Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
20-KETO-l 1,13-ARYLSTEROIDS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES HAVING AGONIST OR
ANTAGONIST HORMONAL PROPERTIES
This application is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application No.:
2,322,862.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention:
This invention relates to a novel class of steroids which are believed to bind
to the
progestin receptor and which exhibit potent antiprogestational activity,
steroid intermediates
which are useful for preparing same and methods for the preparation of steroid
intermediates.
Such compounds are useful for treatment of fibroids, endometriosis, and
certain tumors, in
causing cervical ripening prior to delivery, in hormone replacement therapy
and in control of
fertility and reproduction.
Discussion of the Background:
Progesterone plays a major role in reproductive health and functioning. Its
effects on,
for example, the uterus, breast, cervix and hypothalamic-pituitary unit are
well established. It
also has extra-reproductive activities that are less well studied, such as
effects on the brain,
the immune system, the vascular endothelial system and on lipid metabolism.
Given this wide
array of effects, it is apparent that compounds which mimic some of the
effects of
progesterone (agonists), antagonize these effects (antagonists) or exhibit
mixed effects
(partial agonists or mixed agonist/antagonist) can be useful in treating a
variety of disease
states and conditions.
Steroid hormones exert their effects, in-part, by binding to intracellular
receptors.
Compounds that bind to the appropriate receptors and are antagonists or
partial agonists of
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
the estrogenic and androgenic hormones have long been known, but it was not
until around
1982 that the discovery of compounds that bind to the progesterone receptor
and antagonize
the effects of progesterone was announced. Since then, a number of such
compounds have
been reported in the scientific and patent literature and their effects in
vitro, in animals and in
humans have been studied. Although compounds such as estrogens and certain
enzyme
inhibitors can prevent the physiological effects of endogenous progesterone,
in this discussion
"antiprogestin" is confined to those compounds that bind to the progestin
receptor.
Information indicating that antiprogestins would be effective in a number of
medical
conditions is now available. This information has been summarized in a report
from the
Institute of Medicine (Donaldson, Molly S.; Dorflinger, L.; Brown, Sarah S.;
Benet, Leslie
Z., Editors, Clinical Applications of Mifepristone (RU 486) and Other
Antiprogestins,
Committee on Antiprogestins: Assessing the Science, Institute of Medicine,
National
Academy Press, 1993). In view of the pivotal role that progesterone plays in
reproduction, it
is not surprising that antiprogestins could play a part in fertility control,
including
contraception (long-term and emergency or post-coital), menses induction and
medical
termination of pregnancy, but there are many other potential uses that have
been supported by
small clinical or preclinical studies. Among these are the following:
1. Labor and delivery - antiprogestins may be used for cervical ripening prior
to labor
induction such as at term or when labor must be induced due to fetal death.
They may also be
used to help induce labor in term or post-term pregnancies.
2. Treatment of uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) - these non-malignant tumors may
affect up to 20% of women over 30 years old and are one of the most common
reasons for
surgery in women during their reproductive years. Hysterectomy, the common
treatment for
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
persistent symptoms, of course results in sterility.
3. Treatment of endometriosis - this common (5 to 15% incidence, much larger
in
infertile women) and often painful condition is now treated with drugs such as
danazol or
gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogs that have significant side-effects, or
must be dealt
with surgically.
4. Hormone replacement therapy, where they may be given to interupt or curtail
the
activity of progestins.
5. Cancers, particularly breast cancers - the presence of progestin receptors
in many
breast cancers has suggested the use of antiprogestins in treating metatstatic
cancer or in
prevention of recurrence or initial development of cancer.
6. Other tumors such as meningiomas - these brain membrane tumors, although
non-
malignant, result in death of the patient and nonsurgical treatments are
lacking.
7. Male contraception - antiprogestins can interfere with sperm viability,
although
whether this is an antiprogestational effect or not is controversial, as it
may relate to the
antiglucocorticoid activity of such compounds.
8. Antiestrogenic effects - at least some antiprogestins oppose the action of
estrogens
in certain tests, but apparently through a mechanism that does not involve
classical hormone
receptors. This opens a variety of possibilities for their medical use.
9. Antiglucocorticoid effects - this is a common side-effect of
antiprogestins, which
can be useful in some instances, such as the treatment of Cushing's syndrome,
and could play
a role in immune disorders, for example. In other instances it is desirable to
minimize such
effects.
The effects and uses of progesterone agonists have been well documented. In
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
addition, it has been recently shown that certain compounds structurally
related to the known
antiprogestins have strong agonist activity in certain biological systems
(e.g., the classical
progestin effects in the estrogen-primed immature rabbit uterus; cf. C.E. Cook
et al., Life
Sciences, 52, 155-162 (1993)). Such compounds are partial agonists in human
cell-derived
receptor systems, where they bind to a site distinct from both the progestin
and antiprogestin
sites (Wagner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 93, 8739-8744 (1996)). Thus the
general class of
antiprogestins can have many subclasses, which may vary in their clinical
profiles.
The earliest antiprogestins, in addition to having an 11(3-aryl substituent,
were
substituted with a 17(3-hydroxyl group and various 17a-substituents. (See for
example,
Teutsch, Jean G.; Costerousse, Germain; Philibert, Daniel, and Deraedt, Roger.
Novel
steroids. U. S. 4,386,085. 1983; Philibert, Daniel; Teutsch, Jean G.;
Costerousse, Germain,
and Deraedt, Roger. 3-Keto-19-nor-i-4,9-steroids. U. S. 4,477,445. 1983;
Teutsch, Jean G.;
Pantin, Germain; Costerousse, Saint-Maurice; Daniel Philibert; La Varenne
Saint Hilaire;
Roger Deraedt, inventors. Steroid derivatives. Roussel Uclaf, assignee. U.S.
4,447,424.
1984; Cook, C. Edgar; Tallent, C. Ray; Reel, Jerry R., and Wani, Mansukh C.
17a-
(Substituted-methyl)-17(i-hydroxy/esterified hydroxy steroids and
pharmaceutical
compositions containing them. U.S. 4,774,236 (1988) and 4,861,763 (1989)).
Then it was
discovered that a 17(3-acetyl, 17a-acyloxy group in the presence of 11(3-aryl
could also
generate compounds with antiprogestational effects (Cook, C. Edgar; Lee, Y.-
W.; Reel, Jerry
R.; Wani, Mansukh C., Rector, Douglas. 11 n-Substituted Progesterone Analogs.
U.S. Patent
Nos. 4,954,490 (1990) and 5,073,548 (1991)), and various permutations of these
findings
have been made as well. However, introduction of a 16a-ethyl group or a
hydrogen
substituent at the 17a-position in the 17p-acyl series of compounds is
reported to lead to
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
agonist or partial agonist activity (C.E. Cook et al., Life Sciences, 52, 155-
162 (1993)).
Generally, however, antiprogestational activity has always been associated
with the
presence of an 11 P-aryl substituent on the steroid nucleus, together with a
A"-3-ketone or A"-
3-ketone moiety. A wide latitude has been reported in the substituents on the
11(i-aryl moiety
associated with antiprogestational activity (cf. Teutsch, G. and Philibert, D.
History and
perspectives of antiprogestins from the chemist's point of view. Human
Reproduction. Jun;
9(Supplement 1):12-31 (1994)). One novel feature of the present invention is
the discovery
that to achieve a strong and essentially complete antiprogestational response
and little or no
agonist effect in a classical in vivo measure of progestational response (the
McGinty
adaptation of the Clauberg test in the estrogen-primed immature female
rabbit), the aromatic
group at the 11(3-position, in the presence of a 17(3-acyl-17a-acyloxy
substitution pattern, is
best substituted with a basic nitrogen moiety.
The patents of Cook et al. (1989, 1991) referred to above show the use of an
acyclic
N,N-dimethylamino substituent on the 4-position (para-position) of the 11 O-
aryl substituent
in the presence of the 17p-acetyl, 17a-acyloxy substitution pattern. Ashby et
al. (Ashby J;
Paton D; Lefevre PA, Cyclic amines as less mutagenic replacements for dimethyl
amino (-
NMe2) substituents on aromatic organic compounds: implications for
carcinogenicity and
toxicity. Cancer Lett, 1983 17: 263-71 (1983)) find that use of a cyclic amino
substituent on
certain carcinogenic aryl compounds markedly reduces or eliminates
mutagenicity.
Wunerwald et al. DD 290 198 (1991) entitled in part, "1 lei-aryl
substituierten Estra-
4,9-dien-3 -one- 17 (S)-spiro- I'cyclohexan-2'-onen and 11(3-
arylsubstituierten Estra-4,9-dien-
3-one-17 (S)-spiro-1'cyclohexan-2'-olen sowie deren derivate" illustrates
steroid compounds
bearing C17 spirocyclic ketone and alcohol substitution.
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Rohde et al. U.S. 4,609,651 report 11 R-Arylestradienes, their production and
pharmaceutical preparations containing same. These compounds are 17(3-hydroxy-
17a-
alkenyl substituted.
Kim et al. PCT W096/30390 (1996) report a method for preparing 17 a-acetoxy-11
P-
(4-N, N-dimethylamino-phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, intermediates
useful in
the method and method for the preparation of such intermediates. Both the 11 P-
4-N, N-
dimethylaminophenyl and the a-acetoxy groups are indicated as essential.
Neither nitrogen
heterocycles nor 17a-carbonyloxy groups are suggested.
Kim et al. PCT W097/4145 reports 21- substituted progesterone derivatives
bearing a
11n-substituted phenyl group but no heterocyclic substitutions.
In spite of the clinical promise of antiprogestins, as of January 1, 1998,
there were no
antiprogestin drugs marketed in the United States or many other countries.
Only one
antiprogestin drug is approved and available for clinical use anywhere in the
world and that
drug, mifepristone, is mainly used for medical termination of pregnancy. A
number of factors
are the cause of this situation, but certainly a need exists for new
antiprogestational drugs that
can be used for the conditions described above.
Accordingly there remains a need for antiprogestin compounds which exhibit
higher
specificity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore the present invention is directed to cyclic amine substituents such
as N-
piperidinyl which are particularly beneficial when substituted in the 4-
position of the 11(3-aryl
moiety, since in addition to having the potential for reduction of toxicity we
have discovered
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
that they retain not only the gross molecular properties of the dimethylamino
analogs, but in
addition they exhibit strong binding to the progestin receptor and have potent
progestational
or antiprogestational activity. Furthermore they exhibit nonclassical
antiestrogenic activity.
Another novel feature of the present invention is that cyclization of the
amine-
containing residue back onto the aromatic ring to form a fused bicyclic
system, such as the N-
methylindol-5-yl compound, is particularly beneficial in that the resulting
compounds have
greatly diminished antiglucocorticoid activity.
The 170-acyl-17a-acyloxy steroids having an 11(3-aryl group are characterized
by
considerable conformational and rotational flexibility that may facilitate
their ability to adapt
to the binding site and thereby to bind to the progestin receptor in such a
manner as to
promote antiprogestational activity.
In another novel feature of the present invention, it is found that conversion
of these
moieties to a 17,17-spiro ring while retaining the 20-ketone and the 17a-O-
C(=0) pattern, as
in structure II below, results in a much more rigid structure for these
moieties nevertheless
leads to compounds with potent antiprogestational activity unaccompanied by
any significant
agonist activity in the McGinty variation of the classical Clauberg assay.
Furthermore these
compounds surprisingly exhibit markedly reduced binding to the androgen
hormone receptor,
in contrast to the usual relatively strong androgen receptor binding observed
with the known
antiprogestins.
A further novel feature of the present invention is that in the presence of
the 17p-acyl
and 11 P-aryl substituents the 17a-O-(C=O)- pattern may be reversed to 17a-
C(=0)-O- while
retaining strong antiprogestational activity unaccompanied by any significant
agonist activity
in the McGinty variation of the classical Clauberg assay.
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CA 02614667 2010-12-23
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to intermediates for
the
preparation of steroid compounds having progesterone activity which features a
C5 hydroxyl
group, and method for preparing such compounds by opening of the corresponding
C5-io
epoxide.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of a
compound
as defined herein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating the activity
of
progesterone.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical
composition comprising a steroid as defined herein and nontoxic
pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a steroid as
defined
herein for use in the treatment of endometriosis or uterine fibroids, the
treatment of tumors
or cancers, cervical ripening preparatory to labor and delivery of offspring,
control or
regulation of fertility, or as hormone replacement therapy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant
advantages
thereof will be readily obtained as the same become better understood by
reference to the
following detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying
drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a synthetic scheme for preparing 170- acetyl, l7a-
carboxylic ester
substituted compounds;
Figure 2 illustrates a synthetic scheme for preparing 17-spirolactone
compounds;
Figure 3 illustrates a synthetic scheme for preparing 17a-ethynyl and 17 a-
oxymethyl
substituted compounds;
8
CA 02614667 2010-12-23
Figure 4 illustrates a synthetic scheme for preparing 17a-acyloxy substituted
compounds; and
Figure 5 illustrates a synthetic scheme for preparing 17 at-alkyl substituted
compounds.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is directed to a hormonal or antihormonal steroid
compound of
8a
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
structure I,
ig
R 0
Rl R9
wherein R6
(O)q
CH2
R' is Y\ \ N- , where q is 0 or 1, Y is -(CH2),,,- where m is an integer
CH2
of 0 to 5, or Y is -(CH2),,-Z- (CH2)p- where n = 0 through 2, p =.O through 2
and Z is a
heteroatom (optionally substituted and where the CH2 groups may be optionally
substituted);
or
R' is (N-imidazolyl)- or (N-pyrrolyl)-; and
R12 is H or halo; or
R' and R12 combine to form a ring R4
N
W
where W is CH2, CH, NH, N, 0, or S; R4 is H, CH3, or C2H5; the dashed line
represents an optional double bond; X is 0 or NOR5, where R5 is H or C1-C4
alkyl, C3-
C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C6 aryl, or heteroaryl, any of
which may
be optionally substituted; or X is (H,H), (H,OH), (H,OSi(lower alkyl)3), or
(H,OCOR5), where 125 is C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4
alkynyl,
C6-C12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,
heteroaralkenyl or
heteroaralkynyl, any of which may be optionally substituted; or
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,CH2O-
X Xis Y\ , where Y is -(CH2),,, where m = 0 through 3, or Y is -(CH2)õZ-
CH2O-
(CH2)P where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2 and Z is a heteroatom
(optionally substituted)
or Z is a carbon atom substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups;
R6 is H, CH3, or halogen;
R' is H, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be
optionally
substituted; or
R' is O-CO-R8 or O-R8 where R8 is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C1S alkenyl, C2-C18
alkynyl, C4-
C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaryl,
heteroaralkyl,
heteroaralkenyl or heteroaralkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; and
R9 is H, lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, halo, O-CO-R8 or OR8 where R8 is as
defined
above, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the group R' or the nitrogen atom of the ring
formed by R'
and R12 is in the 4- position of the phenyl ring.
According to another embodiment of the present invention is a hormonal or
antihormonal steroid compound of structure II,
RI I
R12
RIO
Rl O O
(II)
6
wherein
R' is (R2 R3 N)-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of H, C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
R' is (R2 RN (O))-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
wherein CH (O)q
2\
R' is Y\ CH2 N - , where q is 0 or 1, Y is 7(CH2),n where m is an integer of 0
to 5,
or Y is -(CH2) -Z- (CH2)P where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2, and Z is a
heteroatom
(optionally substituted and where the CH2 groups may be optionally
substituted); or
R' is (N-imidazolyl)- or (N-pyrrolyl)-; or
R' is halo-, HO-, CF3SO2O-, CH3O-, CH3S-, CH3S(O)-, CH3S(02)-, CH3CO-,
CH3CH(OH)-, NC-, HCC-, C6H5CC-1 (2'-or 3'-furyl)-, (2'- or 3'-thiophenyl)-,
(2'-, 3'- or 4'-
pyridyl)-, (2'-thiazolyl)-, (2'-N-methylimidazolyl)-, (5'-pyrimidinyl)-, C6H5-
, HCC-,
H2C=CH-, C2H5-, or MeC(=CH2)-; and
R12 is H or halo; or
R' and R12 combine to form a ring R4
N
W'
where W is CH2, CH, NH, N, 0, or S, and R4 is H, CH3, or CZH5i
X is 0 or NOR5, where R5 is H or C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl,
C2-C4
alkynyl, C6 aryl, or heteroaryl, any of which may be optionally substituted;
or
X is (H, H), (H,OH), (H,OSi(lower alkyl)3), or (H,OCOR5), where R5 is C1-C4
alkyl, C3-
C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C6-C12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl,
aralkynyl,
heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl or heteroaralkynyl , any of which
may be optionally
substituted; or
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CH2O-
X is Y\ , where Y is -(CH2)m- where m = 0 through 3, or Y is -(CH2),, Z-
CH2O-
(CH2)p where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2 and Z is a heteroatom
(optionally substituted)
or Z is a carbon atom substituted with.one or two lower alkyl groups;
R6 is H, CH3, or halogen;
R10 and R" are H, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C4-C8 cycloalkyl,
C6 aryl,
aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl or
heteroaralkynyl, any of which
may be optionally substituted, or
R10 and R" form with the attached carbon atom an optionally substituted C3-C8
cycloalkyl structure and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the group R' or the nitrogen atom of the ring
formed by R'
and R12 is in the 4- position of the phenyl ring.
According to another embodiment of the present invention is a hormonal or
antihormonal steroid compound of structure I,
R1 2
R R9 O
(I)
6
wherein
R' is (R2 R3 N)-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of H, C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
R' is (R2 R3 N(O))-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
wherein CH2\ (O)q
R' is Y\ CH2 N where q is 0 or 1, Y is -(CH2)m where m is an integer of 0 to
5,
or Y is -(CH2) -Z- (CH2)P where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2, and Z is a
heteroatom
(optionally substituted and where the CH2 groups may be optionally
substituted); or
R' is (N-imidazolyl)- or (N-pyrrolyl)-;and
R12 is H or halogen ;or
R' and R12 combine to form a ring Ra
N
W
where W is CH2, CH, NH, N, 0, or S, and R4 is H, CH3, or CZH5; or
R' is halo-, HO-, CF3SO2O-, CH3O-, CH3S-, CH3S(O)-, CH3S(02)-, CH3CO-,
CH3CH(OH)-, NC-, HCC-, C6H5CC-, (2'-or 3'-furyl)-, (2'- or 3'-thiophenyl)-,
(2'-, 3'- or 4'-
pyridyl)-, (2'-thiazolyl)-, (2'-N-methylimidazolyl)-, (5'-pyrimidinyl)-, C6H5-
, HCC-,
H2C=CH-, C2H5-, or MeC(=CH2)-;
X is 0 or NOR', where R5 is H or C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl,
C2-C4
alkynyl, C6 aryl, or heteroaryl, any of which may be optionally substituted;
or
X is (H, H), (H,OH), (H,OSi(lower alkyl)3), or (H,OCOR5), where R' is C1-C4
alkyl, C3-
C6 cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C6-C 12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl,
aralkynyl,
heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl or heteroaralkynyl , any of which
may be optionally
substituted; or
-13-
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
,CH2O-
X is Y\ , where Y is -(CH2)m where m = 0 through 3, or Y is -(CH2),,-Z-
CH2O-
(CHI)P where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2 and Z is a heteroatom
(optionally substituted)
or Z is a carbon atom substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups;
R6 is H, CH3, or halogen;
R' is COORS or O-R$ where R$ is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C18 alkenyl, C2-C18
alkynyl, C4-C8
cycloalkyl, C6-C12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl, heteroaryl,
heteroaralkyl,
heteroaralkenyl or heteroaralkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; and
R9 is H, lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, halo or O-CO-R8, where R$ is as
defined
above, or O-R8 where R8 is as defined above and pharmaceutically acceptable
salts thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the group R' or the nitrogen atom of the ring
formed by
R' and R12 is in the 4- position of the phenyl ring.
In another embodiment of the present invention is an intermediate for the
preparation
of a hormonal or antihormonal steroid compound, of the formula (III)
R1 2
R R9 O
(III)
OH 6
wherein
R' is (R2 R3 N)-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of H, C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
R' is (R2 R3 N(O))-, where R2 and R3 may be combinations of C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6
cycloalkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; or
wherein /CH2` (O)q
R' is Y\ CH2 N-- where q is 0 or 1, Y is -(CH2)m where m is an integer of 0 to
5,
or Y is -(CH2)õ-Z- (CH2)P where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2 and Z is a
heteroatom
(optionally substituted and where the CH2 groups may be optionally
substituted); or
R' is (N-imidazolyl)- or (N-pyrrolyl)-; or
R' is halo-, HO-, CF3SO2O-, CH3O-, CH3S-, CH3S(O)-, CH3S(02)-, CH3CO-,
CH3CH(OH)-, NC-, HCC-, C6H5CC-, (2'-or 3'-furyl)-, (2'- or 3'-thiophenyl)-,
(2'-, 3'- or 4'-
pyridyl)-, (2'-thiazolyl)-, (2'-N-methylimidazolyl)-, (5'-pyrimidinyl)-, C6H5-
, HCC-,
H2C=CH-, C2H5-, or MeC(=CH2)-; and
R12 is H or halo;or
R' and R12 combine to form a ring R4
N
W'
where W is CH2, CH, NH, N, 0, or S, and R4 is H, CH3, or C2H5i
/ CH2O-
X is y , where Y is -(CH2)m where m = 0 through 3, or Y is -(CH2)n Z-
CH2O-
(CH2)p where n = 0 through 2, p = 0 through 2 and Z is a heteroatom
(optionally substituted)
or Z is a carbon atom substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups;
R' is H, CH3, or halogen;
R' is H, CI-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, or C2-C4 alkynyl, any of which may be
optionally
substituted; O-CO-R8, COORS , or O-R8 where R8 is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C18
alkenyl, C2-C18
alkynyl, C4-C8 cycloalkyl, C6-C12 aryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl, aralkynyl,
heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl,
-15-
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
heteroaralkenyl or heteroaralkynyl, any of which may be optionally
substituted; and
R9 is H, lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, halo, O-CO-R8 or O-R8 where R8 is as
defined above, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the group R' or the nitrogen atom of the ring
formed by R'
and R12 is in the 4-position of the phenyl ring.
The above-identified compounds of formula I and II specifically include
compounds
which are subsitituted on the A ring at the 3-position with two hydrogen
atoms. These
compounds are believed to undergo oxidation in vivo to the corresponding
carbonyl
compound.
Within the scope of the present invention, the term heteroatom means oxygen,
nitrogen, sulfur, silicon or boron. Halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine
or iodine and
halo means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo. Aralkyl, aralkenyl, or aralkynyl
means a C1-C4
alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl or C2-C4 alkynyl group bearing an aryl substituent. Lower
alkyl means a
C1-C4 alkyl group. Heteroaryl means a unit of 5 to 12 non-hydrogen atoms
consisting of one
or more cyclic structures that may be fused or linked together, which contain
1 to 5
heteroatoms and which are generally accepted by those skilled in the art as
having aromatic
electronic character.
Heteroaralkyl, heteroaralkenyl, or heteroaralkynyl means a C,-C4 alkyl, C2-C4
alkenyl
or C2-C4 alkynyl group bearing a heteroaryl substituent.
"Optionally substituted" means unsubstituted or substituted with one or more
heteroatom(s) and/or halogens and/or alkyl groups of I to 4 carbon atoms
and/or alkenyl
and/or alkynyl groups of 2 to 4 carbon atoms and/or cycloalkyl groups of 3 to
7 carbon atoms
and/or aryl groups of 6 to 12 carbon. atoms and/or heteroaryl groups, and in
which the alkyl,
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group may be further
substituted with one or
more heteroatoms and/or halogens. Substitution may occur directly on CH2
groups of cyclic
amine heterocycles. Where their valency permits, heteroatoms may be
substituted either
within the carbon chain or by attachment to it by single or double bonds. For
example, -CH2-
CH2-CH=O, -CH2(C=O)-CH3, -CH2-CH2-O-CH3, -CH2-CH2-CH2OH, CH3-CH2-CH2O-, CH2-
CH2-C(=O)-NH2i CH3-CH2-C(O)-NH- and CF3-CC- all fall within this definition.
In all cases where valency and steric considerations permit, alkyl, alkenyl,
alkynyl and
cycloalkyl groups may contain additional double or triple bonds and/or
branched chains.
The group R6 at C6 as it appears in structures I, II and III may be in either
the a or
position. In a preferred embodiment, the group R6 is located in the a-
position.
In another embodiment, the Cõ P-aryl group may be replaced with a pyridine
group
substituted with groups R' and R12 as previously described. Specifically, the
present
invention provides for substitution at the C I I position with a
dialkylaminopyridyl or
cycloaminopyridyl group in all compounds where a dialkylaminophenyl or a
cycloaminophenyl group is suggested.
In a preferred embodiment, the steroid having structure I is substitued as
follows:
R'-Ph is 4-(N-piperidino)phenyl, 4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl, 4-(N-
morpholino)phenyl,
1-methylindol-5-yl or 1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl);
X is 0, NOH, or NOCH3;
R6 is H, CH3, F or Cl;
R7 is H, methyl, ethyl, ethynyl, 1-propynyl, trifluoro-l-propynyl, 3-
hydroxypropyn- I -
yl, propyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxy- l -propenyl (E- or Z-), acetoxy,
propionoxy,
benzylcarboxy, benzoyloxy or methoxymethyl; and
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R9 is H, CH3, acetoxy, fluoro, chloro or methoxy.
In another preferred embodiment, the steroid having structure II is subsituted
as
follows:
R'-Ph is 4-aminophenyl, 4-(N-methylamino)phenyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl,
4-(N-piperidino)phenyl, 4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl, 4-(N-morpholino)phenyl, l-
methylindol-5-
yl, 1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 4-
(methylthio)phenyl
or 4-(methylsulfinyl)phenyl;
X is 0, NOH, or NOCH3;
R6 is H, CH3, F or Cl;
R10R" is H2, (CH3, H), (H, CH3) or (CH3)2.
In another preferred embodiment, the steroid having structure I is substituted
as
follows:
R'-Ph is 4-aminophenyl, 4-(N-methylamino)phenyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl,
4-(N-piperidino)phenyl, 4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl, 4-(N-morpholino)phenyl, 1-
methylindol-5-
yl, 1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 4-
(methylthio)phenyl
or 4-(methylsulfmyl)phenyl;
X is 0, NOH, or NOCH3;
R6 is H, CH3, F or Cl;
R' is COORS where R8 is methyl, ethyl, propyl, phenyl or benzyl; and
R9 is H, CH3, methoxy, acetoxy, fluoro or chloro.
Specific non-limiting examples include the compounds
I 7 a-acetoxy-11 P-(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione,
17a-acetoxy-11 P-(4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione,
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
17a-acetoxy-11 p-(1-methylindol-5-yl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione,
17a-acetoxy-11(3-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-
dione,
11 P-(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-17a-propionyloxy- 19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-
dione,
17a-propionyloxy-11 P-(4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-
dione,
11(3-(1-methylindol-5-yl)-17a-propionyloxy- l 9-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-
dione,
11 P-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl)-17a-propionyloxy-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-
3,20-dione,
11 p-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-3,20-dioxo-17 a-hydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-
4,9-dien-24-
oic acid S-lactone, 11(3-(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-3,20-dioxo-17a-hydroxy-19,21-
dinorchola-
4,9-dien-24-oic acid 8-lactone, 11(3-(1-methylindol-5-yi)-3,20-dioxo-I7a-
hydroxy-19,21-
dinorchola-4,9-dien-24-oic acid 8-lactone, 11(3-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-
yl)-3,20-dioxo-
17a-hydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-4,9-dien-24-oic acid S-lactone, 17a-carbomethoxy-
11 f3-(4-
(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, 17a-carbomethoxy-
I lp-
(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, 1 7a-carbomethoxy-
11 p-(1-
methylindol-5-yl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione, 17a-carbomethoxy-11(3-(1-
methyl-
2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione.
Those compounds of the present invention which bear an amino group on the C11
phenyl group accordingly may also comprise a salt formed with the amine.
Suitable
pharmaceutically acceptable salts are known to those of ordinary skill in the
art and comprise
carboxylates, sulfates, phosphates and halides.
Steroids having progestational, antiprogestational and/or antiglucocorticoid
activity
have use in the control of fertility in humans and non-human mammals such as
primates,
domestic pets and farm animals, and in the treatment of medical conditions in
animals or
humans in which these activities are beneficial. Thus they may be useful in
the treatment of
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conditions such as fibroids, Cushing's syndrome, glaucoma, endometriosis,
cervical ripening
prior to delivery, hormone replacement therapy, premenstrual syndrome and
cancer in
addition to their use in the control of fertility and reproduction.
The compounds of the present invention may be administered by a variety of
methods.
Thus, those products of the invention that are active by the oral route may be
administered in
solutions, suspensions, emulsions, tablets, including sublingual and
intrabuccal tablets, soft
gelatin capsules, including solutions used in soft gelatin capsules, aqueous
or oil suspensions,
emulsions, pills, lozenges, troches, tablets, syrups or elixirs and the like.
Products of the
invention active on parenteral administration may be administered by depot
injection,
implants including SilasticTM and biodegradable implants, intramuscular and
intravenous
injections.
Compositions may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the
manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain
one or more
agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring
agents, coloring
agents and preserving agents. Tablets containing the active ingredient in
admixture with
nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for
manufacture of tablets
are acceptable. These excipients may be, for example, inert diluents, such as
calcium
carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate
granulating
and disintegrating agents, such as maize starch, or alginic acid; binding
agents, such as starch,
gelatin or acacia; and lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, stearic
acid or talc.
Tablets may be uncoated or may be coated by known techniques to delay
disintegration and
adsorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained
action over a longer
period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or
glyceryl
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distearate alone or with a wax may be employed.
Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules
wherein the
active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example calcium
carbonate, calcium
phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient
is mixed with
water or an oil medium, such as peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.
Aqueous suspensions of the invention contain the active materials in admixture
with
excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such
excipients include a
suspending agent, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose,
hydroxypropylethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum
tragacanth and
gum acacia, and dispersing or wetting agents such as a naturally occurring
phosphatide (e.g.,
lecithin), a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with a fatty acid
(e.g., polyoxyethylene
stearate), a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a long chain
aliphatic alcohol (e.g.,
heptadecaethylene oxycetanol), a condensation product of ethylene oxide with a
partial ester
derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitol mono-
oleate), or a
condensation product of ethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from fatty
acid and a
hexitol anhydride (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate). The aqueous
suspension
may also contain one or more preservatives such as ethyl or n-propyl p-
hydroxybenzoate, one
or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents and one or more
sweetening agents,
such as sucrose, aspartame or saccharin. Ophthalmic formulations, as is known
in the art,
will be adjusted for osmotic pressure.
Oil suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a
vegetable
oil, such as arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a
mineral oil such as liquid
paraffin. The oil suspensions may contain a thickening agent, such as beeswax,
hard paraffin
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or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents may be added to provide a palatable oral
preparation.
These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an antioxidant such as
ascorbic acid.
Dispersible powders and granules of the invention suitable for preparation of
an
aqueous suspension by the addition of water may be formulated from the active
ingredients in
admixture with a dispersing, suspending and/or wetting agent, and one or more
preservatives.
Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by
those
disclosed above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and
coloring
agents, may also be present.
The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may also be in the form of oil-
in-
water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, such as olive oil or
arachis oil, a
mineral oil, such as liquid paraffin, or a mixture of these. Suitable
emulsifying agents include
naturally occurring gums, such as gum acacia and gum tragacanth, naturally
occurring
phosphatides, such as soybean lecithin, esters or partial esters derived from
fatty acids and
hexitol anhydrides, such as sorbitan mono-oleate, and condensation products of
these partial
esters with ethylene oxide, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate. The
emulsion may
also contain sweetening and flavoring agents.
Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, such as glycerol,
sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a
preservative, a
flavoring or a coloring agent.
The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be in the form of a
sterile
injectable preparation, such as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous
suspension. This
suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable
dispersing or
wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The
sterile
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injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension
in a nontoxic
parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, such as a solution of 1,3-
butanediol. Among the
acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water and Ringer's
solution, an
isotonic sodium chloride. In addition, sterile fixed oils may conventionally
be employed as a
solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be
employed
including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as
oleic acid may
likewise be used in the preparation of injectables. Sterilization may be
performed by
conventional methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as by
aseptic filtration,
irradiation or terminal sterilization (e.g. autoclaving).
Aqueous formulations (i.e oil-in-water emulsions, syrups, elixers and
injectable
preparations) may be formulated to achieve the pH of optimum stability. The
determination
of the optimum pH may be performed by conventional methods known to those of
ordinary
skill in the art. Suitable buffers may also be used to maintain the pH of the
formulation.
The compounds of this invention may also be administered in the form of
suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be
prepared by
mixing the drug with a suitable nonirritating excipient which is solid at
ordinary temperatures
but liquid at the rectal temperatures and will therefore melt in the rectum to
release the drug.
Non-limiting examples of such materials are cocoa.butter and polyethylene
glycols.
They may also be administered by intranasal, intraocular, intravaginal, and
intrarectal
routes including suppositories, insufflation, powders and aerosol
formulations.
Products of the invention which are preferably administered by the topical
route may
be administered as applicator sticks, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels,
creams,
ointments, pastes, jellies, paints, powders, and aerosols.
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Products having anti-glucocorticoid activity are of particular value in
pathological
conditions characterized by excess endogenous glucocorticoid. such as
Cushing's syndrome,
hirsutism and in particular when associated with the adrenogenital syndrome,
ocular
conditions associated with glucocorticoid excess such as glaucoma, stress
symptoms
associated with excess glucocorticoid secretion and the like.
Products having progestational activity are of particular value as
progestational
agents, ovulation inhibitors, menses regulators, contraceptive agents, agents
for
synchronization of fertile periods in cattle, endometriosis, and the like.
When used for
contraceptive purposes, they may conveniently be admixed with estrogenic
agents, such as
for example as ethynylestradiol or estradiol esters.
Products having anti-progestational activity are characterized by antagonizing
the
effects of progesterone. As such, they are of particular value in control of
hormonal
irregularities in the menstrual cycle and for synchronization of fertile
periods in cattle.
The compounds of the invention may be used for control of fertility during the
whole
of the reproductive cycle. They are of particular value as postcoital
contraceptives, for
rendering the uterus inimical to implantation, and as "once a month"
contraceptive agents.
They may be used in conjunction with prostaglandins, oxytocics and the like.
A further important utility for the products of the invention lies in their
ability to slow
down growth of hormone-dependent cancers. Such cancers include kidney, breast,
endometrial, ovarian cancers, and prostate cancer which are characterized by
possessing
progesterone receptors and may be expected to respond to the products of this
invention.
Other utilities of anti-progestational agents include treatment of fibrocystic
disease of the
breast. Certain cancers and in particular melanomas may respond favorably to
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
corticoid/anticorticoid therapy.
The compounds according to the present invention may be administered to any
warm-
blooded mammal such as humans, domestic pets, and farm animals. Domestic pets
include
dogs, cats, etc. Farm animals include cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.
The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with a carrier material
to
produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the disease treated, the
mammalian
species, and the particular mode of administration. A therapeutically
effective amount may
be determined by routine experimentation and by analogy from the amounts used
to treat the
same disease states with analogous steroid compounds. For example, a unit dose
of the
steroid may preferably contain between 0.1 milligram and 1 gram of the active
ingredient. A
more preferred unit dose is between 0.001 and 0.5 grams. For the specific
treatment of
endometriosis or fibroids an amount of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg of body weight,
preferably from 0.3
to 3 mg/kg, more preferably from 0.1 to 1 mg/kg may be administered orally.
Similar
dosages may be used for the other therapeutic purposes of these compounds.
Ordinarily the
compounds may be administered daily I to 4 times per day, preferably 1 to 2
times per day,
but for uses such as for example in hormone replacement therapy, they may be
administered
in a cyclophasic regimen. In any case the frequency and timing of dosage will
depend upon
factors such as the half-life of the specific compound in the body, the dosage
formulation and
the route of administration. It will be understood, however, that the specific
dose level for
any particular patient will depend on a variety of factors including the
activity of the specific
compound employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the
individual
being treated the time and route of administration; the rate of excretion:
other drugs which
have previously been administered; and the severity of the particular disease
undergoing
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
therapy, as is well understood by those of skill in the art.
Having generally described this invention, a further understanding can be
obtained by
reference to certain general examples which are provided herein for purposes
of illustration.
Compounds of this invention may be made by conventional methods known to those
of ordinary skill in the art, such as by the procedures outlined in Figures 1-
5. Thus, for
example, as illustrated in Figure 1, compound A-13 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-) may be
made
beginning with the known compound 3-methoxy-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-
one (A-1,
see U.S. Patent 4,512,986). This is converted to the enol acetate A-2 by
treatment with acetic
anhydride in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid. Reaction of this compound
with methyl
lithium generates the enolate ion, which in the presence of ZnC12 reacts with
formaldehyde to
give the 17a-hydroxy-methyl compound A-3. The 20-ketone may be reduced by a
variety of
hydride reagents, such as LiA1H4i to A-4, which is generally obtained as a
mixture of diol
isomers, epimeric at C-20. These need not be separated (although they can be
if desired), but
can be converted by lithium in ammonia to the dienol ether A-5, which can be
hydrolyzed
with a mild acid, such as preferably oxalic acid, to the 5(10)-en-3-one A-6.
Treatment of A-6
with pyridinium tribromide gives the 4,9-dien-3-one A-7, from which the ketal
A-8 may be
obtained in the usual manner with ethylene glycol in the presence of an acid
such as p-
toluenesulfonic acid. Oxidation of both hydroxyl groups to carbonyls can then
be carried out
with oxalyl chloride/dimethylsulfoxide (Swern reagent) and further oxidation
of the resulting
A-9 with NaOC12 converts the 17a-formyl group to a carboxylic acid that reacts
with
Me3SiCHN2 and methanol to yield the methyl ester A-10. Epoxidation of the
5(10) double
bond A-10 with H202 in the presence of hexafluoroacetone and Na2HPO4 yields
epoxide A-
11, which undergoes reaction with arylmagnesium bromides in the presence of
Cu(I) salts
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such as CuBr/dimethylsulfide complex to yield, for example, compound A-12 (Ar--
4 Me2N-
C6H4-), convertible with acid, preferably hydrochloric acid with methanol, to
17a-
carbomethoxy-1I(3-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-
dione (A-
13, Ar=4-Me2N-C6H4.).
11(3-Aryl steroids incorporating a 6-membered 17,17-spirolactone group may be
synthesized according to a procedure such as that outlined in Figure 2. The 17-
keto moiety of
compound B-1 is converted to the 17(3-cyano-17a-hydroxy cyanohydrin B-2 with
sodium
cyanide and acetic acid, and then the hydroxyl group is protected with a
trimethylsilyl group
in the usual way. Cyano compound B-3 is then converted to the 17a-hydroxy-20-
ketone B-4
by reaction with methylmagnesium bromide and the 17a-OH is again protected as
its silyl
ether. Alkylation of the resulting B-5 by use of a metal amide such as
preferably lithium t-
butyl trimethylsilylamide and an a-haloester such as ethyl bromoacetate yields
the y-keto
ester B-6. The 11 R-aryl group is introduced as described above and the
resulting compound
B-8 is hydrolyzed with acid and water, preferably trifluoroacetic acid and
water with CH2C12
as a solvent, to the 17a-hydroxy ester B-9. Heating of this compound with an
anhydrous acid
such as preferably trifluoroacetic acid in an organic solvent such as
preferably CH2Cl2 with
removal of ethanol to drive the equilibrium towards the lactone results in the
formation of the
spirolactone compound, such as for example 11 p-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-
3,20-
dioxo-l7a-hydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-4,9-dien-24-oic acid 6-lactone (B-10, Ar--4-
Me2 N-
C6H4-).
Intermediate A-7 can also be used to make 11(3-aryl compounds having carbon
substitution such as alkynyl or oxymethyl in the 17a-position of the pregnane
nucleus. Thus
as shown in Figure 3, oxidation with for example Swem reagent to the aldehyde
C-1, reaction
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
with the Seyferth-Gilbert reagent and monoketalization with for example
ethylene glycol in
the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid yields the ethynyl compound C-2.
Epoxidation to C-3,
1 1 P-arylation and deketalization/dehydration as described above results in f
o r example 11 P-
(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-17a-ethynyl- l 9-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione
(C-4, Ar=4-
Me2N-C6H4-). The dicarbonyl compound A-9 may be selectively reduced (for
example with
LiAl(OBu)3H), to give. the versatile intermediate C-5. Compound C-5 may be
converted to
hydroxymethyl dienones C-6, for example 11(3-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-17a-
hydroxymethyl-l9-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (C-6, Ar=4-Me2N-C6H4-), by
introduction
of an 11 aryl moiety as described above, followed by treatment with an acid,
preferably
trifluoroacetic acid, and water, or may be converted to various esters such as
C-8 (for
example, Ar=4-Me2N-C6H4-, R=CH3 or C6H5) by treatment with an organic
anhydride andy
pyridine followed by 11 (3-arylation and acid treatment. Alkylation of the
hydroxyl group
with an alkylating agent such as for example methyl iodide or methyl triflate
followed by 11
P-arylation and the acid/water treatment yields a 17a-alkoxymethyl compound
such as for
example, 11(3-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-17a-methoxymethyl-19-norpregna-4,9-
diene-
3,20-dione (C-10, Ar=4-Me2N-C6H4-, R=CH3).
Compound B-4 can be converted to a series of 17a-acyloxy compounds D-4 as
illustrated in Figure 4, by first converting it into the diketal D-1 with for
example ethylene
glycol in the presence of p-toluene-sulfonic acid followed by the standard
procedures of
epoxidation and arylation as described above. The resulting compounds D-3 may
be
esterified at the C-17a-hydroxyl and deketalized/dehydrated to the desired
compounds D-4
by treatment with a carboxylic acid, trifluoroacetic anhydride and p-
toluenesulfonic acid.
Alternatively and more preferably, compound B-4 may be converted to the 17a-
acyloxy
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compound D-5 by treatment with a carboxylic acid, trifluoroacetic anhydride
and p-
toluenesulfonic acid. Selective formation of the monoketal occurs readily by
reaction with
ethylene glycol in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid to yield D-6. This
compound is
readily converted to the epoxide D-7 by reaction with hydrogen peroxide,
hexafluoroacetone
and Na2HPO4. Although epoxide D-7 reacts with aryl Grignard reagents that have
been
pretreated with CuBr/dimethyl sulfide complex, care should be taken that the
Grignard
reagent is not in molar excess of the copper reagent, otherwise reactions may
occur that
involve the D-ring substituents. Yields in this reaction are generally around
40%.
Surprisingly, much better yields of product D-8 (around 60%) are obtained when
Cul is used
as the source of the copper. Even more surprisingly, the best yields are
obtained when the Cul
and epoxide D-7 are mixed together in an organic solvent, such as for example
tetrahydrofuran, and the Grignard reagent in tetrahydrof Iran is added rapidly
to the stirred
mixture at a low temperature, preferably around 0 Celsius. Thus, bu use of
this latter
procedure, yields of D-8 in excess of 90% can be obtained. The
deketalization/dehydration of
D-8 under standard conditions, preferably with trifluoroacetic acid and water,
leads readily to
the desired analogs D-4.
17a-carbon substituted compounds may also, be obtained by following the
procedure
of Figure 5. Compound B-1 is converted to the 17-cyano compound E-1 by
successive
treatment with (EtO)2P(O)CN/LiCN and SmI2. The anion of this compound is
generated by
use of a metal dialkylamide such as for example lithium diethylamide and then
treated with
an alkylating agent, for example ethyl iodide, to yield the 17a-substituted-
17(3-cyano
compound E-2. The cyano group is converted to 17(3-acetyl by successive
treatment with
diisobutylaluminum hydride, methyl lithium, and pyridinium dichromate. The
resulting
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
compound E-5 is treated in the manner previously described to convert it to
the epoxide E-6,
the 11(3-aryl intermediate E-7 and the desired final product E-8.
Compounds according. to the present invention where R' is an amine or cyclic
amine
compound may also be prepared by converting the corresponding compound where
R' is a
leaving group such as halogen, or CF3SO2O-1 the later prepared by conventional
methods
known to those of ordinary skill from the corresponding HO aryl compound, by
treatment
with a Pd complex in the presence of the corresponding amine compound of R'.
Such a
procedure is known to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g Louie et al J.
Org. Chem..
62:1268-1273 (1997) and Guram et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 34:1348-1350
(1995).
The present invention also provides for a method of preparing 11(3-aryl
substituted
steroid intermediates bearing a C5 hydroxyl group by an epoxide ring opening
reaction of a
5(l0)ct-oxido-9(11)-ene steroid with an aryl Grignard reagent ArMgX by
premixing the
steroid with a copper (I) salt, preferably in an organic solvent, and adding
to the mixture a
solution of ArMgX in an organic solvent. By premixing the epoxy steroid and
copper(I) salt,
improved yield of the opened product may be observed.
Suitable copper (I) salts are known to those of ordinary skill in the art such
as copper
iodide, copper bromide, copper chloride and copper cyanide. In a preferred
embodiment
copper iodide is used.
Suitable aryl Grignard reagents ArMgX, where X is a halogen atom may be
prepared
by conventional methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art from the
corresponding
aryl halide compound, by reaction with Mg. In a preferred embodiment, the Ar
group of the
aryl Grignard reagent is substituted at the para position with an amine group,
even more
preferably a piperidino group.
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
The reaction may be conducted in organic solvents which are known to those of
ordinary skill in the art for the preparation of Grignard reagents and for
formation of cuprate
reagents. For example ether solvents such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran
and dimethyl
ether may be used. Small amounts of aromatic solvents may also be used such as
benzene,
toluene or xylene to assist in solubilizing the reagents.
The molar ratio of steroid compound to copper salt to aryl Grignard is
typically 1:1-
6:1-6, preferably 1:2:4.
In one embodiment the 5(10)a-oxido-9(l 1)-ene steroid is substituted at the 17
position with a P-acetyl or a substituted (3-acetyl group. Suitable
substitutents for the 17-
acetyl group are as previously described for the group R9.
The compounds of the present invention bind with good affinity to the
progestin
receptor (Table 1) and have antiprogestational activity in vitro (Table 2) or
in vivo (Tables
3,4). In contrast to current antiprogestins, these compounds have the
following novel
features: a 17, 17 six membered Spiro lactone function; reversal of the 17a-
OC(=O)R
function to a 17a-C(C=O)OR; and a cyclic and bicyclic amino substituent on the
11 -aryl
moiety.
Such compounds are useful in the treatment of endometriosis, uterine
leiomyomas
(fibroids) and certain cancers and tumors, in hormone replacement therapy as
well as in the
control of various steps in reproduction and fertility, such as contraception.
A more detailed
description of the potential uses of such compounds is given in Donaldson,
Molly S.;
Dorflinger, L.; Brown, Sarah S.; Benet, Leslie Z., Editors, Clinical
Applications of
Mifepristone (RU 486) and Other Antiprogestins, Committee on Antiprogestins:
Assessing
the Science, Institute of Medicine, National Academy Press, 1993. They are
also useful as
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
intermediates for the synthesis of other steroids.
Having generally described this invention, a further understanding can be
obtained by
reference to certain specific examples which are provided herein for purposes
of illustration
only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.
Example 1. Synthesis of 17a-carbomethoxy-l lei-(4 (N.N-dimethylamino)phenyl -
19-
norpregna-4.9-diene-3,20-dione (A-13. Ar = 4-Me2N6H
1 7a-Hydroxymethy l-3-methoxv-19-norpregna-1.3.5(10) trien-20-o1 (A-4)
17a-Hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-one (A-3, U.S.
Patent
4,512,986, 12.0 g, 35 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF, 300 mL) was treated
with lithium
aluminum hydride (2.7 g, 71.1 mmol) at 0 C with stirring for 1.5 hr. The
reaction was
quenched with Rochelle's salt solution (60 mL, saturated) and extracted with
ether.
Combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO4) and solvent evaporated to yield
the product
as a mixture of C-20 epimers that were partially separated by flash column
chromatography
(SiO2; to 10% acetone in CH2CI2). Total yield was 10 g (89%). 1H NMR (250 MHz;
CDC13) (less polar isomer) 6_7.21 (d, 1, J= 8.5 Hz, 1-H), 6.75 (d, 1, J= 2.75,
8.6 Hz, 2-H),
6.62 (dd, 1, J= 2.7 Hz, 4-H), 3.78 (s, 3, CH3O), 1.34 (d, 3, J= 6.46 Hz, 21-
CH3), 1.01 (s, 3,
18-CH3).
20-Hydroxy-17a-h droxymethvl-3-methoxv-19-norpregna-2.5(10 -diene (A-5)
Compound A-4 (mixture of C-20 isomers; 39.0 g, 113.2 mmol) in THE (1.1 L) and
t-BuOH (400 mL) was added slowly to 1.5 L of liquid NH3 over 50 min at -78 C,
followed
by lithium wire (8.3 g, 1.20 mol). After the reaction was stirred for 3 h at -
78 C, MeOH
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
(250 mL) was cautiously added and the NH3 was evaporated. Partition with
saturated
NH4Cl, extraction of the aqueous layer with EtOAc (3 x 500 mL) and washing of
the
combined organic layers with water and brine, followed by drying (MgSO4) and
evaporation
of solvent gave crude A-5 in 100% yield, suitable for the subsequent reaction.
20-Hydroxy-17a-hydroxvmethyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-3-one (A-6)
Crude A-5 from above was dissolved in a mixture of THE (650 mL) and dioxane
(800 mL) followed by the addition of oxalic acid (22.5 g, 250.0 mmol) in water
(500 mL).
The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight and slowly quenched
with dilute
NaHCO3 solution. The aqueous layer was extracted three times with CH2Cl2. The
organic
layers were combined, washed with saturated NaHCO3 and brine, and dried over
MgSO4.
The solvent was evaporated to yield the product as a white solid. Purification
by flash
column chromatography (1:1 EtOAc/hexanes) afforded A-6 (35.7 g) as a white
solid (mixture
of C-20 epimers) in 95% yield for the two steps.
20-Hydroxy-17a-hydroxyl-l9-norpregna-4 9-noMregna-4(A-7)
Crude A-6 from above (35.5 g, 106.7 mmol) in dry pyridine (600 mL) under an
inert
atmosphere at -2 C was treated with pyridinium tribromide (41.7 g, 117.3
mmol) and the
reaction mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature overnight. The
reaction
was quenched with Na2SO3. The majority of the solvent was removed in vacuo.
The slurry
remaining was diluted with water and extracted three times with CH2C12. The
organic layers
were combined and washed with H2O, dilute CuSO4, H2O, and brine, then dried
over
Na2SO4 and the solvent evaporated to yield an orange solid. Purification by
flash column
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
chromatography on silica gel (1:1 EtOAc/hexanes up to 2:1 EtOAc/hexanes)
afforded
compound A-7 (22.32 g) as a white solid in an overall yield of 63%. 1H NMR
(250 MHz,
CDC13); (less polar isomer) S 5.67 (s, 1, 4-H), 3.97 (dd, 1, J= 3.3, 8.0 Hz),
3.74 (d, 1, j=
9.2 Hz), 1.33 (d, 3, J= 6.47 Hz, 21-CH3), 1.14 (s, 3, 18-CH3); (more polar
isomer) 6 5.67 (s,
1, 4-H) 3.52 (t, 1, J= 3.52 Hz), 1.35 (d, 3, J= 6.42 Hz, 21-CH3), 0.93 (s, 3,
18-CH3).
3.3-[Ethandi lby is(oxy)]-20-hydrox -17c -bydroxyr eftl-l9-norpregna-
5(10).9(11)-diene (A-
A solution of 3.60 g (11.0 mmol) of A-7 (more polar isomer), 175 mg ofp-
toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, and 2.9 mL of ethylene glycol in 250 mL of
benzene was
placed in a 500-mL flask fitted with a Dean-Stark trap and condenser. The
reaction was
heated at reflux for 1 h, cooled to ambient temperature and washed with 5%
NaHCO3
solution. The benzene layer was filtered through Whatman I phase separating
paper and
dried (Na2SO4). Removal of the solvent and drying in vacuum afforded 3.31 g
(82% yield)
of ketal A-8. 1H NMR (500 MHz; CDCl3) S 7.35 (bs, 1, 11-H), 3.95 (m, 4, 3-
ketal), 1.31 (d,
3, 21-CH3), 0.72 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
3.3-(Ethandi lbis(ooxy)1- 9-no regna- 10).9(Ll)-dien-20-one-17a carboxaldehyde
(A-9)
A solution of oxalyl chloride (7.64 mL, 15.3 mmol, 2 M in CH2C12) was cooled
to
-55 C in a Dry-ice isopropanol bath and a solution of 2.4 mL of
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
in 5 mL of CH2C12 was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 min and
2.60 g (6.95
mmol) of diol A-8 in 20 mL of CH2C12 was added over 5 min. The reaction
mixture was
stirred for 15 min and 9.70 mL of triethylamine (TEA) was added. The reaction
mixture was
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
stirred for 5- min and allowed to warm to room temperature. An additional 10
mL of TEA
was added followed by 100 mL of deionized water. -The phases were separated
and the
aqueous phase was extracted 2 x 50 mL of CH2C12. The organic phases were
combined
washed with water (4 x 30 mL) and saturated NaCl solution (30 mL). The organic
phase was
filtered through Whatman 1 phase separating paper and dried (Na2SO4). Removal
of the
solvent and drying in vacuum gave keto aldehyde A-9 as a white foam (2.14 g,
83% yield)
that was homogenous by TLC. H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 9.87 (s, 1, -CHO), 5.53
(m, 1,
11-H), 3.98 (s, 4, 3-ketal), 2.23 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.77 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Carbomethoxy-3 3-[1 2-ethandiylbis(oxy)]-19-norpregna-5 10),9(11)-dien-20-
one
Resorcinol (251 mg, 2.28 rnmol) was added to a solution of A-9 (650 mg, 1.76
mmol)
in 10.5 mL of dioxane and 3.5 mL of I M phosphate buffer (pH 3.5). A solution
of NaC102
(190 mg, 2.1 minol) in 0.70 mL of water was added with stirring over a period
of 5 min. The
solution was stirred an additional 20 min and poured into 150 mL of cold
water. The
resulting white emulsion was extracted 2 x 75 mL and 2x 50 mL of EtOAc. The
combined
extracts were washed with 25mL of saturated NaCl solution and filtered through
WhatmanTm1
phase separating filter paper. Methanol (20 rnL) was added to the filtrate
followed by
1.14 mL of 2 M (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane solution in hexanes. The solution
was stirred
for 2.5 h when TLC analysis of an aliquot workup indicated the reaction was
complete.
Evaporation of the solvent afforded 0.80 g of crude product. The crude product
was purified
by chromatograph on a 5.9 x 72' cain SephadexTM LH2O column eluted with MeOH.
Fractions
containing. pure A-10 Were combined and evaporated to afford 315 mg of pure
product.
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 5.56 (s, 1, 11-H), 3.98 (bs, 4, 3-ketal) 3.68 (s, 3,
-COOCH3),
2.23 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.72 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Carbomethoxy-5(10)-epoxy-3.3-(1 2-ethandiylbis(oxy)J-19-norpregn-9(11)-en-
20-one
A-11
Methyl ester A-10. (295 mg, 0.74 mmol) was dissolved in methylene chloride
(2.2 mL)
at 0 C. Sodium monohydrogenphosphate (73 L of a 10 mg/mL aqueous solution,
0.734 mg, 0.0052 mmol), hexafluoroacetone trihydrate (112 L, 0.177 g, 0.80
mmol), and
30% H202 solution in H2O (159 L) were added and the reaction mixture was
stirred
vigorously overnight. The reaction mixture warmed slowly to 14 C overnight.
The reaction
mixture was diluted with methylene chloride (30 mL), washed with cold (0-5 C)
5% NaCl
solution (15 mL) and filtered through Whatman' 1 phase separating filter
paper. The solvents
were evaporated from the filtrate to yield a white foam (279 mg) which was
purified by
column chromatography. Most of the white foam (254 mg). was chromatographed on
silica
gel 60 for column chromatography (5 g, 230-400 mesh) that had been slurried
with
acetone/methylene chloride (5:95, v/v) and packed in a 1.3 cm diameter column.
A mixture
of 5(10)a- and (3-epoxides (119.6 mg) was eluted with acetone/methylene
chloride (5:95, v/v)
in the 12 to 24 mL fraction. A pilot chromatography yielded another 13.1 mg
for a total
weight of 132.7 mg of 5(10)a- and (3-epoxides. TLC: silica gel 60 F-254
developed with
acetone/methylene chloride (5:95, v/v) Rf 0.36 for the 5(10)a-epoxide and 0.39
for the
5(10)3-epoxide (minor spot). 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) (a-isomer) 6 6.02 (m, 1,
11-H),
3.93 (m, 4, 3-ketal), 3.68 (s, 3, COOCH3), 2.51 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.73 (s, 3, 18-
CH3); (P-
isomer) 8_5.85 (m, 1 I-H, 2.46 (s., 21-CH3), 0.71 (s, 18-CH3).
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
17a-Carbomethoxy-11R-[4-(N.N-dimethylamino)phenyl]-3,3-r l,2-ethandi ly
bis(oxy)]-Sa-
hydroxy-19-norpreg-9-en-20-one (A-12. Ar = 4-Me2N- H-
Under anhydrous conditions in an argon atmosphere, magnesium turnings (545 mg,
41.4 mmol) were placed in a 50-mL three-neck round-bottom flask fitted with a
magnetic
stirbar, an addition funnel, stopper and reflux condenser topped with an argon
inlet adapter.
Tetrahydrofuran (5 mL, freshly distilled from sodium/benzophenone) was added
to the
reaction flask. 4-Bromo-N,N-dimethylaniline (3.20 g, 16 mmol) and 1,2-
dibromoethane
(280 L, 3.25 mmol) were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (4 mL) and placed in the
addition
funnel. One mL of this solution was added rapidly to the vigorously stirred
magnesium
turnings. The reaction initiated with gentle heating. The remaining 4-bromo-
N,N-
dimethylaniline/1,2-dibromoethane solution was added dropwise at a rate to
maintain reflux.
After the addition was completed and the vigorous reaction subsided, a crystal
of iodine was
added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 2.25 h to yield an olive green
solution with
some unreacted Mg remaining. The reaction mixture was cooled to room
temperature and
diluted to 20 mL with tetrahydrofuran to provide a stock solution of Grignard
reagent.
Two mL of this stock solution was added to a 50-mL three-neck, round-bottom
flask
containing cuprous bromide dimethylsulfide complex (320 mg, 1.56 mmol). A
thick
heterogeneous slurry resulted that was diluted with three mL of
tetrahydrofuran. After
15 min at room temperature, the resulting pale green slurry was cooled to -10
T. Epoxide
A-11(132 mg, some f3-epoxide was present) was dissolved in tetrahydrof Iran
(2.5 mL) and
added to the pale green slurry along with 0.5 mL of tetrahydrofuran rinse. The
reaction
mixture was stirred at -10 C for 1.S h and allowed to slowly warm to room
temperature
overnight. After 40 h at room temperature the reaction mixture was poured into
saturated
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
ammonium chloride solution and stirred for 45 min. The reaction mixture was
extracted with
methylene chloride. The extract was washed with saturated ammonium chloride
solution
(50 mL), dried over MgSO4 (30 min, stirred magnetically) and filtered through
Whatman 1
phase separating filter paper. The solvents were evaporated from the filtrate
to yield 170 mg
of crude product that was chromatographed on Sephadex LH-20 eluted with
methanol. The
desired A-12 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-,25.9 mg, 0.048 mmol) of reasonable purity was
eluted in
the 1500 to 1600 mL fraction. 1H NMR (250 MH3; CDC13) S 7.6 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.64
(d, 2,
Ar-H), 4.22 (m, 1,11-H), 3.71 (s, 3, COOCH3), 2.90 [s, 6, N(CH3)2), 2.17 (s,
3, 21-CH3),
0:42 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Carbomethoxy-11(3-[4-(bN-dmethylamino),ph~e yI1-19-nororega4,9-diene-3.20-
dione
(A-13. Ar = 4-Me2N C6H"-)
Compound A-12 (25.9 mg, 0.048 mmol) was dissolved in two mL of hydrochloric
acid
in methanol prepared by adding two drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid to
10 mL of
methanol. The reaction mixture was stirred magnetically at room temperature
for 45 min.
Twenty milligrams of sodium bicarbonate solution was added to the reaction
mixture. The
reaction solvents were evaporated and the residue was redissolved in methylene
chloride
(0.4 mL) and chromatographed on silica gel 60 for column chromatography (0.4
g, 230-
400 mesh) that had been slurried with acetone/methylene chloride (3:7, v/v)
and packed in a
5-mL disposable pipette. High purity A-13, by TLC analysis, was eluted with
acetone/methylene chloride (3:7, v/v) in the 2.8 mL to 5.6 mL fraction. HPLC
analysis on a
RP-18 column (YMC, Inc. 55 120A ODS 4.6 x 150 mm) eluted with deionized
water/methanol (2:8, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with 254 nm with UV
detection
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
indicated 84.7% desired product (Rt 4.82 min) and 14.3% unknown impurity (Rt
5.16 min).
Purification by preparative HPLC yielded A-13 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-) (4.9 mg,
20.8%)
which was 99% pure by HPLC. 1H NMR (CDC13; 25 MHz) S 7.01 (d, 2, Ar-H); 6.65
([d, 2,
Ar-H), 5.75 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.34 (m, 1, 11-H), 3.73 (s, 3, COOCH3), 2.91 (s, 6,
N(CH3)2); mass
spectrum (70eV) m/z (rel. intensity) 475.2723.
Example 2. Synthesis of 113-[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyll-3,20-dioxo-I7a-h
droxy-
19 21-dinorchola-4,9-dien-24-oic acid 8-lactone (B-10 Ar = 4-Me2N C6H )
17 -Cyano-3 3-[1 2-ethanediylbis(oxy)l-estra-5(10).9 11)-dien-17a of (2-2)
To a suspension of 100 g (0.318 mol) of B-1. and 227.7 g (3.5 mol) of KCN in
1800 mL
of methanol at room temperature was added 180 mL (3.18 mol) of acetic acid
dropwise very
slowly, especially the first 5 equivalents (90 mL), over a 3 h period. The
suspension
gradually became clear then turned increasingly milky white as the 173-cyano
product
precipitated out of solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3
h, poured into
12 L of ice-water, and allowed to stand overnight. Analysis by TLC (1:2
EtOAc/hexane)
showed spot to spot conversion. The product was collected, washed with I%
acetic acid
solution and water, and dried to afford 96.41 g, (89% yield) of a white
powdery solid which
was used in the next step without purification. The iH NMR spectrum of B-2 was
consistent
with its structure: iH NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 5.60 (bs, 1, 11-H), 4.0 (s, 4, 3-
ketal), 0.91
(s, 3, 18-CH3).
17 -Cyano-3 3- 1 2-ethanediylbis(oxy)1-17a-trimethylsilyloxyestra-5(10).9(11)-
diene B-
To a suspension of 96.41 g (0.283 mol) of B-2 in 3.0 L of toluene at room
temperature
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
was added 395 mL (3.113 mol) of trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCL) in one portion
followed
by 265 mL (3.255 mol) of pyridine added dropwise. The tan reaction solution
was brought to
60 C and allowed to stir overnight. Analysis by TLC (1:2 EtOAc/hexane) showed
the major
product B-3 and a trace of starting material. The reaction mixture was allowed
to cool and
poured over ice (2 L). The product was extracted with toluene. The organics
were dried over
MgSO4, filtered, evaporated, and dried to afford B-3 as a yellow residue
(116.9 g) in almost
quantitative yield. Compound B-3 was used in the next step without
purification. 1 H NMR
(250 MHz; CDC13) S 5.38 (bs, 1, 11-H), 3.74 (s, 4, 3-ketal), 0.66 (s, 3,18-
CH3), 0.10 Is, 9,
(CH3)3Si].
3.3-[1.2-Ethanediylbis(oxy)]-17a-hydroxv-l9-norgna 10),9(11)L&en-20_one (B-4)
To a solution of 112.8 g (0.27 mol) of B-3 in 855 mL of anhydrous toluene and
255 mL
of dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) under argon was added 806 mL of methylmagnesium
bromide
(1.4 M in 3:1 toluene/THF, 1.13 mol) in one portion. The dark green solution
was brought to
reflux and allowed to reflux for 16 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to
cool to room
temperature, and then was poured over 2.0 L of cold 10% aqueous NH4C1
solution. The
organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with
toluene. The
combined organic extracts were washed with HCl solution (1:99 concentrated
aqueous
HC1/water) until the aqueous phase was pH 5 and immediately washed with a 2.5%
solution
of NaHCO3 until basic. After washing with brine, the solution was dried over
MgSO4,
filtered, evaporated, and dried to give a crude residue (55 g). Re-extraction
of the washes
yielded another 21 g. Purification by silica gel chromatography with isocratic
elution
(hexane/EtOAc/CH2C12, 31:8:1) afforded 45.1 g (46.7% yield) of B-4 as a pure
white solid.
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 5.57 (br s, 1, 11-H), 3.98 (s, 4, 3-ketal), 2.83 (s,
1, -OH), 2.27
(s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.69 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
3.3-[1.2-Ethanedi, lbis oxy)]-17a-trimethylsilyloxy-19-nororegna-5(10).9(11)-
dien-20-
one B-5)
Under argon at room temperature, B-4 (45 g, 0.126 mol) and triethylamine (77.5
mL,
0.56 mol) in CH2C12 (500 mL) were stirred and treated with trimethylsilyl
triflate (25.86 mL,
0.14 mol). At 2 h and 3.75 h, more triethylamine (16 mL) and trimethylsilyl
triflate (6 mL)
were added. After 5 h, the reaction mixture was poured into 5% sodium
bicarbonate solution
(700 mL). Phases were separated and the aqueous phase was re-extracted with
CH2C12
(2 x 350 mL). The extract was washed with deionized water (2 x 500 mL) and
with saturated
NaCl (500 mL) and filtered. Solvents were evaporated and the residue dried
overnight in
vacuo at room temperature. Isocratic chromatography on silica gel with
hexane/CH2C12
(25:75) gave B-5 (39 g, 72% yield). 1H NMR (CDC13, 250 MHz) S 5.60 (br s, 1,
11-H), 3.99
(s, 4, 3-ketal), 2.15 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.53 (s, 3, 18-CH3), 0.11 [s, 9, -O-
Si(CH3)3].
3.3-[1.2-Ethanediylbis(oxy)1-20-oxo-17a-trimethylsil lox~19.21-dinorchola-
5(10),9(11)-
dien-24-oic acid ethyl ester (l3-6)
Under argon, THE (348 mL, freshly distilled from sodium/benzophenone) and N-
tert-
butyltrimethylsilylamine (43.5 mL, 228 mmol) were cooled to 0-5 C and n-
butyllithium
(250.8 mmol, 50.2 mL of 2.5 M solution in hexanes) was added over 10 min and
the solution
kept 1.5 h at 0-5 C. TMS ether B-5 (39 g, 92 mmol) in THE (250 mL) was cooled
to -78 C
under argon. After 10 min, half of the lithium amide solution was added over
10 min. After
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
an additional 10 min, ethyl bromoacetate (50 mL, 450 mmol) was added over 5
min. The
reaction mixture was kept at -78 C for 4 h and allowed to slowly warm to room
temperature
overnight. It was then poured into cold dilute NaHCO3 solution (2 L of
deionized water and
40 mL of 5% NaHCO3 solution) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 500 mL). The
extract was
washed with deionized water (3 x 500 mL) and saturated NaC1(500 mL) and dried
by stirring
with sodium sulfate for several hours. Filtration and solvent evaporation
yielded a dark
orange oil (66 g) that was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (100 mL) and chromatographed on
silica gel
with hexane/EtOAc/CH2Cl2 (8:1:1, v:v:v). Rechromatography of mixed fractions
gave a
total of 30.0 g of pure B-6 and 10.2 g of B-5. Based on B-5 consumed, the
yield of B-6 was
86.6%. 1H NMR (CDC13, 250 MHz) 6 6.09 (br s, 1, 11-H), 4.14 (q, 2, J = 7.1 Hz,
-CH2-
CH3), 3.99 (s, 4, 3-ketal), 1.26 (t, 3, J = 7.1 Hz, -CH2-CH3), 0.52 (s, 3, 18-
CH3), 0.12 [s, 9,
O-Si(CH3)3]=
3.3-[1.2-Ethanedi lbis oxy)]5(10)a_epoxy-20-oxo-17ct-trimethylsilyloxy- 19 21-
dinorchol-
9(11)-en-24-oic acid ethyl ester B-7 and 11 D-L4-(N.N-Dimethylamino)pheny1] 3
3 [1.2
ethanediylbis(oxy)1-5a-hydroxy-20-oxo-17a-trimethvlsilyloxy-19 9.21 -
dinorcholen-24 oic
acid e 1 ester (B-8. Ar = 4-Me2N C
Na2HPO4 (1.49 g, 10.51 mmol), hexafluoroacetone trihydrate (9.1 mL, 65.4 mmol)
and
30% H202 solution in H2O (13.5 mL) were stirred with CH2Cl2 (66 mL) at 0 C
until the salt
was completely dissolved. The mixture was then added in one portion to a
stirred solution of
B-6 (27.7 g, 53.7 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (329 mL) at 0 C. The reaction mixture was
stirred
vigorously at 0-5 C overnight. It was then diluted with 700 mL of cold (0-5
C) CH2CI2,
washed with cold 0.05% NaHCO3 solution (500 mL), cold 5% Na2S2O3 solution (500
mL)
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
containing 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (10 mL), cold deionized water (500
mL) and cold
saturated NaC1(500 mL), dried over Na2SO4, and filtered. Evaporation and
drying yielded
crude B-7 (27.4 g), used without further purification.
Under argon, a Grignard reagent was prepared from magnesium (6.13 g, 0.25 mol)
and
4-bromo-N,N-dimethylaniline (45.38 g, 0.23 mol) in THE (241 mL, freshly
distilled from
sodium/benzophenone) with 1,2-dibromethane (1.00 mL, 11.6 mmol) as an
initiator. Under
nitrogen, CuBr=dimethyl sulfide complex (47.2 g, 0.23 mol) and THE (241 mL,
freshly
distilled from sodium/benzophenone) were stirred while the Grignard solution
was added
dropwise at room temperature over 30 min. After the slurry had been stirred
for 2 h longer at
room temperature, it was cooled to -5 C; and crude epoxide B-7 (29.3 g, from
58.1 mmol of
B-6) dissolved in THE (250 mL) was added over 30 min. After 15 min longer at -
5 C, the
reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature overnight. It
was then
poured into saturated NH4CI solution (1.5 L); and the resulting mixture was
stirred
vigorously for 2 h. Deionized water (1 L) was added, and the resulting
emulsion was
extracted with methylene chloride (3 x 700 mL). The extract was washed with
deionized
water (2 x 700 mL), saturated NaCl solution (700 mL), and filtered.
Evaporation and drying
followed by chromatography on silica gel with hexane/EtOAc/CH2Cl2 (60:40:5,
v:v:v) gave
B-8 (22.3 g, 59.2% from B-6). 1H NMR (CDC13, 250 MHz) 6 7.04 [d, 2, J = 8.7
Hz, Ar-U
meta to N(CH3)216.62 [d, 2, J = 8.7 Hz (Ar-l ortho to N(CH3)2], 4.45 (s, 1, 5-
OH), 4.27 (m,
1, 11-H), 4.12 (q, 2, J = 7.1 Hz, CH2CH3), 3.88-4.08 (m, 4, 3-ketal), 2.89 [s,
6, N(CH3)2],
1.24 (t, 3, J = 7.1 Hz, CH2CI13), 0.20 (s, 3, 18-CH3), 0.13 [s, 9, O-
Si(CH3)3].
I I I3-14-(N.N-Dimethylamino) hheen_yla-3.20-dioxo- l 7a-hydroxy-19,21-
dinorchola-4 9-dien-
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
24-oic acid ethyl ester (B-9. Ar = 4-Me2NN-C6H4)
B-8 (10.9 g, 16.8 mmol) in CH2CI2 (250 mL) at 0-5 C and deionized water (604
L,
33.6 mmol) were stirred vigorously while trifluoroacetic acid (21 mL, 273
mmol) was added
dropwise over 5-10 min. The reaction flask was flushed with argon, stoppered,
and allowed
to slowly warm to room temperature overnight. Then solvents were evaporated
and the
resulting residue was evaporated in vacuo. Methylene chloride was twice added,
and the
evaporation procedure was repeated. After a final evaporation time of 1.25 h
in vacuo, the
resulting crude product B-9, isolated as the trifluoroacetate salt (Ar = 4-
Me2N-C6H4 a dark
brown oil) was found by TLC analysis to be fairly pure and was used to
synthesize B-10 (Ar
= 4-Me2N-C6H4) without further purification.. For characterization purposes,
the crude
product was partitioned between Na2CO3 and CH2C12 before being purified by
column
chromatography on silica gel with hexane/EtOAc/CH2CI2 (60:40:5, v:v:v). 1H NMR
(CDC13,
250 MHz) 8 6.99 [d, 2, J = 8.8 Hz, Ar-H, meta to N(CH3)2], 6.63 [d, 2, J = 8.8
Hz, Ar-H,
ortho to N(CH3)2], 5.75 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.36 (m, 1, 11-H), 4.12 (q, 2, J = 7.1
Hz, -CH2CH3), 2.90
[s, 6, N(CH3)2], 1.24 (t, 3, J = 7.1 Hz, CH2-CH3), 0.40 (s, 3, 18-CH3). IR
(CH2CI2) 3490
(17a-hydroxyl), 2935 (saturated hydrocarbon), 1729 (ester carbonyl), 1703 (20-
carbonyl),
1655 (3-carbonyl), 1606 cm 1 (diene); mass spectrum (70 eV), m/z (rel
intensity) 519 (7), 473
(8), 389 (10), 121 (100), C32H41NO5 requires an M+ at m/z 519.
11 ji-[4-(N N-Dimethylamino)phenyl]-3.20-dioxo-17a-hey-19.21-dinorchola-4 9-
dien-
24-oic acid 8-lactone (B-10. Ar = 4-Me2N=C6H4
Under argon, crude B-9 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4 from 10.9 g of B-8) was dissolved in
CH2CI2 (300 mL). Trifluoroacetic acid (46 mL) was added, and the stirred
reaction mixture
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
was refluxed overnight. The next morning the reaction solvents were
evaporated. CH2C12
was twice added and evaporated. The resulting residue was further dried for 15
min in vacuo
before fresh reagents (300 mL of CH2C12 and 46 mL of trifluoroacetic acid)
were added and
the overnight reflux repeated. The reaction solvents were evaporated. The
resulting residue
was dried, fresh reagents were added, and the overnight reflux was repeated.
This overall
process was done another three times. After the final evaporation of reaction
solvents, the
resulting residue was redissolved in CH2C12 (300 mL) and poured into dilute
sodium
bicarbonate solution (pH of aqueous phase was 8). The phases were mixed and
separated,
and the aqueous phase was re-extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 200 mL).
The extract
was washed with deionized water (300 mL) and saturated NaCl (300 mL) and
filtered.
Evaporation of the solvent left a foam that was dissolved in CH2C12 (50 mL)
and
chromatographed on silica gel with a stepwise gradient of 11 L of
hexane/EtOAc/CH2C12
(5:5:1, v:v:v), 4 L of hexane/EtOAc/CH2C12 (4:6:1, v:v:v), 1.6 L of
hexane/EtOAc/CH2C12
(3:7:1, v:v:v) and 1 L of hexane/EtOAc/CH2CI2 (2:8:1, v:v:v) to yield
spirolactone B-10 (Ar
= 4-Me2N-C6H4) [4.54 g, 65.9% based on consumed B-8 (1.4 g recovered)]. The
compound
was dried at 100 C for 4 h in a vacuum oven to remove the solvents. The
resulting
spirolactone B-10 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H, (3.66 g) was a light yellow solid that was
shown to be
>99% pure by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. I H NMR
(CDC13,
250 MHz) 8 6.96 [d, 2, J = 8.8 Hz, Ar-H meta to N(CH3)2], 6.63 [d, 2, J = 8.8
Hz, Ar-H ortho
to N(CH3)2], 5.76 (s, 1, 4H), 4.39 (m, 1, 11-H), 2.91 [s, 6, N(-CH3)2], 0.52
(s, 3, 18-CH3); IR
(CH2CI2) 2935 (saturated hydrocarbon), 1740 (ester carbonyl), 1718 (20-
carbonyl), 1657 (3-
carbonyl), 1608 cm 1 (diene); mass spectrum (70 eV) m/z (rel intensity) 473
(35), 121 (100),
C30H35NO4 requires an M+ at m/z 473. An analytical sample prepared by
preparative HPLC
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
[RP- 18, deionized water/acetonitrile (1:1, v:v)] and dried in the presence of
Drierite at 81-
82 C in vacuo for 72 h was shown to be partially hydrated by 1H NMR analysis.
Anal.
Calcd for C30H35NO4Ø25 H20: C, 75.41; H, 7.49; N, 2.93. Found: C, 75.57; H,
7.45; N,
2.93.
Example 3. Synthesis of 110-(4-(N.N-dimeth, la ino)phen ll)-17a-ethvnvl-l9-
norpregna-
4 9-diene-3.20-dione (C-4. Ar = 4-Me2 - 6H4)
17a-Formyl-19-norpregna-4.9-diene-3.20-dione (C-1)
Oxalyl chloride (31.8 mL, 63.6 mmol) in CH2C12 (10 mL) was cooled under an
inert
atmosphere to -60 C. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, 6.0 mL, 84.6 mmol) was added
dropwise
and the reaction was stirred for 30 min followed by the slow addition of
compound A-7
(7.0 g, 21.2 mmol; mixture of isomers) in dry CH2C12 (44 mL). The reaction was
stirred for
30 min at -60 C. Et3N (19.5 mL, 140.0 mmol) was then added and the mixture
stirred for
20 min at -60 C and then slowly warmed to room temperature over 1 h. The
reaction was
quenched with H20, extracted three times with CH2C12, and washed with H2O and
brine.
The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, and the solvent removed in vacuo to
yield a brown
oily solid, used without purification in the next step. 1H NMR (250 MHz;
CDC13) S 9.84 (s,
1, formyl-H), 5.68 (s, 1, 4-H), 2.34 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.96 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
3-[1 2-Ethanediylbis(oxy)]-17a-ethynvl-19-norpregna-5 10).9(l 1)-dien-20-one
(C-2)
t-BuOK (3.08 g, 25.2 mmol) in dry THE (50 mL) and (CH3O)2POCHN2 (3.7 8 g,
25.18 mmol; Seyferth/Gilbert reagent) in dry THE (25 mL) were cooled under an
inert atmos-
phere to -78 T. The Seyferth/Gilbert reagent was then treated slowly with the
t-BuOK
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
solution and stirred for 10 min at -78 C. Compound C-1 from the above
reaction (assumed
19.0 mmol) in dry THE (80 mL) was added slowly. The reaction was stirred at -
78 C and
then slowly warmed to room temperature overnight, quenched with H2O and
extracted four
times with CH2C12. The organic layers were combined, washed with brine, and
dried over
MgSO4. The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash silica gel
column
chromatography (1:1 EtOAc/hexanes) to give a solid (4.98 g) that was dissolved
in benzene
(300 mL) and treated with ethylene glycol (11.8 mL, 212 mmol) and p-
toluenesulfonic acid
(330 mg, 1.74 mmol). The reaction was heated to reflux for 1.5 h, cooled to
room
temperature and quenched with aqueous NaHCO3. The aqueous layer was extracted
twice
with EtOAc. The organic layers were combined, washed with H2O and brine, and
dried over
MgSO4. The solvent was evaporated to leave a yellow solid that was purified by
silica gel
flash column chromatography (1:1 EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the desired product C-
2 (69%
yield from C-1). 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 5.60 (bs, 1, 11-H), 4.04 (s, 4, 3-
ketal), 2.43
(s, 1, ethynyl-H), 2.31 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.59 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
11 -(44- N.N-Dimethylamino)phenvl - 1 7a-ethynyl-l9-norpregna-4.9-diene-3.20-
dione
(C-4. Ar = 4-Me2N C6H,,)
By the methods described above for the synthesis of 11(3-(4-(N,N-
dimethylamino)phenyl)-3,20-dioxo-17a-hydroxy-19,21-dinorchola-4,9-dien-24-oic
acid 8-
lactone (B-10, Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-), compound C-2 is converted to the epoxide C-
3 and then
to the title compound C-4, (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4). IH NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 87.28
(d, 2,
Ar-H), 6.99 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.76 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.40 (d, 1, 11-H), 2.91 [s, 6,
N(CH3)2], 2.33 (s, 1,
C=C-H) 0.33 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
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Example 4. Synthesis of 17a-Acetoxv-11(3-f3 4-(N-piperidino)pheny1]-1 9-
norpregna-4 9-
diene-3.20-dione (D-4. R = CH3. Ar = 4-(N-piperidino)phenvl)
17a-Acetoxv-l9-norpregna-4 9-diene-3 20-dione (D-5, R = CH3)
To a 0 C suspension ofp-toluene sulfonic acid (57 g, 0.302 mol), and acetic
acid
(216 mL, 3.78 mol) in 450 mL of CH2Cl2 was added slowly, in portions, 534 mL
(3.78 mol)
of trifluoroacetic anhydride while maintaining a temperature of 0 C. After a
clear solution
resulted, a cold (0 C) solution of B-4 (50 g, 0.14 mol) in 300 mL of CH2Cl2
was added in
one portion. The resulting yellow-brown solution was stirred at 0 C for 10
min. The
reaction mixture was poured over ice-water and basified with 2 L of saturated
K2CO3
solution and additional solid K2CO3 to bring the pH to 9Ø The product was
extracted with
CHC13, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, evaporated, and dried to give 49.72 g (99%
yield) of D-
5, R = CH3, as a light-yellow crystalline solid, used without further
purification. 1H NMR
(250 MHz; CDC13) S 5.70 (bs, 1, 4-H), 2.12 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 2.08 (s, 3, 17-
OCOCH3), 0.80 (s,
3, 18-CH3).
17a-Acetoxv-3 3-[,2-ethanedi lbis oxy)]- -norpreg 1-5(10) 9(11)dien 20 one Q-
6,
R = CH3)
A mixture of p-toluene sulfonic acid (1.33 g, 7.0 mmol), 115 mL (2.1 mol) of
ethylene
glycol, and 1.0 L of toluene was brought to reflux and 300 mL of toluene was
distilled off.
Compound D-5 (R = CH3, 49.72 g, 0.14 mol) in 250 mL of toluene was added, the
resulting
mixture was heated to reflux and 300 mL of toluene was distilled. The reaction
mixture was
poured over ice-water and neutralized with saturated NaHCO3 solution. The
product was
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
extracted with CH2Cl2, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, evaporated, and dried to
afford 54 g of
D-6, R = CH3, used without further purification. 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8
5.57 (bs, 1,
11-H), 3.99 (s, 4, 3-ketal), 2.07 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 2.06 (s, 3, 17- OCOCH3),
0.62 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Acetoxy-3.3-[1.2-ethanedi, ly bis(oxy)1-5(10)a-oxido-19-norpregn-9(11)-en-
20-one (D-7.
R z- ('H3)
To a solution of ketal D-6 (R = CH3, 25 g, 0.0625 mol) in 320 mL of methylene
chloride cooled to 0 C was added a cooled mixture (0 C) of 14.7 mL (0.148
mol) of H202
(30%), 8.3 mL (0.059 mol) of hexafluoroacetone trihydrate, and 1.77 g (0.0125
mol) of
Na2HPO4. The resulting mixture was stirred vigorously at 0 C for 12 h. The
cold reaction
mixture was quenched with brine. The organic phase was extracted with CH2Cl2,
dried with
MgSO4, filtered, and evaporated to a yellow solid (28.8 g) which was purified
by SiO2 flash
column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane 1:1) to give 21.34 g of D-7, R = CH3,
accompanied
by about 20% of the (3-epoxide isomer (74% isolated yield from B-4). 1H NMR
(250 MHz;
CDC13) S 6.05 (bs, 1, 11-H of the a-epoxide), 5.85 (bs, 0.2, 11-H of the (3-
epoxide), 3.92 (m,
4, 3-ketal), 2.08 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 2.06 (s, 3, 17-OCOCH3), 0.62 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Acetoxy 3.3-[1.2-ethanedi lbis oxy)]-5a-hv ro y-11 P-[4-(N-
piperidino)phenyl]-
19-norpregn-9-en-20-one (D-8, R = CH3. Ar = 4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)
A Grignard solution was freshly prepared from 55.47 g (0.23 mol) of 4-(N-
piperidinyl)-
phenyl bromide and 5.62 g (0.231 g-atom) of magnesium in 480 mL of THE in the
presence
of a catalytic amount (5 drops) of dibromoethane. To a stirred suspension of
epoxide D-7 (R
= CH3, 24 g, 0.0577 mol) and CuI (21.9 g, 0.115 mol) in 480 mL of dry THE
cooled to 0 C
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
under N2 was added the Grignard reagent in one portion. After being stirred
for 15 min, the
greenish-yellow suspension was quenched with saturated NH4C1 solution. The
product was
extracted with EtOAc and ether was added to facilitate the separation of the
organic phase.
The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and
concentrated to give
65.10 g of crude reaction product which was purified by Si02 column
chromatography
(EtOAc/hexane 1:1) to give 27.71 g (93% yield) of D-8, R = CH3. 1H NMR (250
MHz;
CDC13) S 7.02 (d, 2, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic-H), 6.8 (d, 2, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic-
H), 4.44 (s, 1, 5-
OH), 4.28 (d, 1, J = 7.3 Hz, 11-H), 3.92 (m, 4, 3-ketal), 3.09 (m, 4, N-CH2),
2.10 (s, 3,
21-CH3), 2.06 (s, 3, 17-OCOCH3), 0.27 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Acetoxy-11(-[4-(N-pi eridino)phenyl]- -no magna 4 9 diene 3 20-dione (D-4.
R = CH3. Ar = 4-(N-piperidino)phenvl)
Trifluoroacetic acid (79 mL,.1.024 mol) was added dropwise to a mixture of D-8
(33.12
g, 0.064 mol) and H2O (57 mL, 3.136 mol) in 2800 mL of CH2C12 at 0 C. The
reaction
mixture was stirred vigorously for 1.5 h and carefully neutralized with
saturated NaHCO3
solution (1.8 L). The product was extracted with CH2C12 and the combined
extracts were
dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated to give 32.34 g of crude reaction
product. Flash
Si02 column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane 1:1) provided 9.47 g of pure D-4, R =
CH3, Ar
= 4-(N-piperidino)-phenyl. Recrystallization from EtOH gave 6.45 g of
crystalline
compound-(>99% pure by HPLC, Reverse Phase YMC-C18 Column, 85% MeOH: 15%
H20, 1.0 mL/min). The less pure fractions (14.27 g) from the column
chromatography was
further purified by flash Si02 column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane 1:2) to
afford 12.97 g
of pure product which was recrystallized from EtOH to give another 9.76 g of
crystalline
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
product (>99% pure by HPLC). The crystalline compound contained ca. I mole of
ethanol,
as shown by NMR analysis. 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 6.90 (d, 2, J = 8.7 Hz,
aromatic-
H), 6.82 (d, 2, J = 8.7 Hz, aromatic-H), 5.78 (bs, 1, 4-H), 4.38 (d, 1, J =
7.3 Hz, 11-H), 3.71
[m, 2, HOCH2CH3 (solvate)], 2.13 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 2.09 (s, 3, 17- OCOCH3), 1.23
[t, 3,
HOCH2CH 3 (solvate)], 0.34 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
Example 5. Synthesis of 11(3-L4-(N N-dimethylamino)phenyl]-17a propionyloxy 19
norpregna-4.9-diene-3.10-dione (D-4, Ar = Me2N-C6Hg-. R = CH2CH3
A solution of propionic acid (1.70 g, 22.9 mmol) and p-TsOH (1.45 g, 7.65
mmol) in
mL of CH2C12 was cooled to 0 T. Trifluoroacetic anhydride (9.64 g, 45.9 mmol)
was
added to the cooled solution followed by a solution of 400 mg (0.765 mmol) of
D-3 (Ar =
Me2N-C6H4-, WO 89/12448 and WO 96/30390) in 5 mL of CH2C12. Water was added to
the
mixture after stirring for I h at 0 C. Saturated NaHCO3 solution was added
and the mixture
adjusted to pH >8 by the addition of solid K2C03. The organic phase was
separated and the
aqueous phase extracted with CH2C12. The organic solutions were combined
washed with
brine and dried (MgSO4). Evaporation of the solvent gave the crude product
which was
purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 175 mg (47% yield) of
D-4 (Ar =
Me2N-C6H4-, R = CH2CH3); 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 6.98 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.63 (d,
2,
Ar-H), 5.77 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.38 (bd, 1, 11-H), 2.91 [s, 6, N(CH3)2], 2.09 (s, 3,
21-CH3), 1.18 (t,
3, CU-13CH2000), 0.36 (s, 3, 18-CH3); mass spectrum, m/z 489 (M), 400, 372,
251, 121.
Anal. Calcd for C31 H39NO4'0.5 H2O: C, 74.67; H, 8.08; N, 2.81. Found: C,
74.74; H, 7.92;
N, 2.54.
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The following examples were prepared by the method described above by reaction
of
the appropriate D-3 with the corresponding carboxylic acid in the presence of
trifluoroacetic
anhydride and p-toluenesulfonic acid.
Example 6. 11 [3-[4-(N.N-Dimethvlamino)phenvl]_17a-phenylacetoxy-l 9-norpregna-
4.9-
diene-3,20-dione
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 7.35 (m, 5, C6j5CH2000), 6.95 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.62 (d,
2, Ar-H), 5.79 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.32 (bd, 1, 11-H), 4.24 (m, 2, C6H5CH2COO), 2,90
[s, 6,
N(CH3)2], 2.02 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.32 (s, 3, 18-CH3); mass spectrum, m/z 551
(M+), 417, 372,
251, 121. Anal. Calcd for C36H41NO4: C, 78.37; H, 7.49; N, 2.54. Found: C,
78.25; H, 7.49;
N, 2.52.
Example 7. 11 -[4-(N.N-Dimethvlamino)phenyl]-17a-benzovl xy-l9-nornregna-4,9-
diene-
3,20-dione
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 8.04 (m, 2, Ar-H), 7.44-7.64 (m, 3, Ar-H), 6.99 (d,
2,
Ar-H), 6.64 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.78 (s, 1, 4-H) 4.47 (bd, 1, 11-H) 2.96 [s, 6,
N(CH3)21, 2.12 (s, 3,
21-CH3) 0.42 (s, 3, 18-CH3). mass spectrum, m/z 537 (M), 417, 372, 251, 121.
Anal.
Calcd.for C36H39NO4s0.5 H2O: C, 76.89; H, 7.37; N, 2.56. Found: C, 76.92; H,
7.26; N,
2.54.
Other propionate esters were prepared from D5 (R = -CH2CH3, prepared by a
method
analogous to that described for preparing D-5, R = -CH3) by ketalization with
ethylene glycol
and p-toluenesulfonic acid to give D-6 (R = -CH2CH3) followed by epoxidation
with
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
hydrogen peroxide and hexafluoroacetone to give epoxide D-7 (R = -CH2CH3). The
copper(1) catalyzed reaction of the appropriate Grignard reagent with D-7 (R =
-CH2CH3)
followed by acid catalyzed hydrolysis of the resulting D-8 (R = -CH2CH3) gave
the following
D-4 (R = -CH2CH3).
Example 8. 17a-Propionyloxy-11(3-[4-(N-pyrrolidino)phenyl-19-norpregna-4.9-
diene-3-20-
dione
~H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 6.96 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.45 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.77 (s, 1, 4-
H),
4.38 (bd, 1, 11-H), 2.08, (s, 3, 21-CH3), 1.21 (t, 3, CI33CH2COO), 0.38 (s, 3,
18-CH3); mass
spectrum, m/z 515 (M+), 446, 354, 147. Anal. Calcd for C33H4jNO4'0.25=H2O: C,
76.19; H,
8.04; N, 2.67. Found: C, 76.05; H, 8.05; N, 2.67.
Example 9 11(3-(1-Methylindol-5-vl) 17a propionyloxy 19 norpregna-4.9 diene
,20
dione
iH NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 7.26 (m, 3, Ar-H), 7.03 (m, 1, Ar-H) 6.38 (d, 1, J =
3
Hz, Ar-H), 5.80 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.58 (bd, 1, 11-H), 3.76 (s, 3, NCH3), 2.08 (s,
3, 21-CH3), 1.19 (t,
3, CUU3CH2000), 0.34 (s, 3, 18-CH3); mass spectrum, nilz 499 (M), 425, 382,
251,131.
Anal. Calcd for C32H37N04Ø25 H2O: C, 76.24; H, 7.50; N, 2.78. Found: C,
76.05; H,
7.53; N, 2.61.
Example 10. Synthesis of 17a-Acetoxy- W(1-me by -21 3-dihydroindol-5-yl) 19
norpregna-4.9-diene-3.20-dione (D-4, Ar = 1-methyl-2.3-dihydroindol-5-y,],, R
CH3)
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3 ,20-Bis[3,3-ethandilybis(oxy)]-5 a-hydroxy-11(3-(1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-
yl)-19-
norpregn-9-en-17a-ol (D-3, Ar = 1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl)
Copper(l) bromide-dimethyl sulfide complex was added to a Grignard reagent
freshly
prepared from 1.32 g (6.22 mmol) of 5-bromo-l-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol and 181
mg
(7.46 mmol) of magnesium in 10 mL of dry THF. The solution was stirred for 30
min and
then was cooled to 0 C. A solution of 518 mg (1.24 mmol) of D-2 (WO 96/30390)
in 5 mL
of THE was added. The mixture was slowly warmed to ambient temperature and
stirred for 1
h. The reaction was quenched with aqueous NH4C1 and extracted with CH2C12. The
CH2Cl2
solution was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). Evaporation of the solvent
afforded the
crude product which was purified by chromatography on silica gel
(CH2Cl2/acetone 100:5) to
give 200 mg (30% yield) of D-3 (Ar = 1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl). 1H NMR
(250 MHz;
CDC13) S 6.95 (s, 1, Ar-H),.6.85 (d, 1, Ar-H), 6.35 (d, 1, Ar-H), 3.9 (m, 8, 3-
and 20-ketal),
2.71 (s, 3, N-CH3), 1.39 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.48 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
17a-Acetoxy-1 I 0-(I -methyl-2.3-dihydroindol-5-yl)-19-norpregna-4 9-diene-
3,20-dione (D-4. Ar = 1-methyl-2 3-dihydroindol-5-yl R = CH31
A solution of AcOH (612 mg, 10.2 mmol) and p-TsOH (646 mg, 3.4 mmol) in 8 mL
of
CH2Cl2 was cooled to 0 C. Triflgoroacetic anhydride (4.24 g, 20.2 mmol) was
added to the
cooled solution followed by a solution of 180 mg (0.34 mmol) of D-3 (Ar = 1-
methyl-2,3-
dihydroindol-5-yl) in 5 mL of CH2Cl2. Water was added to the mixture after
stirring for 1 h
at 0 T. Saturated NaHCO3 solution was added, and the mixture adjusted to pH >8
by the
addition of solid K2CO3. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase
extracted
with CH2Cl2. The organic solutions were combined washed with brine and dried
(MgS04).
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Evaporation of the solvent gave the crude product which was purified by column
chromatography on silica gel (CH2C12/acetone 100:5) and crystallization from
ether/hexane
to give 47 mg (28% yield) of D-4 (Ar =1-methyl-2,3-dihydroindol-5-yl, R =
CH3). iH NMR
(250 MHz; CDC13) S 6.84 (s, 1, Ar-H), 6.78 (d, 1, Ar-H), 6.34 (d, 1, Ar-H),
5.78 (s, 1, 4-H),
4.35 (m, 1, 11-H), 2.93 (s, 3, N-CH3), 2.13 (s, 3, CH3CO), 2.10 (s, 3, CH3CO),
0.38 (s, 3,
18-CH3).
The following D-4 were prepared in a similar manner by reaction of the
appropriate
Grignard reagent with D-2 followed by reaction of the resulting D-3 with AcOH
in the
presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride and p-toluenesulfonic acid.
Example 11. 17a-Acetoxy-11(314-methoxyphenvll-19-norpregna-4.9-diene-3.20-
dione
H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 7.04 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.80 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.79 (s, 1, 4-
H),
4.41 (bd, 1, 11-H), 3.77 (s, 3, OCH3), 2.13 (s, 3, CH3CO), 2.09 (s, 3, CH3CO),
0.33 (s, 3,
18-CH3); mass spectrum, m/z 462 (M+), 402, 359, 331, 251.
Example 12. 17a-Acetox -l lo-[4-(N-pvrrolidino)p enyll-19-norpregna-4 9-diene-
3-20-
dione
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 6.95 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.46 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.77 (s, 1, 4-
H),
4.38 (bd, 1, 11-H), 2.13, (s, 3, CH3CO), 2.10 (s, 3, CH3CO), 0.38 (s, 3, 18-
CH3); mass
spectrum, m/z 501 (M),147. Anal. Calcd for C32H39NO4Ø75 H2O: C, 74.60; H,
7.92; N,
2.72. Found: C, 74.49; H, 7.81; N, 2.69.
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Example 13. 17a-Acetoxy-11(3 (1-methylindol-5-yl)-I9-norpregna-4,9-diene-3.20-
dione
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 7.23'(m. 3, Ar-H), 7.01 (d, 1, Ar-H) 5.79 (s, 1, 4-
H),
4.58 (bd, 1, 11-H), 3.75 (s, 3, N-CH3), 2.14 (s, 3, CH3CO), 2.08 (s, 3,
CH3CO), 0.32 (s, 3,
18-CH3); mass spectrum, m/z 485 (M), 425, 382, 251. Anal. Calcd for C31H35N04:
C,
76.67; H, 7.27; N, 2.88. Found: C, 75.99; H, 7.30; N, 2.81.
Example 14. 17a-Acetoxy-11[3-(4-N.N-Dimethylamino-3-fluorophenyl)-19-norpre ng
a-4.9-
diene-3.20-dione
H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 6.75 (m, 3, Ar-H), 5.79 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.37 (bd, 1, 11-
H),
2.88 [s, 6, N(CH3)2], 2.13 (s,.3, CH3CO), 2.11 (s, 3, CH3CO), 0.35 (s, 3, 18-
CH3); mass
spectrum, m/z 493 (M+), 433, 390, 251, 139. Anal. Calcd for C30H36FN04: C,
73.00; H,
7.35;N,2.84. Found: C, 72.88; H, 7.42; N, 2.88.
Example 15. 17a-Acetoxy-11 3-12-(N.N-dimethvlamino)pvrid 5 yl] 19 norpre,gna
4.9
diene-3.20-dione
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 8 7.89 (d, 1, J = 2.5 Hz, Pyr-H), 6.27 (dd, 1, J =
2.5,10 Hz,
Pyr-H), 6.47 (d, 1, J = 10 Hz, Pyr-H), 5.77 (s, 1, 4-H), 4.35 (bd, 1, 11-H),
3.05 [s, 6,
N(CH3)2], 2.13 (s, 3, CH3CO), 2.09 (s, 3, CH3CO), 0.41 (s, 3, 18-CH3); mass
spectrum, m/z
476(M'),416,373,251,122. Anal. Calcd for C29H36N204: C, 73,08; H, 7.61; N,
5.88.
Found: C, 72.54; H, 7.62; N, 5.85.
Example 16. Synthesis of l lp-[4-(N.N-dimethylamino)phenyl]-17a-ethv1-19-
norpre
4.9-diene-3.20-dione (E-8. Ar = 4-Me2N~C H4-. R = -CH2CH3)
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17-Cyano-3,3-[ethandiylbis(oxy)]estra-5(10),9(11)-diene (E-1)
A solution of B-1 (6.0 g, 19.1 mmol) in 200 mL of dry THE was added to a 0.5 M
solution of LiCN (115 mL, 57.3 mmol) in DMF, followed by addition of 9.34 g
(57.3 mmol)
of diethyl cyanophosphonate. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at ambient
temperature
before dilution with water and extraction with EtOAc/hexanes (1:1) three
times. The organic
solution was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). Removal of the solvent gave
the crude
phosphate as a thick oil.
Samarium(11) iodide solution (0.1 M in THF, 764 mL, 76.4 mmol) was transferred
under N2 to a flask. A solution of the crude product from above in 240 mL of
THE and
2.83 g (38.2 mmol) of t-BuOH was added and the reaction mixture was stirred
overnight.
The reaction was quenched with NH4Cl solution and extracted with EtOAc/hexanes
(1:1).
The organic phase was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). Removal of the
solvent gave a
crude product which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel. Yield
4.92 g (79%)
of E-1 as a mixture of 17a- and 17(3-isomers. 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) 6 5.56
(m, 1,
I1-H), 3.99 (bs, 4, 3-ketal), 0.91 and 0.82 [s, 3 (total for both signals), 18-
CH3 of the a-and
n-isomers].
7D-Cvano-3 3- ethandiyl(oxy)]-17a-ethylestra-5(10)9(11) diene (E-2. R CH2CH3)
A solution of Et2NH (0.898 g, 12.3 mmol) in 20 mL of dry THE was cooled to -78
C
and 3.69 mL of n-BuLi solution ( 2.5 M in hexane, 9.25 mmol) was added. The
mixture was
stirred at -78 C for 20 min. In a separate flask, 2.0 g of E-1 was dissolved
in 40 mL of dry
THE This solution was cooled to -78 C and the Et2NLi solution added to it.
After stirring
for 20 min at -78 C, ethyl iodide (4.03 g, 25.8 mmol) was added to the bright
orange
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solution. The mixture was stirred at -78 C for 30 min and at ambient
temperature for
20 min. Saturated N1I4CI solution was added and the mixture was extracted with
EtOAc.
The organic solution was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4). Evaporation of
the solvent
provided the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography on
silica gel using
EtOAc/hexanes (1:4) as eluant to afford 1.63 g (75% yield) of E-2 (R = -
CH2CH3).
IH NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 5.58 (bs, 1, 11-H), 3.99 (bs, 4, 3-ketal), 1.15 (t,
3, -CH2CH3),
1.06 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
3 3- Ethandiylbis oxy)]-17a-ethyl-17(3-formylestra-5(10) 9(11)diene (E-3
R = -CH23)
A solution of DIBAL-H (17.6 mL, 1.0 M in toluene, 17.6 mmol) was added
dropwise to
a solution of 3.1 g (8.78 mmol) of E-2 (R = CH2CH3) in 400 mL of freshly
distilled toluene
at -42 C (acetonitrile-Dry-ice bath). After the addition was complete, the
mixture was
stirred at -42 C for 1 h. Saturated NH4Cl solution was added and the mixture
allowed to
warm to ambient temperature. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature
overnight.
The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with
toluene.
The combined organic phase was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4).
Evaporation of the
solvents gave the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography on
silica gel
(EtOAc/hexanes 1:4) to give 2.3 g (73% yield) of E-3 (R = -CH2CH3). IH NMR
(250 MHz;
CDC13) S 9.54 (s, 1, -CHO), 5.57 (bs, 1, 11-H), 3.98 (bs, 4, 3-ketal), 0.74
(t, CH2CH3), 0.71
(s, 18-CH3).
3.3-[Ethandiylbis oxy)]-17a-ethyl-20-hydroxy-19-norpre na-5 10).9(11)diene
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(E-4. R = -CH2CH3)
Methyllithium (9.3 mL, 1.4 M in THF, 12.9 mmol) was added to a solution of E-3
(R = CH2CH3) (2.3 g, 6.5 mmol) in 230 mL of dry THF at -78 C. The mixture was
stirred
at -78 C for 30 min and then allowed to slowly warm to room temperature.
After stirring for
an additional 10 min, saturated NH4CI solution was added. The resulting
mixture was'
extracted with EtOAc, and the combined EtOAc washes back washed with brine and
dried
(MgSO4). Removal of the solvent afforded 2.28 g (95% yield) of product
suitable for the
next reaction. 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 5.49 (s, 1, 11-H), 3.91 (s, 4, 3-
ketal), 1.06 (d, 3,
21-CH3), 0.90 (t, 3, CH2CH3), 0.78 (s, 3 18-CH3).
3 3 [Ethandiylbis oxv)]-17a-ethyl-l9-norgre na-5(10).9(l 1)-dien-20-one (E-5.
R = -CH2('H3)
A solution of DMSO (503 mg, 6.45 mmol) in 1 mL of CH2C12 was added to a
solution
of oxalyl chloride (375 mg, 2.96 mmol) in 5 mL of CH2Cl2 at -60 C (Dry-
ice/CHC13 bath).
The mixture was stirred at -60 'C for 10 min. A solution of E-4 (R = CH2CH3)
(500 mg,
1.34 mmol) in 2 mL of CH2Cl2 was added. The mixture was stirred for 15 min at -
60 T.
TEA (1.49 g, 14.8 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to
ambient
temperature. The reaction was quenched with water and extracted with CH2C12.
The
CH2Cl2 extract was washed with water, then brine and dried (MgSO4). The crude
product
was purified by chromatography on silica gel (CH2Cl2/acetone 100:1) to afford
354 mg (71%
yield) of E-5 (R = -CH2CH3). lH NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 5.23 (m, 1, 11-H), 3.95
(s, 4,
3-ketal), 2.02 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.73 (t, 3, CH2CH3), 0.71 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
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3.3-[Ethandiylbis(oxy)1-17a-ethyl-5(10 a-oxido-19-norpregn-9(11)-en-20-one (E-
6.
R=-CH2 3)
Hexafluoroacetone trihydrate (73 4L) and 2.8 mL of 0.1 M Na2HPO4 solution were
added to a solution of 335 mg (0.91 mmol) of E-5 (R = -CH2CH3) in 2 mL of
CH2C12. The
solution was cooled to 0 C before adding 89 L of 50% hydrogen peroxide
solution. The
mixture was slowly warmed to ambient temperature and stirred overnight. The
reaction was
quenched with 10% aqueous Na2S203 solution and extracted with CH2C12. The
CH2C12
extract was washed with water, then brine and dried (MgSO4). The crude product
was
purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (CH2C12/acetone 100:3) to give
150 mg (43%
yield) of E-6 (R = -CH2CH3).
11(3-[4-(N.N-Dimethylamino)phenv11-3 3-[ethandi lbis(oxy)1-17a-eth l-5 -
hydroxy-
19-norpregn-9-en-20-one (E-7. Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-, R = -CH 2 3)
Copper(l) bromide-dimethyl sulfide complex (800 mg, 3.9 mmol) was added to 3.9
mL
(3.9 mmol) of a 1 M solution of 4-(NN-dimethylamino)phenylmagesium bromide in
THF.
The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 min. A solution of 150
mg
(0.39 mmol) of E-6 (R = -CH2CH3) in 2 mL of dry THE was added and the reaction
was
stirred at ambient temperature for 2 days. The mixture was quenched with
aqueous NH4C1
solution and extracted with CH2C12. The CH2C12 solution was washed with brine
and dried
(MgSO4). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel
(CH2C12/acetone 100:3) to give 130 mg (66% yield) of E-7 (Ar = 4-Me2N-C6H4-, R
=
-CH2CH3). 1H NMR (250 MHz; CDC13) S 7.03 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.63 (d, 2, Ar-H), 4.25
(m, 1,
11-H), 3.96 (m, 4, 3-ketal) 2.90 (s, 6, N(CH3)2), 2..03 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.71
(t, 3, -CH2CH3),
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0.28 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
11 o-[4-(N.N-Dimethvlamino)phenyl]-17a-ethyl- l 9-norpregna-4.9-dien-3.20-
dione (E-8.
Ar = 4-Me 2N-C(,H4-. R = -CH2CI 3)
Two drops of concentrated HCl were added to a solution of 130 mg (0.26 mmol)
of E-7
(R = -CH2CH3) in 10 mL of methanol. The mixture was stirred at ambient
temperature for
2 h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was treated with aqueous
NaHCO3 solution
and extracted with CH2Cl2. The CH2Cl2 was washed with brine and dried (MgSO4).
Evaporation of the solvent provided the crude product which was purified by
chromatography
on silica gel (CH2Cl2/acetone 100:3) to afford 70 mg (61% yield) of E-8 (R = -
CH2CH3).
1H NMR (250 MHz; CDCl3) S 6.94 (d, 2, Ar-H), 6.57 (d, 2, Ar-H), 5.69 (s, 1, 4-
H), 2.84 [s,
6, N(CH3)2], 2.03 (s, 3, 21-CH3), 0.67 (t, 3, -CH2CH3), 0.28 (s, 3, 18-CH3).
The biological activity of the compounds of this invention was examined by
means of in
vitro and in vivo tests.
Receptor Binding
The affinity of the compounds for the progesterone hormone receptor was
determined
by standard procedures similar to those that have been described in C. E.
Cook, et al., Human
Reproduction, Volume 9, supplement 1, pp. 32-39 (1994). However, the receptors
were of
human origin and a different radioligand was used. Thus, for progestin
receptor binding the
receptor was obtained in cytosol from human T-47D breast cells and [3H]-R5020
was used as
the radioligand. Data are expressed as IC50 values, i.e., the concentration of
compound that
inhibits the radioligand binding by 50%.
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Table 1 shows that compounds of the present invention bind strongly to the
progestin
receptor but with varying degrees of affinity. Cellular and whole animal tests
were also
performed to further characterize the biological activity of the compounds of
the invention.
Determination of progestational and antiprogestational activity in human cells
Human T-47D breast cells grown in nutrient media were incubated with the
standard
progestin R5020 alone or with R5020 plus test compound and then assessed by
standard
procedures for proliferation using incorporation of [3HJ-thymidine as the
measurement. Table
2 shows results of these assays. Data for antiprogestin activity are expressed
as EC50, i.e., the
concentration of compound which inhibits 0.15 nM R5020-mediated proliferation
by 50%.
The maximum % inhibition (a measure of the efficacy of the compounds) is also
given. In
the agonist format of this assay the compounds were tested at concentrations
ranging from
0.01 to 10 nM and the maximum % stimulation at any dose is listed in Table 2.
It can be seen
that for the most part the compounds lack progestational activity and exhibit
potent
antiprogestational activity in this assay. However, the presence of a very
polar hydroxyl
group in the 17a-position greatly diminishes antiprogestational activity and
this holds even
when the OH is separated from the 17-carbon atom by a methylene group.
Determination of pro gestational and antiprogestational activity in vivo
Progestational activity and antiprogestational activity were determined in
rabbits by
means of the McGinty test (test compound alone, procedure of McGinty et al.,
Endocrinology, 24:829-832 (1939)) or anti-McGinty test (test compound plus
progesterone,
procedure of Tamara et al., Jpn. J. Fertil. Steril. 24:48-81 (1979)). Results
were scored
according to McPhail (McPhail, J. Physiol., 83:146 (1934)). These are standard
procedures
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
well-known to those skilled in the art. The results of these assays are shown
in Table 3
(agonist activity) and 4 (antagonist activity). Here it was found that
surprisingly, in this
classical test of progestational and antiprogestational activity, some of the
compounds
exhibited either agonist or mixed agonist/antagonist activity. Although Cook
et al. (Human
Reproduction, Volume 9, Supplement 1, pp. 32-39 (1994)) have reported that 16a-
ethyl
substitution can reverse the profile of certain 11(3-aryl-l9-norpregnane
steroids from
antagonist to agonist, it has not been previously reported that such reversal
can be effected by
substituent variation at the 17a-position. But as shown in Table 3,
substitution of a 17a-
methoxymethyl group can result in significant progestational activity. Even
more
surprisingly, it was found that variations at the 4-position of the 11(3-aryl
group can have this
effect. In a comprehensive summary of antiprogestational compound activities,
Teutsch
(Human Reproduction, Volume 9, Supplement 1, pp. 12-31 (1994)) makes no
mention of this
phenomenon. However, comparison of 17a-acetoxy-1I(3-(4-(N,N-
dimethylamino)phenyl)-
19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (Cook et al, Human Reproduction, Volume 9,
Supplement 1, pp. 32-39 (1994)) with 17a-acetoxy-11 P-(-4-methoxyphenyl)-19-
norpregna-
4,9-diene-3,20-dione (Tables 3 and 4) shows the former compound to have potent
antiprogestational activity, whereas the latter has both agonist and
antagonist properties in
this assay. It appears that the presence of a basic nitrogen substituent at
the 4-position of the
aryl group in this series is necessary for potent antiprogestational activity
as defined by this
widely accepted assay. Thus, it may be observed that the presence of a
strongly electron-
withdrawn fluorine atom in the 3-position of a 4-dimethylamino aryl
substituent, which
lowers the basicity of the adjacent amino group, results in strong
progestational activity, with
little or no observed antiprogestational activity.
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Furthermore incorporation of the nitrogen into a cyclic structure, either
monocyclic or
bicyclic, surprisingly retains the potent antiprogestational activity. Thus
17a-acetoxy-11 P-(4-
(N-piperidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione was subjected to the
anti-Clauberg
assay (McPhail, J. Physiol., 83:146 (1934)) for oral antiprogestational
activity. In this assay
immature New Zealand white rabbits were primed with estrogen by treatment with
estradiol
for six days. They were then given progesterone subcutaneously (SC) and the
test compound
(orally) for 5 days. On the day following the treatment, the uteri were
excised and examined
histologically. The endometrial response was graded by the method of McPhail
and the %
inhibition was determined at each dose. Statistical analysis provides for an
ED50 value. For
this compound the ED50 was 0.9 mg/day compared with an ED50 of 4.14 mg/dayfor
the
known antiprogestin mifepristone. In addition, the compound of this invention
was 100%
effective in inhibiting the endometrial response, whereas mifepristone was
only 67%
effective. Therefore, the test compound was about 5 fold more potent than
mifepristone in
this assay and the inhibition was more complete than that produced by
mifepristone.
Reversal of the 17a-O-CO-CH3 to the 17a-CO-OCH3 results in a highly potent
antiprogestational compound without any significant progestational activity.
Linking the
17(3-acetyl and 17a-acetoxy moieties to form a spiro-ketolactone (structure
II) also results in
potent antiprogestational activity with no evidence of progestational
activity. Furthermore,
when this latter compound was studied for its ability to bind to the androgen
receptor (using
the cytosolic receptor from rat central prostate and [3H]-5a-
dihydrotestosterone as the
radioligand), it was found to have very low affinity (IC50 of 90 nM vs. 0.2 nM
for R1881).
Antiglucocorticoid Activity in vivo
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The ability of the compounds to block the effects of dexamethasone (6 g per
day for 7
days) on thymus weight of immature male rats was assessed. Certain of the
compounds
showed no antiglucocorticoid activity at a dose of 1000 ug per day. Thus
control animals had
thymus weights averaging 307 17 (S.E.) mg; animals treated with 6 g of
dexamethasone
alone had thymus weights averaging 65 8 mg; and animals treated with 6,4g of
.
dexamethasone and 1,000 g of 17a-acetoxy-11(3-(1-methylindol-5y1)-19-
norpregna-4,9-
diene-3,20-dione had thymus weights averaging 105 8 mg, not significantly
different from
dexamethasone alone, showing that the compound had little or no
antiglucocorticoid activity
in vivo. Neither did it show significantglucocorticoid activity when given
alone (thymus
weight 270 13 mg).
Anti-estrogenic Activity
The compounds were not anti-estrogenic when tested in vitro in the Ishikawa
human
endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line for ability to block estrogen-stimulated
alkaline
phosphates activity (for methods see for example Holinka, et al. (Cancer Res,
46:2771-2774
(1986) and Simard (Cancer Res. 57:3494-3497 (1997)). In addition, the
compounds
displayed little affinity for the human estrogen receptor (IC50 > 3,000 nM)
compared to
mifepristone (IC50 = 783 nM). However, in vivo they exhibited non-competitive
anti-
estrogenic activity of the type reported for mifepristone, for example by Wolf
et al. (Fertil.
Steril. 52: 1055-1060 (1989). Surprisingly they exhibited this activity in
spite of the fact that
they do not have the 17p-hydroxyl substituent characteristic of both
mifepristone and
estrogens such as estradiol but instead have the 17p-acetyl substituent
characteristic of
progesterone. Thus, 17a-acetoxy-11(3-(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-
diene-
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
3,20-dione was inactive in the Ishikawa assay at concentrations up to 10'6 M.
However, when
immature female rabbits were administered that compound orally at 10 mg/day
concurrently
with 5 mg of estradiol per day and the uteri were removed and weighed, the
uterine weight,
was reduced compared to estrogen treated rabbits. The weight of uteri from
untreated
immature rabbits was increased from 246 87 (S.E.) mg with no estradiol to
1402 104 mg
with estradiol alone. Concurrent treatment of rabbits with estradiol and 10
mg/day of 17a-
acetoxy-11(3-(4-(N-piperidino)phenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione
reduced the
uterine weights to 998 98 mg. Likewise 17a-acetoxy-11 P-(4-N-
pyrrolidino)phenyl)-19-
norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione at 10 mg/day reduced the uterine weight to 919
115 mg, and
17a-acetoxy-11(3-(1-methyl-5-indolyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione
reduced uterine
weight to 956 115 mg at the same dose. The latter compounds were also
inactive in the
Ishikawa cell assay for anti-estrogenic activity.
Within the context of the present invention, treatment of the activity of
progesterone
comprises both agonist and antagonist activity.
-66-
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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-69-
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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CA 02614667 2008-01-14
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-74-
CA 02614667 2008-01-14
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are
possible
in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within
the scope of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described
herein.
-75-
