WO1999029666A1

WO1999029666A1 - Arylpiperazine and arylpiperidine derivatives, their preparation and their use as combined 5-ht1a, 5-ht1b and 5-ht1d receptor antagonists

Info

Publication number: WO1999029666A1
Application number: PCT/EP1998/007803
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laramie Mary Gaster; Paul Adrian Wyman
Original assignee: Smithkline Beecham Plc
Priority date: 1997-12-05
Filing date: 1998-12-01
Publication date: 1999-06-17
Also published as: GB9725931D0

Abstract

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof in which Ra represents the group (1) in which the ring A is 5, 6 or 7-membered carbocyclic ring optionally substituted by one or more C¿1-6?alkyl groups, fused at the 2,3 or 3,4-positions of the adjacent phenyl ring, the ring A being optionally fused to a further phenyl ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from C1-6alkyl and halo; R?2¿ is halogen, C¿1-6?alkyl, C3-6cycloalkyl, C3-6cycloalkenyl, C1-6alkoxy, C1-6alkanoyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, CO2R?10, CONR10R11, NR10R11¿ where R?10 and R11¿ are independently hydrogen or C¿1-6?alkyl; a is 0, 1 or 2; L is a group of formula -Y-C(=O)-DG- or -C(=O)-DG- or -DG-C(=O)- in which Y is -NH-, NR?5¿ where R5 is C¿1-6?alkyl, or Y is -CH2- or -O-; D is nitrogen, carbon or a CH group, G is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl providing that D is nitrogen or a CH group, or G together with R?b1¿ forms a group W where W is (CR16R17)t where t is 2, 3 or 4 and R?16 and R17¿ are independently hydrogen or C¿1-6?alkyl or W is (CR?16R17)¿u-J where u is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and J is oxygen, sulphur, CR?16=CR17, =CR16=N, CR16O, =CR16¿S or =CR16-NR17 provided that u is not 0 when J is oxygen or sulphur; X is nitrogen or carbon; R?b1 and Rb2¿ are independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C¿1-6?alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C3-6cycloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, C1-6alkoxy or aryl, or R?b1¿ together with G forms a group W as defined above; Rc is hydrogen or C¿1-6?alkyl; and ........ is a single bond when X is nitrogen or a single or double bond when X is carbon, having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, to compositions containing them and to their use in the treatment of CNS disorders.

Description

ARYLPIPERAZINE AND ARYLPIPERIDINE DERIVATIVES, THEIR PREPARAΗON AND THEIR USE AS COMBINED 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B AND 5-HT1D RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS

The present invention relates to novel piperazine derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. WO 95/04729, WO 95/06044 and WO 95/06637 all disclose a series of piperazine derivatives which are said to possess 5HTi£) receptor antagonist activity. These compounds are alleged to be of use in the treatment of various CNS disorders such as depression. EPA 0533266/7/8 disclose a series of benzanilide derivatives which are said to possess 5-HTID receptor antagonist activity. The 5-HTJD receptor was subsequently found to consist of a pair of gene products originally designated 5-HTjj)_α and 5-HTjj)β receptors which have more recently been reclassified as 5-HTi ₎ and 5-HTι g receptors respectively (Hartig, P.R. et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 1992, Vol. 13, page 152, Hartig, P.R. et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 1996, Vol. 17, page 103).

A structurally distinct class of compounds have now been found that exhibit combined 5HT^, 5HTJB and 5HTID receptor affinity. It is expected that such compounds will be useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of various disorders. In a first aspect, the present invention therefore provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof:

(I) in which R^a represents the group:

in which the ring A is 5, 6 or 7 -membered carbocyclic ring optionally substituted by one or more Cι_6alkyl groups, fused at the 2,3- or 3,4-positions of the adjacent phenyl ring, the ring A being optionally fused to a further phenyl ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from Cι_6alkyl and halo;

R² is halogen, Cj.galkyl, C3_6cycloalkyl, C3_6cycloalkenyl, C^alkoxy, C^galkanoyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, CO2 ¹⁰, CON 1°R11, NR1°R11 where R O and Ri 1 are independently hydrogen or

C^alkyl; a is O, l, or 2;

L is a group of formula

- Y-C(=O)-DG - or -C(=O)-DG- or -DG-C(=O)- in which Y is - NH -, NR⁵ where R⁵ is C 1 -β l yl, or Y is - CH2 - or - O -;

D is nitrogen, carbon or a CH group, G is hydrogen or C^galkyl providing that D is nitrogen or a CH group, or G together with Rbl forms a group W where W is (CR^R^)t where t is

2, 3 or 4 and R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are independently hydrogen or Cj^alkyl or W is (CR¹⁶R¹⁷)_U-J where u is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and J is oxygen, sulphur, CR¹⁶=CR¹⁷, CR¹⁶=N, =CR¹⁶O, =CR¹⁶S or =CR1 -NR17 provided that u is not 0 when J is oxygen or sulphur;

X is nitrogen or carbon;

Rbl and R 2 are independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Cj.^alkyl,

C2_ ^alkenyl, C3_6cycloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, C^^alkoxy or aryl, or Rbl together with G forms a group W as defined above; R^c is hydrogen or C 1 _6alkyl; and is a single bond when X is nitrogen or a single or double bond when X is carbon.

Cj.galkyl groups whether alone or as part of another group may be straight chain or branched. The term 'acyloxy' is used herein to describe a group -OC(O)Cι_6alkyl. The term 'aryl' is used herein to describe, unless otherwise stated, a group such as phenyl. The term 'halogen' is used herein to describe, unless otherwise stated, a group selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

In addition to the keto group and the portion fused to the phenyl ring the ring A is preferably formed from a straight chain alkylene grouping containing 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. The ring A is preferably a 5 or 6-membered ring in which the oxo group is advantageously attached to a carbon atom adjacent to the phenyl ring, the ring A being preferably attached to the 3,4-positions of the latter phenyl ring, a is preferably 0 or 1 ;

R² is preferably halogen for example a chloro group or a Cj.βalkyl group for example a methyl group; The group L is preferably a group of formula: -

-Y-C(=O)-(DG)-, in which Y is preferably -NH;

D is preferably nitrogen and G is preferably a hydrogen atom or together with Rbl forms a group W, preferably -(CH2)2->

Rbl and Rb2 are preferably hydrogen or a halogen atom for example bromine or chlorine, or a C\.^a\koxy group for example methoxy, or Rbl together with G forms the group W referred to above. Preferably Rb2 has a para relationship with respect to the group L. X is preferably nitrogen.

R^c is preferably a Cι_6alkyl group for example methyl.

Particularly preferred compounds according to the invention include:-

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[( 1 -oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5-Chloro-6-(4- ethylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5 ,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(1 -oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[( 1 -oxoindan-6-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(l-oxoindan-6-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Chloro- 1 -(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-2-ylaminocarbonyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)indoline,

5-Chloro-l-(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-3-ylaιninocarbonyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline,

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro -5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l - naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l - naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Preferred salts of the compounds of formula (I) are pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These include acid addition salts such as hydrochlorides, hydro bromides, phosphates, acetates, fumarates, maleates, tartrates, citrates, oxalates, methanesulphonates and p- toluenesulphonates.

Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. It will be understood that the invention encompasses all geometric and optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and the mixtures thereof including racemates.

Compounds of the invention can be prepared using procedures known in the art. In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises:

(a) where L is -C(=O)-DG - or -DG-C(=O)-, coupling a compound of formula (II):

R^a -Ll (II) with a compound of formula (HI) :

(HI) in which R^a, Rbl, Rb2_} R^C ^^ x are as defined in formula (I) and i and L² contain the appropriate functional groups which are capable of reacting together to form the L moiety; or

(b) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG in which D is nitrogen and Y is NH, coupling a compound of formula (IV):

R -NC(=O) (IV) in which R^a is defined in formula (I) or a protected derivative thereof, with a compound of formula (V):

(V) in which Rbl, Rb2, R^C ₉ G and X are as defined in formula (I), or a protected derivative thereof; or

(c) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is nitrogen and Y is NH or NR?, reacting a compound of formula (VI)

R^a -NH₂ or R^a -NR⁵H (VI) in which R^a and R^ are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (V) together with an appropriate urea forming agent; or

(d) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is nitrogen and Y is CH2 or O, reacting a compound of formula (VH):

_Ra _γ_ ( =0) - L³ (VH) in which R^a is as defined in formula (I), and L³ is an appropriate leaving group, with a compound of formula (V):or

(e) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is CH and Y is NH, reacting a compound of formula (VI): R^a -NH₂ (VI) in which R^a is as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (Vffl):

in which G, X, Rbl, Rb2 and R^C Q-Q ^ defined in formula (I) and L³ is an appropriate leaving atom; and optionally thereafter: • removing any protecting groups,

• converting a compound of formula (I) into another compound of formula (I),

• forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

In the reaction of the compounds of formulae (LI) and (IH), suitable examples of groups

L,l and L2 include:-

L is COL^a and L² is NH₂.

Li is NH2 and L2 is COL^a in which L^a is an appropriate leaving group. Suitably one of Ll and L, is an activated carboxyhc acid derivative such as an acyl chloride or acid anhydride, and the other is an amine group. Activated compounds of formulae (II) and (III) can also be prepared by reaction of the corresponding carboxyhc acid with a coupling agent such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, carbonyldiimidazole or diphenylphosphorylazide. Preferably L.1 or L is a group COL^a where L^a is halo particularly chloro. Compounds of formulae (II) and (IH) are typically reacted together in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, trimethylamine or pyridine.

The reaction in process (b) is conveniently effected in an organic solvent such as dichloromethane.

In process (c) the urea forming agent can be carbonyl diimidazole, triphosgene or phosgene, and carried out in an inert organic solvent such as dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine. In process (d) the leaving group L³ may be a halogen e.g. chloro group and the reaction may be carried out in an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine.

In process (e) the leaving group L³ may be a halogen e.g. chloro group and the reaction may be carried out in an inert organic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine.

Compounds of formula (I) can be converted into further compounds of formula (I) using standard techniques. For example, in the case wherein R^c is hydrogen, it is possible to introduce a C galley 1 group by conventional alkylation using 1 molar equivalent of a Cj.galkyl halide and 1 molar equivalent of a suitable base in an inert solvent.

Intermediate compounds of formula (II) to (VET) can be prepared using standard procedures known in the art. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that it may be necessary to protect certain reactive substituents during some of the above procedures. Standard protection and deprotection techniques can be used. For example, primary amines can be protected as phthalimide, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or trityl derivatives. These groups can be removed by conventional procedures well known in the art. Carboxyhc acid groups can be protected as esters. Aldehyde or ketone groups can be protected as acetals, ketals, thioacetals or thioketals. Deprotection is achieved using standard conditions.

The involvement of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) receptors in a number of pharmacological effects has been reviewed by R. A. Glennon in "Serotonin Receptors: Clinical Implications", Neuroscience and Behavioural Reviews, 1990, 14, 35 and by L.O.Wilkinson and C.T. Dourish in "Serotonin Receptor Subtypes : Basic and Clinical Aspects" S. Peroutka Ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1991 p.147.

Serotonin receptors have been implicated in pharmacological effects such as mood disorders including depression, seasonal affective disorder and dysthymia, anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; memory disorders, including dementia, amnesic disorders and age-associated memory impairment; disorders of eating behaviours, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, sleep disorders (including disturbances of Circadian rhythm), motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia in Parkinson's disease, neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias, as well as other psychiatric disorders. Serotonin receptor ligands have been shown to be of use in the treatment of emesis and nausea and may also be of use in endocrine disorders such as hyperlactinaemia, vasospasm (particularly in the cerebral vasculature), cerebellar ataxia and hypertension, as well as disorders of the gastrointestinal tract where changes in motility and secretion are involved. They may also be of use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and hypothermia.

Ligands with high affinity for the 5HTj receptors are well recognised as having therapeutic utility for the treatment of the above conditions. For example: WO 95/31988 refers to the use of a 5-HTιrj receptor antagonist in conjunction with a 5-HT^ receptor antagonist to treat CNS (central nervous system), endocrine and GI (gastrointestinal) disorders; K. Rasmussen (Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, (1995) 30, 1) describes the utility of 5-HTJA receptor agonists and partial agonists in the treatment of various CNS disorders; P. Trouillas (Progress in Brain Research, C.I. de Zeeuw, P. Stara and J. Voogd, Eds. 1997, 144, 589) and G. Maura (J. Neurochemistry, 1996, 66, 202) propose that administration of agonist ligands selective for the 5-HTj A receptor or for both 5-HTJA ^and 5-HTID receptors should provide effective treatment for human cerebellar ataxias. The present invention also provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of treating the aforementioned disorders which comprises administering an effective amount to a patient in need of such treatment of a compound of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. In particular the invention provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of depression.

The affinities of the compounds of this invention for the 5HTIA_> 5-HTJB nd 5-HTID receptors can be determined by the following radioUgand binding assay. HEK 293 cells expressing 5-HT^A receptors (4 x 10⁷/ml) are homogenised in Tris buffer and stored in lml aliquots. CHO cells expressing 5-HTJB receptors (4 x 10⁷ cells/ml) are homogenised in Tris buffer and stored in 1.5 ml aliquots. CHO cells expressing 5-HTID receptors (0.563 x 10^/ml) are homogenised in Tris buffer and stored in 1 ml aliquots. 0.4 ml of a cell suspension is incubated with [³H]-5-HT (4nM) for 5-HTJB/IJ) receptors and [³H]-8-OH DPAT (InM) for 5-HTi _A receptors in Tris Mg HC1 buffer (pH 7.7) and test drug, at 37°C for 45 minutes. Each test drug is tested at 10 concentrations (0.01 mM to 0.3 nM final concentration), with non-specific binding defined using 0.01 mM 5-HT. The total assay volume is 0.5 ml. Incubation is stopped by rapid filtration using a Packard Filtermate (filters pre-soaked in 0.3% polyethylenimine) and radioactivity measured by Topcount scintillation counting. pKi values are calculated from the IC50 generated by an iterative least squares curve fitting programme.

The intrinsic activity of the compounds of this invention can be determined according to the following procedure. HEK293 cell membranes stably expressing human 5-HTj x_ receptors and CHO cell membranes stably expressing human 5-HTJB receptors are homogenised in HEPES/EDTA buffer and stored in 1ml aliquots, and [³5S]GTPγS binding studies are carried out essentially as described by Lazareno et al., (Life Sci., 1993, 52, 449) with some minor modifications. Membranes from 10^ cells are pre-incubated at 30°C for 30 min in 20 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) in the presence of MgCl2 (3 mM), NaCl (100 mM), GDP (lO μM) and ascorbate (0.2 mM), with or without compounds. The reaction is started by the addition of 10 μl of [³^S]GTPγS (100 pM, assay concentration) followed by a further 30 minutes incubation at 30°C. Non-specific binding was determined using non- radiolabelled GTPγS (20 μM) added prior to the membranes. The reaction is terminated by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B grade filters followed by 5 x 1 ml washes with ice cold HEPES (20 mM) /MgCl2 (3 mM) buffer. Radioactivity is measured using liquid scintillation spectrometry. This procedure is hereafter referred to as the [ ^S]GTPγS functional assay.

The compounds of formula (I) show high affinity for the 5HTIA_> 5-HTIB and 5-HTjr) receptors. It has been found, using the [³5s]GTPγS functional assay, that certain compounds of formula (I) show varying levels of intrinsic efficacy, which is defined by a scale ranging from 1.0 to 0 (1 defines the maximum response elicited by the agonist 5-HT, 0 defines antagonism). The difficulties in describing intrinsic activity of drugs acting at G protein coupled receptors is recognised in the art (Hoyer and Boddeke, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, July 1993, [Vol. 14], page 270-275). We believe that however these ligands are classified according to this functional assay, the compounds of this invention will be useful antidepressants in vivo. It is believed that the preferred compounds of this invention will display 5HTj _A> -HTJB and 5-HTij) antagonist activity in vivo and that such compounds will have a rapid onset of action. A rapid onset of action is particularly advantageous for antidepressant compounds: by 'rapid onset of action' we mean that a therapeutic response is seen within 7 days from first administration of the compound, as opposed to a period of about 21 days or more which is typical of SSRI's, tricyclic antidepressants and buspirone.

Compounds of formula (I) which have an intrinsic activity of 0.5 or less in the [³^S]GTPγS functional assay are particularly preferred, as these compounds are more likely to be full antagonists in vivo. As disclosed in WO 95/31988, the simultaneous antagonism of pre-synaptic 5HTIAJ\ /IO receptors will result in increased release of 5HT in vivo and this will improve 5HT neurotransmission. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds according to the invention may advantageously be used in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, for instance, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A pharmaceutical composition of the invention, which may be prepared by admixture, suitably at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, is usually adapted for oral, parenteral or rectal administration and, as such, may be in the form of tablets, capsules, oral liquid preparations, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstitutable powders, injectable or infusible solutions or suspensions or suppositories. Orally administrable compositions are generally preferred.

Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose form, and may contain conventional excipients, such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting lubricants, disintegrants and acceptable wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice.

Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be in the form of a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), preservatives, and, if desired, conventional flavourings or colorants.

For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilising a compound of the invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilised before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents are dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved, and sterilisation cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilised by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspension in a sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound. The composition may contain from 0.1% to 99% by weight, preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, of the active material, depending on the method of administration.

The dose of the compound used in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 1.0 to 200 mg, and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three a day. Such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months.

The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of the invention.

Description 1 l-Acetyl-6-nitroindoIine (DI)

A stirred solution of 6-nitroindoline (lOOg, 0.61 mol) in dichloromethane (1000 ml) at room temperature was treated dropwise over 20 minutes with acetic anhydride (62 ml, 0.66 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred for a further 2hours, then washed with 10% Na2CO3 solution (300 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (125g, 100%).

IH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.95 (d, IH), 7.87 (dd, IH), 7.26 (d, IH), 4.18 (t, 2H),

3.29 (t, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

Description 2 l-Acetyl-6-aminoindoIine (D2)

A stirred suspension of l-acetyl-6-nitroindoline (DI, 125g, 0.61 mol) in THF (5500 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd-C (20g) at 50 psi (344.8KPa) for 20 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration through a plug of kieselguhr and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a beige solid (102g, 95%). lH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.64 (d, IH), 6.92 (d, IH), 6.34 (dd, IH), 4.01 (t,

2H), 3.82 (br s, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.19 (s, 3H).

Description 3

1 -Acetyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D3)

A stirred mixture of l-acetyl-6-aminoindoline (D2, 37.8g, 0.22 mol), mechlorethamine hydrochloride (46g, 0.24 mol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (80g, 0.58 mol) in 1- butanol (1800 ml) was heated at reflux for 8 hours, then additional mechlorethamine hydrochloride (25g, 0.13 mol) and potassium carbonate (41 g, 0.30 mol) were added and reflux continued for 3hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and then washed with water (1000 ml). The aqueous wash was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the extract combined with the 1-butanol solution and concentrated in vacuo. The brown oily residue (60g) was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0-8% MeOH/DCM to give an orange oil, which was triturated with ether to afford the title compound as a beige solid (12.2g, 22%).

IH NMR (250 MHz, CDC1₃) δ (ppm): 7.98 (d, IH), 7.04 (d, IH), 6.59 (dd, IH), 4.04 (t, 2H), 3.23-3.18 (m, 4H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.60-2.53 (m, 4H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H).

Description 4 l-Acetyl-5-chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D4)

A stirred solution of l-acetyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D3, l.lg, 0.0040 mol) in dichloromethane (100 ml) at -5°C under argon was treated dropwise over 15 minutes with a solution of N-chlorosuccinimide (0.73g, 0.0054 mol) in DCM (10 ml), then kept at -5°C for a further 0.5h and allowed to warm to room temperature over 1 hour. The reaction mixture was extracted with 2M HCl acid (60 ml) and the acid extract basified by addition of solid K2CO3 and extracted with DCM. The organic extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a beige solid (1.45g, 100%). IH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.05 (s, IH), 7.15 (s, IH), 4.06 (t, 2H), 3.20-3.05 (m, 4H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.70-2.55 (m, 4H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H).

Description 5 5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5)

A stirred solution of l-acetyl-5-chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D4, 1.4g, 0.0048 mol) in 2M HCl acid (120 ml) was heated at reflux under argon for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, basified by addition of solid K2CO3 and extracted with DCM.

The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a beige solid (0.93g, 78%).

IH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.07 (s, IH), 6.40 (s, IH), 3.76 (br s, IH), 3.56 (t, 2H), 3.01 (br s, 4H), 2.96 (t, 2H), 2.60 (br s, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H).

Description 6 l-Acetyl-5-bromo-6-(4-methyIpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D6)

A stirred mixture of l-acetyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D3, 2.0g, 0.0077 mol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (2.12g, 0.015 mol) in a mixture of dichloromethane (100 ml) and methanol (50 ml) at -5°C under argon was treated portionwise over 20 minutes with benzyltrimethylammomum tribromide (3.14g, 0.0081 mol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over lhour, then concentrated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in dichloromethane (150 ml), washed with water (2x100 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a beige solid (2.52g, 97%).

IH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.06 (s, IH), 7.34 (s, IH), 4.06 (t, 2H), 3.13 (t, 2H), 3.07 (br s, 4H), 2.60 (br s, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H).

Description 7 5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yI)indoline (D7)

A solution of l-acetyl-5-bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D6, 0.60g, 1.8 mmol) in 2M hydrobromic acid (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 5 days, then basified by addition of solid K2CO3 and extracted with DCM. The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a brown solid (0.3 lg, 58%). IH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.24 (s, IH), 6.42 (s, IH), 3.80 (br s, IH), 3.56 (t, 2H), 3.01-2.92 (m, 6H), 2.59 (br s, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H).

Description 8 5-Nitro-l-tetraIone (D8) To a stirred solution of 1 -tetralone ( 14ml, 0.105mol) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (31.0ml, 0.220mol) in CH2CI2 (70ml) was added ammonium nitrate (8.5g, O.lOόmol). After 10 minutes the temperature started to increase, so the flask was immersed in an ice bath for 30 minutes after which the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the residue treated with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 solution until neutral and then extracted with CH2CI2 (2x). The organics were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated to a brown semi-solid. The residue was purified using flash chromatography eluting with 0-20% Et2θ/60-80 petrol to give the title compound as a yellow crystalline solid (2.1g, 10%). Η NMR (250MHz, CDC1₃) δ (ppm): 8.35 (dd, IH), 8.09 (dd, IH), 7.49 (t, IH), 3.22 (t, 2H), 2.73 (t, 2H), 2.15 (m, 2H).

Description 9 5-Amino-l-tetralone (D9)

To a stirred mixture of 5-nitro-l -tetralone (D8, 2,lg, 1 l.Ommol) and SnC_2 in methanol (50ml) was added cone. HCl (3ml) and the mixture heated at reflux for 3 hours before allowing to cool overnight. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between CH2CI2 (80ml) and water (10ml). The mixture was made strongly alkaline by addition of 40% NaOH solution, then filtered to remove the insoluble tin residues. The organics were separated and the aqueous extracted further with CH2CI2 (lx). The combined organics were dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to give the title compound as a dark green solid (1.5g, 85%).

Η NMR (250MHz, CDC1₃) δ (ppm): 7.53 (dd, IH), 7.14 (t, IH), 6.88 (dd, IH), 3.71 (br s, 2H), 2.60-2.71 (m, 4H), 2.13-2.22 (m, 2H).

Example 1 5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(l-oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (El)

To a stirred solution of triphosgene (40mg, 0.13mmol) in CH2CI2 (5ml) was added a solution of 5-amino-l-indanone (59mg, 0.4mmol) in triethylamine (0.06ml, 0.4mmol) and CH2CI2 (5ml) and the mixture stirred under argon for 0.5 hours. To the mixture was added 5-chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5, lOOmg, 0.4mmol) in CH2CI2 and stirring continued for 16 hours. The mixture was washed with aqueous 10% Na2CO3, the organics dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to a yellow solid. Purification using flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH/ CH2CI2 gave the title compound as a white solid (130mg, 76%).

IH NMR (250MHz,CDCl3/CD₃OD) δ(ppm): 7.90 (s, IH), 7.80 (s, IH), 7.69 (d, IH), 7.32 (m, 2H), 7.17 (s, IH), 4.15 (t, 2H), 3.19 (t, 2H), 3.12-3.14 (br s, 4H and t, 2H), 2.65-2.72 (br s, 4H and t, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H).

Example 2

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthaIenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E2)

The title compound was prepared from 6-amino-l -tetralone and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar method to Example 1 (63%). IH NMR (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 8.92 (s, IH), 7.86 (m, 2H), 7.69 (d, IH), 7.62 (dd, IH), 7.29 (s, IH), 4.16 (t, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.88 (m, 6H), 2.51 (t, 2H), 2.46 (br s, 4H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 1.97 (m, 2H).

Example 3 5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(l-oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoIine (E3) The title compound was prepared from 5-amino-l-indanone and 5-bromo-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D7) using a similar method to Example 1. IH NMR (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 8.95 (s, IH), 7.92 (s, IH), 7.82 (s, IH), 7.61 (m, 2H), 7.43 (s, IH), 4.22 (t, 2H), 3.16 (t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.93 (br s, 4H), 2.62 (t, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H). 4 protons (piperazine) obscurred by solvent signal.

Example 4

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthaIenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E4) The title compound was prepared from 6-amino-l -tetralone and 5-bromo-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D7) using a similar method to Example 1. IH NMR (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 8.86 (s, IH), 7.84 (d, IH), 7.81 (s, IH), 7.65 (s, IH), 7.58 (dd, IH), 7.43 (s, IH), 4.17 (m, 4H), 3.15 (t, 2H), 2.94 (br s, 8H), 2.58 (t, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H).

Example 5

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yI)-l-[(l-oxoindan-6-yl)aminocarbonyI]indoIine (E5) The title compound was prepared from 6-amino-l-indanone (EP 0275131) and 5-bromo-6- (4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D7) using a similar method to Example 1. This was isolated as the hydrochloride salt.

IH NMR (HCl salt) (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 10.85 (br s, IH), 8.88 (s, IH), 7.92 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, IH), 7.54 (d, IH), 7.32 (s, IH), 4.22 (t, 2H), 3.17 (t, 2H), 3.09 (t, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 2.68 (t, 2H). 8 protons (piperazine) obscurred.

Example 6

5-Chloro-6-(4-methyIpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(l-oxoindan-6-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E6)

The title compound was prepared from 6-amino-l-indanone (EP 0275131) and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar method to Example 1. This was isolated as the hydrochloride salt. IH NMR (HCl salt) (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 10.81 (br s, IH), 8.87 (s, IH), 7.89 (m, 2H), 7.85 (s, IH), 7.53 (d, IH), 7.46 (s, IH), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.17 (t, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 2.67 (t, 2H). 8 protons (piperazine) obscurred.

Example 7 5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthaIenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E7)

The title compound was prepared from 7-amino-l -tetralone (EP 0275131) and 5-bromo-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (DI) using a similar method to Example 1. This was isolated as its hydrochloride salt.

IH NMR (HCl salt) (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 11.01 (br s, IH), 8.82 (s, IH), 8.11 (d, IH), 7.86 (m, 2H), 7.45 (s, IH), 7.30 (d, IH), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.16-3.50 (m, 8H), 3.16 (t, 2H), 2.92 (t, 2H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 2.62 (t, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H).

Example 8

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E8)

The title compound was prepared from 7-amino-l -tetralone (EP 0275131) and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar method to Example 1. This was isolated as its hydrochloride salt. H NMR (HCl salt) (250MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ(ppm): 11.00 (br s, IH), 8.82 (s, IH), 8.11 (d, IH), 7.85 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 4.20 (t, 2H), 3.05-3.49(m, 8H), 3.16 (t, 2H), 2.92 (t, 2H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.62 (t, 2H), 2.06 (m, 2H).

Example 9

5-Chloro-l-(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-2-ylaminocarbonyI)-6-(4-methyIpiperazin-l-yl)indoIine (E9)

The title compound was prepared from 2-amino-9H-fluoren-9-one and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar procedure to Example 1, as an orange solid (46%).

'H NMR (250MHz, CDC1₃) δ(ppm): 7.82 (s, IH), 7.80 (dd, IH), 7.61 (d, IH), 7.55 (d, IH), 7.49 - 7.46 (m, 3H), 7.26 - 7.23 (m, IH), 7.15 (s, IH), 6.58 (s, IH), 4.12 (t, 2H), 3.20 (t, 2H), 3.11 (br s, 4H), 2.61 (br s, 4H), 2.36 (s, 3H).

Example 10

5-Chloro-l-(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-3-ylaminocarbonyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoIine (E10)

The title compound was prepared from 3-amino-9H-fluoren-9-one and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar procedure to Example 1, as a yellow/orange solid (66%). Η NMR (250MHz, d⁶ DMSO) δ(ppm): 8.98 (s, IH), 7.98 (s, IH), 7.77 (s, IH), 7.67 (d, IH), 7.59 - 7.54 (m, 4H), 7.35 (t, IH), 7.21 (s, IH), 4.17 (t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.90 (br s, 4H), 2.48 (br s, 4H), 2.21 (s, 3H).

Example 11

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (El 1)

The title compound was prepared from 6-amino-l -tetralone and 5-methoxy-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (Intermediate 3 in WO 95/06627) using a similar method to Example 1 , as a buff solid (96%).

•H NMR (250MHz, CDCI3/CD3OD) δ (ppm): 7.96 (d, IH), 7.67 (s, IH), 7.61 (m, IH), 7.19

(dd, IH), 6.74 (s, IH), 4.09 (t, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.12-3.21 (t, 2H and br s, 4H), 2.95 (t, 2H),

2.59-2.64 (t, 2H and br s, 4H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.11 (m, 2H). NH not observed.

MS: m z = 435 ( Ϊ⁺)

Example 12

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yI)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E12)

The title compound was prepared from 5-amino-l -tetralone (D9) and 5-chloro-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D5) using a similar method to Example 1, as the hydrochloride salt, a buff solid (30%).

^■H NMR (HCl salt) (250 MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.82 (br s, IH), 8.54 (s, IH), 7.46-7.81

(m, 2H), 7.54 (d, IH), 7.28-7.39 (m, 2H), 4.19 (t, 2H), 3.28-3.57 (m, 4H), 2.99-3.16 (m, 6H),

2.80-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.61 (br m, 2H), 2.08 (d, 3H), 2.00 (br m, 2H). MS: m z = 439/41 (MH⁺)

Example 13

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E13) The title compound was prepared from 5-amino-l -tetralone (D9) and 5-bromo-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (D7) using a similar method to Example 1, as the hydrochloride salt, a buff solid (35%).

^■H NMR (HCl salt) (250 MHz, d⁶DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.67 (br s, IH), 8.54 (s, IH), 7.75-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.54 (dd, IH), 7.44 (s, IH), 7.36 (t, IH), 4.19 (t, 2H), 3.47-3.51 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.31 (m, 2H), 3.14-3.20 (m, 2H), 2.94-3.03 (m, 2H), 2.82-2.87 (m, 4H), 2.62 (t, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H),

2.00 (m, 2H).

MS: m/z = 483/85 (Λ H+)

Example 14

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline (E14)

The title compound was prepared from 5-amino-l -tetralone (D9) and 5-methoxy-6-(4- methylpiperazin-l-yl)indoline (Intermediate 3 in WO 95/06627) using a similar method to Example 1, as the hydrochloride salt, a buff solid (33%).

Η NMR (HCl salt) (250 MHz, d^DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.84 (br s, IH), 8.37 (s, IH), 7.77 (d, IH), 7.54-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.34 (t, IH), 6.92 (s, IH), 4.15 (t, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.35-3.46 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.98 (m, 6H), 2.61 (t, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.00 (t, 2H). MS: m z = 435 ( ϊ+)

Pharmacological Data

The affinities of the compounds of this invention were determined by methods described above.

5-HTι A_> 5-HTχB ^and 5-HTID Receptor Binding

Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 14 had pKi values > 7.5 at 5-HTι A, 5-HTIB and 5-HTID receptors.

Claims

1. A compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof:

in which R^a represents the group:

in which the ring A is 5, 6 or 7 -membered carbocyclic ring optionally substituted by one or more C\.^a kyl groups, fused at the 2,3- or 3,4-positions of the adjacent phenyl ring, the ring A being optionally fused to a further phenyl ring optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from C^galkyl and halo;

R2 is halogen, Chalky!, C3_6cycloalkyl, C3_6cycloalkenyl, Cj.galkoxy, C╬╣_6alkanoyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, CO2RI⁰, CONR1┬░RH, NR1┬░RH where Rl 0 and Ri 1 are independently hydrogen or C \ .galkyl; a is 0, 1 or 2; L is a group of formula

- Y-C(=O)-DG - or -C(=O)-DG- or -DG-C(=O)- in which Y is - NH -, NR⁵ where R⁵ is C^alkyl, or Y is - CH2 - or - O -; D is nitrogen, carbon or a CH group, G is is nitrogen or a CH group, or G together with Rbl fo

where t is 2, 3 or 4 and Rl⁶ and Rl⁷ are independently hydrogen or C^alkyl or W is (CR1⁶R1⁷)_U-J where u is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and J is oxygen, sulphur, CR1⁶=CR1⁷, CR1⁶=N, =CRl⁶O, =CR¹⁶S or =CR16-NR1⁷ provided that u is not 0 when J is oxygen or sulphur; X is nitrogen or carbon; R^Dl and R are independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Ci.╬▓alkyl, C2-6 lk^enyl_> C3. gcycloalkyl, trifluoromethyl, C^alkoxy or aryl, or Rbl together with G forms a group W as defined above;

R^c is hydrogen or Cj_6alkyl; and is a single bond when X is nitrogen or a single or double bond when X is carbon.

2. A compound according to claim 1 in which the ring A is a 5 or 6-membered ring in which the oxo group is attached to a carbon atom adjacent to the phenyl ring.

3. A compound according to claim 1 or 2 in which R2 is halogen or a C\._╬▓ alkyl group.

4. A compound according to any of the preceding claims in which the group L is a group of formula:- -Y-C(=O)-(DG)- in which Y, D and G are as defined above.

5. A compound according to any of the preceding claims in which Y is -NH-.

6. A compound according to any of the preceding claims in which D is nitrogen and W is a group of formula -(CH2)2- ΓÇó

7. A compound according to any of the preceding claims in which Rbl and R are independently hydrogen, halogen or Cj.galkoxy.

8. A compound according to any of the preceding claims in which X is nitrogen.

9. A compound according to claim 1 which is: 5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[( 1 -oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[( 1 -oxoindan-5-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[( 1 -oxoindan-6-yl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5 -Chloro-6-(4-methy lpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 - [( 1 -oxoindan-6-y l)aminocarbony ljindoline, 5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline, 5-Chloro- 1 -(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-2-ylaminocarbonyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)indoline,

5-Chloro- 1 -(9-oxo-9H-fluoren-3-ylaminocarbonyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)indoline,

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-2- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Chloro-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- 1 - naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Bromo-6-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo-l- naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline,

5-Methoxy-6-(4-methylpiperazin- 1 -yl)- 1 -[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxo- 1 - naphthalenyl)aminocarbonyl]indoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

10. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises:

(a) where L is -C(=O)-DG - or -DG-C(=O)-, coupling a compound of formula (LI): R^a -Ll (H) with a compound of formula (IH):

cm) in which R^a, R l, Rb2, R^C and x are as defined in formula (I) and Li and L² contain the appropriate functional groups which are capable of reacting together to form the L moiety; or

R^a -NC(=O) (IV) in which R^a is as defined in formula (I) or a protected derivative thereof, with a compound of formula (V):

(V) in which Rbl, R ², R^C _} G and X are as defined in formula (I), or a protected derivative thereof; or

(c) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is nitrogen and Y is NH or NR^, reacting a compound of formula (VI)

R^a -NH2 or R^a -NR⁵H (VI) in which R^a and R^ are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (V) together with an appropriate urea forming agent; or

(d) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is nitrogen and Y is CH2 or O, reacting a compound of formula (VJJ):

R^a -Y- (C=O) - L³ (VH) in which R^a is as defined in formula (I), and L³ is an appropriate leaving group, with a compound of formula (V):or

(e) where L is - Y -C(=O)-DG - in which D is CH and Y is NH, reacting a compound of formula (VI):

R -NH₂ (VI) in which R^a is as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (VLLI):

(VLLI) in which G, X, R l, Rb² and R^c are as defined in formula (I) and L³ is an appropriate leaving atom; and optionally thereafter:

ΓÇó removing any protecting groups,

ΓÇó converting a compound of formula (I) into another compound of formula (I),

ΓÇó forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

11. A compound according to any of claims 1 to 9 for use in therapy.

12 A compound according to any of claims 1 to 9 for use in the treatment of depression.

13. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound according to any of claims 1 to 9 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.