Anti-cancer 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrole[3,2-f] quinoline compolexes of cobalt and chromium

This invention relates to a class of heterocycles and their metal complexes, and is particularly concerned with the use of these compounds in the preparation of prodrugs or as prodrugs that may be activated under hypoxic conditions by enzymes or by therapeutic ionising radiation, in the treatment of cancer. The invention also relates to the use of these heterocycles and the corresponding metal complexes in the preparation of medicaments and to compositions including the heterocycles or their metal complexes and to methods for preparing these compounds.

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Description

The present invention relates to novel heterocycles and their metal complexes, and is particularly concerned with the use of these compounds in the preparation of prodrugs or as prodrugs that may be activated under hypoxic conditions by enzymes or by therapeutic ionising radiation, in the treatment of cancer. The present invention also relates to the use of these novel heterocycles and their metal complexes in the preparation of a medicament and to methods for preparing these compounds.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hypoxic regions occur widely in human tumours, and the cells in these regions are relatively resistant to ionising radiation. This leads to frequent recurrence of tumours after radiotherapy, due to the survival of these radioresistant cells. The use of oxygen-mimetic radiosensitizers has also been widely explored, but with mixed success. The existence of such hypoxic regions, restricted essentially to tumour tissue, has resulted in the development of bioreductive prodrugs (hypoxia-activated prodrugs; HAP) capable of being activated by enzymatic reduction only in these hypoxic regions. The majority of these prodrugs are activated to a transient one-electron intermediate in all cells, but this intermediate is re-oxidised by molecular oxygen in normal tissue, allowing activation to a toxic species to occur only in fully hypoxic cells.

The improved targeting ability of modern radiotherapy to deliver ionizing radiation only to the tumour field has suggested the possibility of using the reducing equivalents from this radiation, rather than cellular enzymes, to activate prodrugs (radiation-activated prodrugs; RAP). The activation of these prodrugs would thus be confined to hypoxic regions within the radiation field, providing a double level of selectivity. Such a mechanism of activation has other theoretical advantages over HAP [Wilson et al., Anticancer Drug Design, 13: 663-685, 1998]. These include:

    • Lack of collateral activation in partially hypoxic normal tissues (outside the radiation field).
    • Use of the whole of the hypoxic tumour volume (including necrotic regions with no active reductases or reducing cofactors) to activate the proddrug.
    • Avoidance of dependence on possibly varying enzyme levels, and degree of effectiveness as enzyme substrates.

While there have been many reports on HAP [for example reviews by Denny, Lancet Oncol. 2000, 1, 25-29; Stratford and Workman, Anti-Cancer Drug Design 1998, 13, 519-528; Denny et al., Brit. J. Cancer, 1996, Suppl. 27, 32-38], there has been relatively few reports on RAP. An approach to using therapeutic ionizing radiation to activate a prodrug was reported [Nishimoto et al., J. Med. Chem. 1992, 35, 2711; Mori et al; J. Org. Chem., 2000, 65, 4641-4647; Shibamoto et al., Jpn. J. Cancer Res., 2000, 91, 433-438; Shibamoto et al., Int. J. Rad. Oncol. Biol. Phys., 2001, 49, 407-413], employing radiolytic activation of a 5-fluorouacil (5-FU)-based compounds, such as compound A.

However, doses of radiation used during radiotherapy (typically 2 Gy/day) provide a total primary radical yield of only approximately 1.2 μmol/kg. Only about half of this radical yield comprises reducing species capable of activating prodrugs by reduction. Thus the released effector 5-FU; illustated as compound B above, is not sufficiently potent to ensure clinically effective concentrations following therapeutic levels of irradiation.

The use of metal complexes of bidentate mustards, such as compound C illustrated below, as RAP has also been reported [Denny et al., PCT NZ96/00085, Aug. 19, 1996]. However, the released mustards, such as compound D illustrated below, are also unlikely to be sufficiently potent (IC50's around 1 μM) to ensure clinically effective concentrations following therapeutic levels of irradiation.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide heterocycles and their metal complexes either as prodrugs that are activated under hypoxic conditions by enzymes or other endogenous reducing agents or by therapeutic radiation, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a class of metal complexes represented by Formula I
wherein:

    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • D is selected from C or N;
    • E is selected from a direct bond, OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, when D represents C; or
    • M is selected from CoIII, CoII, CrIII or CrII,
    • Z is selected from O, NR2, where R2 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups,
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is selected from a group including CH2-halogen, CH2OCO-(C1-C6al6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group or CH2OSO2R3, where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 or NHCOR5, where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or
    • O(CH2)nNR62 ,where each n is independently 1,2,3 or 4 and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and • represents the point of attachment of R to Formula V defined above, and
    • S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups]; OR7, NR72, or CONHR7, where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetroeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, and halogen groups, and
    • wherein ligands L1-L7 are each independently selected in combinations from anionic monodentate ligands, including CN−, SCN−, halide, NO3−; bidentate ligands including MeCOCHJCOMe (Jacac; deprotonated in the complex), where J═H, Me, Cl, SME, SO2Me, Me2NCS2−, S(CH2)nSO3H, S(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, S(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2, where n is from 1-4; or tridentate ligands VIIIa-VIIIc (=respectively TACH, TAME and TACN when R1-R3═H),
    • wherein each R1-R4 are independently selected from H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)8OP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNR82, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R8 independently represents H, or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or
    • L1-L4 can also be selected from any one of the tetradentate ligands IX-XVII, or any two of the bidentate ligands XVIII, or any combination of the bidentate ligands XVIII together with any of the monodentate ligands L1-L4 defined above;
    • wherein in formulae IX-XVIII, R1′ to R8′ each independently represent H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH) or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNMe2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4;
    • each Z1-Z4 is independently selected from —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —CH2OCH2— or —CH2N(R9)CH2—; where R9 represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
    • each Y′ is independently selected from H, halogen, SO2Me, O(C1-C6alkyl), NR102, where each R10 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or Q1(CH2)nQ2, wherein Q is selected from —O—, —CH2—, —NH—, —CONH—, —CO2— or —SO2—, and Q2is selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —OP(O)(OH)2 or —NR112 where each R11 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • wherein the overall charge on the complex is neutral, positive or negative and wherein in the case of a non-neutral complex Fcountercharge is selected from a range of physiologically acceptable-counterions, including halide−, NO3−, NH4+ or Na+; and
    • wherein q is the required number to neutralise the overall charge on the complex; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

Preferably, the rings A and B of a compound of Formula I as defined above together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the steps of

    • (a) administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a compound of Formula I as defined above, and
    • (b) activating the compound of Formula I under hypoxic conditions via reduction, either enzymatically or by non-enzymatic endogenous reducing agents, or by ionizing radiation,
      wherein said activation releases a sufficient amount of an effector from said effective amount of the compound of Formula I.

In a further aspect the present invention further provides a composition comprising as an active agent a compound of Formula I as defined above and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

In a further aspect the present invention provides the use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of a compound of Formula I for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a class of metal complexes represented by Formula Ia
wherein:

    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • D is selected from C or N;
    • E is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionially containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • M is selected from CoIII, CoII, CrIII or CrII;
    • Z represents NH2 or NHMe;
    • Q represents H, C1-6alkyl or (CH2)2NH2, when Q represents (CH2)2NH2, Q will become a ligand for M and replace one of ligands L1-L4 defined below,
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is seleted from a group including CH2-halogen, CH2OCO-(C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group or CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR2, NR22 where each R2 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR32, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R3 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and • represents the point of attachment of R to Formula V defined above, and S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or halogen groups, OR4, NR42, CONHR4, where each R4 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionaly substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; of S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen groups, and
    • wherein ligands L1-L7 are each independently selected in combinations from anionic monodentate ligands, including CN−, SCN−, halide, NO3−; bidentate ligands including MeCOCHJCOMe (Jacac), where J═H, Me, Cl, SME, SO2Me, S(CH2)nSO3H, S(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4; or tridentate ligands VIIIa-VIIIc (=respectively TACH, TAME and TACN when R1-R3═H),
    • wherein each R1-R4 are independently selected from H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNR52 where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R5 independently represents H, or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or
    • L1-L4 can also be selected from any one of the tetradentate ligands IX-XVII, or any two of the bidentate ligands XVIII, or any combination of the bidentate ligands XVIII together with any of the monodentate ligands L1-L4 defined above;
    • wherein in formulae IX-XVIII, R1′ to R8′ each independently represent H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNMe2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4;
    • each Z1-Z4 is independently selected from —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —CH2OCH2— or —CH2N(R6)CH2—; where R6 represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
    • each Y′ is independently selected from H, halogen, SO2Me, O(C1-C6alkyl), NR72, where each R7 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or Q1(CH2)nQ2, wherein Q is selected from —O—, —CH2—, —NH—, —CONH—, —CO2— or —SO2—, and Q2is selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —OP(O)(OH)2 or —NR82 where each R8 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • wherein the overall charge on the complex is neutral, positive or negative and wherein in the case of a non-neutral complex Fcountercharge is selected from a range of physiologically acceptable-counterions, including halide−, NO3−, NH4+ or Na+; and
    • wherein q is the required number to neutralise the overall charge on the complex, and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

Preferably, the rings A and B of a compound of Formula Ia as defined above together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the steps of

    • (c) administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a compound of Formula Ia as defined above, and
    • (d) activating the compound of Formula Ia under hypoxic conditions via reduction, either enzymatically or by non-enzymatic endogenous reducing agents or ionizing radiation,
      wherein said activation, releases a sufficient amount of an effector, from said effective amount of the compound of Formula Ia, which is of sufficient potency to kill cancer cells.

In a further aspect the present invention further provides a composition comprising as an active agent a compound of Formula Ia as defined above and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

In a further aspect the present invention provides the use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of a compound of Formula Ia for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a class of heterocycles of Formula XIX.
wherein:

    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • Z is selected from OH or NR12, where R1 separately represent H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is seleted from a group including CH2-halogen, CH2OCO-(C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group or CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
    • • represents the point of attachment to Formula V defined above;
    • S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR72, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionaly substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, and halogen groups, and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.
      with the proviso that when Z, A, B, X, S1, S2 and S3 together represent
    • R does not represent one of the following

Preferably, the rings A and B of a compound of Formula XIX as defined above together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the step of

    • administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a compound of Formula XIX
      wherein
    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • Z is selected from OH or NR12, where R1 separately represent H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is seleted from a group including CH2-halogen, CH2-phosphate group, CH2OCOR2, where R2 represents C1-C6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
    • • represents the point of attachment to Formula V defined above;
    • S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR72, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionaly substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, and halogen group, and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a composition comprising as an active agent a compound of Formula XIX
wherein

    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • Z is selected from O or NR1, where R1 represents H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is seleted from a leaving group including CH2-halogen, CH2-phosphate group, CH2OCOR2, where R2 represents C1-C6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
    • • represents the point of attachment to Formula V defined above;
    • S3 is selected from H, OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR7, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionaly substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, and halogen groups, and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

In a further aspect the present invention provides the use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of formula XIX
wherein

    • A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
    • Z is selected from OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
    • S1 and S2 together represent formula V
    • wherein X is seleted from a leaving group including CH2-halogen, CH2-phosphate group, CH2OCOR2, where each R2 independently represents C1-C6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR5 where R5 represents H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
    • R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
    • wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
    • • represents the point of attachment to Formula XIX defined above;
    • S3 is selected from H, OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR7, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6alkyl optionaly substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, and halogen groups, for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment, and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

It is to be recognised that the compounds of the invention defined above can exist in different enantiomeric and/or diastereomeric forms. In such cases it is to be understood that formulae I, Ia and XIX can represent any possible enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, or any mixtures of such forms, and also any physiologically functional salt derivatives thereof.

In a final aspect, the present invention provides methods of preparing compounds of the general formulae I, Ia and XIX defined above. Such methods are described below.

It is to be understood that the terms C1-6 alkyl and C1-6 alkoxy as used throughout the specification are to be taken as including both the straight and branched forms of such groups.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is broadly defined above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that further aspects of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following Figure and Examples, given by way of example only, wherein

FIG. 1 shows graphically the release of a cytotoxic effector 18a (SN 26800) from a compound of Formula I M1 (SN 27892) when irradiated in formate buffer, pH 7.0 under hypoxic conditions.

FIG. 2 shows graphically the hypoxic selectivity of metal complex M1 in HT29 cultures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As defined above, this invention provides novel heterocycles and their metal complexes, and is particularly concerned with the use of these compounds, as pro drugs activated under hypoxic conditions by enzymes or by therapeutic ionising radiation, in the treatment of cancer.

In order to ensure that the complexes (pro drugs) of Formula I and Ia and the heterocycles (cytotoxins or effectors) of Formula XIX of the present invention are clinically effective, the complexes and heterocycles would preferably have the following properties

    • high chemical stability of the +III metal oxidation states
    • minimal toxicity as a prodrug prior to reductive activation by enzymes or radiation
    • upon activation the prodrug releases a potent cytotoxic or effector unit

Examples of pro drug complexes or heterocylic compounds that fulfil these general criteria include the compounds of Formula I, Ia or XIX as defined above. These compounds can be prepared by the following schemes and processes as described below by way of example only.

Preparation Example 1 A: Synthesis of 5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolines

In general, 5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolines of formula (XIX; Z═O) can be made from the precursor 14, that in turn can be prepared by the method outlined in Scheme 1. Conversion of the known [Curd et al., J. Chem. Soc., 1947, 69, 1613]1 by the Skraup reaction gives 2 in 80% yield, using an improved procedure [Battersby et al., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1979, 2250]. Conversion of methyl to benzyl (2→3→4) (to allow more ready removal at the end of the synthesis), followed by reduction of 4 with Fe/AcOH gives 5. This can beBOC-protected to give 6, which can be iodinated with NIS/MeCN to give 7a or brominated (NBS/MeCN) to give 7b. Alkylation of 7a/7b with 3-bromo-1,1-dimethoxypropane gives 8a/8b, which can be deprotected (TsOH) to 9a/9b, then converted to the vinyl acetates 10a/10b (Ac2O, DMAP, THF, reflux). These undergo radical cyclization (Bu3SnH/AIBN) to give 11, which can be deprotected (Cs2CO3) to give 12. This can be converted either directly (Ph3P, CCl4) or via mesylate 13 (MsCl, Et3N; then LiCl, DMF) to the desired racemic pyrroloquinoline 14.

An alternative and shorter route from 7a/7b to 14 is shown in Scheme 2. N-Alkylation of 7a/7b with 1,3-dichloropropene, and radical cyclization of the resulting vinyl chlorides 15a/15b gives 14 in high yield.

The benzyl group of 14 can be removed by hydrogenolysis (Scheme 3), and the resulting phenol 16 can be N-deprotected and coupled with appropriate side chains R (formula XIX). An alternative route is by N-deprotection/coupling, followed by removal of the benzyl group (14→17→18), either by hydrogenolysis or by acid treatment.

Preparation Example 2 Synthesis of 5-amino-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolines

In general, 5-amino-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolines (XIX, Z represents NH2) can be prepared from the precursor 25, which can be synthesized by the method outlined in Scheme 4. The quinoline acid 19 [Jung et al., Eur. Pat. Appln. EP 58100 (1994); Chem Abstr, 1994, 122; 205125], prepared by a Skraup reaction on ethyl 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoate, is converted with DPPA/t-BuOH/Et3N to the quinoline 20. Nitro group reduction gives amine 21, which is converted to the phthaloyl derivative 22, and then brominated (NBS/MeCN) to give 23. N-Alkylation of this with 1,3-dichloropropene, followed by radical cyclisation of the resulting chloro intermediate 24 with Bu3SnH/AIBN, gives the tricyclic pyrroloquinolinone 25. As show in Scheme 4, NBOC deprotection of 25 followed by EDCI coupling with acids gives the compounds of formula 26 (illustrated for the example where R=5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl). Finally, deblocking of compound 26 by hydrazinolysis gives compounds of formula XIX, where Z represents NH2 (illustrated for the example where R=5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl; 27).

Preparation Example 3 Synthesis of 5-(2-aminoethylamino)benz[e]indoles

These can be prepared from the appropriate 5-amino compounds by condensation with the BOC-protected aminoacetaldehye, followed by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride or other suitable reductants, and deprotection of the BOC group. Scheme 5 shows the synthesis of the representative compound 29 from the known [Atwell et al., J. Org. Chem.1998, 63, 9414-9420]5-amino compound 28. It will be appreciated that this synthesis can also be applied to the preparation of the analogous derivative from the 5-aminoaza compound 27.

Preparation Example 4 Synthesis of Ancillary Ligands

As an example of the synthesis of new ancillary cyclen-type tetradentate ligands, reaction of perhydro-3 6,9,12-tetraazacyclopenteno[1,3-f,g]acenaphthylene(30) [Weisman et al., Tetrahedron Lett, 21, 1980, 335] with 1,3-propanesultone gives the bis-quaternary salt (31), which is treated with hydrazine monohydrate to give the bis(propanesulfonic acid) (32) (Scheme 6). It will be appreciated that similar reaction of 30 with other alkylating reagents will give other analogues, such as those represented as compounds 33 to 36 in Scheme 6.

Preparation Example 5 Synthesis of Metal Complexes

As an example of the synthesis of metal complexes of Formula I defined above, using a tetradentate ancillary ligand, reaction of complex 39 bearing labile triflate ligands with 18a gives the CoIII complex M1, as illustrated in Scheme 7.

As an example of the synthesis of metal complexes of Formula Ia defined above, using bidentate ancillary ligands, reaction of 18a with [Cr(acac)2(H2O)2]ClI4]2H2O in dry CH3CN gives the desired Cr(acac)2-18a complex M4. This reaction pathway is represented in Scheme 8. Similar reaction of 29 gives the corresponding Cr(acac)2-29 complex M6.

CrIII complexes with other tetradentate macrocycles may be prepared by a similar synthetic route to that employed in the example above using CoIII, in that the key intermediate for both is a reactive bis[triflato] complex (or a solvent species in solution). The use of nitro complexes as precursors to triflato complexes is unlikely for CrIII, as nitro is a poor ligand on CrIII. Instead, chloro complexes serve the purpose well. In the strongly acidic triflic acid, protonation of coordinated Cl− is significant and leads to labilization and ligand loss, made irreversible by removal of the gaseous HCl co-product.

As an example of metal complexes with tridentate ligands, reaction of the triamine TACN with Na3[Co(NO2)6] gives the complex [Co(TACN)(H2O)3].(OTf)3 (Scheme 9). Reaction of this with the model quinoline 8-hydroxyquinline (8-HQ) gives complex M7.

Examples of the Invention

The following examples of metal complexes M1-M9 in Table 1 are representative of the complexes of the invention and can be prepared by the detailed processes of the invention described after the table.

TABLE 1 Structures and physical properties of metal complexes toxic No Metal ligand Ancillary ligands Analyses M1 CoIII 18a Cyclen (IX; Z1-Z4 = C32H41N735ClCoO5 —(CH2)2—, R1′-R4′= H) [M-2ClO4—H]+ Calc: 697.21897 Fd: 697.21327 M2 CoIII 18c Cyclen (IX; Z1-Z4 = C33H4535ClCoN7O3 —(CH2)2—, R1′-R4′= H) [M-2OTf]+ Calc: 681.26044. Fd: 681.26064 M3 CoIII 18b Cyclen (IX; Z1-Z4 = C33H4435ClCoN8O3 —(CH2)2—, R1′-R4′= H) [M-2OTf]+ Calc: 694.25569. Fd: 694.25305 M4 CrIII 18a (Acac)2 C34H36N335ClCrO9 (MeCOCH2COMe)2 [M + H]+ Calc: 717.15452 Fd: 717.15198 M5 CoIII 18a (Me2dithiocarbamato)2 (Me2NSC2)2 M6 CrIII 29 (Acac)2 C37H43N435ClCrO8 (MeCOCH2COMe)2 [M-ClO4]+ Calc: 758.21745 Fd: 758.21834 M7 CoIII 8-HQ TACN (VIIIc: R1-R3 = H))

Example A Preparation of 1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18a) and Analogues 18b-18f by the Methods of Schemes 1-3.

8-Hydroxy-6-nitroquinoline hydrobromide (3).

A solution of 8-methoxy-6-nitroquinoline (2) [prepared from 2-methoxy-4-nitroaniline 1 by the metod of Battersby et al., J. Chem., Soc. Perkin Trans. 1, 1979, 2550] (50.0 g, 0.245 mol) in 48% aqueous HBr (0.205 L, 1.22 mol) was stirred at reflux for 65 h. The mixtue was cooled in ice and the precipitate was removed by filtration and dried in a desiccator to give 3 as the hydrobromide salt (58.0 g, 87%): subl. 140° C., mp >230° C.; 1H NMR (DMSO) δ 10.69 (br s, 2 H), 9.20 (dd, J=4.9, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 9.11 (dd, J=8.5, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.64 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.05 (dd, J=8.5, 4.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.90 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1 H); 13C NMR (DMSO) δ 152.0, 149.4 146.4, 144.3, 135.4, 128.3, 124.1 114.5, 106.5. Anal. Calcd for C9H6N2O3.HBr: C, 40.01; H. 2.61; N, 10.37. Found: C, 40.44, H, 2.17 N, 10.83.

8-Benzyloxy-6-nitroquinoline (4).

A mixture of 3 (58.0 g, 0.214 mol), DMF (400 mL), K2CO3 (103.5 g, 0.75 mmol), and NaI (1.60. g,10.7 mmol) was stirred at room temperature, while benzyl bromide (25.4 mL, 0.214 mmol) was added in four portions at half hourly intervals. A total of 9 h after the first addition, the mixture was poured into ice (1.5 kg) and the precipitate was removed by filtration, washed with water, and dried. The crude material was dissolved in CH2Cl2 and the solution was filtered through alumina to give 4 (59.55 g, 99%): mp (EtOH) 152-153° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 9.13 (dd, J=4.2, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 8.35 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.29 (dd, J=8.4, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.83 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.59 (dd, J=8.4, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J=7.6.Hz, 2 H), 7.40 (dd, J=7.6, 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.33 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1 H), 5.50 (s, 2 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 155.4, 152.5, 145.6, 142.6, 137.9, 135.4, 128.8, 128.4, 127.8, 127.5, 123.3, 116.3, 103.1, 71.4. Anal. Calcd. for C16H12N2O3: C, 68.57; H,4.32; N, 9.99. Found: C, 68.51; H, 4.29; N, 10.04.

6-Amino-8-benzyloxyquinoline (5).

Iron dust (16.0 g, 0.285 mol) was added to a solution of 4 (8.00 g, 28.5 mmol) and AcOH (16 mL, 0.285 mol) in EtOH-water (5:1, 240 mL) at reflux. After 10 min, the mixture was carefully poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (300 mL). The mixture was filtered through Celite and the filter cake was washed with water (100 mL), EtOH (3×50 mL), and CH2Cl2 (3×100 mL). The combined filtrates were diliuted with water (300 mL) and the aqueous layer was separated and extracted with CH2Cl2 (2×50mL). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried (Na2SO4), and evaporated to give 5 (7.13 g, 100%) as a tan solid: mp 183-185° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.66 (dd, J=4.2, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.3, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.48 (dd, J=8.1, 1.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.23-7.39 (m, 3 H), 7.28 (dd, J=8.3, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.51, 6.48 (2×d, J=2.3. Hz, 1 H each), 5.36 (s, 2 H), 3.85 (br s, 2 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 155.2, 155.7, 144.8, 136.8, 135.9, 133.5, 130.8,.128.6, 127.8, 127.0, 122.0, 102.6, 100.0, 70.6. Anal. Calcd. for C16H14N2O: C, 76.78; H, 5.64; N, 11.19. Found C, 76.54; H,5.61; N, 11.15.

8-Benzyloxy-6-(tert-butyloxycarbonylamino)quinoline (6).

A mixture of 5 (7.63 g, 30.5 mmol), BOC2O (8.65 g, 39.6 mmol) and dioxane (70 mL) was stirred at reflux for 2 h. Further BOC2O (0.86 g, 4.0 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated at reflux for another 1 h. The dioxane was evaporated, the remaining oil was triturated with pentane, and the resulting solid was removed by filtration, dissolved in CH2Cl2 and filtered through alumina to give 6 (10.42 g, 98%) as a cream solid: mp 180-181° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.77 (dd, J=4.2, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.98 (dd, J=8.3, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.41 (dd, J=7.4, 2.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.34 (dd, J=8.3, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.20-7.29 (m, 3 H), 7.02 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.28 (s, 2 H), 1.49 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 154.6, 152.7, 147.4, 137.2, 136.8, 136.3, 135.2, 129.9, 128.4, 127.7, 127.2, 122.0, 105.8, 103.5, 80.6, 70.6, 28.2. Anal. Calcd for C21H22N2O3: C, 71.98; H, 6.33; N, 7.99. Found C, 71.80, H, 6.31; N, 7.98.

8-Benzyloxy-6-(tert-butyloxycarbonylamino)-5-iodoquinoline (7a).

A mixture of 6 (1.04 g, 3.0 mmol), NIS (0.70 g, 3.1 mmol) and CH3CN (10 mL) was stirred at reflux for 30 min. Further NIS (40 mg, 0.18 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at reflux for a further 30 min. The CH3CN was evaporated and the residue was taken up in EtOAc (30 mL) and washed with a solution of Na2S2O5 and Na2CO3 in water (×3). The aqueous washes were back extracted with EtOAc (×2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried (brine, MgSO4), filtered through silica gel, and evaporated to give 7a (1.33 g, 93%), which crystallized from hexane as tan needles: mp 118-119° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.79 (dd, J=4.2, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.32 (dd, J=8.6, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.29 (s, 1 H), 7.599 (d, J=8.0, 1.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.43 (dd, J=8.6, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.25-7.39 (m, 3 H), 7.24 (br s, 1 H), 5.43 (s, 2 H), 1.57 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 155.2, 152.4, 148.1, 139.5, 138.9, 138.3, 136.2, 130.7, 128.5, 128.0, 123.4, 103.9, 81.5, 78.1, 71.0, 28.3.Anal. Calcd for C21H21IN2O3: C, 52.96; H, 4.44; N, 5.88. Found C, 53.18; H, 4.39; N, 5.95.

8-Benzyloxy-6-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-N-(3,3-dimethoxypropyl)amino]-5-iodoquinoline (8a).

NaH (60% in oil, 92 mg, 2.3 mmol) under nitrogen was washed with pentane (2×2 mL), cooled (ice-water) and treated with a solution of 7a (1.00 g, 2.10 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) over 5 min. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 30 min, over which time it became bright yellow and effervescence ceased. A solution of 3-bromo-1,1-dimethoxypropane (0.69 g, 3.77 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 h. The mixture was poured into pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 mL), dried (brine, Na2SO4), evaporated, and purified by dry-flash column chromatography (silica gel, 10-90% EtOAc/hexane), to give 8a (1.00 g, 83%) as a cream powder: mp 120-121° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 8.94 (br d, J=2.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.52 (dd, J=8.6, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.45-7.58 (m, 3 H), 7.25-7.40 (m, 3 H), 6.96 (br s, 1 H), 5.46 (s, 2 H), 4.40 (t, J=4.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.84 (br ddd, J=14.6, 7.3, 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.33 (ddd, J=14.6, 8.2, 5.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.28, 3.25 (2×s, 3 H each), 1.65-1.95 (m, 2 H), 1.23 (br s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 154.6, 153.6, 149.9, 143.8, 141.3, 139.8, 136.0, 131.2, 128.7, 128.0, 127.0, 123.4, 112.3, 102.9, 93.3, 80.3, 70.9, 53.1, 52.7, 45.4, 31.2, 28.1; C26H31IN2O5 requires M+• 578.1278. Found 578.1257.

8-Benzyloxy-6-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-N-(3-oxopropyl)amino]-5-iodoquinoline (9a).

A solution of 8a (0.75 g, 1.30 mmol), TsOH.H2O (0.12 g, 0.65 mmol) and water (3.75 mL) in acetone (38 mL) was stirred at reflux for 2.25 h. Most of the acetone was evaporated and the residue was diluted with water (50 mL) and saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 mL), dried (Na2SO4), and evaporated to give 9a (0.68 g, 99%) as a pale yellow foam; 1H NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 9.68 (s, 1 H), 8.97 (dd, J=4.2, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.51 (dd, J=8.6, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (dd, J=8.6, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.47-7.55 (m, 2 H), 7.25-7.40 (m, 3 H), 6.87 (br s, 1 H), 5.49 (s, 2 H), 4.17 (br dt, J=14.5, 7.1 Hz, 1 H, 3.59 (dt, J=14.5, 6.5 Hz, 1H), 2.57 (br dd, J=7.1, 6.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.23 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 200.3, 154.8, 153.4, 150.0, 143.0, 141.0, 139.7, 135.9, 131.0, 128.6, 127.9, 127.0, 123.4, 112.1, 93.1, 80.7, 70.7, 42.9, 42.5, 27.9; C24H25IN2O4 requires M+• 532.0859. found 532.0862

6-[N-(3-Acetoxy-2-propenyl)-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)amino]-8-benzyloxy-5-iodoquinoline (10a).

A mixture of 9a (0.62 g, 1.16 mmol), Et3N (0.40 mL, 2.87 mmol), Ac2O (0.25 mL, 2.65 mmol), DMAP (14 mg, 0.11 mmol), and THF (12 mL) was stirred at reflux for 2 h. Further Et3N (0.80 mL, 5.74 mmol), Ac2O (0.50 mL, 5.3 mmol), and DMAP (10 mg, 0.08 mmol) were added and heating was continued for a further 2 h. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was diluted with pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (50 mL), dilute aqueous NaHCO3 (50 mL), and water (50 mL) before being dried (brine, Na2SO4), and evaporated. The residue was purified by dry-flash column chromatography (silica gel, 10-80% EtOAc-hexane) to give 10a (0.54 g, 81%) as a white foam, which contained a 1:4 mixture of Z and E isomers: 1H NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 8.94 (br s, 1 H), 7.45-7.55 (m, 3 H), 7.27-7.40 (m, 3 H), 6.84-7.12 (m, 2 H), 5.36-5.58 (m, 2.8 H), 4.91 (ddd, J=7.6, 6.5, 5.9 Hz, 0.2 H), 4.57 (dd, J=15.0, 5.9 Hz, 0.2 H), 4.39 (dd, J=14.7, 6.8 Hz, 0.8 H),4.06 (dd, J=15.0, 7.6 Hz, 0.2 H), 3.86 (dd, J=14.7, 7.9 Hz, 0.8 H), 2.08 (s, 2.4 H), 1.88 (s, 0.6 H), 1.57 (br s, 1.8 H), 1.26 (br s, 7.2 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 167.4, 167.0, 154.5, 149.8, 154.3, 149.8, 153.3, 153.1, 142.8, 140.9, 139.7, 138.8, 139.7, 143.1, 135.8, 130.9, 136.0, 127.8, 126.8, 126.7, 128.4, 123.2, 112.1, 112.0, 109.1, 108.2, 93.5, 93.1, 80.9, 80.4, 70.8, 70.7, 46.4, 42.7, 27.9, 28.1, 20.3, 20.1; C26H27IN2O5 requires M+• 574.0965. Found 574.0962.

1-(Acetoxymethyl)-5-benzyloxy-3-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (11).

A solution of 10a (0.54 g, 0.94 mmol), AIBN (15 mg, 0.09 mmol), and Bu3SnH (0.32 g, 1.13 mmol) in benzene (45 mL) was stirred at reflux under nitrogen for 5.5 h. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was triturated with pentane, and the precipitate was collected by filtration to give 11 (0.32 g, 77%), which crystallized from MeOH as fluorescent pale yellow rectangular plates: mp 172-173° C; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ8.82 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.14 (dd, J=8.4, 1.4 Hz 1 H), 8.07 (br s, 1 H), 7.55 ,br s, 1 H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.4, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (dd, J=7.3, 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.30 (tt, J=7.3, 2.4 Hz,1 H), 5.44, 5.39 (2×d, J=12.5 Hz, 1 H each), 4.42-4.52 (m, 1 H), 4.05-4.14 (m, 2 H), 3.82-3.93 (m, 2 H), 2.08 (s, 3 H), 1.57 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 171.0, 155.2, 152.3, 146.9, 142.0(br), 137.0, 136.3, 131.1, 128.5, 127.9, 127.7, 126.0, 122.1, 113.3 (v. br), 100.4 (br), 81.4 (br), 70.7, 65.8, 52.6, 37.7, 28.4, 20.9. Anal. Calcd for C26H28N2O5: C, 69.63; H, 6.29; N, 6.25. Found: C, 69.46; H, 6.27; N, 6.30.

5-Benzyloxy-3-(tert-butyloxycarbony)-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (12).

A mixture of 11 (0.22 g, 0.50 mmol), Cs2CO3 (0.42 g, 1.29 mmol), and EtOH-water (2:1, 6 mL) was stirred at reflux for 30 min. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (30 mL) and dilute aqueous NaHCO3 (50 mL). The separated aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (3×50 mL), dried (brine, Na2SO4), and evaporated to give 12 (0.19 g, 95%), which crystallized from MeOH as tiny white needles: mp 170-171° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.54 (br s, 1 H), 7.99 (br d, J=8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.91 (br s, 1 H), 7.55 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.20-7.40 (m, 4 H), 5.29 (s, 2 H), 4.00-4.22 (m, 2 H), 3.65-3.78 (m, 3 H, H−1), 3.23 (br s, 1 H), 1.56 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 154.4, 152.5 (br), 146.2 (br), 142.2 (v. br), 136.3, 136.2, 131.3, 128.5, 128.0 (v. br), 127.9, 125.9, 121.6, 114.7 (v. br), 100.4 (br), 81.0 (br), 70.7, 64.6, 52.3, 40.9 ,(br), 28.4. Anal. Calcd. for C24H26N2O4.H2O: C, 67.91; H, 6.65; N, 6.60. Found: C, 68.16; H, 6.47; N, 6.71.

5-Benzyloxy-1-(methyldulfonyloxymethyl)-3-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (13).

MsCl (0.06 mL, 0.7 mmol) was added to a cooled (ice-water) soluton of 12 (0.17 g, 0.41 mmol) and Et3N (0.2 mL, 1.4 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (3 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The CH2Cl2 was evaporated and the residue was stirred with water (25 mL) for 10 min. The mixture was extacted with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (2×50 mL), dried (Na2SO4), and evaporated to give 13 (0.17 g, 86%), which crystallized from MeOH as tiny cream needles: mp 156-157° C., 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.80 (dd, J=4.2, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.02 (dd, J=8.7, 1.4Hz, 1 ), 7.97 (br s, 1 H), 7.55. (br d, J=6.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.7, 4.2.Hz), 7.25-7.38 (m, 3 H), 5.40 (s, 2 H), 4.46 (dd, J=9.8, 3.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.93-4.24 (m, 4 H), 2.90 (s, 3 H), 1.57 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 155.6, 152.1, 147.0, 141.0 (v. br), 137.1, 136.1, 130.5, 128.4, 127.9, 127.6 (br), 125.7, 122.3, 112.7 (v. br), 100.3, 81.6 (br) 70.7, 69.9, 52.0, 38.2 (br), 37.4, 28.3. Anal. Calcd for C25H28N2O6S: C, 61.97; H, 5.82; N, 5.78; S, 6.62. Found: C, 62.15; H, 5.96; N, 5.88; S, 6.54.

5-Benzyloxy-3-(tert-butloxycarbonyl)-1-(chloromethyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (14). Method 1.

A mixture of 13 (50 mg, 0.10 mmol, LiCl (25 mg, 0.59 mmol), and DMF (0.25 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 1 h, before ice (3 g) was added. The precipitate was removed by filtration, washed with water, and taken up in EtOAc (20 mL). This solution was washed with water (20 mL), dried (Na2SO4), and evaporated to give 14 (39 mg, 89%), which crystallized from MeOH as fluorescent cream needles: mp 178-179° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.82 (dd, J=4.2, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.05 (br s, 1 H), 7.99 (br d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (br s, 2 H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.4, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.35 (dd, J=7.3, 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.30 (tt, J=7.3, 2.4 Hz, 1 H) 5.42, 5.38 (2×d, J=12.4 Hz, 1 H each), 4.23 (br d, J=11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.12 (dd, J=11.7, 8.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.92 (dddd, J=10.1, 8.9, 3.2, 2.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.81 (dd, J=11.1, 3.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.45 (dd, J=11.1, 10.1 Hz, 1 H), 1.56 (s, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 155.5, 152.3, 146.9, 141.9 (br), 137.1, 136.3, 130.3, 128.5, 127.9, 127.7 (br), 125.6, 122.2, 113.4 (v. br), 100.4 (br), 81.6.(br), 70.8, 53.0, 46.3, 41.1, 28.4. Anal. Calcd for C24H25ClN2O3: C, 67.84; H, 5.93; Cl,.8.34; N, 6.59. Found: C, 67.85, H, 5.94;, N, 6.68; Cl, 8.26

8-Benzyloxy-6-[N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-N-(3-chloro-2-propenyl)amino]-5-iodoquinoline (15a).

NaH (60% dispersion in oil, 0.26 g, 6.5 mmol) under nitrogen was washed with pentane (3×2 mL), colled (ice-water), and treated with a solution of 7a (2.80 g, 5.88 mmol) in DMF (28 mL) over 5 min. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture was allowed to stir for 30 min, by which time the solution was deep yellow and effervescence had ceased. 1,3-Dichloropropene (0.98 g, 8.82 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 86 h. The mixture was diluted with water (150 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4×25 mL). The combined extracts were washed with water (3×100 mL) dried (brine, Na2SO4), and evaporated. The residue was triturated with pentane and the precipitate was collected by filtration to give 15a (3.02 g, 93%) as a tan powder: mp 115-135° C. containing a 1:1 mixture of Z and E isomers; 1H NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 8.95 (br s, 1 H), 8.50 (dd, J=8.4, 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.46-7.55 (m, 3 H), 7.27-7.41 (m, 3 H), 6.79-6.96 (m, 1 H), 5.30-6.03 (m, 4 H), 4.54 (dd, J=15.5, 5.6.Hz, 0.5 H), 4.38 (dd, J=14.8, 6.8 Hz, 0.5 H),4.18 (dd, J=15.5, 6.9 Hz, 0.5 H), 3.79 (dd, J=14.8, 7.8 Hz, 0.5 H), 1.23-1.82 (m, 9 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) major rotamer δ 154.7, 155.2, 153.6, 153.3, 150.2, 150.1, 143.2, 142.8, 141.2, 140.2, 136.2, 136.0, 131.13, 131.08, 128.79, 128.73, 128.12, 127.99, 127.2, 126.6, 126.98, 126.90, 123.5, 123.4, 122.0, 121.1, 112.2, 111.9, 93.65, 93.58, 80.90, 80.85, 71.0, 70.9, 48.8, 45.4, 28.4, 28.1. C24H24CllN2O3 requires M+•550.0520, 552.0491. Found 550.0536, 552.0503: Purification of the mother liquors by dry-flash column chromatography (silica gel, 10-60% EtOAc-hexane) gave further 15a (0.14 g, 4%).

Compound 14 by Method 2.

A solution of 15a (3.00 g, 5.45 mmol), AIBN (89 mg, 0.54 mmol), and Bu3SnH (1.75 g, 6.0 mmol) in benzene (270 mL) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 3 h. The benzene was evaporated, the residue was triturated with pentane, and the precipitate was collected by filtration to give 14 (2.21 g, 95%), identical to the material prepared above.

Compound 14 by Method 3.

A mixture of 12 (19 mg, 0.047 mmol), Ph3P (37 mg, 0.14 mmol) and CH2Cl2 (0.4 mL) was treated with CCl4 (0.05 mL, 0.52 mmol), and the mixture was stirred under nitrogen for 4 h. The mixture was diluted with dilute aqueous NaHCO3 (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×5 mL). The combined extracts were dried (Na2SO4), evaporated, and purified by dry-flash column chromatography (silica gel, 10-90% EtOAc/hexane) to give 14 (20 mg, 100%) identical with the material prepared above.

3-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)-1-(chloromethyI)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (16).

A cooled (ice-water) mixture of 14 (0.11 g 0.27 mmol), 10% Pd/C (55 mg), and THF (5 mL) under nitrogen was treated with 25% aqueous NH4HCO3 (0.67 mL). The mixture was strred at 0° C. for 6 h, and was then diluted with EtOAc (20 mL), dried (Na2SO4), filtered through Celite, evaporated, and purified by dry-flash column chromatography (silica gel, 10-50% EtOAc/hexane) to give 16 (39 mg, 44%) as a white solid: mp 148-149° C.; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 8.61 (dd, J=4.2, 1.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (dd, J=8.5, 1.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.83 (br s, 1 H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.5, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.26 (dd, J=11.8, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.14 (dd, J=11.8, 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.93 (dddd, J=9.8, 8.5, 3.2, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.80 (dd, J=11.1, 3.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.46 (dd, J=11.1, 9.8 Hz, 1 H), 1.61 (s,9 H), 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 153.5, 152.3, 145.3, 142.4 (br), 135.0, 130.6, 124.9, 122.6, 112.4 (v. br), 100.0, 81.7 (br), 53.0, 46.5, 40.9, 28.4. C17H19ClN2O3 requires M+•334.1084, 336.1055.Found 334.1081, 336.1058.

5-Benzyloxy-1-(chloromethyl)-3-(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-ylcarbonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (17a).

A suspension of 14 (0.65 g, 1.53 mmol) in dioxane (40 mL) was saturated with HCl, allowed to stand for 1 h, and evaporated. 5,6,7-Trimethoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (0.38 g, 1.53 mmol), EDCI (0.88 g, 4.6 mmol) and DMA (25 mL) were added to the remaining green-yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at room temperatue for 39 h. The mixture was poured into a mixture of ice (60 g) and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (60 mL). The precipitate was removed by filtration, washed with water, and taken up in EtOAc (60 mL). This solution was washed with water (3×50 mL), dried (brine, Na2SO4), and evaporated. The remaining oil was triturated with Et2O. The precipitate, was collected by filtration, purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, EtOAc), and triturated with Et2O to give 17a (0.38 g, 44%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 182-184° C., 1H NMR(CDCl3) δ 9.59 (s, 1 H), 8.84 (dd, J=4.2, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.37 (s, 1 H), 7.95 (dd, J=8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.58 (br d, J=7.2 Hz 2 H), 7.38 (dd, J=8.5, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (dd, J=7.3, 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.30 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.84 (s, 1 H), 5.48, 5.42 (2×d, J=12.5. Hz, 1 H each), 4.69 (dd, J=10.8, 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.57 (dd, J=10.8, 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.06, 3.93, 3.90 (3×s, 3 H each), 4.02 (ddd, J=10.3, 8.5, 3.2, 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.83 (dd, J=11.4, 3.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.42 (dd, J=11.4, 10.3 Hz, 1 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 160.5, 155.3, 147.8, 150.2, 142.3, 140.6, 138.8, 138.2, 129.5, 125.1, 123.5, 136.4, 130.4, 128.6, 128.0, 127.7, 125.6, 122.3, 115.3, 106.7, 102.3, 97.6, 70.8, 61.4, 61.1, 56.2, 55.1, 45.9, 42.5. C31H28ClN3O5 requires M+H 558.1796, 560.1766. Found (FAB) 558.1770, 560.1786.Anal. Calcd for C31H28ClN3O5: C, 66.72; H, 5.06; N, 7.53; Found: C, 66.96; H, 5.36; N, 7.50.

1-(Chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18a). Method 1.

THF (10 mL) then 25% aqueous NH4HCO3 (1.1 mL) were added to a cooled (ice-water) mixture of 17a (0.25 g, 0.45 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (0.13 g) under nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 7.5 h, and was then filtered through Celite. The Celite was washed with a solution of concentrated HCl (2 mL) and MeOH (40 mL) and then with CH2Cl2-MeOH (3:1, 40 mL). The combined filtrates were diluted with water (40 mL) and CH2Cl2 (30 mL) and neutralized with pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The lower layer was separated then diluted with MeOH (20 mL) and warmed to dissolve the suspended solid. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2×20 mL). The extracts were combined, washed with water (100mL), dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to a volume of 20 mL. The concentrate was diluted with MeOH (20 mL) and was concentrated to a volume of 10 mL. The precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with MeOH to give 18a (0.14 g, 66%) as a pale yellow microcrystalline solid: mp>230° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.50 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 10.03 (br s, 1 H), 8.76 (dd, J=4.1, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.40 (dd, J=8.4, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 7.56 (dd, J=8.4, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.09 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.97 (s, 1 H),4.77 (dd, J=11.0, 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.48 (dd, J=11.0, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.25 (dddd, J=9.3, 3.9, 3.3, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.03 (dd, J=10.6, 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.93, 3.82, 3.80 (3×s, 3 H each), 3.89 (dd, J=10.6, 3.9 Hz, 1 H); 13C NMR ((CD3)2SO) δ 160.3, 153.9, 146.3, 149.1, 142.7, 139.9, 139.0, 136.0, 130.7, 125.4, 124.8, 123.1, 131.6, 122.4, 114.6, 106.2, 102.8, 98.0, 61.0, 60.9, 55.9, 55.0, 47.6, 40.5. Anal. Calcd for C24H22ClN3O5: C, 61.61; H, 4.74; Cl, 7.58; N, 8.98. Found: C, 61.50; H, 4.98; N, 8.84.

Compound 18a by Method 2.

A solution of 16 (0.14 g, 0.43 mmol) in dioxane (9 mL) was saturated with HCl, allowed to stand for 1 h, and evaporated. 5,6,7-Trimethoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (0.11 g, 0.43 mmol), EDCI (0.25 g, 1.28 mmol) and DMA (5 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 h. The mixture was poured into a mixture of ice (20 g) and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer (20 mL). The precipitate was removed by filtration, washed with water, and taken up in CH2Cl2—MeOH (2:1, 30 mL). The CH2Cl2 was boiled off, the remaining mixture was cooled in ice, and the precipitate was removed by filtration to give 18a (18 mg, 9%) identical to the material prepared above.

Similarly were prepared:

1-(Chloromethyl)-3-({5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-5-hydroxyindol-2-yl}carbonyl)-2,3dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18b).

A suspension of 14 (0.20 g, 0.47 mmol) in cooled (0° C.) dioxane (5 mL) was saturated with HCl, allowed to warm to r.t. over 2 h and evaporated. 5-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]-1-H-indole-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (0.13 g, 0.47 mmol) [Milbank et al., J. Med. Chem., 1999, 42, 649], EDCI (0.27 g, 1.42 mmol) and DMA (3 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at r.t for 20 h. The mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and 5% NaHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (×3). The EtOAc extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4). Flash chromatography (Alumina, EtOAc/MeOH; 49:1, then 9:1) gave 2-[(2-{[5-(benzyloxy)-1-(chloromethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-3-yl]carbonyl}-1H-indol-5-yl)oxy]-N,N-dimethylethanamine (17b) (0.22 g, 84%) as a yellow solid: mp 176-179° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.68 (s, 1 H), 8.79 (dd, J=4.1, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.41 (dd, J=8.6, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.29 (s, 1 H), 7.56 (m, 3 H), 7.40 (m, 4 H), 7.17 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H ), 7.11 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.92 (dd, J=9.0, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 5.32 (s, 2 H), 4.82 (dd, J=10.7, 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.58 (dd, J=10.9, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (m, 1 H), 4.05 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2 H), 4.04 (m, 1 H), 3.93 (dd, J=11.2, 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.65 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 6H); 13C NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 160.3, 154.5, 153.0, 147.3, 142.3, 137.4, 136.7, 131.6, 131.3, 130.6, 128.4, 127.9, 127.7, 127.4, 125.1, 122.4, 116.2, 116.0, 113.1, 105.5, 103.1, 102.0, 70.0, 66.9, 66.2, 57.8, 54.9, 47.7, 45.5, 40.7.

THF (8 mL) then HCO2NH4 (0.23 g, 3.6 mmol) in H2O (1 mL) were added to cooled (0° C.) mixture of 17b (0.20 g, 0.36 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (0.1 g) under N2. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 14 h, and was then filtered through Celite. The Celite was washed with CH2Cl2/H2O. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extrcts were dried (brine, Na2SO4) and passed through a short plug of silica gel to give 18b (0.16 g, 93%) as a yellow solid: mp 209-215° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.66 (s, 1 H), 10.02 (bs, 1 H), 8.76 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4, 1 H), 8.41 (dd, J=8.5, 1.3, 1 H), 8.07 (s, 1 H), 7.56 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J=8.9, 1 H), 7.17 (d, J=2.2, 1 H), 7.11 (d, J=1.2, 1 H), 6.93 (dd, J=8.9, 2.3, 1 H), 4.82 (dd, J=10.7, 9.6, 1 H), 4.57 (dd, J=11.0, 2.1, 1 H), 4.29 (m, 1 H), 4.06 (t, J=5.9, 2 H),4.04 (m, 1 H), 3.91 (dd, J=11.1, 7.2, 1 H), 2.64 (t, J=5.8, 2 H), 2.28 (s, 6 H); 13C NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 160.3, 153.9, 153.0, 146.4, 142.8, 136.1, 131.6, 130.7, 127.4, 124.8, 124.7, 122.5, 116.0, 114.6, 113.1, 105.5, 103.1, 103.0, 66.1, 57.8, 54.9, 47.7, 45.5, 40.7.

1-(Chloromethyl)-3-((2E)-3-{4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl}-2-propenoyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline(18c).

A suspension of 14 (0.20 g, 0.47 mmol) in cooled (0° C.), dioxane (5 mL) was saturated with HCl, allowed to warm to r.t. over 1 h and evaporated. (E)-4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]cinnamic acid hydrochloride (0.13 g,0.47 mmol) [Atwell et al., J. Med. Chem., 1999, 42, 3400], EDCI (0.27 g, 1.42 mmol) and DMA (3 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at r.t. for 30 h. The mixture was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and 5% NaHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4). Flash chromatography (Alumina, EtOAc/MeOH; 49:1, then 24:1) gave 2-(4{(1E)-3-[5-(benzyloxy)-1-(chloromethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-3-yl]-3-oxo-1-propenyl}phenoxy)-N,N-dimethylethanamine (17c) (0.18 g, 70%) as a yellow solid: mp 172-175° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 8.76 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4, 1 H), 8.47 (bs, 1 H), 8.35 (dd, J=8.5, 1.4, 1 H), 7.76 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 7.67 (d, J=15.3, 1 H), 7.58 (d, J=7.3, 2 H), 7.54 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1, 1 H), 7.44 (t, J=7.2, 2 H), 7.37 (t, J=7.2, 1 H), 7.08 (d, J=15.3, 1 H), 7.02 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 5.31 (s, 2 H), 4.55 (dd, J=10.7, 9.5, 1 H), 4.44 (dd, J=10.9, 2.5, 1 H), 4.30 (m, 1 H), 4.11 (t, J=5.8, 2 H), 3.99 (dd, J=11.0, 3.0, 1 H), 3.91 (dd, J=11.2, 7.2, 1 H) 2.64 (t, J=5.7, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 6 H); 13C NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 164.1, 160.1, 154.6, 147.1, 142.6, 142.2, 137.2, 136.7, 131.1, 130.1, 128.3, 127.83, 127.78, 127.3, 125.1, 122.3, 116.9, 115.7, 114.7, 101.6, 70.0, 65.9, 57.5, 52.9, 47.8, 45.4, 40.1.

A solution of 17c (0.56 g, 1.03 mmol) was dissolved in CF3COOH (15 mL) and refluxed for 48 h. CF3COOH was evaporated and the residue was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and cold 5% NaHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4). Flash chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH3; 95:5 trace) gave 18c (0.16 g, 34%) as a yellow solid: mp 174-180° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 9.96 (bs, 1 H), 8.73 (dd, J=4.0, 1.3, 1 H), 8.36 (dd, J=8.4, 1.3, 1 H), 8.18 (bs, 1 H), 7.77 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 7.66 (d, J=15.2, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1, 1 H), 7.08 (d, J=15.4, 1 H), 7.02 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 4.54 (dd, J=10.7, 9.5, 1 H), 4.44 (dd, J=11.0, 2.5, 1 H), 4.28 (m, 1 H), 4.11 (t, J=5.7, 2 H), 4.00 (dd, J=11.1, 3.1, 1 H), 3.88 (d, J=11.0, 7.4, 1 H), 2.64 (t, J=5.8, 2 H), 2.22 (s, 6 H).

1-(Chloromethyl)-3-[(5-methoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18d).

A suspension of 14 (0.10 g, 0.24 mmol) in dioxane (15 mL) was saturated with HCl, stirred at r.t. for 5 h and evaporated. 5-Methoxy-1-H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (0.054 g, 0.28 mmol), EDCI (0.23 g, 1.17 mmol) and DMA (5 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at r.t. for 52 h. The mixture was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and cold 5% KHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4). Flash chromatography (EtOAc/petroleum ether; 7:3) gave 5-(benzyloxy)-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5-methoxy-1H-indol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (17d) (0.11 g, 98%) as a yellow solid: mp 186-189° C., 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 9.55 (s, 1 H), 8.88 (dd, J=4.2, 1.7, 1 H), 8.37 (s, 1 H), 7.99 (dd. J=8.3, 1.6, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J=7.3, 2 H), 7.42 (dd, J=8.3, 4.1, 1 H), 7.33 (m, 4 H), 7.10 (d, J=2.3, 1 H), 6.99 (m, 2 H), 5.48 (d, J=12.5, 1 H), 5.42 (d, J=12.6, 1 H), 4.74 (dd, J=10.9, 2.0, 1 H), 4.61 (dd, J=10.6, 8.7, 1 H) 4.05 (m, 1 H), 3.85.(s, 3 H), 3.84 (dd, J=11.2, 4.1, 1 H), 3.45 (dd, J=11.0, 10.5, 1 H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ 160.7, 155.4, 154.7, 147.9, 142.4, 138.4, 136.4, 131.4, 130.5, 130.2, 128.6, 128.2, 128.0, 127.7, 125.2, 122.4, 117.0, 115.4, 112.7, 106.2, 102.5, 102.4, 70.9, 55.7, 55.2, 45.9, 42.6.

THF (6 mL) then HCO2NH4 (0.14 g, 2.21 mmol) in H2O (0.7 mL) were added to cooled (0° C.) mixture of 17d (0.11 g, 0.22 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (0.05 g) under N2. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 5 h, and was then ifitered through Celite. The Celite was washed with CH2Cl2/H2O. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4) and CH2Cl2 evaporated. Precipitation from CH2Cl2/MeOH gave 18d (0.077 g, 89%) as a grey solid: mp:224-227° C., 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.66 (s, 1 H), 10.02 (bs, 1 H), 8.77 (dd, J=4.1, 1.3, 1 H), 8.41 (dd, J=8.4, 1.4, 1 H), 8.07 (s, 1 H), 7.57 (dd, J=8.4, 4.1, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J=9.0, 1 H), 7.16 (d, J=2.4, 1 H), 7.12 (d, J=1.6, 1 H), 6.92 (dd, J=8.9, 2.3, 1 H), 4.82 (dd, J=10.8, 9.4, 1 H), 4.57 (dd, J=11.0, 2.3, 1 H), 4.30 (m, 1 H), 4.04. (dd, J=11.1, 3.3, 1 H), 3.91 (dd, J=11.1, 7.2, 1 H), 37.8 (s, 3 H).

1-(Chloromethyl)-3-[(2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18c).

A suspension of 16 (0.10 g, 0.30 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was saturated with HCl, stirred at r.t. over 5 h and evaporated. 4-Methoxycinnamic acid (predominantly trans) (0.064 g 0.36 mmol), EDCl (0.29 g, 1.50 mmol) and DMA (3 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 h. The mixture was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and cold 5% KHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2So4). Flash chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH; 93:7) followed by recrystallisation (CH2Cl2/Et2O) gave 18e (0.02 g, 17%) as a yellow solid: mp 208-211° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO]δ 9.96 (bs, 1 H), 8.73 (d, J=3.3, 1 H), 8.35 (d, J=7.7, 1 H), 8.18 (bs, 1 H), 7.78 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 7.67 (d, J=15.3, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1, 1 H), 7.08 (d, J=15.4, 1 H), 7.01 (d, J=8.7, 2 H), 4.54 (dd, J=10.3, 9.5, 1 H), 4.45 (m, 1 H), 4.27 (m, 1 H); 3.99 (dd, J=11.1, 3.2, 1 H), 3.88 (dd, J=11.1, 7.3, 1 H), 3.82 (s, 3 H). C22H20ClN2O3 requires M+H 395.1163, 397.1133. Found (FAB) 395.1161, 397.1169.

1-(Chloromethyl)-3-[(2E)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyPhenyl)-2-propenoyl]-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (18f).

A suspension of 16 (0.10 g, 0.30 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was saturated with HCl, stirred at r.t. over 5 h and evaporated. 3-Hydroxy4-methoxycinnamic acid (predominantly trans) (0.070 g, 0.36 mmol), EDCI (0.29 g,1.50 mmol) and DMA )3 mL) were added to the remaining yellow solid, and the red mixture was stirred at r.t. for 3 h. The mixture was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and cold 5% KHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×3). The CH2Cl2 extracts were dried (brine, Na2SO4). Flash chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH; 93:7) followed by recrystallisation (CH2Cl2/Et2O) gave 18f (0.01 g, 8%) as a yellow solid: mp 215-218° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 9.96 (bs, 1 H), 9.13 (s, 1 H), 8.73 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4, 1 H), 8.36 (dd, J=8.5, 1.4, 1 H), 8.17 (bs, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J=15.3, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1, 1 H), 7.25 (d, J=2.0, 1 H), 7.20 (dd, J=8.4, 2.0, 1 H), 6.99 (d, J=8.1, 1 H), 6.96 (d, J=15.0, 1 H), 4.54 (dd, J=10.5, 9.4, 1 H), 4.44 (dd, J=11.1, 2.6, 1 H), 4.00 (dd, J=11.2, 3.3, 1 H), 3.88 (dd, J=11.1, 7.5, 1 H), 3.83 (s, 3H). C22H1935ClN2O4 requires M+H 411.1112. Found (FAB) 411.1127.

Example B Preparation of 5-amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline 27 by the method of Scheme 4.

8-Nitroquinoline-6-carboxylic acid (19).

This was prepared by the reported method [Jung et al., Eur. Pat. Appln. EP 581500 (1994); Chem Abstr, 1994, 122, 205125] in 41% yield: mp (EtOAc) 258-263° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 13.80 (v br, 1 H), 9.16 (dd, J=4.3, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.96 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.80 (dd, J=8.4, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.63 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.4, 4.2 Hz, 1 H).

6-(tert.-Butyloxycarbonylamino)-8-nitroquinoline (20).

A mixture of 19 (4.82 g, 22.1 mmol), DPPA (6.99 g, 25.4 mmol) and Et3N (3.69 mL, 26.5 mmol) in anhydrous t-BuOH (60 mL) was heated at reflux under N2 for 8 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and 10% aqueous KHCO3. The organic phase was washed with 10% aqueous KHCO3, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure, then chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (17:3), followed by sequential crystallisation from MeOH/H2O and CH2Cl2petroleum ether gave 20 (3.82 g, 60%): mp 134-135° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO]δ 10.09 (s, 1 H), 8.87 (dd, J=4.1, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.47 (dd, J=8.5, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.33 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.25 (d, J=2,2 Hz, 1 H), 7.65 m(dd, J=2.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.65 (dd, J=8.5, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.53 (s, 9 H). Anal. Calcd. for C14H15N3O4: C, 58.12; H, 5.23; N, 14.53. Found: C, 58.39; H, 5.21; N, 14.65%.

8-Amino-6-(tert.-butyloxycarbonylamino)quinoline (21)

A solution of 20 (3.30 g, 11.4 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd/C at 50 psi for 3 h. The resulting crude product was filtered through a column of silica gel in EtOPAc to give 21 (2.71 g, 92%): mp (i-Pr2O/petroleum ether) 131-132° C.; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 9.39 (s, 1 H), 8.54 (dd, J=4.1, 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (dd, J=8.3, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (dd, J=8.3, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.97 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.90, 5.88 (2×s, 2 H, NH2), 1.50 (s, 9 H). Anal. Calcd. for C14H17N3O2: C, 64.85; H, 6.61; N, 16.20. Found: C, 64.60; H, 6.77; N, 16.19%.

6-(tert.-Butylocycarbonyl)-8-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-isoindol-2-yl)quinoline (22).

A mixture of 21 (1.53 g, 5.90 mmol), phthalic anhydride (1.05 g, 7.09 mmol) and DMAP (36 mg, 5 mol %), in anhydrous pyridine (15 mL) was heated with stirring at 80° C. for 1 h. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, then AcOH (10 mL) and Ac2O (5 ml) were added and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for a further 45 min. Concentration under reduced pressure, followed by addition of aqueous KHCO3, gave a solid that was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (4:1) gave a crude product that was crystallized from CH2Cl2/iPr2O to give 22 (2.09 g): mp 217-218° C. (dec.); 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 10.00 (s, 1 H), 8.67 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.39 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1 H, H-4), 8.24 (s, 1 H), 8.80-7.89 (m, 5 H), 7.53 (dd, J=8.3, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 1.53 (s 9 H). Anal. Calcd. for C22H19N3O4: C, 67.85; H, 4.92: N, 10.79. Found: C, 67.87; H, 4.94; N, 10.87%.

5-Bromo-6-(tert.-butyloxycarbonylamino)-8-(1.3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-2-yl)quinoline (23).

A mixture of 22 (1.79 g, 4.6 mmol) and NBS (0.98 g, 5.5 mmol) in anhydrous CH3CN (50 mL) was stirred at reflux for 45 min, then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH2Cl2, and the solution was washed with aqueous Na2S2O5/NaHCO3 and water (2×), dried )Na2SO4) and concentrated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, and elution with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (3:2) gave a crude product that was crystallized from EtOAc/iPr2O to 23 (1.91 g, 89%): mp 210-211° C (dec.); 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 9.19 (s, 1 H), 8.85 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.65 (dd, J=8.6, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.21 (s, 1 H), 8.07-7.92 (m, 4 H), 7.75 (dd, J=9.7, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.50 (s, 9 H). Anal. Calcd. for C22H18BrN3O4: C, 56.42; H, 3.87; N, 8.98; Br, 17.06. Found: C, 56.49; H, 4.04; N, 8.86; Br, 16.87%.

5-Bromo-6-[N-(tert.-butyloxycarbonyl)-N-(3-chloro-2-propen-1-yl)amino]-8-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-2-yl)quinoline (24).

A solution of 23 (1.82 g, 3.89 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (20 mL) was treated at 0° C. under N2 with NaH (0.20 g, 5.00 mmol, 60% in oil), and then stirred at 25° C. for 45 min. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and 1,3-dichloropropene (1.11 mL, 11.7 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 25° C., stirred for 4 h, and then diluted with CH2Cl2 (200 mL). The solution was washed with 10% aqueous KHCO3 and water (2×), then dried (na2SO4) and concentrated under high vacuum at 25° C. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2 then CH2Cl2/EtOAc (17:3) to give 24 (1.62 g, 77%) as a foam that was used directly; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] (mixture of rotamers of E and Z alkenes) δ 8.94 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.73 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.12-7.93 (m, 5 H), 7.80 (dd, J=8.6, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), Anal Calcd. for C25H21BrClN3O4. 2H2O: C, 51.87; H, 4.35; N, 7.26. Found: C, 51.69; H, 3.87; N, 6.86%

3-(tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl)-1-(chloromethyl)-5-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (25).

A mixture of 24 (1.96 g, 3.61 mmol) and catalytic AIBN (60 mg, 10 mol % ) in anhydrous benzene (20 mL) was treated with Bu3SnH (1.16 mL, 4.33 mmol) and heated at reflux under N2 for 3 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (17:3), followed by crystallisation from CH2Cl2/petroleulm ether gave 25 (1.28 g, 76%): mp 163-165° C. 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 8.70 (dd, J=4.1, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.51 (dd, J=8.6, 1.4.Hz, 1 H), 8.45 (v br, 1 H), 8.06-7.90 (m, 4H), 7.57 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.44-4.34 (m, 1 H), 4.29 (t, J=10.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.19-3.99 (m, 3 H), 1.54 (s, 9 H). Anal. Calcd for C25H22ClN3O4: C, 64.72; H, 4.78; N. 9.06. Found: C, 64.76; H, 4.92; N, 9.03%.

1-(Chloromethyl)-5-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-2-yl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (26)

A solution of 25 (500 mg, 108 mmol) in dioxane at 10° C. was saturated with HCl gas, allowed to stand at 20° C. for 1 h then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure below 30° C. 5,6,7-Trimethoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (298 mg, 1.19 mmol), EDCI (518 mg, 2.70 mmol) and anhydrous DMA (10 mL) were then added, and the mixture was sirred at 20° C. for 3 h. Addition of 10% aqueous KHCO3 precipitated a solid that was chiromatographed on silica gel. Elution with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (1:1), followed by crystallisation from EtOAc/iPr2O, gave 1-(chloromethyl)-5-(phthalimido)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline 26 (392 mg, 61%): mp 189-191° C; 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.54 (s, 1 H), 8.77 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.75 (s, 1 H), 8.59 (dd, J=8.5, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.08-7.92 (m, 4 H), 7.61 (dd, J=8.5, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.14 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.98 (s, 1 H), 4.89 (dd, J=10.8, 9.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.61 (dd, J=11.0, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.55-4.44 (m, 1 H), 4.20-4.05 (m, 2 H), 3.94, 3.83, 3.81 (3×s, 3×3H). Anal. Calcd. for C32H25ClN4O6: C, 64.37; H, 4.22; N, 9.39. Found: C, 64.04; H, 4.28; N, 9.29%.

5-Amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline (27).

A solution of 26 (160 mg, 0.27 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (6 mL) was was diluted with EtOAc (8 mL) and treated immediately with hydrazine monohydrate (155 μL, 3.19 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 2 h, then diluted with CH2Cl2 (40 mL), washed with 10% aqueous Na2CO3 (2×) and saturated aqueous NaCl (2×), dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure below 30° C. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (1:1) gave 27 (81 mg, 65%): mp 225-227° C.; 1 H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.44 (s, 1 H), 8.63 (dd, J=4.1, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (dd, J=8.5, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.82 (s, 1 H), 7.47 (dd, J=8.5, 4.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.05 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.99 (s, 1 H), 6.18, 6.16 (2×s, 2 H), 4.70 (dd, J=10.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.43 (dd, J=11.0, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.16-4.08 (m, 1 H), 3.97 (dd, J=11;0, 3.3: Hz, 1 H), 3.94, 3.82, 3.80 (3×s, 3×3 H), 3.76 (dd, J=10.0, 7.8 Hz, 1l H). Anal. Calcd. for C24H23ClN4O4: C, 61.74; H 4.96; N, 12.00. Found: C, 61.51 H, 5.04; N,11.69%.

Example C Preparation of 5-(2-aminoethylamino-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole dihydrochloride 29 by the method of Scheme 5.

A mixture of 5-amino-1-(choromethyl)-3-[5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]iodole 28 [Atwell et al., J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 9414] (252 mg, 0.54 mmol), N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)aminoacetaldehyde (430 mg, 2.70 mmol) TsOH (10 mg) and microwave-dried powdered A4 molecular sieves (3 g) in DMA (3: mL) and MeOH (0.5 mL) was stirred at 20° C. under N2 with the exclusion of light for 48 h. NaBH3CN (170 mg, 2.70 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for a further 4 h at 20° C., then poured into water. After prolonged cooling the resulting oily precipitate was collected and extracted with CH2Cl2. Following filtration the solution was washed with water, dried (Na2SO4) and then concentrated under reduced pressure below 30° C. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2/EtOAc (9:2), to provide material that was precipitated from a CH2Cl2 solution with petroleum ether at 20° C. to give 5-[2-(tert-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethylamino]-1-(chlorormethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyndol-2-yl)carbonyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (132 mg, 40%), mp 110-115° C. 1H NMR [(CD3)2SO] δ 11.45 (s, 1 H), 8.09 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.79 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.53-7.26 (underlying v br s, 1 H), 7.49 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.04 (s, 1 H), ca 7.07-7.00 (obscured signal, 1 H), 6.97 (s, 1 H), 6.28 (br s, 1 H), 4.68 (t, J=9.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.45 (dd, J=11.0, 1.4Hz, 1 H), 4.17-4.07 (m, 1 H) 3.98 (dd, J=11.0, 3.0.Hz, 1 H), 3.92 (s, 3 H), 3.82 (s, 3 H), 3.80 (s, 3 H), 3.76 (dd, J=10.7, 8.0 Hz, 1 H), ca 3.3 (br s, obscured by H2O signal but visible after D2O exchange, 2 H), 3.18 (br s,2 H),1.39 (s, 9 H). Anal. Calcd. for C32H37ClN4O6: C, 63.1; H, 6.1; N, 9.2; Cl, 5.8 Found: C, 63.0; H, 6.1; N, 9.4; Cl, 5.7%.

A solution of the above compound (122 mg 0.20 mmol) in dioxane (3 mL) was treated with HCl-saturated EtOAc (3 mL), and the mixture was stood at 20° C. for 1 h. Excess EtOAc was then added to complete separation of the product, which was collected and recrystallised from MeOH/EtOAc/petroleum ether/HCl to give 5-(2-aminoethylamino)-3-8 5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole dihydrochloride 29 (86 mg, 74%), mp>200° C. 1H NMR [free base in (CD3)SO] δ 11.46 (br s, 1 H), 8.17 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.78 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1 H), ca. 7.5-7.3 (underlying v br s, 1 H), 7.49 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1 H, 7.32 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.04 (s, 1 H), 6.97 (s, 1H): 6.28 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 1 H) 4.67 (t, J=9.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.45 (dd, J=11.0, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.19-4.07 (m, 1 H), 3.98 (dd, J=10.9, 3.0 Hz, 1 H),3.92 (s, 3 H), 3.82 (s, 3 H), 3.80 (s, 3 H), 3,77 (dd, J=11.0, 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.12 (br s, 2 H), 2.84. (br s, 2 H). Anal. Calcd. for C27H29ClN4O4.2HCl.0.5H2O: 54.9; H, 5.5; N. 9.5. Found: C, 55.1; H, 5.5; N, 9.1%

Example D Preparation of Ancillary Ligands

1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1.7-dipropanesulfonic acid tetrahydrochloride (32).

A solution of perhydro-3,6,9,12-tetraazacyclopentenpo[1,3-f,g]acenaphthylene (30) (0.50 g, 2.58 mmol) [Weisman et al., Tetrahedron Lett, 21, 1980, 335] and 1,3-propanesultone (1.57 g, 12.9 mmol) in CH3CN (20 mL) was stirred at 80° C. under N2 for 72 h. The suspension was cooled to room temperatrre and the white precipitate was filtered and washed with excess CH3CN to give 1,7-bis(3-sulfopropyl)-4,10-diaza-1,7-diazoniatetracyclo[5.5.2.0.4,14010,13]tetradecane (31) (0.98 g, 86%): mp 279-281° C.; 1H NMR (D2O) δ 4.49 (s, 2 H), 3.95 (m, 8 H), 3.82 (bd, J=13.3, 2 H), 3.60 (m, 4 H), 3.38 (d, J=14.0, 2 H), 3.05 (m, 8 H), 2.39 (m, 2 H), 2.27 (m, 2 H); 13C NMR (D2O) δ 81.6, 64.2, 58.7, 57.6, 49.8, 49.0, 45.3, 21.4. C16H30N4O6S2 requires M+H 439.1685. Found (FAB) 439.1686.

A mixture of 31 (0.50 g, 1.14 mmol) and hydrazine monohydrate (15 mL, 98%) were heated (100° C.) under N2 for 48 h. Excess hydrazine was removed and the residue was dissolved in H2O. Acidification with HCl gave a yellow solution. Evaporation of H2O gave a brown solid (hygroscopic). Trituration with MeOH (×10) gave 32 (0.59 g, 91%) as a cream powder: mp 322-325° C., 1H NMR (D2O) δ 3.24 (m, 8 H), 2.94 (m, 12 H), 2.82 (m, 4 H), 1.95 (quintet, J=7.4, 4 H); 13C NMR, (D2O) δ 53.9, 51.7, 49.9, 45.1, 21.7.

1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1-butanesulfonic acid tetrahydrochloride (34).

A solution of 30 (0.50 g, 2.58 mmol) and 1,4-butanesultone (1.75 g, 12.9 mmol) in CH3CN (15 mL) was stirred at 60° C. under N2 for 48 h. The suspension was cooled to room temperature and the white precipitate was filtered and washed with excess CH3CN to give 4decahydro-4a,6a 8a-triaza-2a-azoniacyclopenta[f,g]acenaphthylen-2a-yl-1-butanesulfonate (33) (0.82 g, 96%): mp 301-303° C., 1H NMR (D2O) δ 3.91 (m, 1 H), 3.91 (d, J=2.5, 1 H), 3.80 (m 3 H), 3.67 (m, 1 H), 3.58 (d, J=2.7, 1 H), 3.53 (m, 1 H), 3.43 (m, 1 H), 3.24 (m, 4 H), 3.00 (t, J=7.3, 2 H), 2.87 (m, 5 H), 2.50 (m, 2 H), 2.09 (m, 1 H), 1.98 (m, 1 H), 1.85 (m, 2 H); 13C NMR (D2O) δ 86.5, 74.4, 64.8, 60.4, 59.6, 53.9, 52.5, 51.1, 50.9, 50.4, 50.3, 46.3, 24.2, 24.0. C14H26N2O4S requires M+H 331.1804. Found (FAB) 331.1806.

A mixture of 33 (0.30 g, 0.92 mmol) and hydrazine monohydrate (6 mL, 98%) was heated (80° C.) under N2 for 36 h. Excess hydrazine was removed and the residue was dissolved in H2O. Acidification with HCl gave a yellow solution. Evaporation of H2O gave a brown solid (hygroscopic). Trituration with MeOH (×10) gave 34 (0.41 g, 97%) as a cream powder: mp 322-325° C., 1H NMR (D2O) δ 3.20:(m, 16 H), 2.95 (m, 4 H), 1.78 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (D2O) δ 56.2, 52.9, 52.1, 51.6, 46.4, 45.5, 44.9, 25.1, 24.4.

1,4,7,10-Tetraazaeyclododecane-1,7-dipentanoic acid (36)

A solution of 30 (0.10 g, 0.52 mmol) and ethyl 4-iodobutyrate (0.79 g, 3.09 mmol) [Nudelman et al., Bioorg. Chem., 26, 1998, 157] in CH3CN (5 mL) was stirred at 60° C. under N2 for 6 days. A further portion of the iodide (0.26 g, 1.03 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 60° C. under N2 for 3 weeks. CH3CN was removed and the residue was partitioned between CH2Cl2 and H2O. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2 (×6). H2O was evaporated and the residue was solidified with CH3CN/Et2O followed by trituration with Et2O (×4) to give 1,7-bis(ethoxycarbonylbutyl)-4,10-diaza-1,7-diazoniatetracyclo[5.5.2.04,14)10,13]tetradecane diiodide (35) (0.32 g, 87%): 1H NMR (D2O) δ 4.46 (s 2H), 4.17 (q, J=7.2, 4 H), 3.92 (m, 6 H), 3.77 (m, 4 H), 3.59 (m, 2 H), 3.45 (td, J=12.8, 4.1, 2 H), 3.35 (bd, J=13.9, 2 H), 3.06 (m, 4 H), 2.48 (t, J=7.3, 4 H), 1.96 (m, 2 H), 1.85 (m, 2 H),1.69 (quintet, J=7.3, 4 H), 1.25 (t, J=7.2, 6 H); 13C NMR (D2O) δ 178.6, 81.2, 64.5, 4.60, 57.9, 49.0, 45.3, 35.9, 24.8, 23.8, 16.1. C24H44I2N4O4 requires M+H−I 579.2407.Found (FAB) 579.2410.

A mixture of 35 (0.05 g, 0.08 mmol) and 15% aqueous KOH (5 mL) was stirred at 70° C. under N2 for 48 h. Water was evaporated and the residue was acidified to pH 2.5 with HCl. The mixture was loaded onto a DOWEX 50 W-X8 cation exchange resin (H+ form). Elution with H2O followed by 0.5M NH3 gave 36 (0.03 g, 100%) as a colourless oil: 1H NMR (D2O) δ 2.86 (m, 8 H), 2.68 (m, 8 H), 2.53 (t, J=7.4, 4 H), 2.20 (q, J=7.0, 4 H), 1.55 (m, 4 H,) 1.47 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (D2O) δ 183.1, 53.1, 49.1, 42.8, 37.1, 24.1, 23.8. C18H36N4O4 requires M+H 373.2815. Found (FAB) 373.2810.

Example E Preparation of Metal Complexes

Preparation of Complex M1 of Table 1. [[Co(cyclen)18a)](ClO4)2].

[Co(cyclen)(NO2)2](NO2) (38) [Collman and Schneider, Inorg. Chem. 1966, 5, 1380](1.03 g, 2.79 mmol) was cautiously added with stirring to neat triflic acid (10 mL) cooled in an ice bath. The solution was bubbled with N2 to remove NOx gas and warmed briefly at 40-50° C. until reaction was complete. Dry Et2O (250 mL was added slowly to the above cold solution (ice-bath) with vigorous stirring, and the resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed (4×dry Et2O) and dried in a desiccator to give [Co(cyclen)(OTf)2](OTf) (39) (1.95 g, 100%). Anal. Calcd. for C12H24CoF9N4O11S3: C, 18.49; H, 3.39; N, 7.85; Found: C, 18.43; H, 3.49; N, 7.84. HRMS FAB+ [M-OTf]+ calculated for: C10H20CoF6N4O6S2=529.00605. Found: 529.00406. (39) (90 mg, 0.132 mmol) was dissolved in dry CH3CN (3 mL) and 18a (62 mg, 0.132 mmol) was added. To the stirred solution was added iPr2NEt (25 mg, 1.5 equiv). This resulted in rapid darkening of the solution to a brown colour but with significant amounts of suspended yellow solid (unreacted/undissolved) 18a present. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 11 days, during which time nearly all of the suspended solid disappeared. The small amount remaining was removed by filtration through a 0.45μ membrane filter and the filtrate made slightly acidic with dilute aqueous HClO4. Excess 1 M NaClO4 (sq) was added and the solution was extracted 4× with 5 mL CH3NO2. The combined extracts were evaporated to dryness, the residue resuspended in dry Et2O (15 mL) and again evaporated to dryness (first on a Rotovapor, finally on a vacuum line) below 20° C., to give crude product as brown flakes of glassy material (103 mg, 86%). HRMS FAB [M-ClO4]+. This material was further purified on reverse-phase HPLC, and the pooled pure fractions were concentrated under reduced pressure, then combined with excess aqueous 1 M NaClO4 and extracted 5× with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts were treated as above to give complex M1 as brownish flakes (˜70 mg). HRMS FAB [M-2ClO4—H]+ Calcd for C32H4135ClCoN7O5; 697.21897. Found, 697.21327. Calcd for C32H4137ClCoN7O5; 699.21602. Found, 699.21601.

Preparation of Complex M2 of Table 1. [[Co(cyclen)(18c)](ClO4)2]

[Co(cyclen)(OTf)2]OTf) (39) (0.087 g, 0.128 mmol) was dissolved in dry CH3CN (4 mL) and 18c (0.052 g, 0.115 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h. then cooled overnight at 5° C. A small amount of unreacted 18c was removed by filtration and the bright yellow solid washed with cold CH3Cn and the washes added to the filtrate. This dark brown solution was reduced to ca. 2 mL by evaporation of solvent under reduced pressure at room temperature and then chromatographed on a short (3.3×40 mm) flash silica gel column (0.32-0.60 μm). Elution started with MeOH/CH3NO2 (5%) which was stepwise enriched with MeOH up to 15%. At this concentration the main band was eluted first followed closely by a small yellow brown band. A stationary red band remains at the top of the column. Removal of the solvent on a rotary evaporator then on a vacuum line to give M2 as a brown glassy residue (0.89 g, 79%). HRMS FAB+ [M-2OTf]+ Calcd. for C33H4535ClCoN7O3 681.26044. Found, 681.26064; for 37Cl=683.25749. Found, 683.26086.

Preparation of Complex M3 of Table 1. [[Co(cyclen)(18b))]ClO4)2]

This was prepared as above from 39 (0.101 g, 0.149 mmol) and 18b (0.055 g, 0.118 mmol) to give, after flash chromatography on silica gel, M3 (0.078 g, 67%). HRMS FAB+ [M-2OTf]+ calculated for C33H4435ClCoN8O3 694.25569. Found=694.25305; for 37Cl=696.25274. Found=696.25401.

Preparation of Complex M4 of Table 1. [Cr(acac)2(18a)]

Solid 18a (20 mg, 0.0427 mmol) was added to a solution of [Cr(acac)2(H2O)2]ClO42H2O (mixture of cis and trans isomers; Ogino, et al., Inorg. Chem. 1988, 27, 986) (0.03 g, 0.071 mmol) in dry CH3CN (3 mL). The mixture was stirred and a solution of iPr2Net (6 mg, 0.0464 mmol) in CH3CN (0.5 mL) was added gradually over 1 h. The solution was warmed in an oil bath at 50° C. for 0.5 h, then stirred at ambient temperature for 2 weeks. During this period undissolved 18a gradually disappeared as the complexation reaction proceeded giving a clear red-brown solution. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in CHCl3 (1.0 mL) and purified by flash chromatography on silica gel. Elution with a CH3CN/CHCl3 gradient from 0 to 50% CH3CN eluted a single yellow-brown band that trailed somewhat near the bottom of the column. The trailing material was eluted separately with 100% CH3CN. A small amount of green irreversibly absorbed material was left at the top. The main band and tailing fraction were evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give yellow-brown powders of Cr(acac)2(18a) (18 mg, 59%) and (5 mg, 16%), respectively.

These two samples gave identical accurate mass spectral results; approximately equal amounts of both [M]+ and [M+H]+ ions observed with relative intensities consistent with one 35Cl or 37Cl per molecule. FAB+—MS: [M]+ calc. for C34H3535Cl52CrN3O9=716.14669. Found, [M]+=716.14642. [M+H]+ calc. for C34H3637Cl52CrN3O9=719.15157. Found, [M+H]+=719.15122. Fragments corresponding to loss of acac ligand are observed, and the base peak corresponds to Cr(acac)2. Analytical HPLC on an RP C-18 column using gradient elution starting from a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of 80% aqueous CH3CN and phosphate buffer (pH=7.4, 0.04 M) showed one major peak (96.7%) with a prominent UV absorption band at 339 nm. A small amount (0.45%) of uncomplexed 2 could be detected and its identity was confirmed by spiking. Because of the paramagnetic properties of the Cr(III) present in this complex, 1H or 13C resonances were not observed by NMR.

Preparation of Complex M5 of Table 1. [Co(Me2dte)2(18a)]

[Co2(Me2dtc)5]BF4 (105 mg, 0.1303 mmol) [Hendrickson et al., J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. 1975, 2182] was added to a suspension of 18a (46 mg, 0.0983 mmol) in 5% MeOH/CH2Cl2 (4 mL). iPr2NEt (25 mg, 2 equiv) was added to stirred suspension in two portions with the second added one day after the first. Stirring was continued at room temperature for 8 days, by which time very little suspended/unreacted 18a was evident, and the colour of the solution was the deep green of the co-product Co(Me2dtc)3. The solution was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up in CH2Cl2 (2 mL) and chromatographed on a flash silica gel colum. Elution began in CH2Cl2, and a large green band of Co(Me2dtc)3 was eluted. Stepwise enrichment with CH3CN in increments of 10% was carried out until the product —[Co(Me2dtc)2(18a)) (M5) was eluted (with ca 50% CH3CN/CH2Cl2). The main muddy yellow-green band was collected, and solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the product as a brownish green amorphous residue (48 mg, 63%). Analytical reverse-phase HPLC indicated no detectable free cytotoxic ligand 18a present.

Preparation of Complex M6 of Table 1.[[Cr(acac)2(29)]ClO4)]

A suspension of 29 (31 mg, 0.058 mmol) in CH3OH (0.5 mL) was treated with a solution of NaOH (5 mg, 0.119 mmol) dssolved in CH3OH (0.5 mL), and the neutralised solution was immediately added to a another containing a mixture of cis- and trans-[Cr(acac)2(OH2)2]ClO4·2H2O (29 mg, 0.069 mmol) dissolved in CH3CN (1.0 mL). The combined mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 15 min, cooled to room temperature and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. Chromatography on silica gel gave [Cr(acac)2(29)]ClO4 (M6) as a purple residue after drying under vacuum over silica gel desiccant. HRMS (FAB+/NBA): Calculated [M+] for C37H43N435ClCrO8, 758.21834. Found, 758.21745.

Preparation of Complex M7 of Table 1 [[Co(TACN)(8-HQ)(CN)]ClO4]

Co(TACN)(NO2)3 was prepared from Na3[Co(NO2)6], using the method of Wieghardt et al., Chem. Ber., 1979, 112, 2220-2230. This was then used to prepare [Co(TACN)(H2O)3](OTf)3 (91% yield), essentially by the method of Galsboel et al., Acta Chem. Scand., 1996, 50, 567-570. [Co(TACN)(H2O)3](OTf)3 (360 mg, 0.509 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (9 mL) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) (73 mg, 0.6 mmol) added as a solid. Immediately a solution of Et3N (62 mg) in EtOH (˜4 mL) was added to the stirred solution, which was then warmed briefly to complete the coordination of 8-HQ to the cobalt centre. NaCN (150 mg, 4 equiv) was added portionwise, and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours. During the addition of NaCN and occasionally thereafter, the pH was adjusted to ca. 7 by addition of 0.1 M HClO4. The red crystals and orange precipitate that formed were dissolved by dilution of the mixture with H2O and the whole was loaded onto a Sephadex SP C-25 cation exchange column and thoroughly washed with H2O. Elution with 0.05 M then 0.1 M NaClO4 eluted the major band, and concentration of the eluate by evaporation under reduced pressure produced red-brown crystals of [Co(TACN)(8-HQ)(CN)]ClO4 (M7) (117 mg, 51%) which were collected and washed with a little ice cold H2O then 3× with Et2O. Anal. Calcd for C16H21N5ClO5Co: C, 41.98; H, 4.62 N, 15.30; Cl, 7.74. Found; C, 41.99; H, 4.44; N, 15.28; Cl, 7.93.

Biological Activity

Selected complexes of Table 1 together with the uncomplexed cytotoxic ligands, were evaluated for cytotoxicity (measured as IC50 values in μM following a 4 h aerobic drug exposure) in a panel of mammalian cell lines, and the results are given in Table 2.AA8 is a Chinese hamster ovary line, and the UV4 cell line is a repair-defective ERCC-1 mutant, sensitive to agents whose cytotoxicity is due to bulky DNA adducts. EMT6 is a murine mammary carcinoma line, and SKOV3 is a human ovarian cancer line.

Table 2. Shows the results of the biological activity for various cytotoxins and their metal complexes. IC50 values are mean ± sem (number of experiments in parentheses) for exposure of the indicated cell lines to compounds for 4 hr under aerobic conditions.

TABLE 2 IC50 (μM) Compound AA8 UV4 EMT6 SKOV3 Cytotoxic ligands 29 0.0058 ± 0.0007 0.0041 ± 0.0003 0.0028 ± 0.0004 0.0062 (2) (2) (2) 18a  0.00014 ± 0.000022  0.00007 ± 0.000015 0.000051 ± 0.000008  0.00025 ± 0.000037 (7) (6) (5) (8) 27 0.0079 ± 0.002  0.0029 ± 0.006  0.0026 ± 0.0005  0.012 ± 0.0023 (4) (4) (4) (4) 8-HQ 2.07 ± 0.02 2.16 ± 0.12 3.92 ± 1.04 4.07 ± 0.89 (3) (3) (2) (2) Ancillary ligands TACN (VIIIc: 12700 ± 5770  10100 ± 3930  7710 ± 1010 13500 ± 5480  R1-R3 = H) (2) (2) (2) (2) Cyclen (IX; Z1-Z4 = (CH2)2; 13300 ± 2670  13800 ± 2180  9710 ± 2710 11500 ± 4410  R1′-R4′ = H) (2) (2) (3) (2) Metal complexes M1 0.0152 ± 0.0006 0.0051 ± 0.0002 0.0133 ± 0.0008 0.015 ± 0.005 (2) (2) (2) (3) M4 0.088 ± 0.017  0.03 ± 0.0018 0.039 ± 0.011  0.11 ± 0.018 (3) (3) (3) (3) M5 0.028 ± 0.003 0.015 ± 0.001 0.0095 ± 0.0012 0.016 ± 0.003 (3) (3) (2) (3) M7 5,670 ± 45.0  6,140 ± 820   3,580 ± 95.4  6,380 ± 1750  (2) (2) (2) (3)

The results of Table 2 show that the cytotoxic ligands 29, 18a and 27 are exceptionally cytotoxic. The results of Table 2 also show that metal complexation results in considerable abrogation of cytotoxicity, indicating the utility of this approach in forming less toxic prodrugs of these compounds.

Complex M1 listed in Table 1 was also evaluated for its ability to release the cytotoxic ligands when exposed to ionising radiation in deoxygenated sodium formate buffer (measured as G values in μM/Gy for radiolytic reduction, where the G value for total reductants in 0.68 μM/Gy), and the results are given in Table 3.

TABLE 3 G values (μM/Gy) for release of cytotoxic ligand on radiolytic reduction in deoxygenated sodium formate buffer using 15 μM prodrug (complex M1). Cytotoxic G value No Metal ligand Ancillary ligands (μmol/Gy) M1 Co 18a Cyclen 0.75

The results of Table 3 show that certain of these metal complexes also have the potential to cleanly release their cytotoxic ligand in good yield following exposure to ionising radiation. As a specific example, FIG. 1 shows the release of cytotoxin 18a (SN 26800) from complex M1 (SN 27892) when irradiated in 0.1M sodium formate buffer pH 7.0 under hypoxic conditions.

It is thought that the mechanism of activation of the prodrug is as illustrated in the following mechanistic pathway.

The metal complexes also show an ability to be activated by endogenous enzymes under hypoxia, as shown for metal complex M1 in Table 4 and FIG. 2. Table 4 and FIG. 2 also show that the corresponding cytotoxic ligand 18a is not activated by endogenous enzymes under hypoxic conditions. Thus the metal complexes have utility as hypoxia- as well as radiation-activated cytotoxins.

TABLE 4 Activation of metal complex M1 (but not the cytotoxin 18a) under hypoxia (4 h exposure). IC50 (nM) A549 wt/s SKOV3 WiDr-2 oxic anoxic HCR oxic anoxic HCR oxic anoxic HCR 18a 0.050 ± 0.016(3) 0.050 ± 0.014(2)  0.79 ± 0.35(2) 0.25 ± 0.037(8) 0.35 ± 0.093(2) 0.61(1) — — — M1  5.60 ± 0.00(2)  0.38 ± 0.16(2) 1.810 ± 7.7(2) 15.0 ± 5.0(3)  1.7 ± 0.97(2) 8.1(1) 6.6 ± 0.45(2) 1.7 ± 0.10(2) 3.90 ± 0.50(2)

In Table 4, A549wt/s is a wild-type human colon carcinoma cell line, SKOV3 is a human ovarian cancer cell line and WiDr-2 is a clonal cell line derived from the WiDr human colon carcinoma line. IC50s (in μM) are determined under both oxic and hypoxic conditions, and the hypoxic cytotoxicity ratio (HCR) is the average intra-experiment ratio of the IC50s measured under oxic and hypoxic conditions.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to reagents, or integers having known equivalents thereof, then those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

While this invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments and examples, it is to be appreciated that further modifications and variations may be made to embodiments and examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A metal complex represented by Formula I wherein:

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
D is selected from C or N;
E is selected from a direct bond, OH or NP12, where each R1 independently represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, when D represents C; or
M is selected from CoIII, CoII, CrIII; or CrII;
Z is selected from O, NR2, where R2 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups,
S1 and S2 together represent formula V
wherein X is selected from a group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2OCO—(C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group or CH2OSO2R3, where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 or NHCOR5, where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
• represents the point of attachment of R to Formula V defined above, and S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups]; OR7, NR72, or CONHR7, where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, and halogen groups, and
wherein ligands L1-L4 are each independently selected in combinations from anionic monodentate ligands, including CN−, SCN−, halide, NO2−; bidentate ligands including MeCOCHJCOMe (Jacac; deprotonated in the complex), where J═H, Me, Cl, SMe, SO2Me, S(CH2)nSO3H, S(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, S(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2, where n is from 1-4; or tridentate ligands VIIIa-VIIIc (=respectively TACH, TAME and TACN when R1-R3═H).
wherein each R1-R4 are independently selected from H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH) or CH2(CH2)nNR82, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R8 independently represents H, or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or
L1-L4 can also be selected from any one of the tetradentate ligands IX-XVII, or any two of the bidentate ligands XVIII, or any combination of the bidentate ligands XVIII together with any of the monodentate ligands L1-L4 defined above;
wherein in formulae IX-XVIII, R1′ to R8′ each independently represent H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNMe2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4;
each Z1-Z4 is independently selected from —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —CH2OCH2— or —CH2N(R9)CH2—; where R9 represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
each Y′ is independently selected from H, halogen, SO2Me, O(C1-C6 alkyl), NR102, where each R10 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or Q1(CH2)nQ2, wherein Q1 is selected from —O—, —CH2—, —NH—, —CONH—, —CO2— or —SO2—, and Q2 is selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —OP(O)(OH)2 or —NR112 where each R11 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
wherein the overall charge on the complex is neutral, positive or negative and wherein in the case of a non-neutral complexFcountercharge is selected from a range of physiologically acceptable-counterions, including halide, NO3−, NH4+ or Na+; and
wherein q is the required number to neutralise the overall charge on the complex; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

2. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein the rings A and B of Formula I as defined in claim 1 together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

3. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein Z represents —O—.

4. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein Z represents —NH—.

5. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein R is selected from one of

6. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein one of the ligands L1-L4 is selected from the following

7. The metal complex according to claim 1 wherein X is CH2Cl.

8. The metal complex according to claim 1 selected from one of the following;

9. A method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the steps of

(a) administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a metal complex of Formula I as defined in claim 1, and
(a) activating the metal complex of Formula I under hypoxic conditions via reduction, either enzymatically or by a non-enzymatic endogenous reducing agents, or by ionizing radiation,
wherein said activation releases a sufficient amount of an effector from said metal complex of Formula I.

10. The method according to claim 9 including the alternative step of activation of the metal complex of Formula I as defined in claim 1 by radiotherapy radiation.

11. A composition comprising as an active agent a metal complex of Formula I as defined in claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

12. The use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of a metal complex of Formula I as defined in claim 1 for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment.

13. A metal complex represented by Formula Ia wherein:

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
D is selected from C or N;
E is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups
M is selected from CoIII, CoII, CrIII or CrII;
Z represents NH2 or NHMe,
Q represents H, C1-6 alkyl, or (CH2)2NH2, when Q represents (CH2)2NH2, Q will become a ligand for M and replace one of ligands L1-L4 defined below,
S1 and S2 together represent formula V
wherein X is selected from a group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2CN, CH2CO2-(C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group, CH2OSO2R3 or OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
R is selected from one of formulae VI or VlI
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR2, NR22 where each R2 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR32, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R3 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
• represents the point of attachment of R to Formula V defined above, and S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or halogen groups, OR4, NR42, CONHR4, where each R4 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetoeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen groups, and
wherein ligands L1-L4 are each independently selected in combinations from anionic monodentate ligands, including CN−, SCN−, halide, NO3−; bidentate ligands including MeCOCHJCOMe (Jacac; deprotonated in the complex), where J═H, Me, Cl, SMe, SO2Me, S(CH2)nSO3H, S(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, S(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2, or where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4; or tridentate ligands VIIIa-VIIIc (=respectively TACH, TAME and TACN when R1-R3═H),
wherein R1-R4 are each independently selected from H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNR52, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R5 independently represents H, or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or
L1-L4 can also be selected from any one of the tetradentate ligands IX-XVII, or any two of the bidentate ligands XVIII, or any combination of the bidentate ligands XVIII together with any of the monodentate ligands L1-L4 defined above;
wherein in formulae IX-XVIII, R1′ to R8′ each independently represent H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNMe2, where each n is independently 1,2, 3 or 4;
each Z1-Z4 is independently selected from —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —CH20CH2— or —CH2N(R6)CH2—; where R6 represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
each Y′ is independently selected from H, halogen, SO2Me, O(C1-C6 alkyl), NR72, where each R7 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or Q1(CH2)nQ2, wherein Q1 is selected from —O—, —CH2—, —NH—, —CONH—, —CO2— or —SO2—, and Q2 is selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —OP(O)(OH)2 or —NR82 where each R8 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
wherein the overall charge on the complex is neutral, positive or negative and wherein in the case of a non-neutral complex Fcountercharge is selected from a range of physiologically acceptable-counterions; including halide, NO3−, NH4+ or Na+; and
wherein q is the required number to neutralise the overall charge on the complex; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

14. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein rings A and B together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

15. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein Z represents —OH.

16. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein Z represents —NH.

17. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein R is selected from one of

18. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein one of the ligands L1-L4) is selected from the following

19. The metal complex according to claim 13 wherein X is CH2Cl.

20. The metal complex according to claim 13 which represents

21. A method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the steps of

(a) administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a metal complex of Formula Ia as defined in claim 13, and
(b) activating the compound of Formula la under hypoxic conditions via reduction, either enzymatically or by non-enzymatic endogenous reducing agents, or by ionising radiation,
wherein said activation releases a sufficient amount of an effector, from said effective amount of the compound of Formula Ia.

22. The method according to claim 21 including the alternative step of activation of the metal complex of Formula Ia as defined in claim 13 by radiotherapy radiation.

23. A composition comprising as an active agent a metal complex of Formula Ia as defined in claim 13 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

24. The use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of a compound of Formula Ia as defined in claim 13 for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment.

25. A heterocycic compound of Formula XIX. wherein

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups; B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
Z is selected from OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
S1 and S2 together represent formula V
wherein X is selected from a leaving group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2CN, CH2CO2-(C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups), CH2-phosphate group, CH2OSO2R3where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R6 independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
• represents the point of attachment to Formula XIX defined above;
S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR72, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or ammo groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetoeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, and halogen groups; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof, with the proviso that when Z, A, B, X, S1, S2 and S3 together represent
R does not represent one of the following

26. The heterocyclic compound according to claim 25 wherein the rings A and B together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

27. The heterocyclic compound according to claim 25 wherein Z represents —OH.

28. The heterocyclic compound according to claim 25 wherein Z represents —NH2.

29. The heterocyolic compound according to claim 25 wherein R is selected from one of

30. The heterocyclic compound according to claim 25 wherein X is —CH2C1.

31. The heterocycic compound according to claim 25 selected from one of the following

1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-({5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-indol-2-yl} carbonyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-((2E)-3-{4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl}-2-propenoyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5-methoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and,
5-amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline.

32. A method of providing cancer treatment, which includes the step of administering to a patient in need of such therapy an effective amount of a heterocyclic compound of Formula XIX, as defined in claim 25. wherein

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups; B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
Z is selected from OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
S1 and S2 together represent formula V
wherein X is selected from a leaving group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2CN, CH2-phosphate group, CH2CO2R2, where R2 represents C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen or amino groups; and R its selected from one of formulae VI or VII
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
• represents the point of attachment to Formula XIX defined above;
S3 is selected from H, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR72, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetoeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, and halogen group; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof.

33. The method according to claim 32 wherein the rings A and B of formula XIX together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

34. The method according to claim 32 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —OH.

35. The method according to claim 32 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —NH2.

36. The method according to claim 32 wherein R of Formula XIX is selected from one of

37. The method according to claim 32 wherein X of Formula XIX is —CH2Cl.

38. The method according to claim 32 wherein Formula XIX is selected from one of the following

1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-({5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-indol-2-yl} carbonyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-((2E)-3-{4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl}-2-propenoyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5-methoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline and,
5-amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline.

39. A composition comprising as an active agent a compound of Formula XIX wherein

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups; B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
Z is selected from OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
Z is selected from O or NR1, where R1 represents H or C1-C6alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups; S1 and S2 together represent formula V
wherein X is selected from a leaving group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2CN, CH2-phosphate group, CH2CO2R2, where R2 represents C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR4 where R4 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and
R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
• represents the point of attachment to Formula XIX defined above;
S3 is selected from H, OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR7, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetoeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, and halogen groups; and including any enantiomeric or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, adjuvant or carrier.

40. The composition according to claim 39 wherein the rings A and B of Formula XIX together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

41. The composition according to claim 39 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —OH.

42. The composition according to claim 39 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —NH2.

43. The composition according to claim 39 wherein R of Formula XIX is selected from one of

44. The composition according to claim 39 wherein X of Formula XIX is —CH2Cl.

45. The composition according to 39 wherein Formula XIX represents one of the following

1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-({5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-indol-2-yl} carbonyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-((2E)-3-{4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl}-2-propenoyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5-methoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline, and
5-amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline.

46. The use, in the manufacture of a medicament, of an effective amount of a compound of Formula XIX wherein

A is selected from a 5 or 6 membered ring system optionally containing one or more additional heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups; B is selected from a 5 or 6 membered aromatic ring system optionally containing one or more heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, phosphate, cyano or amino groups;
Z is selected from OH or NR12, where each R1 independently represents H or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino, hydroxy, a halogen or cyano groups;
wherein X is selected from a leaving group including halogen, CH2-halogen, CH2CN, CH2-phosphate group, CH2CO2R2, where R2 represents C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more amino or hydroxy groups; CH2OSO2R3 where R3 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or CH2OSO2NHR5 where R5 represents H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; and R is selected from one of formulae VI or VII
wherein each T1, T2 and T3 is independently selected from H, OPO(OH)2, OR5, NR52 where each R5 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or O(CH2)nNR62, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, and each R6 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups;
• represents the point of attachment to Formula XIX defined above;
S3 is selected from H, OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, halogen, CO2[(C1-6 alkyl) wherein said alkyl is optionally substituted with amino, or hydroxy groups], OR7, NR7, CONHR7 where each R7 independently represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups; or S3 represents an optionally substituted 4-8 membered cyclic system optionally containing one or more hetoeroatoms fused to ring system A defined above, wherein said substituents are selected from OH, cyano, phosphate, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, and halogen groups, and including any enantiomerie or diastereomeric form, and any physiologically salt derivative thereof, for use in treating a subject in need of cancer treatment.

47. The use according to claim 46 wherein the rings A and B of Formula XIX together represent an 8-substituted quinoline system.

48. The use according to claim 46 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —OH.

49. The use according to claim 46 wherein Z of Formula XIX represents —NH2.

50. The composition according to wherein R of Formula XIX is selected from one of

51. The composition according to claim 46 wherein X of Formula XIX is —CH2Cl.

52. The composition according to claim 46 wherein Formula XIX represents one of the following

1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-({5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-indol-2-yl} carbonyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-((2E)-3-{4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl}-2-propenoyl)-5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(5-methoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-3-[(2E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline,
1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(2E)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-5-ol, and
5-amino-1-(chloromethyl)-3-[(5,6,7-trimethoxyindol-2-yl)carbonyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline.
enantiomeric or diastereomeric forms, or any mixtures of such forms, and also any physiologically functional salt derivatives thereof.

53. A method of preparing a metal complex according to claim 1, including the step of coupling a heterocyclic compound defined above with one or more of ligands L1-L4, wherein ligands L1-L4 are each independently selected in combinations from anionic monodentate ligands, including CN−, SCN−, halide, NO3−; bidentate ligands including MeCOCHJCOMe (Jacac; deprotonated in the complex), where J═H, Me, Cl, SMe, SO2Me, S(CH2)nSO3H, S(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H, S(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4; or tridentate ligands VIIIa-VIIIc (=respectively TACH, TAME and TACN when R1-R3═H),

wherein R1-R4 are each independently selected from H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 CH2(CH2)nP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2nNR52, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4 and each R5 independently represents H, or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups or
L1-L4 can also be selected from any one of the tetradentate ligands IX-XVII, or any two of the bidentate ligands XVIII, or any combination of the bidentate ligands XVIII together with any of the monodentate ligands L1-L4 defined above;
wherein in formulae IX-XVIII, R1′ to R8′ each independently represent H, Me, CH2(CH2)nSO3H, CH2(CH2)nCO2H or CH2(CH2)nOP(O)(OH)2 or CH2(CH2)nNMe2, where each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4; each Z1-Z4 is independently selected from —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —CH2OCH2— or —CH2N(R6)CH2—; where R6 represents H, a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups and
each Y′ is independently selected from H, halogen, SO2Me, O(C1-C6alkyl), NR72, where each R7 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, or Q1(CH2)nQ2, wherein Q1 is selected from —O—, —CH2—, —NH—, —CONH—, —CO2— or —SO2—, and Q2 is selected from —CO2H, —SO3H, —OP(O)(OH)2 or —NR82 where each R8 is independently selected from H or a C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy or amino groups, and wherein the ligands are complexed with a metal selected from CoIII, CoII, CrIII or CrII.

54. A method of preparing a heterocyclic compound as defined in claim 25, including the following reaction pathway

55. The method according to claim 54 including the further steps represented by the pathway

Patent History
Publication number: 20050038249
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 30, 2004
Publication Date: Feb 17, 2005
Applicant: Auckland Uniservices Limited (Auckland)
Inventors: William Denny (Auckland), William Wilson (Waiuku), David Ware (Auckland), Graham Atwell (Auckland), Jared Milbank (Auckland), Ralph Stevenson (Auckland)
Application Number: 10/928,595
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 546/2.000