Therapeutic ureas

Abstract

This invention relates to urea compounds that are muscarinic receptor antagonists and agonists, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of preparing these compounds.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/456,170, filed Dec. 7, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A receptor is a biological structure with one or more binding domains that reversibly complexes with one or more ligands, where that complexation has biological consequences. Receptors can exist entirely outside the cell (extracellular receptors), within the cell membrane (but presenting sections of the receptor to the extracellular milieu and cytosol), or entirely within the cell (intracellular receptors). They may also function independently of a cell (e.g., clot formation). Receptors within the cell membrane allow a cell to communicate with the space outside of its boundaries (i.e., signaling) as well as to function in the transport of molecules and ions into and out of the cell.

[0003] A ligand is a binding partner for a specific receptor or family of receptors. A ligand may be the endogenous ligand for the receptor or alternatively may be a synthetic ligand for the receptor such as a drug, a drug candidate or a pharmacological tool.

[0004] The super family of seven transmembrane proteins (7-TMs), also called G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), represents one of the most significant classes of membrane bound receptors that communicate changes that occur outside of the cell's boundaries to its interior, triggering a cellular response when appropriate. The G-proteins, when activated, affect a wide range of downstream effector systems both positively and negatively (e.g., ion channels, protein kinase cascades, transcription, transmigration of adhesion proteins, and the like).

[0005] Muscarinic receptors are members of the G-protein coupled receptors that are composed of a family of five receptor sub-types (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4 and M.sub.5) and are activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These receptors are widely distributed on multiple organs and tissues and are critical to the maintenance of central and peripheral cholinergic neurotransmission. The regional distribution of these receptor subtypes in the brain and other organs has been documented (Bonner, T. I. et al., Science (Washington D.C.) 1987, 237, 527-532; Goyal, R. K., J. Med., 1989, 321, 1022; Hulme, E. C., et al., Annu. Rev. harmacol.Toxicol. 1990, 30, 633; and Eglen, R. M. and Hegde, S. S., Drug News Perspect. 1997, 10(8), 462-469). For example, the smooth muscle is composed largely of M.sub.2 and M.sub.3 receptors, cardiac muscle is composed largely of M.sub.2 receptors, and salivary glands are largely composed of M.sub.3 receptors.

[0006] It has been established that the muscarinic receptors are involved in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, rhinitis, spasmodic colitis, chronic cystitis, and alzheimer,s disease, senile dementia, glaucoma, schizophrenia, gastroesophogeal reflux disease, cardiac arrhythmia, and hyper salvation syndromes (Fisher, A., Invest. Drugs, 1997, 6(10), 1395-141 1; Martel, A. M., et al., Drugs Future, 1997, 22(2), 135-137; Graul, A. and Castaner, J., Drugs Future, 1996, 21(11), 1105-1108; and Graul, A., et al., Drugs Future, 1997, 22(7), 733-737).

[0007] A number of compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonistic activities are being used to treat these diseases. For example, oxybutynin is being used for the treatment of urinary urge incontinence and dicyclomine is being used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. However, these drugs have limited utility as they produce side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and mydriasis.

[0008] There is currently a need for novel muscarinic receptor antagonists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is directed to urea derivatives that are muscarinic receptor antagonists and agonists and that are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases mediated by muscarinic receptors (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, and the like).

[0010] Accordingly, the invention provides a compound of the invention which is a compound of Formula (I):

L.sub.1--X--L.sub.2

[0011] wherein:

[0012] L.sub.1 is a group of formula (a): 1

[0013] wherein:

[0014] A is an aryl or a heteroaryl ring;

[0015] B" is --NR.sup.a-- wherein R.sup.a is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or substituted alkyl;

[0016] R.sup.1 is hydrogen or alkyl;

[0017] R.sup.2 is Het, or is selected from a group consisting of formula (i), (ii), and (iii): 2

[0018] wherein:

[0019] - - - is an optional double bond;

[0020] n.sub.1 is an integer of from 1 to 4;

[0021] n.sub.2 is an integer of from 1 to 3;

[0022] V is --CH--, --O--, --S(O)n.sub.3-- (where n.sub.3 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or --NR.sup.4--(wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl);

[0023] "Het" is a heteroaryl ring which optionally attaches (a) to a linker;

[0024] R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.a (where R.sup.a is hydrogen, alkyl, or acyl), or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker;

[0025] R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.b (where R.sup.b is hydrogen or alkyl), aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker;

[0026] R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, substituted amino, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker;

[0027] K is a bond or an alkylene group;

[0028] K" is a bond, --C(O)--, --S(O).sub.n4--(where n.sub.4 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or an alkylene group optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; and

[0029] B is heterocycloamino or heteroarylamino, which optionally attaches (a) to a linker;

[0030] provided that at least one of the R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, "Het", heterocycloamino or heteroarylamino groups attaches (a) to a linker;

[0031] X is a linker;

[0032] L.sub.2 is a group selected from a group consisting of:

[0033] (i) a group of formula (b): 3

[0034] wherein:

[0035] D" is alkylene;

[0036] D is --NR.sup.31R.sup.32, --N.sup.+(R.sup.33R.sup.34R.sup.35) or--OR.sup.32 where R.sup.31, R.sup.33, and R.sup.34 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, or aralkyl; and R.sup.32 and R.sup.35 represent a covalent bond attaching (b) to a linker;

[0037] R.sup.27 is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino;

[0038] R.sup.28 is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino;

[0039] R.sup.29 and R.sup.30 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, mono- or dialkylamino; or

[0040] one of R.sup.27, R.sup.28, R.sup.29, or R.sup.30 together with the adjacent group forms a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group;

[0041] (ii) a group of formula (c): 4

[0042] wherein:

[0043] n.sub.11 is an integer of from 1 to 7;

[0044] n.sub.12 is 0 to 7;

[0045] F is --NR.sup.40--, --O--, --S--, or --CHR.sup.41-- (wherein R.sup.40 and R.sup.41 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl);

[0046] F" is a covalent bond, --OR.sup.43, --NR.sup.42R.sup.43, or --N.sup.+R.sup.43R.sup.44R.sup.45 wherein R.sup.42 is hydrogen or alkyl, R.sup.44 and R.sup.45 are alkyl, and R.sup.43 is hydrogen, alkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (c) to a linker;

[0047] R.sup.36 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino;

[0048] R.sup.37 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino; and

[0049] R.sup.38 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, or a covalent bond attaching the ligand to a linker provided that at least one of R.sup.38 and R.sup.43 attaches (c) to a linker;

[0050] R.sup.39 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, or substituted alkyl; and

[0051] (iii) a group of formula (d) or (e): 5

[0052] wherein:

[0053] R.sup.46 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, or heterocycle;

[0054] R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, or --COOR.sup.50 where R.sup.50 is alkyl; or

[0055] R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle, which heterocycle, in addition to optionally bearing the optional substituents defined hereinbelow for a heterocycle, can also optionally be substituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4) alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, or substituted alkynyl.

[0056] R.sup.48 is a covalent bond that attaches the (d) or the (e) to a linker; and

[0057] R.sup.49 is alkyl;

[0058] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or prodrug thereof.

[0059] Preferably X is a group of formula:

--X.sup.a--Z--(Y.sup.a--Z).sub.m--Y.sup.b--Z--X.sup.a--

[0060] wherein

[0061] m is an integer of from 0 to 20;

[0062] X.sup.a at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --C(O)--, --C(O)O--, --C(O)NR--, --C(S)--, --C(S)O--, --C(S)NR-- or a covalent bond where R is as defined below;

[0063] Z at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, substituted cylcoalkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkenylene, alkynylene, substituted alkynylene, cycloalkenylene, substituted cycloalkenylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclene, or a covalent bond;

[0064] Y.sup.a and Y.sup.b at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --C(O)--, --OC(O)--, --C(O)O--, --NR--, --S(O)n--, --C(O)NR'--, --NR'C(O)--, --NR' C(O)NR'--, --NR'C(S)NR'--, --C(.dbd.NR')--NR'--, --NR'--C(.dbd.NR')--, --OC(O)--NR'--, --NR'--C(O)--O--, --N.dbd.C(R")--NR'--, --NR'--C(R").dbd.N--,--P(O)(OR')-- -O--, --O--P(O)(OR')--, --S(O).sub.nCR'R"--, --S(O).sub.n--NR'--, --NR'--S(O).sub.n--, --S--S--, and a covalent bond; where n is 0, 1 or 2; and R, R'and R" at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic (preferably, at least one of X.sup.a, Y.sup.a, Y.sup.b or Z is not a covalent bond).

[0065] The invention also provides a compound of the invention which is a compound of formula (IV): 6

[0066] wherein R.sup.2, K", A, K, R.sup.1, B", B, X, and L.sub.2 have any of the values defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or prodrug thereof. A preferred compound of the invention is a compound of formula (IVa): 7

[0067] wherein X, and L.sub.2 have any of the values defined herein; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or prodrug thereof.

[0068] The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

[0069] The invention also provides synthetic intermediates disclosed herein, as well as synthetic methods useful for preparing such intermediates, and synthetic methods useful for preparing compounds of the invention or salts thereof.

[0070] The invention also provides a method of treating diseases mediated by a muscarinic receptor in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

[0071] The invention also provides a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof for use in medical therapy, as well as the use of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease mediated by a muscarinic receptor in a mammal.

[0072] Applicant has discovered that urea compounds of the present invention are metabolically more stable than compounds lacking such a urea functionality. Accordingly, compounds of the present invention have longer metabolic half-lives and/or longer duration of action in vivo, which can reduce the dose required for administration or can reduce the likelihood of the generation of unwanted metabolites.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] The following terms have the following meanings unless otherwise indicated. Any undefined terms have their art recognized meanings.

[0074] The term "alkyl" refers to a monoradical branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain preferably having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, n-hexyl, n-decyl, tetradecyl, and the like.

[0075] The term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group as defined above wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkyl chain have been optionally replaced with a heteroatom such as --O--, --S(O)n-- (where n is 0 to 2), --NR-- (where R is hydrogen or alkyl) and having from 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl, --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl, and -NR.sup.aR.sup.b, wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b may be the same or different and and are chosen from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic. This term is exemplified by groups such as hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, 2-methylaminoethyl, 3-dimethylaminoprppyl, 2-sulfonamidoethyl, 2-carboxyethyl, and the like.

[0076] The term "alkylene" refers to a diradical of a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain, preferably having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms and even more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene (--CH.sub.2--), ethylene (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), the propylene isomers (e.g., --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-- and --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2--) and the like.

[0077] The term "substituted alkylene" refers to an alkylene group, as defined above, having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl. Additionally, such substituted alkylene groups include those where 2 substituents on the alkylene group are fused to form one or more cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups fused to the alkylene group. Preferably such fused groups contain from 1 to 3 fused ring structures.

[0078] The term "alkylaminoalkyl", "alkylaminoalkenyl" and "alkylaminoalkynyl" refers to the groups R.sup.aNHR.sup.b-- where R.sup.a is alkyl group as defined above and R.sup.b is alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene group as defined above. Such groups are exemplified by 3-methylaminobutyl, 4-ethylamino-1,1-dimethylbutyn-1-yl, 4-ethylaminobutyn-1-yl, and the like.

[0079] The term "alkaryl" or "aralkyl" refers to the groups -alkylene-aryl and -substituted alkylene-aryl where alkylene, substituted alkylene and aryl are defined herein. Such alkaryl groups are exemplified by benzyl, phenethyl and the like.

[0080] The term "alkoxy" refers to the groups alkyl-O--, alkenyl-O--, cycloalkyl-O--, cycloalkenyl-O--, and alkynyl-O--, where alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and alkynyl are as defined herein. Preferred alkoxy groups are alkyl-O-- and include, by way of example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy, sec-butoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, and the like.

[0081] The term "substituted alkoxy" refers to the groups substituted alkyl-O--, substituted alkenyl-O--, substituted cycloalkyl-O--, substituted cycloalkenyl-O--, and substituted alkynyl-O-- where substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl and substituted alkynyl are as defined herein.

[0082] The term "haloalkoxy" refers to the groups alkyl-O-- wherein one or more hydrogen atoms on the alkyl group have been substituted with a halo group and include, by way of examples, groups such as trifluoromethoxy, and the like.

[0083] The term "alkylalkoxy" refers to the groups -alkylene-O-alkyl, alkylene-O-substituted alkyl, substituted alkylene-O-alkyl, and substituted alkylene-O-substituted alkyl wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkylene and substituted alkylene are as defined herein. Preferred alkylalkoxy groups are alkylene-O-alkyl and include, by way of example, methylenemethoxy (--CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3), ethylenemethoxy (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3), n-propylene-iso-propoxy (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), methylene-t-butoxy (--CH.sub.2--O--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), and the like.

[0084] The term "alkylthioalkoxy" refers to the group -alkylene-S-alkyl, alkylene-S-substituted alkyl, substituted alkylene-S-alkyl and substituted alkylene-S-substituted alkyl wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkylene and substituted alkylene are as defined herein. Preferred alkylthioalkoxy groups are alkylene-S-alkyl and include, by way of example, methylenethiomethoxy (--CH.sub.2SCH.sub.3), ethylenethiomethoxy (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2SCH.sub.3), n-propylene-iso-thiopropoxy (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2SCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), methylene-t-thiobutoxy (--CH.sub.2SC(CH.sub.3).sub.3), and the like.

[0085] The term "alkenyl" refers to a monoradical of a branched or unbranched unsaturated hydrocarbon group preferably having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms and even more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-6 sites of vinyl unsaturation. Preferred alkenyl groups include ethenyl (--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2), n-propenyl (--CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2), iso-propenyl (--C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH.sub.2), and the like.

[0086] The term "substituted alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl group as defined above having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl.

[0087] The term "alkenylene" refers to a diradical of a branched or unbranched unsaturated hydrocarbon group preferably having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms and even more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-6 sites of vinyl unsaturation. This term is exemplified by groups such as ethenylene (--CH.dbd.CH--), the propenylene isomers (e.g., --CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH-- or --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH--), and the like.

[0088] The term "substituted alkenylene" refers to an alkenylene group as defined above having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably from 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, amninoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl. Additionally, such substituted alkenylene groups include those where 2 substituents on the alkenylene group are fused to form one or more cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups fused to the alkenylene group.

[0089] The term "alkynyl" refers to a monoradical of an unsaturated hydrocarbon preferably having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 20 carbon atoms and even more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-6 sites of acetylene (triple bond) unsaturation. Preferred alkynyl groups include ethynyl (--C.ident.CH), propargyl (--CH.sub.2C.ident.CH), and the like.

[0090] The term "substituted alkynyl" refers to an alkynyl group as defined above having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl, and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl.

[0091] The term "alkynylene" refers to a diradical of an unsaturated hydrocarbon preferably having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms and even more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 and preferably from 1-6 sites of acetylene (triple bond) unsaturation. Preferred alkynylene groups include ethynylene (--CE.ident.C--), propargylene (--CH.sub.2C.ident.C--), and the like.

[0092] The term "substituted alkynylene" refers to an alkynylene group as defined above having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, arninoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl.

[0093] The term "acyl" refers to the groups HC(O)--, alkyl-C(O)--, substituted alkyl-C(O)--, cycloalkyl-C(O)--, substituted cycloalkyl-C(O)--, cycloalkenyl-C(O)--, substituted cycloalkenyl-C(O)--, aryl-C(O)--, heteroaryl-C(O)-- and heterocyclic-C(O)-- where alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0094] The term "acylamino" or "aminocarbonyl" refers to the group --C(O)NRR where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic or where both R groups are joined to form a heterocyclic group (e.g., morpholino) wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0095] The term "aminoacyl" refers to the group --NRC(O)R where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0096] The term "aminoacyloxy" or "alkoxycarbonylamino" refers to the group --NRC(O)OR where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0097] The term "acyloxy" refers to the groups alkyl-C(O)O--, substituted alkyl-C(O)O--, cycloalkyl-C(O)O--, substituted cycloalkyl-C(O)O--, aryl-C(O)O--, heteroaryl-C(O)O--, and heterocyclic-C(O)O-- wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0098] The term "aryl" refers to an unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed (fused) rings (e.g., naphthyl or anthryl). Preferred aryls include phenyl, naphthyl and the like. Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the aryl substituent, such aryl groups can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents, preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of acyloxy, hydroxy, thiol, acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, acylamino, alkaryl, aryl, aryloxy, azido, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl, --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl and trihalomethyl. Preferred aryl substituents include alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, and thioalkoxy.

[0099] The term "aryloxy" refers to the group aryl-O-- wherein the aryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups as also defined above.

[0100] The term "arylene " refers to the diradical derived from aryl (including substituted aryl) as defined above and is exemplified by 1,2-phenylene, 1,3-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,2-naphthylene and the like.

[0101] The term "amino" refers to the group --NH.sub.2.

[0102] The term "substituted amino" refers to the group --NRR where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic provided that both R's are not hydrogen.

[0103] The term "carboxyalkyl" or "alkoxycarbonyl" refers to the groups "--C(O)O-alkyl", "--C(O)O-substituted alkyl", "--C(O)O-cycloalkyl", "--C(O)O-substituted cycloalkyl", "--C(O)O-alkenyl", "--C(O)O-substituted alkenyl", "--C(O)O-alkynyl" and "--C(O)O-substituted alkynyl" where alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl and substituted alkynyl alkynyl are as defined herein.

[0104] The term "cycloalkyl" refers to cyclic alkyl groups of from 3 to 20 carbon atoms having a single cyclic ring or multiple condensed rings. Such cycloalkyl groups include, by way of example, single ring structures such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, and the like, or multiple ring structures such as adamantanyl, and the like.

[0105] The term "substituted cycloalkyl" refers to cycloalkyl groups having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl.

[0106] The term "cycloalkenyl" refers to cyclic alkenyl groups of from 4 to 20 carbon atoms having a single cyclic ring and at least one point of internal unsaturation. Examples of suitable cycloalkenyl groups include, for instance, cyclobut-2-enyl, cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclooct-3-enyl, and the like.

[0107] The term "substituted cycloalkenyl" refers to cycloalkenyl groups having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl.

[0108] The term "halo" or "halogen" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

[0109] The term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic group of from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur within at least one ring (if there is more than one ring). Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the heteroaryl substituent, such heteroaryl groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents, preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of acyloxy, hydroxy, thiol, acyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, acylamino, alkaryl, aryl, aryloxy, azido, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, aminoacyloxy, oxyacylamino, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl, --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl and trihalomethyl. Preferred aryl substituents include alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, trihalomethyl, and thioalkoxy. Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g., pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., indolizinyl or benzothienyl). Preferred heteroaryls include pyridyl, pyrrolyl and furyl.

[0110] The term "heteroaralkyl" refers to the groups -alkylene-heteroaryl where alkylene and heteroaryl are defined herein. Such heteroaralkyl groups are exemplified by pyridylmethyl, pyridylethyl, indolylmethyl, and the like.

[0111] The term "heteroaryloxy" refers to the group heteroaryl-O--.

[0112] The term "heteroarylene" refers to the diradical group derived from heteroaryl (including substituted heteroaryl), as defined above, and is exemplified by the groups 2,6-pyridylene, 2,4-pyridiylene, 1,2-quinolinylene, 1,8-quinolinylene, 1,4-benzofuranylene, 2,5-pyridnylene, 2,5-indolenyl, and the like.

[0113] The term "heterocycle" or "heterocyclic" or refers to a monoradical saturated unsaturated group having a single ring or multiple condensed rings, from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and from 1 to 10 hetero atoms, preferably 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and/or oxygen within the ring. Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for the heterocyclic substituent, such heterocyclic groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl and --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl. Such heterocyclic groups can have a single ring or multiple condensed rings. Preferred heterocyclics include morpholino, piperidinyl, and the like.

[0114] Examples of nitrogen heteroaryls and heterocycles include, but are not limited to, pyrrole, thiophene, furan, imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthylpyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, phenanthroline, isothiazole, phenazine, isoxazole, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, imidazolidine, imidazoline, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, indoline, morpholine, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophene, and the like as well as N-alkoxy-nitrogen containing heterocycles.

[0115] The term "heterocyclooxy" refers to the group heterocyclic-O--.

[0116] The term "thioheterocyclooxy" refers to the group heterocyclic-S--.

[0117] The term "heterocyclene" refers to the diradical group formed from a heterocycle, as defined herein, and is exemplified by the groups 2,6-morpholino, 2,5-morpholino and the like.

[0118] "Heteroarylamino" means a 5 membered aromatic ring wherein one or two ring atoms are N, the remaining ring atoms being C. The heterocycloamino ring may be fused to a cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ring, and it may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents, preferably one or two substituents, selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, halo, cyano, acyl, amino, substituted amino, acylamino, --OR (where R is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl), or --S(O)nR [where n is an integer from 0 to 2 and R is hydrogen (provided that n is 0), alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, amino, heterocyclo, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl]. More specifically the term heterocycloamino includes, but is not limited to, imidazole, pyrazole, benzimidazole and benzpyrazole.

[0119] "Heterocycloamino" means a saturated monovalent cyclic group of 4 to 8 ring atoms, wherein at least one ring atom is N and optionally contains one or two additional ring heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, O, or S(O)n (where n is an integer from 0 to 2), the remaining ring atoms being C, where one or two C atoms may optionally be replaced by a carbonyl group. The heterocycloamino ring may be fused to a cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ring, and it may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents, preferably one or two substituents, selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, halo, cyano, acyl, amino, substituted amino, acylamino, -OR (where R is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl), or -S(O)nR [where n is an integer from 0 to 2 and R is hydrogen (provided that n is 0), alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, amino, heterocyclo, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, or heteroaralkyl]. More specifically the term heterocycloamino includes, but is not limited to, pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, piperazino, indolino, or thiomorpholino. The term heterocycloamino also includes, quinuclidine, 1 -azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, 1-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl and the derivatives thereof.

[0120] The term "oxyacylamino " or "aminocarbonyloxy" refers to the group --OC(O)NRR where each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclic wherein alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic are as defined herein.

[0121] The term "spiro-attached cycloalkyl group " refers to a cycloalkyl group attached to another ring via one carbon atom common to both rings.

[0122] The term "thiol" refers to the group --SH.

[0123] The term "thioalkoxy" or "alkylthio" refers to the group --S-alkyl.

[0124] The term "substituted thioalkoxy" refers to the group --S-substituted alkyl.

[0125] The term "thioaryloxy" refers to the group aryl-S-- wherein the aryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups also defined above.

[0126] The term "thioheteroaryloxy" refers to the group heteroaryl-S-- wherein the heteroaryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups as also defined above.

[0127] As to any of the above groups which contain one or more substituents, it is understood, of course, that such groups do not contain any substitution or substitution patterns which are sterically impractical and/or synthetically non-feasible. In addition, the compounds of this invention include all stereochemical isomers arising from the substitution of these compounds.

[0128] Unless specified otherwise, all ranges referred to herein include the stated end-point values.

[0129] The term "pharmaceutically-acceptable salt" refers to salts which retain biological effectiveness and are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. In many cases, the compounds of this invention are capable of forming acid and/or base salts by virtue of the presence of amino and/or carboxyl groups or groups similar thereto.

[0130] Pharmaceutically-acceptable base addition salts can be prepared from inorganic and organic bases. Salts derived from inorganic bases, include by way of example only, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium and magnesium salts. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to, salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, such as alkyl amines, dialkyl amines, trialkyl amines, substituted alkyl amines, di(substituted alkyl) amines, tri(substituted alkyl) amines, alkenyl amines, dialkenyl amines, trialkenyl amines, substituted alkenyl amines, di(substituted alkenyl) amines, tri(substituted alkenyl) amines, cycloalkyl amines, di(cycloalkyl) amines, tri(cycloalkyl) amines, substituted cycloalkyl amines, disubstituted cycloalkyl amine, trisubstituted cycloalkyl amines, cycloalkenyl amines, di(cycloalkenyl) amines, tri(cycloalkenyl) amines, substituted cycloalkenyl amines, disubstituted cycloalkenyl amine, trisubstituted cycloalkenyl amines, aryl amines, diaryl amines, triaryl amines, heteroaryl amines, diheteroaryl amines, triheteroaryl amines, heterocyclic amines, diheterocyclic amines, triheterocyclic amines, mixed di- and tri-amines where at least two of the substituents on the amine are different and are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclic, and the like. Also included are amines where the two or three substituents, together with the amino nitrogen, form a heterocyclic or heteroaryl group. Examples of suitable amines include, by way of example only, isopropylamine, trimethyl amine, diethyl amine, tri(iso-propyl) amine, tri(n-propyl) amine, ethanolamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, tromethamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine, ethylenediamine, glucosamine, N-alkylglucamines, theobromine, purines, piperazine, piperidine, morpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, and the like. It should also be understood that other carboxylic acid derivatives would be useful in the practice of this invention, for example, carboxylic acid amides, including carboxamides, lower alkyl carboxamides, dialkyl carboxamides, and the like.

[0131] Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may be prepared from inorganic and organic acids. Salts derived from inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like. Salts derived from organic acids include acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluene-sulfonic acid, salicylic acid, and the like.

[0132] The term "pharmaceutically-acceptable cation " refers to the cation of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt.

[0133] The term "protecting group" or "blocking group" refers to any group which when bound to one or more hydroxyl, thiol, amino or carboxyl groups of the compounds (including intermediates thereof) prevents reactions from occurring at these groups and which protecting group can be removed by conventional chemical or enzymatic steps to reestablish the hydroxyl, thiol, amino or carboxyl group. The particular removable blocking group employed is not critical and preferred removable hydroxyl blocking groups include conventional substituents such as allyl, benzyl, acetyl, chloroacetyl, thiobenzyl, benzylidine, phenacyl, t-butyl-diphenylsilyl and any other group that can be introduced chemically onto a hydroxyl functionality and later selectively removed either by chemical or enzymatic methods in mild conditions compatible with the nature of the product. Preferred removable thiol blocking groups include disulfide groups, acyl groups, benzyl groups, and the like. Preferred removable amino blocking groups include conventional substituents such as t-butyoxycarbonyl (t-BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl (CBZ), fluorenylmethoxy-carbonyl (FMOC), allyloxycarbonyl (ALOC), and the like which can be removed by conventional conditions compatible with the nature of the product. Preferred carboxyl protecting groups include esters such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, t-butyl etc. which can be removed by mild conditions compatible with the nature of the product.

[0134] The term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event, circumstance or substituent may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0135] The term "inert organic solvent" or "inert organic solvent" means a solvent which is inert under the conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith including, by way of example only, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, chloroform, methylene chloride, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, methylethyl ketone, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, dioxane, pyridine, and the like. Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions described herein are inert solvents.

[0136] The term "treatment" refers to any treatment of a pathologic condition in a mammal, particularly a human, and includes:

[0137] (i) preventing the pathologic condition from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the condition but has not yet been diagnosed with the condition and, accordingly, the treatment constitutes prophylactic treatment for the disease condition;

[0138] (ii) inhibiting the pathologic condition, i.e., arresting its development;

[0139] (iii) relieving the pathologic condition, i.e., causing regression of the pathologic condition; or

[0140] (iv) relieving the conditions mediated by the pathologic condition.

[0141] The term "pathologic condition which is modulated by treatment with a ligand" covers all disease states (i.e., pathologic conditions) which are generally acknowledged in the art to be usefully treated with a ligand for the muscarinic receptors in general, and those disease states which have been found to be usefully treated by a compound of the invention. Such disease states include, by way of example only, the treatment of a mammal afflicted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, and the like.

[0142] The term "therapeutically effective amount" refers to that amount of a compound which is sufficient to effect treatment, as defined above, when administered to a mammal in need of such treatment. The therapeutically effective amount will vary depending upon the subject and disease condition being treated, the weight and age of the subject, the severity of the disease condition, the manner of administration and the like, which can readily be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0143] The term "linker", identified by the symbol `X` refers to a group or groups that covalently attaches L.sub.1 and L.sub.2. Additionally, the linker can be either a chiral or achiral molecule. The term "linker" does not, however, extend to cover solid inert supports such as beads, glass particles, fibers, and the like. But it is understood that the compounds of this invention can be attached to a solid support if desired. For example, such attachment to solid supports can be made for use in separation and purification processes and similar applications.

[0144] "Pro-drugs" means any compound which releases an active parent drug according to Formula (I) in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs of a compound of Formula (I) are prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compound of Formula (I) in such a way that the modifications may be cleaved in vivo to release the parent compound. Prodrugs include compounds of Formula (D) wherein a hydroxy, amino, or sulfhydryl group in compound (I) is bonded to any group that may be cleaved in vivo to regenerate the free hydroxyl, amino, or sulfhydryl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to esters (e.g., acetate, formate, and benzoate derivatives), carbamates (e.g., N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl) of hydroxy functional groups in compounds of Formula (I), and the like.

[0145] While the broadest definition of this invention is set forth in the Summary of the Invention, certain compounds of Formula (I) may be preferred. Specific and preferred values listed herein for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents

[0146] A preferred value for A is phenyl or pyridine

[0147] A preferred value for R.sup.1 is hydrogen methyl, or ethyl.

[0148] Another preferred value for R.sup.1 is hydrogen.

[0149] A preferred value for R.sup.2 is pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or imidazolyl.

[0150] Another preferred value for R.sup.2 is phenyl.

[0151] A preferred value for V is --CH-- or --NR.sup.4-- (wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl).

[0152] A preferred value for R.sup.3 is hydrogen or alkyl

[0153] A preferred value for R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker

[0154] Another preferred value for R.sup.5 is hydrogen, methyl, phenyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, halo, hydroxy, carboxy, or amino, benzyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, halo, hydroxy, carboxy, or amino.

[0155] A preferred value for R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 independent of each other is hydrogen, alkyl, nitro, hydroxy, or amino.

[0156] A preferred value for K is alkylene having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0157] A preferred value for K is alkylene having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0158] A preferred value for K is a bond or a methylene group.

[0159] A preferred value for K" is a bond.

[0160] A preferred value for R.sup.a is hydrogen.

[0161] A preferred value for B is a heterocycloamino group which attaches (a) to a linker.

[0162] Another preferred value for B is a formula selected from a group consisting of formula (j), formula (k), and formula (l): 8

[0163] wherein:

[0164] n.sub.13 and n.sub.14 are, independently of each other, an integer of from 0 to 4 provided that n.sub.13+n.sub.14 is an integer of from 3 to 5;

[0165] n.sub.15 and n.sub.17 are, independently of each other, an integer of from 0 to 4 provided that n.sub.15+n.sub.17 is an integer of from 3 to 5;

[0166] n.sub.16 is an integer of from 0 to 3 provided that n.sub.15+n.sub.16 is an integer of from 3 to 5;

[0167] n.sub.18, n.sub.19 and n.sub.20 are, independently of each other, an integer of from 0 to 3 provided that n.sub.18+n.sub.19+n.sub.20 is 2 or 3;

[0168] n.sub.21 is an integer of from 1 to 3;

[0169] W.sup.a and W.sup.c are, independently of each other: 9

[0170] where:

[0171] n.sub.22 is 0 or 1;

[0172] R.sup.53 and R.sup.54 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aralkyl, or heterocyclylalkyl or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker;

[0173] R.sup.55 is alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; and

[0174] W.sup.b is --N(O)n.sub.23 or --N.sup.+--R.sup.56 where n.sub.23 is 0 or 1, and R.sup.56 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aralkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker;

[0175] provided that a carbon other than a bridge head carbon is bonded to B".

[0176] Another preferred value for B is a ring represented by the following general formulae: 10

[0177] wherein a carbon atom other than a bridge head carbon is bound to B"; and W.sup.c is as defined above.

[0178] A more preferred value for B is pyrrolidine, piperidine, or hexahydroazepine attaching (a) to a linker.

[0179] Another more preferred value for B is piperidine wherein the nitrogen atom of said piperidine attaches (a) to a linker.

[0180] Another more preferred value for B is piperidin-4-yl wherein the nitrogen at the 1 position optionally attaches (a) to a linker.

[0181] Another more preferred value for B is quinuclidine, 1-azabicyclo[2.2.1]-heptyl, or 1-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl attaching (a) to a linker, wherein a carbon other than a bridge head carbon is bound to B".

[0182] A preferred value for D" is --(CH.sub.2)n.sub.43-- where n.sub.43 is an integer of from 1-10, preferably 2-8, more preferably 2-4. Another preferred value for n.sub.43 is an integer of from 3-10.

[0183] A preferred value for D is --NR.sup.31R.sup.32 or --N.sup.+(R.sup.33R.sup.34R.sup.35)M.sup.- where R.sup.31, R.sup.33, and R.sup.34 are, independently of each other, hydrogen or methyl, and R.sup.32 and R.sup.35 represent a covalent bond attaching (b) to a linker. More preferably R.sup.31, R.sup.33, and R.sup.34 methyl, and R.sup.32 and R.sup.35 represent a covalent bond attaching (b) to a linker.

[0184] A preferred value for R.sup.27 is hydrogen.

[0185] A preferred value for R.sup.28 is hydrogen.

[0186] A preferred value for R.sup.29 and R.sup.30 independently is hydrogen; or one of R.sup.27, R.sup.28, R.sup.29, or R.sup.30 together with the adjacent group forms a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group.

[0187] A preferred value for n.sub.11 is 1.

[0188] A preferred value for n.sub.12 is 6.

[0189] A preferred value for F is --O--.

[0190] A preferred value for F" is a covalent bond, --OR.sup.43, --NR.sup.42R.sup.43 wherein R.sup.42 is hydrogen or alkyl, or --N.sup.+(R.sup.43R.sup.44R.sup.45) wherein R.sup.44 and R.sup.45 are alkyl, and R.sup.43 is a covalent bond attaching (c) to a linker.

[0191] A preferred value for F" is --O--, --NH--, N(CH.sub.3)-- or --N(CH.sub.3).sub.2--

[0192] A more preferred value for F" is --NH--, N(CH.sub.3)-- or --N(CH.sub.3).sub.2-- wherein the nitrogen atom attaches (c) to a linker.

[0193] A preferred value for R.sup.36 is hydrogen.

[0194] Preferably R.sup.37 is ortho to the --(CHR.sup.38)-- group and is hydrogen or alkoxy. More preferably R.sup.37 is ortho to the --(CHR.sup.38)-- group and is methoxy.

[0195] Preferably is R.sup.38 is hydrogen.

[0196] Preferably R.sup.39 is hydrogen.

[0197] Preferably L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein: R.sup.46 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, or heterocycle; or R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle.

[0198] Preferably, L.sub.2 is a group of formula A1-A241 as shown in the following table. L.sub.2 is preferably linked to X through a non-aromatic nitrogen atom (e.g. a secondary amino nitrogen) of L.sub.2.

1 No. L.sub.2 A1 11 A2 12 A3 13 A4 14 A5 15 A6 16 A7 17 A8 18 A9 19 A10 20 A11 21 A12 22 A13 23 A14 24 A15 25 A16 26 A17 27 A18 28 A19 29 A20 30 A21 31 A22 32 A23 33 A24 34 A25 35 A26 36 A27 37 A28 38 A29 39 A30 40 A31 41 A32 42 A33 43 A34 44 A35 45 A36 46 A37 47 A38 48 A39 49 A40 50 A41 51 A42 52 A43 53 A44 54 A45 55 A46 56 A47 57 A48 58 A49 59 A50 60 A51 61 A52 62 A53 63 A54 64 A55 65 A56 66 A57 67 A58 68 A59 69 A60 70 A61 71 A62 72 A63 73 A64 74 A65 75 A66 76 A67 77 A68 78 A69 79 A70 80 A71 81 A72 82 A73 83 A74 84 A75 85 A76 86 A77 87 A78 88 A79 89 A80 90 A81 91 A82 92 A83 93 A84 94 A85 95 A86 96 A87 97 A88 98 A89 99 A90 100 A91 101 A92 102 A93 103 A94 104 A95 105 A96 106 A97 107 A98 108 A99 109 A100 110 A101 111 A102 112 A103 113 A104 114 A105 115 A106 116 A107 117 A108 118 A109 119 A110 120 A111 121 A112 122 A113 123 A114 124 A115 125 A116 126 A117 127 A118 128 A119 129 A120 130 A121 131 A122 132 A123 133 A124 134 A125 135 A126 136 A127 137 A128 138 A129 139 A130 140 A131 141 A132 142 A133 143 A134 144 A135 145 A136 146 A137 147 A138 148 A139 149 A140 150 A141 151 A142 152 A143 153 A144 154 A145 155 A146 156 A147 157 A148 158 A149 159 A150 160 A151 161 A152 162 A153 163 A154 164 A155 165 A156 166 A157 167 A158 168 A159 169 A160 170 A161 171 A162 172 A163 173 A164 174 A165 175 A166 176 A167 177 A168 178 A169 179 A170 180 A171 181 A172 182 A173 183 A174 184 A175 185 A176 186 A177 187 A178 188 A179 189 A180 190 A181 191 A182 192 A183 193 A184 194 A185 195 A186 196 A187 197 A188 198 A189 199 A190 200 A191 201 A192 202 A193 203 A194 204 A195 205 A196 206 A197 207 A198 208 A199 209 A200 210 A201 211 A202 212 A203 213 A204 214 A205 215 A206 216 A207 217 A208 218 A209 219 A210 220 A211 221 A212 222 A213 223 A214 224 A215 225 A216 226 A217 227 A218 228 A219 229 A220 230 A221 231 A222 232 A223 233 A224 234 A225 235 A226 236 A227 237 A228 238 A229 239 A230 240 A231 241 A232 242 A233 243 A234 244 A235 245 A236 246 A237 247 A238 248 A239 249 A240 250 A241 251

[0199] Preferably, L.sub.2 can also be a group of formula A301-A439 as shown in the following table. L.sub.2 is preferably linked to X through a non-aromatic nitrogen atom (e.g. a secondary amino nitrogen) of L.sub.2.

2 A301 252 A302 253 A303 254 A304 255 A305 256 A306 257 A307 258 A308 259 A309 260 A310 261 A311 262 A312 263 A313 264 A314 265 A315 266 A316 267 A317 268 A318 269 A319 270 A320 271 A321 272 A322 273 A323 274 A324 275 A325 276 A326 277 A327 278 A328 279 A329 280 A330 281 A331 282 A332 283 A333 284 A334 285 A335 286 A336 287 A337 288 A338 289 A339 290 A340 291 A341 292 A342 293 A343 294 A344 295 A345 296 A346 297 A347 298 A348 299 A349 300 A350 301 A351 302 A352 303 A353 304 A354 305 A355 306 A356 307 A357 308 A358 309 A359 310 A360 311 A361 312 A362 313 A363 314 A364 315 A365 316 A366 317 A367 318 A368 319 A369 320 A370 321 A371 322 A372 323 A373 324 A374 325 A375 326 A376 327 A377 328 A378 329 A379 330 A380 331 A381 332 A382 333 A383 334 A384 335 A385 336 A386 337 A387 338 A388 339 A389 340 A390 341 A391 342 A393 343 A394 344 A395 345 A396 346 A397 347 A398 348 A399 349 A400 350 A401 351 A402 352 A403 353 A404 354 A405 355 A406 356 A407 357 A408 358 A409 359 A410 360 A411 361 A412 362 A413 363 A414 364 A415 365 A416 366 A417 367 A418 368 A419 369 A420 370 A421 371 A422 372 A423 373 A424 374 A425 375 A426 376 A427 377 A428 378 A429 379 A430 380 A431 381 A432 382 A433 383 A434 384 A435 385 A436 386 A437 387 A438 388 A439 389

[0200] Preferably, L.sub.2 can also be a group of formula A501-A523 as shown in the following table. L.sub.2 is preferably linked to X through a non-aromatic nitrogen atom of L.sub.2.

3 No. L.sub.2 A501 390 A502 391 A503 392 A504 393 A505 394 A506 395 A507 396 A508 397 A509 398 A510 399 A511 400 A512 401 A513 402 A514 403 A515 404 A516 405 A517 406 A518 407 A519 408 A520 409 A521 410 A522 411 A523 412 A524 413 A525 414 A526 415 A527 416 A528 417 A529 418 A530 419 A531 420 A532 421 A533 422 A534 423 A535 424 A536 425 A537 426 A538 427 A539 428 A540 429 A541 430 A542 431 A543 432 A544 433 A545 434 A546 435 A547 436 A548 437 A549 438 A550 439 A551 440 A552 441 A553 442 A554 443 A555 444 A556 445 A557 446 A558 447 A559 448 A560 449 A561 450 A562 451 A563 452 A564 453 A565 454 A566 455 A567 456 A568 457 A569 458 A570 459 A571 460 A572 461 A573 462 A574 463 A575 464 A576 465 A577 466 A578 467 A579 468 A580 469 A581 470 A582 471 A583 472 A584 473 A585 474 A586 475 A587 476 A588 477 A589 478 A590 479

[0201] A more preferred value for L.sub.2 is A234, A363, A364, A153, A28, A324, A329, A562, A87, or A239.

[0202] A preferred value for X is alkylene optionally substituted with one, two, or three hydroxy groups, alkylene wherein one, two or three carbon atoms have been replaced by an oxygen atom, -alkylene-phenylene-alkylene- wherein the phenylene ring is optionally substituted with one or two chloro or fluoro groups.

[0203] Another preferred value for X is an alkylene group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein one or more carbon atoms (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4) in the alkylene group is optionally replaced with --O--; and wherein the chain is optionally substituted on carbon with one or more hydroxyl (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4).

[0204] Another preferred value for X is an alkylene group having from 6 to 15 carbons atoms; wherein one or more carbon atoms (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4) in the alkylene group is optionally replaced with --O--; and wherein the chain is optionally substituted on carbon with one or more hydroxyl (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4).

[0205] Another preferred value for X is is nonane-1,9-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, 2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl, or 5-oxa-nonane-1,9-diyl.

[0206] Another preferred value for X is a group of the following formula: 480

[0207] wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 fluoro groups.

[0208] Another preferred value for X is a group of one of the following formulae: 481

[0209] A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are compounds wherein R.sup.2 is selected from formula (i) and (iii); and wherein K" is a bond or methylene.

[0210] A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are compounds wherein R.sup.2 is formula (i); R.sup.3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, fluoro, or trifluoromethyl; and K" is a bond or methylene.

[0211] A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are compounds wherein R.sup.2 is formula (iii); R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are each hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, fluoro, or trifluoromethyl; and K" is a bond or methylene.

[0212] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein R.sup.46 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, or heterocycle; R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, or --COOR.sup.50 where R.sup.50 is alkyl; or R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle.

[0213] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle which is substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0214] A more preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle which is substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0215] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle which is substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0216] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L is a group of formula (d) wherein at least one of R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 individually, or R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 taken together, is a group that comprises a basic nitrogen atom (e.g. a nitrogen atom with a pKa of preferably at least about 5, more preferably al least about 6, or most preferably at least about 7).

[0217] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is a heterocycle, optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl; and R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, acyl, or --COOR.sup.50.

[0218] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is alkyl that is substituted by a group that comprises a basic nitrogen atom (e.g. a nitrogen atom with a pKa of preferably at least about 5, more preferably al least about 6, or most preferably at least about 7).

[0219] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is alkyl that is optionally substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, NR.sup.aR.sup.b, wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b may be the same or different and and are chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, and heterocyclic.

[0220] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is a heterocycle which is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0221] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, or 3-pyrrolidinyl, which R.sup.46 is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0222] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a piperidine or pyrrolidine ring which ring is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

[0223] A preferred group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a heterocycle that is an aza-crown ether (e.g. 1-aza-12-crown-4, 1-aza-15-crown-5, or 1-aza-18-crown-6).

[0224] A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are compounds wherein: A is an aryl or a heteroaryl ring; B" is --NRa-- wherein Ra is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or alkyl; R.sup.2 is selected from a group consisting of formula (i), (ii), (iii), or "Het":

[0225] wherein: - - - is an optional double bond; n, is an integer of from 1 to 4; n.sub.2 is an integer of from 1 to 3; V is --CH--, --O--, --S(O)n.sub.3-- (where n.sub.3 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or --NR.sup.4-- (wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl); "Het" is a heteroaryl ring which optionally attaches the ligand to a linker; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.8 (where R.sup.a is hydrogen, alkyl, or acyl), or a covalent bond attaching the ligand to a linker; R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.b (where R.sup.b is hydrogen or alkyl), aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or a covalent bond attaching the ligand to a linker; R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, substituted amino, or a covalent bond attaching the ligand to a linker; K is a bond or an alkylene group; K" is a bond, --C(O)--, --S(O).sub.n4-- (where n.sub.4 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or an alkylene group optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; and B is a heterocycloamino group which optionally attaches the ligand to a linker; provided that at least one of the R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, "Het", or the heterocycloamino group attaches the ligand to a linker.

[0226] A preferred compound of formula (I) is a compound of Formula (Ia): 482

[0227] wherein A, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, K, K", B, X, R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 are as defined herein.

[0228] For a compound of Formula (Ia) a preferred group of compounds is that wherein A is phenyl or pyridine; and K and K" are bond.

[0229] For a compound of Formula (Ia) another preferred group of compounds is that wherein A is phenyl or pyridine; R.sup.2 is phenyl; and K and K" are bond.

[0230] For a compound of Formula (Ia) another preferred group of compounds is that wherein B has any of the preferred values identified herein.

[0231] The invention also provides a compound of formula (IV): 483

[0232] wherein L.sub.2 is an organic group comprising at least one (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4) primary, secondary, or tertiary amines. Typically, the amine of L.sub.2 should be basic, having a pH of at least about 5, and preferably at least about 6, more preferably at least about 7. The nature of the group L.sub.2 is not critical provided the compound has suitable properties (e.g. solubility, stability, and toxicity) for its intended use (e.g. as a drug or as a pharmacological tool). Typically the group L.sub.2 will have a molecular weight below 500 and preferably below about 300. Additionally, the group L.sub.2 preferably comprises 5 or fewer hydrogen bond donors (e.g. OH, --NHR--, and --C(.dbd.O)NHR--) and ten or fewer hydrogen bond acceptors (e.g. --O--, --NRR--, and --S--). Preferably, the nitrogen of B shown in formula (IV) is separated from an amine of the group L.sub.2 by about 15 angstroms to about 75 angstroms (based on conventionally acceptable bond lengths and angles). More preferably, the nitrogen of B is separated from an amine of the group L.sub.2 by about 25 angstroms to about 50 angstroms. Preferred compounds of formula (IV) also have a log D between about -3 and about 5. Using the above parameters, one skilled in the art can readily determine compounds of formula (IV) possessing the desired properties for an intended use.

[0233] General Synthetic Schemes

[0234] Compounds of this invention can be made by the methods depicted in the reaction schemes shown below.

[0235] The starting materials and reagents used in preparing these compounds are either available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co., (Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A.), Bachem (Torrance, Calif., U.S.A.), Emka-Chemie, or Sigma (St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.) or are prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1-15 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991); Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1-5 and Supplementals (Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989), Organic Reactions, Volumes 1-40 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991), March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, (John Wiley and Sons, 4th Edition), and Larock's Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1989).

[0236] The starting materials and the intermediates of the reaction may be isolated and purified if desired using conventional techniques, including but not limited to filtration, distillation, crystallization, chromatography, and the like. Such materials may be characterized using conventional means, including physical constants and spectral data.

[0237] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

[0238] Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of a suitable protecting group for a particular functional group as well as suitable conditions for protection and deprotection are well known in the art. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introduction and removal, are described in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Second Edition, Wiley, New York, 1991, and references cited therein.

[0239] These schemes are merely illustrative of some methods by which the compounds of this invention can be synthesized, and various modifications to these schemes can be made and will be suggested to one skilled in the art having referred to this disclosure.

[0240] Preparation of a Compound of Formula (I)

[0241] In general, compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared as illustrated and described in Schemes A. 484

[0242] A compound of Formula (I) is prepared by covalently attaching one equivalent of a compound of formula 1 with a compound of formula 2 where X is a linker as defined herein, FG.sup.1 is a functional group, FG.sup.2 is a functional group that is complimentary to FG.sup.1, PG is a protecting group, and FG.sup.2PG is a protected functional group, to give an intermediate of formula (II). Deprotection of the functional group on the linker, followed by reaction of resulting compound 3 with one equivalent of compound 4, then provides a compound of Formula (I). The reaction conditions used to link compounds 1 and 4 to compound 2 and 3 depend on the nature of the functional groups on compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 which in turn depend on the type of linkage desired. Examples of the functional groups and the reaction conditions that can be used to generate a specific linkage is described below.

4TABLE I Representative Complementary Binding Chemistries First Reactive Group Second Reactive Group Linkage carboxyl amine amide sulfonyl halide amine sulfonamide hydroxyl alkyl/aryl halide ether hydroxyl isocyanate urethane amine epoxide .beta.-hydroxyamine amine alkyl/aryl halide alkylamine hydroxyl carboxyl ester

[0243] Reaction between a carboxylic acid of either the linker or the ligand and a primary or secondary amine of the ligand or the linker in the presence of suitable, well-known activating agents such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, results in formation of an amide bond covalently linking the ligand to the linker; reaction between an amine group of either the linker or the ligand and a sulfonyl halide of the ligand or the linker, in the presence of a base such as triethylarnine, pyridine, and the like, results in formation of a sulfonamide bond covalently linking the ligand to the linker; and reaction between an alcohol or phenol group of either the linker or the ligand and an alkyl or aryl halide of the ligand or the linker in the presence of a base such as triethylamine, pyridine, and the like, results in formation of an ether bond covalently linking the ligand to the linker.

[0244] Suitable dihydroxyl and dihalo starting materials useful for incorporating a group X into a compound of the invention are shown in the following table. Preferably, an alcohol is reacted with a ligand bearing a leaving group to provide an ether bond, while a dihalo compound is preferably reacted with an amine of the ligand to form a subatituted amine.

5 No. X X1 485 X2 486 X3 487 X4 488 X5 489 X6 490 X7 491 X8 492 X9 493 X10 494 X11 495 X12 496 X13 497 X14 498 X15 499 X16 500 X17 501 X18 502 X19 503 X20 504 X21 505 X22 506 X23 507 X24 508 X25 509 X26 510 X27 511 X28 512 X29 513 X30 514 X31 515 X32 516 X33 517 X34 518 X35 519 X36 520 X37 521 X38 522 X39 523 X40 524 X41 525 X42 526 X43 527 X44 528 X45 529 X46 530 X47 531 X48 532 X49 533 X50 534 X51 535 X52 536 X53 537 X54 538 X55 HOCH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.8CH.sub.2OH X56 539 X57 540 X58 541 X59 542 X60 543 X61 544 X62 545 X63 546 X64 547 X65 548 X66 549 X67 550 X68 551 X69 HOCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.4CH.sub.2OH X70 552 X71 553 X72 554 X73 555 X74 556 X75 557 X76 558 X77 559 X78 560 X79 561 X80 562 X81 563 X82 564 X83 565 X84 566 X85 567 X86 568 X87 569 X88 570 X89 571 X90 572 X91 573 X92 574 X93 575 X94 576 X95 577 X96 578 X97 579 X98 580 X99 581 X100 HOCH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CH.sub.2OH

[0245] Typically, a compound selected for use as a ligand will have at least one functional group, such as an amino, hydroxyl, thiol or carboxyl group and the like, which allows the compound to be readily coupled to the linker. Compounds having such functionality are either known in the art or can be prepared by routine modification of known compounds using conventional reagents and procedures.

[0246] A compound of formula (a) wherein A is phenyl, pyridyl, and the like can be prepared as described in EP 747 355 and as described by Naito, R. et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1998, 46(8), 1286.

[0247] Scheme B

L.sub.1--H+ R.sub.a--X--L.sub.2 .fwdarw. (I)

[0248] A compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.1 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, can be prepared by alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.1--H wherein --H is bound to the nitrogen, with a corresponding compound of R.sub.a--X--L.sub.2 wherein X and L.sub.2 have any of the values defined herein and R.sub.a is a suitable leaving group. Suitable leaving groups an conditions for the alkylation of an amine are known in the art (for example, see Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms and Structure, 4 ed., 1992, Jerry March, John Wiley & Sons, New York. For example, R.sub.a can be halo (e.g. chloro, bromo, or iodo), methylsulfonyl, 4-tolylsulfonyl, mesyl, or trifluoromethylsulfonyl.

[0249] Accordingly, the invention provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.1 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, comprising alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.1--H with a compound of R.sub.a--X--L.sub.2 wherein X and L.sub.2 have any of the values defined herein and R.sub.a is a suitable leaving group.

[0250] The invention also provides a compound of formula L.sub.1--H wherein L.sub.1 has any of the values defined herein. The following compounds are preferred compounds of formula L.sub.1--H: 582

[0251] The invention also provides a compound of formula R.sub.a--X--L.sub.2 wherein X, and L.sub.2 have any of the values defined herein and R.sub.a is a suitable leaving group. The compound of formula L.sub.1--H can also be alkylated by treatment with an aldehyde of formula L.sub.2--V--CHO (wherein --V--CH.sub.2-- is equivalent to --X--), under reductive alkylation conditions. Reagents and conditions suitable for carrying out the reductive alkylation of an amine are known in the art (for example, see Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms and Structure, 4 ed., 1992, Jerry March, John Wiley & Sons, New York).

[0252] Accordingly, the invention provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.1 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, comprising alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.1--H with a compound of formula L.sub.2--V--CHO (wherein --V--CH.sub.2-- has any of the values for --X-- described herein).

[0253] Scheme C

L.sub.1--X--R.sub.a+H--L.sub.2 .fwdarw. (I)

[0254] A compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, can be prepared by alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.2--H wherein --H is bound to the nitrogen, with a corresponding compound of L.sub.1--X--R.sub.a wherein X and L.sub.1 have any of the values defined herein and R.sub.a is a suitable leaving group. Suitable leaving groups an conditions for the alkylation of an amine are known in the art (for example, see Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms and Structure, 4 ed., 1992, Jerry March, John Wiley & Sons, New York. For example, R.sub.a can be halo (e.g. chloro, bromo, or iodo), methylsulfonyl, 4-tolylsulfonyl, mesyl, or trifluoromethylsulfonyl.

[0255] Accordingly, the invention provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, comprising alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.2--H with a compound of L.sub.1--X--R.sub.a wherein X and L.sub.1 have any of the values defined herein and R.sub.a is a suitable leaving group.

[0256] The compound of formula L.sub.2--H can also be alkylated by treatment with an aldehyde of formula L.sub.1--V--CHO (wherein --V--CH.sub.2-- is equivalent to --X--), under reductive alkylation conditions. Reagents and conditions suitable for carrying out the reductive alkylation of an amine are known in the art (for example, see Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reaction Mechanisms and Structure, 4 ed., 1992, Jerry March, John Wiley & Sons, New York).

[0257] Accordingly, the invention provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein L.sub.2 comprises a nitrogen that is bonded to X, comprising alkylating a corresponding compound of formula L.sub.2--H with a compound of formula L.sub.1--V--CHO (wherein --V--CH.sub.2-- has any of the values for --X-- described herein).

[0258] It will be understood that the alkylation reactions in Schemes B and C can optionally be carried out using suitably protected derivatives of L.sub.1--H, L.sub.2--H, L.sub.1--X--R.sub.a, R.sub.a--X--L.sub.2, L.sub.1V--CHO, and L.sub.2--V--CHO. Suitable protecting groups as well as conditions for their incorporation and removal are known in the art (for example, see Greene, T. W.; Wutz, P. G. M. "Protecting Groups In Organic Synthesis" second edition, 1991, New York, John Wiley & sons, Inc.). Thus, a compound of formula (I) can also be prepared by deprotecting a corresponding compound of formula (I) bearing one or more protecting groups.

[0259] Accordingly, the invention provides a method for preparing a compound of formula (I) comprising deprotecting a corresponding compound of formula (I) that bears one or more protecting groups. The invention also provides an intermediate compound of formula (I) that bears one or more protecting groups.

[0260] Combinatorial Synthesis

[0261] Compounds of formula (I) can conveniently be prepared using combinatorial synthesis methods (e.g. solid phase and solution phase combinatorial synthesis methods) that are known in the art. For example, compounds of formula (I) can be prepared using combinatorial methods like those escribed in International Patent Application Publication Number WO 99/64043.

[0262] Utility, Testing, and Administration

[0263] Utility

[0264] The compounds of this invention are muscarinic receptor antagonists or agonists. A preferred sub-groug of compounds of the invention are M.sub.2 muscarinic receptor antagonists. Accordingly, the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases mediated by these receptors such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, rhinitis, spasmodic colitis, chronic cystitis, and Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, glaucoma, schizophrenia, gastroesophogeal reflux disease, cardiac arrhythmia, hyper salvation syndromes, and the like.

[0265] Testing

[0266] The ability of the compounds of formula (I) to inhibit a muscarinic receptor (e.g. the M.sub.2 or M.sub.3 subtype) may be demonstrated using a variety of in vitro assays and in vivo assays known in the field, or may be demonstrated using an assay described in biological examples 1-6 below.

[0267] Pharmaceutical Formulations

[0268] When employed as pharmaceuticals, the compounds of this invention are usually administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. These compounds can be administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intravesicular, and intranasal. These compounds are effective as both injectable and oral compositions. Such compositions are prepared in a manner well known in the pharmaceutical art and comprise at least one active compound.

[0269] This invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions which contain, as the active ingredient, one or more of the compounds described herein associated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In making the compositions of this invention, the active ingredient is usually mixed with an excipient, diluted by an excipient or enclosed within such a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. When the excipient serves as a diluent, it can be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material, which acts as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, the compositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a solid or in a liquid medium), ointments containing, for example, up to 10% by weight of the active compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterile injectable solutions, and sterile packaged powders.

[0270] In preparing a formulation, it may be necessary to mill the active compound to provide the appropriate particle size prior to combining with the other ingredients. If the active compound is substantially insoluble, it ordinarily is milled to a particle size of less than 200 mesh. If the active compound is substantially water soluble, the particle size is normally adjusted by milling to provide a substantially uniform distribution in the formulation, e.g. about 40 mesh.

[0271] Some examples of suitable excipients include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, sterile water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. The formulations can additionally include: lubricating agents such as talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying and suspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl- and propylhydroxy-benzoates; sweetening agents; and flavoring agents. The compositions of the invention can be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures known in the art.

[0272] The compositions are preferably formulated in a unit dosage form, each dosage containing from about 0.001 to about 1 g, usually about 0.1 to about 500 mg, more usually about 1 to about 50 mg, of the active ingredient. The term "unit dosage forms" refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient. Preferably, the compound of Formula (I) above is employed at no more than about 20 weight percent of the pharmaceutical composition, more preferably no more than about 15 weight percent, with the balance being pharmaceutically inert carrier(s).

[0273] The active compound is effective over a wide dosage range and is generally administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. It, will be understood, however, that the amount of the compound actually administered will be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compound administered and its relative activity, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the like.

[0274] For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from, for example, 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention.

[0275] The tablets or pills of the present invention may be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permit the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol, and cellulose acetate.

[0276] The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include aqueous solutions, suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavored emulsions with edible oils such as corn oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles.

[0277] Compositions for inhalation or insulation include solutions and suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as described supra. Preferably the compositions are administered by the oral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect. Compositions in preferably pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulized by use of inert gases. Nebulized solutions may be inhaled directly from the nebulizing device or the nebulizing device may be attached to a face mask tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing machine. Solution, suspension, or powder compositions may be administered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliver the formulation in an appropriate manner.

EXAMPLES

[0278] The following preparations and examples are given to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and to practice the present invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as being illustrative and representative thereof.

[0279] In the examples below, the following abbreviations have the following meanings. Unless otherwise stated, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius. If an abbreviation is not defined, it has its generally accepted meaning.

[0280] g=gram

[0281] mg=milligram

[0282] min=minute

[0283] ml=milliliter

[0284] mmol=millimol

Synthetic Examples

Example 1

[0285] The intermediate compound of formula 1B was prepared as follows. 583

[0286] Biphenyl-2-isocynate (50 g, 256 mmol) was dissolved in 400 mL anhydrous acetonitrile in a 2L rbf at room temperature. After cooling to 0 C. using an ice bath, a solution of 4-amino-N-benzylpiperidine (48.8 g, 256 mmol) dissolved in 400 mL anhydrous acetonitrile was added over 5 minutes. Precipitate was observed immediately. After 15 minutes, an additional 600 mL anhydrous acetonitrile was added to permit stirring of the viscous solution for 12 h at 35 C. The solids were filtered, and washed with cold acetonitrile then dried under vacuum, yielding a colorless solid (100 g, 98%). This material was characterized by .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and MS.

[0287] Compound 1A (20 g, 52 mmol) was dissolved in 800 mL of a 3:1 mixture of anhydrous methanol to anhydrous DMF. Aqueous HCl was added (0.75 mL of 37% conc solution, 7.6 mmol) and nitrogen gas bubbled through the solution vigorously for 20 min. Pd(OH)2 (Pearlman's catalyst, 5 g) was added under a stream of nitrogen. A large balloon containing H2 gas was placed and the solution allowed to stir for 4 d. The solution was passed twice through pads of celite to remove the catalyst, and the solution evaporated to dryness under vacuum to yield a colorless solid (13 g, 85%). This material was characterized by .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and MS.

[0288] Following the procedures described above but substituting the appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (VI)) listed in Table A below were prepared. Unless otherwise noted, for the compounds in Tables A-F, L.sub.2 is attached to X through the secondary non-aromatic amine of L.sub.2.

6TABLE A (VI) 584 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 1 A224 411.6 2 A87 488.6 3 A172 517.7 4 A90 514.7 5 A141 607.8 6 A169 517.7 7 A164 517.78 8 A208 451.6 9 A199 467.6 10 A23 534.6 11 A70 542.7 12 A73 542.7 13 A156 605.8 14 A95 511.7 15 A115 467.6 16 A156 605.8 17 A516 487.7 18 A364 511.7 19 A96 485.6 20 A508 537.7 21 A509 537.7 22 A190 505.7 23 (135) 616.8 24 A51 532.7 25 A524 496.7 26 A410 542.7 27 A368 516.7 28 A84 515.7 29 A65 516.7 30 A193 548.8 31 A142 604.8 32 A177 556.8 33 A68 515.7 34 A501 529.7 35 A525 574.7 36 A168 554.7 37 A437 604.8 38 A61 536.7 39 A117 480.6 40 A166 542.7 41 78 520.7 42 A49 583.7 43 A367 514.7 44 A526 572.7 45 A229 547.7 46 A239 427.6 47 A179 483.7 48 A182 437.6 49 A55 467.6 50 A510 514.7 51 A502 502.7 52 A43 551.7 53 A218 518.7 54 A123 494.6 55 A126 538.7 56 A134 534.6 57 A120 480.6 58 A157 517.7 59 A396 533.7 60 A25 569.7 61 A83 559.7 62 A161 469.6 63 A11* 571.1 64 A420 554.7 65 A135 541.7 66 A411 543.7 67 A88 531.7 68 A386 527.7 69 A404 538.7 70 A72 529.7 71 A26 569.8 72 A75 513.7 73 A419 553.7 74 A375 517.7 75 A20 527.7 76 A427 571.7 77 A527 619.8 78 A9 485.6 79 A520 467.6 80 A19 453.6 81 A513 551.7 82 A10 517.7 83 A110 466.6 84 A4 494.6 85 A19 453.6 86 A103 530.7 87 A60 536.7 88 A131 600.7 89 A114 440.6 90 A197 468.6 91 A151 451.6 92 A195 463.6 93 A528 495.7 94 A347 487.7 95 A328 467.6 96 A22 526.7 97 A336 480.6 98 A77 585.8 99 A145 452.6 100 A211 550.7

[0289] Following the procedures described above but substituting appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (VII)) listed in Table B below were prepared.

7TABLE B (VII) 585 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 101 A224 395.6 102 A87 472.6 103 A529 381.5 104 A530 533.1 105 A172 501.7 106 A141 591.8 107 A164 501.7 108 A199 451.6 109 A70 526.7 110 A73 526.7 111 A156 589.8 112 A230 521.7 113 A391 515.7 114 A95 495.7 115 A156 589.8 116 A516 471.7 117 A97 495.7 118 A96 469.6 119 A508 521.7 120 A509 521.7 121 A190 489.7 122 A435 600.8 123 A410 526.7 124 A84 499.7 125 A193 532.8 126 A142 588.8 127 A177 540.8 128 A68 499.7 129 A433 588.8 130 A166 526.7 131 A31 498.7 132 A526 556.7 133 A436 616.1 134 A50 602.1 135 A132 505.7 136 A231 526.5 137 A229 531.7 138 A401 522.1 139 A373 501.7 140 A90 498.7 141 A502 486.7 142 A43 535.7 143 A43@ 536.7 144 A576 522.7 145 A374 501.7 146 A17 511.7 147 A21 517.7 148 A83 543.7 149 A531 538.7 150 A125 525.7 151 A210 527.7 152 A88 515.7 153 A78 511.7 154 A404 522.7 155 A72 513.7 156 A26 553.8 157 A75 497.7 158 A419 537.7 159 A527 603.8 160 A520 451.6 161 A513 535.7 162 A164 501.7 163 A4 478.7 164 A521 515.7 165 A60 520.7 166 A522 584.7 167 A192 551.7 168 A122 533.7 169 A109 499.7 170 A383 507.7 171 A395 516.7 172 A503 594.8 173 A528 479.7 174 A99 471.7 175 A22 510.7 176 A532 569.8

[0290] Following the procedures described above but substituting appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (VIII)) listed in Table C below were prepared.

8TABLE C (VIII) 586 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 177 A508 607.8 178 A509 607.8 179 A501 599.8 180 A90 584.8 181 A502 572.8 182 A43 621.8 183 A513 621.8 184 A503 681.0 185 A87 558.8 186 A164 587.8 187 A90 584.8 188 A90.sup.@ 585.8 189 A10 587.8 190 A172 587.8 191 A208 521.7 192 A330 537.8 193 A70 612.9 194 A73 612.9 195 A8 601.8 196 A95 581.8 197 A115 537.8 198 A516 557.8 199 A97 581.8 200 A96 555.8 201 A358 575.9 202 A517 687.0 203 A62 612.9 204 A74 586.8 205 A84 585.8 206 A65 586.8 207 A193 618.9 208 A142 674.9 209 A177 626.9 210 A501 585.8 211 A217 644.8 212 A168 624.9 213 A166 612.9 214 A31 584.8 215 A28 642.9 216 A104 702.3 217 A144 608.2 218 A373 587.8 219 A90.sup.@ 585.8 220 A43.sup.@ 622.8 221 A576 608.8 222 A374 587.8 223 A17 597.9 224 A396 603.8 225 A214 625.9 226 A83 629.8 227 A418 622.9 228 A135 611.6 229 A210 613.9 230 A88 601.8 231 A404 608.8 232 A121 624.8 233 A520 537.8 234 A164 587.8 235 A4 564.8 236 A521 601.8 237 A60 606.9 238 A522 670.9 239 A109 585.8 240 A22 596.8 241 A532 655.9 242 A397 604.7 243 A120 550.8 244 A533 509.7 245 A505* 626.9 246 A506 598.8 247 A431 659.9 248 A388 597.9 249 A366 583.8 250 A534 578.8 251 A417 622.9 252 A577 575.8 253 A319 536.7 254 A381 593.8 255 A338 550.8 256 A329 537.8 257 A403 608.8 258 A333 549.8

[0291] Following the procedures described above but substituting appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (IX)) listed in Table D below were prepared.

9TABLE D (IX) 587 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 259 A508 591.8 260 A509 591.8 261 A501 583.8 262 A510 568.8 263 A502 556.8 264 A43 605.8 265 A512 581.8 266 A513 605.8 267 A503 665.0 268 A223 542.8 269 A224 465.7 272 A535 661.9 273 A536 571.8 274 A537 571.8 275 A306 505.7 276 A580 521.8 277 A578 588.7 278 A538 596.9 279 A539 596.9 280 A321 520.8 281 A156 659.9 282 A400 591.9 283 A8 585.8 284 A363 565.8 285 A359 560.8 286 A324 521.8 287 A156 659.9 288 A516 541.8 289 A364 565.8 290 A346 539.8 291 A581 559.9 292 A517 671.0 293 A394 586.8 294 A410 596.9 295 A368 570.8 296 A84 569.8 297 A369 570.8 298 A193 602.9 299 A432 658.9 300 A423 610.9 301 A68 569.8 302 A525 628.8 303 A168 608.9 304 A45 658.9 305 A398 590.8 306 A117 534.8 307 A166 596.9 308 A378 574.9 309 A198 523.8 310 A137 534.8 311 A316 520.7 312 A339 534.8 313 A322 520.8 314 A352 548.8 315 A430 637.9 316 A384 568.8 317 A28 626.9 318 A436 686.3 319 A50 672.2 320 A132 575.8 321 A205 550.8 322 A154 566.8 323 A413 601.8 324 A144 592.2 325 A301 481.7 326 A344 537.8 327 A182 491.7 328 A373 571.18 329 A340 535.8 330 A325 521.8 331 A94 567.8 332 A218 572.8 333 A348 548.8 334 A519 588.9 335 A126 592.8 336 A397 588.7 337 A155 571.18 338 A308 507.7 339 A387 581.9 340 A311 521.8 341 A21 587.8 342 A426 623.9 343 A422 609.9 344 A424 613.8 345 A418 606.9 346 A161 523.7 347 A11 625.9 348 A420 608.8 349 A406 595.8 350 A210 597.9 351 A374 585.8 352 A386 581.9 353 A540 592.8 354 A72 583.8 355 A26 623.9 356 A365 567.8 357 A419 607.9 358 A341 535.8 359 A412 599.8 360 A121 608.8 361 A375 571.8 362 A385 581.8 363 A427 625.9 364 A527 674.0 365 A345 539.8 366 A327 521.8 367 A583 507.7 368 A227 673.0 369 A312 511.7 370 A4115 603.8 371 A376 571.8 372 A98 592.8 373 A317 520.7 374 A4 548.8 375 A165 535.7 376 A380 577.8 377 A541 585.8 378 A584 589.8 379 A311 507.7 380 A521 585.8 381 A390 584.9 382 A399 590.9 383 A131 654.9 384 A27 495.7 385 A204 548.8 386 A122 603.9 387 A350 548.8 388 A425 617.9 389 A109 569.8 390 A542 664.0 391 A114 494.7 392 A331 522.7 393 A235 577.8 394 A543 586.8 395 A151 505.8 396 A313 517.7 397 A528 549.9 398 A99 541.8 399 A328 521.8 400 A384 580.8 401 A314 519.8 402 A335 534.8 403 A360 562.2 404 A77 639.9 405 A145 506.7 406 A71 563.8 407 A124 523.7 408 A377 573.8 409 A416 604.8 410 A329 521.8 411 A43 606.8 412 A307 505.8 413 A397 588.7 414 A337# 534.8 415 A303 493.7 416 A544 610.9 417 A506 582.8 418 A431 643.9 419 A388 581.9 420 A366 567.8 421 A523 562.8 422 A545 606.9 423 A577 559.8 424 A319 520.7 425 A381 577.8 426 A351 548.8 427 A338 534.8 428 A362 563.8 429 A507 477.7 430 A402 592.8 431 A403 592.8 432 A315 519.8 433 A333 533.8

[0292] Following the procedures described above but substituting appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (X)) listed in Table E below were prepared.

10TABLE E (X) 588 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 434 A130 525.7 435 A105 521.8 436 A356 571.8 437 A415 617.8 438 A579 585.8 439 A98 606.8 440 A317 534.8 441 A349 562.8 442 A465 549.8 443 A380 591.8 444 A546 599.8 445 A547 548.8 446 A548 587.8 447 A386 676.9 448 A311 521.8 449 A521 599.9 450 A127 490.7 451 A390 598.9 452 A399 604.9 453 A342 550.8 454 A27 509.7 455 A549 562.9 456 A550 635.9 457 A238 617.9 458 A350 562.8 459 A425 631.9 460 A109 583.9 461 A114 508.7 462 A331 536.8 463 A551 585.8 464 A235 591.9 465 A395 600.8 466 A13 615.8 467 A552 507.8 468 A151 519.8 469 A313 531.8 470 A35 507.8 471 A99 555.8 472 A328 535.8 473 A22 594.9 474 A314 533.8 475 A336 548.8 476 A228 684.0 477 A360 576.2 478 A145 520.7 479 A302 505.8 480 A71 577.8 481 A553 656.9 482 A124 537.8 483 A554 587.8 484 A416 618.9 485 A555 625.9 486 A556 701.0 487 A557 716.0 488 A558 638.9 489 A559 624.8 490 A560 654.0 491 A561 654.0 492 A508 605.8 493 A509 605.8 494 A501 597.9 495 A510 582.8 496 A502 570.8 497 A43 619.9 498 A512 595.8 499 A513 619.9 500 A503 679.0 501 A504 556.8 502 A514 613.9 503 A402 606.9 504 A403 606.9 505 A397 602.8 506 A337 548.8 507 A303 507.7 508 A505 624.9 509 A506 596.9 510 A431 658.0 511 A388 595.9 512 A366 581.9 513 A523 576.8 514 A417 620.9 515 A577 573.8 516 A319 534.8 517 A381 591.8 518 A351 562.8 519 A338 548.8 520 A362 577.8 521 A507 491.7 522 A324 535.8 523 A315 533.8 524 A333 547.8 525 A427 718.8 526 A402 685.8 527 A562 506.7 528 A563 506.7 529 A564 520.8 530 A565 731.0 531 A370 585.8 532 A371 585.8 533 A372 585.8 534 A587 519.7 535 A330 535.8 536 A320 534.8 537 A578 602.8 538 A588 548.8 539 A538 610.9 540 A539 610.9 541 A321 534.8 542 A156 674.0 543 A141 675.9 544 A569 687.0 545 A400 605.9 546 A391 599.9 547 A363 579.8 548 A359 574.9 549 A311 535.8 550 A570 602.9 551 A515 674.0 552 A178 680.0 553 A364 579.8 554 A346 553.8 555 A358 573.9 556 A517 685.0 557 A571 634.0 558 A51 600.8 559 A64 564.8 560 A67 619.9 561 A62 610.9 562 A180 617.9 563 A74 584.8 564 A84 583.8 565 A65 584.8 566 A193 616.9 567 A432 672.9 568 A200 591.9 569 A177 624.9 570 A572 632.0 571 A174 603.9 572 A68 583.8 573 A525 642.9 574 A168 622.9 575 A45 673.0 576 A61 604.8 577 A117 548.8 578 A166 610.9 579 A378 588.9 580 A137 548.8 581 A34 534.8 582 A93 548.8 583 A59 562.9 584 A585 651.9 585 A31 582.8 586 A28 640.9 587 A436 700.3 588 A50 686.3 589 A3 675.0 590 A379 589.8 591 A573 610.7 592 A355 564.8 593 A413 615.9 594 A401 606.3 595 A301 495.7 596 A179 551.8 597 A82 551.8 598 A12 585.8 599 A55 535.8 600 A133 607.9 601 A94 581.8 602 A100 570.8 603 A123 562.8 604 A589 606.9 605 A134 602.8 606 A203 548.8 607 A17 595.9 608 A66 535.8 609 A214 623.9 610 A574 627.9 611 A154 585.8 612 A6 636.9 613 A185 521.8 614 A2 525.7 615 A119 569.8 616 A21 601.8 617 A25 637.9 618 A33 620.9 619 A161 537.8 620 A11* 639.9 621 A420 622.9 622 A135 609.9 623 A210 611.9 624 A88 599.9 625 A72 597.9 626 A69 521.8 627 A26 637.9 628 A365 581.9 629 A171 621.9 630 A81 549.8 631 A412 613.9 632 A121 622.9 633 A18 663.9 634 A232 585.8 635 A575 670.0 636 A20 595.8 637 A153 639.9 638 A590 688.0 639 A91 477.7 640 A9 553.8 641 A194 535.8 642 A310 521.8 643 A227 687.0

[0293] Following the procedures described above but substituting appropriate starting materials, the compounds of the invention (formula (XI)) listed in Table F below were prepared.

11TABLE F (XI) 589 Compound L2 Mass Spec Found 270 A224 609.6 271 A87 686.7

[0294] In the above tables *signifies that L.sub.2 is attached to X through the piperidine nitrogen of L.sub.2; .sup.@ signifies that L.sub.2 is attached to X through the pyridine nitrogen of L.sub.2; and #signifies that L.sub.2 is attached to X through the pyrrolidine nitrogen of L.sub.2.

Formulation Examples

Example 1

[0295] Hard gelatin capsules containing the following ingredients are prepared:

12 Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 30.0 Starch 305.0 Magnesium stearate 5.0

[0296] The above ingredients are mixed and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 340 mg quantities.

Example 2

[0297] A tablet Formula is prepared using the ingredients below:

13 Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 25.0 Cellulose, microcrystalline 200.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 10.0 Stearic acid 5.0

[0298] The components are blended and compressed to form tablets, each weighing 240 mg.

Example 3

[0299] A dry powder inhaler formulation is prepared containing the following components:

14 Ingredient Weight % Active Ingredient 5 Lactose 95

[0300] The active ingredient is mixed with the lactose and the mixture is added to a dry powder inhaling appliance.

Example 4

[0301] Tablets, each containing 30 mg of active ingredient, are prepared as follows:

15 Quantity Ingredient (mg/tablet) Active Ingredient 30.0 mg Starch 45.0 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 35.0 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone 4.0 mg (as 10% solution in sterile water) Sodium carboxymethyl starch 4.5 mg Magnesium stearate 0.5 mg Talc 1.0 mg Total 120 mg

[0302] The active ingredient, starch and cellulose are passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. The solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone is mixed with the resultant powders, which are then passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules so produced are dried at 50.degree. to 60.degree. C. and passed through a 16 mesh U.S. sieve. The sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and talc, previously passed through a No. 30 mesh U.S. sieve, are then added to the granules which, after mixing, are compressed on a tablet machine to yield tablets each weighing 120 mg.

Example 5

[0303] Capsules, each containing 40 mg of medicament are made as follows:

16 Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 40.0 mg Starch 109.0 mg Magnesium stearate 1.0 mg Total 150.0 mg

[0304] The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended, passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 150 mg quantities.

Example 6

[0305] Suppositories, each containing 25 mg of active ingredient are made as follows:

17 Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient 25 mg Saturated fatty acid glycerides to 2,000 mg

[0306] The active ingredient is passed through a No. 60 mesh U.S. sieve and suspended in the saturated fatty acid glycerides previously melted using the minimum heat necessary. The mixture is then poured into a suppository mold of nominal 2.0 g capacity and allowed to cool.

Example 7

[0307] Suspensions, each containing 50 mg of medicament per 5.0 mL dose are made as follows:

18 Ingredient Amount Active Ingredient 50.0 mg Xanthan gum 4.0 mg Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (11%) Microcrystalline cellulose (89%) 50.0 mg Sucrose 1.75 g Sodium benzoate 10.0 mg Flavor and Color q.v. Purified water to 5.0 mL

[0308] The active ingredient, sucrose and xanthan gum are blended, passed through a No. 10 mesh U.S. sieve, and then mixed with a previously made solution of the microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in water. The sodium benzoate, flavor, and color are diluted with some of the water and added with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce the required volume.

Example 8

[0309] A formulation may be prepared as follows:

19 Quantity Ingredient (mg/capsule) Active Ingredient 15.0 mg Starch 407.0 mg Magnesium stearate 3.0 mg Total 425.0 mg

[0310] The active ingredient, starch, and magnesium stearate are blended, passed through a No. 20 mesh U.S. sieve, and filled into hard gelatin capsules in 425.0 mg quantities.

Example 9

[0311] A formulation may be prepared as follows:

20 Ingredient Quantity Active Ingredient 5.0 mg Corn Oil 1.0 mL

[0312] Another preferred formulation employed in the methods of the present invention employs transdermal delivery devices ("patches"). Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252, issued Jun. 11, 1991, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

[0313] Other suitable formulations for use in the present invention can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, edited by E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Company, 18th ed., 1990).

Biological Examples

Example 1

M.sub.2 Muscarinic Receptor In Vitro Binding Assay

[0314] The M.sub.2 muscarininc receptor binding activity of compounds of the invention was tested as follows.

[0315] SF9 cell membranes containing human M.sub.2 muscarinic receptor was obtained from NEN (Boston, Mass.). In 96-well microtiter plates, eight serial five-fold dilutions were prepared with the compound to be assayed; the highest concentration was typically 4 .mu.M (4.times. the final concentration). To 100 .mu.l of compound dilution was added 150 .mu.L M.sub.3 receptor membrane preparation in PBS/1.0 mM MgCl.sub.2/pH 7.4. 50 .mu.l of 3.2 nM 3H-N-methylscopolamine radioligand was added. The total volume in each well was then 300 .mu.l. The filter plate was pre-blocked using 0.3% PEI for at least 15 minutes, and then washed twice with 200 .mu.l PBS. The assay plate was incubated for 1 hour at room temperature with gentle shaking. The contents of the assay plate were then transferred to the filter plate, and washed three times using 200 .mu.l PBS. About 40 .mu.l of scint was added to each well and then the plate was allowed to sit at room temperature for 2 h, and then counted using a Packard Topcount NXT. Counting was typically performed for 1 minute per well using a standard protocol on a Packard top counter. The raw data was fit to a standard 4-parameter equation given below and a value of IC.sub.50 obtained.

Y=(a-d)/(1+(x/c).sup.b)+d where

[0316] Y=cpm

[0317] a=total binding

[0318] b=slope

[0319] c=IC.sub.50

[0320] x=[compound]

[0321] d=nonspecific binding

[0322] Representative compounds of the invention were found to have pK.sub.b values of greater than 6, and to have IC.sub.50 values of less than about 50 .mu.m.

[0323] A similar protocol was used to measure M1, M3, M4 and M5 human muscarinic receptor activity.

Example 2

Rat Heart Muscarinic Receptor In Vitro Binding Assay

[0324] Tissue (rat heart) muscarininc receptor binding activity of compounds of the invention was tested as follows.

[0325] Muscarinic receptor enriched membranes were isolated from whole hearts (Pelfreeze Laboratories). Rat heart tissue was typically prepared as follows. 25 .mu.l of ice cold buffer (20 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl/10 mM MgCl.sub.2 at pH 7.5 with "Complete" protease inhibitor cocktail purchased from Boehringer Mannheim was added into an oakridge tube. To the tube was then added 2 g of rat heart (purchased from Harlan). The contents of the tube were then transferred to a wheaton glass cylinder and homogenized using a Polytron homogenizer (setting 22, 15 seconds .times.2), and then transferred back to the oakridge tube, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1500 g. The supernatant was removed and then centrifuged for 20 minutes at 45000 g. The supernatant was removed and the pellet resuspended in 5 mL buffer and transferred to a wheaton glass cylinder. This material was then homogenized using a Potter type glass teflon homogenizer with 7-8 passes. The material was then transferred to an oakridge tube and the total volume was brought up to 25 mL. This material was then centrifuged for 20 minutes at 45000 g, and the pellet re-suspended in 2 mL buffer using 2 passes of a teflon homogenizer, and stored at -80.degree. C. until used.

[0326] A protocol similar to that used for cloned receptor binding was used: Eight serial five-fold dilutions were prepared with the compound to be assayed; the highest concentration was typically 4 .mu.M (4.times. the final concentration). To 50 .mu.l of compound dilution in a 96-well assay plate was added an appropriate amount of rat heart membrane (usually 12.5 .mu.l of membrane prep in 87.5 .mu.l of 20 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl/10 mM MgCl.sub.2 at pH 7.5). The amount of membrane added depends in general on the results of signal optimization, and ranges from 6.25-12.5 .mu.l. Last, 50 .mu.l of 2.12 nM 3H-N-methylscopolamine radioligand was added. The total volume in each well was 200 .mu.l. The filter plate was pre-blocked using 0.3% PEI for at least 15 min., and then washed twice with 200 .mu.l PBS. The assay plate was incubated for 1 h at room temperature with gentle shaking. The contents of the assay plate were then transferred to the filter plate, and washed three times using 200 .mu.l PBS. About 40 .mu.l of scint was added to each well and then the plate was allowed to sit at room temperature for 18 h, and then counted using a Packard Topcount NXT. Counting was typically performed for 1 min., per well using a standard protocol on the Packard counter. The data was fit to normal isotherms and values for inhibition constants were extracted. Representative compounds of the invention were found to have pK.sub.b values of greater than 6, and to have IC.sub.50 values of less than about 50 .mu.m.

[0327] A similar procedure was used to measure muscarinic receptor binding at rat submaxillary gland, rat bladder, rat submandibular gland, guinea pig heart, guinea pig submaxillary gland, guinea pig bladder, and guinea pig submandibular gland, as well as in similar human tissues..

Example 3

Rat Bladder M.sub.3 In Vitro Binding Assay

[0328] Bladder was comprised of both M.sub.2 and M.sub.3 muscarinic receptors. The ratio was typically 4:1 M.sub.2:M.sub.3. In order to measure binding of test compounds to one of M.sub.2 or M.sub.3, the other was blocked with a reversible ligand that binds selectively to that receptor. The following example illustrates the procedure for M.sub.3 bladder binding.

[0329] Membranes from rat bladder were prepared in a similar fashion to that used to isolate heart membrane above. Eight serial five-fold dilutions were prepared with the compound to be assayed in compound dilution buffer (20 mM HEPES/100 mM NaCl/10 mM MgCl.sub.2/4 .mu.M Methoctramine); the highest concentration was typically 4 .mu.M (4.times. the final concentration). The concentration of methoctramine was sufficient to block >99% of the M2 receptor in bladder, but less than 40% of the M.sub.3 receptor in bladder. To 50 .mu.l of compound dilution in a 96-well assay plate was added an appropriate amount of rat heart membrane (usually 25 .mu.l of membrane prep in 75 .mu.l of 20 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl/10 mM MgCl.sub.2 at pH 7.5). The amount of membrane added depended in general on the results of signal optimization, and ranged from 12.5-25. Last, 50 .mu.l of 2.12 nM 3H-N-methylscopolamine radioligand in compound dilution buffer was added. The total volume in each well was 200 .mu.l. The final concentration of methoctramine was 2 .mu.M. The filter plate was pre-blocked using 0.3% PEI for at least 15 mins., and then washed twice with 200 .mu.l PBS. The assay plate was incubated for 1 hour at room temperature with gentle shaking. The contents of the assay plate was then transferred to the filter plate, and washed three times using 200 .mu.l PBS. About 40 .mu.l of scint was added to each well, the plate was allowed to sit at room temperature for 18 h, and then counted using a Packard Topcount NXT. Counting was typically performed for 1 minute per well using a standard protocol on the Packard counter. The data was fit to normal isotherms and values for inhibition constants were extracted. Representative compounds of the invention were found to have IC.sub.50 values of less than about 500 .mu.m.

[0330] A similar procedure was used to measure binding at bladder M.sub.2, but in this case, 2 .mu.M Darifenacin was used to block >99% of the M.sub.2 receptor, but minimal M.sub.3 receptor.

Example 4

Ex Vivo Rat Bladder Contraction Assay

[0331] The ability of the test compound to inhibit cholinergically stimulated bladder contraction was tested as follows.

[0332] Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g are killed by CO.sub.2 overdose. The bladder was removed and placed in a petri dish containing Krebs-Henseleit solution at room temperature. The apex and dome areas of the bladder were discarded and the remaining tissue cut into longitudinal strips (4 from each rat). The strips were mounted in an organ bath containing Krebs-Henseleit solution at 37.degree. C., under a resting tension of 0.5 g. The tissues were allowed to equilibrate for 60 min., (washes at 0, 30 and 60 min.). Tension was readjusted to 1 g as necessary. A cumulative concentration response curve to carbachol (10-8 M to 10-5 M (e.g.) in 3-fold increments) was constructed in each tissue. Tissues were then washed every 5 min., for 30 min., and tension readjusted to 1 g. After additional 30 min., muscarinic antagonist (typically 1.times.10-7 M) or vehicle was added. Thirty minutes after antagonist or vehicle addition, a cumulative concentration response curve to carbachol (10-8M to 10-3M (e.g.)) was constructed. Data from each concentration response curve was expressed as a percentage of the maximum contraction to carbachol. The EC.sub.50 values were calculated. The concentration-ratios were calculated taking into account any spontaneous shift in the control tissue. For competitive antagonists, the pKb value was calculated using the following equation: 1 pKb = - log [ antagonist concentration ] CR - 1

[0333] Representative compounds of the invention were found to have pK.sub.b values of greater than 5.

Example 5

In Vivo Rat Salivation Assay

[0334] Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were anesthetized with pentobarbital (60 mg/kg i.p.). Rats were placed on a heated blanket under a 20 degree incline. A swab was placed in the rat's mouth. Muscarinic antagonist or vehicle was administered i.v. via the tail vein. After 5 min., oxotremorine (0.3 mg/kg) was administered s.c. The swab was discarded and replaced by a pre-weighed swab. Saliva was then collected for 15 min. After 15 min., the swab was weighed and the difference in its weight was used to calculate the antisecretory potency of the antagonists. The data was fit to normal isotherms and ID.sub.50 values were extracted.

Example 6

In Vivo Bladder Assay

[0335] Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were anesthetized with urethane (1.3 g/kg, i.p.), inactin (25 mg/kg, i.p.), and xylazine (4 mg, i.p.). The jugular (or femoral) vein was isolated and ligated and a small incision was made in the vein distal to the ligation. A catheter (micro-Renathane tubing (0.014 mm ID.times.0.033 mm OD) filled with saline was inserted into the vein and secured into place with suture thread. The trachea was isolated and placed in a small hole between two of the rings. Tubing (1.57 mm ID.times.2.08 mm OD) was inserted into the trachea and tied into place with suture thread. The incision was closed leaving the tubing exposed. The tracheotomy was to prevent the animal from asphyxiating on his own saliva following oxotremorine administration. The stomach was shaved and then cleaned with ethanol. A midline sagital incision was made in the skin and muscle layers of the lower stomach. The bladder was exposed and the saline filled cannula (22-gauge needle attached to a pressure transducer with PE 90 tubing) was inserted into the apex of the bladder to the most distal part of the bladder. The bladder was placed back into the peritoneal cavity. The bladder was emptied manually by disconnecting the cannula and allowing the contents to flow out until the bladder was approximately 1 cm in diameter. The incision was closed with suture thread, first the muscle layer, then the skin in order to keep the bladder moist and warm. The exposed portion of the cannula to the skin surface was sutured to hold it in place. After 15 min. oxotremorine (0.3 mg/kg, SC, baseweight) was injected. After 10 min., (or until baseline stabilized) a test compound or a reference standard was injected with a dose equivalent to 0.005-0.01 mg/kg, IV, baseweight of atropine that produced a 30-70% decrease in intraluminal pressure. After 5 min., a high dose of atropine 0.1 mg/kg was injected, i.v., to establish the true 100% inhibition point.

[0336] For data analysis, the oxotremorine response (zero inhibition) was determined by measuring the mean pressure 1 minute prior to the antagonist injection. Then, to assess antagonist inhibition, mean pressure was mesured beginning at 1 minute and ending 2 minutes after antagonist administration. If the pressure had not leveled off after 1 minute, a wait was initiated until it was stable and then a 1-minute sample of the mean was taken. Lastly, to determine the true 100% inhibition point, the mean pressure was measured beginning 1 minutes and ending 2 minutes after the high dose atropine challenge. The percent inhibition by the antagonist can be determined by the ratio of the decrease from the zero to 100% values.

[0337] The formula is: oxotremorine mean-treatment mean*100 oxotremorine mean-atropine mean.

[0338] Additionally, the activity of a compound of the invention on other tissues can be determined using screening protocols that are known in the art. For example, an assessment of increased locomotor activity (assay for CNS penetration) can be carried out as described by Sipos M L, et al., (1999) Psychopharmacology 147(3):250-256; an assessment of the effects of a compound on gastrointestinal motility can be carried out as described by Macht D I, and Barba-Gose J (1931) J Am Pharm Assoc 20:558-564; an assessment of the effects of a compound on pupil diameter (mydriasis) can be carried out as described by Parry M, Heathcote B V (1982) Life Sci 31:1465-1471; and an assessment of a compounds effects on urinary bladder in dog can be carried out as described by Newgreen D T, et al. (1996) J Urol 155:600A.

[0339] Preferred compounds of the invention may display selectivity for one or more tissues over other tissues. For example, compounds of the invention that are useful for treating urinary incontinence may show higher activity in the assay of Example 6 than in the assay of Example 5.

[0340] Preferred compounds useful for treating urinary incontinence and irritable bowel syndrome have greater antagonist activity at the M.sub.2 receptor than at the M.sub.3 receptor or the other muscarinic receptors.

[0341] Preferred compounds useful for treating unwanted salivation have greater antagonist activity at the M.sub.3 receptor than at the M.sub.2 receptor or the other muscarinic receptors.

[0342] The foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity and understanding. It will be obvious to one of skill in the art that changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the following appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0343] All patents, patent applications and publications cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application or publication were so individually denoted.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compound of Formula (I): L.sub.1--X--L.sub.2 (I) wherein: L.sub.1 is a group of formula (a): 590wherein: A is an aryl or a heteroaryl ring; B" is --NR.sup.a-- wherein R.sup.a is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or substituted alkyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or alkyl; R.sup.2 is Het, or is selected from a group consisting of formula (i), (ii), and (iii): 591wherein: - - - is an optional double bond; n.sub.1 is an integer of from 1 to 4; n.sub.2 is an integer of from 1 to 3; V is --CH--, --O--, --S(O)n.sub.3-- (where n.sub.3 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or --NR.sup.4-- (wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl); "Het" is a heteroaryl ring which optionally attaches (a) to a linker; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.a (where R.sup.a is hydrogen, alkyl, or acyl), or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker; R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, amino, substituted amino, --OR.sup.b (where R.sup.b is hydrogen or alkyl), aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker; R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, substituted amino, or a covalent bond attaching (a) to a linker; K is a bond or an alkylene group; K" is a bond, --C(O)--, --S(O).sub.n4-- (where n.sub.4 is an integer of from 0 to 2), or an alkylene group optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group; and B is heterocycloamino or heteroarylamino, which optionally attaches (a) to a linker; provided that at least one of the R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, "Het", heterocycloamino or heteroarylamino groups attaches (a) to a linker; X is a linker; and L.sub.2 is an organic group comprising at least one primary, secondary, or tertiary amine; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; or prodrug thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group selected from a group consisting of: (i) a group of formula (b): 592wherein: D" is alkylene; D is --NR.sup.31R.sup.32, --N.sup.+(R.sup.33R.sup.34R.sup.35) or --OR.sup.32 where R.sup.31, R.sup.33, and R.sup.34 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, or aralkyl; and R.sup.32 and R.sup.35 represent a covalent bond attaching (b) to a linker; R.sup.27 is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino; R.sup.28 is hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two, or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino; R.sup.29 and R.sup.30 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, mono- or dialkylamino; or one of R.sup.27, R.sup.28, R.sup.29, or R.sup.30 together with the adjacent group forms a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; (ii) a group of formula (c): 593wherein: n.sub.11 is an integer of from 1 to 7; n.sub.12 is 0 to 7; F is --NR.sup.40--, --O--, --S--, or --CHR.sup.41-- (wherein R.sup.40 and R.sup.41 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl); F" is a covalent bond, --OR.sup.43, --NR.sup.42R.sup.43, or --N.sup.+R.sup.43R.sup.44R.sup.45 wherein R.sup.42 is hydrogen or alkyl, R.sup.44 and R.sup.45 are alkyl, and R.sup.43 is hydrogen, alkyl, or a covalent bond attaching (c) to a linker; R.sup.36 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonamido, alkylsulfonamido, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl, mono or dialkylcarbamoyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino; R.sup.37 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heteroaryl, heteraryloxy, heteroarylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or alkyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, amino, or substituted amino; and R.sup.38 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, or a covalent bond attaching the ligand to a linker provided that at least one of R.sup.38 and R.sup.43 attaches (c) to a linker; R.sup.39 is hydrogen, alkyl, halo, hydroxy, alkoxy, or substituted alkyl; and (iii) a group of formula (d) or (e): 594wherein: R.sup.46 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, or heterocycle; R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, acyl, heterocycle, or --COOR.sup.50 where R.sup.50 is alkyl; or R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle, which heterocycle, in addition to optionally bearing the optional substituents defined hereinbelow for a heterocycle, can also optionally be substituted with one or more alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, or substituted alkynyl. R.sup.48 is a covalent bond that attaches the (d) to a linker; and R.sup.49 is alkyl.

3. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein A is phenyl or pyridyl.

4. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein B" is --NH--.

5. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl.

6. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein R.sup.2 is pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, or imidazolyl.

7. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein R.sup.2 is phenyl.

8. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein K is a bond or a methylene group.

9. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein K" is a bond.

10. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein B is a heterocycloamino group which attaches (a) to a linker.

11. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein B is pyrrolidine, piperidine, or hexahydroazepine attaching (a) to a linker.

12. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein B is piperidine wherein the nitrogen atom of said piperidine attaches (a) to a linker.

13. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein B is piperidin-4-yl, piperidin-3-yl, or 4-methylpiperidin-4-yl wherein the nitrogen at the 1 position optionally attaches (a) to a linker.

14. The compound of claim 2 wherein: R.sup.46 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, or heterocycle; or R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle.

15. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein L.sub.2 has any one of the formula A1-A590 shown hereinabove.

16. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein L.sub.2 is A234, A363, A364, A153, A28, A324, A329, A562, A87, or A239.

17. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.1 is: 595

18. The compound of claim 18 wherein the piperidino nitrogen of L.sub.1 is bonded to X.

19. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X is alkylene optionally substituted with one, two, or three hydroxy groups, alkylene wherein one, two or three carbon atoms have been replaced by an oxygen atom, -alkylene-phenylene-alkylene- wherein the phenylene ring is optionally substituted with one or two chloro or fluoro groups.

20. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X is a group of formula: --X.sup.a--Z--(Y.sup.a--Z).sub.m--Y.sup.b--Z--X.sup.a--wherein m is an integer of from 0 to 20; X.sup.a at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --C(O)--, --C(O)O--, --C(O)NR--, --C(S)--, --C(S)O--, --C(S)NR-- or a covalent bond where R is as defined below; Z at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, substituted cylcoalkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkenylene, alkynylene, substituted alkynylene, cycloalkenylene, substituted cycloalkenylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclene, or a covalent bond; Y.sup.a and Y.sup.b at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --C(O)--, --OC(O)--, --C(O)O--, --NR--, --S(O)n--, --C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(O)--, --NR' C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(S)NR'--, --C(.dbd.NR')--NR'--, --NR'--C(.dbd.NR')--, --OC(O)--NR'--, --NR'--C(O)--O--, --N.dbd.C(X.sup.a)--NR'--, --NR'--C(X.sup.a).dbd.N--,--- P(O)(OR')--O--, --O--P(O)(OR')--, --S(O).sub.nCR'R"--, --S(O)n--NR'--, --NR'--S(O).sub.n--, --S--S--, and a covalent bond; where n is 0, 1 or 2; and R, R' and R" at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; provided at least one of X.sup.a, Y.sup.a, Y.sup.b or Z is not a covalent bond.

21. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X is an alkylene group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkylene group is optionally replaced with --O--; and wherein the chain is optionally substituted on carbon with one or more hydroxyl.

22. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X is nonane-1,9-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, 2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl, or 5-oxa-nonane-1,9-diyl.

23. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X has the following formula: 596wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 fluoro groups.

24. The compound of claim 1 or 2 wherein X has one of the following the formula: 597

25. The compound of claim 2 which is a compound of Formula (Ia): 598or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

26. The compound of claim 25 wherein X is alkylene optionally substituted with one, two, or three hydroxy groups, alkylene wherein one, two or three carbon atoms have been replaced by an oxygen atom, -alkylene-phenylene-alkylene- wherein the phenylene ring is optionally substituted with one or two chloro or fluoro groups.

27. The compound of claim 25 wherein X is a group of formula: --X.sup.a--Z--(Y.sup.a--Z).sub.m--Y.sup.b--Z--X.sup.a--wherein m is an integer of from 0 to 20; X.sup.a at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --C(O)--, --C(O)O--, --C(O)NR--, --C(S)--, --C(S)O--, --C(S)NR-- or a covalent bond where R is as defined below; Z at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, substituted cylcoalkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkenylene, alkynylene, substituted alkynylene, cycloalkenylene, substituted cycloalkenylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclene, or a covalent bond; Y.sup.a and Y.sup.b at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --C(O)--, --OC(O)--, --C(O)O--, --NR--, --S(O)n--, --C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(O)--, --NR' C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(S)NR'--, --C(.dbd.NR')--NR'--, --NR'--C(.dbd.NR')--, --OC(O)--NR'--, --NR'--C(O)--O--, --N.dbd.C(X.sup.a)--NR'--, --NR'--C(X.sup.a).dbd.N--,--- P(O)(OR')--O--, --O--P(O)(OR')--, --S(O).sub.nCR'R"--, --S(O).sub.n--NR'--, --NR'--S(O).sub.n--, --S--S--, and a covalent bond; where n is 0, 1 or 2; and R, R' and R" at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; provided at least one of X.sup.a, Y.sup.a, Y.sup.b or Z is not a covalent bond.

28. The compound of claim 25 wherein X is an alkylene group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkylene group is optionally replaced with --O--; and wherein the chain is optionally substituted on carbon with one or more hydroxyl.

29. The compound of claim 25 wherein X is nonane-1,9-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, 2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl, or 5-oxa-nonane-1,9-diyl.

30. The compound of claim 25 wherein X has the following formula: 599wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 fluoro groups.

31. The compound of claim 25 wherein X has one of the following the formula: 600

32. The compound of claim 1 which is a compound of formula (IVa): 601wherein X, an L.sub.2 are defined as in claim 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

33. The compound of claim 32 wherein X is alkylene optionally substituted with one, two, or three hydroxy groups, alkylene wherein one, two or three carbon atoms have been replaced by an oxygen atom, -alkylene-phenylene-alkylene- wherein the phenylene ring is optionally substituted with one or two chloro or fluoro groups.

34. The compound of claim 32 wherein X is a group of formula: --X.sup.a--Z--(Y.sup.a--Z).sub.m--Y.sup.b--Z--X.sup.a--wherein m is an integer of from 0 to 20; X.sup.a at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, --NR--, --C(O)--, --C(O)O--, --C(O)NR--, --C(S)--, --C(S)O--, --C(S)NR--or a covalent bond where R is as defined below; Z at each separate occurrence is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, substituted alkylene, cycloalkylene, substituted cylcoalkylene, alkenylene, substituted alkenylene, alkynylene, substituted alkynylene, cycloalkenylene, substituted cycloalkenylene, arylene, heteroarylene, heterocyclene, or a covalent bond; Y.sup.a and Y.sup.b at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of --O--, --C(O)--, --OC(O)--, --C(O)O--, --NR--, --S(O)n--, --C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(O)--, --NR' C(O)NR'--, --NR' C(S)NR'--, --C(.dbd.NR')--NR'--, --NR'--C(.dbd.NR')--, --OC(O)--NR'--, --NR'--C(O)--O--, --N.dbd.C(X.sup.a)--NR'--, --NR'--C(X.sup.a).dbd.N--,--- P(O)(OR')--O--, --O--P(O)(OR')--, --S(O).sub.nCR'R"--, --S(O).sub.n--NR'--, --NR'--S(O).sub.n--, --S--S--, and a covalent bond; where n is 0, 1 or 2; and R, R' and R" at each separate occurrence are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic; provided at least one of X.sup.a, Y.sup.a, Y.sup.b or Z is not a covalent bond.

35. The compound of claim 32 wherein X is an alkylene group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkylene group is optionally replaced with --O--; and wherein the chain is optionally substituted on carbon with one or more hydroxyl.

36. The compound of claim 32 wherein X is nonane-1,9-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, 2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl, or 5-oxa-nonane-1,9-diyl.

37. The compound of claim 32 wherein X has the following formula: 602wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 fluoro groups.

38. The compound of claim 32 wherein X has one of the following the formula: 603

39. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form heterocycle which is substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

40. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is a heterocycle, optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl; and R.sup.47 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, acyl, or --COOR.sup.50.

41. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is alkyl that is optionally substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, NR.sup.aR.sup.b, wherein R.sup.a and R.sup.b may be the same or different and and are chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, and heterocyclic.

42. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is a heterocycle which is optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, nitro, --SO-alkyl, --SO-substituted alkyl, --SO-aryl, --SO-heteroaryl, --SO.sub.2-alkyl, --SO.sub.2-substituted alkyl, --SO.sub.2-aryl --SO.sub.2-heteroaryl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

43. The compound of claim 1 wherein L.sub.2 is a group of formula (d) wherein R.sup.46 is 3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, or 3-pyrrolidinyl, which R.sup.46 is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

44. The compound of claim 1 wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a piperidine or pyrrolidine ring which ring is optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, substituted cycloalkenyl, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, amino, substituted amino, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, oxyaminoacyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, thioketo, carboxylalkyl, thioaryloxy, thioheteroaryloxy, thioheterocyclooxy, thiol, thioalkoxy, substituted thioalkoxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, and substituted alkynyl.

45. The compound of claim 1 wherein R.sup.46 and R.sup.47 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a heterocycle that is an aza-crown ether (e.g. 1-aza-12-crown-4, 1-aza-15-crown-5, or 1-aza-18-crown-6).

46. Compound number 1-643 as described in Table A, Table B, Table C, Table D, Table E, or Table F; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

47. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of claim 1 or 2.

48. A method of treating a disease mediated by a muscarinic receptor in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1 or 2.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein the disease is urinary incontinence, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, asthma, hyper-salivation, a cognitive disorder, blurred vision, or irritable bowel syndrome.

50. A compound of formula L.sub.1--H wherein L.sub.1 has the values defined in claim 1; or a salt thereof

51. The compound of claim 50 which is 604or a salt thereof.