Title of Invention

HETEROCYCLYLAMIDE-SUBSTITUTED IMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF

Abstract The invention relates to heterocyclylamide-substituted imidazoles and methods for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases as well as their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disease, in particular for the use as antiviral agents, especially against cytomegaloviruses.
Full Text Heterocyclylamide-substituted imidazoles
The invention relates to heterocyclylamide-substituted imidazoles and methods for
their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases as well as
their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of
diseases, in particular for use as antiviral agents, especially against cytomegaloviruses.
WO 99/23091 describes aromatic heterocyclic compounds as antiinflammatory
agents which, inter alia, may also be suitable for the treatment of viral infections. .
Structurally different" agents having antiviral activity are available on the market;
however, the therapies currently available with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet
and cidofovir are associated with severe side effects, for example nephrotoxicity,
neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. In addition, it is always possible for resistance to
develop. Novel agents for an effective therapy are therefore desirable.

One object of the present invention is therefore to provide novel compounds having
the same or improved antiviral activity for the treatment of viral infectious diseases
in humans and animals.
It has been surprisingly found that the substituted imidazoles described in the
present invention have high antiviral activity.
The present invention relates to compounds of formula

in which
R1 represents a group of formula

whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,

wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro,
cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoro-
methoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-
alkylamino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,
R5 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro,
cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoro-
methoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkyl-
amino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,
and
R6 and R7 independently of one another represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,
R2 represents C1-C6,-alkyl,
whereby alkyl may be substituted with a substituent, whereby the substituent
is selected from the group consisting of C1-C6-cycloalkyl, C1-C10-aryl and 5- or
6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3
substituents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of
one another from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro,

cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoro-
methoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-
alkylamino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,
R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents, whereby the
substituents are selected independently of one another from the group con-
sisting of halogen, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluorometh-
oxy, difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl
and C1-C6-alkoxy,
and their salts, their solvates and the solvates of their salts.
Compounds of the invention are the compounds of formula (I) and their salts,
solvates and solvates of the salts; the compounds encompassed by formula (I) of the
formulae mentioned below and their salts, solvates and solvates of their salts as well
as the compounds encompassed by formula (I) and mentioned below as exemplary
embodiments and their salts, solvates and solvates of their salts, insofar as the com-
pounds mentioned below and encompassed by formula (I), are not already salts,
solvates and solvates of the salts.
The compounds of the invention may, depending on their structure, exist in stereoi-
someric forms (enantiomers, diastereomers). The invention therefore relates to the
enantiomers or diastereomers and their respective mixtures. The stereoisomerically
pure constituents can be isolated in a known manner from such mixtures of enanti-
omers and/or diastereomers.
Where the compounds of the invention can exist in tautomeric forms, the present
invention includes all tautomeric forms.

Salts preferred for the purpose of the present invention are physiologically acceptable
salts of the compounds of the invention. Also included, however, are salts which
themselves are not suitable for pharmaceutical applications but which can be used,
for example, for the isolation or purification of the compounds of the invention.
Physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention include acid
addition salts of mineral acids, carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, for example salts
of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesul-
fonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, naphtha-
lenedisulfonic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid,
tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and benzoic acid.
Physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention also include salts
of usual bases, such as, by way of example and preferably, alkali metal salts (for
example sodium and potassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (for example calcium
and magnesium salts) and ammonium salts derived from ammonia or organic
amines having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, such as, by way of example and preferably,
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, ethyldiisopropylamine, monoethanolamine,
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine, dimethylaminoethanol, pro-
caine, dibenzylamine, N-methylmorpholine, arginine, lysine, ethylenediamine and N-
methylpiperidine.
Solvates for the purpose of the present invention refer to those forms of the compounds
of the invention which in the solid or liquid state form a complex by coordination with
solvent molecules. Hydrates are a special form of solvates in which the coordination
takes place with water.
The present invention further also extends to prodrugs of the compounds of the
invention. The term "prodrugs" encompasses compounds which themselves may be
biologically active or inactive but which, during their residence time in the body, are

converted into compounds of the invention (for example metabolically or hydrolyti-
cally).
For the purpose of the present invention, the substituents have the following meaning,
unless specified otherwise:
Alkyl per se and "alk" and "alkyl" in alkoxy, alkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl and alkylami-
nocarbonyl represent a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical generally having 1 to 6
("C1-C6-alkyl"), preferably 1 to 4, particularly preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, by way of
example and preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl and n-
hexyl.
Alkoxy. by way of example and preferably, represents methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy,
isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentoxy and n-hexoxy.
Alkylamino represents an alkylamino radical having one or two alkyl substituents
(selected independently of one another), by way of example and preferably methyl-
amino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino, tert-butylamino, n-pentylamino,
n-hexylamino, N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N-
methyl-N-n-propylamino, N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino, N-t-butyl-N-methylamino, N-
ethyl-N-n-pentylamino and N-n-hexyl-N-methylamino. C1-C3-Alkylamino represents,
for example, a monoalkylamino radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a dialkylamino
radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms per alkyl substituent.
Alkoxycarbonyl, by way of example and preferably, represents methoxycarbonyl, eth-
oxycarbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, n-pentoxy-
carbonyl and n-hexoxycarbonyl.
Alkylaminocarbonyl represents an alkylaminocarbonyl radical having one or two alkyl
substituents (selected independently of one another), by way of example and preferably
methylaminocarbonyl, ethylaminocarbonyl, n-propylaminocarbonyl, isopropylamino-

carbonyl, tert-butylaminocarbonyl, n-pentylaminocarbonyl, n-hexylaminocarbonyl,
N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl, N-ethyl-N-methylaminocarb-
onyl, N-methyl-N-n-propylaminocarbonyl, N-isopropyl-N-n-propylaminocarbonyl, N-
tert-butyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, N-ethyl-N-n-pentylaminocarbonyl and N-n-hexyl-
N-methylaminocarbonyl. C1-C3-Alkylaminocarbonyl represents, for example, a mono-
alkylaminocarbonyl radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a dialkylaminocarbonyl
radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms per alkyl substituent.
Aryl represents a mono- or bicyclic aromatic carbocyclic radical usually having 6 to
10 carbon atoms; by way of example and preferably phenyl and naphthyl.
For the purpose of the invention, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl generally represents
an aromatic monocyclic radical having 5 or 6 ring atoms and up to 4 heteroatoms
from the group consisting of S, O and/or N. The heteroaryl radical may be attached
via a carbon atom or a heteroatom. The following radicals may be mentioned by way
of example and preferably: thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazolyl,
imidazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl and pyridazinyl.
Cycloalkyl represents a cycloalkyl group usually having 3 to 8, preferably 3 to 6, carbon
atoms, by way of example and preferably cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclo-
hexyl and cycloheptyl.
Halogen represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.
For the purpose of the present invention, preference is given to compounds of
formula (I),
in which
R1 represents a group of formula


whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro,
cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoro-
methoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkyl-
amino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,
R2 represents C1-C6-alkyl,
whereby alkyl may be substituted with a substituent, whereby the substituent
is selected from the group consisting of C3-C6-cycloalkyl and phenyl,
wherein cycloalkyl and phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro,
cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoro-
methoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkyl-
amino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,

R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents, whereby the
substituents are selected independently of one another from the group con-
sisting of halogen, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluorometh-
oxy, difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl
and C1-C6-alkoxy,
and their salts, their solvates and the solvates of their salts.
For the purpose of the present invention, preference is also given to compounds of
formula (I),
in which
R1 represents a group of formula

whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or pyridyl,
wherein phenyl and pyridyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, cyano, trifluoro-

methyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, mono-
fluoromethoxy, C1-C4-alkyl and C1-C4-alkoxy,
R2 represents methyl, ethyl or n-butyl,
whereby methyl, ethyl and n-butyl may be substituted with a substituent,
whereby the substituent is selected from the group consisting of cyclopropyl
and phenyl,
wherein phenyl may be substituted with a trifluoromethyl substituent,
R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents, whereby the
substituents are selected independently of one another from the group con-
sisting of fluorine, chlorine, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoro-
methylthio and methyl,
and their salts, their solvates and the solvates of their salts.
For the purpose of the present invention, preference is also given to compounds of
formula (I) in which R' represents a group of formula

whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group, and

R4 represents phenyl or pyridyl,
wherein phenyl and pyridyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substitu-
ents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one an-
other from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, cyano, trifluoro-
methyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, mono-
fluoromethoxy, C1-C4-alkyl and C1-C4-alkoxy.
For the purpose of the present invention, preference is also given to compounds of
formula (I) in which R3 represents phenyl, whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1
to 3 substituents, whereby the substituents are selected independently of one another
from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
trifluoromethylthio and methyl.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for the preparation of the compounds
of formula (I) whereby
according to method [A] compounds of formula

in which
R1 and R2 have the meaning indicated above,
are reacted in the first step with a reducing agent and in the second step in the
presence of a carbonic acid derivative with compounds of formula


in which
R3 has the meaning indicated above,
or
according to method [B] compounds of formula (II) are reacted in the first step with a
reducing agent and in the second step with compounds of formula

in which
R3 has the meaning indicated above,
or
according to method [C] compounds of formula

in which
R2 and R3 have the meaning indicated above, and

R8 represents methyl or ethyl,
are reacted in the first step with a base and in the second step with compounds of
formula

in which
R1 has the meaning indicated above,
in the presence of dehydrating reagents.
The compounds of formulae (III), (IV) and (VI) are known or can be synthesized by
known methods from the corresponding starting materials.
For methods [A] and [B], step 1, the following applies:
The reaction generally takes place in inert solvents, preferably in a temperature range
from 0°C to the reflux of the solvents under atmospheric pressure to 3 bar.
Reducing agents are, for example, palladium-on-carbon and hydrogen, formic a-
cid/thethylamine/palladium-on-carbon, zinc, zinc/hydrochloric acid, iron, iron/hy-
drochloric acid, iron(II) sulfate/hydrochloric acid, sodium sulfide, sodium disulfide,
sodium dithionite, ammonium polysulfide, sodium borohydride/nickel chloride, tin
dichloride, titanium trichloride or Raney nickel and an aqueous hydrazine solution;
preference is given to Raney nickel and an aqueous hydrazine solution, palladium-
on-carbon and hydrogen or formic acid/triethylamine/palladium-on-carbon.
Inert solvents are, for example, ethers, such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether,
1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, glycol dimethyl ether or diethylene

glycol dimethyl ether, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol,
n-butanol or tert-butanol, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane,
cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, or other solvents, such as dimethylformamide,
dimethylacetamide, acetonitrile or pyridine, in the case of water-miscible solvents
also mixtures of the same with water; preferred solvents are methanol, ethanol,
isopropanol or, in the case of Raney nickel and an aqueous hydrazine solution,
tetrahydrofuran.
For method [A], step 2, the following applies:
The reaction generally takes place in inert solvents, preferably in a temperature range
of from room temperature to 40oC under atmospheric pressure.
Carbonic acid derivatives are, for example, N,N-carbonyldiimidazole, phosgene,
diphosgene, triphosgene, phenyl chloroformate or 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate;
preference is given to N,N-carbonyldiimidazole.
Inert solvents are, for example, halohydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride,
trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, 1,2-di-
chloroethane or trichloroethylene, ethers, such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl
ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, glycol dimethyl ether or
diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene,
hexane, cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, or other solvents, such as ethyl acetate,
acetone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, 2-butanone, dimethyl sulfoxide,
acetonitrile or pyridine, in the case of water-miscible solvents also mixtures of the
same with water; preference is given to dimethyl sulfoxide.
For method [B], step 2, the following applies:

The reaction generally takes place in inert solvents, optionally in the presence of a
base, preferably in a temperature range of from room temperature to the reflux of the
solvents under atmospheric pressure.
Inert solvents are, for example, halohydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride,
trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, 1,2-di-
chloroethane or trichloroethylene, ethers, such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl
ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, glycol dimethyl ether or
diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, hydrocarbons-, such as benzene, xylene, toluene,
hexane, cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, or other solvents, such as ethyl acetate,
acetone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, 2-butanone, dimethyl sulfoxide,
acetonitrile or pyridine; preference is given to tetrahydrofuran or methylene chlo-
ride.
Bases are, for example, alkali metal carbonates, such as cesium carbonate, sodium
carbonate or potassium carbonate, or potassium tert-butoxide, or other bases, such as
sodium hydride, DBU, triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine, preferably triethyl-
amine.
For method [C], step 1, the following applies:
The reaction generally takes place in inert solvents, preferably in a temperature range
of from 0°C to the reflux of the solvents under atmospheric pressure.
Bases are, for example, alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, lithium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or alkali metal carbonates, such as cesium car-
bonate, sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, preferably sodium hydroxide.
Inert solvents are, for example, halohydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride,
trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, 1,2-di-
chloroethane or trichloroethylene, ethers, such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl

ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, glycol dimethyl ether or di-
ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol,
isopropanol, n-butanol or tert-butanol, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene,
toluene, hexane, cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, or other solvents, such as
dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile or pyridine,
or mixtures of solvents with water; the preferred solvent is a mixture of ethanol and
water.
For method [C], step 2, the following applies:
The reaction generally takes place in inert solvents, optionally in the presence of a
base, preferably in a temperature range of from -70°C to 40°C under atmospheric
pressure.
Suitable dehydrating reagents hereby include, for example, carbodiimides, such as,
for example, N,N'-diethyl-, N,N'-dipropyl-, N,N'-diisopropyl-, N,N'-dicyclo-
hexylcarbodiimide, N-(3-dimethylaminoisopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochlo-
ride (EDC), N-cyclohexylcarbodiimide-N'-propyloxymethyl-polystyrene (PS-carbodi-
imide) or carbonyl compounds, such as carbonyldiimidazole, or 1,2-oxazolium
compounds, such as 2-ethyl-5-phenyl-l,2-oxazolium-3-sulfate or 2-tert-butyl-
5-methylisoxazolium perchlorate, or acylamino compounds, such as 2-ethoxy-
l-ethoxycarbonyl-l,2-dihydroquinoline, or propanephosphonic anhydride, or iso-
butyl chloroformate, or bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphoryl chloride or benzotria-
zolyloxytri(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, or 0-(benzotriazol-
l-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU), 2-(2-oxo-l-(2H)-
pyridyl)-l,l,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TPTU) or 0-(7-azabenzo-
triazol-l-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU), or 1-hy-
droxybenzotriazole (HOBt), or benzotriazol-l-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphoni-
um hexafluorophosphate (BOP), or mixtures of these, with bases.

Bases are, for example, alkali metal carbonates, such as, for example, sodium carbon-
ate or potassium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, or
organic bases, such as trialkylamines, for example triethylamine, N-methyl-
morpholine, N-methylpiperidine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine or diisopropylethyl-
amine, or DBU, DBN, pyridine; preference is given to triethylamine.
The condensation is preferably carried out using carbonyldiimidazole.
Inert solvents are, for example, halohydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride,
trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, 1,2-di-
chloroethane or trichloroethylene, ethers, such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl
ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, glycol dimethyl ether or diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene,
hexane, cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, or other solvents, such as ethyl acetate,
acetone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, 2-butanone, dimethyl sulfoxide,
acetonitrile or pyridine, in the case of water-miscible solvents also mixtures of the
same with water; preference is given to dimethylformamide.
The compounds of formula (II) are known or can be prepared by reacting compounds
of formula

in which
R2 has the meaning indicated above, and
R8 represents methyl or ethyl,

in the first step with a base and in the second step with compounds of formula (VI),
in the presence of dehydrating reagents.
The reaction takes place as described in method [C].
The compounds of formula (VII) are known or can be prepared by reacting com-
pounds of formula

in which
R2 has the meaning indicated above, and
R8 represents methyl or ethyl,
with fuming nitric acid, concentrated nitric acid, nitrating acid or other mixing ratios
of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, optionally in acetic anhydride as solvent, preferably
in a temperature range of from room temperature to 60°C under atmospheric pres-
sure.
The compounds of formula (V) are known or can be prepared by reacting compounds
of formula (VII) in the first step with a reducing agent and in the second step in the
presence of a carbonic acid derivative with compounds of formula (III) or in the
second step with compounds of formula (IV).
The reaction takes place as described in methods [A] and [B].

The compounds of formulae (III), (IV), (VI) and (VIII) are known or can be prepared
by known methods from the corresponding starting materials.


Synthesis scheme 2:

The compounds of general formula (I) of the invention show an unforeseeable,
surprising spectrum of activity. They have antiviral activity on representatives of the
group of Herpes viridae (herpes viruses), especially on cytomegaloviruses (CMV), in
particular on the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). They are thus suitable for the
treatment and prophylaxis of diseases, especially infections with viruses, in particular
the viruses mentioned above, and the infectious diseases caused thereby. Hereinafter,
a viral infection is to be understood as meaning both an infection with a virus and a
disease caused by an infection with a virus.
Due to their particular properties, the compounds of general formula (I) can be used
for the production of medicaments suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of
diseases, in particular viral infections.
Areas of indication which may be mentioned by way of example are:

1) Treatment and prophylaxis of HCMV infections in AIDS patients (retinitis,
pneumonitis, gastrointestinal infections).
2) Treatment and prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infections in bone-marrow and
organ transplant patients who develop often life-threatening HCMV pneu-
monitis or encephalitis, and gastrointestinal and systemic HCMV infections.
3) Treatment and prophylaxis of HCMV infections in neonates and infants.
4) Treatment of an acute HCMV infection in pregnant women.
5) Treatment of an HCMV infection in immunosuppressed patients associated
with cancer and cancer therapy.
6) Treatment of HCMV-positive cancer patients with the aim of reducing HCMV-
mediated tumor progression (cf. J. Cinatl, et al., FEMS Microbiology Reviews
2004, 28, 59-77).
The compounds of the invention are preferably used for the production of medica-
ments suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of infections with a representa-
tive of the group of Herpes viridae, in particular a cytomegalovirus, especially the
human cytomegalovirus.
Due to their pharmacological properties, the compounds of the invention can be
used alone and, if required, also in combination with other active compounds, in
particular antiviral active compounds, such as, for example, gancyclovir or acyclovir,
for the treatment and/or prevention of viral infections, in particular HCMV infec-
tions.
The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compounds of the inven-
tion for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, preferably of viral infections, in

particular of infections with the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) or another repre-
sentative of the group of Herpes viridae.
The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compounds of the inven-
tion for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular the diseases
mentioned above.
The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compounds of the inven-
tion for the production of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of
diseases, in particular the diseases mentioned above.
The present invention furthermore relates to a method for the treatment and/or
prophylaxis of diseases, in particular the diseases mentioned above, using an antivi-
rally effective amount of the compounds of the invention.
The compounds of the invention can act systemically and/or locally. For this pur-
pose, they can be administered in a suitable way, such as, for example, orally, par-
enterally, pulmonarily, nasally, sublingually, lingually, buccally, rectally, dermally,
transdermally, conjunctivally or otically, or as an implant or stent.
For these administration routes, it is possible to administer the compounds of the
invention in suitable administration forms.
Suitable for oral administration are administration forms which function according
to the prior art and release the compounds of the invention rapidly and/or in modi-
fied form, and which comprise the compounds of the invention in crystalline and/or
amorphicized and/or dissolved form, such as, for example, tablets (uncoated and
coated tablets, for example having enteric coatings or coatings which dissolve with a
delay or which are insoluble and which control the release of the compound of the
invention), tablets or films/wafers, which disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity,

films/lyophilisates, capsules (for example hard or soft gelatin capsules), sugar-coated
tablets, granules, pellets, powders, emulsions, suspensions, aerosols or solutions.
Parenteral administration can take place with avoidance of an absorption step (for
example intravenously, intraarterially, intracardially, intraspinally or intralumbally)
or with inclusion of an absorption (for example intramuscularly, subcutaneously,
intracutaneously, percutaneously or intraperitonealy). Administration forms suitable
for parenteral administration are, inter alia, preparations for injection and infusion in
the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilisates or sterile powders.
Examples suitable for the other administration routes are pharmaceutical forms for
inhalation (inter alia powder inhalers, nebulizers), nasal drops, solutions, sprays;
tablets, films/wafers or capsules, to be administered lingually, sublingually or buc-
cally, suppositories, preparations for ears or eyes, vaginal capsules, aqueous suspen-
sions (lotions, shaking, mixtures), lipophilic suspensions, ointments, creams, trans-
dermal therapeutic systems, milk, pastes, foams, dusting powders, implants or stents.
The compounds of the invention can be converted into the stated administration
forms. This can take place in a manner known per se by mixing with inert nontoxic,
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. These excipients include, inter alia, carriers
(for example microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, mannitol), solvents (for example
liquid polyethylene glycols), emulsifiers and dispersants or wetting agents (for
example sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyoxysorbitan oleate), binders (for example
polyvinylpyrrolidone), synthetic and natural polymers (for example albumin),
stabilizers (for example antioxidants, such as, for example, ascorbic acid), colors (for
example inorganic pigments, such as, for example, iron oxides) and taste- and/or
odor-corrigents.
The present invention furthermore relates to medicaments comprising at least one
compound of the invention, usually together with one or more inert nontoxic,

pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and their use for the purposes mentioned
above.
In general, it has proved advantageous to administer on intravenous administration
amounts of about 0.001 to 10 mg/kg, preferably about 0.01 to 5 mg/kg, of body
weight to achieve effective results, and the dosage on oral administration is about
.0.01 to 25 mg/kg, preferably 0.1 to 10 mg/kg, of body weight.
It may nevertheless be necessary, where appropriate, to deviate from the amounts
mentioned, specifically depending on body weight, administration route, individual
response to the active compound, type of preparation and time or interval over
which the administration takes place. Thus, in some cases it may be sufficient to
make do with less than the aforementioned minimum amount, whereas in other
cases the upper limit mentioned must be exceeded. In the event of an administration
of larger amounts, it may be advisable to divide these into a plurality of individual
doses over the day.
The percentage data in the following tests and examples are percentages by weight
unless otherwise indicated; parts are parts by weight. Solvent ratios, dilution ratios
and concentration data of liquid/liquid solutions are in each case based on volume.






HPLC and LC-MS methods:
Method 1 (LC-MS): Instrument: Micromass Platform LCZ with HPLC Agilent series
1100; column: Thermo HyPURITY Aquastar 3u 50 mm x 2.1 mm; eluent A: 1 1 of
water + 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile + 0.5 ml of 50% formic
acid; gradient: 0.0 min 100%A -» 0.2 min 100%A -» 2.9 min 30%A -» 3.1 min 10%A
-> 5.5 min 10%A; oven: 50°C; flow rate: 0.8 ml/min; UV detection: 210 nm.
ex Synei
Method 2 (LC-MS): Instrument: Micromass Quattro LCZ with HPLC Agilent series
1100; column: Phenomenex Synergi 2u Hydro-RP Mercury 20 mm x 4 mm; eluent A:
1 1 of water + 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile + 0.5 ml of 50%
formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90%A -> 2.5 min 30%A -> 3.0 min 5%A -> 4.5 min
5%A; flow rate: 0.0 min 1 ml/min, 2.5 min/3.0 min/4.5 min 2 ml/min; oven: 50°C;
UV detection: 208-400 nm.
Method 3 (LC-MS): Instrument: Micromass Platform LCZ with HPLC Agilent series
1100; column: Phenomenex Synergi 2u Hydro-RP Mercury 20 mm x 4 mm; eluent A:
1 1 of water + 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile + 0.5 ml of 50%
formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90%A -> 2.5 min 30%A -> 3.0 min 5%A -> 4.5 min

5%A; flow rate: 0.0 min 1 ml/min, 2.5 min/3.0 min/4.5 min 2 ml/min; oven: 50°C;
UV detection: 210 nm.
Method 4 (LC-MS): MS instrument type: Micromass ZQ; HPLC instrument type:
Waters Alliance 2795; column: Phenomenex Synergi 2u Hydro-RP Mercury 20 mm x
4 mm; eluent A: 1 1 of water + 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile
+ 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90%A -» 2.5 min 30%A -> 3.0 min
5%A -> 4.5 min 5%A; flow rate: 0.0 min 1 ml/min, 2.5 min/3.0 min/4.5 min
2 ml/min; oven: 50°C; UV detection: 210 nm.
Method 5 (XC-MS): MS instrument type: Micromass ZQ; HPLC instrument type: HP
1100 series; UV DAD; column: Phenomenex Synergi 2u Hydro-RP Mercury 20 mm x
4 mm; eluent A: 1 1 of water + 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile
+ 0.5 ml of 50% formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90%A -» 2.5 min 30%A -> 3.0 min
5%A -> 4.5 min 5%A; flow rate: 0.0 min 1 ml/min, 2.5 min/3.0 min/4.5 min.
2 ml/min; oven: 50°C; UV detection: 210 nm.
Method 6 (LC-MS): MS instrument type: Micromass ZQ; HPLC instrument type: HP
1100 series; UV DAD; column: Grom-Sil 120 ODS-4 HE 50 mm x 2 mm, 3.0 urn;
eluent A: water + 500 µl of 50% formic acid/1, eluent B: acetonitrile + 500 µl of 50%
formic acid/1; gradient: 0.0 min 0%B -> 2.9 min 70%B -> 3.1 min 90%B -> 4.5 min
90%B; oven: 50°C; flow rate: 0.8 ml/min; UV detection: 210 nm.
Method 7 (LC-MS): MS instrument type: Micromass ZQ; HPLC instrument type:
Waters Alliance 2795; column: Merck Chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e 50 mm x
4.6 mm; eluent A: water + 500 µl of 50% formic acid/1; eluent B: acetonitrile + 500 µl
of 50% formic acid/1; gradient: 0.0 min 10%B-> 3.0 min 95%B^ 4.0 min 95%B;
oven: 35°C; flow rate: 0.0 min 1.0 ml/min-^ 3.0 min 3.0 ml/min-> 4.0 min
3.0 ml/min; UV detection: 210 nm.

Method 8 (LC-MS): Instrument: Micromass Qua tiro LCZ, with HPLC Agilent series
1100; column: Grom-SIL120 ODS-4 HE, 50 mm x 2.0 mm, 3 urn; eluent A: 1 1 of
water + 1 ml of 50% formic acid, eluent B: 1 1 of acetonitrile + 1 ml of 50% formic
acid; gradient: 0.0 min 100%A -> 0.2 min 100%A -> 2.9 min 30%A -> 3.1 min 10%A
-> 4.5 min 10%A; oven: 55°C; flow rate: 0.8 ml/min; UV detection: 208-400 nm.
Method 9 (GC-MS): Instrument: Micromass GCT, GC6890; column: Restek RTX-
35MS, 30 m x 250 µm x 0.25 µm; constant helium flow rate: 0.88 ml/min; oven:
60°C; inlet: 250°C; gradient: 60°C (maintained for 0.30 min), 50°C/min -> 120°C,
16°C/min -> 250°C, 30°C/min -> 300°C (maintained for 1.7 min).
Method 10 (analytical HPLC): column: Kromasil 100 RP-18, 60 mm x 2.1 mm, 3.5
µm; eluent A: water + 0.5% perchloric acid (70%), eluent B: acetonitrile; gradient:
0 min 2%B, 0.5 min 2%B, 4.5 min 90%B, 9 min 90%B, 9.2 min 2%B, 10 min 2%B;
flow rate: 0.75 ml/min; column temperature: 30°C; detection: UV 210 nm.

Starting compounds
Example 1A
Ethyl l-benzyl-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate

148 g (936 mmol) of 1-benzyl-1H-imidazole are suspended in 480 ml of acetonitrile
and, at -20°C, 120 ml (87.1 g; 860 mmol) of triethylamine are added. Over a period of
15 minutes, 211.2 ml (239 g; 2208 mmol) of ethyl chloroformate are then added
dropwise. The reaction mixture is stirred at -20°C for 10 minutes. After warming to
15 to 20°C, the reaction mixture is stirred for 18 h and then concentrated in vacuo.
Water, a saturated sodium chloride solution and a saturated sodium bicarbonate
solution are added to the residue, and the mixture is extracted three times with ethyl
acetate. The combined organic phases are washed with a saturated sodium chloride
solution and, after drying with magnesium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo. The
residue is subjected to a fractional distillation under high vacuum (boiling point =
173 to 181°C, pressure = 1.7 to 1.2 mbar).
Yield: 122.6 g (46% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 4): R, = 1.71 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 231 [M+H]+

1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 7.6 (s, 1H), 7.4 - 7.1 (m, 6H), 5.2 (s, 2H), 4.25 (q,
2H), 1.25 (tr, 3H) ppm.
Example 2A
Ethyl imidazole-2-carboxylate

34.7 g (150.9 mmol) of ethyl l-benzyl-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate are dissolved in
1005 ml of ethanol, and 34 g of ammonium formate are added. The reaction mixture
is heated under reflux for about 6 h. A total of 8 g of 10% palladium-on-carbon and
18 g of ammonium formate are thereby added in small portions. After cooling, the
catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo. The product that
crystallizes out during this operation is triturated with 80 ml of ice-water and col-
lected by suction filtration.
Yield: 15.9 g (75% of theory)
MS (ESI+): m/z = 141 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (200MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 13.3 (s broad, 1H), 7.4 (s, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 4.3 (q,
2H), 1.3 (tr, 3H) ppm.
Example 3A
Ethyl 4-nitro-1 H-imidazole-2-carboxylate


While cooling on ice, 16.08 g (114.7 mmol) of ethyl imidazole-2-carboxylate are
dissolved in 71.7 ml of concentrated sulpfuric acid. 71.7 ml of 100% fuming nitric
acid are then added dropwise. The reaction solution is stirred at 50 to 60°C for 3 h
and, after cooling, poured onto 800 ml of an ice/water mixture. The precipitated
crystals are collected by suction filtration and washed with 1500 ml of ice-water.
Yield: 15 g (70% of theory)
MS (ESI+): m/z = 186 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 14.5 (s broad, 1H), 8.5 (s, 1H), 4.4 (q, 2H), 1.35 (tr,
3H), ppm.
Example 4A
4-({[(4-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1H-
imidazole-2-carboxylic acid


Step 1
Ethyl l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate

Under argon, 15 g (81 mmol) of ethyl 4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate are stirred
with 13.13 g (97.2 mmol) of cyclopropylmethyl bromide and 22.4 g (162 mmol) of
potassium carbonate in 165 ml of DMF at 80°C for 1 h. After cooling, the reaction
mixture is diluted with water and extracted four times with ethyl acetate. The com-
bined organic phases are washed once with water and three times with a saturated
sodium chloride solution, dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo.
The crystalline residue is directly used further for the next reaction.
Yield: 17.59 g (70% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 2): R, = 2.02 min.

MS (ESI+): m/z = 240 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.2 (s, 1H), 4.4 (q, 2H), 4.3 (d, 2H), 1.4 (m, 4H),
0.55 (q, 2H), 0.45 (q, 2H) ppm.
Step 2
Ethyl 4-amino-l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate

3.89 g (16.26 mmol) of ethyl l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylate are dissolved in 50 ml of THF, and a spatula tip of Raney nickel is added.
In a hydrogenation apparatus, the reaction mixture is hydrogenated with hydrogen
at room temperature. The catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate is concentrated in
vacuo. The concentration residue is directly used further for the next reaction.
Yield: 3.46 g (100% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 3): R, = 1.21 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 210 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 6.55 (s, 1H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 4.2 (q, 2H), 4.1 (d, 2H),
1.25 (tr, 3H), 1.2 (m, 1H), 0.5 (q, 2H), 0.3 (q, 2H) ppm.

Step 3
Ethyl 4-(j[(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-
1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate

Under argon, 6 g (35.8 mmol) of 3-chloro-4-phenyl isocyanate are added to 7.49 g
(35.8 mmol) of ethyl 4-amino-l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate in
18 ml of THF, and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The reaction
mixture is concentrated in vacuo and the product which crystallizes from the mix-
ture is triturated with 40 ml of ethyl acetate and collected by suction filtration.
Yield: 11.1 g (82% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 2): Rt = 2.66 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 376 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.45 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.3 (d, 1H),
7.2 (dd, 1H), 4.3 (q, 2H), 4.25 (d, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.3 (tr, 3H), 1.25 (m, 1H), 0.55 (q,
2H), 0.35 (q, 2H) ppm.

Step 4
4-({[(4-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl)amino)-l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1H-
imidazole-2-carboxylic acid

1.0.6 g (28.1 mmol) of ethyl 4-(([(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-
l-(cyclopropylmethyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate are suspended in 158 ml of
ethanol. With ice cooling, 16.4 ml of water and 6 ml (112 mmol) of a 50% aqueous
sodium hydroxide solution are added. The reaction mixture is stirred at room tem-
perature for 1 h and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue is taken up in 100 ml of
isopropanol, and 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid are added with ice cooling. The
crystals are collected by suction filtration and dried at 40°C in vacuo.
Yield: 9.85 g (100% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 4): Rt = 1.74 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 349 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.4 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 7.3 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 7.2
(dd, 1H), 4.25 (d, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.25 (m, 1H), 0.55 (q, 2H), 0.35 (q, 2H) ppm.

Example 5A
l-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}carbonyI)amino]-1H-
imidazole-2-carboxylic acid

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 4A.
Yield: 10.2 g (93% of theory)
LC-MS.(Method 4): R, = 1.87 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 385 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.6 (s, 1H), 8.4 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.4 (s, 1H),
7.25 (d, 2H), 4.25 (d, 2H), 1.25 (m, 1H),.0.55 (q, 2H), 0.35 (q, 2H) ppm.
Example 6A
l-Butyl-4-(([(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyljamino)-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 4A.
Yield: 2.2 g (93% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 4): Rt = 1.83 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 351 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.35 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 7.3 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H),
7.2 (dd, 1H), 4.35 (tr, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.7 (quintet, 2H), 1.25 (sextet, 2H), 0.9 (tr,
3H) ppm.
Example 7 A
l-Butyl-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 4A.
Yield: 2.05 g (96% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 4): R, = 1.96 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 387 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 = 9.0 (s, 1H), 8.9 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.3 (s, 1H),
7.25 (d, 1H), 4.35 (tr, 2H), 1.7 (quintet, 2H), 1.25 (sextet, 2H), 0.9 (tr, 3H) ppm.
Example 8A
4-[({[4-(Trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino)carbonyl)amino]-l-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benz-
yl]-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid


Preparation in analogy to Example 4A.
Yield: 15.2 g (100% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 2): R, = 2.46 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 489 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-dfi): δ = 9.15 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H),
7.45 (s, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 5.7 (s, 2H) ppm.
Example 9A
4-({[(4-Chloro-2-methylphenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-l-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benz-
yl]-l H-imidazole-2-carboxylic acid


Preparation in analogy to Example 4A.
Yield: 15.6 g (100% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 4): R, = 2.23 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 453 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 = 9.5 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.4 (d, 2H),
7.35 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H) ppm.
Example 10A
Ethyl l-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate


6.80 g (36.7 mmol) of ethyl 4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate are dissolved in
140 ml of acetone, and 11.2 g (80.8 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 4.57 ml
(73.5 mmol) of iodomethane are added. The mixture is then stirred at 60CC for 4 h.
According to TLC (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 2:1), the starting material has been
converted completely. After cooling, the mixture is filtered, the residue is washed
with dichloromethane and the filtrate is freed from the solvent. The solid obtained is
dried in vacuo.
Yield: 7.0 g (95% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 5): R, = 1.40 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 200 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.64 (s, 1H), 4.35 (q, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 1.34 (t, 3H).
Example 11A
Ethyl 4-amino-l-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate

0.50 g (2.5 mmol) of ethyl l-methyl-4-nitro-lH-imidazole-2-carboxylate are dissolved
in 7.5 ml of ethanol, 0.13 g (0.13 mmol) of palladium-on-carbon (10%) are added
and the mixture is hydrogenated at 3 bar for 12 h. The reaction solution is then
filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate is concentrated. The residue is dried in
vacuo and reacted further without further purification.

Yield: 0.42 g (99% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 1): Rt = 1.59 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 170 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 6.47 (s, 1H), 4.55 (bs, 2H), 4.19 (q, 2H), 3.80 (s,
3H), 1.28 (t, 3H).
Example 12A
Ethyl l-methyl-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]-1H-
imidazoIe-2-carboxylate

Under argon, 1.46 g (7.21 mmol) of 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl isocyanate are added
to 1.22 g (3.61 mmol) of ethyl 4-amino-l-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate (syn-
thesis in analogy to Example 4A step 3, or also according to Tetrahedron Lett. 2003,
44, 1607 and the literature cited therein) in 50 ml of THF, and the mixture is stirred
at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate is
concentrated in vacuo and purified chromatographically.
Yield: 860 mg (62% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 2.41 min.

MS (ESI+): m/z = 373 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.98 (bs, 2H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.29 (m,
2H), 4.28 (q, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 1.30 (t, 3H).
Example 13A
l-Methyl-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino|carbonyl)a'mino]-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid

835 mg (2.13 mmol) of ethyl l-methyl-4-[(([4-(trinuoromethoxy)phenyl]amino)carb-
onyl)amino]-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate are suspended in 5 ml of ethanol and 12 ml
of tetrahydrofuran. With ice cooling, 2 ml (25 mmol) of a 50% aqueous sodium
hydroxide solution are added. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature
overnight and then, with ice cooling, acidified with 1N hydrochloric acid. The
solution is extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is concentrated in
vacuo. The residue is purified by preparative HPLC.
Yield: 346 mg (44% of theory).'
LC-MS (Method 4): Rt = 1.62 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 345 [M+H]+

1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.33 (bs, 1H), 8.98 (bs, 1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.30 (s,
1H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H),
Example 14A
l-(5-Methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazine

Step 1
l-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)-4-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazine

Under an argon atmosphere, 2.50 g (19.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-5-chloropyridine and
4.38 g (23.5 mmol) of N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)piperazine are dissolved in 50 ml of absolute toluene. 2.26 g (23.5 mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide, 0.37 g (0.59 mmol) of
BINAP and 0.36 g (0.39 mmol) of tris(dibenzyIideneacetone)dipalladium are then
added, and the mixture is heated at 70oC for 12 h. After cooling, diethyl ether is
added to the reaction mixture, the mixture is washed three times with a saturated
sodium chloride solution and dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent is removed
in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane/ethyl acetate
9:1).

Yield: 5.27 g (97% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 4): Rt = 1.26 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 278 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, CDC13): δ = 8.02 (d, 1H), 7.34 (dd, 1H), 6.59 (d, 1H), 3.55 (m, 4H),
3.45 (m, 4H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.49 (s, 9H).
Step 2
l-(5-Methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazine

3.47 g (12.5 mmol) of l-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-4-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazine
are dissolved in 10 ml of dioxane, and 31 ml (125 mmol) of hydrogen chloride in
dioxane (4 molar) are added. The mixture is stirred at RT for 2 h. The mixture is then
concentrated and the residue is rendered alkaline using a 1M aqueous sodium hy-
droxide solution and extracted several times with dichloromethane. The combined
organic phases are dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated and dried in vacuo.
Yield: 2.18 g (98% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): R, = 0.38 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 177 [M+H]+

1H-NMR (300MHz, CDC13): δ = 8.02 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.59 (d, 1H), 3.45 (m, 4H),
3.00 (m, 4H), 2.20 (s, 3H).
Example 15A
l-Ethyl-4-[(([4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 13A.
Yield: 425 mg (91% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 1.94 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 359 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 10.3 (bs, 1H), 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 7.20 (m,
2H), 4.45 (q, 2H), 1.33 (t, 3H).
Example 16A
l-Butyl-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino)carbonyl)amino]-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 13A.
Yield: 1.71 g (90% of theory)
LC-MS (Method 2): R, = 2.13 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 371 [M+H] +
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.30 (bs, 1H), 9.03 (bs, 1H), 7.64 (m, 4H), 7.36 (s,
1H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 1.68 (quintet, 2H), 1.26 (sextet, 2H), 0.89 (t, 3H).
Example 17A
l-(5-Fluoropyridin-2-yl)piperazine

With stirring, 500 mg (2.84 mmol) of 2-bromo-5-fluoropyridine and 1.22 g
(14.2 mmol) of piperazine are heated at 150°C for 24 h. After cooling, excess pipera-

zine is distilled off in vacuo (Kugelrohr, 1.5 mbar, 120°C). The residue is purified by
flash chromatography (dichloromethane/ethanol/conc. ammonia solution, 30:1:0.1).
Yield: 267 mg (52% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 9): Rt = 8.07 min.
MS (DCI): m/z = 182 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.07 (d, 1H), 7.48 (td, 1H), 6.82 (dd, 1H), 3.32 (t,
4H), 2.78 (t, 4H).
Example 18A
l-(5-Bromopyridin-2-yl)piperazine

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 17A.
Yield: 827 mg (81% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 1): R, = 2.02 min.
MS (ESP): m/z = 242 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.15 (d, 1H), 7.65 (dd, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 3.38 (m,
4H), 2.74 (m, 4H).

Example 19A
l-(5-Methoxypyridin-2-yl)piperazine

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 14A.
Yield: 91 mg (90% of theory).
1H-NMR (400MHz, CDC13): δ = 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.15 (dd, 1H), 6.64 (d, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H),
3.48 (m, 4H), 3.00 (m, 4H).
Example 20A
4-[(([4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino)carbonyl)amino]-l-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 13A.
Yield: 964 mg (81% of theory).

HPLC (Method 10): Rt = 3.57 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 327 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, CDC13): δ = 8.9 (s, 1H), 8.8 (s, 1H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.3 (s, 2H), 7.1 (t,
1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 3.9 (s, 3H).
Example 21A
l-[(l-'Ethyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazine

A mixture of 1.23 g (5.06 mmol) of ethyl l-ethyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-2-carboxylate
(prepared in analogy to Example 10A) and 2.48 g (15.2 mmol) of N-(pyridin-2-
yl)piperazine is stirred at 100°C overnight. For the work-up, the crude mixture
obtained is purified by preparative HPLG. 0.724 g (43% of theory) of product are
obtained.
HPLC (Method 10): R, = 3.19 min.
MS (ESP): m/z = 331 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.7 (s, 1H), 8.1 (m, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 6.9 (d, 1H),
6.65 (dd, 1H), 4.2 (q, 2H), 3.8 (m, 4H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.55 (m, 2H), 1.4 (t, 3H).

Example 22A
4-[({[4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]aminojcarbonyl)amino]-l-butyl-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 13A.
Yield: 1.06 g (71% of theory).
HPLC (Method 10): R, = 4.046 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 369 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, CDCl3): δ = 11.1 (s, 1H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 7.1 (t, 1H), 7.05 (m, 3H), 4.5
(t, 2H), 1.7 (m, 2H), 1.3 (m, 2H), 0.9 (t, 3H).
Example 23A
l-[(l-Methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazine


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 21A.
Yield: 4 g (72% of theory)
HPLC (Method 10): Rt = 2.99 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 317 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.6 (s, 1H), 8.15 (m, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 6.9 (d, 1H),
6.7 (dd, 1H), 3.9 (m, 5H), 3.8 (m, 2H), 3.7-3.5 (m, 4H).
Example 24A
l-Methyl-4-[({[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]aminojcarbonyl)amino]-1H-imidazole-2-
carboxylic acid


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 13A.
Yield: 168 mg (99% of theory).
HPLC (Method 4): Rt = 1.57 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 329 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, CDC13): δ = 9.80 (bs, 1H), 9.18 (bs, 1H), 7.65 (m, 4H), 7.48 (s, 1H),
3.92 (s, 3H).

Exemplary embodiments
Example 1
N-jl-Methyl-2-[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)carbonyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N'-[4-
(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl] urea

1.50 g (4.36 mmol) of Example 13A are dissolved in 30 ml of DMF, and 1.82 g
(5.66 mmol) of 0-(benzotriazol-l-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium tetrafluorobo-
rate (TBTU) and 266 mg (2.18 mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine are added. After
the addition of 925 mg (5.66 mmol) of l-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazine, the mixture is
stirred at RT for 4 h. The reaction mixture is purified by RP-HPLC.
Yield: 1.79 g (83% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 2): Rt = 1.83 min.
MS (ESP): m/z = 490 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.89 (bs, 2H), 8.12 (d, 1H), 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.29 (m,
2H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H), 6.68 (dd, 1H), 4.02 (bs, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.71 (bs, 2H),
3.58 (bs, 4H).

Example 2
N-(l-Methy]-2-{[4-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yl]carbonyl}-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-
N'-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea

100 mg (0.29 mmol) of Example 13A are dissolved in 2 ml of DMF, and 139 mg
(0.44 mmol) of 0-(benzotriazol-l-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluroniurn tetrafluorobo-
rate (TBTU) and 53 mg (0.44 mmol) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine are added. After the
addition of 103 mg (0.58 mmol) of Example 14A, the mixture is stirred at RT for 4 h.
The reaction mixture is purified by RP-HPLC.
Yield: 103 mg (70% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 2.01 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 504 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.92 (bs, 2H), 7.99 (d, 1H), 7.54 (m, 2H), 7.42 (dd,
1H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 4.00 (bs, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.72 (bs, 2H),
3.51 (bs, 4H), 2.16 (s, 3H).

Example 3
N-(2-{[4-(5-Chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yl]carbonyl}-l-ethyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N'-
[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea

The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 2.
Yield: 55 mg (68% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 2.76 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 538 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.97 (bs, 1H), 8.92 (bs, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 7.65 (dd,
1H), 7.54 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.92 (d, 1H), 4.16 (q, 2H), 3.97 (bs, 2H),
3.72 (bs, 2H), 3.59 (bs, 4H), 1.32 (t, 3H).
Example 4
N-(2-{[4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yl]carbonyl)-l-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-N'-
[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 2.
Yield: 35 mg (58% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 4): Rt = 2.24 min.
MS (ESP): m/z = 519 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.89 (bs, 2H), 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 7.19 (s,
1H), 6.92 (m, 2H), 6.84 (m, 2H), 4.05 (bs, 2H), 3.75 (m, 5H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.08 (bs,
4H).
Example 5
N-[4-(Difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-N'-(l-methyl-2-{[4-(5-methylpyridin-2-yl)piperazin-
l-yl]-carbonyl[-1H-imidazol-4-yl)urea


The preparation takes place in analogy to Example 2 from Example 20A.
Yield: 17 mg (29% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 1.70 min. ,
MS (ESI+): m/z = 486 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (400MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.84 (bs, 1H), 8.77 (bs, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.47 (m,
2H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.11 (t, 1H), 7.10 (m, 2H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 4.01 (bs, 2H),
3.77 (s, 3H), 3.71 (bs, 2H), 3.50 (bs, 4H), 2.16 (s, 3H).
The examples of Table 1 are prepared in analogy to Example 2.












Example 40
N-{l-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-2-[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)carbonyl]-1H-imidazol-4-
yl}-N'-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]urea


57.6 mg (0.15 mmol) of Example 5A are dissolved in 0.5 ml of DMF, and 59.5 mg
(0.15 mmol) of O^benzotriazol-l-yl-N,N,N,N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophos-
phate (HBTU) and 15 mg (0.15 mmol) of triethylamine are added. After the addition
of 49 mg (0.3 mmol) of N-(2-pyridyl)piperazine, the mixture is stirred at RT for 16 h.
The reaction mixture is purified by RP-HPLC.
Yield: 46 mg (58% of theory).
LC-MS (Method 5): Rt = 2.08 min.
MS (ES1+): m/z = 530 [M+H]+
1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.9 (s, 2H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 7.6-7.5 (m, 3H), 7.25 (m,
3H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 6.7 (dd, 1H), 4.05 (d, 2H), 4.00 (bs, 2H), 3.75 (bs, 2H), 3.6-3.5 (m,
4H), 1.75 (m, 1H), 0.5 (q, 2H), 0.35 (q, 2H).
The examples of Table 2 are prepared in analogy to Example 40.






Example 52
N-(3,5-Difluorophenyl)-N'-{l-ethyl-2-[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)carbonyl]-1H-
imidazol-4-yl)urea

Firstly, a spatula tip of Raney nickel and then 11 mg (0.23 mmol) of hydrazine
hydrate are added to a solution of 50 mg (0.15 mmol) of l-[(l-ethyl-4-nitro-1H-
imidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazine in 6 ml of absolute THF, and the
mixture is then stirred for 1 h. Sodium sulfate is added to the crude solution, which
is then filtered through kieselguhr, and the filtercake is washed with methylene
chloride. The filtrate is concentrated in vacuo and taken up again in 6 ml of THF,
28 mg (0.18 mmol) of difluorophenyl isocyanate and 2 mg of 1,4-diazabicyc-
lo[2.2.2]octane are added and the mixture is stirred at room temperature. After 1 h,
the solvent is removed on a rotary evaporator and the residue is purified by prepara-
tive HPLC. 20 mg (29% of theory) of product are obtained.
HPLC (Method 10): Rt = 3.94 min.
MS (ESI+): m/z = 456 [M+H]+

1H-NMR (300MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.5 (2s, 2H), 8.1 (m, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H),
/.15 (m, 2H), 6.9-6.65 (m, 3H), 4.2 (q, 2H), 3.9 (m, 2H), 3.7 (m, 2H), 3.55 (m, 4H), 1.3
(t, 3H).
The examples of Table 3 are prepared in analogy to Example 52, except for Example
57, which is prepared in analogy to Example 2.




B. Assessment of the physiological activity
The in vitro activity of the compounds of the invention can be shown in the following assays:
Anti-HCMV (anti-human cytomegalovirus) cytopathogenicity tests
The test compounds are employed as 50 millimolar (mM) solutions in dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO). Ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir are used as reference compounds. After the addition of in each case 2 µl of the 50, 5, 0.5 and 0.05 mM !
DMSO stock solutions to 98 µl portions of cell culture medium in row 2 A-H for duplicate determinations, 1:2 dilutions are carried out with 50 µl portions of medium
UP to row 11 of the 96-well plate. The wells in rows 1 and 12 each contain 50 µl of
medium. Then 150 µl of a suspension of 1 X 104 cells (human prepuce fibroblasts
[NHDF]) are pipetted into each of the wells (row 1 = cell control) and, in rows 2-12, a
mixture of HCMV-infected and uninfected NHDF cells (M.O.I. = 0.001 - 0.002), i.e. 1-
2 infected cells per 1000 uninfected cells. Row 12 (without substance) serves as virus
control. The final test concentrations are 250-0.0005 µM. The plates are incubated at
37°C/5% CO2 for 6 days, i.e. until all the cells in the virus controls are infected (100%
cytopathogenic effect [CPE]). The wells are then fixed and stained by adding a
mixture of formalin and Giemsa's dye (30 minutes), washed with double-distilled
water and dried in a drying oven at 500C. The plates are then assessed visually using
an overhead microscope (Plaque Multiplier from Technomara).
The following data can be acquired from the test plates:
CC50(NHDF) = maximum substance concentration in µM at which no visible cytostatic
effects on the cells are evident by comparison with the untreated cell control;
EC50 (HCMV) = substance concentration in nM which inhibits the CPE (cytopathic
effect) by 50% compared with the untreated virus control;

SI (selectivity index) = CC50 (NHDF) / EC50(HCMV).
Representative in vitro activity data of the compounds of the invention are shown in
Table A:
i
i
I
The suitability of the compounds of the invention for the treatment of HCMV infections
can be shown in the following animal model:
HCMV Xenograft Gelfoam® model
Animals:
3-4 week old female immunodeficient mice (16-18 g), Fox Chase SCID or Fox Chase
SCID-NOD or SCID beige, are purchased from commercial breeders (bomholtgaard,
Jackson). The animals are kept under sterile conditions (including bedding and feed)
in isolators.

Virus growing:
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Davis strain, is grown in vitro on human embry-
onic prepuce fibroblasts (NHDF cells). After the NHDF cells have been infected with a
multiplicity of infection (M.O.I.) of 0.01, the virus-infected cells are harvested 5-7
days later and stored in the presence of minimal essential medium (MEM), 10%
foetal calf serum (FCS) with 10% DMSO at -40°C. After serial ten-fold dilutions of the
virus-infected cells, the titre is determined on 24-well plates of confluent NHDF cells
after vital staining with Neutral Red, or fixing and staining with a formalin/Giemsa
mixture (as described above).
Preparation of the sponges, transplantation, treatment and evaluation:
Collagen sponges l x l x l cm in size (Gelfoam®; Peasel & Lorey, order No. 407534;
K.T. Chong et al., Abstracts of 39th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents
and Chemotherapy, 1999, p. 439; P.M. Kraemer et al., Cancer Research 1983, (43):
4822-4827) are initially wetted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the trapped air
bubbles are removed by degassing, and then stored in MEM + 10% FCS. 1 x 106 virus-
infected NHDF cells (infection with HCMV Davis M.O.I. = 0.01) are detached 3 hours
after the infection and added dropwise in 20 µl of MEM, 10% of FCS, onto a moist
sponge. After 12-13 hours 5 ng/µl basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in 25 µl of
PBS /0.1% BSA/1 mM DTT are optionally added to the sponges and the sponges are
incubated for 1 hour. For the transplantation, the immunodeficient mice are anaes-
thetized with avertin or a mixture of azepromazine-xylazine and ketamine, the fur on
the back is removed using a dry shaver, the epidermis is opened 1-2 cm, unstressed
and the moist sponges are transplanted under the dorsal skin. The surgical wound is
closed with tissue glue. 24 hours after the transplantation, the mice are treated with
substance perorally three times a day (7.00 h and 14.00 h and 19.00 h), two times a
day (8.00 h and 17.00 h) or once a day (14.00 h) over a period of 8 days. The dose is
3 or 10 or 30 or 100 mg/kg of body weight, the volume administered is 1.0 ml/kg of
body weight. The substances are formulated in the form of a 0.5% Tylose suspension,

optionally containing 2% DMSO. 9 days after the transplantation and 16 hours after
the last administration of substance, the animals are painlessly sacrificed and the
sponge is removed. The virus-infected cells are released from the sponge by colla-
genase digestion (330 U/1.5 ml) and stored in the presence of MEM, 10% foetal calf
serum, 10% DMSO at -140°C. Evaluation takes place after serial ten-fold dilutions of
the virus-infected cells by determining the titre on 24-well plates of confluent NHDF
cells after vital staining with Neutral Red or after fixing and staining with a forma-
lin/Giemsa mixture (as described above). The number of infectious virus particles
after the substance treatment compared with the placebo-treated control group is
determined.

C. Exemplary embodiments of pharmaceutical compositions
The compounds of the invention can be converted into pharmaceutical preparations
in the following, ways:
Tablet:
Composition:
100 mg of the compound of Example 1, 50 mg of lactose (monohydrate), 50 mg of
corn starch (native), 10 mg of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP 25) (BASF, Ludwigshafen,
Germany) and 2 mg of magnesium stearate.
Tablet weight 212 mg. Diameter 8 mm, radius of curvature 12 mm.
Production:
The mixture of active compound, lactose and starch is granulated with a 5% solution
(m/m) of the PVP in water. After drying the granules are mixed with the magnesium
stearate for 5 min. This mixture is compressed using a conventional tablet press (see
above for format of the tablet). A guideline for the compressive force used for the
compression is 15 kN.
Suspension which can be administered orally:
Composition:
1000 mg of the compound of Example 1, 1000 mg of ethanol (96%), 400 mg of
Rhodigel (xanthan gum from FMC, Pennsylvania, USA) and 99 g of water.

10 ml of oral suspension are equivalent to a single dose of 100 mg of the compound
of the invention.
Production:
The Rhodigel is suspended in ethanol, and the active compound is added to the
suspension. The water is added while stirring. The mixture is stirred for about 6 h
until the swelling of the Rhodigel is complete.
Solution which can be administered intravenously:
Composition:
1 mg of the compound of Example 1, 15 g of polyethylene glycol 400 and 250 g of
water for injection purposes.
Production:
The compound of the invention is dissolved together with polyethylene glycol 400
in the water with stirring. The solution is sterilized by filtration (pore diameter
0.22 µm) and dispensed under aseptic conditions into heat-sterilized infusion bottles.
The latter are closed with infusion stoppers and crimped caps.

WE CLAIM
1. Compound of formula

in which
R1 represents a group of formula

whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3
substituents, whereby the substituents are selected independently
of one another from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy,
oxo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,
trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy,
trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-
C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkylamino, aminocarbonyl and
C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,

R5 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1 to 3
substituents, whereby the substituents are selected independently
of one another from the group consisting of halogen,. hydroxy,
oxo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,
trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy,
trifluoromethyltheio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl,
C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkylamino, aminocarbonyl
and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,
and
R6 and R7 independently of one another represent hydrogen, methyl
or ethyl,
R2 represents C1-C6-alkyl,
whereby alkyl may be substituted with a substituent, whereby the
substituent is selected from the group consisting of C3-C6-cydoalkyl, C6-
C10-aryl and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1
to 3 substituents whereby the substituents are selected
independently of one another from the group consisting of
halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl,
difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy,
hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-C6-alkylamino,
aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-alkylaminocarbonyl,

R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents,
whereby the substituents are selected independently of one
another from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxy,
trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,
difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-
alkyl and C1-C6-alkoxy,
or one of its salts, its solvates or the solvates of its salts.
2. Compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein that
R1 represents a group of formula

whereby
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,
wherein phenyl and heteroaryl may be substituted with 1
to 3 substituents, whereby the substituents are selected
independently of one another from the group consisting of
halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl,
difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-

alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-
C6-alkylamino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6-
alkyllaminocarbonyl,
R2 represents C1-C6-alkyl,
whereby alkyl may be substituted with a substituent, whereby the
substituent is selected from the group consisting of C3-C6-
cycloalkyl and phenyl,
wherein cycloalkyl and phenyl may be substituted with 1 to
3 substituents, whereby the substituents are selected
independently of one another from the group consisting of
halogen, hydroxy, oxo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl,
difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-
alkoxy, hydroxycarbonyl, C1-C6-alkoxycarbonyl, amino, C1-
C6-alkylamino, aminocarbonyl and C1-C6
alkylaminocarbonyl,
R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents,
whereby the sybstituents are selected independently of one
another from the group consisting. of halogen, hydroxy,
trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,
difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, C1-C6-
alkyl and C1-C6-a!koxy.

3. Compound as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
R1 represents a group of formula

whereby .
* represents the linkage site to the carbonyl group,
R4 represents phenyl or pyridyl,
wherein phenyl and pyridyl may be substituted with 1 to 3
substituents, whereby the substituents are selected independently
of one another from the group consisting of halogen, nitro,
cyano, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,
difluoromethoxy, monofluoromethoxy, C1-C4-alkyl and C1-C4-
alkoxy,
R2 "represents methyl, ethyl or n-butyl,
whereby methyl, ethyl and n-butyl may be substituted with a
substituent, whereby the substituent is selected from the group
consisting of cyclopropyl and phenyl,
wherein phenyl may be substituted with a trifluoromethyl
substituent,

R3 represents phenyl,
whereby phenyl may be substituted with 1 to 3 substituents, whereby
the substituents are selected independently of one another from the
group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
trifluoromethylthio and methyl.
4. Method for preparing a compound of formula (I) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
according to method [A] a compound of formula

in which
R1 and R2 have the meaning indicated in Claim 1
is reacted in the first step with a reducing agent and in the second step
in the presence of a carbonic acid derivative with a compound of
formula

in which
R3 has the meaning indicated in Claim 1,
or

according to method [B] a compound of formula (II) is reacted in the
first step with a reducing agent and in the second STEP WITH a compound
of formula

in which
R3 has the meaning indicated in Claim 1,
or
according to method [C] a compound of formula

in which
R2 and R3 have the meaning indicated in Claim 1, and
R8 represents methyl or ethyl,
is reacted in the first step with a base and in the second step with a
compound of formula


in which
R1 has the meaning indicated in Claim 1,
in the presence of dehydrating reagents.
5. Compound as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 for the treatment and/or
prophylaxis of diseases.
6. Medicament, comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in
combination with at least one inert nontoxic, pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient.
7. Medicament as claimed in claim 6 for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of viral
infections. .


ABSTRACT

HETEROCYCLYLAMIDE-SUBSTITUTED IMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS
AND METHODS OF PREPARATION THEREOF
The invention relates to heterocyclylamide-substituted imidazoles and
methods for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or
prophylaxis of diseases as well as their use for the production of
medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disease, in
particular for the use as antiviral agents, especially against
cytomegaloviruses.

Documents:

02892-kolnp-2007-abstract.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-claims.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-correspondence others.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-description complete.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-form 1.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-form 2.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-form 3.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-form 5.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-international publication.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-international search report.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-pct request form.pdf

02892-kolnp-2007-priority document.pdf

2892-KOL-2007-(02-03-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2892-KOL-2007-(02-03-2012)-FORM-3.pdf

2892-KOL-2007-(02-03-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(02-03-2012)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-ABSTRACT.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.PDF

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-FORM 1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-FORM 2.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-FORM 3.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-(18-01-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.2.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.3.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.4.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-FORM 18-1.1.pdf

2892-kolnp-2007-form 18.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-FORM 26.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT-1.1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-PA.tif

2892-KOLNP-2007-PRIORITY DOCUMENT 1.1.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

2892-KOLNP-2007-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf


Patent Number 254225
Indian Patent Application Number 2892/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 40/2012
Publication Date 05-Oct-2012
Grant Date 04-Oct-2012
Date of Filing 08-Aug-2007
Name of Patentee AICURIS GMBH & CO. KG.
Applicant Address FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STR.475 42117 WUPPERTAL
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DR. HOLGER ZIMMERMANN AM ELISABETHHEIM 7 42111 WUPPERTAL
2 DR. KERSTIN HENNINGER CLAUDIUSWEG 7 42115 WUPPERTAL
3 DR. ULRICH ROSENTRETER OBERE RUTENBECK 6 42349 WUPPERTAL
4 DR. MARTIN HENDRIX IM GERODEN 5 51519 ODENTHAL
5 DR. JOERG KELDENICH DAMASCHKEWEG 49 42113 WUPPERTAL
6 DR. DIETER LANG WIMMERSBERGER STR. 60 42553 VELBERT
7 DR. MARTIN RADTKE AM MERGELSBERG 36 40699 ERKRATH
8 DR. DANIELA PAULSEN AM KASINOGARTEN 9 42105 WUPPERTAL
9 DR. ARMIN KERN AM BRUCHER HAEUSCHEN 105 42109 WUPPERTAL
10 DR. DAVID BRUECKNER FISCHERSTR. 15 45128 ESSEN
PCT International Classification Number C07D 401/12
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2006/001325
PCT International Filing date 2006-02-14
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10 2005 008 183.5 2005-02-23 Germany