GB2083463A - Heterocyclic compounds - Google Patents

Abstract

Compounds are disclosed of general formula (I> <IMAGE> wherein R1 represents a group CHO, COR8, CO2R8, CONR9R10, CSNR9R10 or SO2NR9R10, where R8 represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, R9 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R10 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group; R2, R3, R4, R6 and R7, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or an aralkyl group or R4 and R5 together form an aralkylidene group or R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated monocyclic 5- to 7-membered ring; n is zero or 1; and Alk represents an alkylene chain containing two or three carbon atoms which may be unsubstituted or substituted by not more than two C1-3 alkyl groups; with the provisos that, when n is zero and (i) R4 and R5, both represent alkyl groups, R1 does not represent the group CHO or COR8; and (ii) R1 does not represent the group SO2NH2; and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates and bioprecursors thereof. The compounds are described as potentially useful for the treatment of migraine.

Description

SPECIFICATION Heterocyclic compounds This invention relates to heterocyclic compounds, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their medical use.

The present invention provides an indole of the general formula (I):

wherein R1represents a group CHO, CORa, CO2R8, CONR9R10, CSNR9R10or SO2 NR9R10, where R8represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, anyl or aralkyl group; Rg represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and R10 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group; R2, R3, R4, R8 and R,, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a C13 alkyl group; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or an aralkyl group or R4 and R5 together form an aralkylidene group or R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated monocyclic 5-to 7-membered ring; n is zero or 1; and Alk represents an alkylene chain containing two or three carbon atoms which may be unsubstituted or substituted by not more than two C13 alkyl groups; with the proviso that, when n is zero and (i) R4 and Rs both represent alkyl groups, R1 does not represent the group CHO or COR8; and (ii) R1 does not represent the group SO2NH and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates (e.g. hydrates) and bioprecursors thereof.

The compounds according to the invention include all optical isomers thereof and their racemic mixtures.

Referring to the general formula (I) the alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched chain alkyl groups and they preferably contain from 1 to 6 carbon atoms unless otherwise specified. The alkyl groups represented by R8 may be unsubstituted or substituted by one to three halogen atoms e.g.

fluorine. The cycloalkyl groups preferably contain 5 to 7 carbon atoms. The term aryl, used as such or in the term aralkyl, preferably means phenyl which may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more alkylk groups e.g. methyl, halogen atoms e.g. fluorine, or hydroxy or alkoxy groups e.g. methoxy. The alkyl moiety of the aralkyl groups preferably contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The aralkylidene group is preferably an arylmethylidene group. The alkenyl groups preferably contain 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Suitable physiologically acceptable salts of the indoles of general formula (I) include acid addition salts formed with organic or inorganic acids for example hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates, fumarates and maleates. Other salts may be useful in the preparation of compounds of formula (I) e.g.

creatinine sulphate adducts.

The term "bioprecursors" used herein means compounds which have a structure different from that of the compound of formula (I) but which, upon administration to an animal or human being, are converted in the body to a compound of formula (I).

The compounds of the invention mimic methysergide in contracting the dog, isolated saphenous vein strip (E. Apperley et a/., Br. J. Pharmacol., 1980, 68,215-224) and, like methysergide, they have little effect on blood pressure in the DOCA Hypertensive rat. Methysergide is known to be useful in the treatment of migraine and produces a selective increase in carotid vascular resistance in the anaesthetised dog; it has been suggested (P. R. Saxena., Eur. J. Pharmacol, 1974,27, 99-105) that this is the basis of its efficacy. Those compounds which we have tested show a similar effect in the anaesthetised dog and the compounds according to the invention are thus potentially useful for the treatment of migraine.

Accordingly, the invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition adapted for use in human medicine which comprises at least one compound of general formula (I), a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate (e.g. hydrate) or bioprecursor thereof and formulated for administration by any convenient route. Such compositions may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more pharmaceuticaliy acceptable carriers or excipients.

Thus, the compounds according to the invention may be formulated for oral, buccal, parenteral or rectal administration or in a form suitable for administration by inhalation of insufflation.

For oral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions may take the form of, for example, tablets or capsules prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as binding agents (e.g. pregelatinised maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose): fillers (e.g. lactose, microcrystalline cellulose or calcium phosphate): lubricants (e.g.

magnesium stearate, talc or silica); disintegrants (e.g. potato starch or sodium starch glycollate); or wetting agents (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate). The tablets may be coated by methods well known in the art. Liquid preparations for oral administration may take the form of, for example, solutions, syrups or suspensions. or they may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may be prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically acceptable additives such as suspending agents (e.g. sorbitol syrup, methyl cellulose or hydrogenated edible fats); emulsifying agents (e.g. lecithin or acacia); non-aqueous vehicles (e.g.

almond oil, oily esters or ethyl alcohol); and preservatives (e.g. methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoates or sorbic acid).

For buccal administration the composition may take the form of tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, including using conventional catheterisation techniques or infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form e.g. in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative.

The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilising and/or dispersing agents.

Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g.

sterile pyrogen-free water, before use.

The compounds of the invention may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g. containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glyceride.

For administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurised packs or a nebuliser, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g. dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurised aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of e.g. gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of a compound of the invention and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

A proposed dose of the compounds of the invention for oral, parenteral or buccal administration to man for the treatment of migraine is 0.1 to 100 mg of the active ingredient per unit dose which could be administered, for example 1 to 4 times per day.

Aerosol formulations are preferably arranged so that each metered dose or 'puff' of aerosol contains 20 yg1000 ,ug of the compound of the invention. The overall daily dose with an aerosol will be within the range 100 g-1 0 mg. Administration may be several times daily, for example 2, 3, 4 or 8 times, giving for example 1, 2 or 3 doses each time. The overall daily dose and the metered dose delivered by capsules and cartridges in an inhaler or insufflator could be double those with aerosol formulations.

A preferred class of compounds represented by the general formula (I) is that wherein Alk represents an unsubstituted alkylene chain containing two carbon atoms. Another preferred class of compounds of general formula (I) is that wherein R4 and R5 each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group and R8 and R7 each represents a hydrogen atom. It is preferred that the total number of carbon atoms in R4 and R5 together does not exceed two.

A further preferred class of compounds of general formula (I) is that wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom. A yet further preferred class of compounds represented by the general formula (I) is that wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

A preferred class of compounds according to the invention is represented by the general formula (la):

wherein Ria represents a group CHO, CONH2, COR8a or CO2R8a, where R8a is an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g. a methyl, ethyl or isobutyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group; R2a represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n is zero or 1; and R4a and Ursa, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group (with the provisos that the total number of carbon atoms in R4a and R > a together does not exceed two and that when Ria represents a group CHO or a group COR8a when n is zero, then R4a represents a hydrogen atom), and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates (e.g. hydrates) or bioprecursors thereof.

A particularly preferred class of compounds according to the invention is represented by the general formula (Ib):

wherein Rib represents a group CHO, CONH2 or CO2R8b where R8b is a methyl, ethyl or isobutyl group; R2b represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R4b and R5b, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group (with the provisos that the total number of carbon atoms in R4b and R 5b together does not exceed two and that when Rib is the group CHO, R4b represents a hydrogen atom), and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates (e.g. hydrates) and bioprecursors thereof.

A further particularly preferred group of compounds according to the invention is represented by the general formula (Ic):

wherein R10 represents a group CHO or a group COR8c where R8C is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, e.g. a methyl group; R2C represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R4c and R5c' which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R4c and RsC together does not exceed two, and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates (e.g. hydrates) and bioprecursors thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, compounds of general formula (I) and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates (e.g. hydrates) or bioprecursors thereof, may be prepared by the general methods outlined below. In the following processes, Rr, R2, R3, R4, B5, R6, R7, n and Alk are as defined for the general formula (I), unless otherwise specified.

According to one general process (A), A compound of general formula (1) may be prepared by reacting a compound of general formula (H):

or a protected derivative thereof, with a suitable reagent which serves to introduce the group R1.

Suitable reagents which serve to introduce the group R1 include acids of formula R,OH or acylating agents corresponding thereto, inorganic cyanates, appropriate organic isocyanates or organic isothiocyanates.

Acylating agents which may conveniently be employed in the above process include acid halides (for example acid chlorides and sulphamoyl chlorides), alkyl esters (e.g. the methyl or ethyl ester), activated esters (for example the 2-(1-methylpyridinyl)ester), symmetrical anhydrides or mixed anhydrides, haloformates (e.g. ethylchloroformate) or other activated carboxylic acid derivatives such as those conventionally used in peptide synthesis.

The process may be effected in a suitable aqueous or non-aqueous reaction medium, conveniently at a temperature of from -70 to + 1 5000. Thus, the process using an activated ester or an anhydride may be effected in a suitable reaction medium such as an amide (e.g. dimethylformamide), an ether (e.g.

tetrahydrofuran), a nitrile (e.g. acetonitrile), a haloalkane (e.g. dichloromethane) or a mixture thereof.

optionally in the presence of a base, such as pyridine or a tertiary amine such as triethylamine. The reaction is preferably effected at a temperature of from -5 to +250C.

The reaction using an alkyl ester may be effected in a suitable reaction medium such as an alcohol (e.g. methanol), an amide (e.g. dimethylformamide), an ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) or a mixture thereof and conveniently at a temperature of from 0 to 1000C. When the reagent is an inorganic cyanate, an organic isocyanate or an organic isothiocyanate the reaction may be carried out in water, an alcohol (e.g. ethanol), an amide (e.g. dimethylformamide) an ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) or a mixture thereof, optionally in the presence of a base such as pyridine or a tertiary amine such as triethylamine and conveniently at a temperature of from 0 to 1000C.

Acids of formula B1OH may themselves be used in the preparation of compounds of formula (I).

The reaction with such an acid is desirably conducted in the presence of a coupling agent, for example carbonyl dilmidazole or N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The reaction may be carried out in a suitable reaction medium such as a haloalkane (e.g. dichloromethane), a nitrile (e.g. acetonitrile), an amide (e.g.

dimethylformamide) or an ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) conveniently at a temperature of from -5 to +300 C. The reaction may also be carried out in the absence of a coupling agent in a suitable reaction medium such as a hydrocarbon (e.g. toluene or xylene) conveniently at a temperature of from 50 to 12000.

A compound of general formula (I) wherein R, representsCHO may be prepared by heating a compound of general formula (II) in formic acid, preferably at reflux.

In a particular embodiment of this process, a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 represents the group -CONR9B10 or -CSNR9R10, may also be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (II). or protected derivative thereof, with phosgene or thiophosgene followed by an appropriate amine of formula RgR10NH. The reaction is conveniently carried out in an organic solvent, such as an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. toluene).

Some starting compounds of general formula (II) wherein R2 is hydrogen, may be prepared by reduction of a corresponding compound having an appropriate reducible group as the 5-position substituent such as -ON or

using for example, lithium aluminium hydride.

According to another general process (B), compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared by cyclisation of a compound of general formula (III):

wherein Q is the group NR4Rs (or a protected derivative thereof) or a leaving group such as halogen (e.g. chlorine), acetate, tosylate or mesylate.

Suitable cyclisation methods are referred to in "A Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds Indoles Part I", Chapter II, edited by W. J. Houlihan (1972) Wiley Interscience, New York. Particularly convenient embodiments of the process are described below.

When O is the group NR4Rs (or a protected derivative thereof), the process is desirably carried out in an aqueous reaction medium, such as an aqueous alcohol (for example methanol) in the presence of an acid catalyst. (In some cases the acid catalyst may also act as the reaction solvent). Suitable acid catalysts include inorganic acids such as sulphuric or hydrochloric acid or organic carboxylic acids such as acetic acid. Alternatively the cyclisation may be carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid such as zinc chloride in ethanol or boron trifluoride in acetic acid. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at temperatures of from 20 to 2000C, preferably 50 to 1250C.

When Q is a leaving group such as chlorine, the reaction may be effected in an aqueous organic solvent, such as an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol or isopropanol), in the absence of a mineral acid, conveniently at a temperature of from 20 to 2000C, preferably 50 to 1 250C. This process results in the formation of a compound of formula (I) wherein R4 and B5 are both hydrogen atoms.

According to a particular embodiment of this process compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared directly by the reaction of a compound of general formula (IV):

or a salt thereof, with a compound of formula (V) R6COCH2AlkQ (V) wherein Q is as defined above or a salt or protected derivative thereof (such as an acetal or ketal e.g. formed with an appropriate alkyl orthoformate), using the appropriate conditions as described above.

Compounds of formula (Ill) may be isolated as intermediates during the process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) wherein a compound of formula (IV), or a salt or protected derivative thereof, is reacted with a compound of formula (V) or a salt or protected derivative thereof, in a suitable solvent, such as an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol) and at a temperature of, for example, from 20 to 3000. If an acetal or ketal of a compound of formula (V) is used, it may be necessary to carry out the reaction in the presence of an acid (for example, acetic or hydrochloric acid).

As illustrated in the following general processes (C) and (D), the aminoalkyl substituent -AlkNR4R5 may be introduced at the 3-position by a variety of conventional techniques which may, for example, involve modification of a substituent the 3-position or direct introduction of the aminoalkyl substituent into the 3-position.

Thus a further general method (C) for preparing compounds of general formula (I) involves reacting a compound of formula (VI):

(wherein Y is a readily displaceable group) or a protected derivative thereof, with an amine of formula R4RsNH.

The displacement reaction may conveniently be carried out on those compounds of general formula (VI) wherein the substituent group Y is a halogen atom (e.g. chlorine, bromine or iodine) or a group OR where OR is, for example, an acyloxy group, such as acetoxy, chloroacetoxy, dichloroacetoxy trifluoroacetoxy orp-nitrobenz or a sulphonate group (e.g. p-toluene sulphonate).

The above reaction is conveniently effected in an organic solvent (optionally in the presence of water), examples of which include alcohols, e.g. ethanol; ethers, e.g. tetrahydrofuran; esters e.g. ethyl acetate; amides e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide; and ketones e.g. acetone, at a temperature of from -10 to +1500C, preferably 20 to 5000.

The compounds of formula (Vl) wherein Y is a halogen atom may be prepared by reacting a hydrazine of general formula (IV) with an aldehyde or ketone (or protected derivative thereof) of general formula (V) in which Q is a halogen atom, in an aqueous alkanol (e.g. methanol) containing an acid (e.g.

-acetic or hydrochloric acid) or by treating a compound of general formula (VI) wherein Y is a hydroxyl group with the appropriate phosphorous trihalide. The intermediate alcohol where Y is a hydroxyl group may also be used to prepare compounds of formula (Vl) wherein Y is the group OR by acylation or sulphonylation with the appropriate activated species (e.g. an anhydride or sulphonyl chloride) using conventional techniques. The intermediate alcohol may be prepared by cyclisation of a compound of formula (III) wherein Q is a hydroxyl group (or a protected derivative thereof) using standard conditions.

Compounds of general formula (I) may also be prepared by another general process (D) which comprises reducing a compound of general formula (VII):

wherein W is a group capable of being reduced to give the required AlkNR4R5 group or a protected derivative thereof or a salt or protected derivative thereof.

The required Alk and NR4R5 groups may be formed by reduction steps which take place separately or together in any appropriate manner.

Groups which may be reduced to the group Alk include corresponding unsaturated groups and corresponding groups containing either a hydroxyl group or a carbonyl function.

Groups which may be reduced to the group NR4R5 where R4 and R5 are both hydrogen include nitro, azido, hydroxyimino and nitrile groups. Reduction of a nitrile group yields the group CH2NH2 and thus provides a methylene group of the group Alk.

The required NR4R5 group wherein R4 and/or R5 are other than hydrogen may be prepared by reduction of a nitrile (CHR")xCHR,2CN or an aldehyde (CHR,1)xCHR,2CHO (where R" and R,2, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a C13 alkyl group and x is zero or 1) in the presence of an amino, R4RsNH. Alternatively the R4R5NH group may be prepared by reaction of the corresponding compound wherein R4 and/or B5 represent hydrogen with an appropriate aldehyde or ketone in the presence of a suitable reducing agent.In some instances (e.g. for the introduction of the group B5 where B5 is benzyl) the aldehyde (e.g. benzaldehyde) may be condensed with the amine and the intermediate thus formed may subsequently be reduced using a suitable reducing agent.

Examples of groups represented by the substituent group W include the following: TNO2 (where T is Alk or an alkenyl group corresponding to the group Alk); AlkN3; (CHRr,)xCHR,2CN; COCHR,2Z; (CHR")xCR,2=NOH; or CH(OH)CHR,2NR4Rs (where R", R,2 and x are as previously defined and Z is an azido group N3 or the group NR4R5 or a protected derivative thereof).

It will be appreciated that the choice of reducing agent and reaction conditions will be dependent on the nature of the group W and other groups already present on the molecule.

Suitable reducing agents which may be used in the above process include hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst (except wherein R, is the group CSNRgR10), an alkali metal borohydride or cyanoborohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride or cyanoborohydride (except wherein W contains a nitrile or hydroxyimino group) or a metal hydride, e.g. lithium aluminium hydride (wherein R, is the group CSNRgR10 and one of R2, B5 and R10 is hydrogen).

The metal catalyst may, for example be Raney Nickel or a noble metal catalyst, such as platinum, platinum oxide, palladium or rhodium, which may be supported, for example, on charcoal or kieselguhr.

In the case of Raney nickel, hydrazine may also be used as the source of hydrogen.

Reduction in the presence of hydrogen and a metal catalyst may conveniently be carried out in a solvent such as an alcohol e.g. ethanol, an ether e.g. dioxan or tetrahydrofuran or an ester e.g. ethyl acetate at a temperature of from -10 to +500C, preferably -5 to +300 C. The alkali metal borohydride or cyanoborohydride reduction may conveniently be carried out in an alcohol such as propanol or ethanol and at a temperature of from 0 to 1 000C. In some instances the borohydride reduction may be carried out in the presence of cobaltcus chloride. The metal hydride reduction may be carried out using an ether, e.g. tetrahydrofuran as solvent and conveniently at a temperature of from -10 to +200 C.

Particular embodiments of this process include the reduction of a compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group CHR,2CN, CHR,,CHR,,NO,, CH=CR,,NO, or CHR"CR,2=NOH, for example, by catalytic reduction with hydrogen, e.g. hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium, optionally in the presence of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric or sulphuric acid.

A second embodiment of the process involves, for example, the reduction of a compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group CHR,2CN in the presence of an amine HNR4Rs using hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium, except that R, may not be -CSNB9B10.

According to a third embodiment, a compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group COCHR,2Z may be reduced, preferably with heating, using for example, sodium borohydride in propanol. Where Z is an azido group, the process results in the formation of a compound of general formula (I) wherein R4 and R5 are both hydrogen atoms.

According to a fourth embodiment, a compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group AlkN3 or CH(OH)CHR12NR4R5 may be reduced using for example hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst (e.g.

palladium) or sodium borohydride. These reducing agents are also suitable for the reductive alkylation of for example AlkNHR5 in the presence of a suitable aldehyde or ketone.

The starting materials or intermediate compounds of general formula (VII) may be prepared by analogous methods to those described in UK Published Patent Application No. 2035310 and "A Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds -- Indoles Part II", Chapter VI, edited by W. J. Houlihan (1972) Wiley Interscience, New York.

Compounds of formula (Vli) wherein W is the group (CHR,,)xCHR,2CHO may be prepared by oxidation (e.g. with Jones' reagent) of a compound of general formula (Vl) wherein Y is a hydroxyl group. A compound of general formula (VII) wherein W is the group (CHR,,)xCR12=NOH may be prepared by treatment of the corresponding aldehyde with hydroxylamine hydrochloride using standard conditions.

The intermediate compound of general formula (VII) wherein W is the group AlkN3 may be prepared from a compound of general formula (Vl) wherein Y is a halogen atom using standard procedures.

Standard reducing agents such as sodium borohydride may be used to prepare a compound of general formula (Vli) wherein W is the group CH(OH)CHRr2NR4R5 from the corresponding compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group COCHB12NB4R5.

The following reactions (E), in any appropriate sequence, may if necessary and/or desired, be carried out subsequent to any of the above described processes: (i) conversion of one compound of general formula (I) or a salt or protected derivative thereof into another compound of general formula (I); (ii) removal of any protecting groups, and (iii) conversion of a compound of general formula (I) or a salt thereof into a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate (e.g. hydrate) or bioprecursor thereof.

Thus, a compound of formula (I) according to the invention may be converted into another compound of the invention using conventional procedures.

For example, a compound of general formula (I) wherein R2, R4, R5 and/or R7 are alkyl groups may be prepared from the corresponding compounds of formula (I) wherein one or more of R2, R4, R5 and R7 represent hydrogen, by reaction with a suitable alkylating agent such as an alkyl halide, alkyl tosylate or dialkylsulphate. The alkylation reaction is conveniently carried out in an inert organic solvent such as an amide (e.g. dimethylformamide) an ether (e.g. tetrahydrofuran) or an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g.

toluene) preferably in the presence of a base. Suitable bases include, for example, alkali metal hydrides, for example sodium hydride, alkali metal amides, such as sodium amide, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate or an alkali metal alkoxide such as sodium or potassium methoxide, ethoxide or tbutoxide.

A particularly suitable method for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein R4 and/or R5 is other than hydrogen, is reductive alkylation of the corresponding compound wherein R4 and/or R5 represents hydrogen, with an appropriate aldehyde or a ketone (e.g. benzaldehyde or acetone) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent. Alternatively the aldehyde or ketone may be condensed with the primary amine and the intermediate thus formed may subsequently be reduced using a suitable reducing agent.

It will be appreciated that the choice of reducing agents and reaction conditions dep'ends upon the nature of the substituent groups already present on the compound of formula (I) which is to be alkylated. Suitable reducing agents which may be employed in this reaction include hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst, an alkali metal borohydride or cyanoborohydride (e.g. sodium borohydride or cyanoborohydride) using the conditions previously described or formic acid (using the carbonyl compound as reaction solvent, at a temperature of from 0--1 000C, conveniently 0--500C.

According to a further embodiment, a compound of general formula (I) where R5 is a hydrogen atom, may be prepared by reduction of a corresponding compound of general formula (I) wherein R5 is a benzyl group, for example with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst e.g. 10% palladium on carbon.

It should be appreciated that in some of the above transformations it may be necessary or desirable to protect any sensitive groups in the molecule of the compound in question to avoid any undesirable side reactions. For example, during any of the reaction sequences described above, it may be necessary to protect the group NR4R5, wherein R4 and/or R5 represent hydrogen, with a group easily removable at the end of the reaction sequence. Such groups may include, for example, aralkyl groups, such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl or triphenylmethyl; or acyl groups, such as N-benzyloxycarbonyl or tbutoxycarbonyl or phthaloyl.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to protect the indole nitrogen wherein R7 is hydrogen.

Subsequent cleavage of the protecting group may be achieved by conventional procedures. Thus an aralkyl group such as benzyl, may be cleaved by hydrogenolysis in the presence of a catalyst (e.g.

palladium on charcoal); an acyl group such as N-benzyloxycarbonyl may be removed by hydrolysis with, for example, hydrogen bromide in acetic acid or by reduction, for example by catalytic hydrogenation.

The phthaloyl group may be removed by hydrazinolysis (e.g. by treatment with hydrazine hydrate) or by treatment with a primary amine (e.g. methylamine).

Where it is desired to isolate a compound of the invention as a salt, for example as an acid addition salt, this may be achieved by treating the free base of general formula (I), with an appropriate acid, preferably with an equivalent amount or with creatinine sulphate in a suitable solvent (e.g.

aqueous ethanol).

The starting materials or intermediate compounds for the preparation of the compounds according to this invention may be prepared by analogous methods to those described in UK Published Patent Application No. 2035310.

As well as being employed as the last main step in the preparative sequence, the general methods indicated above for the preparation of the compounds of the invention may also be used for the introduction of the desired groups at an intermediate stage in the preparation of the required compound.

Thus, for example, the required group at the 5-position may be introduced either before or after cyclisation to form the indole nucleus. It should therefore be appreciated that in such multi-stage processes, the sequence of reactions should be chosen in order that the reaction conditions do not affect groups present in the molecule which are desired in the final product.

The invention is further illustrated by the following Examples. All temperatures are in OC.

PREPARATION 1 N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl]formamide A solution of 5-amino-1H-indole-3-acetonitrile (0.5 g) in methyl formate (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The resulting solid precipitate was filtered off, washed with ether (2 x 20 ml) and dried in vacuo to give the title compound (0.41 g) as a white microcrystalline solid m.p.

196200 (softens 1940).

PREPARATION 2 5-(Methylamino)- 1 K-indole-3-acetonitrile, quarter hydrate A solution of 5-amino-lH-indole-3-acetonitrile (3.6 g) in triethyl orthoformate (80 ml) containing trifluoroacetic acid (3 drops) was refluxed for 24 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in absolute ethanol (50 ml), cooled to 0 C, treated with excess sodium borohydride (4.5 g) and then refluxed for 5 h.

The cooled solution was then added to a mixture of 2N hydrochloric acid (400 ml) and ice, washed with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml) and the acid solution was then basified (Na2CO3) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 200 ml). These combined extracts were dried (Na2SO4), filtered, and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo yielding a brown oil. Column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 250 g) eluting with ether afforded the title compound as a fawn solid (1.so) m.p. 1 202o.

PREPARATION 3 2-[2-[5-(Aminomethyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]- 1 1 H-isoindole- 1 ,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hydrate A suspension of 3-[2-( 1 ,3-dihydro- 1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethylj- 1 H-indole-5-carbonitrile (4.7 g) in methanol (250 ml) and sulphuric acid (1.5 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over 10% palladium on charcoal (50% aqueous paste; 2.0 g) for 45 h. The catalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness, giving an orange oil, which was dissolved in hot water (70 ml).On cooling, the title compound crystallised as a cream solid (3.8 g) m.p. 235-8 , PREPARATION 4 Phenylmethyl [2-[5-(a minomethyl)- 1 ll-indol-3-yljethyljcarbamate i) P henylmethyl [2-[5-(hydroxymethyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]carba mate A solution of 3-[2-[{phenylmethoxy)carbonyl]carbonyl]amino]ethyl]-1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid (9 g) and carbonyldiimidazole (5.2 g) in dry tetrahydrofuraii (THF) (50 ml) was stirred vigorously under nitrogen at room temperature for 5 h. A solution of lithium borohydride (1.6 g) in dry THF (70 ml) was added over 70 min and the mixture then stirred for 18 h.Aqueous acetic acid (30%, 25 ml) was added slowly to the ice-cooled mixture and the solution was then partitioned between brine (25%,300ml) and ethyl acetate (250 ml). The organic layer was washed with sulphuric acid (0.4M, saturated with sodium chloride, 3 x 80 ml), brine (100 ml) and potassium carbonate solution (25%, 2 x 100 ml). The dried (MgSO4) solution was evaporated in vacuo, the residue taken up in dichloromethane (150 ml) and insoluble material was filtered off. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to leave the alcohol (9 g) as a colourless oil containing some (ca. 45 mole %) ethyl acetate.

T.l.c. SiO2/Et2O, Bf 0.25.

ii) Phenylmethyl [2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]carbamate A solution of diethyl azodicarboxylate (1.48 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) (8 ml) was added over 2 min., keeping the temperature at 250, to a stirred solution of phenylmethyl [2-[5-(-hydroxymethyl)- 1H-indol-3-yljethyl]carbamate (2.6 g), triphenylphosphine (2.35 g)and phthalimide (1.75 g) in THF (20 ml). After 4 h, the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in a solution of hydrazine hydrate (15 ml) in ethanol (100 ml).

After 5 days the mixture was partitioned between sulphuric acid (0.5N, 500 ml) and ethyl acetate (2 x 300 ml). The acid layer was basified with potassium carbonate and the product was extracted into ethyl acetate (200 ml). The dried (Na2SO4) extract was evaporated in vacuo to leave the crude amine (0.7 g) as a brown oil which later solidified. Crystallisation from ethyl acetate gave the title compound (0.15 g) as cream coloured crystals m.p. 123.5-126.5 .

EXAMPLE 1 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) (i) N-[[3 [2-( 1 ,3-Dihydro-1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1 ll-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide An ice-cold suspension of 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)- dione, hemisulphate, hydrate (1.01 g) in pyridine (40 ml) was treated dropwise with acetic anhydride (0.6 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, water (1 5 ml) was added, and after a further 15 min the solution was acidified with hydrochloric acid (2N) and extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 150 ml). The combined extract was washed with sodium carbonate (2N; 300 ml), dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to dryness, affording a yellow foam.On trituration with ethyl acetate (ca. 10 ml) this afforded the title amide as a pale yellow crystalline solid (0.79 g) m.p. 180-2 .

(ii) N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ylJmethylSacetamide/ compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid andwater(1:1:1:1) A solution of N-[[3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-indol-5- yl]methyl]acetamide (0.62 g) in ethanol (90 ml) and hydrazine hydrate (0.45 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 h. After cooling the solution was evaporated to dryness, and the resulting white solid was partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and sodium carbonate (2N; 100 ml). The aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 ml), and the combined organic phase was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to dryness, giving a yellow oil.This was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol (50 ml) and water (6 ml) and treated with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1:1, 2M, 0.85 ml) to give, on cooling, the title compound as a white crystalline solid (0.48 g) m.p. 233--50 (d) Analysis Found: C, 43.9; H, 6.0; N, 17.8; C13H1)N3O.C4H7N3O.H2S04.H2O C, 44.3; H, 6.1; N,18.2%.

requires: EXAMPLE 2 Ethyl [3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:2:2:1) (i) Ethyl [3-(cyanomethyt)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate A solution of 5-amino-1H-indole-3-acetonitrile (1.5 g) in dimethyl-formamide (35 ml) was treated with potassium carbonate (4.2 g) and ethyl chloroformate (0.9 ml) added dropwise over 20 min. After a further 5 min, the reaction mixture was poured into water (150 ml), left for 30 min and then extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 130 ml).The combined ethyl acetate extracts were washed with water (2 x 150 ml), 8% sodium bicarbonate solution (2 x 1 50 ml) and water (2 x 100 ml) and dried (MgSO4) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a brown oil. The oil was crystallised from ethyl acetate and cyclohexane to give the title compound (1.65 g) as a brown crystalline solid, m.p.

119123 .

(ii) Ethyl [3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:2:2:1) Ethyl [3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yljcarbamate (1.5 g) was catalytically hydrogenated over 5% rhodium-on-alumina (0.5 g) in a mixture of ethanol (50 ml) and ammonia (0.6 ml) for 40 h at 400 then at 500 for a further 8 h. The mixture was filtered through "Hyflo" (registered Trade Mark) and evaporated to dryness to afford a brown oil.This oil was purified by column chromatography on silica (25 g) using ethyl acetate/2-propanol/water/ammonia (25:1 5:4:1) as eluant to give a brown oil (0.58 9) which was dissolved in ethanol and treated with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1:1, 2M, 1 ml) to give an off-white solid which was recrystallised from aqueous acetone to give the title compound as a colourless solid (0.65 g) m.p. 184.5-187.5 .

Analysis Found: C, 43.4; H, 5.9; N, 17.65; C13H17N3O2C4H7N3O.H2SO4.O.5H2O requires: C, 43.7; H, 5.8; N, 18.0% EXAMPLE 3 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) (i) Phenylmethyl [2-[5-[(formylamino)methyl]-1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]carbamate A mixture of phenylmethyl [2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]carbamate (0.25 g), ethyl formate (5 ml) and ethanol (1 ml) was heated under reflux for 9 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was evaporated with ethanol (2 x 5 ml) to give the title compound (0.27 g) as cream crystals m.p. 114-6 .

(ii) N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) A solution of phenylmethyl [2-[5-[(formylamino)mcthyl]-1H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]carbamate (0.34 g) in ethanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium oxide on charcoal (1 0%; 0.3 g pre' reduced) until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. The residual oil was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol (8 ml) and water (0.8 ml) and an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1:1; 2M; 0.8 ml) was added. Filtration of the cooled mixture gave the title compound as a white solid (0.33 g) m.p. 197-200 . (foaming).

Analysis Found: C, 43.2; H, 5.8; N, 19.0 C12H15N3O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O requires: C, 43.05; H, 5.85; N, 18.85% EXAMPLE 4 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1:3) Hydrazine hydrate (30 ml) was added slowly over 3 h to a mixture of N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1 Hindol-5-yl]formamide (1.0 g) and Raney nickel (2 g) in ethanol (100 ml) at reflux under nitrogen. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate evaporated to an oil (1.1 g) which was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol (60 ml) and water (30 ml) and treated with a solution of creatinine sulphate (1.2 g) in water (4 ml). Dilution with ethanol (150 ml) precipitated the title compound as a white solid (1.4 g) m.p.

75--1830.

Analysis Found: C, 41.5; H, 5.6: N, 18.7; C11H13N3O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4. 1.3H2Orequires : C,41.1; H,5.7; N,19.2% EXAMPLE 5 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N-methylformamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water(8:10:9:16) i) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]-N-methylformamide A solution of 5-(methylamino-lH-indole-3-acetonitrile (0.2 g) in methyl formate (7 ml) was kept at room temperature for 36 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (10 ml) and hydrochloric acid (2N, 10 ml). The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo yielding the title compound as a fawn solid, (0.13 g) m.p. 11 8-1 200 C.

ii) N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N-methylformamide compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (8:10:9:16) Following the method described in Example 4, N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N- methylformamide (1.2 g) in ethanol (150 ml) was reduced with Raney nickel (0.03 g) and hydrazine hydrate (23 ml) over 8 h. The title compound(1.4 g) was obtained as a buff solid m.p. 208210 after creatinine sulphate formation.

Analysis Found: C, 40.8; H, 5.6; N, 18.7; C12HN3O.1.25C4H7N3O. 1.1 Z5H2S04.2H20 requires: C, 40.4; H, 6.0; N, 18.7% EXAMPLE 6 Ethyl [3-(2-aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yllmethylcarbamate, compound with creatinine sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:2) i) Ethyl [3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methylcarbamate Ethyl chloroformate (0.21 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 5-(methylamino)-1 Hindole-3-acetonitrile (0.4 g) in dimethylformamide (15 ml). After 10 min. the solution was diluted with water (30 ml), stirred for 30 min. and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml).The combined extracts were washed with 10% brine (2 x 100 ml), 8% sodium bicarbonate (2 x 100 ml) and water (2 x 100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to yield the crude product as a brown oil. Trituration with ether gave a fawn solid (0.4 g). A sample was crystallised from ether to give the title compound as a white solid m.p. 104-106 .

ii) Ethyl [3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methylcarbamate, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid, and water (1:1:1:2) A solution of ethyl [3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methylcarbamate (0.2 g) in absolute ethanol (30 ml) containing concentrated hydrochloric acid (8 drops) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium on charcoal (10%, 0.4 g) until hydrogen uptake ceased (8 h, 23 ml). The catalyst was filtered off, washed with absolute ethanol, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo yielding a brown oil. The amine was dissolved in a hot solution of ethanol and water (8:1, 18 ml) and treated with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1:1, 2M, 0.38 ml). Filtration of the cooled mixture gave the title compound as a white solid m.p.210-212 (dec.) (0.15 g).

Analysis Found: C, 42.7; H, 5.9; N, 16.7; C14H19NO2.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.2H2O requires: C, 42.5; H, 6.3; N, 16.5% EXAMPLE 7 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]urea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) i) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]urea A solution of sodium cyanate (1.2 g) in water (10 ml) was added to a stirred solution of 5-amino 1 H-indole-3-acetonitrile (1.5 g) in glacial acetic acid (5 ml) and water (10 ml). Stirring was continued until a brown gum precipitated (10 min). The aqueous layer was then decanted off, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined extracts were washed with sodium carbonate soln.

(2N, 2 x 1000ml), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to yield the crude urea as an off-white solid (0.3 g). The brown gum was purified by column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 25 g) using ethyl acetate as eluant to yield more of the crude urea (0.1 g). The crude urea was then crystallised from isopropanol to yield the title compound as a fawn solid (0.3 g) m.p. 200-204 .

ii) N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]urea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) Following the method of Example 4, N-[3-(cyanomethyl-1 H-indol-5-yl]urea (0.2 g) in ethanol (30 ml) was reduced with Raney nickel (0.03 g) and hydrazine hydrate (6 ml) over 5 h. The title compound (0.15 9, was obtained as s cream solid m.p.208-12 after creatinine sulphate formation.

Analysis Found: C,40.1; H, 5.6; N,21.05; C11H14N4O.C4H 7N3O.H2SO4.H2O requires: C, 40.3; H, 5.6; N, 21.9% T.l.c. Silica ethyl acetate/2-propanol/water/0.88 ammonia (25:15:8:2) Rf 0.44 EXAMPLE 8 Methyl[3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) i) Methyl[3-(cyanomethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl]carbamate Following the method of Example 6(i), 5-amino-1H-indole-3-acetonitrile (0.8 g) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) was reacted with methyl chloroformate (0.5 ml) to give the title compound (0.44 g) as a white solid m.p. 146 8 after column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 1 OOG) eluted with ether.

ii) Methyl [3-(2-aminoethyl)-l H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid, and water (1:1:1:1) Following the method of Example 6 (ii) methyl[3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]carbamate (0.7 g) was hydrogenated in ethanol (100 ml) over palladium on charcoal (10%, 1.0 g) for 24 h to give, after creatinine sulphate formation, the title compound (0.5 g) as a white solid m.p.197-200 .

Analysis Found: C,41.4; H, 5.7; N,18.1; C12H15N3O2.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O requires: C, 41.55; H, 5.7; N, 18.2% EXAMPLE 9 N-[3-[2-(Methylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water(10:12:11:20) A solution of N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]formamide (0.3 g) in absolute ethanol (30 ml) containing methylamine, (33% in ethanol, 2 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium oxide on charcoal (10%, 0.5 g) for 24 h until hydrogen uptake ceased (90 ml). The catalyst was filtered off, washed with absolute ethanol, and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo yielding a brown oil.

The amine was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol and water (8:1,18 ml) and an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1 2M, 0.6 ml) was added. Filtration of the cooled mixture gave the title compound as an off-white solid (0.35 g) m.p.205-207 .

Analysis Found: C, 40.6; H, 5.5; N, 18.8; C12H18N3O.1.2C4H7N3O. 1. 1H2SO4.2H2O requires: C, 40.7; H, 5.8; N, 18.6% EXAMPLE 10 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl] methyl]-N'-methylurea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:2:2:3) i) a N-[[3-[2-(1,3-Dihydro- 1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl]ethyl]- 1 H-indol-5-yl] methyl]-N'-methylurea, hemihydrate A suspension of 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]- 1 H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hydrate (1.53 g) in pyridine (50 ml) was cooled in an ice bath and treated dropwise with methylisocyanate (2.5 ml).The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, and water (1 5 ml) was added to the resulting white suspension. After 10 min. the yellow solution was acidified with hydrochloric acid (2N), and extracted into ethyl acetate (3 x 100 ml). The combined organic extract was washed with sodium carbonate solution (2N; 100 ml), dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness, giving a pale yellow solid. On trituration with ether, this afforded the pure title material as a cream crystalline solid (1.22 g) m.p. 210212o.

The following compounds were similarly prepared from 2[2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3- yl]ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hemihydrate and the appropriate isocyanate or isothiocyanate as detailed in Table I.

TABLE 1

Wt. of starting Vol.of Reaction Vol. of Wt. of Example material Reagent Reagent time pyridine product No. (g) (ml) (h) (ml) (g) Mol.fomula m.p.( C) 10(1) b 1.4 # 0.8 4.75 50 0.23 C26N28N4O3.1/2H2O 219-21 10(1) c 2.0 RhNCO 0.8 4 65 0.8 C26H22N4O3.1/4H2O 218-20 1) 10(1) d 1.1 MeNCS 1.2 2 20 0.4 C21H20N4O2S.0.4C4H8O2 126-8 2) 1) Crystalised from methanol.

2) Purified by cotumn chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 20g) eluted with ether then recrysta@llsed from ethyl acetate.

EXAMPLE 10 (Cont.) ii)a N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl] methyl]-N'-methylurea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:2:2:3) Following the method described in Example (ii), a solution of N-[[3-[2-( 1 ,3-dihydro-1 ,3-dioxo-2H- isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-N'-methylurea, hemihydrate (0.81 g) in ethanol (80 ml) was deprotected with hydrazine hydrate (0.8 ml) to give, after creatinine sulphate formation, the title compound (0.32 g) as a white solid m.p. 205-7 (dec.).

Analysis Found: C, 42.5; H, 5.9; N, 20.0; C,3H18N40.C4H7N30.H2S04.1 2HzO requires: C, 42.1; H, 6.2; N, 20.2% The following compounds were similarly prepared by deprotection of the appropriate starting material as detailed in Table II.

TABLE 11

Ex.No. Wt.of of Starting Vol. Wt. of Ex.NO. starting material Vol. EtOH N2H4.H2O prod.

of prod. material R1 (g) (ml) (ml) (g) Mol.formula (ii) b 10(i) b 0.73 75 1 0.56 C18H26N4O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O (ii) c 10(i) c 0.57 100 1 0.48 C18H20N4O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O (ii) d 10(i) d 0.32 35 0.4 0.17 C13H15N4S.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O TABLE 11 (Continued)

Analysis Ex No. m.p. Found Requited of prod. ( C) C H N C H N (ii) b 220-222 48.8 6.6 17.85 48.6 6.9 18.0 (dec) (ii) c 196-9 48.9 5.8 18.16 49.15 5.8 18.2 (dec) (ii) d 204-6 41.7 5.8 19.7 41.6 5.95 19.9 EXAMPLE 11 i)a N-[[3-[2-( 1 ,3-dihydro-1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1 H-indol-5-yl]methylibenzamide Benzoyl chloride (0.9 ml) was added to a stirred suspension of 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1 H-indol-3 yl]ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate hydrate (1.0 g) in dry pyridine (40 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.75 h and then water (10 ml) was added.The resultant solution was stirred for 0.5 h and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The precipitate solid was filtered off, washed with water (30 ml) and dried (1.04 g). Recrystallisation from aqueous dimethylformamide gave the title amide as yellow crystals (0.77 g) m.p. 227.5 229 .

The following compounds were similarly prepared from 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3yl]ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hydrate and the appropriate chloro compound (R1-Cl) as detailed in Table Ill.

ii) Following the method described in Example 10 ii)a the following compounds were similarly prepared by deprotection of the appropriate starting material as detailed in Table IV.

TABLE 111

Wt. of starting Quantity Reaction Wt. of Ex. No. material R1-Cl time product (g) R1-Cl (ml) (h) (g) Mol. formula m.p.

11(i) b 1.0 # 1.2 5 0.62 C23H27N3O3 198-198.5 1) 11(i) c 1.4 PhCH2COCl 4.6 8.25 0.85 C27H23N3O3.1/2H2O 202.5-203.5 2) 11(i) d 1.14 EtOCOCl 8.5 1 0.92 C22H21N3O4.1/4H2O 158-9 11(i) e 1.15 MeOCOCl 0.7 7 1.05 C21H15N3O4 150-1 1) Recrystallised from ethyl acetate.

2) Recrystallised from chloroform/ether.

EXAMPLE 12 (i) [3-[2-(1 ,3-Dihydro- 1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1 H-indol-5-yl]methylurea A solution of 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3-(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hydrate(1.01 g) in hot water (27 ml) was treated with a solution of sodium cyanate (0.25 g) in water (9 ml) and heated on a steam bath for 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and filtered, affording the title tirea as a white crystalline solid (0.82 g) m.p. 230-2 .

(ii) Following the procedure as described in Example 10 ii) a, the above product was deprotected as detailed in Table IV.

TABLE IV

Ex. No. Wt. of of starting Vol. Wt. of Ex. No. Starting material Vol. EtOH N2H4.H2O prod.

of prod. material R1 (g) (ml) (ml) (g) Mol. formation (ii) a 11(i) PhCO- 0.51 60 0.3 0.24 C18H19N3O.C4H4O4 1) (ii) b 11(i) b # 0.81 30 0.35 0.35 C15H25N3O.C4H4O4 2) (ii) c 11(i) c PhCH2CO- 0.88 50 0.53 0.54 C19H21N3O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O (ii) d 11(i) d EtO2C- 0.49 60 0.32 0.50 C14H19N8O2.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.3/4H2O (ii) e 11(i) d MeO2C- 0.52 60 0.70 0.52 C13H17N3O2.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O (ii) f 12(i) H2NCO- 0.58 80 0.4 0.3 C12H16N4O.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O TABLE IV (Continued)

Analysis Ex No. m.p. Found Requited of prod. ( C) C H N C H N (ii) a 187-71 64.1 5.5 9.9 64.5 5.7 10.3 (ii) b 147-9 63.6 7.0 9.8 63.6 7.0 10.1 (ii) c 230-231.5 51.3 5.55 15.4 51.5 6.0 15.7 (ii) d 213-5 44.1 6.1 17.6 44.5 6.1 17.3 (dec) (ii) e 215-8 42.9 5.9 17.4 42.85 5.9 17.6 (dec) (ii) f 208-10 41.8 5.8 20.7 41.8 5.9 21.2 (dec) 1) Converted into a maleate salt with maleic acid in methanol/ether.

Recrystallised from methanol/ethyl acetate.

2) Converted into a maleate salt with maleic acid in methanol/ether.

Recrystallised from 1sopropanol/ethyl acetate.

EXAMPLE 13 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]acetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:3:2:5) i) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]acetamide Acetyl chloride (0.21 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 5-amino-1 H-indole-3acetonitrile (0.5 g) and pyridine (0.24 ml) in dry acetonitrile (10 ml) at 02 under nitrogen. When the addition was complete the solution was stirred at 0 for 30 minutes, poured into water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 25 ml). The combined extracts were dried (MgS04), filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to a brown solid (0.5 g) which was recrystallised from an ethanolcyclohexane mixture to give the title compound (0.43 g, as off-white needles, m.p. 171.5-175 .

ii) N-[3(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]acetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:3:2:5) Following the method described in Example 4, N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]acetamide (0.3 g) in ethanol (15 ml) was reduced with Raney nickel (0.06 g) and hydrazine hydrate (6.2 ml) over 6 h.

The title compound was obtained as a white crystalline solid m.p. 177182 (dec).

Analysis Found: C, 40.6; H, 5.7; N, 20.1; C12H 15N3O.1 .5C4H7N30.H2S04.2.5H20: C, 40.8; H, 6.2; N, 19.8% EXAMPLE 14 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-2-methylpropanamide, compound with hydrogen chloride and water (4:4:3) (ii) A solution of N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]-2-methylpropanamide (0.4 g) in absolute ethanol (50 ml) containing concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 drops) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium on charcoal (10%. 1.5 g) for 16 h, before the catalyst was replaced (10%, 1 g). After a further 4 h, when hydrogen uptake (75 ml) had ceased, the catalyst was filtered off, washed with absolute ethanol, and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo yielding a brown solid.The crude hydrochloric was crystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate, to give the title compound as a light brown solid (0.2 g) m.p. 2742764.

Analysis Found: C, 56.7; H, 7.4; N, 13.7; C14H19N3N.HCl.0.75H2Orequires: C, 56.95; H, 7.3; N, 14.2% EXAMPLE 15 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]trifluoroacetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:2) (ii) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]trifluoroacetamide (1.3 g) in ethanol (50 ml) and ammonia (0.6 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over rhodium-on-alumina (0.5 g) for 48 h. The mixture was filtered through hyflo and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford a brown oil. The brown oil was purified by column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 25 g) using a mixture of ethyl acetate, 2-propanol, water and ammonia (25:15:4:1) as eluent.The resulting solid was dissolved in hot ethanol and treated with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (2M, 1 ;1, 1 ml) and the resulting solid was recrystallised from aqueous acetone to give the title compound as a pinkish solid m.p. 186215 (dec).

Analysis Found: C, 37.2; H, 5.05; N, 16.2; C.2H.2F3N30-C4H7N30-H2S042H20 requires: C, 37.1; H, 4.9; N, 16.2% The following compounds were prepared according to the method described in Example 13(i) from 5-amino-lH-indole-3-acetonitrile and the appropriate acid chloride or acid anhydride as detailed in Table V.

TABLE IV

Wt. of starting Vol. of Vol.of Vol. of Wt. of Recrystal@ Mol. m.p.

material Reagent pyridine OH.ON product @[satlon formula ( C) Ex.No. (g) Reagent (ml) (ml) (ml) (g) solvent 14(i) 2.8 Pr1COCl 1.8 2 50 1.8 * C14H15N2O 138-140 16(i) 2.0 (CF3CO)2O 2.45 1 40 1.46 Ethyl C12H8F3N3O 165-6 acetate/ cyclohexane *Purified by column chromatography on Kieselgel 60 (150g) eluted with ethyl acetate.

EXAMPLE 16 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]-N'-methylthiourea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) i) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-l H-indol-5-yl]-N'-methylthiourea, compound with ethanol (2:1) Methyl isothiocyanate (0.40 ml) was added to a stirred solution of 5-amino-1H-indole-3 acetonitrile (1 g) in dry acetonitrile (20 ml). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. A further quantity of methyl isothiocyanate (0.05 ml) was added and the mixture was heated at 50 for 5 h. The solution was evaporated in vacuo to a viscous oil which solidified on trituration with an ethanol-ether mixture.The resulting solid was filtered off and dried in vacuo to give the title compound (1.17 g) as an off-white crystalline solid, m.p. 103-110 .

ii) N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N'-methyltiourea, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1 :1:1:1) Lithium aluminium hydride (0.19 g) was added in small portions at 1820 to a stirred suspension of N-[-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]N'-methylthiourea(0.4 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) under nitrogen. VVhen the addition was complete the yellow suspension was heated at reflux for 2 h. The suspension was cooled to room temperature and the excess lithium aluminium hydride was destroyed by the careful addition of a water-ethanol mixture (1 :1) (30 ml). The resulting suspension was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to a yellow semi-solid. Ethanol (50 ml) and water (10 ml) were added and the solution was filtered to remove a small quantity of insoluble material.

The filtrate was heated to reflux and treated with a hot solution of creatinine sulphate (0.6 g) in water (2 ml). On cooling, the title compound was obtained as a buff-coloured solid m.p. 226-9 (dec).

Analysis Found: C, 40.3; H, 5.5; N, 20.1; C12H 1eN4S.C4H7NsO.H2S04.H2O requires: C, 40.2; H, 5.7; N, 20.5% EXAMPLE 17 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-lH-indol-5-yl]thiourea, fumarate, hemihydrate i) Ethyl[[[3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]amino]thiocarbonyl]carbamate Ethoxycarbonyl isothiocyanate (1.2 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 5-amino-i H- indole-3-acetonitrile (1.7 g) in dry acetonitrile (50 ml). After 10 min. the resulting suspension was -diluted with water (40 ml) and stirred for 20 min.

The precipitate was filtered off, washed with dry acetonitrile, and dried in vacuo to give the title compound as a cream solid (1.5 g) m.p. 201-202 C.

ii) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]thiourea A solution of ethyl [[[3-(cyanomethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]amino]thiocarbonyljcarbamate (0.5 g) in 2N sodium hydroxide (3 ml) and ethanol (10 ml) was stirred at 400C for 2 h. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, triturated with water (40 ml), washed with ethanol (ca. 30 ml) and dried in vacuo to give the title compound as a white solid (0.25 g) m.p. 212-2140C.

iii) N-[3 -(2-Ami noethyl)-l H-indol-5-yl]th iou rea, fumarate, hemihydrate Llthium aluminium hydride (0.5 g) was added portionwise. under nitrogen, to a stirred suspension of N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]thiourea(0.6 g) in THF (150 ml). When the additon was complete aluminium chloride (1.74 g) was added, and the resulting grey suspension was stirred at reflux for 1 h.

The mixture was cooled in ice and excess reagent decomposed by cautious addition of 10% water in THF. Brine (100 ml) and ethyl acetate (100 ml) were added, insoluble material filtered off, and the aqueous layer extracted with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The combined organic solutions were washed with brine (100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to yield a pale yellow oil. The oil was dissolved in a solution of fumaric acid (0.3 g) in methanol (5 ml) and the fumarate precipitate by the addition of ethyl acetate (250 ml). The salt was crystallised from isopropanol and recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate to give the title compound as a cream solid (0.15 g) m.p. 147-1 500.

Analysis Found: C, 50.1; H, 5.4; N,15.8; C11H14NSCHO4.0.SH2O requires: C, 50.1; H, 5.3; N,15.6% EXAMPLE 18 N-[1-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]ethyl]acetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:2) i) 2-[2-(5-Acetyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione A suspension of 5-acetyl-1 H-indole-3-ethanamine (1.0 g), phthalic anhydride (0.83 g) and sodium acetate (1.0 g) in acetic acid (1 5 ml) was heated at reflux for 3 h. On cooling the title compound was deposited as an off-white crystalline solid (1.5 g) m.p. 234-5 .

ii) 2-[5-[1 -(Hydroxyimino)ethyl]-1 H-indoi3-yl]-l H-isoindole-l ,3(2H)-dione A suspension of 2-[2-(5-acetyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione (1.0 g) in ethanol (20 ml) was treated with a solution of hydroxylamine acetate [generated from a solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.5 g) and sodium acetate (0.5 g) in water (5 ml) diluted with ethanol (75 ml) to deposit sodium chloride]. The reaction mixture was heated at a reflux for 2.5 h. On voling the title compound crystallised out as a yellow solid (1.0 g) m.p. 220-223 .

iii) N-[1-(3-(1,3-Dihydro-1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoi ndol-2-yl)ethyl]-l H-indol-5-yl]ethyl]acetamide A suspension of 2-[5-[1-(hydroxyimino)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione (0.8 g) ir methanol (1 50 ml) and concentrated sulphuric acid (0.8 ml) was hydrogenated over pre-reduced palladium on charcoal (0.8 g) at room temperature and pressure until hydrogen uptake ceased (4h, 120 ml). The catalyst was filtered off, washed with methanol, and dimethylformamide (10 ml) was added to the filtrate before evaporating off the methanol under reduced pressure. The resulting brown solution was cooled in an ice-bath and treated successively with pyridine (10 ml) and acetic anhydride (0.8 ml).

The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight then partitioned between ethyl acetate (250 ml) and dilute hydrochloric acid (2N, 500 ml). The organic phase was washed with water (5 x 100 ml), dried (NaSO4) and evaporated to dryness to give a brown gum which was purified on a silica column (Kieselgel 60, 70 g) eluted with ethyl acetate to give the title compound as a yellow crystalline solid (0.45 g) m.p. 2246c.

iv) N-[1-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]ethyl]acetamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:2) Following the method described in Example 1 (ii), a solution of N-[1 -[3-[2-( 1 ,3-dihydro-1 3-dioxo- 2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1H indol-5-yl]ethyi]acetamide (0.38 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was deprotected with hydrazine hydrate (0.25 ml) to give, after creatinine sulphate formation, the title compound as a white crystalline solid (0.35 g) m.p. 205-12 (dec).

Analysis Found: C, 43.4; H, 6.15; N, 17.65; C14H19NOCH 7N3O.H2S04.2H2O requires: C, 43.9; H, 6.5; N,17.1% EXAMPLE 19 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (10:12:11:10) i) N-[[3-[2-(1,3-Dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl]ethyl-1H-indol-5-yl]methylformamide Formic acetic anhydride (5 ml) was added over 1 min. to an ice- cooled, stirred solution of 2-[2-[5 (aminomethyl)-l H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]-1 H-isoindole-l ,3(2H)-dione, hemisulphate, hydrate (0.65 g) in dry pyridine (25 ml). After 10 min. the mixture was removed from the ice bath and stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h.

The mixture was then cooled in ice and water (10 ml) added. After 10 min., the mixture was slowly diluted with water to 400 ml, with scratching. Filtration gave pale yellow needles (0.53 g) m.p.

1746 (partial melting at 1450).

As sample (0.14 g) was recrystallised from ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.11 g) as a yellow powder m.p. 1 768c.

ii) N-[[3-[2-(1,3-Dihydro-1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-l -methyl-1 H-indot-5- yl]methyljformamide, hemihydrate Sodium hydride in oil (80%, 0.045 g) was added under nitrogen to a stirred solution of N-[[3-[2 (1,3-dihydro-l ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-l H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide (0.5 g) in dimethylformamide (20 ml) and stirring continued for 30 min. The solution was then treated with methyl iodide (0.2 ml).After 3 h, the solution was diluted with ethyl acetate (150 ml) washed with brine (10%, 3 x 50 ml), dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated to dryness giving a yellow solid which was crystallised from ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.2 g) as an off-white solid m.p.

1-89--1910.

iii) N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)- 1 -m ethyl-l H-indol-5-yl] methyl]forma m ide compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (10:12:11:10) A solution of N-[[3-[2-(1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1-methyl-1H-indol-5yl]methyl]formamide (0.3 g) in ethanolic methylamine (33%, 10 ml) was kept at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue re-evaporated with ethanol (3 x 50 ml). The residue was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol (50 ml) and water (1 ml) and an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (1:1, 2M, 0.4 ml) added. Filtration of the cooled mixture gave the title compound (0.26 g) as an off-white solid m.p. 204-208 .

Analysis Found: C,43.8; H, 6.1; N, 19.3% C13H17O.1.2C4H7N3o.1.1H2SO4.H2O requires: C, 43.4; H, 6.1; N, 18.8% EXAMPLE 20 N-[[3-(3-Aminppropyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide. compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1 :1 :1.2 i) 2-[3-[5-(Aminomethyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl]propylj- 1 H-isoindole- I ,3(2H)-dione, sulphate A suspension of 3-[3-(1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl]propyl]-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile (2.0 g) and palladium on carbon catalyst (aqueous paste 50%, 0.85 g) in absolute methanol (100 ml) containing sulphuric acid (0.64 ml) was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for 25 h. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo.The resulting yellow solid was washed with ether (2 x 50 ml), crystallised from water (10 ml) and dried in vacuo to afford the title compound as a pale yellow-green solid (1.77 g) m.p. 176-180 (dec).

ii) N-[[3-[3-( I ,3-Dihydro-1 .3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)propyl]-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide Following the method described in Example 19(i), a solution of 2-[3-[5-(aminomethyl)-1H-indol-3- yl]propyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, sulphate (0.75 g) was reacted with formic acetic anhydride (15 ml) in pyridine (27.5 ml) to give the title compound as a yellow solid (0.49 g) m.p. 150-152 after crystallisation from ethyl acetate.

iii) N-[[3-(3-Aminopropyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:2) A solution of N-[[3-[3-(1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)-ropyl]-1H-indol-5yl]methyl]formamide (0.2 g) in ethanolic methylamine (33%, 5 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h, then evaporated to dryness in vacuo below 5 . The resulting off-white solid was dissolved in cold ethanol (25 ml), filtered, diluted with hot ethanol (25 ml) and water (10 ml) before treating with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid [1:1,2M, 0.25 ml) to give, after recrystallisation from aqueous acetone, the title compound as an off-white solid (0.11 g) m.p. 175-8 .

Analysis Found: C, 42.45; H, 5.8; N, 17.6; C,3H,7N30.C4H,N30.H2SO4.2H20require: C, 42.7; H, 6.3; N, 17.6% EXAMPLE 21 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide i) N-[(4-Hydrazinophenyl)methyl]acetamide, hydrochloride A solution of sodium nitrite (0.2 g) in water (2 ml) was added, over T h, to a stirred suspension of N-[(4-aminophenyl)methyl]acetamide hydrochloride (0.5 g) in water (1.5 ml) and conc. hydrochloric acid (2 ml) keeping the temperature below 00. The solution was stirred with ice cooling for 40 min and then added, over 3 min, to an ice-cooled, stirred solution of sodium acetate (2.3 g) and sodium sulphite (1.3 g) in water (14 ml). After 2 h, the ice bath was removed and the mixture left at room temperature overnight.

The mixture was acidified with conc. hydrochloric acid then warmed to 850 for 15 min. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue re-evaporated with ethanol (2 x 20 ml). The residue was extracted with ethanol (2 x 25 ml) and the filtered extracts evaporated in vacuo to leave a brown gum, which crystallised on the addition of ethanol (ca 3 ml). Filtration gave a cream crystalline solid (0.21 g) m.p.205-10 , which was recrystallized from ethanol to give the title compound as a beige crystalline solid (0.1 g) m.p. 21240.

ii) N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl] methyliacetamide A solution of N-[(4-hydrazinophenyl)methyl]acetamide hydrochloride (0.05 g), 4-chlorobutanal diethyl acetal (0.05 ml) and sodium acetate (0.02 g) in a mixture of methanol (1.5 ml), acetic acid (0.3 ml) and water (10 drops) was refluxed for 7 h.

TLC Silica, ethyl acetate/2-propanol/water/0.88 ammonia (25:15:8:2) showed the title compound as the major basic product, Rf 0.3.

EXAMPLE 22 N-[[3-[2-(Methylamino)ethyl]-l H-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide, hydrochloride i) 5-(Aminomethyl)-N-methyl-N-(phenylmethyl)- 1 H-indole-3-ethanamine A solution of 3-[2-[methyl(phenylmethyl)aminolethyl]-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile (1.3 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) under nitrogen was treated with lithium aluminium hydride (1.0 g) and heated at reflux for 3 h. Excess lithium aluminium hydride was destroyed with wet tetrahydrofuran, the reaction mixture diluted with ethyl acetate (200 ml), filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give a pale yellow oil which slowly crystallised to give the title compound as a cream solid (1.2 g) m.p. 845 .

ii) N-[[3-[2-[Methyl(phenylmethyl)aminojethyl]- 1 H-indol-5-yl] methyliaceta mide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (2:2:2:3).

An ice-cold solution of 5-(aminomethyl)-N-methyl-N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-indole-3-ethanamine (1.3 g) in pyridine (5 ml) was treated dropwise with acetic anhydride (0.9 ml) over 10 min. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and then evaporated to dryness to give a brown oil which was purified on a silica column (kieselgel 60, 50 g) eluted with ethyl acetate/methanol (5:1) to give the free base of the title compound as a pale brown oil (1.0 g). A sample of this oil (100 mg) was dissolved in a hot mixture of ethanol (8 ml) and water (1 ml) and treated with an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (2M, 1:1,0.15 ml). Cooling and scratching deposited the title compound as a gummy offwhite solid m.p. 160165 (starts foaming at approx 1200).

iii) N-[[3-[2-( Methylamino)ethyl]- 1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide, hydrochloride A solution of N-[[3-[2-[methyl(phenylmethyl)amino]ethyl]-lH-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide (0.9 g) in absolute ethanol (100 ml) was hydrogenated over palladium on charcoal (10%, 50% aqueous paste, 0.2 g) at room temperature and pressure until hydrogen uptake ceased (4 h, 70 ml). The catalyst was filtered off, washed with ethanol and the filtrate evaporated to small volume and treated with ethereal hydrogen chloride then ether to deposit the title compound as a white crystalline solid (0.24 g) m.p.

240242 (darkens at 2200) after recrystallisation from ethanol.

Analysis Found: C, 59.6; H, 7.1; N, 14.75; C14H19N3O.HClrequieres: C,59.7; H,7.15; N,14.9%.

EXAMPLE 23 N-[[3-[2-(Cyclopentylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (4:6:5:6) A solution of N-[[3-(2-aminoethyl)-1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide (0.3 g) and cyclopentanone (1 ml) in absolute ethanol (40 ml) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over 10% palladium oxide on carbon (50% aq. paste; pre-reduced; 0.3 g) until hydrogen uptake ceased.

The catalyst was filtered off, washed with ethanol (20 ml) and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residual pale yellow oil was partitioned between ethyl acetate (20 ml) and 2N hydrochloric acid (1 x 20 ml; 2 x 10 ml). The aqueous layer was basified with solid sodium carbonate, saturated with sodium chloride and extracted with ethyl acetate (1 x 20 ml; 8 x 10 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to dryness.

The residual white gum (0.22 g) was dissolved in a hot mixture of acetone (15 ml) and water (2 ml) and an aqueous solution of creatinine and sulphuric acid (2M; 1:1; 0.35 ml) was added. On cooling and scratching the title compound crystallised as a pale yellow solid (0.25 g) m.p. 196-1 980 (shrinks 1900) Analysis Found: C, 45.4; H, 6.7; N, 17.2; C17H23N30.1.5C4H7N3O. 1 .25H2S04.1.SH2Orequires: C, C, 45.7; H, 6.5; N, 17.4% EXAMPLE 24 2-Methylpropyl[3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, hydrochloride i) 2-Methylpropyl [3-(cyanomethyl- 1 H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, quarter hydrate Isobutyl chloroformate (1.5 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 5-amino-1H-indole-3acetonitrile (1.7 g) in dry DMF (20 ml).After 10 min the solution was diluted with water (150 ml) and stirring continued for 30 min. The resulting solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml) and the combined extracts washed with brine (10%, 100 ml), water (100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to yield the crude product as a brown oil. This was purified by column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 100 g) using ether as the eluent, to give the title compound as a colourless gum (1.08 g) which darkened to a brown gum on storage. This material failed to crystallise from common organic solvents.

Analysis Found: C, 65.8; H, 6.4; N, 14.7; C,5Ha7N302.0.25H20 requires: C, 65.3; H, 6.4; N, 15.2%.

ii) 2-Methylpropyl [3-(2-aminoethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, hydrochloride A solution of 2-methylpropyl [3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]carbamate, quarter hydrate (0.5 g) in absolute ethanol (30 ml) containing concentrated hydrochloric acid (8 drops) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium on charcoal (10%, 1 g) for 24 h before the catalyst was replaced (10%, 0.5 g). After a further 4 h when hydrogen uptake ceased (90 ml) the catalyst was filtered off, washed with absolute ethanol, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo giving a pink solid. The crude hydrochloride was crystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate, to give the title compound as a white solid (0.15 g) m.p. 258260 .

Analysis Found: C, 57.7; H,7.0; N, 13.1; C1H21N3O2.HCl requires: C, 57.8; H, 7.1; N, 13.5%.

EXAMPLE 25 N-1[3-[2-(Phenylmethylideneamino)ethyl]- 1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, compound with toluene and water (6:2:3) A solution of N-[[3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]formamide, (0.3 g) in absolute ethanol (1 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of benzaldehyde (0.15 g) in dry toluene (15 ml). The mixture was stirred for 5 min and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Toluene (15 ml) was added and the mixture re-evaporated to give the title compound as a dark brown oil (0.35 g).

Analysis Found: C, 73.9; H, 6.5; N, 12.0 C19H19N3O.1/3C7H8.1/2H2O requires: C,74.2; H, 6.6; N, 12.2 T (DMSO) 1.7 (1 H, S) N=CHPh EXAMPLE 26 N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N',N'-dimethylsulphamide, maleate i) N-[3-(Cyanomethyl)-l H-indol-5-yl]-N',N'-dimethylsulphamide Dimethyl sulphamoyl chloride (1.2 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution 5-amino-1Hindole-3-acetonitrile (1.7 g) in dry dimethylformamide (50 ml) containing triethylamine (2.8 ml). After 3 h, the resulting suspension was diluted with water (20 ml) and stirred for 30 min. The resulting solution was poured into water (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml).The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 ml) and brine (2 x 100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo, to give a dark brown oil which was purified by column chromatography (kieselgel 60, 100 g) eluted with ether/ethyi acetate, (9:1 ) to give the title compound as a white solid (0.75 g) m.p. 147--1500.

ii) N-[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N',N'-dimethylsulphamide, maleate A solution of N-[3-(cyanomethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]-N', N'-dimethylsulphamide (0.3 g) in absolute ethanol (50 ml) containing concentrated hydrochloric acid (6 drops) was hydrogenated at room temperature and pressure over palladium on charcoal (10%, 0.2 g) for 24 h before the catalyst was replaced (10%, 0.5 g). After a further 4 h, when hydrogen uptake ceased (60 ml) the catalyst was filtered off, washed with ethanol, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to give a brown oil. The oil was then partitioned between ethyl acetate (2 x 20 ml) and 2N sodium carbonate (10 ml), the combined organic extracts dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to give a fawn foam.The foam was dissolved in a solution of maleic acid (0.16 g) in methanol (4 ml) and the maleate precipitated by the addition of ethyl acetate (100 ml) and ether (150 ml). The salt was crystallised from a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.06 g) as a fawn solid m.p. 138142 .

Analysis Found: C, 48.3; H, 5.5; N, 13.8; C12H18N4O2S.C4H4O4 requires: C, 48.2; H, 5.6; N, 14.1% EXAMPLE 27 N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-N',N'-dimethylsulphamide compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1:1:1:1) i) N-[[3-[2-( 1 ,3-Dihydro- 1 ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-1 H-indol-5-yl]methylj-N1,N'- dimethylsulphamide hemihydrate An ice-cold suspension of 2-[2-[5-(aminomethyl)- 1 H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]-1 H-isoindole-1 ,3(2H)dione, hemisulphate, hydrate (2.0 g) in pyridine (40 ml) was treated dropwise with dimethylsulphamoyl chloride (0.75 g) over five minutes. The solution was then allowed to warm to room temperature. After 1 6 h the orange solution was poured into water (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 70 ml).

The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated copper sulphate (7 x 50 ml), sodium carbonate (2N, 2 x 40 ml), dried and concentrated under vacuum to afford an orange oil (1.3 g).

Column chromatography (Kieselgel 60, 50 g) with chloroform as eluent afforded the title compound (0.62 g) as a pale yellow solid, m.p. 1 74-1 760 C.

ii) N-[[3-(2-Aminoethyl)- 1 H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-N',N'-dimethylsulphamide compound with creatinine, sulphuric acid and water (1 :1:1:1) A solution of N-[[3-[2-(1 ,3-dihydro-l ,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)ethyl]-l H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-N'.N"- dimethylsulphamide, hemihydrate (0.45 g) and hydrazine hydrate (0.2 ml) in ethanol (20 ml) was heated at reflux for two hours. The filtrate was concentrated under vacuum to afford a cream solid which was partitioned between ethyl acetate (30 ml) and sodium carbonate (2N, 25 ml) and the aqueous phase re-extracted with ethyl acetate (1 x 25 ml; 2 x 15 ml).The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3 x 25 ml), dried and concentrated under vacuum to afford the amine as a pale yellow oil, which gave, after creatinine sulphate formation the title compound (0.3 g) as a white crystalline solid m.p. 220--2220.

Analysis Found: C, 38.9; H, 5.8; N, 18.4% C13H 20N4O2S.C4H7N3O.H2SO4.H2O requires: C, 38.9; H, 6.0; N, 18.7% PHARMACEUTICAL EXAMPLES Tablets These may be prepared by direct compression or wet granulation. The direct compression method is preferred but may not be suitable in all cases as is dependent upon the dose level and physical characteristics of the active ingredient.

A. Direct Compression mg/tablet Active ingredient 10.0 Microcrystalline Cellulose B.P.C. 89.5 Magnesium Stearate 0.5 100.0 The active ingredient is sieved through a 250 Mm sieve, blended with the excipients and compressed using 6.0 mm punches. Tablets of other strengths may be prepared by altering the compression weight and using punches to suit.

B. Wet Granulation mg/tablet Active ingredient. 10.0 Lactose B.P. 74.5' Starch B.P. 10.0 Pregelatinised Maize Starch B.P. 5.0 Magnesium Stearate B.P. 0.5 Compression Weight 100.0 The active ingredient is sieved through a 250 Mm sieve and blended with the lactose, starch and pregelatinised starch. The mixed powders are moistened with purified water, granules are made, dried, screened and blended with the Magnesium Stearate. The lubricated granules are compressed into tablets as described for the direct compression formulae.

The tablets may be film coated with suitable film forming materials, e.g. methyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose using standard techniques. Alternatively the tablets may be sugar coated.

Capsules mg/capsule Active ingredient 10.0 *Starch 1500 89.5 Magnesium Stearate B.P. 0.5 Fill Weight 100.0 * A form of directly compressible starch supplied by Coloron Ltd., Orpington, Kent The active ingredient is sieved through a 250 itm sieve and blended with the other materials. The mix is filled into No. 2 hard gelatin capsules using a suitable filling machine. Other doses may be prepared by altering the fill weight and if necessary changing the capsule size to suit.

Syrup mg/5 ml dose Active ingredient 10.0 Sucrose B.P. 2750.0 Glycerine B.P. 500.0 Buffer Flavour Colour Preservative

t as required Distilled Water 5.00 ml The active ingredient, buffer, flavour, colour and preservative are dissolved in some of the water, and the glycerine is added. The remainder of the water is heated to 800C and the sucrose is dissolved in this and cooled. The two solutions are combined, adjusted to volume and mixed. The syrup produced is clarified by filtration.

Suppositories Active ingredient 10.0 mg *Witepsol H15 to 1.0 * A proprietary grade of Adeps Solidus ph. Eur. ("Witepsol" is a registered Trade Mark).

A suspension of the active ingredient in the matterWitepsol H15 is prepared and filled using a suitable machine into 1 g size suppository moulds.

Injection for Intravenous Administration %w/v Active ingredient 0.20 Water for injections B.P. to 100.00 Sodium chloride may be added to adjust the tonicity of the solution and the pH may be adjusted to that of maximum stability and/or to facilitate solution of the active ingredient using dilute acid or alkali or by the addition of suitable buffer salts. The solution is prepared, clarified and filled into appropriate sized ampoules sealed by fusion of the glass. The injection is sterilised by heating in an autoclave using one of the acceptable cycles. Alternatively the solution may be sterilised by filtration and filled into sterile ampoules under aseptic conditions. The solution may be packed under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

Inhalation Cartridges mg/cartridge Active ingredient micronised* 1.00 Lactose B.P. 39.0 The active ingredient is micronised* in a fluid energy mill to a fine particle size range prior to blending with normal tabletting grade lactose in a high energy mixer. The powder blend is filled into No.

3 hard gelatin capsules on a suitable encapsulating machine. The content of the cartridges are administered using a powder inhaler (e.g. Glaxo Rotahaler*).

Metered Dose PressurisedAerosol mg/metered dose Per can Active ingredient micronised* 0.500 120 mg Oleic Acid B.P. 0.050 12 mg Trichlorofluoromethane B.P. 22.25 5.34 g Dichlorodifluoromethane B.P. 60.90 14.62 g The active ingredient is micronised* in a fluid energy mill to a fine particle size range. The Oleic Acid is mixed with the Trichlorofluoromethane at a temperature of 10-1 50C and the micronised* drug is mixed into this solution with a high shear mixer. The suspension is metered into aluminium aerosol cans and suitable metering valves, delivering a metered dose of 85 mg of suspension are crimped onto the cans and the Dichlorodifluoromethane is pressure filled into the cans through valves.

Claims (19)

1. A compound of the general formula (I):

wherein B1 represents a group CHO, COR8, CO2R8, CONRgRlo, CSNRgR10 or SO2NRgR10, where R8 represents an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, B8 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and B10 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group; R2,R3,R4, R6 and R7' which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a C13 alkyl group;; B5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or an aralkyl group or R4 and R5 together form an aralkylidene group or R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated monocyclic 5- to 7-membered ring; n is zero or 1; and Alk represents an alkylene chain containing two or three carbon atoms which may be unsubstituted or substituted by not more than two C13 alkyl groups; with the provisos that, when n is zero and (i) R4 and R5 both represent alkyl groups, R1 does not represent the group CHO or COR8; and (ii) R, does not represent the group SO2NH2; and physiologically acceptable salts; solvates and bioprecursors thereof.

2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Alk represents an unsubstituted alkylene chain containing two carbon atoms.

3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group and R6 and R7 each represents a hydrogen atom.

4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom.

5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

6. A compound according to claim 1, having the general formula (la):

wherein * The words "Micronizer" and "Rotohaler" are registered Trade Marks.

Bia represents a group CHO, CONH2, COR8a or CO2R8a, where R8a is an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a trifluoromethyl group; R2a represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n is zero or 1; and B4aandB5a, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group with the provisos that the total number of carbon atoms in R4a and R5a together does not exceed two and that when Ria represents a group CHO or a group COR8a when n is zero, then R4a represents a hydrogen atom, and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates and bioprecursors thereof.

7. A compound according to claim 1 having the general formula (Ib):

wherein Rib represents a group CHO, CONH2 or CO2R8b where Rsb is a methyl, ethyl or isobutyl group; R2b represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R4b and R5b, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group with the provisos that the total number of carbon atoms in R4b and R5b together does not exceed two and that when Rb is the group CHO, R4b represents a hydrogen atom, and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates and bioprecursors thereof.

8. A compound according to claim 1 having the general formula (Ic):

wherein Bic represents a group CHO or a group COR8c where R8C is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R2C represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R4c and R5c, which may be the same or different each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R4c and R5c together does not exceed two, and physiologically acceptable salts, solvates and bioprecursors thereof.

9. Ethyl[3-(2-aminoethyl)- 1 H indol-5-yl] carbamate, 2-methylpropyl[3-(2-aminoethyl)- 1 H-indol-5yl]carbamate and N-[[3-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]acetamide and their physiologically acceptable salts, solvates and bioprecursors.

10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the physiologically acceptable salt is a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, fumarate or maleate.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of general formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or bioprecursor thereof together with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients.

12. A process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) as defined in claim 1 or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or bioprecursor thereof which process comprises: (A) reacting a compound of general formula (all):

wherein R2, R3, R4, B5, R6, R7, n and Alk are as defined for general formula (I), or a protected derivative thereof, with a suitable reagent which serves to introduce the group R,; or (B) cyclising a compound of general formula (Ill):

wherein Q is the group NR4R5 or a protected derivative thereof or a leaving group and Rl, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Alk and n are as defined for general formula (I); or (C) reacting a compound of general formula (VI):

wherein R,, R2, R3, R6, R7, Alk and n are as defined for general formula (I) and Y is a readily displaceable group, or a protected derivative thereof, with a compound of formula R4R5NH, where R4 and B5 are as defined for general formula (I); or (D) reducing a compound of general formula (VII):

wherein W is a group capable of being reduced to give the required AlkNR4R5 group or a protected derivative thereof and R,, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Alk and n are as defined for general formuia (I), or a salt or protected derivative thereof; and, if necessary and/or desired, subjecting the compound thus obtained to one or more further reactions comprising: (F) (i) converting the resulting compound of general formula (I) or a salt or protected derivative thereof into another compound of general formula (I); and/or (ii) removing any protecting group or groups; and/or (iii) converting a compound of general formula (I) or a salt thereof into a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate or bioprecursor thereof.

13. A process according to claim 12, wherein the reaction (A) comprises (i) reacting the compound of general formula (II) with an acid of formula RrOH, where R1 is as defined for general formula (I) in the presence of a coupling agent at a temperature of from -5 to +300 C. or, in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) wherein R, represents -CHO, with formic acid at reflux; or (ii) reacting the compound of general formula (II) with an acylating agent corresponding to an acid of formula R,OH, where B1 is as defined for general formula (I) at a temperature of from -70 to + 1 500C.

(iii) in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) wherein R, represents the group -CONR9R10 or -CSNB9B10, reacting the compound of general formula (||) with phosgene or thiophosgene and an appropriate amine of formula RgR10NH, where R9 and B10 are as defined for general formula (I), or a salt thereof.

14. A process according to claim 12, wherein the cyclisation reaction (B) comprises reacting a compound of general formula (lV):

wherein R,, R2, R3, R7 and n are as defined for general formula (I), or a salt thereof, with a compound of formula (V): R6COCH2AlkQ (V) wherein R6 and Alk are as defined for general formula (I) and Q is as defined in claim 12, or a salt or protected derivative thereof.

15. A process according to claim 12 or 14, wherein the cyclisation reaction (B) is effected at a temperature of from 20 to 2000C and wherein, when Q is the group NR4R5 or a protected derivative thereof, the reaction is effected in an aqueous reaction medium in the presence of an acid catalyst and wherein, when Q is a leaving group, the reaction is effected in an aqueous organic solvent in the absence of a mineral acid.

16. A process according to claim 12, wherein, in reaction (C), Y represents a halogen atom or a group OR where OR is an acyloxy group or a sulphonate group and the reaction (C) is effected in an inert organic solvent at a temperature of from -10 to +1 50 C.

17. A process according to claim 12, wherein the reaction (D) comprises: (i) reducing a compound of formula (Vli), wherein W is the group CHR,2CN, CHRr,CHR,2NO2, CH=CR,2NO2 or CHR"CR,2=NOH by catalytic reduction with hydrogen; or (ii) reducing a compound of formula (VII), wherein W is the group CHR,2CN, in the presence of an amine of formula HNR4R5 using hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst; or (iii) reducing a compound of formula (VII) wherein W is the group COCHR,2Z with heating using an alkali metal borohydride in a solvent; or (iv) reducing a compound of formula (VII), wherein W is the group AlkNe or CH(OH)CHR12NR4R5 using hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst: wherein R11 and R12' which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group. Z is an azido group N3 or the group NR4R5 or a protected derivative thereof and R4, B5 and Alk are as defined for general formula (I).

18. A process according to claim 12, wherein the reaction (E(i)) comprises preparing a compound of general formula (I) wherein R4 and/or B5 is other than hydrogen by reductive alkylation of the corresponding compound of general formula (I) wherein R4 and/or B5 represents hydrogen using an appropriate aldehyde or ketone and suitable reducing agent.

19. A compound of general formula (1) as defined in claim 1 or a physiologically acceptable salt.

solvate or bioprecursor thereof for use in the treatment of migraine.