WO2014152013A1

WO2014152013A1 - 4-phenylpiperidines, their preparation and use

Info

Publication number: WO2014152013A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/026813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Konstantin Petrukhin; Christopher Cioffi; Graham Johnson; Nicoleta DOBRI; Emily FREEMAN; Ping Chen; Michael Conlon; Lei Zhu
Original assignee: Columbia University in the City of New York
Current assignee: Columbia University in the City of New York
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2015-09-14
Also published as: US20240287092A1; DK2968304T3; US12473302B2; EP3495357A1; EP2968304A4; US20210363155A1; ES2705247T3; US20260022131A1; EP3495357B1; US20160046648A1; US10273243B2; US11919913B2; US11028098B2; US20190031681A1; EP2968304B1; EP2968304A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a compound having the structure: (structurally represented) wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₅ are each independently H, halogen, CF₃ or C₁-C₄ alkyl; R₆ is H, OH, or halogen; B is a substituted or unsubstituted heterobicycle, pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, thiadiazole, or triazole, wherein the heterobicycle is other than chloro substituted indole; and the pyrazole, when substituted, is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt theref.

Description

4-PHKNyLPIPERIDINES, THEIR PREPABATION AND P5E This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No, 61/785,187, filed March 14, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Throughout this application, certain publications are referenced in parentheses. Full citations for these publications may be found immediately preceding the claims . The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to describe more fully the state of the art to which this invention relates.

The invention was made with government support under Grant numbers NS067594 and NS074476 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention. Bacfcgxoun-1 of the Invention

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. It is estimated that 62.9 million individuals worldwide have the most prevalent atrophic (dry) form of AMD; 8 million of them are Americans. Due to increasing life expectancy and current demographics this number is expected to triple by 2020. There is currently no FDA-approved treatment for dry AMD. Given the lack of treatment and high prevalence, development of drugs for dry AMD is of upmost importance. Clinically, atrophic AMD represents a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder in which specialized neurons (rod and cone photoreceptors) die in the central part of the retina called macula (1). Histopathological and clinical imaging studies indicate that photoreceptor degeneration in dry AMD is triggered by abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPS) that lies beneath photoreceptors and provides critical metabolic support to these light-sensing neuronal cells . Experimental and

clinical data indicate that excessive accumulation of cytotoxic autofluorescent lipid-protein-retinoid aggregates (lipofuscin) in the RPE is a major trigger of dry AMD (2-9) . In addition to AMD, dramatic accumulation of lipofuscin is the hallmark of Stargardt Disease (STGD) , an inherited form of juvenile-onset macular degeneration. The major cytotoxic component of RPE lipofuscin is pyridiniurti bisretinoid A2E (Figure 1). Additional cytotoxic bisretinolds are isoA2E, atRAL di-PE, and A2-DHP-PE (40, 41). Formation of A2E and other lipofuscin bisretinolds, such as A2-DHP-PE (A2-dihydropyridine- phosphatidylethanolamine) and atRALdi-PE (all-trans-retinal dimer- phosphatidylethanolamine) , begins in photoreceptor cells in a non- enzymatic manner and can be considered as a by-product of the properly functioning visual cycle. A2E is a product of condensation of all-trans retinaldehyde with phosphatidyl-ethanolamine which occurs in the retina in a non- enzymatic manner and, as illustrated in Figure 4, can be considered a by-product of a properly functioning visual cycle (10) . Light-induced isomerization of ll-cis retinaldehyde to its all-trans form is the first step in a signaling cascade that mediates light perception. The visual cycle is a chain of biochemical reactions that regenerate visual pigment (ll-cis retinaldehyde conjugated to opsin) following exposure to light. As cytotoxic bisretinoids are formed during the course of a normally functioning visual cycle, partial pharmacological inhibition of the visual cycle may represent a treatment strategy for dry AMD and other disorders characterized by excessive accumulation of lipofuscin (25- 27, 40, 41).

The present invention provides a compound having the structure:

wherein

¾. and are each independently H, halogen, or -C4 alkyl

is H, OH, or halogen;

is a substituted or unsubstituted heterobicycle, pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, thiadiazole, or triazole, wherein the heterobicycle is other than chloro substituted indole; and

the pyrazole, when substituted, is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

tion provides compound having tha structure:

wherein

Ri, ¾, R3, Hi, and R5 are each independently H, halogen, CF3 or C1 alkyl;

R( is H, OH, or halogen;

B' is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, benzyl, pyrrolidine, sulfolane, oxetane, CO₂H or (C1 alkyl )~C¾H,

wherein the substituted phenyl is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl or 3- (methyl carboxylate) , the substituted pyridine is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl and the substituted pyrrolidine is substituted with other than hydroxamic acid, and the substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine is bound to the carbonyl through a carbon-carbon bond, or a pharraaceutically acceptable salt theref.

Brief Paacripfcion of the Figures

Figure 1. Structure of bisretinoid A2E, a cytotoxic component of retinal lipofuscin.

Figure 2, Structure of bisretinoid atRAL di-PE {all-transretinal dimer-phosphatidyl ethanolamine) , a cytotoxiccomponent of retinal lipofuscin. Rl and R2 refer to various fatty acid constituents. Figure 3. Structure of bisretinoid A2-DHP- PE, a cytotoxic component of retinal lipofuscin.

Figure 4. Visual cycle and biosynthesis of A2E. A2E biosynthesis begins when a portion of all-trans-retinal escapes the visual cycle (yellow box) and non-enzymatically reacts with phosphatidyl- ethanolamine forming the A2E precursor, A2-PE. Uptake of serum retinol to the RPE (gray box) fuels the cycle.

Figure 5. Three-dimensional structure of the RBP -T R-ret inol complex. Tetrameic TTR is shown in blue, light blue, green and yellow (large boxed region) . RBP is shown in red (unboxed region) and retinol is shown in gray (small boxed region) (28) .

Figure 6. Structure of fenretinide, [N- ( 4-hydroxy-phenyl ) retinamide, 4HRP] , a retinoid RBP4 antagonist.

Figure 7. Schematic depiction of the HTRF-based assay format for characterization of RBP4 antagonists disrupting retinol-induced RBP4- TTR interaction.

Figure 8. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 15-26. PPB: Plasma protein binding, H: Human, M: Mouse, R: Rat, D: Dog. Figure 9. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 27-38.

Figure 10. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 39-54.

Figure 11. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 55-67.

Figure 12. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic

Data of Compounds 68-89.

Figure 13. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 90-109.

Figure 14. RBP4 Binding, RBP4-TTR Interaction and/or Pharmacokinetic Data of Compounds 110-129.

Detailed Description of th Invention i n provides a compound having the structure:

wherein

i, Ha, R and are each independently H, halogen, CF3 or -C4 alkyl ;

R« is H, OH, or halogen;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted heterobicycle, pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, thiadiazole, or triazole, wherein the heterobicycle is other than chloro substituted indole; and

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B is a substituted or unsubstituted heterobicycle.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

ct, β, X, and δ are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

Zi is S, 0, or N;

wherein R? is H, Ci-Ca alkyl, or oxetane;

0 is a substituted or unsubstituted 5, 6, or 7 membered ring structure.

In some embodiments of the above compound, the compound wherein B has

wherein

when is present, then Zi and Z₂ are N, X is N, β is present, and χ and S are absent, or when a is present, then Zi is 0 or S, Z₂ is N, X is C, χ is present, and β and δ are absent ,·

when fx i s absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is N-R?, X is C, β and δ are present, and % is absent, or when a is absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is 0 or S, X is C, β and δ are present , and χ is absent .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is an integer from 0-2;

α, β, χ, δ, ε, and φ are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

Zi is S, O or N;

Z₂ is S, 0, N or

wherein R? is H, Ci-Cio alkyl, or oxetane

X is C or N;

Yi, Yi, Yj, and each occurrence of Y₄ are each independently CRa, C jR_¾ ) a , N-Rio, 0, N, SOa, or C=0,

wherein

Re is H, halogen, C1-C10 alkyl, Cj-Cs cycloalkyl, 0- alkyl), C(0)0H, C (0) 0 alkyl ) , C(0)-NH₂, C (0) -NH (C1 alkyl) , C (0) -NH (C₁ alkyl) 2, HC (0) -NH £Ci~Cio alkyl), NHC(0)-N(Ci-C₄ alkyl) 2, S0₂-fJH (Ci-Cio alkyl) , SOj-NjCi-Cio alkyl) 2, CH, or CF₃;

Rs is H or C1-C10 alkyl;

Rio is H, Ci-Cjo alkyl, Cj-C₆ cycloalkyl, (Ci-Cio alkyl )-CF₃, (Ci- Cio alkyl) -OCHj, (C1-C10 alkyl -halogen, SO2- (Ci-Cm alkyl) , S0₂- (C1-C10 alkyl) -CFj, SQ₂-(Ci-Cio alkyl) -OCH3, SO2- (C1-C10 alkyl) - halogen, C (O) - alkyl) , C (O) - (d-Cio alkyl) -CF₃, C(O)- (C1-C10 alkyl ) -OCH3 , C(0)-(Ci-Cio alkyl -halogen, C (O) -NH- (Ci-Cio alkyl) , C(0)-N(Ci-C« alkyl) 2, -C10 alkyl) -C SO) OH, C(0)-NH₂ or

In some embodiments of the above compound the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

when Otis present, then Zi and Z2 are N, X is N, β is present, and χ and δ are absent, or when a is present, then Zi is 0 or S, Z₂ is N, X is C, % is present, and β and 8 are absent;

when a is absent, then Zi is N, Z2 is N X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent, or when a is absent, then Zi is N, Z2 is 0 or S, X is C, β and δ are present , and χ is absent .

when 8 and Φ are each present, then n = 1, and each of and are independently or N;

when g and are each absent, then n = 0, 1 or 2, each of Y₂, and each occurrence of are independently -R10, 0, or SOi.

In some embodiments , the compound wherein

β and δ are present

a, X , e, and 0 are absent;

is

Z₂ is 0,

wherein R? is H, Ci alkyl, or oxetane; and

X is C,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 0;

is H, C1 alkyl, or oxetane;

Yi and Y₃ are each or C (C¾) ; and

Y₂ is 0, SO2, or

wherein

is H, C1 alkyl, cycloalkyl, (C1 alkyl (C1-C4 alkyl) -OCH3, (C1 alkyl) -halogen, S0

alkyl), SO2- (C1 alkyl )-CF₃, S0 alkyl) S0j alkyl) -halogen, (0 alkyl), (0 alkyl )-CF₃, C (0) - (C1 alkyl) -0C¾ , C (0) - (C₁-C4 alkyl! - halogen, (0) (C1 alkyl), (0) alkyl) 2, (C1 alkyl) -C(0) OH, C(0)-NH₂ or oxetane.

In so compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

H is H, Ci-Cj alkyl , or oxetane;

Yi , Ya and Y« are each C¾ or C (CH₃ ) 2 ; and

Y3 is 0, SO2, or N-Rio,

wherein

Rio is H, C1 alkyl, Cj-Cs cycloalkyl, (C1 alkyl) -CF3, (C1 alkyl) -OCH3 , (C1 alkyl) -halogen, S - (Ci-Cj alkyl), SCh- (C1 alkyl )-CF₃, S0₂- <Ct-C» alkyl ) -OCH₃ , SO2- {C1 alkyl) -halogen, C(O) - (C,-C₄ alkyl) , C(0)-(¾-C« alkyl!-CFj, C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl )-OCH₃, C (O) - {C1 alkyl ) - halogen, C(O) - H-(Cj-C₄ alkyl), C (O) -N(Ci alkyl) 2, (C1 alkyl) -C(0)OH, C(0) -NH₃ or oxetane.

In s compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

R? is H , i -C4 alkyl, or oxetane ;

Yi, Y₃ and Y₄ are each Cf¾ or C(CH₃)s; and

Y2 is 0, SO2, or N-R10,

wherein

Rio is H, C1 alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (C1 alkyl) -CF₃, (C1-C1 alkyl) -OCH₃, (C1 alkyl ) -halogen, S0₂-(Ci-C alkyl) , SOn-tCi-d alkyl)-CF₃, SO2- (C1 alkyl )-OC¾, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) -halogen, C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-C

alkyl ) -CF₃ , C(0)-{Ci~C₄ alkyl) C (0) - (d-d alkyl ) - halogen, C (0) -HH- (C1 alkyl), CiOJ-Nid-Ci alkyl ) j , (C1 alkyl) (0) (0) - ¾ or oxetane. In s compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 2 ;

is H, alkyl, or oxetane;

and each occurrence of Y_t are each or ) ₂ ; and is O, S0₂, or

wherein

is H, C1 alkyl, ₃-C₅ cycloalkyl, (d- alkyl) ( -d alkyl) ( -d alkyl) -halogen, S0₂- (C1-C1 alkyl), SO2- (C1-C4 alkyl S0 alkyl )-0CH₃,

Sd-(d-d alkyl) -halogen, C(0)- (C1 alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl)-CF₃, (0 alkyl)-0CH₃, (C1 alkyl ) - halogen, -NH- {C1 alkyl), C (0) -N (C1 alkyl )_s, (C1 alkyl) (0! (0 or oxetane.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:



In some embodiments, the compound wherein is ₂-CHj, S¾-CHjCHi, )_{2 3}) j, SOj-t-Bu, SO2-CH2OCH1, SO3- SOa ₂CH₂OCH₃ , ₂-CHjCH , SO2-

In some embodiments, the compound wherein Rio is C -CH₃, C -CH2CH3, C -C¾CH₂CH₃, C(O) - CH(CH₃)₂, C -CH₂CH (CH₃) 2, C )-t-Bu, C CHaOCHj, C CH₂CP₃ , C(O) -CH2CI, C )-CH₂F, C -CH2CH2OCH3 , C C(O) -CH2CH2CI, C )~C¾CH₂F,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

n some embodiments the compound wherein ¾ is H, C% , CHaCK , CH (CHj) 2,

compound wherein B has the structure

wherein

n is 1;

is H, C1 alkyl, or oxetane;

Yi and Y₄ are each C¾; and

Y2 is C=0 and Ya is N-R10, or Y₃ is C=0 and Y2 is N-R10,

wherein

Rio is H or C1-C4 alkyl. some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure

the compound wherein is H, CH₃, CH2CH3,

; and each Rio is H or CH3. In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1;

Yi and Y_t are each CH_; and

one of Y₂ or Yj is CH. and the other of Yj or Yj is 0, S0₂, or N-R10,

wherein

Rio is H, C1 alkyl, C₃~C₆ cycloalkyl, (C1 alkyl) -CFj, {Ci-Ci alkyl) -OCHa, (C1 alkyl) -halogen, SO2- (C1-C4 alkyl), S0₂-(Ci alkyl )-CF₃, SO2- (d-d alkyl ) -OCH3 , SCh- (C1 alkyi) -halogen, CiOi-iCi-C₄ alkyl), C(0)-(Ci~C₄ alkyl) -CFj, C(0) - (C1 alkyl )-OCH₃, C (0) - (C1-C1 alkyl ) - halogen, C (O) -NH- {Ci~C₄ alkyl), C(0)-N(Ci alkyl) 2, (C1 alkyl) -C(0)0H, C(0) -NH₂ or oxetane . some embodiments the compound wherein B has the structure :

wherein

n is 1 ;

Yi and Y_t are each C¾; and

one of Y₂ or Y₃ is CH₂ and the other of Yj or is 0, S0₂, or

wherein

Rio is H, C1 alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (Ci-Ct alkyl) -CF₃, (d-d alkyl) -0CH₃, (C1 alkyl) -halogen, S0₂-<Ci-C₄ alkyl), S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl )-CF₃, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl )-0CH₃, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) -halogen, C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-C< alkyl) -CF₃, C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl)-0CH₃, C (0) - (Ci-C* alkyl) - halogen, C(0) -NH- (C1 alkyl), C(0)-N(Ci-C₄ alkyl) ₃, (C1 alkyl) -C(O) OH, C(0>-N¾ or oxetane.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

, CH(CH₃)a, CH₂C1,

2-CH(CH -CH₂CH(CH SOj-t-Bu,

(0)

C(O) C(O) - CH(CH C(0)-CH₂CH(CH C(0)-t-Bu, C(O)- CH₂OCH₃, ( C(0 ( 0 ) , C(O)-

χ

wherein R? is H, C1 aikyl, or oxetane; and X is C.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

R? is H, CH-Ci alkyl, or oxetane ; and

Yi, Y2, Yj and Yt are each independently CRe or N,

wherein each Re is independently H, halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0- (Ci-C, alkyl) , C(0)0H, C(O) -NH₃, C(O)- NiCHi , C(0! - NHCHj, NHC (0) -N (C¾) ₂ , CN, or CFj,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

Yi, Y2, Yj and Y are each CH;

Yi, Y2, 3 are each CH and Y is N;

Y1. Y2. Y4 are each CH and Y₃ is N;

Yi, Y3, Y are each CH and Y₂ is N; or

Y2, Y are each CH and Yi is .

In some embodiments , the compound wherein R? is H, CH₂CH3, CHj ,

CH (CHj) 2, or and each Re is independently H, CI, Br, F

OCH3, OCH2CH3 , CP3, CN, CH3, CH3CH3 , C(0)OH, C(0) -N¾, C(0)-N(CH₃)₂

C(O)- NHCHj, or NHC{0) -N(CH₃)₂.

In s compound wherein B has the structure:

lerein

and are each independently CRe or N, wherein Re is H, halogen, C1 alkyl, C3 cycloalkyl, 0- (C1 alkyl) , C(0)0H, C(0)-N¾, C (0) -N (CH₃) ₂, C(O)- NHCH3, MHC(O) -N(CH₃)₂, CN, or CF₃,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

Yi , Y2, Yj and Yi are each CH;

Yi , Yj , are each CH and Y« a N;

Yi , Y2, Yi are each CH and Y₃ is N;

Yi , Y3, Yi are each CH and Y₂ is N or

Y₂ , Y₃ , Yj are each CH and Y_x is N .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein 3 has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

a and β are present;

χ, 6 , i", and φ are absent;

Z₂ is N; and

X is N. In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

Yi and Y₄ are each CH₂ ; and

one of Y₂ or Y₃ is C¾ and the other of Y₂ or Y₃ is 0, SO₂, or

N-R10,

wherein

Rio is H, C1 alkyl, Cj-Cs cycloalkyl , (C1-C4 alkyl) -CFj, (C1 alkyl) -OCHj, (Ci-Q alkyl ) -halogen, S0₂~SCi-C₄ alkyl), SO2HC1 alkyl) -CFj, SO2- (Ci-C« alkyl ) -OCH3 , SO2- (Ci-C, alkyl) -halogen, C(0)-(Ci-Ci alkyl) , C(0)-(Ci-C. alkyl )-CF₃, CiOJ-iCi-d alkyl) -OCHj, C (0) - (Ci-C« alkyl ) - halogen, C (O) -NH- (C1 alkyl) , C (O) -N (C1 alkyl) 2 , (C1 alkyl) -C(O) OH, C (0) -NHj or oxetane.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherei Rio is H, C¾, CH2CH2CH3, CH(CHj)₂, CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, t-Bu, , CH2CI, CH2F, , CH2CH2CF1 , CH2CH2CI , CH2CH2F, or

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R_l0 is SO₂ S0₂-CH₂CH₃, SO2-CH2CH2CH3 , S02-CH >2, S0₂-CH₂CHiCH3)2, SOj-t-Bu, S0₂-CH20CH₃, SO2- CH2CF3, SO2-CH2CI, SO2-CH2F, SO2-CH2CH2OCH3, SO2-CH2CH2CF3, SO2- CH2CH2CI, SO2- CH2CH₂F, or

In some embodiments, the compound wherein is C{0)-CHs, C(0

C(0)-CH₂CH2CH₃, C(O)- CH(CH₃)₂, C (0) -CH₂CH ( ! 2 , C(0)-t-Bu, C(O)- C(O)- CH C(0)-C¾C1, C(0)-CH₂F, C (0) -C¾CH₂OCH₃, C (O) - C(0)-CH₂CH₂C1, C(0)-CH₂CH2 ,F_.,, ^> vK

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

α, β, e, and φ are present;

% and δ are absent;

Zx is N;

is N and

X is N.

In s compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

Yi, Y2, Yj and Ya are each independently CR_> or N,

wherein each Re is independently H, halogen, C1 alkyl, Cj-C_t cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , CN, CF₃, C(0)OH,

C(0)-NH₂, C(0)-N(CH₃)₂, C(0)-NHCH₃, or NHC (0) -N(CH₃ ) ₂ In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein each R» is independently H, CI, Br, P, OCHj, OCH3CH3 , CF₃, CN, CH₃, CHJCHJ, CfO!OH, C(0)-tJ¾, C(0)-N(CH₃)₂, C(O) -NHCHj, NHC (O) -NHCHj , NHC(O) -N(CH₃) j, SO2 or SOi-

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

a, %, ε, and φ are present;

β and δ are absent ;

is 0 or

is N; and

X is§ C .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

and are each independently CRe or N, wherein each R₈ is independently H, halogen, 0<Ci-C< alkyl) , cycloalkyl, CN, or CPj. some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

R3, and R₅ are each t-Bu, or and Re is H , OH or in some embodiments, the compound wherein R3, and are each H, is CF₃; and is

In some embodiments, the compound having the structure:





33



n some embodiments, the compound having the structure:

some embodiments, the compound wherein

and are each H and is or and are H, is is H and is or Ri, and are each H, and and are each or and are each H, is F, and is or and are each H, is F, and is or and are each H, is F, and is or and are each H, is and is CF3 and is H, OH or some embodiments, the compound having the structure:

n some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure;

wherein

α,β, χ . nd 5 are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

wherein Ru is H or Ci-Ci alkyl;

Z, is CH, S, 0, N or NRu,

wherein Ru is H or Ci-Cio alkyl;

Q is a substituted or unsubstituted 5, 6, or 7 membered ring structure.

In some embodiments of the above compound, the compound wherein when a is present, then Zj are N, Zi is CH, X is N, β and δ are absent, and χ is present;

when a is absent, then Z₃ is CH or N, Z» is NR? , S, or O, X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

n is an integer from 0-2;

ot. β. 5C. 8, ε, and <j> are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

Z₃ is CH, S, 0, N or NRu,

wherein Ru is H or Ci-Cio alkyl;

Z₄ is CH, S, 0, N or NRu,

wherein Ru is H or Ci-Cio alkyl;

Yi, Yj, Yj, and each occurrence of Yj are each independently CR₁3, C(Ru)s, 0, S0₂, or =0,

wherein

is H, halogen, Ci-Cio alkyl, Cj-C« cycloalkyl, 0- (Ci-Cie alkyl), C(0)OH, (0) 0 alkyl ) , C(0)-N¾, C(Oj -NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C (0) -NH (Ci-C. alkyl ) ₂ , (0) -NH (Ci-Cio alkyl), HC(O) -N(Ci-C alkyl) ₂, S0₂-NH (Ci-Cw alkyl), SO alkyl) 2, C , CPj, imidazole, mo pholino, or pyrrolidine is or alkyl;

Ru is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl , id-do alkyl)-CFj, (d- Cio alkyl) -OCHj, (Ci-Cio alkyl) -halogen, SO2- (C1-C10 alkyl) , SO2- iCi-do alkyl) -CF3, SOj-i -Cio alkyl) -OCH3, S02 alkyl) - halogen, C(Q)-(d-do alkyl), C(O)-(Ci alkyl)-CF₃, C(0)-

(Ci-Cxo alkyl) C(O)-(Ci-Ci₀ alkyl) -halogen, C (O) -ΝΉ- (Ci-Cm alkyl), (0)-N(d-d alkyl) ₂, -C10 alkyl (0) {0 or oxetane .

In some embodiments of the above compound, the compound wherein wherein

when is present, then Zj are N, Z_t is CH, X is N, β and δ are absent, and is present ;

when a is absent, then is or N, Zi is NRu. S, or 0, is C, β and 5 are present, and χ is absent;

when Band φ are each present, then n = 1, and each of Yi, Y2, and Y« are independently C-Ru or

when sand φ are each absent, then n = 0, 1 or 2, each of Yi, Y₂, Y3, and each occurrence of Y4 are independently (R₃4)2, N-R₁₅, or S0₂.

In some embodiments of the above compound, the compound wherein α, χ, ε, and ( are each present, β and δ are each absent, is Z is N; and X is N or

%, δ, ε, and φ are each present, a and β are each absent, is is N and X is C; or

χ, δ, e, and fare each present, a and β are each absent, Zj is H, Z₄ is N-RJJ , S or O ; and X is C.

In s ompound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1; and

Yi, Y2, Y3, and Y, are each C-R13 or N,

wherein Rn is H, halogen, C1 alkyl, d-Cs cycloalkyl , O- (C1 alkyl) , C(0)0H, C(0)-N¾, C (0) -tj (CH₃) 2 , C(0)- NHCHj, NHC (0) -N (CH₃) 2, CN, CFj, imidazole, raorpholino, or pyrrolidine.

In some embodiments , the compound wherein

Yi, Y2, and Yi are each C or

Yi is N, and Y2 , , and are each C-Rn.

In some the structure:

wherein is R13 is H, halogen, Ci-C» alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0 {C1-C4 alkyl) , ¾- C₄ cycloalkyl, C(0)0H, C(0)-N¾, C(O) N(CH₃)₂, C(0)-NHC¾, NHC(0)-N{CH₅)₂, CN, CF₃, imidazole morpholino, or pyrrolidine. some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1

is H or C1 alkyl;

Yi, Y2 , Y3, and Yi are each C-R₁3 or N,

wherein R13 is H, halogen, C1 alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0- (C1-C4 alkyl), CiOJOH, C(0)-NH₂, C (0) ~H(C¾ ) , C(0) - NHCH₃, NHC (0) - (CH₃) 2, CN, CF₃, imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine ,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure :

, OCH₃, F,

n some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1; and

Yi, ¾, and Y» are each C-Ru or N,

wherein R« is H, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, -C« cycloalkyl, 0- (Ci-Ci alkyl) , C(0)OH, C(0)-NH₂, C (0) -N (CHi) 2 , CiO) - NHCH3, NHC (0) -N (CH3) 2, CN, CF3, imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine . some embodiments, the compound wherein

Yi , Y2, Y₃, and i are each C-R₁3, or

one of Yi, Y₂, Y₃, or Y, is H and the other three of Y_l( Ya, Y₃ , or Y4 are each C-R

wherein each is H.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure:

some embodiments, the compound wherein B has the structure

wherein Ri6, Rn, and Ri₈ are each H, halogen, C₁ alkyl Cs cycloalkyl .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B is a substituted unsubstituted pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, thiadiazole, triazole .

H, halogen CN, CF₃, OH, N¾, C1 alkyl, C₃-C₃ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci- C alkyl), C(0)NH₂, C(0)NH<Ci-C alkyl), C(0)N(Ct-C alkyl) 2, C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl), CjO)iCi-C₄ alkyl), C (O) ΝΉ (S<½) - (C1 alkyl), C (0) NH ( SOa) - (C3-C₆ cycloalkyl), C (0)NH (S<¾) - taryl ) , 0(S0₂)- NH₂, NHC(O) -NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl), HC(0)-N(C alkyl) ₂, SOa-fd-Ci alkyl) or tetrazole. In some embodiments, the compound wherein Ris is H, CI, Br, F, OCH3, OCH2CH3, CF₃, CN, CH,, CH₃CH₃, COOH, or COOCH3.

n some embodiments , the compound wherein B has the structure;

wherein

R20 is H, halogen, C1 alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0-(Ci alkyl), CiO!OH, C(0)-NH₂, C(0)~N{CH₃ , C(0}-NHCH₃, NHC (0) -H (CH₃ ) 2 , CN

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R₂o is is H, CI, Br, F, OCH₃, 0C¾CH₃, CFj, CN, CH₃, or CH₃CH₃.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein

Ri, R2, R₃, and R₅ are each H, CI, F, t-Bu or CF₃; and Rs is H, OH or F.

In some embodiments, the compound wherein Ri, R2, R₃, and R₄ are each H R₅ is CF₃; and Rc is H;

he present invention provides compound having the structure:

wherein

and are each independently halogen, or alkyl;

is or halogen;

is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, benzyl, pyrrolidine, sulfolane, oxetane, or (C1 alkyl) -CO₂H,

wherein the substituted phenyl is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl or 3- (methyl carboxylate) , the substituted pyridine is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl and the substituted pyrrolidine is substituted with other than hydroxamic acid, and the substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine is bound to the carbonyl through a carbon-carbon bond, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt theref .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

wherein R and R₂₅ are each independently H, halogen CN, CFj, OH, tJH₂, alkyl , C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci C₄ alkyl), C{0) H_a, (O) alkyl) , (0 alkyl) CiO!OH, -C10 alkyl), C(O) -do alkyl), (0) (S0₂ alkyl) , C iO) NH (SOj) - (Cj-Cs cycloalkyl) , (0) H(S0₂) (aryl) , 0!S0₂)-N%, NHC (0) -NH -do alkyl), HC(O) -N alkyl ) (Ct-Cio alkyl ) or tetrazole. some embodiments , the compound wherein B ' has the structure:

wherein and are each independently

H, halogen, OH, N¾, alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C alkyl), C(0)NHj, C(0)NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)N(Ci~C₄ alkyl) C(0)OH, C(0)0{Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(O) alkyl), C(0)NH(S0₂)- alkyl) , C (0) NH ( )- (C₃-C₃ cycloalkyl) , C(0) H(S02)- (aryl), 0{S0₂)- or S0 alkyl).

In some embodiments, the compound wherein and R₂₃ are each in C(0)OH, C(0)OCH₃

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

wherein ¾i, and ¾s are each independently

H, halogen, OH, CFj, N%, C1 alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0(Ci~C, alkyl), C(0)NH₂, C(0)NHiCi-C₄ alkyl), C(0)N{Ci-Ci alkyl) C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-C« alkyl), C iO)NH ( S0₂ ) -

(C₁ alkyl) , C (0) NH (S0₂ ) - (Cj-Cs cycloalkyl), C(0)NH(S0₂)- iaryl), or O(SOi)- NH₂, S(¾- (C1 alkyl).

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R₂₂ , R₂₃, R₂₁ and are each

C(0)NH₂, C(0)OH,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R22, are each H and R23 is F, CI, CHj, CF₃, OCH3, OH, SO2-CH3, C(0)NH₂, C(0)OH, C(0)0CH₃ ,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

wherein R21, R22, and are each independently H, halogen CN, OH, N¾, C1-C10 alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci- C10 alkyl) , C(0)N¾, C (O)HH (Ci-Cio alkyl), C(0)N(Ci-Ci alkyl) 2, C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-Cio alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-Ci₀ alkyl), C (O)NH ( SOa) - (Ci-

C10 alkyl), C (0) NH (SO2) - (C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl), C (0) NH (SOj) - (aryl), 0(S0₂)-N¾, NHC (0) -NH (Ci-Cio alkyl), NHC (0) -N (C1 alkyl , SO.-(Ci-Cio alkyl) .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

wherein R₂i and are each independently

H, halogen, OH, N%, C1 alkyl, Cj-C« cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-Ci alkyl), C(0) %, C (OlMMd-C. alkyl), C(0)N{Ci-Cj alkyl) ₂, C(0)OH, C(0)0(Cj alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-C, alkyl), C{0)NH(S0₂)-

(C1-C4 alkyl) , C (O)NH ( SC ) - {C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl), C(0)NH(S(¾) - (aryl) , or O!SOa) - NH₂, SOa-(Ci-C. alkyl) ,

94 In some embodiments, the compound wherein R21 and R25 are each independently P, CI, CHj, OCH₃, OH, SO2-CH3, C(0)N¾, C(0)0H, C(0)0CH₃,

C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-C« alkyl), C(O) (Ci-C« alkyl) , C(0)NH(S0₂)- (d-d alkyl) , C (0) NH (SO2) - (Cj-C« cycloalkyl) , C{0)NHCS0₂)- (aryl) , or O(SOj) - NHi, Sh- (Ci-C« alkyl) . In some embodiments, the compound wherein R21, R22, R₂4 and R₂₅ are

C(0)N¾, C(0)OH,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R22, R24, R25 are each H and

OH, SO2-CH3, C!OjNHj, C(0)OH, C(0)OC% ,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure:

wherein ¾i, R₂₂, Ris, R24, and R₃₅ are each independently H, halogen CN, CF₃, OH, NH₂, Ci-Cio alkyl , Ci-Ci cycloalkyl, 0(Ci- C₁₀ alkyl), C (0)NH₃, C (0) NH (Ci-Cio alkyl) , C(0)N(Ci-C₄ alkyl) ₂, C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-Cio alkyl), C(O) (Ci-Cio alkyl) , C (O)NH (SOa) - (Ci- alkyl ) , C (0) NH (SOa) - (Cj-C₆ cycloalkyl), C(0) H(S0₂) - (aryl) , O(SC ) - NH₂, NHC (0) -NH (Ci-C_l0 alkyl), NHC (0) -N (Ci-C₄ alkyl) a, S0₂- (Ci-Cio alkyl) . In some embodiments, the compound wherein 8' has the structure:

wherein R₂i, R₂ , R₂₄ and R₂₅ are each independently

H, halogen, OH, NH₂, Ci-Ci alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0{Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(0)NH₂, C(0)NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(0)N(Ci-C. alkyl) ₂, C(0)OH, C(0)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)NH(S0₂) -

(C1 alkyl) , C (O) NH ( S0₂) - (C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl), C(0)NH(S0₂)- (aryl), or 0(S0₂)- NH₂, S0₂-(Ci-C alkyl) .

In some embodiments, the compound wherein R₂i, R22, R₂ and R₂₅ are each

C(0)NH₂, C(0)0H,

In some embodiments, the compound wherein B' has the structure

In some embodiments, the compound wherein wherein

Ri, fb, R3, R«, and R₅ are each H, CI, F, t-Bu or CF3 and Re is H, OH or F.

In some embodiments , the compound wherein wherein

Ri, R2 , , and R₄ are each H,

R_t is H.

In some embodiments, the compound having the structure:

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier .

The present invention provides a method for treating a disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina in a mammal afflicted therewith comprising administering to the mammal an

effective amount of a compound of the present invention or a composition of the present invention

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease is further characterized by bisre no d-mediated macular degeneration.

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the amount of the compound is effective to lower the serum concentration of RBP4 in the mammal. In some embodiments of the method, wherein the amount of the compound is effective to lower the retinal concentration of a bisretinoid in lipofuscin in the mammal .

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the bisretinoid is A2E. In some embodiments of the method, wherein the bisretinoid is isoA2E. In some embodiments of the method, wherein the bisretinoid is A2-DHP-PE. In some embodiments of the method, wherein the bisretinoid is atRAL In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is dry (atrophic) Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Stargardt Disease.

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Best disease.

In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuacin accumulation in the retina is adult vitelliform maculopathy. In some embodiments of the method, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipof acin accumulation in the retina is Stargardt-like macular dystrophy.

In some embodiments of the compound, B or B' has the structure:

In some embodiments, bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is Age- Related Macular Degeneration or Stargardt Disease,

In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is dry (atrophic) Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is Stargardt Disease. In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is Best disease.

In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is adult vitelliform maculopathy.

In some embodiments, the bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration is Stargardt-like macular dystrophy.

The bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration may comprise the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium.

As used herein, "bisretinoid lipofuscin" is lipofuscin containing a cytotoxic bisretinoid. Cytotoxic bisretinoids include but are not necessarily limited to A2E, isoA2E, atRAL di-PE, and A2-DHP-PE (Figure 1, 2, and 3) .

Except where otherwise specified, when the structure of a compound of this invention includes an asymmetric carbon atom, it is understood

that the compound occurs as a racemate, racemic mixture, and isolated single enantiomer. All such isomeric forms of these compounds are expressly included in this invention. Except where otherwise specified, each stereogenic carbon may be of the R or S configuration. It is to be understood accordingly that the isomers arising from such asymmetry (e.g., all enantiomers and diastereomers) are included within the scope of this invention, unless indicated otherwise. Such isomers can be obtained in substantially pure form by classical separation techniques and by stereochemical^ controlled synthesis, such as those described in "Enantiomers, acemates and Resolutions" by J. Jacques, A. Collet and S. Wilen, Pub. John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1981. For example, the resolution may be carried out by preparative chromatography on a chiral column. The subject invention is also intended to include all isotopes of atoms occurring on the compounds disclosed herein. Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen include tritium and deuterium. Isotopes of carbon include C-13 and C- 14.

It will be noted that any notation of a carbon in structures throughout this application, when used without further notation, are intended to represent all isotopes of carbon, such as ¹²C, ¹³C, or ¹⁴C. Furthermore, any compounds containing "C or ¹⁴C may specifically have the structure of any of the compounds disclosed herein.

It will also be noted that any notation of a hydrogen in structures throughout this application, when used without further notation, are intended to represent all isotopes of hydrogen, such as ¾, ²H, or ¾. Furthermore, any compounds containing ²H or ³H may specifically have the structure of any of the compounds disclosed herein.

Isotopically-labeled compounds can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art using

appropriate ieoto ically-labeled reagents in place of the non-labeled reagents employed.

The term "substitution", "substituted* and "substituent* refers to a functional group as described above in which one or more bonds to a hydrogen atom contained therein are replaced by a bond to non-hydrogen or non-carbon atoms, provided that normal valencies are maintained and that the substitution results in a stable compound. Substituted groups also include groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon (s) or hydrogen (s) atom are replaced by one or more bonds, including double or triple bonds, to a heteroatom. Examples of substituent groups include the functional groups described above, and halogens (i.e., F, CI, Br, and I ) ; alkyl groups, such as methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, isopropryl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and trifluoromethyl ; hydroxyl ; alkoxy groups, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, and isopropoxy; aryioxy groups , such as phenoxy; arylalkyloxy, such as benzyloxy (phenylraethoxy) and p-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy (4- trifluoromethylphenylmethoxy) ; heteroaryloxy groups; sulfonyl groups, such as trifluoromethanesulfonyl, methanesulfonyl , and p- toluenesulfonyl ; nitro, nitrosyl; mercapto; sulfanyl groups, such as methylsulfanyl , ethylsulfanyl and propylsulfanyl ; cyano; amino groups, such as amino, methylamino, dimethylamino, ethylamino, and diethylamino; and carboxyl . Where multiple substituent moieties are disclosed or claimed, the substituted compound can be independently substituted by one or more of the disclosed or claimed substituent moieties, singly or plurally. By independently substituted, it is meant that the (two or more) substituents can be the same or different.

In the compounds used in the method of the present invention, the substituents may be substituted or unsubstituted, unless specifically defined otherwise.

In the compounds used in the method of the present invention, alkyl, heteroalkyl, monocycle, bicycle, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocycle groups can be further substituted by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alternative non-hydrogen groups. These include, but are

not limited to, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, carboxy, cyano and carbamoyl .

It is understood that substituents and substitution patterns on the compounds used in the method of the present invention can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide compounds that are chemically stable and that can be readily synthesized by techniques known in the art from readily available starting materials. If a substituent is itself substituted with more than one group, it is understood that these multiple groups may be on the same carbon or on different carbons, so long as a stable structure results.

In choosing the compounds used in the method of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various substituents, i.e. Ri, Rj, etc. are to be chosen in conformity with well-known principles of chemical structure connectivity.

As used herein, "alkyl" includes both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms and may be unsubstituted or substituted. Thus, Ci-C„ as in "Ci-Cn alkyl" is defined to include groups having 1, 2, n-1 or n carbons in a linear or branched arrangement. For example, Ci-Ce, as in "Ci-Cs alkyl" is defined to include groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbons in a linear or branched arrangement, and specifically includes methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, and hexyl. Unless otherwise specified contains one to ten carbons. Alkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents, including but not limited to halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio, trifluoromethyl , difluoromethyl , methoxy, and hydroxyl.

As used herein, "C1 alkyl" includes both branched and straight- chain Ci alkyl.

As used herein, "alkenyl" refers to a non-aromatic hydrocarbon radical, straight or branched, containing at least 1 carbon to carbon double bond, and up to the maximum possible number of non-aromatic

carbon-carbon double bonds may be present, and may be unsubstituted or substituted. For example, "Cj-Cs alkenyl" means an alkenyl radical having 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms, and up to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 carbon-carbon double bonds respectively. Alkenyl groups include ethenyl , propenyl, butenyl and cyclohexenyl .

As used herein, "heteroalkyl* includes both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having at least 1 heteroatom within the chain or branch .

As used herein, "cycloalkyl " includes cyclic rings of alkanes of three to eight total carbon atoms , or any number within this range (i.e., cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl , cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl ) .

As used herein, "heterocycloalkyl" is intended to mean a 5- to 10- membered nonaromatic ring containing from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of 0, N and S, and includes bicyclic groups. "Heterocyclyl" therefore includes, but is not limited to the following: imidazolyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl , morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl , tetrahydropyranyl , dihydropiperidinyl , tetrahydrothiopheny1 and the like. If the heterocycle contains nitrogen, it is understood that the corresponding N-oxides thereof are also encompassed by this definition.

As used herein, "aryl" is intended to mean any stable monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic carbon ring of up to 10 atoms in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic, and may be unsubstituted or substituted. Examples of such aryl elements include but are not limited to: phenyl, p-toluenyl (4-methylphenyl) , naphthyl, tetrahydro- naphthyl, indanyl , phenanthryl, anthryl or acenaphthyl . In cases where the aryl substituent is bicyclic and one ring is non-aromatic, it is understood that attachment is via the aromatic ring. The term "alkylaryl" refers to alkyl groups as described above wherein one or more bonds to hydrogen contained therein are replaced by a bond

to an aryl group as described above. It is understood that an "alkylaryl* group is connected to a core molecule through a bond from the alkyl group and that the aryl group acts as a substituent on the alkyl group. Examples of arylalkyl moieties include, but are not limited to, benzyl (phenylmethyl ) , p-trifluoromethylbenzyl (4- trifluoromethylphenylmethyl ) , 1-phenylethyl , 2-phenylethyl, 3- phenylpropyl , 2 -pheriy Lpropyl and the like.

The term "heteroaryl" as used herein, represents a stable monocyclic, bicyclic or polycyclic ring of up to 10 atoms in each ring, wherein at least one ring is aromatic and contains from 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of 0, N and S. Bicyclic aromatic heteroaryl groups include but are not limited to phenyl, pyridine, pyrimidine or pyridizine rings that are (a) fused to a 6-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having one nitrogen atom; (b) fused to a 5- or 6-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having two nitrogen atoms; (c) fused to a 5-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having one nitrogen atom together with either one oxygen or one sulfur atom; or (d) fused to a 5-membered aromatic (unsaturated) heterocyclic ring having one heteroatom selected from 0, N or S . Heteroaryl groups within the scope of this definition include but are not limited to: benzoimidazolyl , benzofuranyl , benzofurazanyl , benzopyrazolyl , benzotriazolyl , benzothiophenyl , benzoxazolyl , carbazolyl, carbolinyl, cinnolinyl, furanyl, indolinyl, indolyl , indolazinyl, indazolyl, isobenzofuranyl , isoindolyl, isoquinolyl, isothiazolyl , isoxazolyl, naphthpyridinyl , oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, oxazoline, isoxazoline, oxetanyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridopyridinyl , pyridazinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl , quinolyl, quinoxalinyl , tetrazolyl, tetrazolopyridyl , thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, triazolyl, azetidinyl, aziridinyl, 1 , 4-dioxanyl , hexahydroazepinyl , dihydrobenzoimidazolyl , dihydrobenzofuranyl , dihydrobenzothiophenyl , dihydrobenzoxazolyl , dihydrofuranyl , dihydroimidazolyl , dihydroindolyl , dihydroisooxazolyl , dihydroisothiazolyl , dihydrooxadiazolyl , dihydrooxazolyl , dihydropyrazinyl, dihydropyrazolyl , dihydropyridinyl , dihydropyrimidinyl ,

dihydropyrrolyl , dihydroquinolinyl , dihydrotetrazolyl dihydrothiadiazolyl , dihydrothiazolylL ,, dihydrothienyl dihydrotriazolyl , dihydroazetidinyl , methy1enedioxybenzoy1 tetrahydrofuranyl , tetrahydrothienyl , aa<cridinyl , carbazolyl cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl , pyrrazolyl , indolyl, benzotriazolyl , benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, Isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl , furanyl , thienyl , benzothienyl, benzofuranyl , quinolinyl , isoquinolinyl , oxazolyl, isoxazolyl , indolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl , pyrimidinyl , pyrrolyl , tetra-hydroquinoline . In cases where the heteroaryl substituent is bicyclic and one ring is non-aromatic or contains no heteroatoms, it is understood that attachment is via the aromatic ring or via the heteroatom containing ring, respectively. If the heteroaryl contains nitrogen atoms, it is understood that the corresponding N-oxides thereof are also encompassed by this definition.

As used herein, "monocycle" includes any stable polycyclic carbon ring of up to 10 atoms and may be unsubstituted o substituted. Examples of such non-aromatic monocycle elements include but are not limited to: cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Examples of such aromatic monocycle elements include but are not limited to: phenyl. As used herein, "heteromonocycle" includes any monocycle containing at least one heteroatom.

As used herein, "bicycle" includes any stable polycyclic carbon ring of up to 10 atoms that is fused to a polycyclic carbon ring of up to 10 atoms with each ring being independently unsubstituted or substituted. Examples of such non-aromatic bicycle elements include but are not limited to: decahydronaphthalene. Examples of such aromatic bicycle elements include but are not limited to: naphthalene. As used herein, "heterobicycle" includes any bicycle containing at least one heteroatom.

The term "phenyl" is intended to mean an aromatic six membered ring containing six carbons, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "benzyl" is intended to mean a methylene attached directly to a benzene ring. A benzyl group is a methyl group wherein a hydrogen is replaced with a phenyl group, and any substituted derivative thereof. The term "pyridine" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a six- membered ring containing 5 carbon atoms and 1 nitrogen atom, and any substituted derivative thereof .

The term "pyrimidine" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a six- membered ring containing 4 carbon atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms wherein the two nitrogen atoms are separated by one carbon atom, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "pyridazine" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a six- membered ring containing 4 carbon atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms wherein the two ni rogen atoms are adjacent to each other, and any substituted derivative thereof .

The term "pyrazine" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a six- membered ring containing 4 carbon atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms wherein the two nitrogen atoms are separated by two carbon atoms, and any substituted derivative thereof .

The term "pyrrolidine" is intended to mean a non-aromatic five- membered ring containing four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term " triazole" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five- membered ring containing two carbon atoms and three nitrogen atoms, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "imidazole" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five- membered ring containing three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "thiadiazole" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five- membered ring containing two carbon atoms , two nitrogen atoms, and one sulfur atom and any substituted derivative thereof. The terra "pyrazole" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five- membered ring containing three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms wherein the nitrogen atoms are adjacent to each other, and any substituted derivative thereof. The term "triazine" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a six- membered ring containing 3 carbon atoms and 3 nitrogen atoms, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "indole" is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five- membered ring fused to a phenyl ring with the fi e-membered ring containing 1 nitrogen atom directly attached to the phenyl ring.

The term "benzimidazole* is intended to mean a heteroaryl having a five-membered ring fused to a phenyl ring with the five-membered ring containing 2 nitrogen atoms directly attached to the phenyl ring.

The term "oxatane" is intended to mean a non-aromatic four-membered ring containing three carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, and any substituted derivative thereof.

The term "sulfolane" is intended to mean a non-aromatic five-membered ring containing four carbon atoms and one sulfur atom wherein the sulfur atom is doubly bonded to two oxygen atoms and any substituted derivative thereof.

The compounds used in the method of the present invention may be prepared by techniques well know in organic synthesis and familiar to a practitioner ordinarily skilled in the art. However, these may not be the only means by which to synthesize or obtain the desired compounds .

The compounds of present invention may be prepared by techniques described in Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry, A.I. Vogel, A.R. Tatchell, B.S. Furnis, A.J. Hannaford, P.W.G. Smith,

(Prentice Hall) 5^th Edition (1996) , March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, Michael B. Smith, Jerry March,

(Wiley-Interscience) 5^th Edition (2007), and references therein, which are incorporated by reference herein. However, these may not be the only means by which to synthesize or obtain the desired compounds. The compounds of present invention may be prepared by techniques described herein. The synthetic methods used to prepare Examples 1- 103 are used to prepare additional piperidine compounds which are described in the embodiments herein. The various R groups attached to the aromatic rings of the compounds disclosed herein may be added to the rings by standard procedures, for example those set forth in Advanced Organic Chemistry: Part B: Reaction and Synthesis, Francis Carey and Richard Sundberg, (Springer) 5th ed. Edition. (2007), the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a compound of the present invention as a pharmaceutical composition. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically active agent" means any substance or compound suitable for administration to a subject and furnishes biological activity or other direct effect in the treatment, cure, mitigation, diagnosis, or prevention of disease, or affects the structure or any function of the subject. Pharmaceutically active agents include, but are not limited to, substances and compounds described in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR Network, LLC; 64th edition; November 15, 2009) and "Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations" (U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services, 30^th edition, 2010), which are hereby incorporated by reference. Pharmaceutically active agents which have pendant carboxylic acid groups may be modified in accordance with the present

invention using standard esterification reactions and methods readily available and known to those having ordinary skill in the art of chemical synthesis. Where a pharmaceutically active agent does not possess a carboxylic acid group, the ordinarily skilled artisan will be able to design and incorporate a carboxylic acid group into the pharmaceutically active agent where esterification may subsequently be carried out so long as the modification does not interfere with the pharmaceutically active agent's biological activity or effect. The compounds of the present invention may be in a salt form. As used herein, a "salt" is a salt of the instant compounds which has been modified by making acid or base salts of the compounds. In the case of compounds used to treat a disease, the salt is pharmaceutically acceptable. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as phenols. The salts can be made using an organic or inorganic acid. Such acid salts are chlorides , bromides, sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates, formates, tartrates, maleates, malates, citrates, benzoates, salicylates, ascorbates, and the like. Phenolate salts are the alkaline earth metal salts, sodium, potassium or lithium. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" in this respect, refers to the relatively non-toxic, inorganic and organic acid or base addition salts of compounds of the present invention. These salts can be prepared in situ during the final isolation and purification of the compounds of the invention, or by separately reacting a purified compound of the invention in its free base or free acid form with a suitable organic or inorganic acid or base, and isolating the salt thus formed. Representative salts include the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, acetate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, napthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactobionate, and laurylsulphonate salts and the like. (See, e.g., Berge et al . (1977) "Pharmaceutical Salts", J. Pharm. Sci. 66:1-19).

Aa salt or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is contemplated for all compounds disclosed herein.

As used herein, "treating" means preventing, slowing, halting, or reversing the progression of a disease or infection. Treating may also mean improving one or more symptoms of a disease or infection.

The compounds of the present invention may be administered in various forms, including those detailed herein. The treatment with the compound may be a component of a combination therapy or an adjunct therapy, i.e. the subject or patient in need of the drug is treated or given another drug for the disease in conjunction with one or more of the instant compounds. This combination therapy can be sequential therapy where the patient is treated first with one drug and then the other or the two drugs are given simultaneously. These can be administered independently by the same route or by two or more different routes of administration depending on the dosage forms employed . As used herein, a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent or vehicle, for delivering the instant compounds to the animal or human. The carrier may be liquid or solid and is selected with the planned manner of administration in mind. Liposomes are also a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The dosage of the compounds administered in treatment will vary depending upon factors such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of a specific chemotherapeutic agent and its mode and route of administration; the age, sex, metabolic rate, absorptive efficiency, health and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment being administered; the frequency of treatment with; and the desired therapeutic effect. A dosage unit of the compounds used in the method of the present invention may comprise a single compound or mixtures thereof with

additional agents. The compounds can be administered in oral dosage forms as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, suspensions, syrups, and emulsions. The compounds may also be administered in intravenous (bolus or infusion) , intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular form, or introduced directly, e.g. by injection, topical application, or other methods, into or onto a site of infection, all using dosage forms well known to those of ordinary skill in the pharmaceutical arts. The compounds used in the method of the present invention can be administered in admixture with suitable pharmaceutical diluents, extenders, excipients , or carriers {collectively referred to herein as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) suitably selected with respect to the intended form of administration and as consistent with conventional pharmaceutical practices. The unit will be in a form suitable for oral, rectal, topical, intravenous or direct injection or parenteral administration. The compounds can be administered alone or mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This carrier can be a solid or liquid, and the type of carrier is generally chosen based on the type of administration being used. The active agent can be co-administered in the form of a tablet or capsule, liposome, as an agglomerated powder or in a liquid form. Examples of suitable solid carriers include lactose, sucrose, gelatin and agar. Capsule or tablets can be easily formulated and can be made easy to swallow or chew; other solid forms include granules, and bulk powders. Tablets may contain suitable binders, lubricants, diluents, disintegrating agents, coloring agents, flavoring agents, flow-inducing agents, and melting agents. Examples of suitable liquid dosage forms include solutions or suspensions in water, pharmaceutically acceptable fats and oils, alcohols or other organic solvents, including esters, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, suspensions, solutions and/or suspensions reconstituted from non-effervescent granules and effervescent preparations reconstituted from effervescent granules. Such liquid dosage forms may contain, for example, suitable solvents, preservatives, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, diluents, sweeteners, thickeners, and melting agents. Oral dosage forms

optionally contain flavorants and coloring agents . Parenteral and intravenous forms may also include minerals and other materials to make them compatible with the type of injection or delivery system chosen,

Techniques and compositions for making dosage forms useful in the present invention are described in the following references: 7 Modern Pharmaceutics, Chapters 9 and 10 (Banker & Rhodes, Editors, 1979); Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (Lieberman et al., 1981); Ansel, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms 2nd Edition (1976) ; Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed. (Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985); Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences (David Ganderton, Trevor Jones, Eds,, 1992); Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7. (David Ganderton, Trevor Jones, James McGinity, Eds., 1995); Aqueous Polymeric Coatings for Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms (Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Series 36 (James McGinity, Ed., 1989); Pharmaceutical Particulate Carriers: Therapeutic Applications: Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 61 (Alain Holland, Ed., 1993); Drug Delivery to the Gastrointestinal Tract (Ellis Horwood Books in the Biological Sciences. Series in Pharmaceutical Technology; J. G. Hardy, S. S. Davis, Clive G. Wilson, Eds.); Modem Pharmaceutics Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol 40 (Gilbert S. Banker, Christopher T. Rhodes, Eds.). All of the aforementioned publications are incorporated by reference herein.

Tablets may contain suitable binders, lubricants, disintegrating agents, coloring agents, flavoring agents, flow-inducing agents, and melting agents. For instance, for oral administration in the dosage unit form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable, inert carrier such as lactose, gelatin, agar, starch, sucrose, glucose, methyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, mannitol, sorbitol and the like. Suitable binders include starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth, or sodium alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, waxes,

and the like. Lubricants used in these dosage forms include sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum, and the like.

The compounds used in the method of the present invention may also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles , and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine, or phosphatidylcholines . The compounds may be administered as components of tissue-targeted emulsions . The compounds used in the method of the present invention may also be coupled to soluble polymers as targetable drug carriers or as a prodrug. Such polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone, pyran copolymer, polyhydroxylpropylmethacrylamide-phenol , polyhydroxyethylasparta- midephenol, or polyethyleneoxide-polylysine substituted with palmitoyl residues. Furthermore, the compounds may be coupled to a class of biodegradable polymers useful in achieving controlled release of a drug, for example, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, copolymers of polylactic and polyglycolic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyorthoesters , polyacetals, polydihydropyrans , polycyanoacylates , and crosslinked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels .

Gelatin capsules may contain the active ingredient compounds and powdered carriers, such as lactose, starch, cellulose derivatives, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Similar diluents can be used to make compressed tablets . Both tablets and capsules can be manufactured as immediate release products or as sustained release products to provide for continuous release of medication over a period of hours. Compressed tablets can be sugar coated or film coated to mask any unpleasant taste and protect the tablet from the atmosphere,

or enteric coated for selective disintegration in the gastrointestinal

For oral administration in liquid dosage form, the oral drug components are combined with any oral, non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol , glycerol, water, and the like. Examples of suitable liquid dosage forms include solutions or suspensions in water, pharmaceutically acceptable fats and oils, alcohols or other organic solvents, including esters, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, suspensions, solutions and/or suspensions reconstituted from non-effervescent granules and effervescent preparations reconstituted from effervescent granules. Such liquid dosage forms may contain, for example, suitable solvents, preservatives, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, diluents, sweeteners, thickeners, and melting agents.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can contain coloring and flavoring to increase patient acceptance. In general, water, a suitable ine, aqueous dextrose (glucose) , and related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycols are suitable carriers for parenteral solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable stabilizing agents, and if necessary, buffer substances. Antioxidizing agents such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or ascorbic acid, either alone or combined, are suitable stabilizing agents. Also used are citric acid and its salts and sodium EDTA. In addition, parenteral solutions can contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propylparaben, and chlorobutanol . Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, a standard reference text in this field.

The compounds used in the method of the present invention may also be administered in intranasal form via use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal routes, using those forms of transdermal skin patches well known to those of ordinary skill in that art. To be

administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will generally be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen. Parenteral and intravenous forms may also include minerals and other materials to make them compatible with the type of injection or delivery system chosen.

Each embodiment disclosed herein is contemplated as being applicable to each of the other disclosed embodiments. Thus, all combinations of the various elements described herein are within the scope of the invention .

This invention will be better understood by reference to the Experimental Details which follow, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific experiments detailed are only illustrative of the invention as described more fully in the claims which follow thereafter.

Experimental Details

Materials and Methods

TO-ragT aggay tor retingl-indiiced RBg - TR iataractiga

Binding of a desired HBP4 antagonist displaces retinol and induces hindrance for RBP4-TTR interaction resulting in the decreased FRET signal {Figure 7) . Bacterially expressed MBP-RBP4 and untagged TTR were used in this assay. For the use in the TR-FRET assay the maltose binding protein (MBP) -tagged human RBP4 fragment (amino acids 19-201) was expressed in the Gold (DE3 ) LyaS E. coli strain (Stratagene) using the pMAL-c4x vector. Following cell lysis, recombinant RBP4 was purified from the soluble fraction using the ACTA FPLC system (GE Healthcare) equipped with the 5-ml the MBP Trap HP column. Human untagged TTR was purchased from Calbiochem. Untagged TTR was labeled directly with Eu³* Cryptate-NHS using the HTRF Cryptate Labeling kit from CisBio following the manufacturer's recommendations. HTRF assay was performed in white low volume 384 well plates (Greiner-Bio) in a final assay volume of 16 μΐ per well. The reaction buffer contained 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 1 mM DTT, 0.05% NP-40, 0.05% Prionex, 6% glycerol, and 400 mM KF. Each reaction contained 60 nM MBP-RBP4 and 2 nM TTR-Eu along with 26.7nM of anti-MBP antibody conjugated with d2 (Cisbio) . Titration of test compounds in this assay was conducted in the presence of 1 uM retinol. All reactions were assembled in the dark under dim red light and incubated overnight at +4°C wrapped in aluminum foil. TR-FRET signal was measured in the SpectraMax M5e Multimode Plate Reader (Molecular Device) . Fluorescence was excited at 337 nm and two readings per well were taken: Reading 1 for time-gated energy transfer from Eu(K) to d2 (337 nm excitation, 668 nm emission, counting delay 75 microseconds, counting window 100 microseconds) and Reading 2 for Eu(K) time-gated fluorescence (337 nm excitation, 620 nm emission, counting delay 400 microseconds, counting window 400 microseconds) . The TR-FRET signal was expressed as the ratio of fluorescence intensity: Fluees/Flusio x 10,000.

Scintillation proximity RBPl binding aaaay

Untagged human RBP4 purified from urine of tubular proteinuria patients was purchased from Fitzgerald Industries International. It was biotinylated using the EZ-Link Sulfo-NHS-LC-Biotinylation kit from Pierce following the manufacturer's recommendations. Binding experiments were performed in 96-well plates (OptiPlate, PerkinElmer) in a final assay volume of 100 μΐ per well in SPA buffer ( IX PBS, pH 7.4, ImM EDTA, 0.1%BSA, 0.5%CHAPS) . The reaction mix contained 10 nM ¾- etinol (48.7Ci/mmol; PerkinElmer), 0,3 mg/well Streptavidin-PV beads, 50 nM biotinylated RBP4 and a test compound. Nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of 20 uM of unlabeled retinol. The reaction mix was assembled in the dark under dim red light. The plates were sealed with clear tape (TopSeal-A: 96-well microplate, PerkinElmer), wrapped in the aluminum foil, and allowed to equilibrate 6 hours at room temperature followed by overnight incubation at +4°C. Radiocounts were measured using a TopCount NXT counter (Packard Instrument Company) .

General Procedure (GP) for Preparing Intermediates for Synthesis of

Conditions: Al) carboxylic acid, HBTU, Et₃N, DMF; A2) carboxylic acid, EDCI, HOBt, i-Pr₂NEt, DMF; A3) acid chloride, Et₃N, C¾C1₂. General Procedure (GP-A1) for carboxamide formation: A mixture of amine I (1 equiv) , desired carboxylic acid (1 equiv) , triethylamine (Et₃N) (3 equiv), and 2- (lH-benzotriazole-l-yl ) -1 , 1 , 3 , 3- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) (1.5 equiv) in DMF (0.25 M) was stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with H₂0 and extracted with EtOAc . The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, brine, dried over

Na₂SQi , filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography {typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of C¾C1₂ and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH₂Clj/CH₃OH/concentrated ΝΗ,ΟΗ) to afford the desired carboxamide II. The product structure was verified by ¾ NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedure (GP-A2) for carboxamide formation: A mixture of amine I (1 equiv) , desired carboxylic acid (1 equiv) , W, N- diisopropylethylamina (i-Pr₂NEt) (3 equiv), 1-ethyl-3- (3- dimethylaminopropyl ) ca bodiimide (EDCI) (1.5 equiv) and hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) (1.5 equiv) in DMF (0.25 M! was stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with H2O and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with H₂0, brine, dried over Na₂SOa, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH₂C1₂ and a 90:9:1 mixture of C¾Cl₂/CH₃OH/concentrated NH₄OH) to afford the desired carboxamide II. The product structure was verified by Ή NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedure (GP-A3 ) for carboxamide formation: A mixture of amine I (1 equiv), EtjN (3 equiv), and acid chloride (1 equiv) in CH₂C1₂ (0.25 M) was stirred at ambient temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was washed with H₂0, brine, dried over Na₂S0i, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH₂C1₂ and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH/concentrated NH₄OH) to afford the desired carboxamides II. The product structure was verified by ^lH NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedures for Preparing (4-Phenylpiperidin-l-yl) (4, 5, 6,7- tatrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[4, 3-c]pyridin-3-yl)methanone Carboxamides IV

III IV

Conditions: B) acid chloride, EtjN, CHaCla .

General Procedure (GP-B) for carboxamlde formation: A mixture of amine III (1 equiv) , desired acid chloride (1 equiv) and triethylamine (EtjN) (3 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC -MS . The mixture was diluted with ¾0 and extracted with CH2G₂ . The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over NajSOi, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH₂Cl2/CH₃OH/concentrated N¾OH) to afford the desired carboxamides IV. The product structure was verified by ¹H NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedures for Preparing (4-Phenylpiperidin-l-yl) (4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [ , 3-c]pyridlii-3-yl)methanone Sulfonamides V

III V

Conditions: C) sulfonyl chloride, i~ Pr2NEt , CH₂CI2■

General Procedure <<JP-C) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine III {1 equiv) , desired sulfonyl chloride (1 equiv) and i-Pr_: Et (3 equiv) in C¾Clj (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with H₂0 and extracted with CHjClj . The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over Na>SO« , filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH2CI2/CH3OH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired sulfonamides V. The product structure was verified by ¹H NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedure.! for Preparing Alkylated (4-Phenylpiperidin-l- c]pyridin-3-yl)methanoiiea VI

III VI

Conditions: D) aldehyde or ketone, NaBH (OAc) 3 , CH2CI2 -

General Procedure (GP-D) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine III (1 equiv), desired aldehyde or ketone (1.5 equiv) and HOAc (6 equiv) in CH2CI (0.25 M) was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. To this was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (NaBHIOAcb) and the mixture stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with aqueous, saturated NaHCd solution and extracted with CH2CI2 . The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over NasSCU, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH C CihOH/concentrated NH4OH ) to

afford che desired amines VI. The product structure was verified by ¾ HMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedure for Preparing (4-Phenylpiperidin-l-y ) (4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-lH-pyrasolo [3, 4-a]pyridin-3-yl)ne hanone Carboxaa dea

VII VIII

Conditions: E) acid chloride, EtjN, CH2CI2 General Procedure (GP-E) for carboxamide formation; A mixture of amine VII (1 equiv), desired acid chloride (1 equiv) and triethylamine ( Et3N ) (3 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted wi h ¾0 and extracted with CH3CI3. The combined organic extracts were washed with IfcO, brine, dried over Na^SC , filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH₂CI₂ and a 90:9:1 mixture of C CWCHjOH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired carboxamides VIII. The product structure was verified by ¹H NMR and by mass analysis .

General Procedures for preparing (4-Phenylpiperidin-l-yl) (4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [3, 4-c] yridin-3-yl)methanone Sulfonamides IX

General Procedure (GP-F) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine VII (1 equiv) , desired sulfonyl chloride (1 equiv) and i-PrjNEt (3 equiv) in CH₂CI₂ (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with HjO and extracted with CH2CI . The combined organic extracts were washed with H₂0, brine, dried over NaaS^ , filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of C Clz/CHjOH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired sulfonamides IX. The product structure was verified by NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedures for Preparing Alkylated ( -Phen lpiperidin-1- ]pyridin-3-yl)metliaaones X

VII X

Conditions: G) aldehyde or ketone, NaBHiOAc , CH2CI2 .

General Procedure (GP-G) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine VII (1 equiv), desired aldehyde or ketone (1.5 equiv) and HOAc (6 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. To this was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (NaBHiOAc)^) and the

mixture stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS, The mixture was diluted with aqueous, saturated HaHCOj solution and extracted with CH2CI2 , The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over NajSOj, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of CHjClj/CH OH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired amines X. The product structure was verified by ¾ NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedures for Preparing ( l-Phenylpiperidiii-l-yl ) ( 1, , 5 , 6- tatrahydropyxrolo [ 3 , 4-c]pyrazol-3-yl )methanone Carboxamides XII

XI XII

Conditions: H) acid chloride, EtjN, CH₂CI₂.

General Procedure (GP-H) for carboyami de formation: A mixture of amine XI (1 equiv) , desired acid chloride (1 equiv) and triethylamine (Et₃N) (3 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with ¾0 and extracted with CH₂CI₂. The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over Na₂SOs, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH2CI2 and a 90:9:1 mixture of CfoCWCHsOH/concentrated HH₄OH) to afford the desired carboxamides XII. The product structure was verified by ¾ NMR and by mass analysis.

General Procedures for Preparing <4-Phenylpiperidin-l-yl) (1,4,5,6- yl>aethanona Sulfonamides XXII

Conditions: I) sulfonyl chloride, i-PrjNEt, CH2CI2 .

General Procedure (OP-I) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine XI (1 equiv) , desired sulfonyl chloride (1 equiv) and i-Pr₂ E

(3 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred from 0 °C to room temperature until the reaction was complete by LC-MS. The mixture was diluted with H₂O and extracted with CH₂CI₂ . The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O , brine, dried over Na2S0, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of CH₂Clj and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH2Cl2/CH₃OH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired sulfonamides XIII. The product structure was verified by ¾ NMR and by mass analysis .

General Procedures for Preparing Alkylated (4-Phenylpiperidin-l- 4-c] yrazol-3-yl)methanone XIV

XI XIV

Conditions: J) aldehyde or ketone, NaBHfOAcb, CH2CI2 .

General Procedure (GP-J) for sulfonamide formation: A mixture of amine XI (1 equiv), desired aldehyde or ketone (1.5 equiv) and HOAc (6 equiv) in CH2CI2 (0.25 M) was stirred for 16 hours at room

temperature. To this was added sodium triacetox borohydride (NaBH (OAc! j) and the mixture stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete by IX' -MS . The mixture was diluted with aqueous, saturated NaHCOj solution and extracted with CH2G2 . The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, brine, dried over NSiSOi , filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography {typical eluents included either a mixture of or hexanes and EtOAc or a mixture of Gaels and a 90:9:1 mixture of CH2CI2/C¾OH/concentrated NH4OH) to afford the desired amines XIV . The product structure was verified by ¹H HMR and by mass analysis .

Preparation 4- (2- (TrifluoromethyDphenyDpiperidine Hydrochloride (5)

Step A: To a solution of l-bromo-2- (trifluoromethyl) benzene ( 1 , 35.0 g, 156 mmol) in THF (350 mL) cooled to -78 °C under an atmosphere of K2 gas was slowly added a solution of n-BuLi (70.4 mL, 2.5 M in THF, 176 mmol) over a period of 15 minutes . The mixture stirred at -78 °C for 40 minutes, was allowed to warm to 0 °C and then cooled back down to -78 °C. To this was added a solution of l-benzylpiperidin-4-one (22.1 g, 117 mmol) in THF (80 mL) over a period of 10 minutes. The resulting mixture continued to stir at -78 °C for 2 hours. The reaction was carefully quenched with aqueous, saturated NH₄C1 solution (500 mL) and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (300 mL) . The organic extract was washed with H2O , brine, dried over Na2S04, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 330 g Redisep column, 0-30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give l-benzyl-4- (2-

{trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-4-ol (2) as a light-yellow oil (29.2 g, 74%) : ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDClj) 8 7.78 id, J - 1.6Hz, 1H) , 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.47 (m, 1H) , 7.36 (m, 5H) , 7.31 (m, 2H) , 3.58 (s, 2H) , 2.80 (m, 2H! , 2.55 im, 2H) , 2.27 ( , 2H) , 1.88 (m, 2H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 336 [M + H] * .

Step B: A 0 °C cooled solution of l-benzyl-4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin-4-ol (2, 29.2 g, 87.1 mmol) in thionyl chloride (60 mL) stirred for 2 hours and was then diluted with CHaCla (250 mL) . The mixture was carefully poured into a solution of aqueous, saturated NaHCOj solution (200 mL) . The biphasic mixture was separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with CH₂CI₂ (400 mL) . The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and concentrated. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 330 g Redisep column, 0-30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give l-benzyl-4- (2- ( ri£luoromethyl ) phenyl ) -1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (3) as a light-yellow oil (13.5 g, 49%) : ^lH NMR (500 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.63 (d, J = I.6H2, 1H) , 7.48 (m, 1H) , 7.39 (m, 5H) , 7.28 (m, 2H) , 5.56 (s, 1H) , .68 (s, 2H) , 3.14 (m, 2H) , 2.70 (m, 2H) , 2.39 (m, 2H) ,· MS (ESI+) m/z 318 [M + H]*.

Step C: A mixture of l-benzyl-4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl! henyl) -1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (3, 13.6 g, 42.5 mmol) , 10% Pd/C (3.0 g), and ammonium formate (26.8 g, 425 mmol) in CH₃OH (800 mL) was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture cooled to ambient temperature and was filtered over Celite. The filtrate was concentrated and the resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 330 g Redisep column, 0-10% CH3OH with 1% ΚΗ,ΟΗ in CH2CI2) to give 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine (4) as a colorless oil (2.0 g, 21%) : ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.61 (d, J = 1.7Hz, 1H) , 7.52 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 1H) , 3.21 (m, 2H) , 3.07 (m, 1H) , 2.80 (m, 2H) , 2.33 (bs, 1H) , 1.77 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 230 [M + H]*.

Step D: To a solution of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl (piperidine (4, 5.6 g, 24.5 mmol) in C¾CN (30 mL) was added a 4 M solution of HC1 in 1, 4-dioxane (6.1 mL, 24.5 mmol) at ambient temperature. The mixture

stirred for 10 minutes and was then concentrated under reduced pressure to give 4- (2- ( tri fluoromethyl) henyl) ipe idine hydrochloride as a white solid (6.4 g, >99%) ; MS (ESI+) /z 230 [ M + H] * .

Pre aration 4- (2- ( r«rt-butyl)phenyl)pip«ridin« ( 8 )

Step A: A mixture of l-bromo-2- ( fcerfc-butyl ! benzene ( 6 , 445 mg, 2.09 mmol) , pyridin-4-ylboronic acid (514 mg, 4.18 mmol ) , CS2CO₃ (2.0 g, 6.27 mmol), and Pd(PPh {121 mg, 0.105 mmol) in 1, 4-dioxane (10 mL) and H2O (3 mL) was heated at 100 °C for 16 hours. The mixture cooled to ambient temperature and was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL) . The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 40 g Redisep column, 0-20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give 4-(2-(tert- butyl ) henyl ) pyridine ( 7 ) as a white solid (428 mg, 97%) : ¾ MR (500 MHz, CDClj) δ 8.60 (m, 2H) , 7.56 (d, J = 1.6Hz , 1H) , 7.37 (m, 1H) , 7.26 (m, 3H) , 6.90 (m, 1H) , 1.20 (s, 9H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 212 [M + H ] * .

Step B: A mixture of 4- (2- (tert-butyl) henyl(pyridine ( 7 , 428 mg, 2.30 mmol! and Pt0₂ (70 mg) in (20 mL) and concentrated HCI (0.2 mL) was subjected to an atmosphere of ¾ gas at a pressure of 50 PSI for 48 hours. The mixture was diluted with and filtered over Celite and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in washed with aqueous saturated NaHCCb, dried over NaaSO,!, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure.

The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 12 g Redisep column, 0-5% with 1% in ₂Clj) to 4- (2- ( ert-butyl ) phenyl !piperidine ( 8) as a white solid (60 mg, 13%): ¾ MR (500 KHz, CDCI3) 6 7.36 (m, 2H) , 7.20 (ra, 1H) , 7.19 (m, 1H) , 3.35 (m, 3H) , 2.77 (m 2H) , 1.82 (m, 4H) , 1.42 (8, 9H) MS (ESI+) m/z 218 [M + HJ^*.

Preparation ( 4, 5, 6, 7-T«trahydro-lH-pyx»»olo [3, 4-o]pyridin-3-yl) (4-

(2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methaiione (10)

Step A: To a solution of 4- ( 2- ( rifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.228 g, 0.861 mmol), 6- ( tert-butoxycarbonyl ) - 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] yridine-3-carboxylic acid (0.230 g, 0.861 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.49 mL, 2.81 mmol) in DMF (16 mL) under an atmosphere of N₂ was added EDCI (0.215 g, 1.12 mmol) and HOBt (0.151 g, 1.12 mmol). The resulting solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with (80 mL) . The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with H₂0 (50 mL) . Purification of the obtained solid by flash column chromatography (Isco CombiFlash Rf unit, 24 g Redisep column, 0% to 6% CH₃OH in CH₃C1₂ with 0.01%NH₄OH) gave tert- butyl 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidine-l-carbonyl) -4,5- dihydro-lH-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] pyridine-6 (7H) -carboxylate as a white film (9, 0.242 g, 58%); ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) 6 12.97 (s, 1H) , 7.71- 7.65 (m, IB) , 7.64-7,57 (m, 2H) , 7.45-7.36 (m, 1H) , 5.28-S.16 (m, 1H) , 4.74-4.61 (a, 1H) , 4.S1-4.36 (a, 2H! , 3.66-3.50 (m, 2H) , 3.23-3.04 im, 2HS , 2.85-2.61 (m, 3H) , 1.83-1.61 (m, 4H) , 1.42 (s, 9H) ; ESI MS m/z 479 [M + K] * .

Step B: To a suspension of tert-butyl 3- (4- (2-

( rifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidine-l-carbonyl) -4, 5-dihydro-lH- pyrazolo [3 , -c] yridine-6 (7H) -carboxylate {9, 0.240 g, 0.502 mmol) in CH₂CI₁ (3 niL) was added a 2 N HC1 solution in EtjO (3 mL) and the resulting solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours, to additional 3 mL of a 2 N HC1 solution in EtjO was added followed by CHsOH (3 mL) . The resulting suspension was stirred for 48 hours at ambient temperature. The mixture was diluted with EtjO (30 mL! and the solids obtained by filtration. The solids were partially dissolved in CH₂CI₂ (150 mL) and washed with aqueous saturated NaHCOj (50 mL! . The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2 (3 x 50 mL) the combined organic extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure to provide (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) ipe idin-1-yl ) methanone as an off-white solid (10, 0.176 g, 92%) : ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.75 (br s, 1H) , 7.67 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.65-7.60 (ra, 2H) , 7.43-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.16- 4.94 (m, 1H) , 4.77-4.56 (m, 1H) , 3.83-3.62 (m, 2H) , 3.18-3.05 (m, 2H) , 2.95-2.66 (m, 3H) , 2.59-2.52 (m, 2H) , 2.36-2.15 (m, 1H) , 1.86-1.58 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 379 [M + H]*.

Preparation (4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolot4_f 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-1-yl)methanone (12)

Step A: To a solution of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl!piperidine hydrochloride {5, 0.230 g, 0.868 mmol } , 5- ( tert-butoxycarbonyl ) - 4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridine-3-carboxylic acid (0.235 g, 0.868 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.5 mL, 2.81 mmol) in DMF (16 mL) under an atmosphere of ¾ was added EDCI (0.215 g, 1.12 mmol ) and HOBt (0.151 g, 1.12 mmol). The resulting solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with H2O (80 mL) . The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with ¾0 (50 mL) . Purification of the obtained solid by flash column chromatography (Isco CombiFlash Rf unit, 24 g Redisep column, 0% to 6% CH3OH in CH2CI2 with 0.01%NH₄OH) gave tert-butyl 3-(4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl (piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-lH- pyrazolo [ , 3-c] yridine-5 (4H) -carboxylate as a white film (11, 0.230 g, 52%): ¾ SMR (300 MHz, DMS0-<¾) 513.00 (s, 1H) , 7.70-7.68 (m, 1H) , 7.66-7.59 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.37 (m, 1H) , 5.30-5.18 (m, 1H) , 4.77-4.64 (m, 1H), 4.53-4.39 (m, 2H) , 3.69-3.49 (m, 2H) , 3.22-3.10 (m, 2H) , 2.89-2.64 (m, 3H) , 1.83-1.61 (m, 4H) , 1.42 (s, 9H) ; ESI MS m/z 479 [M + H]^».

Step B: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-lii- pyrazolo [4, 3-c] pyridine-5 (4ff) -carboxylate (11, 0.600 g, 1.25 mmol) in

CH2CI2 (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (2 mL) . The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and further co-evaporated with

CH2CI2 (3 xlO mil) and CHjCH (3 xlO mL) . The resulting residue was suspended in CH3OH (50 mL) and IN HCi (10 mL) was then added. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue obtained was again suspended in CH3OH (50 mL) and IN HCI (10 mL) was then added. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the solid obtained was triturated with CH₃OH/CH₃CM to give (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [ , 3-c] pyridin-3 -yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (12, 0.332 g, 59%): mp = 270-272 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 13.26 (s, 1H) , 9.18 (s, 2H) , 7.69 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H} , 7.62 (s, 2H) , 7.44- 7.40 (m, 1H) , 5.28 (d, J = 12.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.68 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.24 (d, J= 5.7 Hz, 2H) , 3.38 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.20-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.95 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.82 (t, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H) , 1.85-1.63 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 379 [M+H]*.

Preparation (1,4,5, 6-Tetrahydropyrrole [3, -c] yrazol-3-yl) (4-(2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl)plperldin-1-yl)methanone (1 )

14

Step A; A of mixture of 5- (tert-butoxyoarbonyl ) -1 , 4 , 5 , 6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , 4-c] pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (0.286 g, 1.13 mmol), 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.300 g, 1.13 mmol), benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) - phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (1.00 g, 2.26 mmol), and i- Pr2NEt (0.438 g, 3.39 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and then poured into ¾0. The mixture was extracted with

EtOAc (100 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 100 mL), dried over NajSO* . filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-70% EtOAc in hexanes ) to give tert-butyl 3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine-l-carbonyl ) -4 , 6-dihydropyrrolo

[3 , -c]pyrazole-5 ( 1H) -carboxylate as a white solid (13, 0.560 g, 100%) : ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.80 (m, 1H) , 7.65 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.30 (m, 3H) , 4.79-3.89 (m, 6H) , 3.24-2.90 (m, 3H) , 1.97- 1.72 (m, 4H) , 1.51 (s, 9H) ,· MS (ESI+) m/z 465 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -4 , 6-dihydropyrrolo

[3 , 4-c]pyrazola-5 ( ltf) -carboxylate (0.560 g, 1.21 mmol) in C¾C1₂ (10 mL) was added a 2 N HCl solution in EtjO (6 mL) . The mixture was for 24 hours and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between CH2CI2 and saturated NaHCCb · The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2 (3 x 30 mL) and the combined organic extracts were dried over NajSO« and concentrated under reduced pressure to give (1,4,5, 6-tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , -c] pyrazol-3 -yl ) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin- 1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (14, 0.358 g, 81%) , which was used as is in the next step.

Example It Preparation of ( 1- athyl-l , 4, 6, 7-tetrahydropyrano [4,3- cl pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluorometliyl)phenyl)piperidia-1-yl) methanone

Step A: To a solution of dihydro-2ff-pyran-4 ( JH) -one (1.57 g, 15.7 mmol) in toluene (8 mL) was added lithium bis ( trimethylsilyl) amide (1 M in THF, 16.5 mL, 16.5 mmol) at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred for 2 minutes. Ethyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate (1.06 g, 7.80 mmol) was then

added and the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 5 minutes , A solution of HOAc {1.3 mL) in ¾0 (12 mL) was added. The organic layer was separated, dried over EajSOa, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes ) to give a light yellow oil. The material was dissolved in EtOH {10 mL) . Methylhydrazine (0.115 mg, 2.50 mmol) was added. The solution was heated at 75 °C for 1 h, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated. The residue was chrosiatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 1-methyl-l, 4,6,7- tetrahydropyrano[4, 3-cJ yrazole-3-carboxylate as a white solid (0.264 g, 50%); ¾ MR (300 MHz, CDCli) δ 4.82 (s, 2H) , 4.37 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H) , 3.94 (m, 2H) , 3.85 is, 3H) , 2.72 (m, 2H) , 1.39 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (ES1+) m/z 211 [M+H]*. Step B: To a solution of ethyl 1-methyl-l , 4 , 6 , 7-tetrahydropyrano [4 , 3 - c]pyrazole-3-carboxylate ( 0.186 g, 0.885 mmol) in CHjOH (2 mL) and THF (2 mL) was added aqueous 2 N NaOH (2 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 2 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with ¾0 (25 mL) , and acidified with 2 N HC1 to pH 5. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 30 mL) . The combined extracts were dried over ®&₂SOt, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a white solid (0.093 g, 57%). A mixture of this material (0.031 g, 0.170 mmol), 4-(2-

( rifluororoethyl ) phenyl ) piperidlne (5, 0.039 g, 0.170 mmol), EDCI (0.039 g, 0.204 mmol), HOBt (0.028 g, 0.204 mmol), Et₃N (0.072 mL, 0.510 mmol) and CH2CI2 (3 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 h and chromatographed over silica gel (0-4% C¾0H in CH₂CI2 with 0.05% NH4OH) to give ( 1-methyl-l , 4 , 6 , 7-tetrahydropyrano [4 , 3- c] yrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.060 g, 90%): mp 44-46 °C; ^lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.50 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.42 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H) , 5.36 (m, 1H) , 4.88 (m, 3H) , 3.95 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.27-3.18 (m, 2H) , 2.85-2.69 (m, 3H) , 1.86- 1.70 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 394 [M+H]*.

Example 2s Preparation of (4- <2- (Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l- yl) (1,6, 6-tri-Mthyl-l,4,6,7-tetrahydropyrano[4, 3-c]pyraiol-3- yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of 2 , 2-dimethyldlhydro-2if-pyran~4 (3H) -one (1.00 g, 7.80 mmol) in toluene (6 mL) was added lithium bis ftrimethylsilyl) amide (1 M in THF, 8.19 mL, 8.19 mmol) at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred for 2 minutes followed by addition of ethyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate (1.06 g, 7.80 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 5 minutes followed by addition of HOAc (0.64 mL) in H₂0 (8 mL) . The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give a yellow oil. The material was dissolved in EtOH (10 mL) . Methylhydrazine (0.103 mg, 2.23 mmol) was added. The solution was heated at 75 °C for 1.5 h, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 1 , 6 , 6-trimethyl-l , 4 , 6 , 7- tetrahydropyrano[4, 3-c]pyrazole-3-carboxylate as a thick oil (0.135 g, 38%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) 5 4.80 (s, 2H) , 4.32 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H) , 4.14 (s, 3H), 2.63 (s, 2H) , 1.36 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) , 1.30 (s, 6H) ; MS (ESI+) /z 239 [ +H]*. Step B: To a solution of ethyl 1, 6, 6-trimethyl-l, 4 , 6, 7- tetrahydropyrano [4 , 3-c] yrazole-3-carboxylate (0.118 g, 0.521 mmol) in CH₃0H (2 mL) and THF (2 mL) was added aqueous 2 N NaOH (2 mL) . The mixture stirred for 3 hours and was diluted with ¾0 and acidified to pH 5 with 2 N HC1. The mixture was extracted with CH₂CI2 and the organic extract was dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated under

reduced pressure to give a white solid (0.085 g, 71%). A mixture of this material, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ! iperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.090 g, 0.338 mmol), EDCI (0.049 g, 0.257 mnol) , HOBt (0.035 g, 0.257 mmol), Et₃N (0.090 mL, 0.642 mmol) and C¾C1₂ (5 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 h and chromatographed over silica gel (0-4% CHjOH in CH2CI₃) to give (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-l-yl) (1 , 6 , 6-trimethyl-l ,4,6,7- tetrahydropyrano[4,3-e]pyrazol-3-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.078 g, 86%): mp 58-64 °C; >H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J - 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.38-7.31 (m, 2H) , 4.67 (s, 2H) , 3.92 (s, 3H) , 3.26-3.07 (ra, 3H) , 2.65 (s, 2H) , 1.92-1.69 (m, 6H) , 1.31 (s, 6H) ; MS (ESI+ ) m/z 422 [M+H] * .

Example 3: Preparation of (l-methyl-5, 5-dioxido-l,4, 6,7- tetrahydrothiop rano[ , 3-c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) n-1-yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of dihydro-2H-thiopyran-4 ( 3H) -one (1.00 g, 8.61 mmol) in toluene (4 mL) was added lithium bis (trimethylsilyl) mide (1 M in THF, 8.61 mL, 8.61 mmol) at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred for 2 minutes. Ethyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate (1.18 g, 8.61 mmol) was then added and the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 5 minutes followed by addition of a solution of HOAc (0.6 mL) in H2O (30 mL) . The resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc (20 mL) and the organic extract was washed with brine (20 mL) , dried over 2S04, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give a yellow oil. The material was dissolved in EtOH (20 mL) . Methylhydrazine (0.202 mg, 4.39 mmol) was added. The solution was heated at 75 °C for 3 hours

then cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 1-methyl-l, 4,6,7- tetrahydrothiopyrano [4 , 3-c) yrazole-3-carboxylate as a thick oil SO.093 g, 5%) : ¾ JMR (300 MHz, CDCli! δ 4.36 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2HJ , 4.11 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 2.98-2.86 <m, 4H) , 1.39 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (BSI+) m/z 227 [M+H]*.

Step B; To a solution of ethyl 1-meth l-1,4,6,7- tet lahydroth iopyrano ! , 3 - c! pyrazo1 e-3 -carboxylate (0.118 g, 0.521 raraol) in CH3OH (2 mL) and THP (2 mL) was added aqueous 2 N NaOH (2 mL) . The mixture stirred for 1 hour then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with H_aO (5 raL), and acidified to pH 5 with 1 N HC1. A precipitate formed and was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo (0.073 g, 71%). A mixture of this material, 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.090 g, 0.338 mmol), EDCI (0.078 g, 0.406 mmol) , HOBt (0.055 g, 0.406 mmol) , E aN (0.142 mL, 1.01 mmol) and CH2CI2 (5 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and chromatographed over silica gel (0-4% CH3OH in CH2CI2 ) to give ( 1-methyl-l , , 6 , 7- tetrahydrothiopyrano [4, 3-c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) pipe idin-1-yl ) methanone as a thick oil (0.102 g, 74%): ¾ MR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (m, 1H) , 7.40-7.29 (m, 2H), 4.86 (m, 1H) , 3.91-2.91 (m, 13H) , 1.96-1.49 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESr+) m/z 410 [M+H]*.

Step C: To a solution of ( 1-methyl-l , 4 , 6 , -tetrahydrothiopyrano [4 , 3- c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidin-1- yl)methanone (0.102 g, 0.249 mmol) in CH3CN (15 mL) and ¾0 (8 mL) was added Oxone (0.612 g, 0.996 mmol) . The mixture was stirred for 3 hours, poured into saturated NaHCOs and extracted with EtOAc. The organic extract was washed with brine, dried over 2S0 , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-4% CH3OH in CH2CI2 ) to give (1- methyl-5, 5-dioxido-l, , 6, 7-tetrahydrothiopyrano [4, 3-c]pyrazol-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white

solid (0.103 g, 93%): mp 232-234 NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) 8 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55 (br a, 34 (m, 2H) , 4.84 (br s, H) , 4.15-3.84 (m, 6H) , 3.35-2.98 (m, .00-1.54 (ra, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 442 [M+H] * .

Example 4: Preparation of ( 6-Fluoro- [1,2,4] triazolo [4, 3-a]pyridin-3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl>methanone

Step A: A solution of 5-fluoro-2-hydrazinylpyridine (0.460 g, 3.62 mraol ) and ethyl 2-oxoacetate (50% in toluene, 0.739 g, 3.62 mmol) in CH₃0H (20 mL) was heated at 60 °C for 1 hour, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (20 mL) . PhI(OAc)₂ (1.28 g, 3.98 mmol! was added and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-80% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 6-fluoro- [1,2,4] riazolo [4 , 3- a] pyridine-3-carboxylate as an off- white solid (0.331 g, 43%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 9.18 (m, 1H) , 8.00-7.95 (m, 1H) , 7.49-7.42 (m, 1H) , 4.60 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H) , 1.52 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 210 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6-fluoro- [1, 2, 4] triazolo [4, 3- a]pyridine-3-carboxylate (0.100 g, 0.478 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added a solution of LiOH hydrate (0.040 g, 0.956 mmol) in ¾0 (2 mL) . The mixture stirred for 20 minutes and was then acidified to pH 6 with 2 N HC1 followed by subsequent concentration under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was added to a mixture of 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.127 g, 0.478 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.423 g, 0.956 mmol), i-Pr₂NEt (0.185 g, 1.43

ntmol) in DMF (4 mL) . The mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and was then poured into ¾0 and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) . The organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 raL) , dried over Na_;SO« , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% E CAc in hexar.ee) and freeze dried to give ( 6-fluoro- [ 1 , 2,4] triazolo [4, 3- a]pyridin-3-yl ) ( 4- ( 2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-l- yDmethanone as a white solid (0.101 g, 53%); mp 168-170 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCli) 8 9.18 (s, 1H) , 7.88 (m, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H! , 7.55-7.30 (m, 4H) , 5.76 (m, 1H) , 4.99 (m, 1H) , 3.40-3.30 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (m, 1H) , 2.03-1.76 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+ ) ra/z 393 [M>H] * .

Example 5: Preparation of (6-Methoxy- [1, 2, 4] triazolo [4, 3-a] yridin-3- luoroowthyl) henyl)piparidln-1-yl)methanone

Step A: A solution of 2-hydrazinyl-5-methoxypyridine (0.674 g, 4.84 mmol) and ethyl 2-oxoacetate (50% in toluene, 0.988 g, 4.84 mmol ) in CHjOH (25 raL) was heated at 60 °C for 1 hour, then cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in C¾C1₂ (25 mL) and PhI(0Ac)₃ (1.71 g, 5.32 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture stirred for 16 hours then concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-80% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 6-methoxy- [1 , 2 , ] triazolo [ , 3-a]pyridine-3-carboxylate as an off- white solid (0.937 g, 87%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3 ) 8 8.69 (dd, J = 2.2, 0.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.84 (dd, J - 9.8, 0.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.27 (dd, J = 9.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.58 (q, J - 7.1 Hz , 2H) , 3.92 (s, 3H) , 1.52 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 222 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6-methoxy- [1,2,4] triazolo [4,3- alpyridine-3-carboxylate (0.060 g, 0.271 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added a solution of LiOH hydrate (0.034 g, 0.813 mmol) in ¾0 (3 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, was acidified to pH 6 with 2 N HC1, followed by concentration under reduced pressure. The residue was added to a mixture of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.072 g, 0.271 mmol), benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.240 g, 0.542 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.105 g, 0.813 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and then poured into ¾0. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over Na2SO_<t, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% EtOAc in hexanes) and freeze dried to give ( 6-methoxy- [1,2,4] triazolo (4 , 3 -a] yridin-3-yl) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidin-1-yl ) me hanone as a white solid (0.094 g, 85%): mp 152-154 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.70 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.76 (dd, J - 9.9, 1.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.44 (m, 2H) , 7.32 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.22 (dd, J = 9.9, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (m, 1H) , 4.97 (m, 1H) , 3.90 (s, 3H) , 3.39-3.29 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (m, 1H) , 2.03-1.77 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 405 [M+H]*.

Example 6: Preparation of < 6, 8-Dihydro-5.fi- [1, 2,4] triazolo [3, - c] [1, 4]oxazin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl(phenyl)piperidin-l-yl) methanone

Step A: To a solution of morpholin-3-one (0.442 g, 4.37 mmol) in CH2CI2 (10 mL) was added trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (0.711 g, 4.81 mmol). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was

added to a solution of ethyl 2 -hydrazinyl-2 -oxoacetate (0.577 g, 4.37 ttimol) in CHjOH (25 mL) and the resulting mixture was heated at 60 °C for 16 hours. The mixture cooled to ambient temperature and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between aqueous saturated KffiUCl and CH₂Cla . The organic layer was separated, dried over NajSOi, fil ered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-100% EtOAc in hexanes with 0.05% NH4OH) to give ethyl 6, 8-dihydro- 5H- [1,2,4] triazolo [3 , 4-c] [1,4] oxazine-3-carboxylate as a white solid (0.200 g, 23%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3 ) δ 5.04 (s, 2H) , 4.49 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.41 (m, 2H) , 4.06 (m, 2H) , 1.46 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (ESI+! ffl/2 198 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6 , 8-dihydro-5H- [1,2,4] triazolo [3 , 4- c] [ 1 , 4 ] oxazine-3-carboxylate (0.072 g, 0.365 mmol) in THP (3 mL) was added a solution of LiOH monohydrate (0.031 g, 0.730 mmol) in ¾0 (2 mL) . The mixture stirred for 20 minutes and was then acidified to pH 6 with 2 N HC1, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was added to a mixture of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) iperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.097 g, 0.365 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.323 g, 0.730 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.142 g, 1.10 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) . The mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and was then poured into HaO and subsequently extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) . The organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over Na₂S04, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed by reverse phase column (10- 50% CH₃CN in ¾0) and freeze dried to give (6-methoxy- [1,2,4] riazolo [4, -a]pyridin-3-yl) ( (3aR, 5r, 6aS) -5-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl Jhexahydrocyclopenta [c]pyrrol-2 (1H) - yl)methanone as an off-white solid (0.062 g, 44%): mp 202-203 °C ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.61 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.51 (m, 2H) , 7.31- 7.25 (m, 1H), 5.03 (s, 2H) , 4.54-4.47 (m, 2H) , 4.38-4.27 (m, 2H) , 4.08-4.00 (m, 2H) , 3.91-3.74 (m, 2H) , 3.62-3.50 (nt, 1H) , 3.01-2.80 (m, 2H) , 2.44-2.32 (m, 2H) , 1.69-1.56 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 407 (M+H); HPLC >99% purity (method C) . ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.65 (d,

J = 7,8 Hz, 1H! , 7.52 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, IH) , 7.44 id, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.32 (t, J - 7.8 HZ, IH! , 5.44-5.39 (m, IH) , 5.09-4.98 (m, 2H> , 4.90- 4.84 (m, IH) , 4.53-4.44 (m, IH) , 4.36-4.28 (m, IH) , 4.11-3.98 (m, 2H) , 3.30-3.21 <m, 2H) , 2.94-2.85 (ra, IH) , 2.031.71 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 381 [M+H]*.

Example 7: Preparation of 1- ( 3- (4- (2- (Trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piper dine-l-oarboriyl) yrrolo [3, 4-cJpyraxol-5 (IH,is, 6H) -yl)ethanon*

H

Step A: Following general procedure GP-H, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [ 3 , 4-c] yrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone (14) and acetyl chloride were converted to 1- (3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) iperidine-l-carbonyl ) pyrrolo [3 , -c]pyrazol-5 ( IH, AH, SH) -yl) ethanone as a white solid (0.043 g, 48%): mp 186-192 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, IH) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, IH) , 7.42-7.31 (m, 2H) , 4.91-4.55 (m, 5H) , 4.21 (m, IH) , 3.41-2.92 (m, 3H) , 2.17 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, 3H) , 1.98-1.76 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 407 [M+H] * . Example 8: Preparation of (5- (Methylsulfonyl) -1,4_» 5, 6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3, 4-c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl) hanone

H

Step A: Following general procedure GP-I, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , -c] yrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl)methanone (14) and methanesulfonyl chloride were converted to (5- !moth le Ifonyl ) - 1 , , 5, 6-tetrahydropyrrole (3,4- cJpyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.053 g, 54%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.41-7.32 (m, 2H) , 4.82-4.09 <m, 6H) , 3.30-2.22 (m, 2H) , 3.93 (m, 4H) , 2.05-1.74 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) ffl/z 443 [M+H]*.

Ex mple 9: Preparation of (5-Methyl-l, , 5, 6-tetrahydropyirolo[3, 4- c]pyraiol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoronethyl)phenyl)pip*ridln-l-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-J, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , 4-c] pyrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidin-l-yl)methanone (14) and formaldehyde were converted to (5- methyl-1 ,4,5, 6-tetrahydropyrrole [3 , 4-c] pyrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.060 g, 57%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.30 (m, 2H) , 4.85 (m, 1H) , 4.32 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 4H), 3.28-2.88 (m, 3H) , 2.63 (s, 3H) , 2.01-1.77 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+! m/z 379 [M+H]*.

Example 10: Preparation of ( 5-Methyl-l, 4, 5,6,7,8- hexahydropyrazolo[ , 3-c]azepin-3-yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethy1) phenyl) ipe idin-1-y )methanone

Step A: To a solution of tert-butyl 4-oxoazepar.e-l -carboxylase (0.300 g, 1.41 mmol) in THP (10 mL) was added bis ( trimethylsilyl ) amide (1 M THP, 1.55 mL, 1.55 mmol) over 10 min at -78 °C and the mixture stirred for 1 hour at this temperature. Diethyl oxalate (0.206 g, 1.41 mmol) was then added and the mixture stirred for an additional 2 hours at - 78 °C. The mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and was quenched with saturated aqueous NH₄CI . The resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the extra t was washed with brine, dried over Na;SO< , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give tert-butyl 3- (2-ethoxy-2-oxoacetyl) -4-oxoazepane-l- carboxylate as an oil (0.144 g, 32%) : ¾ MR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 15.66 (s, 1H), 4.45-4.32 (m, 4H) , 3.61 (m, 2H) , 2.80 (m, 2H) , 1.88-1.80 (m, 2H) , 1.45-1.37 (m, 12H) ; MS (ESI+ ) m/z 214 [M-COaC₄H_e+H] .

Step B: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (2-ethoxy-2-oxoacetyl) -4- oxoazepane-l-carboxylate (0.144 g, 0.460 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added a solution of hydrazine in THF (1 M, 2.3 mL) . The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-10% CH3OH in CH2CI2) to give 5-tert-butyl 3-ethyl 4,6,7,8- tetrahydropyrazolo[4 , 3-cJ azepine-3 , 5 (1H) -dicarboxylate as a thick oil (0.100 g, 70%) : MS (ESI+ ) m/z 254 [M-C₄He+H] .

Step C: To a solution of 5-tert-butyl 3-ethyl 4,6,7,8- tetrahydropyrazolo [4, 3-c] azepine-3 , 5 (1H) -dicarboxylate (0.100 g, 0.323 mmol) in THF (3 mL) and CH₃OH (0.5 mL) was added a solution of LiOH monohydrate (0.067 g, 1.62 mmol) in H₂0 (2 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours, acidified to pH 6 with 2

N HC1. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was added to a mixture of added 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl Jpiperidine hydrochloride (S, 0.086 g, 0.323 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphoniura hexafluorophosphate (0.286 g, 0.969 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.17 mL, 0.969 mmol) in DMF (3mL) . The mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 8 hours and was diluted with f½0 and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) . The extract was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over Na^SC , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-100% EtOAc in hexanes) to give tert-butyl 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidine-1- carbonyl) -4,6,7, 8- etrahydropyrazolo [ 4 , 3-c] azepine-5 (1H) -carboxylate as a thick oil (0.054 g, 34%) MS (ESI+ ! m/z 493 [M+H] * . Step D: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidine-1-carbonyl) -4,6,7,8- tetrahydropyrazolo [4 , 3-c] azepine-5 ( 1H) -carboxylate (0.054 g, 0.110 mmol) in C¾0H (10 mL) was added a 2 N solution of HC1 in Et₂0 (5 mL) . The reaction was stirred for 6 hours and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The material was dissolved in CHiOH (3 mL) and aqueous formaldehyde (37% solution in ¾0, 0.011 mL, 0.132 mmol) was added, followed by NaBH(0Ac (0.047 g, 0.22 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, and was subsequently poured into saturated NaHCC and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 30 mL) , dried over NaiSd, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed by reverse phase chromatography (0-50% CH₃CN in H₂0) and freeze dried to give ( 5-methyl-l , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8-hexahydropyrazolo [4 , 3- c] azepin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.034 g, 76%):%): mp 75-85 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.63 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.51 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.42 (d, J - 7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.84-4.51 (m, 2H) , 3.73 (s, 2H) , 3.25-2.80 (m, 7H) , 2.42 (s, 3H) , 1.90-1.74 (m, 7H) ; MS (ESI+ ) m/z 407 [M+H) * .

Example lit Preparation of (6-Methyl- [1, 2, ] triazolo [4, 3-a]pyridin-3- yl) (4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidi-i-l-yl)methanone

Step A: To a mixture of sodium 6-broitio- [1,2,4] triazolo [4 , 3-a] pyridine- 3-carboxylate (0.250 g, 0.947 mmol) and CH3OH (5 mL) was added aqueous HC1 (3 N, 0,32 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was added to a mixture of 4- (2- (trifluororaethyl) phenyl) piperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.252 g, 0.947 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (diraethylamino) - phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.838 g, 1.89 mmol), and i-fr. Et (0.49 mL, 2.84 mmol) in D F (5 mL) . The mixture stirred for 16 hours then poured into H2O. The aqueous mixture was extracted with E-tOAc (80 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 80 mL) , dried over Ka₂S0i, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% EtOAc in hexanes) to give (6-bromo- [1,2,4] triazolo [4, 3-a] pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-1-yl )methanone as a light yellow solid (0.240 g, 56%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 9.38 (m, 1H) , 7.78 (m, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.43 (m, 3H) , 7.32 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 5.73-5.68 (m, 1H) , 5.00-4.95 (m, 1H) , 3.40-3.28 (m, 2H) , 3.03-2.94 (m, 1H) , 2.01-1.81 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) ffl/z 455 [M+H+2].

Step B: To a mixture of (6-bromo- [1,2,4] triazolo [4 , 3-a]pyridin-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl (methanone (0.064 g, 0.141 mmol), Fe(acac)₃ (0.005 g, 0.0141 mmol), MP (0.05 mmol), and THF (1 mL) was added CH₃MgBr (1.4 M solution in THF/toluene, 0.15 mL, 0.212 mmol) dropwise at 0 °C. The resulting mixture was warmed to ambient temperature and stirred for 1 hour. Additional C¾ gBr solution (1.4 M solution in THF/toluene, 0.15 mL, 0.212 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for an additional 1 hour. 2 N HC1 (0.5 mL) was then added and the mixture was poured into saturated NaHCC¾ and extracted with EtOAc. The extract was washed with brine,

dried over NajSOj , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-70% EtOAc in hexaties) and freeze dried to give ( 6-methyl-[1,2,4] triazolo [4,3- a) yridin-3 -yl ) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidin-1- yl)methanone as a white solid (0.044 g, 80%) : mp 145-147 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz , CDCls) δ 8.92 (m, 1H) , 7.7Θ (m, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.44 lft, 2H) , 7.34-7.26 (m, 2H) , 5.70-5.65 (m, 1H) , 4.98 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.28 (m, 2H) , 3.02-2.92 (m, 1H) , 2.39 (s, 3H) , 2.07- 1.67 (m, 4H) MS (ESI+) m/z 389 [M+H]*.

Example 12 : Preparation of (6-Chloro- [1,2, ] triazolo [4, 3-a]pyridin-3- ifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: A solution of 5-chloro-2-hydrazinylpyridine (1.19 g, 8.29 mmol) and ethyl 2-oxoacetate (50% in toluene, 1.70 g, 8.29 mmol) in CH3OH (30 mL) was heated at 60 °C for 1 hour, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (30 mL) and PhI(0Ac)₂ (2.67 g, 8.29 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture stirred for 2 hours and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 6-chloro- [ 1 , , 4 ] triazolo [4 , 3-a] pyridine-3-carboxylate as an yellow solid (1.61 g, 86%} : ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 9.26 (m, 1H) , 7.93 (dd, J = 9.7, 0.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.47 (dd, J = 9.7, 1.9 Hz, 1H) , 4.60 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H) , 1.52 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) .

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6-chloro- [1,2,4] triazolo [4,3- a]pyridine-3-carboxylate (0.058 g, 0.257 mmol) in THF (4 mL) was added a solution of LiOH monohydrate (0.032 g, 0.771 mmol) in H₂0 (2 mL) . The mixture stirred for 30 minutes and was acidified to pH 6 with 2 N

HCl. The mixture was concentrated under reduce pressure and the residue was added to a separate of mixture 4- ! 2- ί ifluoronsethyl > henyl ! pipe idine hydrochloride (5, 0.068 g, 0.257 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.227 g, 0.514 mmol), and i-PnNEt (0.100 g, 0.771 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and was poured into ¾0. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over NajSOi, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) and freeze dried to give (6- chloro- t 1 , 2, 4 ] triazolo [4 , 3-a)pyridin-3-yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) iperidin-1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.036 g, 34%): mp 158-160 °C; >H NMR (300 MHz, CDCla) δ 9.27 (m, 1H) , 7.84 (ra, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.30 (m, 4H) , 5.73-5.68 (m, 1H) , 5.00-4.94 (m, 1H) , 3.39-3.28 (m, 2H) , 3.03-2.93 (m, 1H) , 2.04-1.76 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 409 [M+H]*.

Example 13: Preparation of (6- (Trifluoromethyl) -[1,2, ] riazolo[4, 3- «]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl) methanone

Step A: A solution of 2-hydrazinyl-5- (trifluoromethyl ) yridine (0.525 g, 2.96 mmol) and ethyl 2-oxoacetate (50% in toluene, 0.604 g, 2.96 mmol) in CH₃OH (20 mL) was heated at 60 °C for 1 hour, then cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 (20 mL) to which PhKOAc (0.953 g, 2.96 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl

6- ί trifluoromethyl) -[1,2,41 triazolo[4, 3~ai yridine-3-carboxylate as an yellow solid (0,626 g, 81%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 9.57 (m, 1H) , 8.08 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.63 (dd, J = 9.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.62 (q, J » 7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.53 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) .

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6- (trifluoromethyl ) - [1,2,4] triazolo [4 , 3-a]pyridine-3-carboxylate (0.067 g, 0.2S9 irartol) in THF (3 mL) was added a solution LiOH monohydrate (0.033 g, 0.777 mmol) in H₂O (1 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes then acidified to pH 6 with 2 N HC1 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was added to a mixture of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidine hydrochloride (5, 0.069 g, 0.259 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0.228 g, 0.516 mmol), and i-Pr₂NEt (0.100 g, 0.777 mmol! in DMF (2 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and poured into ¾0. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over NajS0 , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) and freeze dried to give (6- (trifluoromethyl) -[1,2, ] triazolo [4 , 3-a!pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.042 g, 36%): mp 144-146 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 9.60 (m, 1H) , 8.00 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.59-7.43 (m, 3H) , 7.33 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.73-5.68 (m, 1H) , 5.01-4.96 (m, 1H) , 3.41- 3.32 (m, 2H), 3.05-2.96 (m, 1H) , 2.06-1.78 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) /z 443 [M+H]^÷.

Example 14: Preparation of (6-Ethoxy- [1,2, 4] riazolo[4, 3-a] ridin-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-1-yl)methadone

Step A: A solution of 5-ethoxy-2-hydrazinylpyridine (0.460 g, 3.00 mmol) and ethyl 2-oxoacatate < 50% in toluene, 0.613 g, 3.00 mmol) in CH3OH (20 mL) was heated at 60 °C for 1 hour, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 (20 mL) . PhKOAc ) . (1.06 g, 3.30 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-80% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 6-ethoxy- [1,2,4] triazolo [ , 3- a]pyridine~3-carboxylate as an yellow solid (0.620 g, 87%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) 3 8.67 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.84 (dd, J = 9.8, 0.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.26 (dd, J = 9.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H) , 4.57 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H) , 4.10 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H) , 1.54-1.48 (m, 6H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 236 [M+H] * . Step B: To a solution of ethyl 6-ethoxy- [1 , 2 , 4 ] triazolo [ , 3- a] pyridine-3-carboxylate (0.072 g, 0.306 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added a solution of lithium hydroxide hydrate (0.038 g, 0.918 mmol) in ¾0 (1 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 30 min, acidified to pH 6 with 2 N HC1 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue were added to a mixture of 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) piperidine hydrochloride ( 5 , 0.081 g, 0.306 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (0,271 g, 0.612 mmol) , and i-Pr₂NEt (0.119 g, 0.918 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and poured into H₂0. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (30 mL) and the organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 30 mL) , dried over Na2S0 , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-30% EtOAc in hexanes) and freeze dried to give ( 6-ethoxy- [1 , 2 , 4] triazolo [4 , 3-a]pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as an off-white

solid (0.068 g, 53%) : mp 113-115 °C; ¾ MMH (300 MHz, CDCli) 8 8.68 (d, J - 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (m, 1H) , 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54- 7.44 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.19 ( , 2H) , 5.78-5.73 (m, 1H) , 4.96 (m, 1H> , 4.12-4.04 (m, 2H) , 3.37-2.29 (m, 2H) , 3.01-2.92 (m, 1H) , 2.03-1.76 (m, 4H) , 1.48 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H) MS (ESI+ ) m/z 419 [M+H] * .

Example IS: Preparation of (5-M.uoro-lH-indazol-3~yl) (4- (2- hyl) henylίpiperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine hydrochloride and 5~fluoro-lff- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (5-fluoro-lH-indazol-S- yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.087 g, 51%) : mp 188-190 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 13.64 (s, 1H) , 7.73-7.59 (m, 5H) , 7.45-7.39 (m, 1H) , 7.36-7.29 (m, 1H) , 5.08-4.99 (m, 1H) , 4.83-4.74 (m, 1H) , 3.29-3.13 (m, 2H) , 2.95-2.85 (m, 1H), 1.86-1.71 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 392 [M + H]*.

Example 16: Preparation of (4,5, 6, 7-Tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[3, 4- c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l- Hydrochloride

Step A: To a solution of (4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-l.ff-pyrazolo [3 , 4- c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidin-1-

yDmethanone (6, 0.045 g , 0.12 mmol) in CHjOH (1.0 mL) was added HC1 i^'2N In EtaO, 0.060 raL, 0.12 mmol) the reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 min. The reaction was diluted with EtjO {20 ml) and the solids collected by filtration to provide (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro- lfi-pyrazolo[3 , 4-c]pyridin~3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)

phenyl) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone hydrochloride as a white solid (10, 0.031 g, 63%): mp 272-278 °C; ¾ KMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.32 (s, 1H), 9.47 (s, 2H) , 7.68 (d, J = 8.0 Hz , 1H) , 7.65-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.45- 7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.32-5.27 (m, 1H) , 4.72-4.64 (m, 1H) , 4.27-4.16 (m, 2H) , 3.35 it, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) , 3.24-3,20 (m, 2H) , 2.96 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 2H) , 2.86-2.75 (m, 1H) , 1.82-1.63 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 379 [M + H]*.

Example 17s Preparation of l-(3-(4-(2-

(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidine-l-carboriyl! -4, 5-dihydro-lH- dln-6 (7H) -yl)ethanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-E, (4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [3 , -c] pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidin- l-yl)methanone and acetyl chloride were converted to (l-(3-(4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ) ipe idine-l-carbonyl ) -4 , 5-dihydro-lH- pyrazolo [3 , -c] pyridin-6 (7if) -yl) ethanone as a white solid (0.032 g, 71%): mp 202-209 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.99-12.91 (m, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.65-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.31- 5.12 (m, 1H), 4.47-4.46 (m, 3H) , 3.80-3.61 (m, 2H) , 3.20-3.09 (m, 2H) , 2.85-2.75 (m, 2H) , 2.65 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H) , 2.11-2.05 (m, 3H) , 1.82- 1.65 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 421 [M + H]*.

Ex m le 18: Preparation of (6- (Methylsulfonyl) -4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro- lH-pyrazolo[3, 4-σ] yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- <trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-P, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lii- pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] yridin-3-yl ) {4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin- 1-yl)methanone and methane sulfonylchloride were converted to ( 6- (methylsul onyl ) -4 , 5 , 6 , 7 tet.rahydro- 1H- pyrazolo [ 3 , 4-c] pyridin-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.034 g, 70%): mp 242-245 °C; ¾ MR (500 MHz, DMSO-<¾) 5 13.03 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.30-5.21 (m, 1H) , 4.72-4.64 (m, 1H) , 4.43-4.27 (m, 2H) , 3.51- 3.41 (m, 2H), 3.21-3.09 (m, 2H) , 3.94 (s, 3H) , 2.86-2.75 (m, 3H) , 1.81-1.64 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 457 [M + H]*.

Example 19s Preparation of (6-Methyl-4, 5, 6,7-tetraliydro-lH- pyrazolo[3, 4-c] yridln-3-yl) {4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-G, (4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl )phenyl Jpiperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and 37% aqueous formaldehyde were converted to (6- methyl-4 ,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidin-1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.008 g, 13%); mp 115-120 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 12.83 (br s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.65-7.59 (m, 2H) , 7.45-7.38 (m, 1H), 5.15-5.07 (m, 2H) , 4.71-4.63 (m, 2H) , 3.62-3.40 (m, 2H) , 3.18-

3.07 (ra, 2H) , 2.83-2.65 (m, 4H) , 2,47-2.38 (ra, 2H) , 1.83-1.62 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS /z 393 [M + H]*.

Example 20 Preparation of (6-Pluoro-lif-indazol-3-yl) (4-{2- )phenyl)piperietln-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A , 4- (2- ί trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 6-fluoro-lH- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-fluoro-lff-indazol-3- yl ) ( - (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone (0.053 g, 31%); mp 210-212 °C; ¾ HMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 13.54 (s, 1H) , 8.04- 8.01 (m, 1H) , 7.71-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H) , 7.13-7.10 (m, 1H) , 4.96-4.78 (m, 2H) , 3.25-3.17 (m, 2H) , 2.92-2.90 (m, 1H) , 1.82-1.77 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 392 (M + Hj * .

Example 21t Preparation of (5-Fluoro-l-raethyl-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4-(2- (phenyl) iperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine hydrochloride and 5-fluoro-l- raethyl-lH-indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (5-fluoro-l- methyl-Iff-indazol-3-yl ) ( - ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl)piperidin-1- yl)methanone (0.079 g, 44%): mp 161-163 °C; ^lH MR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.90-7.20 (m, 4H) , 7.45-7.43 (m, 2H) , 7.26-7.20 (m, 1H) , 4.68 (br

s, 1H), 4.22 (br is, 3H) , 3,76-3.48 <m, 2H) , 3.13-3.02 (ra, 2H) , 2.01- 1.57 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 406 [M + H] * .

Example 22s Preparation of l-{3-(4-Fluoro-4-(2-(trifluoromet-iyl) phenylJpiperidlae-l-earbonyl) -6,7-dihydro-lH-pyrazolo[4, 3-o]pyridin-

Step A: To a solution of 4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl ) phenyl) iperidin-4 -ol (1.00 g, 4.08 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (25 mL) and i-Pr₂NEt (1.0 mL, 5.74 mmol) was added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.07 g 4.90 mmol) and the reaction stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. The reaction was diluted with aqueous saturated NHaCl and extracted with (2 x 25 mL) . The combined organic extracts were washed with H₂0, dried over MgS0₄, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to provide tert-butyl 4-hydroxy-4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidine-1-carboxylate as an off-white solid (1.20 g, 85%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCla) 5 7.79 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.53-7.51 (m, 2H) , 7.40-7.34 (m, 1H) , 4.09-4.02 (m, 2H) , 3.31-3.20 (m, 2H) , 2.16-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.77 (m, 3H) , 1.48 (s, 9H) .

Step B: To a solution of tert-butyl 4-hydroxy-4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyDpiperidine-l- carboxylate (0.400 g, 1.16 mmol) in (12 mL) stirring at -50 °C was added Deoxo-Flour® (0.26 mL, 1.41 mmol) dropwise over 20 min. The reaction was slowly warmed to room temperature over a period of 16 hours. The reaction was quenched with a saturated aqueous solution of HaiCOi (20 mL) and extracted with CH₂C1₂ (3 x 20 mL) . The combined organic extracts were washed with ¾0, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 40g Redisep column, 0- 100% EtOAc in hexanes) to provide tert-butyl 4-fluoro-4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidine-1-carboxylate as a clear liquid (0.205 g, 51%): ¾ KMR (300 MHz, CDClj) 8 7.79 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) ,

7.53-7.51 (m, 2H) , 7.40-7.34 (m, 1H) , 4.09-4.02 (m, 2H) , 3.31-3.20 (m, 2H) , 2.16-2.05 (m, 2H) , 1.96-1.77 Cm, 3H! , 1.48 (s, 9H) .

Step C: To a solution of tert-butyl 4-fluoro-4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine-1- carboxylate (0.205 g, 0.59 mitiol) in CH2CI2 (2 mL) was added a solution of 2 M HC1 in Et₂0 (2 mL) and the solution stirred for 6 hours at ambient temperature. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to provide 4-fluoro- 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl Jpiperidine hydrochloride as an off-white solid (0.153 g, 92%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.15-8.90 (rti, 1H) , 7.88-7.51 (m, 4H) , 3.40-3.02 (m, 6H) , 2.22-2.14 (m, 2H) ; ESI MS m/z 248 [M + H] * .

Step D: To a solution of 4-fluoro-4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine hydrochloride (0.128 g, 0.45 mmol) , 5-(tert- butoxycarbonyl) -4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridine-3- carboxylic acid (0.130 g, 0.50 mmol), and i-PrjNEt (0.24 mL, 1.38 mmol) in DMP (10 mL) was added EDCI (0.120 g, 0.63 mmol) and HOBt (0.085 g, 0.63 mmol). The mixture stirred for 18 hours at ambient temperature and was diluted with HaO (10 mL) . The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 10 mL) and the combined organic extracts were washed with brine (10 mL) , dried over Na₂S04, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 12g Redisep column, 0% to 100% EtOAc in hexanes) to provide tert-butyl 3- (4-fluoro-4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine-l-carbonyl) -6,7- dihydro-lff-pyrazolo [ , 3-c]pyridine-5 ( 4H) -carboxylate as a white solid (0.121 g, 54%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.82-7.79 (m, 1H) , 7.56- 7.40 (m, 3H) , 4.77 (br s, 1H) , 4.62 (s, 2H) , 3.74-3.12 (m, 6H) , 2.82- 2.78 (ra, 2H) , 2.33-2.18 (m, 4H) , 1.48 (s, 9H) ; ESI MS m/z 497 [M + HI*.

Step E: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (4-fluoro-4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-lfi-

pyrazolo [ , 3-c] yridine-5 (&H) -carboxylate (0.121 g, 0,24 mmolj in CHjCla (3 mL! was added a solution of 2 M HC1 in EtjO (1.2 mU and the mixture was stirred for 7 hours at ambient temperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was triturated with hexanes to provide (4-fluoro-4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin- 1-yl ) (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl ) methanone hydrochloride as a white solid (0.076 g, 73%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d₆> δ 13.31 (br s, 1H) , 9.19 (br s, 1H) , 7.86-7.83 (m, 1H) , 7.68-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.54 (m, 1H) , 5.26-5.22 (m, 1H) , 4.61-4.57 (m, 1H) , 4.25 (s, 2H) , 3.51-3.35 (m, 4H) , 3.11-2.91 (m, 3H) , 2.32-2.07 (m, 4H) .

Step P: To a solution of (4-fluoro-4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidin-1-yl) (4,5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin- 3-yl ) methanone hydrochloride (0.076 g, 0.19 mmol) in DMF (2 rat,) and i-PraNEt (0.08 mL, 0.46 mmol) was added acetyl chloride (0.014 mL, 0.20 mmol) and the reaction stirred for 18 hours at ambient temperature. The reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in a solution of 7 M N¾ in CH₃OH (4 mL) . The mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 12g Redisep column, 0% to 100% (90:10:0.01 CH2CI2 , CH₃OH, H₄OH in CH2CI2 ) and dried in at 60 °C under vacuum to provide 1- (3- (4-fluoro-4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl(piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-l//- pyrazolo [4 , 3 -c] yridin-5 ( &H) -yl ) ethanone as a white solid (0.031 g, 39%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-(¾) δ 13.04-13.00 (m, 1H) , 7.85-7.82 (m, 1H), 7.69-7.53 (m, 3H) , 5.20-5.12 (m, 1H) , 4.59-4.48 (m, 3H) , 3.82- 3.62 (m, 2H) , 3.46-3.37 (m, 1H) , 3.08-3.02 fm, 1H) , 2.83-2.59 (m, 2H) , 2.27-2.06 (m, 7H) ; ESI MS m/z 439 [M + H]*.

Example 23: Preparation of (6-Pluoro-1-isopropyl-1H-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (tri£luoromethyl)phenyl)piparidin-1-y1)methanone

Step A: To a solution of ( 6-fluoro-ltf-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2-

( rifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone {0.05 g, 0.13 itimol) and iodopropane (0.020 raL, 0.19 mmolS in DMP (2 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (0.044 g, 0.32 ramol) . The mixture stirred for 4 hours at ambient temperature and was then diluted with ¾0 (5 mL) . The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (5 mL) and the organic extracts were dried over Na2SO< , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Parallex Flex unit, YMC-Pack ODS-A column, 5% to 95% CH₃CN in H₂0) to give (6-fluoro- l-isopropyl-lff-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.032 g, 58%): mp = 50-53 °C; »H MR (500 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.85 (dd, J = 2.4 Hz , J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.52 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.46 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.40 (dd, J = 4.0 Hz , J = 9.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.31 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.18 (dt, J = 2.5 Hz, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 5.09 (br s, 2H), 4.89-4.80 (m, 1H) , 3.32-2.94 (m, 3H) , 1.93-1.81 (m, 4H) , 1.59 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 434 [M+H]*. Example 2 : Preparation of (l-Ethyl-6-fluoro-lif-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of (6-fluoro-lff-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2-

(trxfluoromethyl! phenyl) iperidin-1- 1 ) methanone (0.05 g, 0.13 mmol) and iodoethane (0.015 mL, 0.19 mmol ) in DMP (2 mL) was added KiCOj (0.044 g, 0.32 mmol). The mixture stirred for 4 hours at ambient temperature and was then diluted with H2O (5 mL) . The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (5 mL) and the organic extracts were dried over NajSOj, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Parallex Flex unit, YMC-Pack ODS-A column, 5% to 95% CH3CN in H₂0) to give (1-ethyl- 6-fluoro-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin- 1-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.020 g, 37%): mp = 44-46 °C ¾ HMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.83 (dd, J = 2.4 Hz , J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.46 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.37 (dd, J = 4.0 Hz , J = 9.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.31 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.20 (dt, J ^■-- 2.4 Hz, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 5.07 (d, J - 47.2 Hz, 2H) , 4.44 (q, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H) , 3.38-3.24 (m, 2H) , 2.93 (br s, 1H) , 1.99- 1.81 (m, 4H! , 1.54 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 420 [M+H]'.

Exam le 25 Preparation of ( 6-Fluoro-l- (oxetan-3-yl) -lfJ-indazol-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidln-1-yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of ( 6-fluoro-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone (0.075 g, 0.19 mmol) and 3-iodooxetane (0.025 mL, 0.29 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added (0.066 g, 0.48 mmol). The mixture stirred for 24 h at ambient temperature and 3-idooxetane (0.015 mL, 0.19 mmol) was added and stirred at 60 °C for 24 hours. The mixture was diluted with ¾0 (5 mL) , The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (5 mL) and the

organic extracts were dried over Na_:S0« , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Parallex Flex unit, YMC-Pack ODS-A column, 5% to 95% CHjCN in HaO) to give (6-fluoro-1- (oxetan-3-yl) -lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.023 g, 27%): mp = 70-73 °C; ¾ M (500 MHz, CDCI₃) 8 7.86 (dd, J = 2.2 Hz , J = 8.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54-7.45 (m, 3H) , 7.32 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.23 (dd, J = 2.5 Hz, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 5.82-5.76 (m, 1H) , 5.25 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H) , 5.16-5.11 (m, 3H) , 5.02 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 1H), 3.34-3.27 ( ra , 2H) , 2.97-2.94 (m, 1H) , 2.05-1.81 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 448 [M+H ) * .

Example 26s Preparation of (4, 5, 6, 7-T*trahydro-lJBT-p razolo[4, 3- c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifl orcMtbyljphenyl)piperidin-1- 1)methanone

Step A: To a solution of tert-butyl 3- (4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-lfi- pyrazolo [4, 3-e]pyridine-5 (4ίί) -carboxylate (0.600 g, 1.25 mmol) in CH2CI2 (5 raL) was added TPA (2 mL) . The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and further co-evaporated with CH₂CI₂ (3 xlO mL) and CH₃CN (3 xlO mL) . The resulting residue was suspended in CH3OH (50 mL) and IN HC1 (10 mL) was then added. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue obtained was again suspended in CH3OH (50 mL) and IN HCl (10 mL) was then added. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and the solid obtained was triturated with CH3OH/CH₃CN to give (4,5,6,7- tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3 -cj yridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (12, 0.332 g, 59%): mp = 270-272 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.26 (s, 1H) , 9.18 (s, 2H) , 7.69 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7,62 (s, 2H) , 7,44- 7.40 (m, 1H) , S.28 id, J = 12.3 Hz, 1HJ , 4.68 id, J = 11.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.24 (d, J - 5.7 Hz, 2H) , 3.38 it, J » 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 3.20-3.11 ( , 2H) , 2.95 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) , 2.82 (t, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H) , 1.85-1.63 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 379 [M+H] * .

Kxanple 27: Preparation of l-(3-(4-{2-

(Trifluoroeethyl)phenyl) iperidiae-l-oar oayl) -6_»7-dihydro-lH- c]pyridin-5 (48) -yl)ethanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-B, (4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ! henyl ) piperidin- 1-ylS me hanone and acetyl chloride were converted to 1- (3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidine-1-carbonyl) -6 , 7-dihydro-1H- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-5 (4H) -yl) ethanone as a white solid (0.031 g, 66%): mp = 208-211 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.96 (d, J = 20.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.66-7.62 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.38 (m, 1H), 5.22 (d, J = 38.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.75-4.46 (m, 3H) , 3.82-3.61 (m, 2H) , 3.20-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.78 (t, J - 5.6 Hz, 2H) , 2.66 it, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H) , 2.08 (d, J = 12.7 Hz, 3H) , 1.83-1.68 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 421 [M+H]*.

Example 28: Preparation of (5- (Methylsulfonyl) -4, 5, 6,7-tetrahydro-lH'- pyrazolo [4, 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- {2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lii- pyrazolo [4 , 3~c] y idin-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and methane sulfonyl chloride were converted to (5- (methylsulfonyl) -4,5, 6 , 7-tetrahydro-l/i-pyrazolo (4 , 3-c]pyridln-3- yl ) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl i iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.040 g, 79%): mp = 240-243 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.03 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J ~ 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.66-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.45-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.26 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H) , 4.69 (d, J = 10.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.42- 4.21 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.44 (m, 2H) , 3.19-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.94 (s, 3H) , 2.86-2.79 (ra, 3H) , 1.86-1.63 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 457 [M+HJ*.

Example 29: Preparation of ( ( e-Chloro-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- )phenyl)piperidin-1-y1)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4-(2-

(trifluoromethyl(phenyl)piperidine hydrochloride and e-chloro-l/f- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to ( 6-chloro-lH-indazol-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.034 g, 22%): mp = 221-223 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 13.64 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.72-7.60 (m, 4H) , 7.42 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (dd, J = 1.7 Hz, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.94 (d, J =

13.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.79 id, J - 12.1 Hz, 1H) , 3.32-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.91 (t, J" = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 1.89-1.70 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+ ) m/z 408 [M+H]*.

Example 30s Preparation of < lH-pyraiolo [3, 4-to]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromthy )phenyl)piper din-1-yl)saathanona

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidine hydrochloride and lff-pyrazolo [3 , 4- b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid were converted to { IH-pyrazolo [3 , 4- b]pyridin-3-yl) (4- ( 2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) ipe idin-1- yl) methanone as a white solid (0.058 g, 41%): mp = 202-205 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-ds) 5 13.92 (s, 1H) , 9.33 (s, 1H) , 8.42 (d, J - 5.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.75-7.60 (m, 4H) , 7.43 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.96 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.80 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 1H) , 3.29-3.14 (m, 2H) , 3.01-2.89 (m, 1H) , 1.89-1.73 (m, 4H) ,· MS (APCI+) m/z 375 [M+H]*.

Example 31: Preparation of (5-Chloro-lH-lndazol-3-yl) (4- (2- thyl) henyl) iperidin-1-y1)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidine hydrochloride and 5-chloro-lff- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to ( 5-chloro-lH-indazol-3- yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyljpiperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a light pink solid (0.054 g, 35%): mp = 210-212 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-ds)

5 13.73 (s, 1H) , 8.05 (s, 1H) , 7.75-7.62 (m, 4H) , 7.48-7.39 (m, 2H) , 5.03 id, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.79 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H) , 3.29-3.17 (m, 2H), 2.99-2.87 (m, 1H) , 1.81 (t, J * 6.9 Hz, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 408 [M+H]*.

Example 32: Preparation of ( 5-Methoxy-lif-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ) phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2- ( trif luoromethyl ) henyl) piperidine hydrochloride and 5-raethoxy-lH- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (5-methoxy-l/f-indazol-3- yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl! henyl ) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.078 g, 51%) : mp = 168-170 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) 5 8.75 (s, 1H) , 7.69-7.62 (m, 3H) , 7.42 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 1H) , 7.34 (d, J = 2.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.28 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.22 (dd, J = 2.9 Hz , J - 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 4.24 (d, J = 13.5 Hz, 2H) , 3.79 (s, 3H) , 3.09 (t, J = 11.4 Hz, 1H) , 2.94 (t, J = 11.8 Hz, 2H) , 1.86-1.68 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+ i m/z 404 [M+H]*. Example 33 : Preparation of Benzoic] isoxazol-3-yl ( - (2- thyl)phenyl ) iperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4-(2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl (piperidine hydrochloride and 3-carboxy-2, 1- benzisoxazole were converted to benzo [ c] isoxazol-3 -yl ( 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl! henyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.093 g, 66%): mp = 106-108 °C; ¾ N R (500 MHz, DMS0~(¾) δ 7.86 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.45 (t, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H) , 7.70-7.63 (m, 2H) , 7.52- 7.48 (m, 1H) , 7.43 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.28-7.24 (m, 1H! , 4.74-4.65 (m, 1H) , 4.27-4.18 (m, 1H) , 3.50-3.38 (m, 1H) , 3.24-3.17 (m, 1H) , 3.09-3.00 (m, 1H) , 1.98-1.75 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 375 [M+H]*.

Example 34t Preparation of (5, 6-Difluoro-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4-(3- ) henyl) iperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl ) henyl) piperidina hydrochloride and 5, 6-difluoro- l/i-indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (5, 6-difluoro-lH- indazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.074 g, 48%): mp = 233-235 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MH , DMSO-de) 8 13.72 (s, 1H) , 7.96-7.91 (m, 1H) , 7.74-7.67 (m, 3H) , 7.66- 7.60 (m, 1H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.02 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 1H) , 4.78 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1H), 3.29-3.17 (m, 2H) , 2.91 (t, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H) , 1.86- 1.74 (in, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 410 [M+H]*.

Example 35: Preparation of (7-Chloro-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- hyl) henyl) iparidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidine hydrochloride and 7-chloro-lH-

indazole- i -carboxylic acid were converted to (7-chloro-lf£-indazol-3- yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.100 g, 65%); mp = 192-195 °C; ¾ MMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d_s) δ 14.03 (s, 1H) , 7.98 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H) , 7.69 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H) , 7.64 !t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7. S3 id, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H! , 7.42 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, lHi , 7.24 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.87 (d, J = 13.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.79 (d, J « 12.7 Hz, 1H) , 3.29-3.16 (m, 2H) , 3.03-2.83 (m, 1H) , 1.89-1.70 (m, 4H! ; MS (APCI+) m/z 408 [M+H]*. Example 36s Preparation of 3- (4- (2- {Trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperidine-1-ca bony1) -IB-indazola-5-carbonitrile

Step A: To a solution of (5-bromo-lf£-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2-

( rifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperidin~l-yl )methartone (0.100 g, 0.22 mmol) and CuCN (0.040 g, 0.44 mmol) was added NMP (1 itiL) . The mixture stirred for 48 hours at 160 °C and was then diluted with 6 N HC1 (3 mL) and stirred at ambient temperature for 10 minutes. The mixture was then diluted with ¾0 (10 mL) and extracted with CH₂CI₂ (10 mL) and the organic extracts were dried over HaaSC , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 12 g Redisep column, 0% to 20% EtOAc in hexanes) then purified by preparative TLC (0% to 3% EtOAc in hexanes) to give 3-(4-(2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -lH-indazole-5- carbonitrile as a white solid (0.019 g, 22%): mp = 249-252 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 14.01 (s, 1H) , 8.52 (s, 1H) , 7.81 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.75 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.69 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.64 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.42 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 4.92 (d, J = 13.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.79

id, J = 11.5 Hz, 1H), 3.25-3.17 (m, 2H) , 3.03-2.91 ( , lH) , 1.87-1.72 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 399 [M+H]*. Example 37: Preparation of (5- (Ethylsulfonyl) -4, 5, 6,7-tetrahydro-lii- pyrazolo [4, 3-c]pyridin-3-y1) ( - (2- (tri luoronathyl)phenyl) iperidin-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin- l-yl) methanone and ethane sulfonyl chloride were converted to (5- (ethylsulfonyl) -4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-3- yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.038 g, 48%): mp = 187-189 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-cfc) δ 13.03 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.66-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.38 (ffl, 1H) , 5.27 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.68 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.48- 4.33 (m, 2H) , 3.59-3.47 (m, 2H) , 3.20-3.08 (m, 4H) , 2.88-2.74 (m, 3H) , 1.82-1.63 (m, 4H) , 1.21 it, J » 7.4 Hz, 3H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 471 [M+H] ⁺ . Example 38: Preparation of (5- (Isobutylsulfonyl) -4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro- lH-pyrazolo[4, 3-c]py din-3-yl) {4- <2- <trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, ( , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lff- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) iperidin-

l-yl ) methanone and isobutane sulfonyl chloride were converted to (5- (isobutylsulfonyl) -4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-3- yl) (4- (2- ( trifluororoethyl) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0,047 g, 57%): mp = 178-180 °C; ¾ NMR {500 MHz, DMSO-d₅) 5 13,03 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.26 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H) , 4.68 id, J = 11.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.45- 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.56-3.43 (ra, 2H) , 3.21-3.12 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H) , 2.80 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 3H) , 2.17-2.06 (m, 1H) , 1.82-1.63 (ra, 4H) , 1.04 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 499 [M+H]*.

Example 39i Preparation of (5- (Isopropylsulfonyl) -4, 3, 6, 7-tetrahydro- lH-pyrazoio[ , 3-c]pyridln-3-yl) <4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl)

hescwl)piper idin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl) ( 4- (2 - ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidin- 1-yl) methanone and isopropyl sulfonyl chloride were converted to (5- (isopropylsulfonyl ) - , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridin-3- yl) ( 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone as an off- white solid (0.022 g, 27%): mp = 199-201 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 13.02 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.66-7.59 (ra, 2H) , 7.44- 7.38 <m, 1H) , 5.28 (d, J = 12.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.68 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.53-4.36 (m, 2H) , 3.62-3.56 (m, 2H) , 3.42-3.36 (m, 1H) , 3.11-3.08 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.74 (m, 3H) , 1.87-1.63 (m, 4H) , 1.23 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H); MS (APCI+) m/z 485 [M+H]*.

Example Preparation of 2, 2-DlmethyI-l- (3- <4- <2-

(trifluorocM hyl)phenyl)piperidine- -caxbonyl) -6,7-dlhydro-ia- py din-5 (4if) -yl)propan-1-one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-B, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [ , 3-c] pyridin-3-yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidin- 1-yl Jmethanone and pivaloyl chloride were converted to 2, 2-dimethyl- 1- (3- (4- (2- ( trifluororaethyl ) henyl )piperidine-l-carbonyl ) -6 , 7- dihydro-lfi-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridin-5 (4H) -yl ) propan-l-one as a white solid (11, 0.065 g, 85%): mp = 126-128 °C; ^XH NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.95 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.62 (d, J = 3.3 Hz, 2H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.24 (d, J = 9.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.78-4.57 (m, 3H) , 3.82- 3.74 (m, 2H) , 3.19-3.10 (m, 2H) , 2.88-2.74 (m, 1H) , 2.71 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H) , 1.83-1.67 (ra, 4H) , 1.22 (s, 9H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 463 [M+H]*.

Example 41: Preparation of 2-Methyl-1- ( 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperldine-l-carbonyl) -6, 7-dih.ydxo-lH-pyra201o [4, 3-cl yridin- -l-one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin- l-yl)methanone and isobutyryl chloride were converted to 2-methyl-l (3- (4- (2- (trifluorometthyl)phenyDpiperidine-l-carbonyl) -6, 7-dihydro- lH-pyrazolo[ , 3-c]pyridin-5 (4H) -yl ) propan-l-one as a white soli

(0,053 g, 71%): mp = 112-114 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-A) δ 12.96 (d, J = 17.3 Hz, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 2H) , 7.41 (t, J = 5.4 Hz, 1H) , 5.21 (d, J = 37.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.72-4.50 (m, 3H) , 3.79-3.68 (ra, 2H) , 3.21-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.99-2.88 (m, 1H) , 2.87- 2.65 (ffi, 2H) , 2.68-2.60 (m, 1H) , 1.84-1.67 (m, 4H| , 1.02 (dd, J » 6.7 Hz, J = 17.9 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 449 [M+H]*.

Example 42: Preparation of 3-Mathyl-l- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidina-1-carbony1) -6, 7-dihydro-l&-pyra*olo [4, 3-clpyridin- -one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lff- pyrazolo [ , 3-c] yridin-3-yl ) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidin- 1-yl )methanone and isovaleryl chloride were converted to 3-methyl-1- (3- ( 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidine-l-carbonyl) -6 , 7-dihydro- lH-pyrazolo[4 , 3-c]pyridin-5 (4H) -yl ) butan-l-one as a white solid (0.054 g, 70%): mp = 107-109 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-cJ₆) δ 12.95 (d, J = 19.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.41 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 5.26-5.15 (m, 1H) , 4.71-4.53 (m, 3H) , 3.75-3.66 (m, 2H), 3.17-3.12 (m, 2H) , 2.88-2.73 (tti, 2H) , 2.70-2.61 (m, 1H) , 2.27 (dd, J = 6.9 Hz, J = 19.9 Hz, 2H) , 2.09-1.93 (m, 1H) , 1.82-1.66 (m, 4H) , 0.90 {dd, J = 6.7 Hz, J = 9.7 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 463 [M+H]*. Example 43: Preparation of (5-Ethyl-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-lif- pyrazolo[4, 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (tri luoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin- 1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-D, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [4 , 3 -c] pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ίtrifluororaethyl) phenyl > piperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and acetaldehyde were converted to ( 5-ethyl-4 ,5,6,7- tet ahydro-lfi-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin~3-yl ) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.018 g, 41%): mp = 159-162 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) S 12.76 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.62 (d, J = 3.9 Hz, 2H) , 7.45-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.08 (d, J = 10.7 Hz, 1H), 4.67 (d, J = 11.3 Hz, 1H) , 3.55-3.41 (m, 2H) , 3.17-3.09 (m, 2H) , 2.80-2.75 (m, 1H) , 2.73-2.62 (m, 4H) , 2.55-2.53 (m, 2H) , 1.80-1.66 (m, 4H) , 1.07 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H) ; MS (APCI+! m/z 407 [M+H] * .

Example 44: Preparation of 1- (3- (4- (2- (Trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piparidine-l-carbonyl) -6,7-dlhydro-liT-pyxazolo[1, 3-c]pyridin-5 (4ff) -

Step A: Following general procedure GP-B, ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lff- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c) pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl! piperidin- l-yl) methanone and propionyl chloride were converted to l-(3-(4-(2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) piperidine-l-carbonyl) -6 , 7-dihydro-l.fi- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-5 (4H) -yl)propan-l-one as a white solid (0.053 g, 73%): mp = 153-155 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.95 (d, J = 20.2 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.64 (m, 3H) , 7.48-7.37 (m, 1H) , 5.32-5.14 (m, 1H) , 4.71-4.53 (m, 3H) , 3.76-3.67 (m, 2H) , 3.21-3.14 (m, 2H) , 2.89-2.61

(m, 3H), 2.46-2.35 (ra, 2H) , 1.88-1.67 (m, 4H) , 1.05-0.98 (m, 3H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 435 [M+H]^*.

Example 4S« Preparation of {5-Isobutyl-4, 5, S,7-tetrahydro-lH- pyraxolo [4, 3-oJ yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethy ) heny ) iperidin-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-D, (4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] pyridin-3 -yl ) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and isobutyraldehyde were converted to ( 5-isobutyl- 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-If/-pyrazolo [4, 3-c] pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.068 g, 71%): mp = 105-107 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.77 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J - 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.63-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.12-5.08 (m, 1H) , 4.69-4.65 (m, 1H) , 3.51-3.44 (m, 2H) , 3.19-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.72 (m, 1H) , 2.70-2.61 (m, 4H) , 2.24 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H) , 1.89-1.63 (m, 5H) , 0.88 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) /z 435 [M+H]*. Example 46t Preparation of (5- (Oxetan-3-yl) -4, 5, 6,7-tetrahydro-1.H- pyrazolo [4, 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- <2- (tri uoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-iH- pyrazolo [ , 3-c]pyridin-3~yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin- 1-yl)methanone and 3-oxetanone were converted to (5- (oxetan-3-yl ) - 4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH-pyrazolo[4, 3-c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl ) henyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.023 g, 24%): mp = 107-110 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 12.82 (a, 1H) , 7.68 id, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.18-5.09 (m, 1H) , 4.70-4.58 (m, 3H) , 4.53-4.46 (m, 2H) , 3.71-3.64 (m, 1H) , 3.45-3.34 (ra, 2H) , 3.28 (s, 2H) , 3.18-3.07 (m, 2H) , 2.84- 2.68 (m, 3H), 1.80-1.63 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 435 [M+H] ^* .

Example 47 : Preparation of 3, 3, 3-Trifluoro-1- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoroMthy }phenyl)piperidine-l-carbonyl) -6, 7-dihydro-lir- idin-5 (4H> -yl)propan-1-one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-B, ( 4, 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [ 4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl ) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidin- l-yl!methanone and 3 , 3 , 3-trifluoropropanoyl chloride were converted to 3,3, 3-trifluoro-1- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine-1- carbonyl ) -6 , 7-dihydro-lii-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c]pyridin-5 (4H) -yl ) propan-1- one as a white solid (0.020 g, 23%): mp = 127-130 "C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) 5 12.98 (d, J = 15.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.66- 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.28-5.15 (m, 1H) , 4.73-4.52 (m, 3H) , 3.89-3.65 (m, 4H) , 3.20-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.85-2.63 (m, 3H) , 1.85-1.67 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) /z 489 [M+H]*.

Example 48s Preparation of 2-Methoxy-l-(3-(4-<2-

( rifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine-l-carbonyl) -6,7-dihydro-lH- pyrazolo [4, 3-c] yridin-5(iH) -yl) ethanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-C, (4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo[4, 3-c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and 2-methoxyacetyl chloride were converted to 2 - raethoxy-1- (3- (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidine-l-carbonyl ) - 6 , 7-dihydro-lff-pyrazolo [4 , 3-c)pyridin-5 (4H) -yl ) ethanone as a white solid (0.029 g, 35%); mp = 192-194 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 12.97 (d, J = 13.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.39-5.14 (m, 1H) , 4.75-4.48 (m, 3H) , 4.16 (d, J = 17.1 Hz, 2H) , 3.81-3.59 (m, 2H) , 3.32-3.28 (m, 3H) , 3.24-3.10 (m, 2H) , 2.88-2.65 (m, 3H) , 1.83-1.65 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 451 [M+H]*.

Example 49: Preparation of l-(3-(4-(2- (Trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperid±ne-l-carbonyl} -4, 5-dihydro-lH-pyrazolo{3, 4-c]pyridin- -1-οη·

Step A: Following general procedure GP-E, (4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lK- pyrazolo [ , 3-c] yridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl )phenyl ) iperidin-

1-yl)methanone and propionyl chloride were converted to l-(3-(4-(2-

( rifluoromethyl (phenyl) piperidine-l-carbonyl) -4 , 5-dihydro-lff- pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] pyridin-6 (7fZ) -yl ) propan-l-one as a white solid (0.019 g, 40%); mp = 162-164 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 12.95 (d, J = 20.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.65-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.38

(m, 1H) , 5.31-5.13 (m, 1H) , 4.76-4.49 (m, 3H) , 3.78-3.64 (m, 2H) ,

3.19-3.11 <m, 2H) , 2.85-2.75 (m, 2H) , 2.68-2.62 (m, 1H) , 2.45-2.34

Cm, 2H) , 1.83-1.65 (m, 4H) , 1.01 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 435 EM+H] * .

Example SO t Preparation of (6- (Ethylsulfonyl ) -4, 5, 6,7-tetrahydxo-l.H'- pyrazolo[3,4-clpyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-F, (4 , 5 , 6 , -tetrahydro-lii- pyrazolo [ , 3-c] yridiri-3-yl } (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl } henyl ) piperidin- 1-yl ) methanone and ethane sulfonyl chloride were converted to (6- (ethylsulfonyl) -4,5,6 , 7-tetrahydro-lfi-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c] pyridin-3- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.036 g, 69%): mp = 209-211 "C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.03 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.40 (m, 1H) , 5.27 (d, J = 11.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.68 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.43- 4.34 (m, 2H) , 3.54-3.50 (m, 2H) , 3.19-3.09 (m, 4H) , 2.79 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 3H! , 1.80-1.62 (m, 4H) , 1.21 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H) ; MS (APCI+) /z 471 [M+H]*.

Example 51: Preparation of (6- (Isopropylsulfonyl) -4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro- lH-pyrazolo [3, 4-c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)

1-yl)methanone

Step ft; Following general procedure GP-F, (4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-lH- pyrazolo [4 , 3-c] yridin-3-yl) { 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidin- l-yl ! methanone and isopropyl sulfonyl chloride were converted to (6- ( isopropylsulfonyl ) - , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lff-pyrazolo [3 , 4-c]pyridin-3- yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.014 g, 26%): mp = 220-222 °C ¾ MR (500 MHz, DMS0-<¾) 5 13 ,02 (s, 1H) , 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.60 (m, 2H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H) , 5.33-5.22 (m, 1H) , 4.71-4.64 (m, 1H) , 4.55-4.38 (m, 2H) , 3.62-3.56 (m, 2H) , 3.46-3.38 (m, 1H) , 3.19-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.83-2.74 (m, 3H) , 1.82-1.64 (m, 4H) , 1.23 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H) ,· MS (APCI+) m/z 485 [M+H]*.

Example 52: Preparation of 2-Methyl-l- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piper dine-1-carboa 1) -4» S-dihydro-lH-pyrazolo[3, 4-clpyridia- -one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-E, (4 , 5 , 6 , 7-tetrahydro-lff- pyrazolo[4, 3-c]pyridin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin- l-yl )methanone and isobutyryl chloride were converted to 2-methyl-1- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl) iperidine-l-carbonyl) -4 , 5-dihydro- lH-pyrazolo [ 3 , 4-c] pyridin-6 ( 7H) -yl )propan-1-one as a white solid (0.045 g, 91%): mp = 200-203 °C; ¾ HMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.96 (d, J = 17.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H) , 7.43- 7.38 (m, 1H) , 5.28-5.13 (m, 1H) , 4.77-4.48 (m, 3H) , 3.80-3.69 (m, 2H) , 3.19-3.10 (m, 2H) , 2.98-2.88 (m, 1H) , 2.83-2.73 (m, 2H) , 2.70-2.62 (m, 1H) , 1.82-1.68 (m, 4H) , 1.02 (dd, J = 6.7 Hz, J = 11.2 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 449 [M+H]*.

Example 53 Preparation of 1- (3- (4- (2- (Trifluoroeetnyl) phenyl!piperidina-1-carbonyl) yrrolo[3, 4-oJpyrezol-5(1I,4B,6H)- yl)propan-1-one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-H, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , 4-c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidin-l-yl!methanone (14) and propionyl chloride were converted to 1- (3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl(phenyl ) piperidine-1- carbonyl ) pyrrolo [3 , 4-c] pyrazol-5 ( Iff, AH, 6H) -yl ) ropan-l-one as a white solid (0.067 g, 93%): mp = 216-219 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 13.26 (d, J = 92.8 Hz, IH) , 7.73-7.62 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.40 (m, IH) , 4.71-4.40 (m, 5H) , 3.31 (s, 2H) , 3.25-2.78 (m, 2H) , 2.39-2.33 (m, 2H) , 1.86-1.67 (m, 4H) , 1.03 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H) ,· MS (APCI+) m/z 421 [M+H]*.

Example 54i Preparation of 2-Methyl-l- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine-1-carbonyl) yrrolo[3, 4-c]pyrazol-5 <1H, 4H, SH) -

Step A: Following general procedure GP-H, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , 4-c] yrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) ipe idin-l-yl)methanone (14) and isobutyryl chloride were converted to 2-methyl-l- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) ipe idine- 1-carbonyl )pyrrolo [3 , 4-c] yrazol-5 ( Iff, 4H, 6H) -yl) propan-l-one as a

white solid (0.070 g, 93%): mp = 192-195 "C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO- s) δ 13.26 (d, J = 95.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.73-7.61 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.39 (ra, IH) , 4.79-4.40 (m, SH) , 3.31 (s, 2H) , 3.17-2.70 (m, 3H) , 1.82-1.67 (m, 4H> , 1.08-1.03 (m, 6H) ; MS (APCI+ ) ra/z 435 [M+H] * .

Example 55 ϊ Preparation. of 3-Ketbyl-l- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidina-1-oarbonyl)pyrrolo [3, 4- ] yrazol-5 (10, tH, SH) -

Step A: Following general procedure GP-H, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [3 , 4-c] yrazol-3-yl ) (4- (2- { rifluoromethyl ) phenyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone (14) and isovaleryl chloride were converted to 3-methyl-1- ( 3 - ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine- l-carbonyl)pyrrolo[3 , -c]pyrazol-5 ( IH, 4H, 6H) -yl) butan-l-one as a white solid (0.065 g, 84%): mp = 200-203 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-<¾) 5 13.26 (d, J = 94.4 Hz, IH) , 7.75-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.46-7.39 (m, IH) , 4.72-4.41 (m, 5H) , 3.31 (s, 2H) , 3.17-2.80 (m, 2H) , 2.24-2.20 (m, 2H) , 2.12-2.04 (m, IH) , 1.81-1.67 (m, 4H) , 0.94 (d, J - 13.2 Hz, 6H) ; MS (APCI+! m/z 449 [M+H]*.

Example 56: Preparation of 2, 2-Dimethyl-1- (3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidina-l-carbonyl)pyrrolo [3, 4-c] yrazol-5 (IH, 40, 60) - yl)propan-1-one

Step A: Following general procedure GP-H, (1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrrolo [ 3 , -c]pyrazol-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone (14) and pivaloyl chloride were converted to 2, 2-dimethyl-1- (3- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) piperidine-1- carbonyl)pyrrolo[3 , 4-c]pyrazol-5 ( IH, 4H, 6H) -yl)propan-l-one as a white solid (0.068 g, 88%) : mp = 229-232 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO~(¾) δ 13.24 (d, J = 100.5 Hz, IH) , 7.71-7.59 (m, 3H) , 7.46-7.39 (m, IH) , 5.26- 4.55 (m, 5H) , 3.31 (s, 2H), 3.17-2.74 (m, 2H) , 1.80-1.68 (m, 4H) , 1.24 (a, 9H) ; MS (APCI+S m/z 449 [M+H]*.

Example 57i Preparation of (l-Methyl-lH-indazol-3-yl) (4-(2- (trlfluoroeiethyl}phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4-(2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidine hydrochloride and 1-methyl-lH- indazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (l-methyl-lH-indazol-3- yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.087 g, 52%) : ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDClj) δ 8.14 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, IH) , 7.64 (m, IH) , 7.51 (m, IH) , 7.43 (m, 3H) , 7.28 (m, 2H) , 5.02 (m, 2H) , 4.11 (s, 3H) , 3.27 (m, 2H) , 2.92 (m, IH) , 1.85 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 388 [M+H]*.

Example 58i Preparation of (lH-Inda.aol-3-yl) (4- (2- l)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl) iperidine hydrochloride and lH-indazole-3- carboxylic acid were converted to (lH-indazol-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.114 g, 70%): mp = 175-177 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI₃) 5 10.26 (bs, 1H) , 8.16 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.64 (m, 1H) , 7.52 (m, 2H) , 7.43 (m, 2H) , 7.28 (m, 2H) , 5.00 (m, 2H) , 3.28 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (m, 1H) , 1.85 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 374 [M+H]*.

Example 59: Preparation of Benzo [d] iaoxazol-3-yl(4- (2- thyl} henyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidine hydrochloride and benzo [d] isoxazole-3-carboxylic acid were converted to benzo [d] isoxazol-3-yl (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidin-1- yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.102 g, 63%): ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.94 (d, J^" = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.65 (m, 2H) , 7.52 (m, 1H) , 7.45 (m, 1H) , 7.37 (m, 2H) , 4.14 (m, 1H) , 4.92 (m, 1H) , 4.66 (m, 1H) , 3.36 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (m, 1H) , 1.99 (m, 4H) MS (ESI+) m/z 375 [ +H]*.

Xjcaaple 601 Preparation of (6-Mathyliaidazo[l,2-.b]pyridazin--2- uoroaa hyl )phenyl )pipe idin-1-yl )methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and ethyl 6- chloroimidazo [ 1 , 2~b]pyridazine-2-carboxylate (0.743 g, 3.76 mmol) , were combined to give ( 6-chloroimidazo [ 1 , 2-b] yridazin-2-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ! henyl ) iperidin-l-yl) methanone as an off- white solid (1.35 g, 87%) : ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.40 (s, 1H) , 7.91 (m, 1H) , 7.65 (d, J^" = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.52-7.43 (m, 2H) , 7.31 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.13 (d, J = 9.5 Hz, 1H) , 5.30-5.23 (m, 1H) , 4.96-4.91 (m, 1H) , 3.30-3.24 (m, 2H) , 2.90 (m, 1H) , 1.96-1.83 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 409 [M+HJ*. Step B: A mixture of (6-chloroimidazo ( 1 , 2-bJ yridazin-2-yl ) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone (0.030 g, 0.0734 mmol), trimethyl boroxine (0.014 g, 0.110 mmol), DPPF (0.006 g, 0.00734 mmol), K₂C0₃ (0.020 g, 0.147 mmol), 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and H₂0 (0.3 mL) was heated in sealed tube under an atmosphere of N₂ at 110 °C for 5 hours. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with EtOAc, and solids were filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-3% CH₃0H in CH2CI2) to give ( 6-methylimidazo [1 , 2-i>Jpyridazin-2- yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-l-yl)methanone as an off- white solid (0.015 g, 52%): mp 144-147 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.35 (s, 1H) , 7.82 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.64 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.53-7.44 (m, 2H) , 7.30 (m, 1H) , 6.96 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 1H) , 5.30 (m, 1H), 4.94 (m, 1H) , 3.26 (m, 2H) , 2.93 (m, 1H) , 2.59 (s, 3H) , 1.89- 1.77 (m, 4H) ,· MS (ESI+ ) m/z 489 (M+H) .

Example 61: Preparation of ( 6-Morpholinoimidazo[l, 2-bJ yridazin-2- yl) (4-<2-(trifluoromethyl)phei-yl)piperiain-l-yl)iiiethanone BPM-

Step A: A mixture of

2-b]pyridazin-2-yl ) ( 4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidin-l-yl) methanone (0.030 g, 0.0734 mmol) and morpholine (1,5 mL) was heated at 120 °C for 2 hours . The mixture cooled to ambient temperature and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The material was dissolved in CH₂CI₂ and the solution was washed with aqueous, saturated NaHCCb solution, dried over Na₂S0 , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-100% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ( 6-morpholinoimidazo [ 1 , 2-£>]pyridazin-2-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.015 g, 44%): mp 203-205 °C; »H MR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.17 (s, 1H) , 7.71 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.53-7.43 (m, 2H) , 7.30 (m, 1H) , 6.96 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H) , 5.38 (m, 1H) , 4.93 (ra, 1H) , 3.85 (m, 4H), 3.50 (m, 4H) , 3.24 (ra, 2H) , 2.88 (m, 1H) , 1.88- 1.76 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 460 [ +H] ⁺ .

Example 62: Preparation of (6-Methoxyimidazo[1, 2- ]pyridazin-2-yl) (4- (2- ( rif uoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of ( 6-chloroimidazo ( 1 , 2-b]pyridazin-2-yl ) (4- (2- ( ri£luoromethyl) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone (0,060 g, 0.147 mmol) in CH3OH (6 raL) was added a solution of NaOC¾ in CH3OH (0.5 M, 2.94 mL, 1.47 mmol ) . The mixture was heated 70 °C for 1 h, cooled to ambient temperature and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in CH₂CI₂ and the solution was washed with saturated NaHCOj, dried over NajSO<, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-70% EtOAc in hexanes) and freeze dried to give ( 6-methoxyimidazo [1 , 2-b] pyridazin- 2-yl) (4- ( 2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a hite solid (0.01S g, 25%): mp 120-123 °C; ¾ KMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 8.24 (s, 1H) , 7.76 (d, J = 9.6 Hz , 1H) , 7.64 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 1H) , 6.74 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.38 (m, 1H) , 4.93 (m, 1H), 4.00 (s, 3H) , 3.25 (m, 2H) , 2.88 (m, 1H) , 1.89-1.77 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+ ) m/z 405 [M+H] * .

Example 63: Preparation of (6-Cyclopropylimidazo[1, 2-ib]pyridi oromethyl)phenyl)piperidiri-l-yl)methanone

Step A: A mixture of ( 6-chloroimidazo [ 1 , 2-b] pyridazin-2-yl) ( 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl(phenyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone (0.050 g, 0.122 mmol), potassium cyclopropyltrifluoroborate (0.026 g, 0.183 mmol), Pd(0Ac)₂ (0.002 g, 0.0061 mmol), di- ( 1-admantyl ) -n-butylphosphine

(0.004 a. 0.0122 mmolS , and Cs₂COj (0.119 g, 0.366 rttmol) in toluene (2 mL) and ¾0 (0,2 mL) was heated at 100 °C for 3 hours. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-60% EtOAc in hexanes) to give (6- cyclopropylimidazo [1 , 2-b] pyridazin-2-yl) (4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl) piperidin-1-yl) raethanone as a white solid (0.035 g, 69%) : ¾ KMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.30 (s, 1H) , 7.78 (m, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54- 7.44 (m, 2H) , 7.30 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 6.88 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.30 (m, 1H) , 4.94 (m, 1H) , 3.27 (m, 2H), 2.89 (m, 1H) , 2.12-1.81 (m, 5H) , 1.14-1.08 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 41S [M+H] * .

Example 64 : Preparation at ( 6- (Pyrrolidin-l-yl) iinidaxo [1, 2-2>] pyridaain-2-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-1-

Step A: A mixture of ( 6-chloroimidazo [ 1 , 2-£]pyridazin-2-yl ) ( 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidxn-1-yl )methanone (0.030 g, 0.0734 mmol) and morpholine (1.5 mL) was heated at 100 °C for 3 hours. The mixture cooled to ambient temperature and was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-70% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ( 6- (pyrrolidin-l-yl ) imidazo [ 1 , 2- b]pyridazin-2-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl (phenyl ) piperidin-1-yl) methanone as an off-white solid (0.046 g, 85%): mp 170-171 °C; ¾ MR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.15 (s, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1H) , 7.53-7.44 (m, 2H) , 7.30 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 6.66 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1H) , 5.42 (m, 1H) , 4.93 (m, 1H) , 3.50 (m, 4H) , 3.24 (m, 2H) , 2.87 (m, 1H) , 2.07- 1.80 (m, 8H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 444 [M+H]*.

Kxa--ple 65s Preparation of (1»-Pyrrolo [2, 3-c]pyridin-2-yl) (4- )phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)sMthaaon*

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidine hydrochloride and IH-pyrrolo [2 , 3- c]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to ( IH-pyrrolo [2 , 3- c]pyridin-2-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-1-yl) methanone as a white solid (0,110 g, 67%) : nop 214-218 °C; ¾ MR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 11.99 (s, 1H) , 8.90 (a, 1H) , 8.22 (d, J= 5.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.72-7.68 (m, 2H) , 7.67-7.63 (m, 1H) , 7.46-7.40 (m, 1H) , 7.38 {d, J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J » 1.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.73-4.44 (m, 2H) , 3.08-2.77 (m, 3H) , 1.93-1.74 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 374 [M + H] * .

Example 66: Preparation of (lH-Pyrrolo[3,2-h]pyridin-2-yl) (4-(2- )phenyl)piperidin-1-y1)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl Jpiperidine hydrochloride and IH-pyrrolo [3 , 2- jb]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to ( IH-pyrrolo [3 , 2- b]pyridin-2-yl) (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl) henyl (piperidin-1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.125 g, 77%): mp 275-278 °C decomp. ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 11.81 (s, 1H) , 8.39 (dd, J = 6.0, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J - 8.5 Hz , 1H! , 7.73-7.63 (m, 3H) , 7.46-7.41 (m, 1H) , 7.19 (dd, J = 8.5, 4.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.93 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.73-4.42

(m, 2H) , 3.28-2.81 {in, 3H) , 1.92-1.76 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 374 [M +

Example 67: Preparation of ( lH-Indol-2-yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl)

1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl(phenyl Jpiperidine hydrochloride and lff-indole-2- carboxylic acid were converted to (lH-indol-2-yl) {4- (2- {trifluorotnethyl)phenyl )piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.127 g, 68%): mp 189-192 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO- e) 8 11.56 (s, 1H) , 7.71-7.68 (m, 2H) , 7.67-7.63 (m, IH) , 7.60 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH) , 7.45-7.40 (m, 2H) , 7.20-7.16 (m, IH) , 7.06-7.02 (m, IH) , 6.82 (dd, J = 2.5, 1.0 Hz, IH) , 4.63 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 2H) , 3.23-2.94 {m, 3H) , 1.88-1.75 {m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 373 [« + H]*.

Example 68: Preparation of (lH-Benzo [d] imidazol-2-yl) (4- (2- tby )pheny )piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl)pipe idine hydrochloride and 1H- benzo [d] imidazole-2-carboxylic acid were converted to (lff- benzo [d] imidazol-2-yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl ) henyl) iperldin-1- yDmethanone as a white solid {0.121 g, 67%): mp 178-185 °C; ¾ NMR

(500 MHz, DMSO-dj) S 13.11 (s, 1H) , 7.74 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.71- 7.60 (m, 3H), 7.55 (d, J « 8.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.45-7.38 (m, 1H) , 7.35-7.29 (m, 1H) , 7.28-7.22 (m, 1H) , 5.83-5.77 (m, 1H) , 4.79-4.73 (m, 1H) , 3.35-3.27 (m, 1H) , 3.25-3.16 (m, 1H) , 3.00-2.90 (m, 1H) , 1.95-1.71 (m, 4H) ESI MS ffl/z 374 [M + H]*.

Example 69: Preparation of lmiaazotl,2 ]pyriaa-iin-2-yl(4-(2- thyl)phenyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) piperidine hydrochloride and imidazo [1,2- i>]pyridazine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to imidazo [1, 2- b]pyridazin-2-yl (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.082 mg, 50%): mp 133-135 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, *SO-4l δ 8.61-8.58 (m, 2H) , 8.21-8.18 (m, 1H) , 7.70-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H) , 7.33-7.29 (m, 1H) , 5.15-5.06 (m, 1H) , 4.77-4.67 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.12 (m, 2H) , 2.93-2.81 (m, 1H) , 1.90-1.67 (m, 4H) ESI MS m/z 375 [M + H] *; HPLC >99% purity (Method F) . Example 70: Preparation of (6-Methyl-lH-pyrrolo[3, 2-b] yridin-2- luorometh l)phenyl) ipe idin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

( rifluoromethyl ) henyl ) ipe ίdine hydrochloride and 6-methyl-1H- pyrrolo [3 , 2-b]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to ( 6-methyl- Ijf-pyrrolo [3 , 2-£>]pyridin-2-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl)

phenyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.048 g, 21%): mp 254-258 °C; ¾ NMR {500 MHz, DMSO-d,! δ 11.66 (br s, 1H) , 8.26 id, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.68 (m, 2H) , 7.67-7.62 (m, 1H) , 7.58 (a, 1H) , 7.45- 7.40 (m, 1H) , 6.88 id, - 1.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.69-4.52 (m, 2H) , 3.31-2.98 (m, 3H) , 2.41 (s, 3H) , 1.19-1.78 (m, 4H) ESI MS m/z 388 [M + H] * .

Example 71s Preparation of {XH-Imidazole, 5-i>]pyridin-2-yl) (4-(2- ) henyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl (piperidine hydrochloride and IH-imidazo [ , 5- b] pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to ( IH-imidazo [4 , 5- b] yridin-2-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl) iperidin-1-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.037 g, 39%): mp 249-251 °C; ¾ HMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 13.72 (br s, 0.5H) , 13.38 (br s, 0.5H), 8.51-8.42 (m, 1H), 8.18 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 0.5H), 7.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 0.5H), 7.71- 7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.40 (m, 1H) , 7.37-7.30 (m, 1H) , 5.71-5.64 (m, 0.5H), 5.36-5.29 (m, 0.5H), 4.78-4.70 (m, 1H) , 3.38-3.27 (m, 1H) , 3.27-3.16 (m, 1H) , 3.03-2.93 (m, 1H) , 1.98-1.70 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 375 [M + H]*.

Example 72: Preparation of (6-Fluoro-lH-pyrrolo [3, 2-Jb]pyridin-2- yl) ( - (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: A solution of 2-bromo-5-fluoropyridin-3-amine (0.670 g, 3.51 itsrool) in DMF (6.0 mL) was deoxygenated wi h argon gas for 20 minutes . To the solution was added EtjN (1.97 mL, 14.0 mmol) and pyruvic acid (0.73 mL, 10.5 mmol) and the resulting mixture was deoxygenated with argon gas for 10 minutes. Pd(0Ac)₂ (0.157 g, 0.702 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture heated to 110 °C under argon atmosphere for 18 hours. The reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and the obtained residue was triturated with C¾0H (100 mL) . The obtained solids were diluted in ¾0 (30 mL) and 1 N HC1 added until a neutral pH was achieved. The resulting solution was extracted with EtOAc (4 x 30 mL) the combined organic extracts were dried over NajSC , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 6-fluoro- lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] pyridine-2-carboxylic acid as an off-white solid (0.030 g, 5%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 13.37 (s, 1H) , 12.15 (s, 1H), 8.46 (dd, J = 2.7, 1.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.64-7.59 (m, 1H) , 7.19-7.17 (m, 1H); ESI MS m/z 181 [M + H] * .

Step B: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine hydrochloride and 6-fIuoro-1H- pyrrolo [3 , 2-l>]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-fluoro- 1H- yrrolo [3 , 2-i>]pyridin-2~yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl)

phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.033 g, 54%): mp 250-252 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-t¾) 5 11.94 (s, 1H) , 8.41 (dd, J = 2.5, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.61 (m, 4H) , 7.46-7.41 (m, 1H) , 6.98 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.72-4.42 (m, 2H) , 3.33-3.13 (m, 3H) , 1.93-1.74 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 392 [M + H]*.

Exaiqple 73: Preparation of (5-Methoxy-lif-pyrrolo [3,2-b] y idin-2- yl) (4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-1-yl)mathanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidine hydrochloride and 5-methoxy-lJi- pyrrolo 13 ,2-b] pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to (5- methoxy-lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b) pyridin-2 -yl ) (4- (2- { ri£luoromethyl) phenyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone (0.072 g, 63%) as a white solid: mp 203-205 °C; ¾ 3S3MH (500 MHz, D S0-<4) 8 11.68 (s, 1H) , 7.74-7.67 (m, 3H) , 7.67-7.62 (m, 1H) , 7.45-7.40 (m, 1H) , 6.81 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.67 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.64-4.56 (m, 2H) , 3.85 (s, 3H) , 3.25-2.91 (m, 3H) , 1.91-1.75 (ra, 4H) ; ESI MS ra/z 404 [M + HJ*.

Example 74> Preparation of (l-Methyl-llf-pyrrolot3,2-i>]pyriain-2- {trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: To a solution of ( lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] pyridin-2-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluororaethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone (0.035 g, 0.094 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 0.006 g, 0.14 mmol) and the resulting solution stirred at ambient temperature for 45 minutes. To the solution was added iodomethane (0.09 mL, 0.14 mmol) and the resulting solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The reaction was carefully quenched with H2O (20 mL) and extracted with BtOAc (3 x 30 mL) . The combined organics were washed with brine (3 x 10 mL) and 5% aqueous LiCl (2 x 10 mL) ,

filtered, and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Rf unit, 12 g Re isep column, 0% to 3% C¾OH in C¾C1₂ with 0.01%NHOH) followed by preparative HPLC (Phenomenex Luna C18 (2), 250.0 x 50.0 mm, 15 micron, H₂0 with 0.05% TFA and CHjCN with 0.05% TFA) to provide (1-methyl-IH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b]pyridin-2-yl) (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl )phenyl ) piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.006 g, 17%): mp 159-163 °C; ¾ KMR (500 MHz,

δ 8.30 (dd, J = 5.0, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.58-7.49 (m, 3H) , 7.31-7.26 (m, 1H) , 7.23-7.20 (m, 1H) , 6.74 (d, J = 0.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.85- 4.76 (m, 1H) , 4.17-4.03 (ra, 1H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.01-2.83 (ra, 1H) , 1.89-1.65 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 388 [M + H]*.

Example 75 Preparation of (6- ( l£f-Imidazol-l-yl J yrrolo 13,2- bJ yridin-2-yl) (4- ( 2- (trifluorcoathyl ) henyl)piparidin-1-

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl (phenyl ) piperidine hydrochloride and 6-bromo-lff- pyrrolo [3 , 2-i>]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-bromo- lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] yridin-2-yl) (4- (2- (t ifluoromethyl ) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a yellow solid (1.66 g, 64%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 12.02 (s, 1H) , 8.46 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H) , 8.00 (dd, J = 1.8, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.59 (m, 3H) , 7.47-7.39 (m, 1H) , 7.01-6.98 (m, 1H), 4.77-4.35 (m, 2H) , 3.27-2.78 (m, 3H) , 2.04-1.54 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 453 [M + H]*.

Step B: A solution of (6-bromo-l//-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] pyridin-2-yl) ( 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone (0.150 g, 0.332 mmol) in DMSO (1.0 mL) was deoxygenated with argon gas for 15 minutes.

To the solution was added imidazole (0,225g, 3.32 mmol ) and CS₂CO₃ (0.216 g, 0.664). The resulting mixture was deoxygen ted with argon gas for 15 minutes. Cul (6.3 mg, 0.033 mmol) and trans-bis 11 , 2- methylamine) cyclohexane (60 LJL, 0.38 mmol) were added and the reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 130 °C for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with 1:1 brine/ cone. NHjOH (15 mli) . The solution was extracted with CH2CI2 (4 x 30 mL) the combined organic extracts were washed with 1:1 brine/ cone. NH₄OH (4 x 30 mL) and concentrated. The obtained residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Isco ConibiPlash Rf unit, 12 g Redisep column, 0% to 10% CHjOH in CH2CI2 with 0.Ql%NEUOH) to provide (6-<1«- imidazol-l-yl) -lH-pyrrolo[3 , -b) pyridin-2-yl ) (4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidin-l-yl ) methanone as an off-white solid (0.054 g, 36%): mp >270 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 12.11 (s, 1H) , 8.71 (d, J - 2.5 Hz, 1H) , 8.28 (s, 1H) , 7.95 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.80 (s, 1H) , 7.75-7.64 (m, 3H) , 7.46-7.41 (m, 1H) , 7.15 (s, 1H) , 7.03 (d. J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.76-4.36 (m, 2H) , 3.24-2.85 (m, 3H) , 1.97- 1.71 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 440 [M + H] * . Example 76s Preparation of (6-Morpholino-ie-pyrrolot3,2-J>]pyriclln-2- thyl) henyl) iperidiii-l-yl)methanone

Step A: A solution of ( 6-bromo-lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-j ] yridin-2-yl ) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone (0.150 g, 0.332 mmol) in DMSO (1.5 mL) was deoxygenated with argon gas for 15 min. To the solution was added morpholine (0.29 mL, 3.3 mmol) and CS2CO3 (0.216 g, 0.664). The resulting mixture was deoxygenated with argon gas for 15 minutes. Cul (6.3 mg, 0.033 mmol) and trans-bis ( 1 , 2- methylamine) cyclohexane (60 L, 0.38 mmol) were added and the reaction vessel was sealed and heated to 130 °C for 18 hours. The reaction

was cooled and deoxygenated with argon gas for 15 minutes. Additional morpholine (0.29 mL, 3.32 ramol) added and the mixture deoxygenated for 5 minutes. Cul (0.0315 g, 0.165 ramol) was added and the vessel sealed and heated to 130 °C for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was 5 cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with 1:1 brine/ cone. NH4OH (15 mL) . The solution was extracted with CH₂CI2 (3 x 30 mL) the combined organic extracts were washed with 1 : 1 brine/ cone. NH4OH (5 x 30 mL) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by flash column chromatography ( Isco CombiFlash Rf unit,

10 24 g Red!sep column, 0% to 6% CH3OH in CH2CI2 with 0.01%NH₄OH) to provide (6-morpholino-lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] yridin-2-yl ) (4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl ) henyl) piperίdin-1-y1 )methanone as an off-white solid (0.007 g, 4%): mp 268-272 °C decomp . ; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 8 11.48-11.47 (a, 1H) , 8.33 (d, J - 2.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.72-7.62 (m, 3H) ,

15 7.45-7.40 (m, 1H) , 7.14 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H) , 6.84 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H) , 4.66-4.57 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.76 (m, 4H) , 3.21-3.11 (m, 7H) , 1.88-1.77 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 459 [M + Η]\· HPLC 97.8% purity (Method F) .

Example 77i Preparation o£ (6-Chloro-lH-pyrrolo[3, 2-£>]pyridin-2- 20 uoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)∞ethailone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidine hydrochloride and 6-chloro-lff- pyrrolo [ 3 , 2-b] yridine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-chloro- lH-pyrrolo [3 , 2-b] y idin-2-yl ) ( - (2-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a light yellow solid (0.049 g, 23%): mp 258-261 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.00 (s, 1H) , 8.40 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.86 (dd, J = 2.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.73-7.63 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.42 (m, 1H) , 6.99 (d, J = 1.5, 2.5 Hz, 1H) ,

4.74-4.39 (m, 2H) , 3.23-2.85 (m, 3H) , 1.96-1.72 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 408 [M * H] * ; HPLC >99% purity (Method F) .

Example 78s Preparation of Beazot<J]tliiezol-2-yl-(4-<2- thyl) henyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl }piperidine hydrochloride and benzo [d] thiazole-2-carboxylic acid were converted to benzo [ d] thiazol- 2-yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.059g, 35%): mp 151-153 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-<¾) δ 8.22- 8.13 (m, 2H) , 7,71-7.57 (m, 5H) , 7.44-7.41 (m, 1H) , 5.40-5.37 (in, 1H) , 4.71-4.68 (ra, 1H) , 3.99-3.21 (m, 2H) , 3.01-3.03 (m, 1H) , 1.92-1.83 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 391 [M + H]*.

Kxample 79: Preparation of Benzo [d] oxassol-2-yl (4- (2- thyl)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl )phenyl) iperidine hydrochloride and benzo [d] oxazole- 2-carboxylic acid were converted to benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.018g, 11%): ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 7.92-7.86 (m, 2H) , 7.71-

7.41 (ra, 6H) , 4.70-4.67 (m, 2H) , 3.80-3.35 (m, 1H) , 3.23-3.18 (m, 1H) , 3.05-2.99 (m, 1H) , 1.92-1.77 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 375 [M + H]*.

Example 80: Preparation of Pyridazin-4-yl(4-(2- l)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2-

{trifluoromethyl) henyl )piperidine hydrochloride and pyridazine-4- carboxylic acid were converted to pyradazin-4-yl (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidin-l-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.054g, 36%); mp 159-162 °C; ¾ NMR {500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 9.36 (br s, 2H) 7.82-7.65 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H) , 4.67-4.64 (m, 1H) , 3.53- 3.51 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.21 (m, 1H) , 3.13-3.09 (m, 1H) , 2.93-2.87 (m, 1H) , 1.91-1.60 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 336 [M + H]*.

Example 81: Preparation of Imidazo [1, 2-Jb]pyridazin-6-yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

( rifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and imidazo [1, 2- j ]pyridazine-6-carboxylic acid were converted to imidazo[l,2- J ]pyradazin-6-yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-l-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.068g, 41%): mp 152-155 °C ¾ NMR (500

MHz, DMSO-d_e) δ 8.35 is, 1H) ; 8.26 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.87 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.65 (ra, 3H) , 7.43-7.40 (m, 2H) , 4.69-4.66 (m, 1H) , 3.83-3.86 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.24 (m, 1H) , 3.17-3.15 (m, 1H) , 2.99-2.92 (m, lHj, 1.83-1.77 (m, 3H) , 1.67-1.65 (m, 1H) ; ESI MS m/z 375 [M + H] * . example 82: Preparation of I>yri<_azin-3-yl(4- (2- thyl)ph*nyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step ft: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl! henyl) piperidine hydrochloride and pyridazine-3- carboxylic acid were converted to pyradazin-3-yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl! henyl) iperidin-l-yl) methanone as an off-white solid (0.060g, 41%): mp 125-127 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz , DMSO-ds) δ 9.32- 9.30 (m, 1H) ; 7.94-7.84 (m, 2H) , 7.71-7.64 (m, 3H) , 7.44-7.41 (m, 1H) , 4.73-4.70 (in, 1H) , 3.73-3.71 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.22 (m, 1H) , 3.18-3.14 (m, 1H) , 2.99-2.93 (ra, 1H) , 1.83-1.81 (m, 3H) , 1.67-1.65 (m, 1H) ; ESI MS m/z 336 [M + Hi*.

Example 83: Preparation of (6-Chloropyridazin-3-yl) {4- (2- (tri luoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4-(2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 6- chloropyridazine-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-

chloropyradazin-3-yl) {4- (2- (trifluororoethyl ) phenyl) piperidin-1- yDmethanone as a white solid (0.035 g, 21%): mp 170-172 °C; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 8.12-8.02 (m, 2H) , 7.70-7.66 (m, 3H) , 7.46-7.40 (ra, 1H) , 4.71-4.66 (m, 1H) , 3.76-3.71 ( , 1H) , 3.33-3.16 (m, 2H) , 3.02-2.92 (ra, 1H! , 1.84-1.81 (m, 3H) , 1.66-1.62 (ra, 1H) ; ESI MS m/z 370 [M + H]*.

Example 84: Prepera.ti.on of (4-Methyl-1,2, 3-thiadiazol-5-yl) (4- (2-

(tr1fluoromethy1)phenyl)piperidin-1-y1)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- ( trifluoromethy1} henyl )pipe idine hydrochloride and 4-methyl-l ,2,3- thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid were converted to ( -methyl-l ,2,3- thiadiazol-5-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethy1) henyl) iperidin-1- yl ) niethanone as an off-white solid (0.111 g, 71%): mp 141-143 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 7.73-7.64 (m, 3H) , 7.44-7.41 (m, 1H) , 4.67- 4.65 (m, 1H) , 3.45-3.43 (m, 1H) , 3.26-3.22 (m, 1H) , 3.14-3.08 (m, 1H) , 2.97-2.92 (m, 1H) , 2.67 (s, 3H) , 1.85-1.62 (m, 4H) ,- ESI MS m/z 356 [M + H]*.

Example 85: Preparation of (6-Methylpyridazin-3-yl) (4- (2- hy1)pheny )piperidin-1-yl}methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ! henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 6- methylpyridazine-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (6- methylpyradazin-3-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidin-1- yl )methanone as a white solid (0.052 g, 69%): mp 144-148 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d_e) δ 7.83-7.65 (m, 5H) , 7.46-7.40 (m, 1H) , 4.72-4.68 (m, 1H) , 3.78-3.74 (m, 1H) , 3.29-3.15 (m, 2H) , 2.99-2.90 (ra, 1H) , 2.67 (s, 3H) , 1.83-1.78 (m, 3H) , 1.66-1.62 (m, 1H) ; ESI MS m/z 350 [M +

H]*.

Example 86: Preparation of (6-Methoxypyridaziii-3-yl) (4-(2- )phenyl)piparidin-1-yl)methanona

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 6- methoxypyridazine-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (6- methoxypy adazin-3-y1) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) piperidin-1- yl) methanone as an off-white solid (0.047 g, 56%): mp 122-125 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 7.86-7.67 (m, 4H) , 7.43-7.35 (m, 2H) , 4.72- 4.67 (m, 1H) , 4.08 (s, 3H) , 3.96-3.91 (m, 1H) , 3.24-3.16 (m, 2H) , 2.98-2.92 (iti, 1H) , 1.81-1.64 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 366 [M + H]*.

Example 87! Preparation of Pyrazin-2-yl (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A; Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine hydrochloride and pyrazine-2- carboxylic acid were converted to pyrazin-2-yl {4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-i-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.015 g, 19%): mp 109-111 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) δ 8.91 is, 1H) , 8.76-8.70 jm, 2H) , 7.71-7.65 (ra, 3H) , 7.45-7.42 (ra, 1H) , 4.71- 4.66 (m, 1H) , 3.81-3.76 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.15 (m, 2H) , 2.98-2.88 (m, 1H) , 1.83-1.62 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 336 [M + H] *. Example 88t Preparation of (lJf-1, 2, 3-Tria»ol-5-yl) {4- (2- )phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and lH-1 ,2,3 triazole-5-carboxylic acid were converted to lH-1 , 2 , 3-triazole-5- yl (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl) iperidin-1-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.019 g, 25%): mp 235-239 °C dec; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d₆) 5 15.48 (br s, 1H) , 8.32 (br s, 1H) , 7.70-7.60 (m, 3H) , 7.44-7.39 (m, 1H), 4.73-4.66 (m, 2H) , 3.26-3.22 (m, 2H) , 2.90-2.82 (m, 1H) , 1.85- 1.62 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 325 [M + H]*.

Example 89: Preparation of (6-Chloro-2-methylimidazol [1, 2- b]pyridazin-3-yl)(4-(2-(trifluoromethy1) henyl) ipe d n-1- yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl Jpiperidine hydrochloride and 6-Chloro~2- methylimidazol [ 1 , 2-Jb]pyridazin-3-carboxylic acid were converted to (6-Chloro-2-methylimidazol [1 , 2-fa]pyridazin-3-yl ) (4-(2-

(trifluoromethyl ) henyl )piperidin-l-yl)methanone (0.052 g, 32%) : mp 147-150 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, DMS0-d_e) 8 8.20 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.71-7.66 (m, 3H) , 7.45-7.42 (m, 2H) , 4.72-4.69 (m, 1H) , 3.58-3.46 (m, 1H), 3.29-3.15 (m, 2H) , 3.03-2.98 (m, 1H) , 2.45 (s, 3H) 1.89-1.57 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 423 [M + H] * .

Example 90s Preparation of (lH-Pyrazol-5-yl) (4- (2- )phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone BPH-0004468-AA-001

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) phenyl! piperidine hydrochloride and lff-pyrazole-5- carboxylic acid were converted to (lH-pyrazol-5-yl) (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.051 g, 42%): mp = 167-170 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ 13.14 (s, 1H) , 7.81 (q, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.69-7.61 (m, 3H) , 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H) , 6.59 (t, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H) , 4.87 (d, J - 13.3 Hz, 1H) , 4.70 (d, J = 12.3 Hz, 1H), 3.19-3.03 (m, 2H) , 2.81 (t, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H) , 1.81-1.66 (m, 4H) ; MS (APCI+) m/z 324 [M+H]*.

Exaapla 91: Preparation of Imid ioll, 2-a]pyridin-2-yl (4- (2- )phenyl) ipe idin-l-yl)me hanone ΒΡΝ-0003856-ΛΛ-001

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1, 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and imidazo [1,2- a]pyridine-2~carboxylic acid were converted to imidazo [1 , 2-a] pyridin- 2-yl (4- (2- (tri£luoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)itiethanone as a white solid (0.052 g, 32%): mp = 130-133 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 8.16 (d, J 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 8.09 (s, 1H) , 7.62 (m, 2H) , 7.53 {m, 2H) , 7.48 (m, 1H), 7.30 (m, 1H) , 6.82 (m, 1H) , 5.42 (m, 1H) , 4.91 (m, 1H) , 3.26 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (m, 1H) , 1.83 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 374 [M+H] * .

Example 92: Preparation of 4-<4-<2- )phenyl)piparidlne-1-carbonyl)benzamide

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4-(2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 4- carbamoylbenzoic acid were converted to 4-(4-(2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidine-l-carbonyl)benzamide as a white solid (0.119 g, 72%): mp 188-190 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMS0-d₆) 5 8.05 is, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H) , 7.77 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.67 (m, 2H) , 7.54 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H) , 7.43 (m, 2H) , 4.68 (m, 1H) , 3.63 (m,

1H), 3.18-3.11 (m, 2H) , 2.86 (ra, 1H) , 1.82-1.63 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 377 EM+Hl*.

Kxanple 93: Preparation of 3- (4- (2- (Trifluoromethyl) dine-l-carbonyl)benzamide BPN-0003791-Λλ-ΟΟΙ

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2 , 4- (2-

{ rifluoromethyl! henyl ! iperidine hydrochloride and 3- carbamoylbenzoic acid were converted to 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidine-l-carbonyl ) benzamide as a white solid (0.149 g, 90%) : mp 192-194 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.95 (in, 2H) , 7.74 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.69-7.61 (m, 3H) , 7.54 (t, J * 8.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.46-7.41 (m, 2H) , 4.68 (m, 1H) , 3.65 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.12 (ra, 2H) , 2.89 (m, 1H) , 1.78-1.64 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 377 {M+Hl*.

Example 94: Preparation of 4-Oxo-4- (4- (2- thyl)pheny )piperidin-l-yl)butanoic acid

Step A: A mixture of 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl ipiperidine (5, 0.100 g, 0.436 mmol) and dihydrofuran-2 , 5-dione (0.048 g, 0.480 mmol) in CH2CI2 (8 roL) was heated at reflux for 4 hours, cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-30% EtOAc in hexanes) to give 4- oxo-4- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)butanoic acid as a white solid (0.134 g, 93%): mp 18-140 °C ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI₃) δ

7.64 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.52 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.39 (d, J = 7.8

Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.81 (m, 1H) , 4.01 (m, 1H) , 3.22- 3.17 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.68 (m, 5H) , 1.89 (ra, 2H) , 1.73-1.65 (m, 2H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 330 [M+H] * . Example 95: Preparation of 3-OXO-3- (4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl) ropanoic acid

Step A: To a solution of 4- ( 2- ( trifluorornethyl ) phenyl ) iperidine (5, 0.130 g, 0.567 ramol) and Et₃N (0.157 mL, 1.13 mmol) in CH2CI2 (10 mL) was added methyl 3-chloro-3-oxopropanoate (0.077 g, 0.567 mmol) at 0 °C. The mixture was warmed to ambient temperature, stirred for 16 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give methyl 3-oxo-3- ( 4- ( 2- ( trifluorornethyl) phenyl) piperidin-l-yl ) propanoate (0.134 g, 71%): ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.63 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.53 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.40 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.32 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 4.85-4.78 (m, 1H) , 3.90-3.84 (m, 1H) , 3.78 (s, 3H) , 3.60-3.49 (m, 2H) , 3.28-3.14 (m, 2H) , 2.75-2.65 (m, 1H) , 1.89-1.64 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 330 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of methyl 3-oxo-3- (4- (2- (trifluorornethyl) phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)propanoate (0.134 g, 0.407 mmol) in CH₃0H (2 mL) and THF (2 mL) was added NaOH (2 N, 2 mL) . The mixture was stirred 16 h, diluted with H₂0 (25 mL) , and acidified with 2 N HC1 to pH 4. The mixture was extracted with CH2CI2 (30 mL) . The extract was dried over Na₂SOi and evaporated to give 3-oxo-3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)propanoic acid as a white solid (0.100 g, 78%): mp 112-114 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) δ 14.24 (br s, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.38-

7.32 (m, 2H) , 4.84 (m, IK) , 3.93 (ra, 1H) , 3.42 (m, 2HS , 3.27-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.77 (in, 1H) , 1,99-1.93 (m, 2H! , 1.76-1.66 (m, 2H) ; MS (ESI- ) /z 314 [M - H] . Example 96: Preparation of 2-Oxo-2- (4- (2- )phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)acetic acid

Step A: To a solution of 4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl (phenyl) iperidine (5, 0.140 g, 0.611 mmol) and Et₃N (0.171 mL, 1.22 mmol) in CH2CI2 (4 mL) was added ethyl 2-chloro-2-oxoacetate (0.100 g, 0.733 mmol) at 0 °C. The mixture was warmed to ambient temperature, stirred for 16 hours and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-25% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ethyl 2 -2- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ) iperidin-1-yl) acetate as a thick oil (0.190 g, 94%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.64 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 7.42 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.33 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.72-4.67 (m, 1H) , 4.37 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H) , 3.83- 3.77 (m, 1H) , 3.29-3.18 (m, 2H) , 2.84-2.75 (m, 1H) , 1.92-1.67 (ra, 4H) , 1.39 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI+) m/z 330 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of ethyl 2-OXO-2- (4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) phenyl )piperidin-1-yl) acetate (0.190 g, 0.577 mmol) in CH₃OH (2 mL) and THF (2 mL) was added NaOH (2 N, 2 mL) . The mixture was stirred 16 h, diluted with ¾0 (25 mL) , and acidified with 2 N HC1 to pH 4. The mixture was extracted with CH2CI2 (30 mL) . The extract was dried over NajSOa, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-15% CH3OH in CH₂CI₂ ) to give 2-oxo- 2- (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl) henyl)piperidin-l-yl ) acetic acid as a white solid (0.035 g, 20%): mp 193-196 °C; ^lH NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-de) δ 7.69- 7.55 (m, 3H) , 7.42 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 4.43 (m, 1H) , 3.96 (m, 1H) ,

3.07 (br s, 2H), 2.64 (br s, lHj , 1.69-1.55 <m, 4H) ; MS (ESI-) m/z 300 [M - H] .

Example 97: Preparation of l-(2-(4-(2- (rert-butyl)phenyl)piperidine~

) yrrolidin-l-yl ) ethanona

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2- ( tert- butyl ) henyl ) piperidine and l-acetylpyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid were converted to 1- (2- (4- (2- ( tert-butyl )phenyl ) piperidine-i- carbonyl ) pyrrolidin-l-yl ) ethanone as a white solid (0.048 g, 97%): mp 50-60 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.38-7.09 (m, 4H) , 4.99-4.91 (m, 1H) , 4.77 (m, 1H) , 4.15-4.08 {m, 1H) , 3.77-3.10 (m, 4H) , 2.74-2.59 (m, 1H), 2.23-1.70 (m, 10H) , 1.99-1.93 (m, 2H) , 1.76-1.66 (m, 2H) , 1.43 (s, 9H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 357 [M+H]*.

Example 98: Preparation of (4- (2- (Tert-butyl) henyl) iperidin-1- 4R) -4-hydroxypyrrolldin-2-yl>ntetlianone

Step A: A mixture of 4- (2- ( tert-butyl ) phenyl ) iperidine (8, 0.030 g, 0.138 mmol), (2R, 4R) -1- ( tert-butoxycarbonyl ) -4-hydroxypyrrolidine -2- carboxylic acid (0.038 g, 0.166 mmol), EDCI (0.032 g, 0.166 mmol), HOBt (0.022 g, 0.166 mmol), Et₃N (0.058 mL, 0.414 mmol) and C¾C1₂ (2 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and then chromatographed over silica gel (0-8% CH₃0H in CH₂C1₂ with 0.05% NH₄0H)

to give (2R, iR) -cert-butyl 2- (4- (2- ( tert-butyl) phenyl) piperidine-1- carbonyl ) -4-hydroxypyrrolidine-l-carboxylate as a thick oil (0.043 g, 72%) : MS (ESI+) m/z 431 [M+H]*. Step B: To a solution of (2R, iR) - tert-butyl 2- (4- (2- (tert- butyl ) henyl ) iperidine-1-carbonyl ) - -hydroxypyrrolidine- 1- carboxylate (0.043 g, 0.100 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (1 mL) was added TFA (0.5 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 4 hours, diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with saturated NaHCOs . The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over NajSOj , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chrornatographed over silica gel (0-5% CH₃OH in CH2CI2 ) to give (4- (2- ( tert-butyl) henyl )piperidin-l-yl) ( (2R, R) -4- hydroxypyrrolidin-2-yl)methanone as a white solid (0.015 g, 45%) : rap 65-75 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃ ) δ 7.38 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H) , 7.21- 7.12 (m, 3H) , 4.81 {m, 1H) , 4.32 (m, 1H) , 4.18-4.08 (ra, 2H) , 3.57- 3.43 (m, 1H) , 3.24-3.15 (m, 2H) , 2.94-2.88 (m, 1H) , 2.76-1.67 (m, 1H) , 2.28-2.14 (m, 1H) , 1.99-1.43 (7H) , 1.44 (s, 9H) MS (ESI+ ) m/z 331 [M+H]*. Example 99: Preparation of (4- (2- (Tert-butyl) henyl) iperidin-1- yl) ( (2S, 3S)-3-hyaro3OTyrrolidlii-2-yl)niethai-o-ie BPN-0004059-AA-001

Step A: A mixture of 4- (2- ( tert-butyl) henyl jpiperidine (8, 0.034 g, 0.156 mmol), (2S, 3S) -1- ( tert-butoxycarbonyl ) -3-hydroxypyrrolidine -2- carboxylic acid (0.043 g, 0.187 mmol), EDCI (0.036 g, 0.187 mmol), HOBt (0.025 g, 0.187 mmol), Et₃N (0.065 mL, 0.468 mmol) and CH2CI₂ (2 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and then chrornatographed over silica gel (0-5% CH3OH in CH2CI2) to give (2S,3S)- tert-butyl 2- ( 4- (2- ( tert-butyl ) henyl) iperidine-l-carbonyl) -3-

hydroxypyrrolidine-i-carboxylate as a thick oil (0.058 g, 86%): MS (ESI+) m/z 331 EM-C₅H,<¾+H] ;

Step B: To a solution of (2S, 3S) -tart-butyl 2- (4- (2- (tert- butyl 5 phenyl) piperidine-1-carbonyl) -3-hydroxypyrrolidine-1- carboxylate (0.058 g, 0.135 mmol) in CHsCla (2 mL) was added TPA (0.4 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 2 hours, diluted with CH2CI2 and washed with saturated NaHCCh . The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over

filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-8% CH3OH in CH2CI2 with 0.05% NH4OH ) to give (4- (2- (tert-butyl)phenyDpiperidin-l- yl} { (2S, 3S) -3-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-yl ) raethanone as a white solid (0.034 g, 76%): mp 60-65 °C; ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) δ 7.36 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H) , 7.20-7.11 (m, 3H) , 4.78 (m, 1H) , 4.40-4.31 (m, 2H) , 3.90 (m, 1H) , 3.50-3.43 (m, 1H) , 3.28-3.02 (m, 3H) , 2.76-2.63 (ra, 1H) , 2.44 (br s. 2H) , 2.02-1.64 (m, 6H) , 1.44 (s, 9H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 331 [M+H]^».

Example 100: Preparation of (4- (2- (tert-butyl) henyl)piperidin-l- y ) ( 1, l-dioxidotetrahydrothiophen-2-yl)methanone

Step A: A mixture of 4- (2- ( tert-butyl) henyl) iperidine (8, 0.030 g, 0.138 mmol) , tetrahydrothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (0.022 g, 0.166 mmol), EDCI (0.032 g, 0.166 mmol), HOBt (0.022 g, 0.166 mmol), Et₃N (0.058 mL, 0.414 mmol) and CH2CI2 (2 mL) was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours and then chromatographed over silica gel (0- 3% CH₃OH in CH₂CI₂ ) to give (4- (2- (tert-butyl)phenyDpiperidin-l- yl) (tetrahydrothiophen-2-yl)methanone as a thick oil (0.043 g, 94%): ¾ NMR (300 MHZ, CDClj) δ 7.36 <d, J^" = 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 7.27-7.11 (m, 3H) , 4.82-4.77 (m, 1H) , 4.13-4.01 (m, 2H) , 3.48-3.40 (m, 1H) , 3.18-2.84

(m, 3H! , 2.71-2.48 (m, 2H) , 2.38-2.26 (m, 1H) , 2.12-1.64 (m, 6H) , 1.43 (a, 9H! ,· MS (ESI+) m/z 332 [M+H]*.

Step B: To a solution of (4- (2- (tert-butyl)phenyUpiperidin-l- yl) ( tetrahydrothiophen-2-yl 5methanone (0.043 g, 0.130 mmol} in CHjCN (3 raL) and H₂0 (1.5 mL) was added Oxone (0.320 g, 0.520 mmol). The mixture was stirred for 48 hours , diluted wi h EtOAc and washed with aqueous, saturated NaHCOj solution. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO<, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-50% EtOAc in hexar.es 1 to give (4- (2- ( tert-butyl) henyl ) iperidin-1- yl) (1, l-dioxidotetrahydrothiophen-2-yl) methanone as a white solid (0.046 g, 98%): mp 80-84 °C ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.39-7.09 (m, 4H) , 4.90-4.78 (m, 1H) , 4.29-4.20 (m, 2H) , 3.55-3.08 (m, 4H) , 2.94- 2.66 (m, 2HS , 2.47-1.64 (m, 7H) , 1.43 (s, 9H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 364 [M+H] ⁺ ,

Example 101: Preparation of 2- (2-Hydroxypheny ) -1- (4- (2- (trifl oromathyl)phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)ethanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A2, 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl) henyl) iperidine hydrochloride and 2- (2- hydroxyphenyl ) acetic acid were converted to 2- (2-hydroxyphenyl ) -1- (4- (2- ( rifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl) ethanone as a red foam (0.375 g, 79%): mp No clear melt; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 9.81 (s, 1H) , 7.63 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H) , 7.50-7.47 (m, 1H) , 7.34-7.26 (m, 2H) , 7.22-7.18 (m, 1H) , 7.05-7.00 (m, 2H) , 6.86-6.80 (m, 1H) , 4.81 (d, J= 13.5 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (d, J = 13.5 Hz, 1H) , 3.80 (s, 2H) , 3.34-3.27 (m,

1H) , 3.21-3.16 {m, 1H) , 2.72-2.67 (m_» IE), 1.95-1.83 (m, 2H) ; 1.67- 1.58 (ra, 2H) ESI MS m/z 364 [M + H]*.

Example 102: Preparation of 2- (2-OXO-2- <4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)piperidia-1-yl}ethyl)phenyl«ulfamate

Step A: A solution of 2- {2-hydroxyphenyl ) -1- { 4- (2-

( trifluoromethyl) phenyl ) iperidin-1-yl) ethanone (0.080 g, 0.22 mrool) in THF (1 mL) was added dropwise to a suspension of sodium hydride

(60% in mineral oil) (0.010 g, 0.25 mmol) in THF (2 mL) stirring at ambient temperature under a ¾ atmosphere. After 1 hour, the reaction was cooled to 0 °C and a solution of sulfamoyl chloride in THF (1 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour, quenched with ¾0, extracted with EtOAc (3 x 10 mL) , dried over a2S0i, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (Isco CombiFlash Companion unit, 12g Redisep column, 0% to 100% EtOAc in hexanes) to give 2- (2-oxo-2- (4-

(2- ( trifluoromethyl )phenyl) iperidin-l-yl) ethyl ) phenyl sulfamate as a white powder (0.048 g, 49%): mp 170-173 °C; ¾ NMR (500 MHz, DMSO- d₆) δ 8.07 (s, 2H) , 7.68-7.55 (m, 2H) , 7.43-7.40 (m, 1H) , 7.35-7.28

(m, 5H) , 4.58 (d, J = 13.0 Hz, 1H) , 4.04 (d, J = 13.5 Hz, 1H) , 3.88- 3.76 (m, 2H) , 3.18-3.07 (m, 2H) , 2.69-2.63 (m, 1H) , 1.71-1.58 (m, 4H) ; ESI MS m/z 443 [M + H]'.

Example 103: Preparation of (3-Methyloxetan-3-yl) (4-(2- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-l-yl)methanone

Step A: Following general procedure GP-A1 , 4- (2-

(trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidine hydrochloride and 3 -me hyloxetane- 3-carboxylic acid were converted to (3-methyloxetan-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) henyl ) iperidin- 1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.071 g, 50%) : mp = 100-102 °C; ¾ NM (500 MHz, CDC1₃) 5 7.56 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.54 (m, 1H) , 7.40 (m, 1H) , 7.33 (m, 1H) , 5.03 (m, 2H) , 4.77 (m, 1HS , 4.35 (m, 2H) , 3.17 (m, 3H) , 2.60 (m, 1H) , 1.88 (m, 2H) , 1.71 (m, 4H) , 1.54 (m, 1H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 328 [M+HJ*.

Example 104: 3~<4-(2- (Trifluoromethyl)phenyl) iperidine-1-carbonyl) - olo(4, 3-a] yridine-6-carboii-.tr-.le

Step A: To a solution of ethyl 6-bromo- [ 1 , 2 , 4 ] triazolo [4 , 3-a] pyridine- 3-carboxylate (0.365 g, 1.35 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added a solution of lithium hydroxide hydrate (0.057 g, 1.35 mmol) in water (5 mL) . The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes, acidified with 2 N HC1 to pH 6 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the residue were added 4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) henyl) piperidine hydrochloride (0.359 g, 1.35 mmol) , benzotriazole-l-yl-oxy-tris- (dimethylamino) -phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (898 g, 2.03 mmol), N, N-diisopropylethylamine (0.523 g, 4.05 mmol) , and DMF (10 mL) . The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 h, was diluted with water, and extracted with EtOAc (120 mL) . The extract was washed with brine (2 x 120 mL) ,

dried

, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-60% EtOAc in hexanes) to give ( 6-bromo- [ 1 , 2 , J triazolo [4 , 3-a]pyridin-3-yl ) (4- (2- ( trifluororoethyl) henyl) iperidin-1-yl ) methanone as a white solid (0.516 g, 84%) : »H NMR (300 MHz, CDClj) 59. 8 (m, 1H) , 7.78 (dd, J = 9.6, 0.8 Hz, 1H! , 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.44 (m, 3H) , 7.32 (t, J => 7.7 Hz, 1H) , 5.72-5.67 (m, 1H) , 5.00-4.94 (m, 1H) , 3.39-3.30 (m, 2H! , 3.03-2.93 (m, 1H) , 2.01-1.81 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 453 (M+H) .

Step B: A mixture of ( 6-bromo- [1,2,4] triazolo [ , 3-a] y idin-3-yl) (4- (2- ( trifluoromethyl ) phenyl ! piperidin-l-yl) methanone (0.080 g, 0.176 mmol), zinc cyanide (0.041 g, 0.352 mmol ) , palladium tetrakis ( triphenylphosphine) (0.020 g, 0.0176 mmol), and DMF (1 mL) was heated under microwave irradiation at 130 *C for 30 min. After cooling to ambient temperature, the mixture was diluted with CH2CI2 (30 mL) , washed with brine (2 x 30 mL ) , dried over MazSOa, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was chromatographed over silica gel (0-40% EtOAc in hexanes) to give 3- (4- (2- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) iperidine-l-carbonyl) -[1,2,4] triazolo

[4, 3-a]pyridine-6-carbonitrile as a white solid (0.063 g, 87%): ¾ NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) 59.72 (m, 1H) , 7.97 (dd, J = 9.5, 1.0 Hz, 1H) , 7.66 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H) , 7.55-7.42 (m, 3H) , 7.33 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H) , 5.74-5.69 (m, 1H) , 5.00-4.95 (m, 1H) , 3.42-3.33 (m, 2H) , 3.05-2.95 (m, 1H) , 2.06-1.81 (m, 4H) ; MS (ESI+) m/z 400 (M+H).

Example 105 : RPB4 binding of Piperidina Compounds

The compounds listed in Table 1 (Compounds 15-96 and 98-129) were tested in two in vitro assays, RBP4 binding (SPA) and retinol- dependent RBP4-TTR interaction (HTRF) (Figure 8-15) . The compounds binded to RBP4 and/or antagonized retinol-dependent RBP4-TTR interaction. This activity indicates that the compounds reduce the levels of serum RBP4 and retinol.

mhla X.

191

ı92

Exa ple 105: RPB4 binding of Additional Plperidine Compounds

An additional aspect of the invention provides analogs of the compounds of Table 1 that are active as RBP4 antagonists. The analogs of Compounds 15-129 described herein analogously bind to RBP4 and antagonize retinol-dependent RBP4-TTR interaction.

Additional plperidine compounds, which are analogs of those described in Table 1, are tested in two in vitro assays, RBP4 binding (SPA) and retinol-dependent RBP4-TTR interaction {HTRF} . These pipe idine compounds bind to RBP4 and antagonize retinol-dependent RBP4-TTR interaction. This activity indicates that the compounds reduce the level of serum RBP4 and retinol.

Example 106i efficacy in a Maaa-alian Modal

The effectiveness of the compounds listed in Table 1 are tested in wild-type and Abca4-/- mice. The Abca4-/- mouse model manifests accelerated accumulation of lipofuscin in the RPE and is considered a pre-clinical efficacy model for a drug reducing lipofuscin accumulation. Compounds are orally dosed for 3 weeks at 30 mg/kg. There is a reduction in the serum RBP4 level in treated animals. The levels of A2E/isoA2E and other bisretinoids are reduced in treated mice. The levels of A2-DHP- PE and atRAL di-PE are also reduced.

The effectiveness of additional piperidine compounds, which are analogs of those described in Table 1, are tested in wild-type and Abca4-/- mice. The Abca4-/- mouse model manifests accelerated accumulation of lipofuscin in the RPE and is considered a pre-clinical efficacy model for a drug reducing lipofuscin accumulation. Compounds are orally dosed for 3 weeks at 30 mg/kg. There is a reduction in the serum RBP4 level in treated animals. The levels of A2E/isoA2E and other bisretinoids are reduced in treated mice. The levels of A2-DHP- PE and atRAL di-PE are also reduced.

Discussion

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Its prevalence is higher than that of Alzheimer's disease. There is no treatment for the most common dry form of AMD. Dry AMD is triggered by abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that lies beneath the photoreceptor cells and provides critical metabolic support to these light-sensing cells. RPE dysfunction induces secondary degeneration of photoreceptors in the central part of the retina called the macula. Experimental data indicate that high levels of lipofuscin induce degeneration of RPE and the adjacent photoreceptors in atrophic AMD retinas. In addition to AMD, dramatic accumulation of lipofuscin is the hallmark of Stargardt ' s disease {STGD), an inherited form of juvenile onset macular degeneration. The major cytotoxic component of RPE lipofuscin is a pyridinium bisretinoid A2E . A2E formation occurs in the retina in a non-enzymatic manner and can be considered a by-product of a properly functioning visual cycle. Given the established cytotoxic affects of A2E on RPE and photoreceptors, inhibition of A2E formation could lead to delay in visual loss in patients with dry AMD and STGD. It was suggested that small molecule visual cycle inhibitors may reduce the formation of A2E in the retina and prolong RPE and photoreceptor survival in patients with dry AMD and STGD. Rates of the visual cycle and A2E production in the retina depend on the influx of all-trans retinol from serum to the RPE. RPE retinol uptake depends on serum retinol concentrations. Pharmacological downregulation of serum retinol is a valid treatment strategy for dry AMD and STGD. Serum retinol is maintained in circulation as a tertiary complex with retinol-binding protein (RBP4) and transthyretin (TTR) . Without interacting with TTR, the RBP4-retinol complex is rapidly cleared due to glomerular filtration. Retinol binding to RBP4 is required for formation of the RBP4-TTR complex; apo-RBP4 does not interact with TTR. Importantly, the retinol-binding site on RBP4 is sterically proximal to the interface mediating the RBP4-TTR interaction. Without wishing to be bound by any scientific theory, the data herein show that small molecule RBP4 antagonists displacing retinol from RBP4 and disrupting the RBP4-TTR interaction will reduce serum retinol

concentration, inhibi retinol uptake into the retina and act as indirect visual cycle inhibitors reducing formation of cytotoxic A2E.

Serum RBP4 as a drug target for pharmacological inhibition of the visual cycle

As rates of the visual cycle and A2E production in the retina depend on the influx of all-trans retinol from serum to the RPE (Figure 4) , it has been suggested that partial pharmacological down-regulation of serum retinol may represent a target area in dry AMD treatment (11). Serum retinol is bound to retinol-binding protein (RBP4 ) and maintained in circulation as a tertiary complex with RBP4 and transthyretin (TTR) (Figure 5) . Without interacting with TTR, the RBP4-ratinol complex is rapidly cleared from circulation due to glomerular filtration. Additionally, formation of the RBP4-TTR- retinol complex is required for receptor-mediated all-trans retinol uptake from serum to the retina.

Without wishing to be bound by any scientific theory, visual cycle inhibitors may reduce the formation of toxic bisretinoids and prolong RPE and photoreceptor survival in dry AMD. Rates of the visual cycle and A2E production depend on the influx of all-trans retinol from serum to the RPE. Formation of the tertiary retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4 ) -transthyretin (TTR) -retinol complex in serum is required for retinol uptake from circulation to the RPE. Retinol-binding site on RBP4 is sterically proximal to the interface mediating the RBP4-TTR interaction. RBP4 antagonists that compete with serum retinol for binding to RBP4 while blocking the RBP4-TTR interaction would reduce serum retinol, slow down the visual cycle, and inhibit formation of cytotoxic bisretinoids.

RBP4 represents an attractive drug target for indirect pharmacological inhibition of the visual cycle and A2E formation. The retinol-binding site on RBP4 is sterically proximal to the interface mediating the RBP4-TTR interaction. Retinol antagonists competing with serum retinol for binding to RBP4 while blocking the RBP4-TTR interaction would

reduce serum RBP4 and retinol levels which would lead to reduced uptake of retinol to the retina. The outcome would be visual cycle inhibition with subsequent reduction in the A2E synthesis. A synthetic retinoid called fenretinide [N- (4-hydroxy- phenyl) etinamide, 4HRP] (Figure 6) previously considered as a cancer treatment (29) was found to bind to RBP4, displace all-trans retinol from HBP4 (13), and disrupt the RBP4-TTR interaction (13,14). Fenretinide was shown to reduce serum RBP4 and retinol (15), inhibit ocular all-trans retinol uptake and slow down the visual cycle (11) . Importantly, fenretinide administration reduced A2E production in an animal model of excessive bisretinoid accumulation, Abea -/- mice (11) . Pre-clinical experiments with fenretinide validated P.BP4 as a drug target for dry AMD. However, fenretinide is non-selective and toxic. Independent of its activity as an antagonist of retinol binding to RBP4, fenretinide is an extremely active inducer of apoptosis in many cell types (16-19) , including the retinal pigment epithelium cells (20). It has been suggested that fenretinide' s adverse effects are mediated by its action as a ligand of a nuclear receptor RAR (21- 24) . Additionally, similar to other retinoids, fenretinide is reported to stimulate formation of hemangiosarcomas in mice. Moreover, fenretinide is teratogenic, which makes its use problematic in Stargardt disease patients of childbearing age.

As fenretinide ' s safety profile may be incompatible with long-term dosing in individuals with blinding but non-life threatening conditions, identification of new classes of RBP4 antagonists is of significant importance. The compounds of the present invention displace retinol from RBP4 , disrupt retinol-induced RBP4-TTR interaction, and reduce serum REBP4 levels. The compounds of the present invention inhibit bisretinoid accumulation in the Abca4 -/- mouse model of excessive lipofuscinogenesis which indicates usefulness a treatment for dry AMD and Stargardt disease.

The present invention relates to small molecules for treatment of macular degeneration and Stargardt Disease. Disclosed herein is the ophthalmic use of the small molecules as non-retinoid RBP4 antagonists. Compounds 15-110 have been shown to bind RBP4 in vitro and/or to antagonize RBP4-TTR interaction in vitro at biologically significant concentrations. Additional compounds described herein, which are analogs of Compounds 15-110 analogously bind R3P4 in vitro and antagonize RBP4-TTR interaction in vitro at biologically significant concentrations .

Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment for dry AMD or Stargardt disease, which affects millions of patients. An over the counter, non PDA-approved cocktail of antioxidant vitamins and zinc (AREDS formula) is claimed to be beneficial in a subset of dry AMD patients. There are no treatments for Stargardt disease. The present invention identified non-retinoid RBP4 antagonists that are useful for the treatment of dry AMD and other conditions characterized by excessive accumulation of lipofuscin . Without wishing to be bound by any scientific theory, as accumulation of lipofuscin seems to be a direct cause of RPE and photoreceoptor demise in AMD and STGD retina, the compounds described herein are disease-modifying agents since they directly address the root cause of these diseases. The present invention provides novel methods of treatment that will preserve vision in AMD and Stargardt disease patients, and patients' suffereing from conditions characterized by excessive accumulation of lipofuscin.

Petrukhin K. Hew therapeutic targets in atrophic age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin, Ther, Targets. 2007, 11(5) : 625-639

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Claims

What ia cl»l—ii i»:

A compound having the structure

wherein

Ri, R₂, Rj, i, and Rs are each independently H, halogen, CF3 or Ci-d alkyl;

¾ is H, OH, or halogen;

the pyrazole, when substituted, is substituted with other than trifluoromethyl , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt theref.

2. The compound of claim 1, wherein B is a substituted or unsubstituted heterobicycle . nd of claim 2, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

α, β, %, and δ are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

Zi is S, 0, or N;

wherein R₇ is H, C₁ alkyl, or oxetane ;

Q is a substituted or unsubstituted 5, 6, or 7 membered ring structure. of claim 3, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

when ais present, then Zi and Z2 are N, X is N, β is present, and χ and 5 are absent, or when ais present, then Zi is 0 or S, Z2 is N, X is C, X is present, and β and δ are absent;

when ais absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is N X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent, or when ais absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is 0 or S, X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent.

5. The compound of claim 4, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is an integer f om 0-2;

a, (J, χ, δ, ε, and φ are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

Zi is S. O or N;

Z₂ is S, 0, N or N- 7,

wherein Ri is H, Ci-Cio alkyl, or oxetane;

X is C or N;

Yi, Y₂, Yji and each occurrence of are each independently CRe, C(R9)₂, N-R10, 0, N, SO2, or C=0,

wherein

Rs is H, halogen, C1-C10 alkyl, Cj-Cs cycloalkyl , 0- (C1-C10 alkyl) , C(0)0H, C (0) 0 (C1-C10 alkyl ) , C(O) -NH₂, C (0) -NH (C1 alkyl) , C (O) -NH (C1 alkyl) ₂, NHC (0) -NH (C1-C10 alkyl),

NHC(0)-N(Ci-C₄ alkyl) 2, SO2-NH (d-Cio alkyl) , SO₂-N(Ci-C_l0 alkyl) 2, C , or CF₃;

R₉ is H or Ci-do alkyl;

Rio is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, (C1-C10 alkyl) -CF₃, (¾- C₁₀ alkyl )-OCH₃, (d-Cio alkyl ) -halogen , SO2- (C1-C10 alkyl), S0₂-

(C1-C10 alkyl) -CF₃, SO2- (Ci-C₁₀ alkyl)-OCH₃, SOj- (C1-C10 alkyl) - halogen, C (0) - (C1-C10 alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-Cxo alkyl) -CF₃, C(0)-

(C1-C10 alkyl)-0CH₃, C(0> - (Ci-Cm alkyl) -halogen, C(O) -ΜΉ- (C1-C10 alkyl) , C(0)-N(Ci-C alkyl) 2, (C1-C10 alkyl ) -C (0) OH, C(0)-N¾ or oxetane .

6. The compound of claim 5, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

when Otis present, then Zi and Zj are N, X is N, β is present, and χ and δ are absent, or when a is present, then Zi is 0 or S, Z₂ is N, X is C, χ is present, and β and δ are absent;

when a is absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is N X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent, or when a is absent, then Zi is N, Z₂ is 0 or S, X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent.

when ε and φ are each present, then n = 1, and each of Yi, Y₂, Y₃ , and Y, are independently C-Rs or N;

when E and φ are each absent, then n = 0, 1 or 2, each of Yj, Y₂, Y3, and each occurrence of Y4 are independently C )z, N-R10, 0, or

7. The compound of claim 6,

wherein

β and θ are present;

α, χ, ε, and φ are absent;

Zi is N;

Z₂ is 0, or

wherein is H, C1 alkyl, or oxetane; and

X is C.

8. The compound of claim 7, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 0 ;

R? is H, C1 alkyl , or oxetane;

Yi and Yj are each C% or C ( CH₃ ) 2 ; and

Y: is 0 , SO2, or N

wherein

Rio is H, Ci-C₄ alkyl, Cj-Cs cycloalkyl, (C₁ alkyl) (d alkyl) -OCH3, (C1 alkyl) -halogen, SO3- (C1 alkyl), S<¾-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) -CFa, S0₂-(Ci alkyl) -OCH3, S02-iCi-C₄ alkyl) -halogen, C( 0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C( 0)-(Ci alkyl ) -CF3 , C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl )-OCH₃, C(O) - (C1 alkyl) - halogen, C ( 0 ) -NH- (Ci-C. alkyl) , CiO)-N{Ci-C₄ alkyl) 2, alkyl) -C ( 0) OH, C( 0)-N¾ or oxetane.

9. Th 7 , wherein 3 has the structure:

wherein

n is 1;

R? is H, Ci-C₄ alkyl, or oxetane;

Yi, Y₂ and Y are each C¾ or C(C¾)₂; and

wherein

Rio is H, alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, alkyl) -C (C1 alkyl) -OCH3, (C1 alkyl ) -halogen, S0₂-{Ci-C₄ alkyl), SO2- alkyl) -CF₃, S0₂- (¾-0₄ alkyl) S0J-(CI-C₄ alkyl (-halogen, C(0)-(Ci-C alkyl), C(0)-(Ci alkyD-CFs, C (0 ) - alkyl) -OCH3, C (0) - (Ci-C« alkyl) - halogen, C( 0 ) -NH- (C1 alkyl), C( 0)-N(Ci alkyl) a, alkyl) -C(0) OH, CiO)-NH₂ or oxetane.

10. The compound of claim 7 , wherein 8 has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

is H, alkyl, or oxetane;

Y₃ and Y, are each C¾ or CiCH₃)₂; and

is 0 , S0₂ , or N

wherein

Rio is H, alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl , alkyl) -CF₃, (d-C₄ alkyl) -OCH₃, (d-Ci alkyl) -halogen, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl), SOi-ld-Cj alkyl) -CF₃, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) -0CH₃ , SO2- (C₁ alkyl) -halogen, C( 0)-(Ci-C« alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl )-CF₃, C ( 0 ) - (C1 alkyl) -OC¾, C(O) - {C1 alkyl) - halogen, C (O) -NH- (Ct-Ci alkyl) , C(0)-N(Ci-Ci alkyl) 2, -C4 alkyl)-C(O) 0H , C(0)-NH₂ or oxetane.

11. The compound of claim 7, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 2 ;

is H, alkyl, or oxetane;

Yi, Y₃ and each occurrence of Y₄ are each C¾ or C(CH₃)₂; and Y; is 0 , SOa, or N-R₁₀,

wherein

Rio is H, d-C alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, alkyl) -CF₃, alkyl) -OCH₃, alkyl) -halogen, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl), S0₂- (C1 alkyl) -CF₃, S0₂- alkyl) -0CH₃ , S0₂-(Ci-Ci alkyl) -halogen, C(0)-(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)-(Ci-C₄

alkyl } -CF₃ , C(0)-(Ci-C» alkyl J-OCHj, CIO) - (Ci-C< alkyl) - halogen, C (0) -BH- alkyl}, C(O) -N(Ci-C, alkyl) %, -C4 alkyl) -C (OS OH, C(0)-N¾ or oxetane.

12. The compound of any one of claims 8-11, wherein B has the structure:

The compound of claim 12,

wherein Rio is H, C¾, C¾CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃, CH(CHj)₂, CH₂CH {CH₃) ₂, t-Bu, CHiOCHj , CH2CF3, CH2CI, C¾F, CH2CH2OCH3 , CH2CH2CF3,

14. The compound of claim 12,

wherein Rio is SO2-CH3, S0₂~CH₂CH₃, SO₂-CH₂CH₂CH₃, SO₂-CH (CH₃) ₂, S0₂-CH₂CH{CH₃)₂, S0₂-t-Bu, S0₂-CH₂OCH₃, SO2-CH2CF3, SOa-CHjCl, S0₂-CH₂F, S0₂-CH₂CH₂OCH₃, S0₂-CH₂CH₂CF₃ , S0₂-CH₂CH₂C1, SO₂-

The compound of claim 12,

wherein Rio is C(0)-CH₃, C(0)-CH₂CH₃, C(0) -CH₂CH₂CH₃, C(O) CH(CH₃)₂, C(0)-CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, C(0)-t-Bu, C (0) -CH₂OCH₃ , C(0) CH₂CF₃, C(0>-C¾C1, C(0)-C , C (0) -CH₂CH₂CF₃

C(0)-CH₂CH₂C1, CiO) -CH2CH2F,

16. The compound of any one of claims 8-11, wherein 3 has the structure:

17. The compound of claim 16,

wherein

R₇ is H, CH₃, CH2CH3, CH(CH₃)s, or

18. 7, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is i;

R₇ is H, C₁ alkyl, or oxetane;

Yi and Y₄ are each C¾; and

Yj is C=0 and Yj is N-Rio, or Yj is C=0 and Yj is N-Rn

wherein

is or alkyl . B has the structure

20. The compound of claim 19,

wherein

R₇ is H, CH2CH₃ , CH(CH₃)₂, or

; and

each is H or C¾. m 7, wherein B has the structure

wherein

n is 1;

and are each and

one of or is CH₂ and the other of or is 0, or wherein

is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl)-CF₃, alkyl) alkyl) -halogen, S0 alkyl), S0 alkyl) -CF₃, alkyl) S0 alkyl) -halogen, (0 alkyl), (0 alkyl)-CF₃, (0 alkyl (0) alkyl) -

halogen, C (0) - H- alkyl) , (0)-N -C₄ alkyl) ₂, alkyl!-C(0)OH, CiO) -NH₂ or oxetane.

22. The compound of claim 7, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

and are each ; and

one of or is CHj and the other of Y2 or is 0, , or wherein

is alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, alkyl) -CF3, (C1 alkyl) -OCH3, (C_l-C alkyl ) -halogen,

alkyl), SO2- alkyl) SO3- alkyl) SO:- alkyl) -halogen, (0 alkyl), (0 alkyl ) -CP3 , C{0 -C₄ alkyl) -OCH3, C (0) - alkyl) - halogen, (0) -NH- alkyl), (0) alkyl) alkyl) (0)0H, C (0 or oxetane.

24. The compound of claim 23,

wherein io is Ct¾, ¾CHaCH₃ , CH(CH₃)₂,

The compound of claim 23,

wherein Rio is -CHaCHjCHj, S0₂-CH{CH₃) S0₂-CH2CH{CH₃)2, SOa-t-Bu, SO2 S0₂-CH₂CPj, SO2

-CH₂CHjCP₃, , SOa

The compound of claim 23,

wherein Rio is C )-CH₃, C C(Oi -CH₂CH₂CH₃, C(O) CH<CHj)_s, C(O) -CH₂CH(CHj)₂, C<0)-t-Bu, C (0) -CH₂OC¾ , C(O) CH2CP3, C(0 C(0) -CH₂F, C (0) C (0) -C¾C¾CF₃

27. The compound of claim 6,

wherein

P, δ, ε, and φ are present;

a and χ are absent;

Zi is N;

Z₂ is or N

wherein R₇ is H, alkyl, or oxetane; and X is C.

28. The compound of claim 27, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

R? is H, C1 alkyl, or oxetane and

Yi , Y₂ , Yj and Y« are each independently CRs or N,

wherein each R< is independently H, halogen, C1 alkyl, Cj-C. cycloalkyl, 0-(Ci-C< alkyl), C(0)OH, CiO) -N¾, C(O)- N(CHj)₂, C(O)- NHCHj , NHC (0) -N (CH₃ ! 2, CN, or CP3,

29. The compound of claim 28,

wherein

Yi, Y2, Ys and are each CH

Yi, Y2, ₃ are each CH and Y4 is N;

Yi, Ys, Y4 are each CH and Ys is N;

Yi, Yi, Yi are each CH and Ya is N;

Y2, Y₃, are each CH and Yi is N.

30. The compound of claim 29, wherein B has the structure:

31. The compound of claim 28, wherein B has the structure:

32 The compound of claim 31,

wherein

R₇ is H, CH₂CH₃, CHj, CH(CH₃)₂, or

and

each R₈ is independently H, CI, Br, F, OCH₃, 0C¾CH₃, CF₃, CN, C¾, CH3CH3, C(0)OH, C(O) -N¾, C (O) -N(CHj) C(0)- NHCH3, or NHC(0)-N(CH₃!₂.

33. im 27, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

Yi, Yj , and Υ» are each independently CRs or N,

wherein Rs is H, halogen, C1 alkyl, C₃-Ce cycloalkyl, 0-(Ci-C. alkyl), C(0)OH, C{0)-NH₂, C (0) -N (CH₃) 2, C(O)- HCH3, NHC(O) -N(CH₃)₂, CN, or CF₃ ,

The compound of claim 33,

wherein

Yi, Y2, Y₃ and are each CH;

Yi, Y₂, are each CH and Y₄ is N;

Yi, Y₂, Y₄ are each CH and Y₃ is N;

Yi, Y₃» are each CH and Y₂ is N; or

Yj, Yi are each CH and is H. 35, The compound of claim 34, wherein B has the structure:

36. The compound of claim 6,

wherein

O and β are present;

χ, δ, ε, and φ are absent;

Zi is N;

X is N.

37. 36, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1;

and are each C¾; and

one of Y2 or is and the other of or is 0, or N

wherein

is H, -C alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, alkyl)-CF₃, alkyl) alkyl) -halogen, S0 alkyl), S0₂-(C_l-C₄ alkyl) -CF₃, S0₂-{Ci-C₄ alkyl) -0CH₃, S0 alkyl) -halogen, (0 alkyl), (0

alkyl) -CFj, C(O) - (d-C alkyl)-OCHj, C(0> - (C₁ alkyl) - halogen, C (0! -NH- CCi-C alkyl) , C(0)-N(Ct-C₄ alkyl)., (Ci-C« alkyl !-C SO) OH, CIO) -NHj or oxetane.

38. The compound of claim B has the structure:

The compound of claim 38,

wherein R_l0 is H, C¾, C¾CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃, CH(C¾)₂, CH₂CH(C¾)₂ t-Bu, , C¾F, CHjCHjOCHi, CH2CH2CF3 ,

The compound of claim 38,

wherein R₁₀ is SO2 SO₂-CH₂CH3 , S0₂-CH₂CH₂CH₃ , SOa-CH (CH₃) 2 , S0₂-CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, S0₂-t-Bu, S02-CH₂OCH₃, S0₂-CH₂CF₃, SO2-CH2CI , S0₂-CH₂F, S0₂-CH₂C¾OCH₃, S02-CH₂CH₂CF₃ , S02-CH₂CH₂C1 , SO2-

The compound of claim 38,

wherein R_J0 is C(0)-CH₃, C(0)-CH₂CH₃, C (0) -CH₂CH₂CH₃, C(0) CH(CH₃)₂, C(0)-CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, C(0)-t-Bu, C (O) -CH₂OCH₃, C(0) CH₂CF₃, C(0)-C¾C1, C(0)-CH , C (0) -CH₂CH₂CF₃

C(0) -CH₂CH₂C1, C(0)-CH₂CH₂F,

The compound of claim 37, wherein B has the structure

43, The compound of claim 6,

wherein

a, β, r, and φ are present;

X and 8 are absent;

Zi is N;

Za is N; and

X is N.

44. T m 43, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

Yi, Y Yj and Y« are each independently CRs or N,

wherein each R₈ is independently H, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C< alkyl) , CN, CF₃, C(0}0H,

C(0)-NHa, C(0) -N(CH₃)₂, C(0)-NHCH₃, or NHC (0) -N (CH₃) 2 the structure:

The compound of claim 45,

wherein each Re is independently H, CI, Br, F, OCH> , OCH₂CH₃ , CFj, CN, CH₃, CH₃CH₃, CiOiOH, C(01 -NH3 , C(O) -N(CHj)₂, C(O)- NHCHj, NHC(0)-NHCHj, NHC(O) -N(C¾)₂, SO2-NHCH3 or SO2-N <CH₃ ) ; .

47. The compound of claim 6,

wherein

o, E, and φ are present;

β and δ are absent;

is 0 or S;

X is C.

48. The compound of claim 47, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

Yi, Y2, ¾ and Y₄ are each independently CRs or N,

wherein each Re is independently H, halogen, CXC1 alkyl), C₃-C« cycloalkyl, CN, or CF₃.

49. the structure:

50. The compound of any one of claims 1-49,

wherein

Ri, R2, R₃, and R₅ are each H, t-Bu, CI, F, or CF₃; and R₆ is H, OH or F.

The compound of claim 50,

wherein

Ri, j, Ri, arid R₄ are each H,

Rt is H.

52. The compound of claim 51 having the structure:

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239

240

241

242

53. The compound of claim 51 having the structure:

244

54. The compound of claim 51 having the structure:

246

247

248

249

56. The compound of claim 50,

wherein

Ri, R₂, and R₄ are each H and is CF₃, or

Ri and R₂ are H, R₃ is F, ¾ is H and R₅ is CF3, or

Ri, and R₅ are each H, and R2 and R₄ are each CF3, or

Ri, R₃ and R_t are each H, 2 is F, and R₅ is CI, or

Ri , R3 and Ra are each H, R2 is F, and R₅ is CF₃, or

Ri, and R3 are each H, R₄ is F, and is Cl, or

Ri, R2 and R₃ are each H, ¾ is F, and R₅ is CF₃ and

R₆ is H, OH or F.

, The compound of claim 56 having the structure:

nd of claim 2, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

a, β, χ, and δ are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

Z, is CH, S, 0, N or NRn,

wherein Rn is H or Ci-Cio alkyl;

Z, is CH, S, 0, N or NRn,

wherein Ru is H or alkyl;

Q is a substituted or unsubstituted 5, 6, or 7 membered ring structure.

59. The compound of claim 58,

wherein

when a is present, then Zj are N, Z« is CH, X is N, β and 5 are absent, and X is present;

when Otis absent, then is CH or N, Z₄ is NR₇, S, or 0, X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent. of claim 59, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is an integer from 0-2;

α, β, χ, δ, ε, and are each independently absent or present, and when present each is a bond;

X is C or N;

Z₃ is CH, S, O, N or NRn,

wherein R_lt is H or alkyl;

Zi is CH, S, O, N or NRn,

wherein R₁₂ is H or C₁-C10 alkyl ,- Yi , Y₂ , Yj , and each occurrence of Y are each independently CR13, C(Ru) j, N-R15. 0, N, SO_a, or C=0,

wherein

Rn is halogen, C1-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, (C1 -C10 alkyl) , C(0)0H, C (0) 0 alkyl ) , C(0)-NH₂, C (0) -KH (Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C (0) -NH (C1 alkyl) _a, HC (0) -NH (C1-C10 alkyl ) ,

NHC(O) -N(d-C₄ alkyl) 2 , SO2-NH (Ci-Cio alkyl) , S0₂~N(Ci-Cio alkyl ) 2 , CN, imidazole, laorpholino, or pyrrolidine R:« is H or C1-C10 alkyl;

R15 is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C₃-C₃ cycloalkyl , ( C1 -C10 alkyl) -CFj, (Ci- C10 alkyl ) -OCH3 , ( C1-C10 alkyl ) -halogen, SO2 - ( C1-C10 alkyl) , SO2-

(Ci-Cio alkyl) -CFj, S0₂-(C₁-Cio alkyl) -OCH3, S0₂-(Ci-Cio alkyl) - halogen, C(0)-(Ci-Cio alkyl), C(O)-(Ci-Ci₀ alkyl) -CP₃, C(O)- iCi-Cw alkyl) -OCH3, C{0) - ( C1-C10 alkyl) -halogen, C (0) -NH- E C1-C10 alkyl) , C(0) -N(Ci-C alkyl) 2 , (Ci-Cio alkyl ) -C (0) OH, C{0)-NH₂ or oxetane .

61. The compound of claim 60, wherein

when a is present, then Z₃ are N, Z₄ is CH, X is N, β and δ are absent, and % is present,- when a is absent, then Z3 is CH or N , 7,< is NR12 , S, or O, X is C, β and δ are present, and χ is absent;

when B nd φ are each present, then n = 1, and each of Yi , Y2 , Y3 , and i are independently C-R1₃ or N;

when Eand φ are each absent, then n = 0, 1 or 2, each of Yi , Y₂ , Y₃ , and each occurrence of Yi are independently C(Ri4 > 2 , N-R₁₅ , 0, or SO2 .

62. The compound of claim 61,

wherein

, χ, ε, and φ are each present, β and 8 are each absent, is CH, is N; and X is N; or

χ, δ, ε, and φ are each present, a and β are each absent, Z3 is CH, Z₄ is N-R_l2; and X is C; or

χ, 8, ε, and fare each present, a and β are each absent, Zj is N, Z_t is N-Ru, S or 0 ; and X is C.

63. The compound of claim 62, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1; and

Yi, ¾, , and are each C-Ria or

wherein Rn is H, halogen, C₁ alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl) , (0 (0) (0) (0) - (0 CN, imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine .

64. The compound of claim 63, wherein

Yi, Y2, Y3, and Y₄ are each C-R13; or

Yi is N, and Y₂ , Y₃ , and Υ» are each C-R1₃.

65. The com has the structure:

wherein is is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl) , cycloalkyl, (0)0H, <0 (0 (C¾)₂, (0 (0 imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine.

66. The compound of claim 61, wherein B has the structure:

wherein

n is 1 ;

Ru is H or C1 alkyl;

Yi, Y2, Y3, and Y« are each C -Ru or N,

wherein Ru is H, halogen, C₁ alkyl , Ci-C« cycloalkyl, 0- (C1 alkyl) , C!O!OH, C(0)-NHa, C (0) -N(CH₃) 2 , C(0)-

NHCHi, NHC(O) -N(CHj) j, CN, CF₃ , imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine.

67. The compound of claim 66, wherein B has the structure:

is H, CH₃, CF3 , OCH3,

The compound of claim 62, wherein B has Che structure:

wherein

n is 1 ; and

and are each C or N,

wherein Ru is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(0)OH, C{0) -N¾, C (0) -N (C¾) 2 , C(O) - NHCHj, NHC(O) -N(CHj)₂, CN, , imidazole, morpholino, or pyrrolidine.

The compound of claim 69,

wherein

Y2, Y3, and Y4 are each C or

one of or is and the other three of or are each C

wherein each R₁₃ is H .

The compound of claim 2, wherein B has the structure

wherein and are each H, halogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl .

3. The compound of claim 72, wherein B has the structure:

74. The compound of claim 1, wherein B is a substituted or unsubstituted pyridazine, pyrazole, pyrazine, thiadiazole, or

H, halogen CN, CF₃, OH, N¾, C1 alkyl , C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci- alkyl), C(0)HH₂, C (O) NH (d-C₄ alkyl), C(0)N(Ci-C₄ alkyl )₂, C(0)0H, C{0)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl), CfOKd-Cj alkyl), C (0) NH (SO2) - (C1 alkyl), C (0) NH ( S0₂) - (C3-C₆ cycloalkyl), C (0)NH (S0₂) - (aryl) , 0(S0₂)- NH₂, NHC(0)-NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl), NHC (0) -N (C1 alkyl)₂, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) or tetrazole.

76. The compound of claim 75, wherein is H, CI, Br, F, 0CH₃, 0C¾CH₃, CF₃, CN, CH₃, CH₃CH₃, C00H, or COOCH3.

structure:

wherein

is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl), (0)OH, (0)-NH₂, C(O) (0

or

The compound of claim 78, wherein

is is Br, 0CH₃, or

80. The compound of any one of claims 53-79,

wherein

Ri. >, Rj, Ra, and R₅ are each H, CI, F, t-Bu or CF_j; and Rs is H, OH or F.

81. The compound of claim 80,

wherein

Ri , R , Ri, and R₄ are each H ,

Rs is CF₃; and

Rs is H;

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3. The compound of claim 81 having the structure:

having the structure:

wherein

Ri, R_, R-₃, Ri, and R₅ are each independently H, halogen, CF₃ or C1-C₄ alkyl

R₆ is H, OH, or halogen;

B' is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, benzyl, pyrrolidine, sulfolane, oxetane, C0₂H or alkyl) -COjH,

wherein the substituted phenyl is substituted with other than trifluoromethyi or 3- (methyl carboxylate) , the substituted pyridine is substituted with other than trifluoromethyi and the substituted pyrrolidine is substituted with other than hydroxamic acid, and the substituted or unsubstituted pyrrolidine is bound to the carbonyl through a carbon-carbon bond, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt theref.

85. The compound of claim 84, wherein B ' has the structure:

wherein and are each independently halogen C , N¾, C₁-C10 alkyl, C₃-Cs cycloalkyl, 0(Ci- C₄ alkyl), C(0)NH₂, C (0) NH (d alkyl), (0)N alkyl>₂, C(0)OH, -C10 alkyl), (0 alkyl), C {0 (S0₂) - (Ci- d alkyl), C (0)NH ! - (C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl) , C(0 (S0₂)- (aryl), (S0 (0) alkyl),

alkyl) alkyl) or has the structure:

wherein and R₂₃ are each independently

H, halogen, OH, NK₂, C alkyl , cycloalkyl, 0 (Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)MH₂, C(0)NH(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)N(Ci-C₄ alkyl )₂, C{0)OH, C(0)O(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(0)NH(SOj) - (Ci-C« alkyl) , C (0) NH (S0₃ )- (Cj-Cs cycloalkyl ) , C(0)NH(SOj) - (aryl), 0(S0₂)- NH₂, or SO2- (Ci-C, alkyl) .

87. The compound of claim 86, wherein R₂₁, R₂₂, and are each in CjO)OH, C(0)0C¾

wherein B' has the structure:

wherein R₂₂, and are each independently

H, halogen, OH, CF3, NH₂ , C1 alkyl, C₃-Cs cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(0)ffi¾, C (0) NH (C1 alkyl) , C(0)N(Ci-C. alkyl) ₂, C(O)0H, C(0!0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(0) {C₁-C₄ alkyl), C (O) NH (S0₂ ) - (Ct-Ct alkyl) , C (O) NH (S0₂) - (C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl ) , C(0)NH{S0₂)- (aryl), or 0(S0₂)- NH₂, S0₂-(Ci-C₄ alkyl) .

89. The compound of claim 88, wherein R₂₂, R₂₃, R₂₄ and R are each

C(0)NH₂, C{0)OH,

90. The compound of claim 88, wherein Rn , are each H and R_2J

C(0)0CH, ,

91. The compound of any one of claims 88-90, wherein B' has the structure :

92. The compound of claim 84, wherein B' has the structure:

wherein and are each independently H, halogen alkyl, cycloalkyl , 0 alkyl) , (0)NH₂, alkyl), (0 alkyl) (0)OH, (0)0 alkyl) , alkyl) , S0₂ alkyl), C (0) - (C₃~C<. cycloalkyl), (0 (aryl) , 0 alkyl), (0) alkyl) alkyl) .

wherein and are each independently

H, halogen, OH, alkyl, cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C alkyl), (0 SO) alkyl) , (0 alkyl) ₂, (0 (0)0 alkyl) , C{0) (Cj.-C₄ alkyl), (0 (S0₂) - alkyl), 0 ) - cycloalkyl) , (0) (S0₂ ) - (aryl) , or 0(S0₂) S0₂- alkyl) .

The compound of claim 92 , wherein R and are each independently

95. The compound of claim 94, wherein B' has the structure:

wherein R₂₂, R and R_2; are each independently

H, halogen, OH, N¾, C1 alkyi, C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, 0(Ci-C alkyl) , C(Q)NH₂, C(0)NH(Ci-Cj alkyl), C(0)N(Ci-C₄ alkyl)₂, CIO) OH, C(0)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl) , C(O) (Ci-C, alkyl), C (0) NH (S0₂) - (C1-C4 alkyl) , C(0)NH(SO₂) - (Cj-Cs cycloalkyl), C (0) NH ( SO2 ) - (aryl) , or 0(S0₂)~ NH₂, S0₂- (C1 alkyl) .

96. The compound of claim 95, wherein R₂i, R22, R23, R24 and R25 are each

C(0)OH,

The compound of claim 95, wherein R₂₂, R₂4, R25 are each H and R₂₃

C(0)OC% ,

98. The compound of any one of claims 95-97, wherein B' has the

structure:

wherein and R₂₅ are each independently

halogen CF3 alkyl , cycloalkyl, !Ci- alkyl), €(0)Ν¾, (0) NH alkyl (0 (Ci-Ct alkyl) ₂, C(0)0H, C (Ci alkyl), {0 alkyl), <0 (S0₂) alkyl), C (0) NH ( S0₂) - (C3 cycloalkyl), C{0)NH(S<¾)- (aryl), 0 (C1-C10 alkyl), NHC (0) -N alkyl) id alkyl). B' has the structure:

wherein and are each independently

H, halogen, Ci-C< alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl) , C(0)N¾, CiO!NH(Ci-C< alkyl), C(0)N(Ci-C₄ alkyl) CiO)0(Ci-C₄ alkyl), C(O) (C1 alkyl) , C (0) NH ( S0₃) - alkyl) , S0₂ cycloalkyl! , C(0)NH(SO₂) - (aryl) , or 0 (SO2) - NH₂, SO2- (C1 alkyl).

101. The compound of claim 100, wherein .1 and are each

C(0)OH,

104. The compound of any one of claims 84-103,

wherein

Ri, Rj , f¾ , and Rs are each H, CI, P, t-Bu or CPs; and R, is H, OH or F.

105. The compound of claim 104,

wherein

Ri , Rs , Rj , and R* are each H ,

Rs is H. claim 105 having the structure:

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108. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of any one of claims 1-107 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

109. A method for treating a disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina in a mammal afflicted therewith comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of any one of claims 1-107 or a composition of claim 108.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein the disease is further characterized by bisretinoid-mediated macular degeneration.

111. The me hod of claim 109 or 110 , wherein the amount of the compound is effective to lower the serum concentration of RBP4 in the mammal.

112. The method of any one of claims 108-110, wherein the amount of the compound is effective to lower the retinal concentration of a bisretinoid in lipofuscin in the mammal,

113. The method of claim 112, wherein the bisretinoid is A2E.

114. The method of claim 112, wherein the bisretinoid is isoA2E.

115. The method of claim 112, wherein the bisretinoid is A2-DHP-PE.

116. The method of claim 112, wherein the bisretinoid is at AL di- PE.

117. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

118. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is dry (atrophic) Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

119. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Stargardt Disease.

120. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Best disease.

121. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is adult vitelliform maculopathy.

122. The method of any one of claims 109-116, wherein the disease characterized by excessive lipofuscin accumulation in the retina is Stargardt-like macular dystrophy