—H); 5.2 (2H, m, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.9 (1H, m, &agr;H); 2.9-3.8 (4H, m, CH2 ring CH2N); 1.0-1.5 (4H, M, CH2CH2CH2N); 0.8-1.0 (3H, m, CH3).

[0699] b) Preparation of 2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0700] The compound prepared in a) is dissolved in methanol and palladium-on-charcoal (10%, wet, 10% by weight) is added. The mixture is hydrogenated for 4 hours under 40 psi in Parr apparatus. After removal of the catalyst and evaporation of the methanol, crystals are obtained which are sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0701] m.p.=110-111° C.

[0702] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 6.8-7.1 (4H, m, Ar—H); 4.3 (1H, m, &agr;H); 2.9-3.5 (4H, m, CH2 ring CH2N); 1.0-1.9 (4H, m, CH2CH2CH2N); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3).

[0703] c) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0704] The process is performed as in Example 15c), using 0.646 g (2.73 mmol) of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid prepared as in Example 3a) and 0.595 g (2.73 mmol) of the amide prepared in step b). An oil is obtained which is recrystallized from CCl4.

[0705] m.p. 178-179° C.

[0706] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.0-7.2 (9H, m, Ar—H); 4.9-5.3 (4H, m, 2×&agr;H CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 3.5 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 3.1 (2H, m, CH2N); 1.0-2.0 (9H, m, CH2CH2CH2N CH2 aminobutyryl CH3 aminobutyryl); 0.9 (3H, m, CH3 butyl).

[0707] d) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate hydrate

[0708] The compound obtained in c) is hydrogenated as in Example 5c) for N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-amino-butyryl-L-proline[2(S)-methyl]n-butylamide and the title compound is isolated in the form of the oxalate salt. It is sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0709] m.p.=142° C.

[0710] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 8.25 (1H, m, NH); 7.25 (4H, m, Ar—H); 5.1 (2H, m, 2×&agr;H (hidden by the solvent)); 3.8 (2H, m, CH2Ar); 3.5 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 3.2 (2H, m, CH2N); 2.0 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.9-1.8 (10H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl CH3CH2CH2CH2N).

[0711] Analysis: C17H25N3O2.C2H2O4.0.75 H2O Found: C=56.25%; H=6.99%; N=9.84%; Calculated: C=56.08%; H=7.06%; N=10.33%;

EXAMPLE 15

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide; route 3

[0712] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 107

[0713] (R6=H); R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C3H7;

[0714] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide

[0715] The process is performed as in Example 14a), starting with N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indoline-carboxylic acid prepared as in Example 16a) and n-propylamine. A white solid is obtained, which is recrystallized from CCl4.

[0716] m.p.=185-186° C.

[0717] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.0-7.25 (9H, m, Ar—CH); 5.20 (2H, s, Ph—CH2); 4.90 (1H, m, NCHCO); 3.90 (2H, m, CH2 indoline); 3.0-3.5 (NCH2 propyl); 0.9-1.8 (5H, m, CH3CH2).

[0718] b) Preparation of 2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide

[0719] The compound obtained in step a) is hydrogenated under the conditions of its n-butylamide analogue in Example 14b). After evaporation of the methanol, a white solid is obtained, which is sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0720] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 6.85-7.2 (4H, ArCH); 4.3 (1H, m, NCHCO); 2.9-3.8 (4H, m, NCH2, CH2 indoline); 1.5 (2H, m, NCH2CH2); 0.9 (3H, t, CH3).

[0721] c) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide

[0722] 0.439 g (1.85 mmol) of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid prepared as in Example 3a) is dissolved, under nitrogen, in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) and the solution is cooled in an ice/water bath. 0.213 g (1.85 mmol) of N-ethylmorpholine is added, followed by 0.253 g (1.85 mmol) of isobutyl chloroformate. After 45 minutes, 0.378 g (1.85 mmol) of the compound obtained in step b) is added and stirring is continued for 12 hours. The suspension is poured into CH2Cl2 (100 ml) and the mixture is washed with 10% citric acid (3×100 ml) and then with 5% NaHCO: (3×100 ml). After drying and evaporation, a white solid is obtained which crystallizes from CCl4.

[0723] m.p.=176-177° C.

[0724] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm: 7.0-7.25 (9H, m, H—Ar); 5.0 (2H, s, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.8 (1H, m, &agr;H); 4.1 (1H, &agr;H); 3.3 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 3.0 (2H, m, CH2N); 1.0-2.0 (4H, m, CH3CH2CH2N CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.70-1.00 (CH3 aminobutyryl CH3 propyl).

[0725] d) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate hydrate

[0726] The compound obtained in step c) is hydrogenated under the conditions of Example 5c) for N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl-L-proline [2(S)-methyl)]n-butylamide. The desired product is obtained in the form of its oxalate salt, which is sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0727] m.p.=130-131° C.

[0728] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 7.70 (1H, m, NH); 6.55-6.90 (4H, m, H—Ar); 4.20-4.60 (2H, m, 2×&agr;H); 2.90-3.40 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 2.50-2.80 (CH2N); 1.40-1.80 (2H, m, CH2CH3 propyl); 1.00 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.40-0.70 (6H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl CH3 propyl).

[0729] Microanalysis: C16H23N3O2.(COOH)2.1.25H2O Found: C=53.84%; H=6.68%; N=10.62%; Calculated: C=53.79%; H=6.90%; N=10.45%;

EXAMPLE 16

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide; route 3

[0730] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R=R′=H; R3= 108

[0731] (R6=H); R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=CH3;

[0732] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid

[0733] A solution of 20 g (122.56 mmol) of 2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid in 2N NaOH (62 ml) is cooled in an ice/water bath and the solution is stirred using a powerful magnetic stirrer. 20.0 ml (140.09 mmol) of benzyl chloroformate and 68 ml of 2N NaOH are added thereto alternately in about 10 portions over 60 minutes. The temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained between 0° and 5° C. by controlling the rate of addition of the reactants. 50 ml of NaOH are then added and the mixture is maintained at room temperature for 30 minutes. The alkaline solution is washed with ether (4×150 ml) and is then acidified by addition of 5N HCl (80 ml, pH<2). A crystalline mass precipitates after leaving overnight at room temperature. It is filtered off and washed with distilled water (500 ml). After drying over P2O5, the desired product is obtained.

[0734] m.p.=117-118° C.

[0735] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 8.30-6.90 (10H, m, ArH and COOH); 5.45-5.14 (2H, m, CH2—Ph); 5.08-4.92 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.65-3.46 (1H, m, CH2 indoline); 3.30-3.15 (1H, m, CH2 indoline)

[0736] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=342 ((M−H+2Na)+, 0.2); 320 ((M+Na)+, 4.3); 298 (MH+, 5.7); 297 (M+, 9.3); 91 (C7H7+, 100).

[0737] b) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide

[0738] 4.00 g (13.45 mmol) of acid obtained in a) are dissolved in 90 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran and 1.71 ml (13.45 mmol) of 4-ethylmorpholine are added at 0° C. This solution is cooled to −5° C. and 0.62 ml (4.78 mmol) of isobutyl chloroformate is added dropwise. After 30 minutes at −5° C., the solution is saturated with methylamine (gas). The mixture is left overnight at room temperature and 150 ml of dichloromethane are then added and this solution is washed with 3×150 ml of 10% citric acid. After shaking vigorously, the phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 2×150 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4, the crude product is purified by washing with hot CCl4. A white solid corresponding to the pure amide is obtained.

[0739] m.p.=210-211° C.

[0740] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.75 (1H, broad s, COOH); 7.45-6.95 (9H, m, Ar—H); 5.90 (1H, broad s, NH); 5.37-5.10 (2H, m, CH2—Ph); 4.93 (1H, dd, &agr;-H); 3.62-3.16 (2H, m, CH2 indoline); 2.71 (3H, s, CH3).

[0741] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity): 311 (MH+, 11.3); 310 (M+, 11.4); 91 (C7H7+, 100).

[0742] c) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide

[0743] A solution of 2.91 g (9.38 mmol) of the compound obtained in step b) in 120 ml of methanol is hydrogenated at 60 psi for 3 hours in the presence of 1.20 g of activated 10% palladium-on-charcoal (wet). After filtration and concentration under vacuum, the resulting oil crystallizes after drying overnight over P2O5.

[0744] m.p. 125-130° C.

[0745] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.22-7.03 (3H, m, NH amide and 2 ArH); 6.82 (1H, t, J=7.4 Hz, ArH); 6.73 (1H, d, J=7.8 Hz, ArH); 4.42 (1H, t, &agr;H J=9.4 Hz); 4.14 (1H, broad s, NH); 3.65-3.55 (1H, m, CH2); 3.14-3.02 (1H, m, CH2); 2.84 (3H, d, J=15.0 Hz, CH3).

[0746] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=177 (MH+, 42.4); 176 (M+, 33.2); 118 (100.0).

[0747] d) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide

[0748] 1.73 g (8.51 mmol) of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyric acid prepared according to Example 2a) are dissolved, under argon, in 40 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran and 1.07 ml (8.51 mmol) of 4-ethylmorpholine are added at 0° C., followed by 1.11 ml (8.51 mmol) of isobutyl chloroformate at −5° C. A white precipitate forms. After stirring for 30 minutes at −5° C., 1.50 g (8.51 mmol) of the compound obtained in step c) are added. The mixture is then stirred at 0° C. for 40 minutes and then overnight at room temperature. 100 ml of dichloromethane are then added to this solution, after which it is washed with 3×50 ml of 10% citric acid. After shaking vigorously, the phases are separated and the organic phase is washed with 2×50 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4, the solvent is removed under vacuum and the crude product obtained is purified by recrystallization from CCl4.

[0749] m.p.=196-197° C.

[0750] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 8.12 (1H; d, NH); 7.45-6.95 (9H, m, ArH); 5.30 (1H, d, NH); 5.25-5.0 (2H, m, CH2Ph); 4.82 (1H, t, &agr;H); 4.14 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.60-3.45 (2H, m, CH2 indoline); 2.80 (3H, d, CH3 methylamide); 2.0-1.55 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.03 (1H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0751] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=396 (MH+, 9.9); 91 (C6H5+, 100).

[0752] e) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate hydrate

[0753] 2.15 g (5.44 mmol) of the compound obtained in step d) are dissolved in 200 ml of methanol and 0.85 g of activated 10% palladium-on-charcoal (wet) is added. The reaction mixture is hydrogenated at 60 psi for 3 hours. The solution is filtered and 1.3 equivalents (0.64 g) of oxalic acid (7.07 mmol) are added and the solution is then concentrated under vacuum. Ethanol is added, followed by ether (1:50 ratio) and a crystallized product is obtained. After filtration and washing with diethyl ether, the solid is dried under vacuum for 24 hours over P2O5 at 35° C. The desired product is obtained.

[0754] m.p.=138-139° C.

[0755] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD, ppm): 8.20 and 8.02 (1H, d, ArH); 7.36-7.05 (3H, m, ArH); 5.18-5.02 and 4.70-4.62 (1H, m, &agr;H indoline); 5.01-4.94 and 4.28-4.22 (1H, m, &agr;H aminobutyryl); 3.92-3.00 (2H, m, CH2 indoline); 2.78 and 2.73 and 2.33 (3H, S, CH3 amide); 2.26-2.12 and 2.12-2.86 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.16 and 1.07 and 1.04 (3H, t, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0756] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity): 262 (MH+, 43.0); 154 (100); 137 (65.1); 136 (81.6).

[0757] IR spectrum (KBr disc, cm−1): 3440 (wave, NH); 3289 (m, NH); 2969 (m, CH); 2935 (m, CH); 1668 (s, C═O).

[0758] Microanalysis: C14H19N3O2.(COOH)2.1.25H2O Found: C=51.55%; H=6.05%; N=11.28%; Calculated: C=51.40%; H 6.34%; N=11.24%;

EXAMPLE 17

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(s)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide; route 3

[0759] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 109

[0760] (R6=H); R=R′ H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=CH—CH3;

[0761] a) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide

[0762] The process is performed as in Example 16b), using ethylamine (gas). The crude product obtained is purified by recrystallization from CCl4. By filtration, the pure amide is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0763] m.p.=201.0-201.5° C.

[0764] Rf=0.58 (ethyl acetate)

[0765] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.70 (1H, broad s, COOH); 7.45-6.98 (9H, m, ArH); 5.90 (1H, broad s, NH); 5.35-5.18 (2H, m, CH2 benzyl); 4.90 (1H, dd, &agr;H); 3.64-3.04 (4H, m, CH2 indolinyl and NH—CH2); 0.99 (3H, broad s, CH3)

[0766] b) Preparation of 2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide

[0767] The process is performed as in Example 16c), starting with the compound obtained in step a). The resulting oil crystallizes after drying over P2O5 overnight. The desired product is obtained.

[0768] m.p. 92-95° C.

[0769] Rf=0.28 (ethyl acetate)

[0770] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, ppm): 7.22-7.00 (3H, m, NH amide and ArH); 6.82 (1H, t, ArH); 6.73 (1H, d, ArH); 4.42 (1H, t, &agr;H); 4.14 (1H, broad s, NH); 3.65-3.50 (1H, m, CH2 indoline); 3.45-3.20 (2H, m, CH2CH3); 3.14-3.02 (1H, m, CH2 indoline); 1.15 (3H, t, CH3).

[0771] c) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide

[0772] The process is performed as in Example 16d), using N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric, acid prepared in Example 3a) and the compound from step b). The pure amide is obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0773] m.p.=184.5-185° C.

[0774] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 8.15 (1H, d, H aromatic J=7.9 Hz); 7.44-7.08 (8H, m, ArH); 7.04 (broad s, NH amide); 5.37 (1H, d, NH amide); 5.0-5.2 (2H, m, PhCH2); 4.84 (1H, m, &agr;H); 4.18 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.62-3.48 (2H, m, CH2 indoline); 3.343-3.14 (2H, m, CH2 ethylamide); 2.10-1.60 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.20-0.98 (3H, m, CH3).

[0775] d) Preparation of the Title Compound

[0776] The process is performed as in Example 16c) for the compound obtained from step c). After drying the solid over P2O5 for 24 hours at 35° C., the desired product is obtained.

[0777] m.p.=115-120° C.

[0778] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, D2O, ppm): 7.06-8.08 (4H, m, ArCH); 5.12 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.91 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.78-3.50 (1H, m, CH2N indoline); 3.25-2.96 (3H, m, CH2N indoline and NH—CH2); 2.25-1.90 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.28-0.98 (m, CH3 aminobutyryl and CH3 ethylamide).

[0779] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity): 276 (MH+, 49.9); 191 (80.8); 118 (100); 89 (16.0); 77 (37.2); 58 (74.1); 51 (21.3); 50 (22.7); 46 (19.9); 39 (28.2); 31 (29.5).

[0780] IR spectrum (KBr disc, cm−1): 3395 (m, amide); 3057 (m, NH3+); 1718 and 1669 (s, C═O).

[0781] Microanalysis: C15H21N3O2.(COOH)2.H2O Found: C=53.09%; H=6.54%; N=10.84%; Calculated: C=53.26%; H=6.57%; N=10.96%;

EXAMPLE 18

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 7

[0782] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 110

[0783] R6=OCH3; R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4 H9

[0784] a) Preparation of the ethyl ester of 5-methoxy-2-indolecarboxylic acid: compound XXXXII

[0785] p-Anisidine (61.5 g, 499 mmol) is treated in 500 ml of 15% HCl containing 500 g of ice by dropwise addition for 5 minutes of a solution of sodium nitrite (37.5 g, 543 mmol) in water (100 ml). 3 g of activated charcoal are added and the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes. After filtration, the filtrate is rapidly added to ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate (80 g, 554 mmol) and anhydrous sodium acetate (410 g, 4.998 mol) in ethanol (500 ml) containing 500 g of ice. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours and then extracted with toluene (3×500 ml). The extracts are dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed in order to obtain crude ethyl 1-(p-methoxyphenylazo)-1-methylacetoacetate in the form of an oil. This oil is added to a cold solution of HCl in ethanol (38-40% by weight). The mixture is brought to and maintained at reflux for 40 minutes. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours at room temperature, water (150 ml) is added and it is then refrigerated. The product separates out in the form of orange crystals which are collected and washed with cold ethanol and then with water.

[0786] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 9.03 (1H, broad s, NH); 7.31 (1H, dd, ArCH); 7.14 (1H, t, ArCH); 7.07 (1H, d, ArCH); 6.99 (1H, dd, ArCH); 4.40 (2H, q, CH2); 3.84 (3H, s, CH3O); 1.43 (3H, t, CH3CH2).

[0787] b) Preparation of 5-methoxy-2(R/S)-indoline-carboxylic acid n-butylamide: compound XXXXIV

[0788] The product of step a) (10 g, 53 mmol) is dissolved in methanol (100 ml) and treated with magnesium (3.6 g, 150 mmol). The reaction temperature is maintained at 15-20° C. by external cooling and the mixture is stirred overnight. It is then diluted with 300 ml of water and extracted with methylene chloride (4×100 ml). The extracts are dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed to give the methyl ester of 5-methoxy-2(R/S)-indolinecarboxylic acid (compound XXXXIII). This compound is dissolved in butylamine (40 ml) and refluxed under nitrogen for 3 hours. The excess amine is removed and the residue crystallized from ether to give compound XXXXIV.

[0789] m.p;=119-121° C.

[0790] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.2 (1H, s, NHCO); 6.6-6.7 (3H, m, ArCH); 4.37 (1H, t, NHCHCO); 3.90 (1H, s, NH indoline); 3.73 (3H, s, OCH3); 3.54 (1H, dd, ArC(H)H); 3 3.27 (2H, m, NHCH2); 3.05 (1H, dd, ArC(H)H); 1.2-1.5 (4H, m, CH3(CH2)2), 0.89 (3H, t, CH3(CH2)2).

[0791] c) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide: compound XXXXV

[0792] 2.37 g (10 mmol) of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid, obtained according to Example 3a), and the compound obtained in step b) (2.48 g, 10 mmol) are dissolved in anhydrous methylene chloride and cooled to 0° C. The mixture is treated with triethylamine (2.03 g, 20 mmol) and then with bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (2.8 g, 10 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature. It is washed with 10% citric acid solution (3×100 ml) and then with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (3×100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is removed. The product is purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 1/2 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether.

[0793] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 8.0 (0.5H, m, NH); 7.2-7.3 (5H, m, Ph); 6.6-7.1 (3.5H, m, NH and ArCH indoline); 4.7-5.7 (4H, m, PhCH2, NH, NCHCO of butyric acid); 4.0-4.3 (1H, m, NCHCO indoline); 3.78 (3H, s, OCH3); 3.45 (1H, m, ArCH(H) indoline); 3.0-3.2 (3H, m, NHCH2, ArCH(H) indoline); 0.7-2.0 (12H, 3×CH2, 2×CH3)

[0794] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=468 (M++1).

[0795] d) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate salt

[0796] The compound of -step c) (2.8 g, 6 mmol) is dissolved in 100 ml of methanol containing palladium-on-charcoal (10%, 0.8 g, 50% water) and the mixture is hydrogenated at 40 psi for 2.5 hours. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent removed. The residue is treated with oxalic acid (0.85 g, 9.4 mmol) in ethanol (10 ml) and then with ether (500 ml) and the product precipitates.

[0797] Microanalysis: C18H27N3O3.(COOH)2.0.25H2O: Found: C=56.14%; H=6.98%; N=9.57%; Calculated: C=56.13%; H=6.95%; N=9.82%;

[0798] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=333 (M+)

[0799] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 8.3-9.1 (masked ArCH); 7.97 (1H, dd, CONH); 6.7-7.0 (2H, m, ArCH); 4.9-5.3 (1H, m, NCHCO indoline); 3.2-3.9 (5H, m, CH3O, NCHCO butyl, ArCH(H)); 2.7-3.2 (3H, m, CONHCH2 ArCH(H)); 1.0-2.0 (6H, m, CH3CH2, CH3 (CH2)2); 0.7-1.0 (2×CH3CH2).

[0800] e) Optical Separation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0801] 1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide (compound XXXXV) is separated into its diastereoisomers by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a methylene chloride/diethyl ether (10/1) mixture as eluent.

[0802] The (S, S) isomer is eluted first. It is collected and recrystallized from methanol and the benzyloxycarbonyl protecting group is then removed by hydrogenation in the presence of palladium-on-charcoal in methanol for 2 hours 30 minutes at a hydrogen pressure of 60 psi, as described above. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the residue is treated with oxalic acid in methanol and then with ether in order to lead to the oxalate salt.

[0803] m.p.=185-190° C.

[0804] Microanalysis: C18H27N3O3.1.4C2H2O4.0.5H2O: Found: C=53.5%; H=6.81%; N=9.05%; Calculated: C=53.3%; H=6.63%; N=8.97%;

[0805] The (S, R) isomer is eluted second. It is treated in a similar manner to the (S, S) isomer in order to obtain the oxalate salt.

[0806] m.p.=95-105° C.

[0807] Microanalysis: C18H27N3O3.1.35C2H2O4: Found: C=54.5%; H=6.55%; N=9.45%; Calculated: C=54.1%; H=6.58%; N=9.24%;

EXAMPLE 19

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(R/S)-(6-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 7

[0808] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 111

[0809] R6=OCH3; R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9

[0810] The process is performed as in Example 18. The title compound is obtained in the form of the oxalate salt.

[0811] Microanalysis: C18H27N3O3.(COOH)2.H2O: Found: C=54.54%; H=7.08%; N=9.52%; Calculated: C=54.41%; H=7.08%; N=9.52%;

[0812] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 8.5 (1H, b, NH); 7.3-8.2 (6H, m, NH3+, ArCH, H2O); 7.0-7.2 (1H, m, ArCH); 6.5-6.7 (1H, m, ArCH); 5.05 (1H, dd, NCHCO indoline); 3.2-4.1 (5H, m, CH3O, ArCH(H), NCHCO butyryl); 2.7-3.2 (3H, m, NCH2 ArCH(H)); 1.5-2.0 (2H, m, CH2); 1.0-1.5 (4H, m, 2×CH2); 0.7-1.0 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

EXAMPLE 20

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 7

[0813] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 112

[0814] R6=F; R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=N—C4H9

[0815] a) Preparation of the ethyl ester of (5-fluoro)-2-indolecarboxylic acid: compound XXXXII

[0816] The process is performed as in Example 18a) in order to prepare ethyl 1-(p-fluorophenylazo)-1-methylacetoacetate starting with p-fluoroaniline and ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate. It is dissolved in 270 ml of acetic acid containing 15 ml of sulphuric acid and the mixture is then refluxed for 15 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, 500 ml of water are added and the mixture is extracted with ether (500 ml) and with methylene chloride (500 ml). The combined extracts are washed with water (1000 ml) and with 10% potassium carbonate solution (300 ml), dried and the solvent is removed. The product is then obtained by crystallization from ethanol.

[0817] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.0-7.4 (4H, m, ArCH); 4.41 (2H, q, CH2); 1.40 (3H, t, CH3).

[0818] b) Preparation of 5-fluoro-2(R/S)-indoline-carboxylic acid n-butylamide: compound XXXXIV

[0819] The process is performed as in Example 18b).

[0820] m.p.=93-5° C.

[0821] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.12 (1H, b, NH); 6.6-6.9 (3H, m, ArCH; 4.42 (1H, t, NHCHCO); 4.03 (1H, b, NH); 3.56 (1H, dd, ArCH(H)); 3.27 (2H, m, CH2NH); 3.05 (1H, m, ArCH(H)); 1.2-1.7 (CH3(CH2)2); 0.90 (3H, t, CH3).

[0822] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=237 (M++1).

[0823] c) Preparation of 1-(N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; compound XXXXV

[0824] The process is performed as in Example 18c) and the product is then purified by chromatography on silica gel (eluent: 1/1 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether).

[0825] m.p.=192-3° C.

[0826] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 8.05 (1H, b, NH); 7.2-7.4 (5H, m, Ph); 6.8-7.1 (4H, m, NH, ArCH indoline); 4.7-5.4 (4H, m, PhCH2, 2×NCHCO); 3.5 (2H, m, ArCH2 indoline); 3.2 (2H, m, CH2NHCO); 0.7-2.0 (12H, m, CH3CH2 and CH3(CH2)2).

[0827] d) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate salt

[0828] The process is performed as in Example 18d).

[0829] Microanalysis: C17H24FN3O2.(COOH)2.0.75H2O: Found: C=53.58%, H=6.60%; N=10.25%; Calculated: C=53.70%; H=6.52%; N=9.89%;

[0830] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 8.60 (1H, b, NH); 7.8-8.1 (1H, m, ArCH); 7.2-7.8 (4H, b, NH3+ and H2O); 6.8-7.2 (2H, m, ArCH); 5.0-5.2 (1H, m, NHCHCO indoline); 2.6-3.8 (5H, m, NCHCO butyryl, ArCH2, CH2NHCO); 1.5-2.0 (2H, m, CH2); 1.0-1.5 (4H, m, 2×CH2); 0.6-1.0 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

[0831] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=322 (M+=1).

[0832] e) Optical Separation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0833] 1-(N-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid is separated into its diastereoisomers by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a petroleum ether (P.E.=60-80° C.)/ethyl acetate mixture (2/1) as eluent.

[0834] The (S, R) isomer is eluted first. It is recrystallized from a petroleum/diethyl ether mixture and then deprotected by hydrogenation as indicated in Example 18e). The (S, R) isomer is obtained in the form of the oxalate salt.

[0835] m.p.=173-177° C.

[0836] Analysis: C17H24FN3O2.C2H2O4.H2O: Found: C=52.9%; H=6.37%; N=9.52%; Calculated: C=53.14%; H=6.57%; N=9.78%;

[0837] The (S, S) isomer is eluted second and treated in the same way as the first isomer in order to purify and deprotect it. The (S, S) isomer is also obtained in the form of the oxalate salt.

[0838] m.p.=105-110° C.

[0839] Microanalysis: C17H24FN3O2.C2H2O4.H2O: Found: C=52.9%; H=6.37%; N=9.70%; Calculated: C=53.14%; H=6.57%; N=9.78%;

EXAMPLE 21

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(R/S)-5-benzyloxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 7

[0840] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 113

[0841] R6=OCH2Ph; R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C5H9

[0842] The process is performed as in Example 18.

[0843] 1-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-benzyloxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butyl-amide (3.56 g, 7 mmol) is dissolved in ethyl acetate (20 ml) and then treated with HCl in ethyl acetate (3M, 25 ml). The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 1 h and the solid formed is collected, washed and dried. The title compound is isolated in the form of the hydrochloride.

[0844] Microanalysis: C24H31N3O3.HCl.H2O Found: C=63.28%; H=6.92%; N=9.20%; Calculated: C=63.36%; H=7.31%; N=9.24%;

[0845] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, ppm): 8.7 (0.9H, broad s, NH of one diastereoisomer); 8.5 (broad s, NH3+ and H2O); 8.07 (0.1H, NH of the second diastereoisomer); 7.93 (1H, d, ArCH); 7.2-7.5 (5H, m, ArCH); 6.93 (1H, s, ArCH); 6.84 (1H, dd, ArCH); 5.35 (0.9H, dd, NCHCO indoline of one diastereoisomer); 4.9-5.2 (2.1H, PhCH2, NCHCO indoline of the second diastereoisomer); 4.7 (0.1H, m, NCHCO butyryl of one diastereoisomer); 3.92 (0.9H, m, NCHCO butyryl of the second diastereoisomer); 3.4-3.7 (1H, m, ArCH(H) indoline); 2.8-3.1 (3H, m, ArCH(H) indoline, NCH2); 1.5-2.0 (2H, m, CH2); 1.05-1.5 (4H, m, 2×CH2); 0.7-1.0 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

[0846] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e=410 (M++1).

EXAMPLE 22

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-2(S)-[(3aS,7aS)-perhydro]indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide; route 3

[0847] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=0 and m=1; R3= 114

[0848] R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9

[0849] a) Preparation of 2(S)-[(3aS,7aS)-perhydro]-indolinecarboxylic acid in the Form of the N-acetate salt

[0850] A solution of 2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid (2.5 g, 15.32 mmol) in acetic acid containing PtO2 (1 g) is hydrogenated at 55° C. for 2 hours and at 60 psi. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent removed under vacuum in order to give a crude residue which is crystallized from diethyl ether in order to give, after filtration and washing with ether, a white solid.

[0851] m.p.=274-248° C.

[0852] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CD3OD, ppm): 4.05-3.90 (1H, m, junction H); 3.70-3.55 (1H, m, &agr;H); 2.45-2.20 (2H, m, CH2—COOH); 2.15-1.25 (12H, m, CH2 cyclohexyl, junction H and CH3 AcOH).

[0853] b) Preparation of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-[(3aS,7aS)perhydro]indolinecarboxylic acid

[0854] A solution of the compound obtained in step a), (1.28 g, 5.58 mmol) in 2N NaOH is cooled in a water/ice bath and stirred vigorously. Benzyl chloroformate (0.95 ml, 6.65 mmol) and 2N sodium hydroxide (30 ml) are added (in about 10 portions). The temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained between 5 and 10° C. by adjusting the rate of addition of the reactants. 40 ml of 2N sodium hydroxide are added and the mixture is maintained at room temperature for 30 minutes. The alkaline solution is washed with ether (4×50 ml) and then acidified to pH<2 by addition of 5N HCl. The solution is extracted with CH2Cl2 and the extracts are dried over MgSO4, filtered and evaporated under vacuum. The oil obtained is dried under vacuum over P2O5 in order to obtain the desired product.

[0855] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.14 (5H, broad s, ArCH); 5.05 (2H, broad s, H benzyl); 4.20-4.10 (1H, m, junction H); 4.00-3.75 (1H, m, &agr;H); 2.20-1.00 (11H, m, CH2 cyclohexyl, junction H′, CH2COOH).

[0856] c) Preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-[(3aS,7aS)perhydro]indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0857] The process is performed as in Example 11, step c), using the product obtained in Example 22, step b).

[0858] 1.40 g of the product obtained in the above step (4.61 mmol) are dissolved in 50 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and 0.58 ml of 4-ethylmorpholine (4.61 mmol) are added at a temperature of 0° C. This solution is cooled to −5° C. and 0.60 ml of isobutyl chloroformate (4.61 mmol) are added dropwise. After 30 minutes at −5° C., 0.46 ml of butylamine (4.61 mmol) is added to the solution and the mixture is then left overnight at room temperature. 70 ml of dichloromethane are then added and this solution is washed with 3×50 ml of 10% citric acid. After vigorous stirring, the phases are separated. The organic phase is washed with 2×50 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4, the solution is evaporated under vacuum and the crude amide is obtained, which is used without further purification.

[0859] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.30 (5H, broad s, ArCH); 5.05 (2H, broad s, H benzyl); 4.20 (1H, m, &agr;H); 4.00-3.80 (1H, m, junction H); 3.80-3.60 (1H, m, NH); 3.20-3.00 (2H, m, CH2—NH butylamide); 2.30-1.00 (15H, m, CH2 cyclohexyl;, CH2—CH2—BuNH, junction H. CH2—COOH); 1.00-0.80 (6H, m, CH3 butylamide).

[0860] d) Preparation of 2-[(2S,3aS,7aS)perhydro]-

[0861] The product of step c) (1.70 g, 4.54 mmol) dissolved in 200 ml of methanol is hydrogenated at room temperature for 2 hours 30 minutes at 60 psi, using 0.6 g of Pd/C (10%, wet) as catalyst. The amide is isolated in the form of an oil.

[0862] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): 7.80 (1H, broad s, NH); 3.90-3.80 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.50-3.00 (3H, m, —CH2—NH—BuNH—, junction H); 3.00-1.05 (15H, m, —CH2— cyclohexyl, junction H, —CH2— butylamide); 0.95 (3H, t, CH3 butylamide).

[0863] e) Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-[(3aS,7aS)perhydro]indoline-carboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0864] N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid obtained as in Example 3a) (0.95 g, 4 mmol) is dissolved in 45 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and 0.51 ml of 4-ethylmorpholine (4.01 mmol) is added at 0° C. This solution is cooled to −5° C. and treated dropwise with isobutyl chloroformate (0.52 ml, 4.01 mmol). After 30 minutes at −5° C., the compound of step d) (0.90 g, 4.01 mmol) dissolved in 5 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added to the mixture and the mixture thus obtained is left standing overnight at room temperature. 50 ml of dichloromethane are then added, after which the mixture is washed with 3×50 ml of 10% citric acid solution. The organic phase is washed with 2×50 ml of 5% NaHCO3. After drying over MgSO4, the solution is evaporated under vacuum and a crude product is obtained, which is purified by flash chromatography on silica, eluting with an ethyl acetate/ether mixture (15/85 and then 35/65). This allows the desired product to be obtained in the form of an oil. It is dried overnight at reduced pressure over P2O5.

[0865] 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, ppm); 7.20 (5H, broad s, ArCH); 6.90 (1H, broad s, —NH—); 5.45 (1H, d, —NH—); 5.10-4.95 (2H, m, H benzyl); 4.50-4.30 (2H, m, junction H and &agr;H); 4.10-4.00 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.20-3.00 (2H, m, —CH2— butylamide); 2.65-1.00 (17H, m, —CH2— cyclohexyl, junction H, —CH2— aminobutyryl, —CH2— butylamide); 1.00-0.90 (6H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl and CH3 butylamide).

[0866] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity): 444 (MH+, 13.5); 225 (56); 124 (100); 91 (91).

[0867] f) Preparation of the Title Compound

[0868] A solution of the compound obtained in step e) (0.66 g, 1.49 mmol) in 100 ml of methanol is hydrogenated for 3 hours using a Pd/C catalyst (0.25 g, 10%, wet) at 60 psi. The catalyst is removed by filtration and the solvent evaporated under vacuum. 0.18 g of oxalic acid (1.98 mmol) is added to the crude oil thus obtained, in ethanol, and ether is then added thereto. After crystallization, filtration and drying under vacuum, the desired product is obtained.

[0869] m.p.=168-9° C. (open capillary)

[0870] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD3OD, ppm)4.30-4.25 (1H, m, &agr;H); 4.05-3.85 and 3.40-3.35 (2H, m, &agr;H and 7&agr;H); 3.15-2.98 (2H, m, —CH2—NH—BuNH2); 2.33-2.15 (1H, m, 3&agr;H); 2.05-1.50 (9H, m, —CH2— aminobutyryl, —CH2— perhydroindoline); 1.45-1.05 (7H, m, —CH,—CH2—BuNH2 and H proline); 0.95-0.75 (6H, m, —CH3 aminobutyryl and —CH3BuNH2).

[0871] Mass spectrum (FAB): m/e (% intensity)=332 (MH+Na)+, 1); 310 (MH+, 100); 225 (75); 124 (66); 59 (C7H7+, 43).

[0872] IR (KBr disc, cm−1): 3342 (NH3+, wave); 3049 (NH, vague); 2937 (CH, s); 2857 (CH, s); 1745 (C═O, s); 1682 (s); 1652 (s).

[0873] Microanalysis: C17H31N2O2.1.0C2H2O4.0.3H2O: Found: C=56.34%; H=8.37%; N=10.33%; Calculated: C=56.36%; H=8.36%; N=10.38%;

EXAMPLE 23

Preparation of 2-(2(S)-amino-butyryl)-1-(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid n-butyl-amide; route 4

[0874] R1=CH2CH3; R2=H; n=1 and m=0; R3= 115

[0875] R=R′=H; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=n-C4H9

[0876] a) Preparation of o-(bromomethyl)phenylacetic acid

[0877] o-Tolylacetic acid (40 g, 266 mmol), N-bromosuccinimide (52.147 g, 293 mmol) and benzoyl peroxide (0.174 g, catalytic) are dissolved in 300 ml of CCl4. The suspension is brought to and maintained at reflux for 12 hours. After cooling, the solid particles are separated out by filtration and the CCl4 is evaporated off under vacuum, which allows a white solid to appear. This is sufficiently pure without recrystallization.

[0878] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm)7.25 (4H, m, ArH); 4.3 (2H, s, CH2COOH); 3.7 (2H, S, CH2Br).

[0879] b) Preparation of the methyl ester of o-(bromomethyl)phenylbromoacetic acid

[0880] The acid obtained in step a) is dissolved in 44 ml of SOCl2 and heated for 3 hours at 55° C. The SOCl2 is removed under vacuum and the resulting brown oil is treated with 26 ml of Br2 by irradiation using a 450 W UV lamp for 2 hours. After addition, the bromine is removed by distillation under vacuum and the black residue is poured into 305 ml of methanol. The methanol is then removed and a black oil remains, which is distilled under pressure of 0.1 mm Hg. The distillation fractions which come off between 120 and 130° C. are collected.

[0881] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.0-7.50 (4H, m, ArH); 5.7 (1H, s, CH); 4.3 (2H, d, CH2Br); 3.7 (3H, 5, CH3).

[0882] c) Preparation of the methyl ester of N-benzyl-1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid in the Form of the hydrochloride

[0883] The methyl ester (46.4 g, 144 mmol) obtained in step b) is dissolved in anhydrous toluene (288 ml) under nitrogen. 46.35 g of benzylamine (864 ml) are added using an ice/salt mixture. The mixture is stirred for 72 hours. Next, the amine hydrobromide is removed by filtration and the toluene removed under vacuum. The yellow oil obtained is dissolved in ether and HCl is bubbled through in order to obtain the hydrochloride.

[0884] m.p.=160-161° C.

[0885] 1H-NMR (D2O, ppm): 7.00 (9H, m, ArH); 5.20 (1H, s, &agr;H); 4.10 (2H, d, CH2 ring); 4.00 (2H, d, CH2Bn); 3.10 (3H, S, CH3).

[0886] d) Preparation of the methyl ester of 1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid in the Form of the hydrochloride

[0887] The product of step c) (5 g, 16 mmol) is dissolved in 100 ml of ethanol and Pd/C (10%, wet) is added. The suspension is stirred at 40 psi of hydrogen and at 50° C. for 8 hours. The catalyst is extracted by filtration and the ethanol concentrated to a small volume. The addition of ether allows white crystals to appear. The degree of purity of the product is sufficient and recrystallization is not necessary.

[0888] m.p.=159-161° C.

[0889] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 7.25-7.30 (4H, m, ArH); 5.50 (1H, s, &agr;H); 4.50 (2H, d, CH2 ring); 3.8 (3H, s, CH3).

[0890] e) Preparation of the methyl ester of 2-(N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid

[0891] N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (compound of Example 3, step a)) (2.62 g, 11.04 mmol) is dissolved in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen and cooled on an ice/salt mixture. N-Ethylmorpholine (1.27 g, 11.04 mmol) is added, followed by isobutyl chloroformate (1.51 g, 11.04 mmol). After 30 minutes, the compound obtained in step d) (2.347 g, 11.04 mmol) is added. Stirring is continued overnight. The mixture is then poured into 200 ml of CH2Cl2, washed with 3×100 ml of citric acid (10%) and then with 3×100 ml of NaHCO3 (5%), dried and evaporated until a clear oil is obtained.

[0892] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.25 (9H, m, ArH); 5.75 (1H, m, &agr;H); 5.10 (2H, S, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.60-5.00 (3H, m, &agr;H, CH2 ring); 3.8 (3H, s, OCH3); 1.60-2.00 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.0 (3H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0893] f) Preparation of 2-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid

[0894] The compound of step e) (3.422 g, 8.6 mmol) is dissolved in 69 ml of methanol. 8.6 ml of 2N NaOH are added and the solution is stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. 172 ml of water are then added and the methanol is removed under vacuum. The solution is acidified with concentrated HCl to pH 2 and the resulting suspension is extracted with CH2Cl2. After drying, the CH2Cl2 is removed. An oil remains.

[0895] 1H-NMR (CDCl3, ppm): 7.00-7.30 (9H, m, ArH); 5.75 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 4.8-5.2 (3H, m, &agr;H, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.60 (1H, m, &agr;H); 1.90 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 1.0 (3H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0896] g) Preparation of 2-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1(R/S)-isoindolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide

[0897] The compound of step f) (2.70 g, 7.07 mmol) is dissolved in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen and cooled on an ice/salt mixture. N-Ethylmorpholine (0.814 g, 7.07 mmol) is added, followed by isobutyl chloroformate (0.966 g, 7.07 mmol). After 30 minutes, n-butylamine (0.517 g, 7.07 mmol) is added and the stirring is continued overnight. The mixture is poured into 200 ml of CH2Cl2, washed with 3×100 ml of citric acid (10%) and then with 3×100 ml of NaHCO3 (5%), dried and evaporated until a clear oil is obtained.

[0898] 1H-NMR (CDCl31 ppm): 7.25 (9H, m, ArH); 5.20-5.30 (2H, m, CH2 ring); 4.80-5.10 (3H, m, &agr;H, CH2 benzyloxycarbonyl); 4.00-4.25 (1H, m, &agr;H); 3.0 (2H, m, CH2N); 1.00-1.90 (6h, m, CH2 aminobutyryl, CH3CH2CH2); 0.8-1.5 (6H, m, CH3 aminobutyryl, CH3 butyl).

[0899] h) Preparation of the Title Compound in the Form of the oxalate salt

[0900] The compound of step g) is hydrogenated in the same manner as Example 5, step c), and the product is isolated as the oxalate salt.

[0901] m.p.=90-92° C.

[0902] 1H-NMR (CD3OD, ppm): 7.00-7.25 (4H, m, ArH); 5.30 (1H, m, NCHCO); 4.8-5.0 (2H, m, CH2 isoindoline); 3.25 (1H, m, NCHCO); 2.90-3.00 (2H, m, CH2N); 1.50-2.00 (2H, m, CH2 aminobutyryl); 0.8-1.2 (10H, m, CH3CH2CH2CH3 aminobutyryl).

[0903] Microanalysis: C17H25N3O2.C2H2O4.1.25H2O: Found: C=54.98w; H=7.30w; N=10.66%; Calculated: C=54.86%; H=7.15%; N=10.10%;

[0904] Examples 24 to 36 correspond to compounds of formula (I) in which:

[0905] R2=H, n=0 and m=1, R3 represents the unit 116

[0906] R4=CONHR5 and R5=n-butyl,

[0907] R1, R, R′, R8, R9 and R10 being as defined in each example.

EXAMPLE 24

Route 8

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0908] Triethylamine (2.25 ml, 16 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (1.539 g, 6.054 mmol) were added to a cooled solution (0° C.) of 5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid (1.000 g, 4.03 mmol) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valine (1.135 g, 4.50 mmol) dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml), under nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and then washed with 10% citric acid (3×50 ml), 5% NaHCO3 (3×50 ml) and water (50 ml). The organic phase was dried and concentrated: the residue was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. A white solid was obtained.

[0909] Melting point: 124-126° C.

[0910] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.03 (1H, m, CONH), 7.24-7.47 (5H, m, ArH), 6.71-6.89 (3H, m, ArH), 4.86-5.65 (4H, m, COCHNH of the valine, PhCH2), 3.75-4.15 (4H, m, COCHN of the indoline, OCH3), 3.46-3.51 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.09-3.21 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.85-2.12 (1H, m, CHMe2), 0.78-1.42 (13H, m, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl, 2×CH3 of the valine).

Preparation of 1-(L-valyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH(CH3)2′R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=OCH3

[0911] Activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.2 g, containing 10% water) was added to a solution of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.502 g, 1.04 mmol) in methanol (20 ml). The mixture was hydrogenated for two and a half hours at room temperature. After removing the catalyst by filtration, oxalic acid (0.130 g, 1.44 mmol) was added to the filtrate; the solvent was removed and the residue, which crystallized from a methanol/diethyl ether mixture, gave a white solid.

[0912] Melting point: 112-120° C.

[0913] C19H29N3O3.1.25(COOH)2, required: C 56.14%, H. 6.90%, N 9.13%. found: C 56.01%, H. 6.93%, N 9.30%.

[0914] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm)8.46-8.53 (1H, m, CONH), 7.91-8.06 (1H, d, ArH), 6.77-6.94 (2H, m, ArH), 4.95-5.30 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 2.94-3.91 (8H, m, COCHN of the valine, CH3O, CH2 of the indoline, CONHCH2), 2.05-2.24 (1H, m, CHMe2), 0.81-1.46 (13H, m, CH2CH2CH3, 2×CH3 of the valine).

EXAMPLE 25

Route 8

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0915] Triethylamine (1.12 ml, 8 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (0.815 g, 3.2 mmol) were added to a cooled (0° C.) solution of 5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.500 g, 2.01 mmol) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanine (0.4956 g, 2.22 mmol) dissolved in dichloromethane (25 ml), under nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours. It was then washed with 10% citric acid (3×30 ml), 5% NaHCO3 (3×30 ml) and water (30 ml). The organic phase was dried and concentrated and the residue was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 1/1 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. A white solid was obtained.

[0916] Melting point: 106-109° C.

[0917] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.00-8.07 (1H, m, CONH), 7.30-7.36 (5H, m, ArH), 6.72-7.02 (3H, m, ArH), 5.35-6.00 (1H, m, NH of the alanine), 4.95-5.20 (3H, m, PhCH2, COCHN of the alanine), 4.20-4.80 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.76 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.40-3.60 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.09-3.30 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.10-1.50 (7H, m, CH2CH2, CH3 of the alanine), 0.78-0.87 (3H, m, CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=OCH3

[0918] Activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.04 g, containing 10% water) was added to a solution of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.130 g, 0.28 mmol) in methanol (6 ml). The mixture was hydrogenated for two and a half hours at room temperature. The catalyst was removed by filtration and oxalic acid (0.028 g, 0.31 mmol) was then added to the filtrate, which was concentrated. Diethyl ether was added in order to make the product precipitate out, and this product was obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0919] Melting point: 112-118° C.

[0920] C17H25N3O3.1.14(COOH)2.0.9H2O required: C 51.51%, H 6.46%, N 9.10%, found: C 51.37%, H 6.28%, N 9.40%.

[0921] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.44-8.47 (1H, m, CONH), 7.97-8.04 (1H, m, ArH), 6.78-6.92 (2H, m, ArH), 4.75-5.25 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.35-4.10 (5H, m, COCHN of the alanine, CH(H) of the indoline, CH3O), 2.99-3.13 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.23-1.50 (7H, m, CH2CH2, CH3 of the alanine), 0.87 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

EXAMPLE 26

Route 8

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0922] 1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanyl)-5-methoxy-indoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide was prepared as described above. Careful chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 1/1 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent gave two diastereoisomers. The first to elute was the (R, S) isomer, followed by the (S, S) isomer.

[0923] Data for the (S, S) form:

[0924] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.02-8.05 (1H, m, CONH), 7.30-7.38 (5H, m, ArH), 6.73-7.00 (3H, m, ArH), 4.77-5.63 (4H, m, NH of the alanine, PhCH2, COCHN of the alanine), 4.24-4.28 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.78 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.49-3.54, 3.17-3.22 (m, 4H, CH2 of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.16-1.55 (m, 7H, CH2CH2, CH3 of the alanine), 0.79-0.89 (m, 3H, CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic butylamide oxalate: R1=CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=OCH3

[0925] Activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.04 g, containing 10% water) was added to a solution of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.110 g, 0.234 mmol) in methanol (6 ml). The mixture was hydrogenated for two and a half hours at room temperature. The catalyst was removed by filtration and oxalic acid (0.0219 g, 0.25 mmol) was then added to the filtrate, which was concentrated. Diethyl ether was added in order to make the product precipitate out, and this product was obtained in the form of a white solid.

[0926] Melting point: 141-143° C.

[0927] C17H25N3O3.1.75(COOH)2.0.25(H2O), required: C 51.14%, H 6.07%, N 8.73%, found: C 51.00%, H 5.98%, N 8.88%.

[0928] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.48-8.51 (1H, m, CONH), 8.01 (1H, d, ArH), 6.89 (1H, s, ArH), 6.79 (1H, d, ArH), 5.00-5.03 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.61-3.73 (5H, m, CH3O, COCHN of the alanine, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.04-3.10 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.25-1.51 (7H, m, CH2CH2 of the butyl, CH3 of the alanine), 0.87 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

EXAMPLE 27

Route 9

Preparation of ethyl azidoacetate

[0929] A solution of ethyl bromoacetate (150 g, 0.901 mol) in dry acetonitrile (800 ml) was treated with sodium azide (58.57 g, 0.901 mol) under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the mixture was heated at reflux for 20 hours. After cooling, water (50 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for half an hour; the upper phase was separated out and the lower phase was treated with a salt and extracted with diethyl ether. The organic phases were combined and the solvent removed at a temperature not exceeding 50° C., in order to give a yellow oil.

[0930] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm)4.24 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.84 (2H, s, N3CH2), 1.29 (3H, t, CH3).

Preparation of ethyl 2-azido-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)propenoate

[0931] Pieces of sodium (3.678 g, 160 mmol) were added portionwise to ethanol (200 ml) over a period of 30 minutes. The resulting solution was cooled to −18° C. and a mixture of 2-methoxybenzaldehyde (4.832 g, 40 mmol) and ethyl azidoacetate (160 mmol) were then added over a period of one hour at a rate which allowed the temperature to be maintained below −15° C. After 3 hours, the solution was stored at 5° C. for 2 days in order to give a crystalline product which was collected by filtration and washed with cold hexane.

[0932] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.19-8.20 (1H, m, ArCH—), 7.22-7.40 (2H, m, ArH), 6.84-7.04 (2H, m, ArH), 4.35 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH3), 1.36 (3H, t, CH3).

Preparation of ethyl 4-methoxyindole-2-carboxylate

[0933] Ethyl 2-azido-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)propenoate (3.566 g, 144 mmol) was suspended in toluene (800 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for three hours, then cooled and stirred at room temperature overnight. The ethyl 4-methoxyindole-2-carboxylate formed as a yellow solid and was collected.

[0934] Melting point: 168-170° C.

[0935] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm)8.92 (1H, m, NH), 7.34-7.35 (1H, m, ArH), 7.23-7.27 (1H, m, ArH), 6.99-7.03 (1H, dd, ArH), 6.48-6.52 (1H, d, ArH), 4.39 (2H, q, OCH2—), 3.95 (3H, s, CH3O), 1.39 (3H, t, —CH3).

Preparation of methyl 4-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[0936] Ethyl 4-methoxyindole-2-carboxylate (0.95 g, 4.33 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and magnesium shavings (0.471 g, 19.37 mmol) were then added, with stirring, at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction started, a water bath was used to maintain the reaction temperature between 15-20° C. This mixture was stirred overnight. At the end of the reaction, dichloromethane (200 ml) was added to the mixture, followed by ammonium chloride solution (200 ml). The organic phase was separated out and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was removed to give a brown oil.

[0937] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm)6.99-7.06 (1H, m, ArH), 6.29-6.40 (2H, dd, ArH), 4.43 (2H, m, H—N, COCHN of the indoline), 3.79 (3H, S, H3COO), 3,77 (3H, s,. H3CO), 3.28-3.32 (2H, m, CH2 of the indoline).

Preparation of 4-methoxyindoline-2 (R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0938] Methyl 4-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (0.89 g, 4.3 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (40 ml) under nitrogen and the solution was then stirred at reflux for three hours. After cooling the mixture, the remaining butylamine was removed under vacuum. The crude product was recrystallized from diethyl ether in order to give an off-white solid.

[0939] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.01-7.09 (2H, m, CONH, ArH), 6.35-6.36 (2H, dd, ArH), 4.35-4.45 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 4.13-4.16 (1H, m, NH of the indoline), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.49-3.63 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.21-3.31 (2H, m, CONCH2) 2.89-3.01 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 1.26-1.55 (4H, m, CH2CH2), 0.90 (3H, t, CH3).

Preparation of 1-(benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-amino-butyryl)-4-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0940] 4-Methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.935 g, 3.77 mmol) and N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (1.422 g, 6.00 mmol) were dissolved in dry methylene chloride (50 ml). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and triethylamine (1.67 ml, 12 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (1.527 g, 6.00 mmol) were then added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and then washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×50 ml), with 5% sodium bicarbonate (3×50 ml) and with water (50 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removing the solvent, the residue was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 dichloromethane/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. An off-white solid was obtained.

[0941] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm)7.73-7.75 (1H, m, CONH), 7.18-7.33 (6H, m, ArH), 6.62-6.73 (2H, m, ArH), 4.82-5.66, 4.18-4.19 (5H, m, PhCH2, NH of the Abu, 2×COCHN), 3.81 (3H, s, CH3O), 3.16-3.49 (4H, m, CONCH2, CH2 of the indoline), 0.79-1.83 (12H, m, CH2CH2CH3, CH2CH3).

[0942] (Abu=aminobutyryl).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-methoxy-indoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R9=R1032 H, R8=OCH3

[0943] 1-(Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-methoxy-indoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.100 g, 0.21 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol (20 ml) and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.04 g) was added. The mixture was hydrogenated for 2.5 hours at room temperature. The catalyst was removed and oxalic acid (0.020 g, 0.22 mmol) was added to the solution, which was concentrated. Ether was added and an off-white solid was obtained.

[0944] Melting point: 117-119° C.

[0945] C18H27N3O3.1.0(COOH)2.1.0(H2O) required: C 54.41%, H 7.08%, N 9.52%, found: C 54.48%, H 6.87% N 9.50%.

[0946] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 6.5-10.0 (CONHBu, acidic hydrogens), 7.6-7.85, 7.15-7.35, 6.65-6.90 (m, ArH), 4.6-5.5 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 2.5-4.1 (8H, m, CH3O, CH2 of the indoline, CONCH2—, COCHN of the Abu), 0.7-2.2 (12H, m, CH2CH2CH3, CH2CH3 of the Abu).

EXAMPLE 28

Route 11

Preparation of ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate

[0947] Isopropylmagnesium chloride (2.0M in ether, 200 mmol) was added to a solution of diethyl oxalate (29.23 g, 20.0 mmol) in dry diethyl ether (100 ml) at −70° C. over a period of one hour. The mixture was stirred at −70° C. for a further half an hour and then poured immediately into a vigorously stirred suspension of ice (80 g), diethyl ether (100 ml) and concentrated HCl (18 ml). The aqueous phase was separated out and the organic phase washed with water (100 ml) and then dried (MgSO4) and the solvent was removed in order to leave the desired product in the form of a colourless oil.

[0948] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 4.28 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.18-3.25 (1H, m, COCH), 1.31 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy), 1.16 (6H, d, 2×CH3 of the propyl).

Preparation of ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate phenylhydrazone

[0949] A mixture of ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate (23.76 g) and phenylhydrazine (25 ml) was heated at 60° C. in toluene for about one hour, during which time a slight vacuum was used in order to remove the water. After removing the solvent, the residue was chromatographed on silica gel, using a 4/1 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent, in order to give the desired product in the form of a yellow oil.

[0950] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.10-7.33 (4H, m, ArH), 6.86-6.98 (1H, m, ArH), 4.28 (2H, q, OCH2), 2.88-3.06 (1H, m, N═CCH), 1.36 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy), 1.06 (6H, d, 2×CH3 of the propyl).

[0951] Preparation of ethyl 3,3-dimethyl-3H-indole-2-carboxylate

[0952] Ethanol saturated with hydrochloric acid (320 ml, at a concentration of about 34%) was prepared. Ethyl 2-oxo-3-methylbutanoate phenylhydrazone (compound 65) (20 g, 85.4 mmol) was then added to this solution. The resulting yellow mixture was refluxed for 10 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the ethanol was removed. The residue was added to ether (100 ml) and treated with 5% sodium carbonate until the effervescence ceased. The organic phase was separated out and the aqueous phase was extracted with ether (3×50 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3×100 ml) until neutral, and were dried (MgSO4). The solvent was removed to leave golden crystals. Recrystallization from petroleum ether at 30° C. gave pale cream crystals.

[0953] Melting point: 76-77° C.

[0954] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.70-7.80 (1H, m, ArH), 7.34-7.36 (3H, m, ArH), 4.43 (2H, q, OCH2), 1.49 (6H, s, 2×CH3 of the indole), 1.42 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy).

Preparation of ethyl 3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[0955] Ethyl 3,3-dimethyl-3H-indole-2-carboxylate (4.00 g, 18.4 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (20 ml) and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.5 g) was then added to this solution. This mixture was hydrogenated for five hours. After filtration in order to remove the catalyst, the filtrate was dried (MgSO4) and the solvent removed in order to give a brown oil.

[0956] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 6.94-7.08 (2H, m, ArH), 6.62-6.80 (2H, m, ArH), 4.06-4.34 (4H, m, NH of the indoline, COCHN of the indoline, CH2 of the ethoxy), 1.44 (3H, s, 1×CH3 of the indoline), 1.24 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy), 1.07 (3H, s, 1×CH3 of the indoline).

Preparation of 3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0957] Butylamine (15 ml) in toluene (40 ml) was cooled to −78° C. and a 2.5M solution of butyllithium in hexane (12.91 ml, 31.5 mmol) was added dropwise. After half an hour, ethyl 3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (4.600 g, 21 mmol) was added to the solution and this mixture was stirred under nitrogen for three hours. The mixture was then poured into a water/ice mixture (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate; the extracts were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was removed to give a brown oil. This was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent in order to give a yellow solid.

[0958] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.02-7.08 (3H, m, 2ArH, CONH), 6.84 (1H, t, ArH), 6.70 (1H, d, ArH), 3.96-4.68 (2H, m, NH of the indoline, COCHN of the indoline), 3.20-3.38 (2H, m, CONCH2), 1.31-1.68 (7H, m, CH2CH2 of the butyl, 1×CH3 of the indoline), 1.08 (3H, s, 1×CH3 of the indoline), 0.90 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0959] 3,3-Dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (1.000 g, 4.08 mmol) and N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (1.451 g, 6.12 mmol) were dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (25 ml). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and triethylamine (2.44 ml, 13.78 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (2.338 g, 9.183 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and ethyl acetate (40 ml) was then added, and the mixture was washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×50 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate (3×50 ml) and water (50 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removing the solvent, several successive purifications by chromatography on a column of silica gel gave the product in the form of an off-white solid.

[0960] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.08-8.2 (1H, m, CONH), 7.02-7.5 (9H, m, ArH), 4.04-5.82 (5H, m, CH2 of the benzyl, CH, NH of the Abu, COCHN of the indoline), 3.00-3.30 (2H, m, CONCH2), 0.70-1.98 (18H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, 2×CH3 of the indoline, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3,3-dimethy-lindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R═R−=CH3, R8=R9=R10=H

[0961] 1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3,3-dimethyl-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.0660 g, 0.142 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol (6 ml), and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.022 g) was then added. This mixture was hydrogenated at 60 psi of hydrogen for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After filtration in order to remove the catalyst, oxalic acid (0.013 g, 0.14 mmol) was added to the solution. Most of the methanol was removed by evaporation, ether was then added and an off-white solid precipitated out. This product was collected and dried.

[0962] Melting point: 127-133° C.

[0963] C19H29N3O2.1.0(COOH)2.1.0H2O required: C 57.39%, H 7.57%, N 9.56%, found: C 57.25%, H 7.52%, N 9.70%.

[0964] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.45-8.75 (1H, m, CONH), 7.99-8.23 (1H, m, ARh), 7.07-7.29 (3H, m, ArH), 4.63-4.83, 3.61-4.00 (2H, m, CH of the Abu, COCHN of the indoline), 3.00-3.16 (2H, m, CONCH2), 0.85-1.88 (18H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl, 2×CH3 of the indoline).

EXAMPLE 29

Route 10

Preparation of ethyl 3-methylindole-2-carboxylate

[0965] Phenylhydrazine (14.87 g, 0.137 mol) was mixed with 2-ketobutyric acid (14 g, 0.137 mol) and a solution of sulphuric acid (14 g, 0.142 mol) in absolute ethanol was added shortly afterwards. The crude hydrazone dissolved and the brown solution was maintained under moderate boiling for five hours. The mixture was kept overnight at 4° C. A solid precipitated out. This product was collected and washed with water (30 ml) and alcohol (10 ml) to give an off-white solid.

[0966] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.66-8.80 (1H, m, NH), 7.67 (1H, dd, ArH), 7.14-7.36 (3H, m, ArH), 4.42 (2H, q, OCH2), 2.61 (3H, s, CH3 of the indole), 1.43 (3H, t, CH3 of the ester).

Preparation of methyl 3-(R/S)-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[0967] Ethyl 3-methylindole-2-carboxylate (4.06 g, 20 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (50 ml) and magnesium shavings (2.431 g, 100 mmol) were then added with stirring, at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction started, a water bath was used to maintain the reaction temperature between 15-20° C. After the end of the reaction, dichloromethane (200 ml) was added to the mixture, followed by NH4Cl solution (200 ml). The organic phase was separated out and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was removed to give a brown oil.

[0968] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.03-7.22 (2H, m, ArH), 6.73-6.78 (2H, m, ArH), 4.48-4.82 (1H, m, H—N), 4.00, 4.50 (1H, dd, COCHN of the indoline), 3.78, 3.77 (3H, S, H3COOC), 3.47-3.70 (1H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline), 1.44, 1.22 (3H, dd, CH3 of the indoline).

Preparation of 3-(R/S)-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0969] Methyl 3-(R/S)-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (3.60 g, 18.8 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (100 ml) under nitrogen and the solution was then stirred at reflux for 3 hours. After cooling the mixture, the remaining butylamine was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 and then a 5/5 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. Two main fractions were collected.

[0970] The first was a white solid which is the trans isomer.

[0971] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.01-7.24 (3H, m, 2ArH, CONH), 6.83 (1H, t, Arh), 6.71 (1H, d, ArH), 4.05-4.07 (1H, m, NH of the indoline), 3.89-3.92 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.23-3.27 (3H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.43-1.63 (5H, m, CH3 of the indoline, CH2 of the butyl), 1.29-1.37 (2H, m, CH2 of the butyl), 0.90 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

[0972] The second was an off-white solid which is the cis isomer.

[0973] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm)7.04-7.09 (3H, m, 2ArH, CONH), 6.79-6.83 (1H, m, ArH), 6.69 (1H, d, ArH), 4.43-4.47 (1H, dd, COCHN of the indoline), 4.02-4.03 (1H, m, NH of the indoline), 3.67-3.71 (1H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline), 3.18-3.39 (2H, m, CONCH2), 1.43-1.63 (2H, m, CH2 of the butyl), 1.29-1.37 (2H, m, CH2 of the butyl), 1.12 (3H, d, CH3 of the indoline), 0.90 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide and of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0974] trans-3-Methylindoline-2-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.530 g, 2.284 mmol) and N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.65 g, 2.74 mmol) were dissolved in dry dichloromethane (5 ml). Triethylamine (1.15 ml, 8.224 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (1.047 g, 4.112 mmol) were added to this solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours, after which it was washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×50 ml), with 50% sodium bicarbonate (3×50 ml) and with water (50 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removal of the solvent, chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture gave the product in the form of an off-white solid.

[0975] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.08-8.20 (1H, m, CONH), 6.60-7.55 (9H, m, ArH), 4.60-5.70 (4H, m, CH2 of the benzyl, COCHNH of the Abu), 4.04-4.44 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 2.96-3.78 (3H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline, CONCH2), 0.70-1.84 (15H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, CH3 of the indoline, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate and of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3 (S)-methylindoline-2 (S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R or R′=CH3 and R′ or R=H, R8=R9=R10=H

[0976] 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (140 mg, 0.310 mmol) were dissolved in dry methanol (6 ml) and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.040 g) was then added. This mixture was hydrogenated for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After filtration, oxalic acid (0.028 g, 0.320 mmol) was added to the solution. After removing most of the methanol by evaporation, ether was added. A white solid was obtained.

[0977] Melting point: 120.8-125.9° C.

[0978] C18H27N3O2.0.75(COOH)2.1.1H2O, required: C 57.86%, H 7.64%, N 10.36%, found: C 57.59%, H 7.40%, N 10.21%.

[0979] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.53-8.57 (1H, m, CONH), 8.03-8.11 (1H, m, ArH), 7.00-7.40 (3H, m, ArH), 4.59-4.81, 3.59-3.88, 2.99-3.38 (5H, m, COCHN of the Abu, 2×CH of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.58-1.85, 1.21-1.45, 0.81-1.08 (15H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl, CH3 of the indoline).

EXAMPLE 30

Route 10

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide and of 1-(2(S)-N-benzyl-oxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0980] cis-3-Methylindoline-2-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.220 g, 0.948 mmol) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.355 g, 1.50 mmol) were dissolved in dry dichloromethane (5 ml). Triethylamine (0.455 ml, 4.5 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (0.5 73 g, 2.25 mmol) were added to this solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and then washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×50 ml), with 5% sodium bicarbonate (3×50 ml) and with water (50 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removing the solvent, the residue was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. The main fractions were recrystallized from diethyl ether in order to allow an off-white product to be collected.

[0981] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.08-8.16 (H, m, CONH), 7.0-7.40 (9H, m, ArH), 4.76-5.98 (4H, m, CH, of the benzyl, CH, NH of the Abu), 4.18-4.44 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 2.96-3.98 (3H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline, CONCH2), 0.70-1.94 (15H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, CH3 of the indoline, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate and of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R or R′=CH3 and R′ or R=H, R8=R9=R10=H

[0982] 1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide (60 mg, 0.133 mmol) were dissolved in dry methanol (6 ml), and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.020 g) was then added. This mixture was hydrogenated for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After filtration, oxalic acid (0.013 g, 0.140 mmol) was added to the solution. After removing most of the methanol by evaporation, ether was added and a white solid was obtained.

[0983] Melting point: 158.7-162° C.

[0984] C18H27N3O2.1.4(COOH)2.0.7H2O, required: C 54.76%, H 6.90%, N 9.22%, found: C 54.45%, H 6.70%, N 9.54%.

[0985] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.59-8.60 (1H, m, CONH), 8.06 8.08 (1H, m, ArH), 7.07-7.23 (3H, m, ArH), 5.00 (1H, d, COCHN of the indoline), 3.87-3.91 (1H, m, COCHN of the Abu), 3.60-3.58 (1H, m, CH(CH3) of the indoline), 3.04-3.16 (2H, m, CONCH2), 1.79-1.95 (2H, m, CH2 of the butyl), 1.21-1.44 (m, 7H, CH2 of the butyl, Abu and CH3 of the indoline), 0.98 (3H, t, CH3 of the Abu), 0.870 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

EXAMPLE 31

Route 9

Preparation of ethyl 2-azido-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)propenoate

[0986] Pieces of sodium (3.678 g, 160 mmol) were added to ethanol (200 ml) over a period of 30 minutes. The resulting solution was cooled to −18° C. and a mixture of 2-ethoxybenzaldehyde (6.007 g, 40 mmol) and ethyl azidoacetate (160 mmol) was then added, over one hour, at a rate which allowed the temperature to be maintained below −15° C. After three hours, the solution was stored at 5° C. for two days in order to give a crystalline product which was collected and washed with cold hexane in order to give an off-white solid.

[0987] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.20-8.16 (1H, dd, ArH), 7.44 (1H, s, CH), 7.24-7.33 (1H, m, ArH), 6.84-7.00 (2H, m, ArH), 4.36 (2H, q, OCH2), 4.07 (2H, q, COOCH2), 1.44 (3H, t, CH3 of the ether), 1.39 (3H, t, CH3 of the ester).

[0988] This product was recrystallized from methanol to give the methyl ester.

Preparation of methyl 4-ethoxyindole-2-carboxylate

[0989] Methyl 2-azido-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)propenoate (2.061 g, 10 mmol) was suspended in toluene (500 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for three hours and then maintained at room temperature overnight. The solids were collected by filtration in order to give the desired product in the form of a yellow solid.

[0990] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.92 (1H, m, NH), 7.37-7.38 (1H, m, ArH), 7.18-7.26 (1H, m, ArH), 6.94 (1H, d, ArH), 6.49 (1H, d, ArH), 4.18 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.93 (3H, s, CH3O), 1.49 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy).

Preparation of methyl 4-ethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[0991] Methyl 4-ethoxyindole-2-carboxylate (1.02 g, 4.568 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (20 ml) and magnesium shavings (0.55 g, 22.6 mmol) were then added, with stirring, at room temperature under nitrogen. After the reaction started, a water bath was used to maintain the reaction temperature between 15-20° C. At the end of the reaction, dichloromethane (200 ml) was added to the mixture, followed by NH4Cl solution (200 ml). The organic phase was separated out and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was removed in order to give a brown oil.

[0992] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 6.96-7.03 (1H, m, ArH), 6.28-6.39 (2H, m, ArH), 4.32-4.44 (2H, m, COCHNH of the indoline), 4.03 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.75 (3H, s, H3COOC), 3.29-3.33 (2H, m, CH2 of the indoline), 1.38 (3H, t, CH3 of the ethoxy).

Preparation of 4-ethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0993] Methyl 4-ethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (0.84 g, 3.8 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (40 ml), under nitrogen, and the solution was then stirred at reflux for three hours. After cooling the mixture, the remaining butylamine was removed under vacuum. The crude product was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 5/5 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. A yellow solid was obtained.

[0994] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 6.99-7.05 (2H, m, CONH, ArH), 6.33-6.36 (2H, dd, ArH), 4.36-4.41 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.98-4.11 (3H, m, NH, OCH2), 3.52-3.59 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.25 (2H, q, CONCH2), 2.92-2.98 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 1.27-1.50 (7H, m, CH2CH2 of the butyl, CH3 of the ether), 0.89 (3H, t, CH3 of the butyl).

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-ethoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[0995] 4-Ethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.720 g, 2.748 mmol) and N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.787 g, 4.982 mmol) were dissolved in dry methylene chloride (5 ml). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and triethylamine (1.39 ml, 9.947 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (1.268 g, 4.982 mmol) were then added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and then washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×50 ml), with 5% sodium bicarbonate (3×50 ml) and with water (50 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removing the solvent, the product was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. An off-white product was obtained; this product was recrystallized from diethyl ether.

[0996] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.71-7.73 (1H, m, CONH), 7.15-7.37 (6H, m, ArH), 6.59-6.76 (2H, m, ArH), 4.82-5.77 (4H, m, NH of the Abu, CH2Ph, COCHN of the indoline), 3.99-4.21 (3H, m, OCH2 COCHN of the Abu), 3.12-3.49 (4H, m, CH2 of the indoline, CONCH2) 0.79-2.06 (15H, m, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl, CH3 of the ethoxy, CH2CH3 of the Abu).

Preparation of 1-(2 (S)-aminobutyryl)-4-ethoxy-indoline-2 (S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R9=R10H, R8=OC2H5

[0997] 5 1-(N-Benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-ethoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.135 g, 28.1 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.040 g) was then added. This mixture was hydrogenated for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After filtration, oxalic acid (0.0290 g, 32.2 mmol) was added to the solution. Most of the methanol was removed by evaporation and ether was then added. A white solid was obtained.

[0998] Melting point: 144.7-146.2° C.

[0999] C19H29N3O3.1.0(COOH)2.1.0H2O, required: C 55.37%, H 7.30%, N 9.22%, found: C 55.11%, H 7.09%, N 9.19%.

[1000] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.50-8.53 (1H, m, CONHBu), 7.72 (1H, d, ArH), 7.18 (1H, d, ArH), 6.72 (1H, d, ArH), 5.04-5.06 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 4.03-4.06 (2H, m, CH2O), 2.96-3.96 (5H, m, COCHN of the Abu, CH2 of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.75-1.92 (2H, m, CH2 of the butyl), 0.84-1.41 (10H, m, CH2CH3 of the Abu, butyl).

EXAMPLE 32

Route 9

Preparation of ethyl 2-azido-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)propenoate

[1001] Pieces of sodium (3.678 g, 160 mmol) were added to ethanol (200 ml) over a period of 30 minutes. The resulting solution was cooled to −18° C. and a mixture of 2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (4.832 g, 40 mmol) and ethyl azidoacetate (20.64 g, 160 mmol) was then added, over one hour, at a rate which allowed the temperature to be maintained below −15° C. After three hours, the solution was stored at 5° C. for two days in order to give a crystalline product which was collected and washed with cold hexane in order to give a pure product in the form of a yellow oil.

[1002] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.78-7.82 (1H, dd, ArH), 7.32 (1H, s, ArCH), 7.04-7.12 (1H, t, ArH), 6.89-6.93 (1H, m, ArH), 4.37 (2H, q, OCH2), 3.86 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, OCH3), 1.39 (3H, t, CH3).

Preparation of ethyl 4,5-dimethoxyindole-2-carboxylate

[1003] Ethyl 2-azido-3-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-propeneoate (4.0 g, 144 mmol) was suspended in toluene (120 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for three hours and then cooled and stirred at room temperature overnight. The solids were collected by filtration in order to give the product in the form of a yellow solid.

[1004] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 8.76-8.96 (1H, m, NH), 7.30 (1H, dd, ArH), 7.04-7.12 (2H, m, ArH), 4.36 (2H, q, O—CH2—) 4.06 (3H, s, CH3O) 3.86 (3H, S, CH3O), 1.37 (3H, t, —CH3).

Preparation of methyl 4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[1005] Ethyl 4,5-dimethoxyindole-2-carboxylate (0.500 g, 2 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and magnesium shavings (0.2431 g, 10 mmol) were then added, with stirring, at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. After the reaction started, a water bath was used to maintain the reaction temperature between 5-15° C. At the end of the reaction, dichloromethane (200 ml) was added to the mixture, followed by NH4Cl solution (200 ml). The organic phase was separated out and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate and the solvent was removed to give a brown oil.

[1006] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 6.64 (1H, d, ArH), 6.38 (1H, d, ArH), 4.28-4.36 (2H, m, NH, COCHN of the indoline), 3.85 (3H, s, H3CO), 3.77, 3.75 (6H, s, H3CO, H3COO), 3.37-3.41 (2H, m, CH2).

Preparation of 4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1007] Methyl 4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (0.447 g, 1.89 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (35 ml), under nitrogen, and the solution was then stirred at reflux for three hours. After cooling the mixture, the remaining butylamine was removed under vacuum. The crude product was recrystallized from diethyl ether to give an off-white solid.

[1008] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.06-7.18 (1H, m, CONH), 6.66 (1H, d, ArH), 6.39 (1H, d, ArH), 4.28-4.44 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.59-3.98 (2H, m, NH, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.11-3.28 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONCH2), 1.30-1.52 (4H, m, CH2CH2), 0.90 (3H, t, CH3).

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1009] 4,5-Dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.300 g, 1.079 mmol) and N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.3422 g, 1.444 mmol) were dissolved in dry methylene chloride (10 ml). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and triethylamine (0.49 ml, 3.46 mmol) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (0.4409 g, 1.732 mmol) were then added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and then washed with 3N hydrochloric acid (3×20 ml), with 5% sodium bicarbonate (3×20 ml) and with water (20 ml) and dried over sodium sulphate. After removing the solvent, the residue was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 3/2 dichloromethane/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. An off-white product was obtained.

[1010] 1H-NMR (CDCl3), &dgr;(ppm) 7.75-7.86 (1H, m, CONH), 7.10-7.35 (5H, m, ArH), 6.73-6.80 (2H, m, ArH), 4.82-5.36 (4H, m, PhCH2, NH of the Abu, COCHN of the indoline), 3.14-4.8 (11H, m, COCHN of the Abu, CH2 of the indoline, 2×CH3O, CONCH2), 0.78-1.80 (12H, m, CH2CH2CH3 of the butyl, CH2CH3 of the Abu).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R10,=H, R8=R9=OCH3

[1011] 1-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.100 g, 0.20 mmol) was dissolved in dry methanol (10 ml), and activated palladium-on-charcoal (0.038 g) was then added. This mixture was hydrogenated for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After filtration, oxalic acid (0.020 g, 0.22 mmol) was added to the solution. Most of the methanol was removed by evaporation and ether was then added. An off-white solid was obtained.

[1012] Melting point: 196.1-197.5° C.

[1013] C19H29N3O4.1.0(COOH)2.1.0H2O, required: C 53.49%, H 7.05%, N 8.91%, found: C 53.46%, H 6.89%, N 8.80%.

[1014] 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6), &dgr;(ppm) 8.48-8.52 (1H, m, CONHBu), 7.79 (1H, d, ArH), 6.90 (1H, d, ArH), 5.03-5.06 (1H, m, COCHN of the indoline), 3.57-3.77 (8H, m, 2×CH3O, CH(H) of the indoline, COCHN of the Abu), 3.08-3.12 (3H, m, CONCH2, CH(H) of the indoline), 1.77-1.93 (2H, m, CH2 of the Abu), 1.25-1.42 (4H, m, CH2CH2 of the butyl), 0.85-1.04 (6H, m, CH3 of the Abu, CH3 of the butyl).

EXAMPLE 33

Route 12

Preparation of 1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-benzyloxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1015] 5-Benzyloxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.648 g, 2 mmol), N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.521 g, 2.2 mmol) and dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (2.2 mmol) were dissolved in dichloromethane (70 ml) and stirred for 18 h. The mixture was washed with NaHCO3 solution, the washing waters were extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic fractions were dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was removed to give a solid which was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 1/1 ethyl acetate/petroleum ether mixture, in order to give the (S/S) diastereoisomer alone and the (S/S and S/R) diastereoisomers combined.

[1016] NMR &dgr;=8.00-8.03 (1H, m, NH), 7.24-7.40 (10H, m, 2×Ph), 6.78-6.90 (3H, m, ArH), 4.78-5.34 (6H, m, 2×PhCH2, NCHCO of the Abu, NH), 4.3-4.18 (1H, m, NCHCO of the indoline), 3.43-3.49 (2H, m, CH2 of the indoline), 3.14-3.18 (2H, m, CONHCH2), 0.77-1.93 (12H, m, 2×CH3, 3×CH2).

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-hydroxy-indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=OH

[1017] N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-benzyloxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (200 mg, 0.36 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (20 ml) and treated with activated palladium-on-charcoal (80 mg). The mixture was hydrogenated at 80 psi for 2.5 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the amount of solvent reduced. Oxalic acid (36 mg) was added, followed by ether, in order to give the product in the form of a white solid.

[1018] Melting point: 156.5-158° C.

[1019] C17H25N3O3.1.1(COOH)2.0.3H2O.0.5(C2H5)2O, required: C 55.23%, H 7.19%, N 9.12% found: C 54.99%, H 7.29%, N 9.08%.

[1020] NMR d=8.42-8.43 (1H, m, NH), 7.91 (1H, d, ArH), 6.57-6.70 (2H, m, ArH), 5.59-4.87 (1H, m, NCHCO of the Abu), 3.55-3.59 (1H, m, NCHCO of the indoline), 3.33-3.44 (2H, m, CONCH2), 3.00-3.16 (2H, m, CH2 of the indoline), 0.84-1.87 (12H, m, 3×CH2, 2×CH3).

EXAMPLE 34

Route 12

Preparation of 1-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-hydroxy-indoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=OH

[1021] The above procedure was repeated with N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-benzyloxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (100 mg, 0.18 mmol) in order to give the desired product.

[1022] Melting point: 129-130° C.

[1023] C17H25N3O3.0.9(COOH)2.0.5H2O.0.3(C2H5)2O, required: C 55.63%, H 7.20%, N 9.74%, found: C 55.44%; H 7.31%, N 9.73%.

[1024] NMR &dgr;=8.43-8.44 (1H, m, CONH), 7.86-7.94 (1H, d, ArCH), 6.58-6.67 (2H, m, ArCH), 4.93-5.20 (1H, m, NCHCO of the Abu), 3.36-3.81 (2H, m, NCHCO of the indoline, CH(H) of the indoline), 2.90-3.11 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONHCH2), 0.84-1.74 (12H, m, 3×CH2, 2×CH3).

EXAMPLE 35

Route 8

Preparation of methyl 5-methylindole-2-carboxylate

[1025] 5-Methylindole-2-carboxylic acid (0.9 g, 5.13 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (25 ml) and treated with sulphuric acid (0.5 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 4 h. The volume of solvent was reduced and the residue treated with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic fractions were dried and concentrated to give the desired ester.

Preparation of methyl 5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate

[1026] Methyl 5-methylindole-2-carboxylate (0.95 g, 5 mmol) and magnesium shavings (0.62 g, 25 mmol) were suspended in methanol (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 2 h. The mixture was filtered, diluted with methylene chloride (100 ml) and washed with NH4Cl solution. The organic phase was dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed to give the crude product, which was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 petroleum/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent.

[1027] NMR &dgr;=6.63-6.93 (3h, M, ArCH), 4.33-4.41 (1H, m, NCHCO), 3.75 (3H, s, CH3O), 3.29-3.36 (2H, m, CH1), 2.24 (3H, s, CH3Ar).

Preparation of 5-methylindoline-2 (R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1028] Methyl 5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (0.3 g, 4.18 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (20 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for 4 h under nitrogen. The excess amine was removed under vacuum to give a solid, which was recrystallized from ether in order to allow the product to be collected.

[1029] NMR &dgr;=6.60-6.90 (3H, m, ArCH), 4.21-4.33 (2H, m, CONH, NCHCO), 3.43-3.48 (1 h, m, CH(H) of indoline), 3.22-3.28 (2H, m, NCH2), 3.02-3.18 (1H, m, CH(H) of indoline), 2.24 (3H, s, CH3Ar), 1.29-1.50 (4H, m, 2×CH2), 0.86-0.93 (3H, m, CH3).

Preparation of 1-N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2 (S)-amino-butyryl-5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1030] Triethylamine (0.84 ml) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (0.76 g) were added to a solution of 5-methylindolinecarboxylic acid butylamide (0.46 g, 2 mmol) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid in dichloromethane (10 ml), under nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solution was washed with saturated NH4Cl solution and with water. The combined aqueous fractions were extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic fractions were dried and the solvent was removed to give a yellow oil which was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 ether/petroleum mixture as eluent. The desired product was obtained in the form of an off-white solid.

[1031] NMR &dgr;=7.97-8.00 (1H, m, NH), 7.24-7.38 (5H, m, ArCH), 6.89-7.07 (3H, m, ArCH), 4.79-5.31 (4H, m. PhCH2, NH, NCHCO of the Abu), 4.00-4.40 (1H, m, NCHCO of indoline), 3.42-3.57 (2H, m, CONHCH2), 3.09-3.22 (2 h, m, CH2 of indoline), 2.29 (3H, S, CH3Ar), 0.80-2.26 (12H, m, 3×CH2, 2×CH3).

Preparation of 1-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide oxalate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=CH3

[1032] 1—N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (130 mg) was dissolved in methanol (12 ml) and treated with activated palladium-on-charcoal (40 mg). The mixture was hydrogenated at 60 psi for 2.5 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the volume of solvent was reduced. This mixture was treated with oxalic acid (28.8 mg) and ether in order to give the desired product.

[1033] Melting point: 110-2° C.

[1034] C18H27N3O2.(COOH)2.0.1 H2O required: C 58.70%, H 7.19%, N 10.27%, found: C 58.83%, H 7.20%, N 9.88%

[1035] NMR &dgr;=8.45-8.46 (1H, m, CONH), 7.90-7.99 (1H, m, ArCH), 7.33-7.35 (2H, m, ArCh), 7.00-7.06 (1H, m, NH), 4.97-5.02 (2H, m, NCHCO of the Abu, NH), 3.55-3.90 (5H, m, CONHCH2, NCHCO and CH2 of indoline), 2.23, 2.25 (3H, s, CH3—Ar), 0.8-2.0 (12H, m, 3×CH2, 2×CH3).

EXAMPLE 36

Route 13

Preparation of methyl 5-chloroindole-2-carboxylate

[1036] 5-Chloroindole-2-carboxylic acid (0.95 g, 4.65 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (35 ml) and treated with sulphuric acid (0.5 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 5 h and cooled and the solvent was removed. The residue was recrystallized twice from methanol to give the product.

Preparation of methyl 5-chloroindoline-2 (R/S)-carboxylate

[1037] Methyl 5-chloroindole-2-carboxylate (0.6 g, 2.87 mmol) and magnesium shavings (0.34 g, 14.3 mmol) were suspended in methanol (40 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 8 h. The mixture was filtered, treated with methylene chloride (100 ml) and washed with NH4Cl solution. The organic fraction was dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed in order to give a solid which was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 petroleum/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. The product was isolated in the form of a yellow solid.

Preparation of 5-chloroindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1038] Methyl 5-chloroindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylate (0.63 g, 3 mmol) was dissolved in butylamine (25 ml) and refluxed for 4 h. The excess amine was removed and the residue was crystallized from ether to give a yellow solid.

Preparation of 1-N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-amino-butyryl-5-chloroindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide

[1039] 5-Chloroindoline-2 (R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (0.52 g, 2 mmol) and N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (0.45 g, 2.2 mmol) were dissolved in methylene chloride (20 ml) and treated with bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (0.64 g, 2.5 mmol) and triethylamine (0.5 g, 5 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then washed with 10% citric acid (3×50 ml), with 5% NaHCO3 (3×50 ml) and with water (50 ml). The organic phase was dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography to give the product.

Preparation of 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-chloroindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide trifluoroacetate: R1=CH2CH3, R=R′=R8=R10=H, R9=Cl

[1040] 1-N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl-5-chloroindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide (50 mg, 0.114 mmol) was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (2 ml) and methylene chloride (2 ml) and maintained at room temperature for 40 minutes. Evaporation of the solvents and addition of diethyl ether gave the product.

[1041] Melting point: 83-84° C.

[1042] C17H24N3O2Cl.1.5 CF3COOH, required: C 47.21%, H 5.05%, N 7.85% found: C 47.43%, H 5.24%, N 8.42%

[1043] NMR &dgr;=8.07-8.09 (1H, d, ArH), 7.27-7.36 (2H, m, ArH), 5.03-5.06 (1H, m, NCHCO de l'Abu), 3.59-3.70 (2H, m, NCHCO of the indoline, CH(E) of the indoline), 3.06-3.12 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONHCH2), 1.77-1.94 (2H, m, CH2 de l'Abu), 1.24-1.43 (4H, m, CH2CH2CH3), 0.83-1.58 (6H, m, 2×CH3).

EXAMPLE 37

Route 14

Preparation of methyl indoline-2(S)-carboxylate

[1044] Indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid (10 g, 64 mmol) was refluxed in a mixture of methanol (50 ml) and sulphuric acid (8 ml) for 5 h. The solvent was removed to give the product in the form of an oil.

Preparation of methyl 1-(N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)indoline-2(S)-carboxylate

[1045] Triethylamine (3.15 ml) and bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinyl chloride (5.75 g, 22.6 mmol) were added to a solution of methyl indoline-2-carboxylate (2 g, 11.3 mmol) and N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyric acid (2.6 g, 13.6 mmol) in methylene chloride (15 ml), at 0° C. under nitrogen. The reaction was stirred for 2 h at 5° C. and then at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate was washed with water (2×40 ml) and the combined aqueous fractions were extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic fractions were dried and concentrated to give a residue, which was purified by chromatography on a column of silica gel, using a 7/3 petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture as eluent. The product was obtained in the form of a white solid.

1-(N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid (3-hydroxy)propylamide

[1046] Methyl 1-(N-t-butoxycarbonyl-2(S)-aminobutyryl)indoline-2(S)-carboxylate (0.36 g, 1 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and treated, under nitrogen and at 50° C., with 3-hydroxypropylamine (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 3 h and the solvent was evaporated off. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (30 ml) and washed with 1M KHSO4. The organic phase was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography in order to give the product.

1-(2(S)-Aminobutyryl)indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid (3-hydroxy)propylamide trifluoroacetate: R1=CH2CH3, R2=H, R=R′=R8=R9=R10=H, n=and m=1, R3=

[1047] 117

[1048] R4=COPNHR5, R5=(CH2)3OH

[1049] 1-(N-t-Butoxycarbonyl)-2(S)-aminobutyryl)-indoline-2(S)carboxylic acid (3-hydroxy)propylamide (0.12 g) was dissolved in methylene chloride (1 ml) and treated with trifluoroacetic acid (1 ml). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes and the solvents were removed in order to give an oil. Addition of ether and filtration gave the product in the form of a solid.

[1050] Melting point: 86-88° C.

[1051] C16H23N3O3.1.5 CF3COOH, required: C 47.97%, H 5.11%, N 8.67%, calculated: C 47.90%, H 5.18%, N 8.82%

[1052] NMR &dgr;: 8.11 (1H, d, ArH), 7.05-7.29 (3H, m, ArH), 5.02-5.04 (NCHCO de l'Abu) 4,37-4.65 (NCHCO of indoline, OH), 3.62-3.68 (2H, m, CH2OH), 3.34-3.42 (1H, m, CH(H) of the indoline), 3.09-3.21 (3H, m, CH(H) of the indoline, CONHCH2), 1.56-1.94 (4H, m, CH2CH2OH, CH2CH3), 0.94-1.1 (3H, m, CH3).

Measurement of the Activity of Membrane-bound tripeptidylpeptidase

[1053] After isolating and characterizing the abovementioned membrane-bound tripeptidylpeptidase, the inventors devised a measurement of its activity, described below.

[1054] Membranes from rat brain were obtained by centrifugation (200,000×g min) of a homogenate prepared in 10 volumes of 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

[1055] After washing thoroughly, the centrifugation pellet is taken up in the buffer containing 10% glycerol and 0.1% Brij 35 in order to obtain a concentration of 25 mg of proteins/ml.

[1056] After preincubation for 25 minutes, the incubations are carried out for 15 minutes at 37° C. in the buffer in a volume of 0.1 ml containing 0.1% Brij 35, 100 mM bestatin, 25 &mgr;g of membrane and 50 &mgr;M of substrate (A-AP-Amc) The release of Amc is evaluated by fluorimetry.

Development of Inhibitors

[1057] The effect of the compounds according to the invention given above as examples was evaluated by measuring the activity of membrane-bound tripeptidylpeptidase II. The inhibitory power of these compounds was expressed by their apparent dissociation constant (Ki), calculated from the values of their 50% inhibitory concentration and from the KM of the substrate (23 &mgr;M).

[1058] Table II below reports a series of characteristic values for the compounds according to the invention. 3 TABLE II INHIBITION OF THE ACTIVITY OF MEMBRANE-BOUND AMINOTRIPEPTIDYLPEPTIDASE FROM BRAIN Example No. Ki &mgr;m 1 0.9 2 0.3 3 0.270 4 0.10 5 0.5 6 0.030 7 0.320 8 0.57 9 0.00030 10 0.00030 11 0.320 12 0.140 13 0.040 14 0.0052 15 0.0060 16 0.340 17 0.012 18 0.008 19 0.077 20 0.012 21 1.0 22 0.560 23 0.143 2 (S)-aminobutyryl-L-prolineamide* known 0.57 (S,S) isomer 20 0.003 (S,R) isomer 20 0.233 (S,S) isomer 18 0.006 (S,R) isomer 18 0.241 24 0.146 25 0.026 26 0.0075 27 0.014 28 0.864 29 0.593 30 0.032 31 0.029 32 0.0096 33 0.0066 34 0.0104 35 0.0226 36 0.0025 37 0.0124

[1059] *R1=CH(CH3)2; R2=H; n=0 or 1 and m 0 or 1 with n being different from m; R=R′=H; R3=—(CH2)2—; R4=CO—NH—R5; R5=H

[1060] Noteworthy effects were demonstrated for the compounds according to the invention, in particular for the compounds having an indoline skeleton. It is significant to note that the compound of Example 22, for example, has a protective effect on endogenous CCK-8 on slices of depolarized rat cerebral cortex, demonstrated according to the method of Rose et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1988, 85: 8326). At a concentration of 1 &mgr;M, it multiplies the recovery of released CCK-8 4-fold (measured by radioimmunoassay).

[1061] The anorexigenic activity (pro-satiety) of this same compound is demonstrated in rodents. In mice, at a dose of 10 mg/kg (intravenously), this compound decreases the spontaneous taking of solid food (“UAR” tablet) by 45%, measured over a period of 30 to 90 minutes after free access to this food (period preceded by fasting overnight and oral administration of 0.2 ml of a semi-liquid meal).

[1062] This test is completed by an evaluation of the inhibitory activity of TPP II “ex vivo”, which consists in administering a compound according to the invention to a rodent and in measuring the residual catalytic activity on membranes from brain or from a peripheral organ.

[1063] For example, the activity of liver TPP II measured in mice 90 minutes after oral administration of 10 mg/kg of the compound of Example 9 is about 90-100% inhibited.

Claims

1. Process for screening drugs intended for treating, in man or animals, disorders or complaints associated with the inactivation or excessive degradation (or which may be treated by delaying the physiological degradation), of endogenous neuropeptides, wherein it consists in placing a candidate molecule in contact with a membrane-bound tripeptidylpeptidase or homologue and in measuring the activity of this enzyme.

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the tripeptidylpeptidase is prepared according to the process comprising the following steps:

i) preparation of membranes from brain, for example from rat brain;

ii) purification by high performance liquid chromatography/ies (HPLC);

iii) checking of the product obtained, by enzymatic reaction using a CCK substrate, for example CCK-5 or (non-sulphated) CCK-8 peptides.

3. Process according to claim 1, wherein the tripeptidylpeptidase corresponds to the sequence identity SEQ ID No. 1 of the appended sequence listing.

4. Process according to claim 1, wherein the tripeptidylpeptidase corresponds to the sequence identity SEQ ID No. 2 of the appended sequence listing.

5. Process according to claim 1, wherein it comprises incubating membranes from brain, for example from rat brain, prepared by centrifugation of a homogenate, in the presence of an aminotripeptidylpeptidase substrate and a candidate molecule, which is a potential inhibitor of the enzymatic activity.

6. Process according to claim 1, wherein the disorders or complaints are associated with the inactivation of cholecystokinin (CCK).

7. Compound of general formula (I) below:

118

in which:

R1 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

at least one from among R1 and R2 representing a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m;

R and R′ each independently represent a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

R3 represents a divalent radical consisting of a —(CH2)2—, —CH2—CH(cis.F)— or —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— alkyl chain, of a unit

119

where R6 represents H, F, OCH3 or OCH2Ph,

120

where R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen or halogen atom, an O(C1-C4 alkyl), OCH2Ph, OH or C1-C4 alkyl group, including R6, (m) and (n) indicating the bond orientation with respect to the (CH2)n group (or to N if n=0) and to the (CRR′)m group (or to CHR4 if m=0);

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 where R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—SCH3, —CH2Ph, —CH2C6H11, (CH2)3OH,

121

 group, as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof, with the proviso that when R2, R and R′ represent a hydrogen, R3 represents the divalent radical —(CH2)2—, n=0 and m=1 or n=1 and m=0 and R4 represents the amide group CO—NH—R5, then R1 is other than CH2CH3, (CH2)2CH3, (CH2)3CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH(CH3)2 or CH(CH3)CH2CH3 when R5 is a hydrogen, R1 is other than CH2CH(CH3)2 when R5 is the CH2CH3 group and R1 is other than CH3 when R5 is the —(CH2)4—CH3, —CH(CH3)2CH2CH3 or CH3 group or a hydrogen atom, or the unit

122

8. Compound according to claim 7, of general formula (I′) below:

123

in which:

R1 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

at least one from among R1 and R2 representing a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m;

R3 represents a divalent radical consisting of a —(CH2)2—, —CH2—CH(cis.F)— or —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— alkyl chain, of a unit

124

where R6 represents H, F, OCH3 or OCH2Ph,

125

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 where R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—SCH3, —CH2Ph, —CH2C6H11,

126

group.

9. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R3 represents —(CH2)2—.

10. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R3 represents —CH2—CH (cis.F)—.

11. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R3 represents —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)—.

12. Compound according to claim 7, wherein n=0 and m=1.

13. Compound according to claim 12, wherein R3 represents

127

14. Compound according to claim 12, wherein R and R′ represent a hydrogen and R3 represents

128

15. Compound according to claim 12, wherein R3 represents

129

16. Compound according to claim 12, wherein R3 represents the unit

130

17. Compound according to claim 7, wherein n=1 and m=0.

18. Compound according to claim 17, wherein R3 represents

131

19. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R5 represents the n-butyl group.

20. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen.

21. Compound according to claim 7, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen.

22. Compound according to claim 7, wherein it is chosen from the group comprising:

L-valyl-L-proline n-hexylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline 3-(methylthio)propylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-pentylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline [2(S)-methyl]butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline n-propylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-L-proline iso-butylamide;

L-valyl-L-proline n-butylamide;

L-alanyl-L-prolyldifluoro-L-borovaline borohydride;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-fluoro)-L-proline n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-(4(S)-benzyl)-L-proline n-butylamide;

2-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3(S)-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid methylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(6-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-benzyloxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-[(3aS, 7aS)-perhydro]indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

2-(2 (S)-aminobutyryl)-1(R/S)isoindolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof.

23. Compound according to claim 14, wherein it is chosen from the group comprising:

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid n-propylamide; acid n-propylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-indolinecarboxylic acid ethylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-methoxy)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(R/S)-(5-fluoro)indolinecarboxylic acid n-butylamide;

as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof

24. Compound according to claim 16, wherein it is chosen from the group comprising:

1-(L-valyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(L-alanyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-methoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3,3-dimethylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-2(S)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(R)-methylindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide and 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-3(S)-methylindoline-2(R)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4-ethoxyindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide; p0 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-4,5-dimethoxyindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2 (S)-aminobutyryl)-5-hydroxyindoline-2 (S)-carboxylic acid butylamide; p0 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-hydroxy-indoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide; p0 1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-methylindoline-2(R/S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)-5-chloroindoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid butylamide;

1-(2(S)-aminobutyryl)indoline-2(S)-carboxylic acid (3-hydroxy)propylamide;

as well as the corresponding salts or hydrates thereof.

25. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m and R3 represents —(CH2)2—; and

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents CO—NH—R5,

in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—S—CH3 or —CH2Ph group;

wherein it comprises:

i) the formation of a compound of formula (III)

132

in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, starting with a compound of formula (II)

133

which is esterified on its acid function with a group Y and in which X, R1 and R2 have the meanings given above, by reaction with L-proline;

(ii) amidation of the acid function of compound (III) with the appropriate amine R5NH2 where R5 has the meaning given above, in order to form the derivative (IV)

134

which is protected on its primary amine function with the group X;

iii) removal of the group X from the derivative (IV), in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

26. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen or a methyl group;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents a —(CH2)2— group; and

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of a compound of formula (IV)

135

in which R1, R2 and R5 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, starting with a compound of formula (II)

136

which is esterified on its acid function with a group Y and in which R1, R2 and X have the meanings given above, by reaction with a prolineamide of formula (V)

137

in which R5 has the meaning given above;

ii) removal of the protecting group X from compound (IV) in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

27. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents a group

138

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) preparation of a compound of formula (X)

139

in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, by reaction of a compound of formula (VIII)

140

 with a compound of formula (IX)

141

in which R1, R2, R4 and X have the meanings given above;

ii) removal of the group X from the compound (X), in order to form the desired compound (I).

28. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=1 and m=0 and R3 represents a —CH(CH2Ph)—CH2— group or

142

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) production of a compound (XII)

143

which is protected on its primary amine function with a protecting group X and in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given above, by reaction of the compound of formula (IX)

144

 with the compound of formula (XI)

145

in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group;

ii) hydrolysis of the ester function of compound (XII) thus obtained, in order to form the compound of formula (XIII)

146

in which R1, R2, R3 and X have the meanings given above;

iii) amidation of the acid function of compound (XIII) using the appropriate amine R5NH2, in order to form the derivative of formula (XIV)

147

in which R1, R2, R3, R5 and X have the meanings given above;

iv) removal of the protecting group X from the compound (XIV) in order to form the desired compound (I).

29. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a methyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents the —(CH2)2— group; and

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents the unit

148

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

wherein it comprises:

i) amidation of the acid function of the compound of formula (XIX)

149

which is protected on its primary amine function with a protecting group X and in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above, using the amine (XVIII)

150

 in order to form the derivative (XX)

151

in which R1, R2, R5 and X have the meanings given above;

ii) removal of the protecting group X from compound (XX) in order to obtain the desired compound (I).

30. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a methyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m, and R3 represents a —(CH2)2— group; and

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents (CH3)2—CH—BF2;

wherein it comprises:

i) removal of the pinane unit from the compound of formula (I) in which R1, R2, n, m, R3 and R4 have the meanings given above and R5 represents

152

 by the action of boron trichloride in methylene chloride, followed by hydrolysis, in order to obtain derivative (XXI)

153

ii) reaction of compound (XXI) with hydrofluoric acid in order to form the desired compound (I).

31. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit

154

in which R6 represents an OCH3, OCH2Ph or F group; and

R and R′ represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents a group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of the amide of formula (XXXXIV)

155

 starting with the ester of formula (XXXXIII)

156

in which formulae R6 has the meaning given above, by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2;

ii) reaction of compound (XXXXIV) with the compound of formula (IX)

157

in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meanings and X represents a protecting group, in order to form the compound of formula (XXXXV)

158

in which R1, R2, R5, R6 and X have the meanings given above;

iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

32. Process according to claim 31, wherein the methyl ester (XXXXIII) is prepared

i) by the action of sodium nitrite in the presence of hydrochloric acid, on the compound of formula (XXXIX)

159

in order to form the compound of formula (XXXX)

160

in which formulae R6 has the meaning indicated above

ii) by addition of ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate to compound (XXXX) thus obtained, in the presence of sodium nitrite in ethanol, in order to form the compound of formula (XXXXI)

161

in which R6 has the abovementioned meaning;

iii) by cyclization in acidic medium, in order to form the ethyl ester (XXXXII)

162

iv) by exchange starting with the ethyl ester (XXXXII) thus obtained, in the presence of magnesium in methanol.

33. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit

163

in which R8 and R10 represent a hydrogen and R9 represents a group O(C1-C4 alkyl) or C1-C4 alkyl

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 in which R5 represents a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of the amide of formula (49)

164

 starting with the ester of formula (48)

165

in which R9 and R5 have the meaning given above, by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2;

ii) reaction of compound (49) with the compound of formula (IX)

166

in which R1 and P2 have the abovementioned meanings and X represents a protecting group, in order to form the compound of formula (50)

167

in which R1, R2, R9 and X have the meanings given above;

iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

34. Process according to claim 33, wherein the methyl ester (48) is obtained from the corresponding acid (46)

168

in which R9 has the meaning given above

i) by treatment in ethanol or methanol with concentrated sulphuric acid, in order to lead to the corresponding ester (47)

169

 in which R9 is as defined above

ii) after which, compound (47) is treated with magnesium in methanol.

35. Process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) given above, in which

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit

170

in which R8 and R9 represent a hydrogen or an O(C1-C4 alkyl) group, it not being possible for R8 and R9 simultaneously to represent a hydrogen, and R10 represents a hydrogen

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group,

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of compound (54)

171

 by reaction of the corresponding aldehyde (53)

172

in which R8, R9 and R10 are as defined above with ethyl azidoacetate (52)

173

ii) cyclization of compound (54) in order to lead to compound (55)

174

in which R8, R9 and R10 have the meanings given above

iii) formation of methyl ester (56)

175

in which R8, R9 and R10 have the meanings given above

starting with compound (55) in the presence of magnesium in methanol

iv) reaction of the ester (56) obtained with the appropriate amine R5NH2 in order to form the amide (57)

176

in which R8, R9 and R10 are as defined above

v) reaction of compound (57) with the compound of formula (IX)

177

in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meaning and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (58)

178

in which R1, R2, R5, R8, R9, R10 and X have the meaning given above,

vi) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

36. Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

one of the substituents R or R′ represents a hydrogen and the other a C1-C2 alkyl group;

n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit

179

 with R8, R9 and R10 representing a hydrogen

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group,

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of compound (59)

180

in which P and R′ are as defined above

by reaction between phenylhydrazine and 2-ketobutyric acid in acidic medium

ii) formation of compound (60) from the compound (59) obtained

181

in which P and P′ are as defined above

in the presence of magnesium in methanol,

iii) formation of the amide (61) corresponding to compound (60) by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2

182

in which R and R′ are as defined above

iv) separation of the cis isomers (61a), on the one hand, and the trans isomers (61b), on the other hand, of compound (61)

183

v) reaction, respectively, of compounds (61a) and (61b) with compound (IX)

184

in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form mixtures (62a) and (62b) respectively

185

in which R1, R2, R, R′ and R5 have the meaning given above

vi) removal of the protecting group X, leading to the desired compound (I) in the form of cis pairs (63a) and trans pairs (63b), respectively.

37. Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen;

R and R′ each represent a C1-C2 alkyl group, which may be identical or different;

n=0 and m=1 and R3 represents the unit

186

in which R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of compound (65) of the following formula:

187

by reaction of phenylhydrazine with a compound

188

ii) cyclization of compound (65) in acidic medium, in order to form compound (66) below:

189

in which R and R′ are as defined above

iii) hydrogenation of compound (66), leading to compound (67) below

190

in which R and R′ are as defined above

iv) formation of the corresponding amide (68) by the action of LiNHR5 in which R5 has the abovementioned meaning

191

in which R and R′ are as defined above

v) reaction of compound (68) with the compound of formula (IX)

192

in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X is a protecting group, in order to form compound (69)

193

in which R and R′ are as defined above

vi) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

38. Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit

194

in which R9 represents an OH group and R8 and R10 both represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of compound (71)

195

in which R9 represents an OCH2Ph group, R5 has the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, by reaction of compound (70)

196

in which R5 is as defined above, with a compound (IX)

197

in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group,

ii) removal of the groups CH2Ph and X from compound (71) in order to form the desired compound (I).

39. Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit

198

in which R9 represents a halogen atom and R8 and R10 each represent a hydrogen

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl group;

wherein it comprises:

i) formation of the methyl ester (73)

199

 from the corresponding acid (72)

200

in which R9 is as defined above,

with concentrated sulphuric acid in methanol,

ii) formation of compound (74)

201

in which R9 is as defined above,

starting with compound (73), with magnesium in methanol,

iii) formation of the corresponding amide (75) by reaction with the appropriate amine R5NH2

202

in which R8 and R9 are as defined above

iv) reaction of compound (75) with a compound (IX)

203

in which R1 and R2 have the meanings given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (76)

204

in which R1, R2, R5, R9 and X have the meanings given above,

v) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

40. Process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) given above, in which:

R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2, R and R′ each represent a hydrogen;

n=0 and m=1, and R3 represents the unit

205

in which R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen;

R4 represents an amide group CONHR5 in which R5 is a (CH2)3OH group,

wherein it comprises:

i) reaction of the methyl ester of indoline-2S-carboxylic acid with a compound of formula (IX)

206

in which R1 and R2 have the meaning given above and X represents a protecting group, in order to form compound (77) below

207

in which R1, R2 and X are as defined above

ii) formation of amide (78)

208

in which R1 and R2 have the above meaning

starting with compound (77), by the action of 3-hydroxypropylamine in methanol

iii) removal of the group X in order to form the desired compound (I).

41. Use of a compound of general formula (I) according to any one of claims 7 to 24 as a drug for the treatment, in man or animals, of disorders or complaints associated with the inactivation or excessive degradation (or which may be treated by delaying the physiological degradation) of endogenous neuropeptides.

42. Use according to claim 41, wherein the disorders or complaints are associated with the inactivation of cholecystokinin (CCK).

43. Use according to claim 42, wherein the disorders or complaints are eating, mood, cognitive or motor disorders, in particular anorexia, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and depression, as well as disorders of gastrointestinal transit such as irritable bowel syndrome, bulimia or pathological obesity conditions.

44. Use of a compound of general formula (I) below:

209

in which:

R1 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group;

R2 represents a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

at least one from among R1 and R2 representing a hydrogen;

n=0 or 1 and m=0 or 1 with n being different from m;

R and R′ each independently represent a hydrogen or a C1-C2 alkyl group;

R3 represents a divalent radical consisting of a —(CH2)2—, —CH2—CH(cis.F)— or —CH2—CH(CH2Ph)— alkyl chain, of a unit

210

where R6 represents H, F, OCH3 or OCH2Ph,

211

where R8, R9 and R10 each represent a hydrogen or halogen atom, an O(C1-C4 alkyl), OCH2Ph, OH or C1-C4 alkyl group, including R6, (m) and (n) indicating the bond orientation with respect to the (CH2)n group (or to N if n=0) and to the (CRR′)m group (or to CHR4 if m=0);

R4 represents an amide group CO—NH—R5 where R5 represents a hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, —(CH2)3—SCH3, —CH2Ph, —CH2C6H11, (CH2)3OH,

212

 group,

for the preparation of a drug intended for the treatment, in man or animals, of disorders or complaints associated with the inactivation or excessive degradation (or which may be treated by delaying the physiological degradation) of endogenous neuropeptides.

45. Use according to claim 44, wherein the compound of general formula (I) is as defined according to any one of claims 8 to 24.

46. Use according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the disorders or complaints are associated with the inactivation of cholecystokinin (CCK).

47. Use according to claim 46, wherein the disorders or complaints are eating, mood, cognitive or motor disorders, in particular anorexia, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and depression, as well as disorders of gastrointestinal transit such as irritable bowel syndrome, bulimia or pathological obesity conditions.

48. Pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 7 to 24 in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

49. Pharmaceutical composition according to claim 48, wherein it comprises a compound according to claim 22, 23 or 24.

50. Use according to claim 44 or 45, wherein a compound of formula (I) is used in which R1 represents a CH2CH3, (CH2)2CH3, (CH2)3CH3, CH(CH3)2, CH2CH(CH3)2 or CH(CH3)CH2CH3 group and R5 is a hydrogen, in which R1 represents a CH2CH(CH3)2 group and R5 represents CH2CH3, or in which R1 represents a CH3 group and R5 represents the unit

213

R2, R and R′ representing hydrogen, R3 representing the divalent radical —(CH2)2— and R4 representing the amide group CO—NH—R5.