FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of anti- inflammatory pharmaceutical agents and specifically relates to compounds, compositions and methods for treating inflammation and inflammation-associated disorders, such as arthritis .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prostaglandins play a major role in the inflammation process and the inhibition of prostaglandin production, especially production of PGG ₂ , PGH ₂ and PGE ₂ , has been a common target of antiinfla matory drug discovery. However, common non- steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are active in reducing the prostaglandin-induced pain and swelling associated with the inflammation process are also active in affecting other prostaglandin-regulated processes not associated with the inflammation process. Thus, use of high doses of most common NSAIDs can produce severe side effects, including life threatening ulcers, that limit their therapeutic potential. An alternative to NSAIDs is the use of corticosteroids, which have even more drastic side effects, especially when long term therapy is involved.

Previous NSAIDs have been found to prevent the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting enzymes in the human arachidonic acid/prostaglandin pathway, including the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) . Recently, the sequence of another heretofore unknown enzyme in the human arachidonic acid/prostaglandin pathway has been reported by T. Hla and K. Nielson, Proc . Natl . Acad. Sci , USA, 89, 7384 (1992) and named

"cyclooxygenase II (COX ID " or "prostaglandin G/H synthase II" . The discovery of an inducible enzyme associated with inflammation provides a viable target of inhibition which more effectively reduces inflammation and produces fewer and less drastic side effects. Cyclooxygenase II is inducible by cytokines or endotoxins and such induction is inhibited by glucocortoids (J. Masferrer, et al, Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci , USA, 89, 3917 (1992)) . The β-methoxy-2- napthylacetic acid metabolite of nabumetone has been found by E. Meade et al to selectively inhibit the COX II enzyme ( J. Biol . Chem. , 268, 6610 (1993) ) . In addition, Futaki et al ( Prostaglandins , 47, 55 (1994) ) have reported that N- (2-cyclohexyloxy-4- nitrophenyDmethanesulfonamide inhibits the COX II enzyme.

The cyclopentene compounds disclosed herein are such safe and also effective antiinflammatory agents furthering such efforts. The invention compounds are found to show usefulness in vivo as antiinflammatory agents with minimal side effects. The substituted cyclopentene compounds disclosed herein preferably selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase II over cyclooxygenase I.

1,2-Diarylcycloalkenes have been made and used for a variety of utilities. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,543,207 to Sato, et al. , describes diphenyl cyclohexene as an electrical insulating oil additive.

U.S. Patent No. 4,229,207, to aanio, et al . , describes 1, 2-diphenyl-cyclohex-l-ene-4-carboxylic acid esters, specifically, 1, 2-di (4-phenylsulfonic acid) - cyclohex-1-ene-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester. These ester compounds are reported to be effective as plant growth regulating agents and as post-emergent herbicides for controlling wild oats .

DE 4,212,628, published October 21, 1993, describes 3 , 4-bis-alkylphenylcyclohex-3-enes as anti-tumor agents .

The synthesis of 3 , 4-diphenyl-Δ ³ -cyclopentenone ethylene ketal is described as an intermediate for forming carbinols [E. J. Corey, et al . , J. Amer. Chem. Soc.. 85,

1788 (1963)] . 2, 3-Bis- (4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-cyclopenten-l-one has been identified from the knot resin powder of

Arqaucaria angustifolia [H. Ohash, et al . , Phvtochemistry, 21, 1371 (1992)] .

Substituted 1, 2-diphenylcyclopentenes have been synthesized for use in studies of their rotational behavior, includes specifically, 1- (2, 4-Dimethylphenyl) -2- phenylcyclopentene [D. Y. Curtin, et al . , J. Orσ. Chem. , 36, 565 (1971)] . 1, 2-Di- (2 ' -methoxyphenyl) -Δ ¹ -cyclopentene has been identified as an impurity in the synthesis of cannabinoids [O.P. Malik, et al . , Ind. J. Chem.. 14B. 975

(1976) ] .

1- (Substitutedphenyl) -2-phenylcyclopentenes have been synthesized to study their photochemical reactions into phenanthrene derivatives. Compounds with eta substituents, such as 1- (3-chlorophenyl) -2- phenylcyclopentene, are described in So ers, et al . , J. Photochem. Photobiol .. 48A. 353 (1989) . Para substituents, including specifically 1- (4-fluorophenyl) -2- phenylcyclopentene, are described in Laarhoven, Pure &

APDI. Chem.. ££, 1225 (1984) .

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A class of cyclopentene compounds useful in treating inflammation-related disorders is defined by- Formula I :

wherein A is selected from

wherein each of R-*- and R^ is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R- ¹ -- ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; provided that when A is

R5 cannot be hydrido when R ¹⁰ is selected from hydrido, cyano, halo, methyl, trifluoromethyl and methoxy; further provided that R^O cannot be hydrido when R ⁵ is selected from cyano, halo, methyl, trifluoromethyl and methoxy; and further provided that R ⁵ and R---0 are not both methoxy; or a pharmaceutically suitable salt thereof.

The phrase "further provided", as used in the above description, is intended to mean that the denoted proviso is not to be considered conjunctive with the other provisos.

Compounds of Formula I would be useful for, but not limited to, the treatment of inflammation in a subject, and for treatment of other inflammation- associated disorders, such as, as an analgesic in the treatment of pain and headaches, or as an antipyretic for the treatment of fever. For example, compounds of Formula I would be useful to treat arthritis, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthopathies, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile arthritis. Such compounds of Formula I would be useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, tendinitis, bursitis, and skin related conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, burns and dermatitis. Compounds of Formula I also would be useful to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis and for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Compounds of Formula I would be useful in treating inflammation in such diseases as vascular diseases, migraine headaches, periarteritis nodosa, thyroiditis, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, rheumatic fever, type I diabetes, myasthenia gravis, sarcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome, Behcet 's syndrome, polymyositis, gingivitis, hypersensitivity, conjunctivitis, swelling occurring after injury, myocardial ischemia, and the like. The compounds are useful as an i-inflammatory agents, such as for the treatment of arthritis, with the additional benefit of having significantly less harmful side effects.

The present invention preferably includes compounds which selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase II over cyclooxygenase I and do not significantly inhibit one or more other arachidonic pathway steps, such as thromboxane B ₂ (TXB ₂ ) production.

Preferably, the compounds have a cyclooxygenase II IC ₅₀ of less than about 0.1 μM, and also have a selectivity ratio of cyclooxygenase II inhibition over cyclooxygenase I inhibition of at least 50, and more preferably of at least 100. Even more preferably, the compounds have a cyclooxygenase I IC ₅₀ of greater than about 0.5 μM, and more preferably of greater than 5 μM. Such preferred selectivity may indicate an ability to reduce the incidence of common NSAID-induced side effects.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula I wherein each of R-*- and R*--* is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R^ ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula I wherein each of R ¹ and R-- is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R---~ is independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio,

cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, pentoxymethyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl .

Within Formula I there is a subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula II:

wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R~-~- is independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; provided that R-- cannot be hydrido when R-~® is selected from hydrido, cyano, halo, methyl, trifluoromethyl and methoxy; further provided that R ¹⁰ cannot be hydrido when R-- is selected from cyano, halo, methyl, trifluoromethyl and methoxy; and further provided that R5 and R ¹⁰ are not both methoxy; or a pharmaceutically suitable salt thereof .

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula II wherein each of R**- and R ² is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R^ ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula II wherein each of Rl and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R3 through R ¹² is independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, dif-luoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, pentoxymethyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl .

A more preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula II wherein R5 is selected from methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl .

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula II consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

1- [2- (3 , 4-dimethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-chloro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4- ethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methoxy-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3, 4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methoxy-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3,4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methoxy-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3 , 4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- [3 , 4-di (trifluoromethylJphenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- [3, 4-di (difluoromethyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl] -

4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [ 2 - (3-methyl-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methoxy-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-chloro-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2, 3-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (2, 3-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] - benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3 , 4-dimethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-chloro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3, 4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [ 2 - (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- y1]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3,4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3,4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [3, 4-di (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-methyl-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-

1-y1]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-chloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-difluoromethy1-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [3,4-di (difluoromethyDphenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methyl-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-chloro-4-difluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

1- (2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-bromophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-iodophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-ethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methylthiophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methoxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2 - ( 2 , 4-dimethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2-methyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2-methyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (2-fluoro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2,4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2-fluoro-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4* (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (2-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl) benzene; 1- [2- (2 , 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-I-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- (2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-methylthiophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-methoxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2, 4-dimethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2-methyl-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-methyl-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2,4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoro-4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2-chloro-4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2, 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(fluoromethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 5- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl] -1,3- benzodioxole; 5- [2- (4- (aminosulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl] -1,3- benzodioxole; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

l b

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [ 2 - (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (trifluoromethylcyclopenten-1-yl] -

4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-

1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2,4, 6-trifluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- '4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- trifluoromethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2, 4, 6-trifluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; and 4- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

A family of compounds of more particular interest within Formula II consists of compounds and their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts as follows:

1- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

1- [2- (4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (fluoromethylsulfonyl) benzene; 5- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl] -1,3- benzodioxole;

4- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2 - (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (2, 3-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

4- [2- (2, 3-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

1- [2- (3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -

4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 4- [2- (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 1- [2- (3, 4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

4- [2- (3,4-difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (2 , 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopen en-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; - (2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; - [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methoxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (4-methylthiophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; and 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Within Formula I there is a second subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula III :

wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl;

wherein R5 is selected from alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein B is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein B is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with alkyl, halo, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and alkoxyalkyl; or a pharmaceutically- acceptable salt thereof .

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula III wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R-- is selected from lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein B is phenyl or pyridinyl, wherein B is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with lower alkyl, halo, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower alkoxyalkyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula III wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R ⁵ is selected from methylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein B is optionally substituted with a radical selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,

trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl , tert- butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl and pentoxymethyl .

Within Formula I there is a third subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula IV:

wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R*- ^* ' through R ⁷ and R- ⁵ through R--- ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula IV wherein each of R ¹ and R ² is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R ³ through R ⁷ and R ⁹ through R-*- ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower

alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula IV wherein each of Rl and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R-- through R ⁷ and R-- through Rl is independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxy ethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, pentoxymethyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula IV consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

5-fluoro-2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] eyelopenten-l- yl]pyridine; 5-chloro-2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] eyelopenten-l- yl]pyridine; 5-methyl-2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine; 5-cyano-2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- (4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (pyridin-2-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-chloropyridin-2-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-methylpyridin-2-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-cyanopyridin-2-yl) eyelopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) eyelopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- methylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- ethylcyclopenten-1 yl]pyridine;

5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carbomethoxycyclopenten- 1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- fluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-

(trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carboxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-

(fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine;

5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- methylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [ 2 - [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4- ethylcycloρenten-1 yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- fluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

5-trifluoromethyl-2-[2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-

(trifluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] yridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carboxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2-[2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (fluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [ 2 - (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4- (trifluoromethyl)cyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4-(fluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4-methyleyelopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4-

(hydroxymethyl)cyclop nten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4- carbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yi) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4- fluoromethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] yridine;

5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-fluoro-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- dimethyleyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine, ^• 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- diethy1cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4, 4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

5-trifluoromethyl-2- [ 2 - [A- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-, 4 dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- difluorocyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 5-trifluoromethyl-2- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4,4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten- 1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-fluoropyridin-2-yl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- di ⁽ hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- difluorocyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4-[2-(5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-l]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl) -4,4- di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 2- [2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5 (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] - 5 (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -

5 (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluororaethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2-pheny1cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine- - sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide;

2- [ 2 - (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl) yridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -

5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -5-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] -

5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2 - [ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl]pyrιdine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) eyelopenten-1- yl]py dine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fl rophenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide;

2- [ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5- sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide;

2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-1-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide;

2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten- l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4,4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) eyelopenten-l- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] - 5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-I-yl] -5- ( ethylsulfonyl) yridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl) yridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, -di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl) pyridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-l- yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [ 2 - (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl) yridine; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -5- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4,4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide;

2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1* yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide;

2- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4,4-di (fluoromethyl)eyelopenten-1-y

1]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-y1]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl] yridine-5-sulfonamide; 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide; and 2- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-5-sulfonamide.

Within Formula I there is a fourth subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula V:

wherein each of R*-*- and R ² is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R ³ through R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ and Rl is independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula V wherein each of R and R ² is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R ³ through R ⁷ , R ⁸ , RIO, RH and R is independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkoxyalkyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula V wherein each of R and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; and wherein each of R ³ through R ⁸ and R ¹⁰ through R ¹² is independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoro ethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, pentoxymethyl,

methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl.

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula V consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

1- [2- (2,3-dimethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-chloro-2-me hylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methoxy-2-methylpyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (2,3-difluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1-[2- (3-chloro-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1-[2- (3-trifluoromethyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2-(3-methoxy-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1-[2- (2,3-dichloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methyl-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1-[2- (3-flucro-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1-[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1-[2-(3-methoxy-2-chloropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l-yl] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene?

1- [2- (2 , 3-dimethoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methyl-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-y1] -4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-chloro-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-[2-[2,3-di (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-5-yl] cyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methyl-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methoxy-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-chloro-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-chloropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- [2, 3-di (difluoromethyl)pyridin-5-yl] cyclopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

1- [2- (3-methyl-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-fluoro-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-methoxy-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; 1- [2- (3-chloro-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene;

4-[2- (2,3-dimethylpyridin-5-yl)cycloper ΓL-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4-[2-(3-cl ro-2-methylpyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]b<_ anesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-tnfluoromethyl-2-methylpyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-2-methylpyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2- (2,3-difluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-chloro-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2-(3-trifluoromethyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2,3-dichloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-methyl-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-trifluoromethyl-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)eyelopenten- l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2- (3-methoxy-2-chloropyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2,3-dimethoxypyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[2-(3-methyl-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-trifluoromethyl-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-chloro-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4-[2-[2,3-di (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-5-yl] eyelopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methyl-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten- 1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (3-chloro-2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethyl-2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethy1-2-chloropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-difluoromethy1-2-methoxypyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- [2, 3-di (difluoromethyl)pyridin-5-yl] cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methy1-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-fluoro-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-methoxy-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- y1]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (3-chloro-2-difluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine; 2-chloro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine;

2-methyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl]cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine;

2-cyano-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (pyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [ 2 - (2-chloropyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; A- [ 2 - (2-methylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-cyanopyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- methylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- ethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4- fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] yridine;

2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-

(trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [ 2 - [ A- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carboxyeyelopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4-

(fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] yridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- methylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- ethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

2-trifluoromethy1-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4- carbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine, ^• 2-trifluoromethy1-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4- fluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- carboxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -A- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -

4,4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 4- [ 2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [ 2 - [A- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] - 4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine;

4- [2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -

4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] - 4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] - 4,4-difluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethy1-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] - 4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

4- [2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -

4,4-dicarboxycyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 4-[2- (2-trifluoromethyl-5- [2- [4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -

4,4-difluoromethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5-{2- [4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (hydroxymethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4-(methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4,4- dicarbomethox cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5- [2- [4-(me hylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- difluorocyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl)cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine; 2-fluoro-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl) henyl] -4,4- di(fluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethy1-5- [2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A ,4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

2-trifluoromethy1-5-[2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5-[2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A - di (hydroxymethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5-[2- [A-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A - dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] yridine,• 2-trifluoromethyl-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A- difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] yridine; 2-trifluoromethyl-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]-4,4- di(trifluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine;

2-trifluoromethyl-5-[2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (fluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2-(2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -A ,4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2-(2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4,4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4- [ 2 - (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4,4-di(hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; A- [2 - (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide; 4-[2-(2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-1]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-fluoropyridin-5-yl) -4,4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -A , A - dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -A , A- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -4, 4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -4, 4- difluorocyclopenten-l-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-1]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- (2-trifluoromethylpyridin-5-yl) -4,4- di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 5- (2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl) -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2 -

( ethylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2-

( ethylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2-

( ethylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2 - (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2-

( ethylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- (2-phenylcyclopenten-l-yl)pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2 -

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2-

(methylsulfonyl) yridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] -2 -

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l-yl] -2 -

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -

2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2-

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2 -

(methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl] - 2- (methylsulfonyl)pyri -ne;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten- l-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l-yl] yridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2- sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-methylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-ethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A- (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-fluorocyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A- (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4-carboxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A- (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-

1-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2 - ( ethylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] -

2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-difluorocyclopenten-1-yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-l- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A , 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl) pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2- (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A , 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -2 - (methylsulfonyl)pyridine; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-

2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) eyelopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1* yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4,4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A , 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A , 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4,4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide;

5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -4, 4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide; and 5- [2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -A , 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine-2-sulfonamide.

Within Formula I there is a fifth subclass of compounds of high interest represented by Formula VI :

wherein each of R and R ² is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R-^ is selected from alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein each of R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R9, RH and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, alkyl, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and alkoxyalkyl; or a pharmaceutically- acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred class of compounds consists of those compounds of Formula VI wherein each of R! and R ² is independently selected from lower alkyl, hydrido, lower hydroxyalkyl, halo, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R-- is selected from lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein each of R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹¹ and R ¹² is independently selected from hydrido, halo, lower alkyl, lower alkylthio, cyano, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower hydroxyalkyl and lower alkoxyalkyl.

A class of compounds of particular interest consists of those compounds of Formula VI wherein each of R! and R ² is independently selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, hexyl, hydroxymethyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R^ is selected from methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein each of R ³ , R , R ⁶ , R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ , R ¹¹ and R ^l2 is independently selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, methylenedioxy, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, isopropoxymethyl, tert-butoxymethyl, propoxyethyl, butoxymethyl, isobutoxymethyl, pentoxymethyl,

methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl and sulfamyl .

A family of specific compounds of particular interest within Formula VI consists of compounds and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof as follows:

4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- (4-pyridinyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -4,4- di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -A , A- di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]pyridine; 4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -A , 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -A , A-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -A , 4-difluorocyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide; 4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -4,4-di (trifluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; and

4- [2- [4- (pyridinyl)phenyl] -A , 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-

1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

Where used, either alone or within other terms such as "haloalkyl", "alkoxyalkyl" and "hydroxyalkyl", the term "alkyl" embraces linear or branched radicals having one to about twenty carbon atoms or, preferably, one to about twelve carbon atoms. More preferred alkyl radicals are "lower alkyl" radicals having one to about ten carbon atoms. Most preferred are lower alkyl radicals having one to about five carbon atoms. Examples of such radicals include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, iso-amyl, hexyl, octyl and the like. The term "hydrido" denotes a single hydrogen atom (H) . This hydrido radical may be attached, for example, to an oxygen atom to form a hydroxyl radical or two hydrido radicals may be attached to a carbon atom to form a methylene (-CH2-) radical. The term "halo" means halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The term "haloalkyl" embraces radicals wherein any one or more of the alkyl carbon atoms is substituted with halo as defined above. Specifically embraced are monohaloalkyl, dihaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl radicals. A monohaloalkyl radical, for one example, may have either a bromo, chloro or a fluoro atom within the radical . Dihalo and polyhaloalkyl radicals may have two or more of the same halo atoms or a combination of different halo radicals. More preferred haloalkyl radicals are "lower haloalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower haloalkyl radicals include fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl and dichloropropyl. The term "hydroxyalkyl" embraces linear or branched alkyl radicals having one to about ten carbon atoms any one of which may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl radicals. More preferred hydroxyalkyl radicals are "lower hydroxyalkyl" radicals having one to six carbon atoms . Examples of such lower hhydroxyalkyl radicals include hydroxymethyl, 2-

4 S hydroxyethyl, 4-hydroxybutyl and 6-hydroxyhexyl . The terms "alkoxy" and "alkoxyalkyl" embrace linear or branched oxy- containing radicals each having alkyl portions of one to about ten carbon atoms . More preferred alkoxy radicals are "lower alkoxy" radicals having one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkoxy radicals include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy and methylenedioxy. The term "alkoxyalkyl" also embraces alkyl radicals having two or more alkoxy radicals attached to the alkyl radical, that is, to form monoalkoxyalkyl and dialkoxyalkyl radicals. More preferred alkoxyalkyl radicals are "lower alkoxyalkyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkoxyalkyl radicals include methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl and the like. The "alkoxy" or "alkoxyalkyl" radicals may be further substituted with one or more halo atoms, such as fluoro, chloro or bromo, to provide haloalkoxy or haloalkoxyalkyl radicals. The term "alkylthio" embraces radicals containing a linear or branched alkyl radical, of one to about ten carbon atoms attached to a divalent sulfur atom, such as a methythio radical. More preferred alkylthio radicals are "lower alkylthio" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkylthio radicals include methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio and hexylthio. The term "aryl" embraces aromatic radicals such as phenyl, naphthyl and biphenyl . Preferred aryl radicals are those consisting of one, two, or three benzene rings. The term "sulfonyl", whether used alone or linked to other terms such as alkylsulfonyl, denotes respectively divalent radicals -SO2-. "Alkylsulfonyl" embraces alkyl radicals attached to a sulfonyl radical, where alkyl is defined as above. More preferred alkylsulfonyl radicals are "lower alkylsulfonyl" radicals having alkyl radicals of one to six carbon atoms. Examples of such lower alkylsulfonyl radicals include methylsulfonyl and ethylsulfonyl . The term

"haloalkylsulfonyl" embraces haloalkyl radicals attached to a sulfonyl radical, where haloalkyl and alkyl are defined as above. More preferred haloalkylsulfonyl radicals are

"lower haloalkylsulfonyl" radicals having lower haloalkyl radicals as described above. Examples of such lower haloalkylsulfonyl radicals include fluoromethylsulfonyl and trifluoromethylsulfonyl . The terms "sulfamyl" or "sulfonamidyl" denotes a sulfonyl radical substituted with an amine radical, forming a sulfonamide (-SO2NH2) . The term "carboxyl", whether used alone or with other terms, denotes -CO2H. The term "alkoxycarbonyl" means a radical containing an alkoxy radical, as defined above, attached via a carbon atom to a "carbonyl" radical (C=0) . More preferred alkoxycarbonyl radicals are "lower alkoxycarbonyl" radicals having lower alkoxy radicals as described above. Examples of such "lower alkoxycarbonyl" radicals include me hoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl and tert-butoxycarbonyl ( (CH3)3C02C-) .

The present invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of inflammation and inflammation-associated disorders, such as arthritis, comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I in association with at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, adjuvant or diluent.

The present invention also comprises a therapeutic method of treating inflammation or inflammation-associated disorders in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject having such inflammation or disorder a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Also included in the family of compounds of Formula I are isomeric forms including diastereoisomers and the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. The term

"pharmaceutically-acceptable salts" embraces salts commonly used to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acids or free bases . The nature of the salt is not

critical, provided that it is pharmaceutically-acceptable. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts of compounds of Formula I may be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Examples of such inorganic acids are hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Appropriate organic acids may be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, example of which are formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, mesylic, εalicyclic, salicyclic, p- hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic) , methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, toluenesulfonic, sulfanilic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, stearic, algenic, β- hydroxybutyric, salicyclic, galactaric and galacturonic acid. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable base addition salts of compounds of Formula I include metallic salts made from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organic salts made from N,N'- dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N- methylglucamine) and procaine. All of these salts may be prepared by conventional means from the corresponding compound of Formula I by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base with the compound of Formula I .

GENERAL SYNTHETIC PROCEDURES

The compounds of the invention can be synthesized according to the following procedures of Schemes I-XXII, wherein the R -R ⁱ² substituents are as defined for Formula I, above, except where further noted.

Scheme I

Synthetic Scheme I shows the preparation of 1,2-dibromocyclopentene (3) in two steps from commercially available cyclopentanone (1) using a procedure similar to the one developed by Montgomery, et al., [J. Am . Chem. Soc . , 82, 1917 (1965)]. In step one, chlorination with phosphorus pentachloride gives 1-chlorocyclopentene (2) . In step two, bromination of 2, followed by the elimination of hydrogen chloride on treatment with potassium tert-butoxide, provides 3.

Scheme II

CH-,OH CH ₂ OH

7

Synthetic Scheme II shows the preparation of 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4-dicarbomethoxycyclopentene (8) in four steps from commercially available mucobromic acid (4) using a procedure similar to the one developed by Lerstrub, et al . , [ Syn . Metals , ϋ, 647 (1987)] . In step one, mucobromic acid is converted to its ethyl ester 5 on treatment with ethanol in toluene at reflux in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) . In step two, reduction of 5 with diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL) in methylene chloride gives the diol 6. In step three, the diol 6 is reacted with thionyl chloride in dimethylformamide (DMF) to give the corresponding dichloride 7. In step four, the dichloride 7 is dialkylated with the dianion of methyl malonate to give 8.

DIBAL

10

Synthetic Scheme III shows the preparation of 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4-dicarboxycyclopentene (9) and 1,2- bromo-4, 4-di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopentene (10) from synthetic intermediate 8 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme II) . Reaction of 8 with lithium hydroxide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) followed by careful acidification at 0°C gives the diacid 9; treatment with DIBAL gives the corresponding diol 10.

Scheme IV

1 1

SeF ₄ Δ CF ₂ C1CFC1 ₂

12

Synthetic Scheme IV shows the preparation of 1, 2-dibromo-4-carboxycyclopentene (11) and 1,2- dibromo-4, 4-bis (trifluoromethyl) cyclopentene (12) from synthetic intermediate 9 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme III) . On heating, the diacid 9 is converted to the monoacid 11; treatment with selenium tetrafluoride in 1, 1, 2-trichlorotrifluoroethane at reflux gives the bistrifluoromethyl analog 12.

10 13

TsCl, pyridine

14

Nal, Δ DMF/H ₂ O

15 16

Synthetic Scheme V shows the preparation of 1,2-dibromo-4,4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopentene (13) and 1,2-dibromo-4,4-dime-hylcyclopentene (16) from synthetic intermediate 10 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme III) . Treatment of the diol 10 with diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride (DAST) in methylene chloride gives the corresponding fluoromethyl analog 13. Reaction of 10 with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl) in the presence of pyridine gives the ditosylate 14. Reaction of 14 with sodium iodide in DMF/water (3:1) at 150°C gives the di(iodomethyl) analog 15 which is subsequently reduced with sodium cyanoborohydride to give the dimethyl analog 16.

_. D

Scheme VI

17

9 N H ₂ SO ₄

19 18

Synthetic Scheme VI shows the preparation of 1,2-dibromo-4,4-difluorocyclopentene (19) from synthetic intermediate 7 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme II) . Using a procedure similar to the one developed by Ogura, et al. , [ Tetrahedron Lett . , 21, 2767 (1975)], the dianion of methyl methylthiomethyl sulfoxide (generated by potassium hydride in THF) is reacted with 7 to give the dimethyl dithioacetal S- oxide 17. Subsequent hydrolysis with 9 N sulfuric acid gives the corresponding ketone 18. Reaction of 18 with selenium tetrafluoride in 1,1,2- trichlorotrifluoroethane at reflux gives the 4,4- difluoro analog 19.

Scheme VII

20 21

24 25

27

Synthetic Scheme VII shows the preparation of the prerequisite substituted phenylboronic acids 21 and substituted pyridinylboronic acids 23, 25, and 27 from the available bromides 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. Halogen-metal interchange in THF at -78°C generates the corresponding organolithium reagents which are reacted with trimethyl borate. Hydrolysis with 3N hydrochloric acid provides the substituted phenylboronic acids 21 and the substituted pyridinylboronic acids 23, 25, and 27, respectively.

Scheme VIII

28 29

32 33

34 35

Synthetic Scheme VIII shows the preparation of the prerequisite substitutedphenyltrimethyltin analogs 29 and substitutedpyridinyltrimethyltin analogs 31, 33, and 35 from the available bromides 28, 30, 32, and 34, respectively. Halogen-metal interchange in THF at -78°C generates the organolithium reagents which are reacted with trimethyltin chloride. Purification provides the substitutedphenyltrimethyltin analogs 29 and the substitutedpyridinyltrimethyltin analogs 31, 33, and

s y 5 , respectively .

Scheme IX

Synthetic Scheme IX shows the four step procedure for the preparation of 1,2-diaryl-4,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 from the available bromides 20 using a sequential coupling procedure which is similar to the coupling procedure developed by Negishi, et al., [J. Org. Chem. , 42. 1821 (1977)]. In step one, halogen-metal

interchange of 20 with n-butyllithium in THF at -78°C gives the corresponding organolithium reagents which subsequently react with zinc chloride to give the organozinc reagents 36. In step two, the organozinc reagents 36 are coupled with the 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentenes 37 (prepared in Synthetic Schemes I-IV) in the presence of a Pd° catalyst, e.g., tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium (0), to give the monocoupled bromides 38 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step three, the bromides 38 are treated as above to give the organozinc reagents 39. In step four, the monocoupled organozinc reagents 39 are coupled with the arylbromides 40 (which can be identical with 20 when R ³ =R ⁸ , R ⁴ =R ⁹ , R ⁵ =R ¹⁰ , R ⁶ =R ^1:L , and R ⁷ =R ¹² ) to give the 1, 2-diaryl-4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 of this invention.

Scheme X

Synthetic Scheme X shows the two step procedure for the preparation of 1, 2-diaryl-4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 from 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 37 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme I-VI) and substituted phenylboronic acids 21 and 42 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme VII) using a sequential coupling procedure which is similar to the coupling procedure developed by Suzuki, et al . , [ Syn . Commun . , H, 513 (1981)] . In step one, the dibromides 37 are treated with the boronic acids 21 in toluene at reflux in the presence of Pd° catalyst, e.g., tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) , and 2M

sodium carbonate to give the monocoupled bromides 38 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step two, the monocoupled bromides 38 are coupled as above with the boronic acids 42 (which can be identical with 21 when R ³ =R ⁸ , R ⁴ =R ⁹ , R ⁵ =R ¹⁰ , R ⁶ =R ^1:L , and R ⁷ =R ¹² ) give the 1,2-diaryl-4,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 of this invention.

Scheme XI

Synthetic Scheme XI shows the two step procedure for the preparation of 1,2-diaryl-4,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 from 1,2-dibromo-4,4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 37 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme I-IV) and substitutedphenyltrimethyltin analogs 29 and 43 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme VII) using a sequential

coupling procedure which is similar to the coupling procedure developed by Stille, et al . , [J. Am . Chem . Soc . , HL1, 4992 (1979) )] . In step one, the dibromides 37 are treated with the trimethyltin analogs 29 in toluene at reflux in the presence of a Pd° catalyst, e.g., tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium (0), to give the monocoupled bromides 38 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step two, the monocoupled bromides 38 are coupled as above with the trimethyltin analogs 43 (which can be identical with 29 when R ³ =R ⁸ , R ⁴ =R ⁹ , R ⁵ =R ¹⁰ , R ⁶ =R ¹¹ , and R ⁷ =R ¹² ) to give the 1,2- diaryl-4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 41 of this invention.

Scheme XII

Synthetic Scheme XII shows the three step preparation of l-aryl-2- (2-pyridinyl) -A ,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 46 from l,2-dibromo-4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 37 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme I-IV) and the available

2-bromopyridines 22. In step one, halogen-metal interchange of 22 with n-butyllithium in THF at -78°C gives the 2-lithiopyridines which subsequently react with zinc chloride to give the corresponding 2- pyridinylzinc reagents 44. In step two, a Negishi coupling (see Synthetic Scheme IX) of the 2- pyridinylzinc reagents 44 with 37 gives the monocoupled 2-pyridinyl bromides 45 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step three, a Suzuki coupling (see Synthetic Scheme X) of the monocoupled 2-pyridinyl bromides 45 with substituted phenylboronic acids 21 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme VII) gives the l-aryl-2- (2-pyridinyl) -4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 46 of this invention.

Scheme XIII

Synthetic Scheme XIII shows the three step preparation of l-aryl-2- (3-pyridinyl) 4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 49 from 1,2-dibromo-4,4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 37

(prepared in Synthetic Scheme I-IV) and the available 3-bromopyridines 24. In step one, halogen-metal interchange of 24 with n-butyllithium in THF at -78°C gives the 3-lithiopyridines which subsequently react with zinc chloride to give the corresponding 3- pyridinylzinc reagents 47. In step two, a Negishi coupling (see Synthetic Scheme IX) of the 3- pyridinylzinc reagents 47 with 37 gives the monocoupled 3-pyridinyl bromides 48 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step three, a Suzuki coupling (see Synthetic Scheme X) of the monocoupled 3-pyridinyl bromides 48 with substituted phenylboronic acid 21 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme VII) gives the l-aryl-2- (3-pyridinyl) -4,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 49 of this invention.

Scheme XIV

Synthetic Scheme XIV shows the three step preparation of l-aryl-2-(4-pyridinyl) -4,4- disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 52

from 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4-disubstιtutedcyclopentenes 37 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme I-IV) and the available 4-bromopyridines 26. In step one, halogen-metal interchange of 26 with n-butyllithium in THF at -78°C gives the 4-lithiopyridines which subsequently react with zinc chloride to give the corresponding 4- pyridinylzinc reagents 50. In step two, a Negishi coupling (see Synthetic Scheme IX) of the 4- pyridinylzinc reagents 50 with 37 gives the monocoupled 4-pyridinyl bromides 51 (after separation from the biscoupled by-product) . In step three, a Suzuki coupling (see Synthetic X) of the monocoupled 4-pyridinyl bromides 51 with substituted phenylboronic acids 21 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme VII) gives the l-aryl-2- (4-pyridinyl) -4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentene anti-inflammatory agents 52 of this invention.

Scheme XV

54

CH ₃ MgBr , THF, 0 °C

(CH ₃ ) ₃ Si-Cl, Nal, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ , CH ₃ CN

56

Synthetic Scheme XV shows the three step procedure used to prepare the phenyl silyl enol ethers 56 from commercially available benzoic acids 53. In step one, a THF solution at 0°C of the benzoic acids 53 and two equivalents of triethyla ine are sequentially treated with isobutyl chloroformate and N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylamine hydrochloride to give the Weinreb amides 54 [see: S. Nah and S.M. Weinreb, Tetrahedron Let t . , 21, 3815 (1981)] . In step two, the amides 54 are reacted with methyImagnesium bromide to give the corresponding acetophenones 55. In step three, the acetophenones 55 are treated with chlorotrimethylsilane in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine and sodium iodide to give the corresponding phenyl silyl enol ethers. 56.

Scheme XVI

CH ₃ MgBr, THF, 0 °C

(CH ₃ ) ₃ Si-Cl, Nal, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ CH ₃ CN

60

Synthetic Scheme XVI shows the three step procedure used to prepare the phenyl silyl enol ethers 60 from commercially available benzoic acids 57. In step one, a THF solution at 0°C of the benzoic acids 57 and two equivalents of triethylamine are sequentially treated with isobutyl cnloroformate and N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylamine hydrochloride to give the Weinreb amides 58. In step two, the amides 58 are reacted with methyImagnesium bromide to give the corresponding acetophenones 59. In step three, the acetophenones 59 are treated with chlorotrimethylsilane in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine and sodium iodide to give the corresponding phenyl silyl enol ethers 60.

Scheme XVII

1. Cl-CO-OCH ₂ CH(CH ₃ ) ₂ , THF,

0 °C, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃

2. HN(CH ₃ )OCH ^» 3 HCl, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃

CH ₃ MgBr , THF, 0 °C

63

64

Synthetic Scheme XVII shows the three step procedure used to prepare the 2-pyridinyl silyl enol ^' ethers 64 from commercially available picolinic acids 61. In step one, a THF solution at 0°C of the picolinic acids 61 and two equivalents of triethylamine are sequentially treated with isobutyl chloroformate and N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylamine hydrochloride to give the Weinreb amides 62. In step two, the amides 62 are reacted with methyImagnesium bromide to give the corresponding 2-acetylpyridines 63. In step three, the 2-acetylpyridines 63 are treated with chlorotrimethylsilane in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine and sodium iodide to give the corresponding 2-pyridinyl silyl enol ethers 64.

Scheme XVIII

65

Cl-CO-OCH ₂ CH(CH-*) ₂ , THF,

0 °C, N.C2H5.3 HN(CH ₃ )OCH^ HCl, N(C ₂ H ₅ )-

66

CH ₃ MgBr, THF, 0 °C

(CH ₃ ) ₃ Si-Cl, Nal, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ , CH ₃ CN

) ₃

68

Synthetic Scheme XVIII shows the three step procedure used to prepare the 3-pyridinyl silyl enol ethers 68 from commercially available nicotinic acids 65. In step one, a THF solution at 0°C of the nicotinic acids 65 and two equivalents of triethylamine are sequentially treated with isobutyl chloroformate and N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylamine hydrochloride to give the Weinreb amides 66. In step two, the amides 66 are reacted with methyImagnesium bromide to give the corresponding 3-acetylpyridines 67. In step three, the 3-acetylpyridines 67 are treated with chlorotrimethylsilane in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine and sodium iodide to give the corresponding 3-pyridinyl silyl enol ethers 68

Scheme XIX

1. Cl-CO-OCH-,CH(CH-,)-*, THF,

0 °C, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃

2. HN(CH ₃ )OCH» ₃ HCl, N(C ₂ H ₅ )-

CH ₃ MgBr , THF, 0 °C

71

(CH ₃ ) ₃ Si-Cl, Nal, N(C ₂ H ₅ ) ₃ , CH ₃ CN

Synthetic Scheme XIX shows the three step procedure used to prepare the 4-pyridinyl silyl enol ethers 72 from commercially available isonicotinic acids 69. In step one, a THF solution at 0°C of the isonicotinic acids 69 and two equivalents of triethylamine are sequentially treated with isobutyl chloroformate and N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylamine hydrochloride to give the Weinreb amides 70. In step two, the amides 70 are reacted with methyImagnesium bromide to give the corresponding 4-acetylpyridines 71. In step three, the 4-acetylpyridines 71 are treated with chlorotrimethylsilane in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine and sodium iodide to give the corresponding 4-pyridinyl silyl enol ethers 72.

Scheme XX

72 79 80

Synthetic Scheme XX shows the two step procedures used to prepare the enones 74, 76, 78, and 80 from the phenyl silyl enol ethers 56, 60, 68, and

72, respectively (prepared in Synthetic Schemes XVI- XIX) . In step one, the silyl enol ethers 56, 60, 68, and 72 are reacted with the appropriate ketones in methylene chloride in the presence of titanium (IV) chloride to give the corresponding 3-hydroxyketones

73, 75, 77, and 79, respectively. In step two, the 3- hydroxyketones 73, 75, 77, and 79 are dehydrated with trifluoroacetic anhydride and triethylamine in methylene chloride at 0°C to give the corresponding

enones 74 , 76 , 78 , and 80 , respectively .

Scheme XXI

74 81

Synthetic Scheme XXI shows the procedures used to prepare the 1,5-diketones 81, 82, 83, and 84 from the enones 74, 76, 78, and 80, respectively (prepared in Synthetic Scheme XX) . Methylene chloride solutions of the enones 74, 76, 78, and 80 are reacted with the silyl enol ethers 56 (prepared in Synthetic Scheme XV) in the presence of titanium (IV) chloride

to give the corresponding 1, 5-diketones 81, 82, 83, and 84, respectively.

Scheme XXII

Synthetic Scheme XXII shows alternative procedures which may be used to prepare 1,2-diaryl- 4,4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 41, l-aryl-2- (2-

pyridinyl) -4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 46, 1-aryl- 2- (3-pyridinyl) -4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 49, and l-aryl-2- (4-pyridinyl) -4, 4-disubstitutedcyclopentenes 52 from the 1, 5-diketones 81, 82, 83 and 84, respectively (prepared in Synthetic Scheme XXI) . Tetrahydrofuran solutions of 1, 5-diketones 81, 82, 83 and 84 are created with metallic zinc and titanium IV) chloride to give the reduced cyclized 1, 2-diaryl-4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene antiinflammatory agents 41, l-aryl-2- (2-pyridinyl) -A , 4-disubstitutedcyclopentene antiinflammatory agents 46, l-aryl-2- (3-pyridinyl) - 4, 4-disubstituted cyclopentene antiinflammatory agents 49, and l-aryl-2- (4-pyridinyl) -4, 4- disubstitutedcyclopentene antiinflammatory agents 52, respectively, of this invention.

Scheme XXIII

0

1 . RLi , THF , -78°C

Ar- S-CH ₃ Ar-S-NH ₂

2 . B (R ' 3 / o II II

0

3 H NOS0 ₃ H , 85 NaOAc , H-,0 86

o

Ar-S-CH ₂ F

II

0

87

Synthetic Scheme XXIII shows the three step procedure used to prepare sulfonamide antiinflammatory

agents 86 and the two step procedure used to prepare fluoromethyl sulfone antiinflammatory agents 87 from their corresponding methyl sulfones 85. In step one, THF solutions of the methyl sulfones 85 at -78°C are treated with an alkyllithium reagent, e.g., methyHithium, n-butyllithium, etc. In step two, the anions generated in step one are treated with an organoborane, e.g., triethylborane, tributylborane, etc., at -78°C then allowed to warm to ambient temperature prior at stirring at reflux. In step three, an aqueous solution of sodium acetate and hydroxyamine-O-sulfonic acid is added to provide the corresponding sulfonamide antiinflammatory agents 86 of this invention. Alternatively, the anion solutions generated in step one may be warmed to 0°C and treated with N-fluorodibenzenesulfonamide to provide the corresponding fluoromethyl sulfone antiinflammatory agents 87 of this invention.

The following examples contain detailed descriptions of the methods of preparation of compounds of Formula I-VI. These detailed descriptions fall within the scope, and serve to exemplify, the above described General Synthetic Procedures which form part of the invention. These detailed descriptions are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as a restriction on the scope of the invention. All parts are by weight and temperatures are in Degrees centigrade unless otherwise indicated.

Example 1

1- [2- ( 4-Fluorophenyl ) eyelopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl )benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 4-methylthiophenylboronic acid.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 30 g (150 mmol) of 4-bromothioanisole (Aldrich) in 1500 mL of anhydrous THF at -78°C was treated with 180 mmol of n- butyllithium in hexane. After 30 minutes, 51 mL (450 mmol) of trimethylborate was added neat and the reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature overnight. A solution of 300 mL of 10% NaOH was added and the mixture stirred vigorously for 1 hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the pH adjusted to 4-5, and the product collected by filtration. Repeated washings with hexane and water provided 21 g (83%) of 4- methylthiophenylboronic acid (21 in Synthetic Scheme VII when R5 = SCH3 and R3 , R4, R6, and R7= H) as a colorless solid: NMR (DMSO-dδ) δ 2.47 (s, 3H) , 7.20 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.71 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.96 (br s, 2H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 1- (2-bromocvclopenten-l-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Under nitrogen, 36.4 g (161 mmol) of 1,2- dibromocyclopentene (Aldrich) was reacted with 18.0 g (107 mmol) of 4-methylthiophenylboronic acid (Step 1) in

550 mL of toluene, 365 mL of ethanol, and 235 mL of 2M a2C03 in the presence of 6.0 g (5 mol %) of Pd(PPh3)4. The reaction was vigorously stirred at reflux overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (MgS04), and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (Waters Prep-500) with hexane gave 9.39 g (22%) of 1- (2-bromocyclopenten-l-yl) -A- (methylthio)benzene (38 in Synthetic Scheme X when R5= SCH3 and Rl, R2 , R3 , R4. _R 6, _a nd R7= H) as a solid: mp 52-54°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 1.98-2.09 (m, 2H) , 2.50 (s, 3H) , 2.70-2.78 (m, 2H) , 2.80-2.89 (m, 2H) , 7.24 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.55 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- .2- (4-fluorophenyl) eyelopen en-1-yll -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Under nitrogen, 1.5 g (5.6 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 2) was reacted with 1.5 g (11 mmol) of 4- fluorophenylboronic acid (Lancaster) in 30 mL of toluene, 20 mL of ethanol, and 25 mL of 2M Na2C03 in the presence of 250 mg of Pd(PPh3)4. The reaction was vigorously stirred at reflux overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (MgS04) , and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography with hexane gave l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (41 in Synthetic Scheme X when R5= SCH3 , R10= F, and Rl, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, R8, _R 9, RH, and R1 = H) as a colorless solid: mp 46-47°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.04 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.45 (s, 3H) , 2.86, (t, £= 7 Hz, 4H) , 6.86-6.94 (m, 2H) , 7.08 (br s, 4H) , 7.10-7.18 (m, 2H) .

Step 4: Preparation of 1- 12- (4-fluorophenyl ) r-yr.lopen en-l-vll-4- (methylsulfonvl)benzene.

A solution of 1.5 g (5 mmol) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -A- (methylthio)benzene (Step 3) in 46 mL of methanol/THF (1:1) was slowly treated with 5.2 g (8.4 mmol) of Oxone® [2 KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4] in 23 mL of water. After stirring for 4 hours, the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water and brine, dried (MgSC.4), and reconcentrated. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane provided 960 mg (54%) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (41 in Synthetic Scheme X when R5= SO2CH3, Rl0= F, and Rl, R , R3. R4, _R 6, R7, R8, _R 9,

Rll, and Rl2= H) as a colorless solid: mp 138-139°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.09 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.91 (t, jj= Hz, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 6.88-6.96 (m, 2H) , 7.06-7.14 (m, 2H) , 7.32 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (d, £= 8 Hz, 2H) . MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 316 (100), 237 (41), 161 (13); HRMS. Calc'd for C18H17FO2S: 316.0933. Found: 316.0943. Anal. Calc'd for C18H17FO2S: C, 68.33; H, 5.42; F, 6.00; S, 10.13. Found: C, 68.08; H, 5.45; F, 6.42; S, 9.98.

Example 2

1- [2- ( 4-Fluoro-2-methylphenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 4-fluoro-2-methylphenylboronic acid.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 1 of Example 1, 2-bromo-5-fluorotoluene (Aldrich) was converted to 4-fluoro-2-methylphenylboronic acid: NMR (DMS0-d6) δ 2.40 (s, 3H) , 6.85-6.99 (m, 2H) , 7.46

(d, J= 7 Hz, IH) .

Step 2 : Preparation of 1- \ 2 - (4-fluoro-2- methylphenyl) cvclopenten-1-yl. -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 500 mg (1.9 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 590 mg (3.8 mmol) of 4-fluoro- 2-methylphenylboronic acid (Step 1) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 500 mg (95%) of 1- [2- (4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-l- yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 67- 68°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.00-2.11 (m, 2H) , 2.05 (s, 3H) ,

2.41 (s, 3H) , 2.69-2.77 (m, 2H) , 2.86-2.95 (m, 2H) , 6.80-7.07 (m, 7H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- \ 2- (4-fluoro-2- methvlphenvl)cyclopenten-1-vll - 4-

(methylsulfonvl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 470 mg (1.6 mmol) of l-[2-(4- fluoro-2-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylthio)benzene (Step 2) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography with hexane/ethyl acetate (1:4) and subsequent recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane gave 1- [2- (4-fluoro-2- methylphenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] -A- (methylsv fonyDbenzene as a colorless solid: mp 112.5-113.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ

2.03-2.16 (m, 2H) , 2.05 (s, 3H) , 2.74-2.82 (m, 2H) , 2.91-3.01 (m, 2H) , 2.98 (s, 3H) , 6.83-6.93 (m, 2H) ;

6.97-7.04 ( , IH) , 7.19 (d, >J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.68 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e (rel intensity) 337 (100) , 331 (46); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H19FO2S: 330.1090. Found: 330.1096. Anal. Calc'd for C19H19FO2S: C, 69.07; H, 5.80; F, 5.75; S, 9.70. Found: C, 69.37; H, 5.81; F, 5.40; S, 9.78.

Example 3

1- [2- ( 4-Chlorophenyl ) eye1opente -1-yl] -

4- (methylsulfonyl )benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 1- .2- (4-chlorophenvl . evelopenten-1-vll -A- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 250 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -A- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 300 mg (1.9 mmol) of 4- chlorophenylboronic acid (Lancaster) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 290 mg of l-[2- (4-chlorophenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 72-74°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.04 (m, £= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.46 (s, 3H) , 2.86 (t, = 7 Hz, 4H), 7.07-7.21 (m, 8H) .

Step 2 : Preparation of 1- . 2- ( 4-chlorophenvl ) rrvclopenten-l-vl l -4- (methylsulf onvl ) benzene .

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 280 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-[2-(4- chlorophenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 1) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane and subsequent recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane gave 192 mg (62%) of 1-[2- (4-chlorophenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 127.5- 128.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.09 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.91 (t, 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.21 (d, 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 332 (100), 297 (6), 218 (30); HRMS. Calc'd for C18H17CIO2S: 332.0638. Found: 332.0628. Anal. Calc'd for C18H17CIO2S: C, 64.95; H, 5.15; Cl, 10.65; S, 9.63. Found: C, 64.97; H, 5.15; Cl, 10.50; S, 9.58.

Example 4

1- [2- (2, 4-Dichlorophenyl) eye lopent en - 1 -yl ] 4- (methylsulfonyl ) enzene

Step 1: Preparation of l-.2-(2.4- dichlorophenvl) cyclopenten- l-vl1 -4- (methvlthio ) benzene .

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 280 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 350 mg (1.9 mmol) of 2,4- dichlorophenylboronic acid (Lancaster) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 280 mg of 1- [2- (2 , 4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.10 (m, 8 Hz, 4H) , 2.92 (m, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 6.95-7.21 (m, 6H) , 7.40 (s, IH) .

Step 2 : Preparation of 1-f2- (2.4-dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-y11 -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 280 mg (0.85 mmol) of l-[2-(4- chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 1) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane and subsequent lyophilization from acetonitrile/water (1:1) gave 158 mg (51%) of l-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclopenten-l-yl]-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a solid: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.13

(m, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H), 2.84 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.96 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 3.00 (s, 3H) , 6.97, (d, J= 8 Hz, IH) , 7.14-7.23 ( , 4H) , 7.42 (d, Jfø 2 Hz, IH) , 7.71 (d, 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 368 (61), 366 (91), 252 (100) 215 (64), 128 (47); HRMS. Calc'd for C18H16CI2O2S: 366.0242. Found: 332.0249. Anal. Calc'd for C18H16CI2O2S: C, 58.86; H, 4.39; Cl, 19.37; S, 8.73. Found: C, 58.43; H, 4.47; Cl, 19.45; S, 8.82.

Example 5

1- [2- (4-Methylphenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl )benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 1- .2- (4-methylphenyl) evelopenten-1-yll -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 250 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 260 mg (1.9 mmol) of 4- methylphenylboronic acid (Lancaster) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 240 mg (92%) of 1- [2- (4-methyl phenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 64.5- 66.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.03 (m, J= 1 Hz, 2H) , 2.30 (s,

3H) , 2.45 ⁽ S, 3H) , 2.86 (t, J= 7 Hz, 4H) , 6.99-7.15 (m, 8H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 1- .2- (4-methvlnheπyl ) cvclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 210 mg (0.75 mmol) of l-[2-(4- methylphenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 1) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:4) and subsequent recrystallization gave 140 mg (60%) of l-[2-(4-methylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 118.0- 118.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.07 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.32 (s,

3H) , 2.90 (t, J= 7 Hz, 4H) , 3.03 (s, 3H) , 6.99-7.08 (m, 4H) , 7.34 (d, _ι l= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.74 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 312 (100), 297 (10), 233 (11) 218 (22); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H20O2S: 312.1184. Found: 312.1194. Anal. Calc'd for C19H20O2S: C, 73.04; H, 6.45; S, 10.26. Found: C, 73.22; H, 6.65; S,

10 . 24 .

Example 6

1- [2- ( 4-Trifluoromethylphenyl) eyelopenten- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 4-trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 1 of Example 1, 4-bromobenzotrifluoride (Aldrich) was converted to 4-trifluoromethyl phenylboronic acid: NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 7.68 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.98 (d, 0.= 8 Hz,

2H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 1- \2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) cvelnpenten-l-vll -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 240 mg (0.89 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1,

Step 2) was reacted with 360 mg (1.8 mmol) of 4- trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid (Step 1) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 240 mg (81%) of l-[2-(4- trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylthio)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 60.0- 61.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.06 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.46 (s,

3H) , 2.89 (t, 6 Hz, 2H) , 7.10 (d, 8 Hz, 2H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- \ 2- ( A-trifluorome hylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-y11 -A - (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in

Step 4 of Example 1, 215 mg (0.75 mmol) of l-[2-(4- trifluoromethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 2) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:4) and subsequent recrystallization gave 163 mg (69%) of l-[2-(4- trifluoromethylphenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 134.5- 135.0°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.12 (m, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.95 (t, J= 7 Hz, 4H) , 3.05 (s, 3H) , 7.24 (d, ■!= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.31 (d, _∑= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.49 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.78 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 312 (100), 297 (10), 233 (11) 218 (22); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H20O2S: 312.1184. Found: 312.1194. Anal. Calc'd for C19H20O2S: C, 73.04; H, 6.45; S, 10.26. Found: C, 73.22; H, 6.65; S, 10.24.

Example 7

1- (2-Phenyleyelopenten-1-yl ) -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene

Step 1: Preparation of l-bromo-2-phenvlcvclopentene.

Following a synthetic procedure which was similar to the one outlined in Step 2 of Example 1, 4.40 g (19.4 mmol) of 1,2-dibromocyclopentene was reacted with 2.0 g (17.7 mmol) of phenylboronic acid (Aldrich) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (Waters Prep- 500) with hexane gave 1.61 g (42%) of l-bromo-2- phenylcyclopentene as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.01-2.10 (m, 2H) , 2.74-2.82 (m, 2H) , 2.82-2.90 (m, 2H) , 7.27-7.33 (m, IH) , 7.33-7.41 (m, 2H) , 7.57-7.63 (m, 2H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 1- (2- (phenvlcvclopenten-1-vD - 4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following a synthetic procedure which was similar to the one outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 750 mg (3.4 mmol) of l-bromo-2-phenylcyclopentene (Step 1) was reacted with 1.2 g (6.8 mmol) of 4- methylthiophenylboronic acid (Example 1, Step 1) .

Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 800 mg (89%) of 1- (2-phenylcyclopenten-l- yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ

2.00-2.17 (m, 2H) , 2.46 (s, 3H) , 2.86-3.01 (m, 4H) , 7.08-7.19 (m, 4H) , 7.19-7.32 (m, 5H) .

cn

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- (2- (phenyicyclopenten-1-yl) - 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 800 mg (3.0 mmol) of l-(2- phenylcyclopenten-1-yl) -A- (methylthio) benzene (Step 2) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 300 mg (30%) of l-(2- phenylcyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 135.5-137.0°C; NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 2.01 (m, 7 Hz, 4H) , 3.18 (s, 3H) , 7.12-7.18 (m, 2H) , 7.18-7.31 (m, 3H) , 7.37 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (d, 1= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (E m/e (rel intensity)

298 (100), 219 (30) , 141 (30); HRMS. Calc'd for C18H1802S: 298.1028. Found: 298.1056. Anal. Calc'd for C18H18O2S: C, 72.45; H, 6.08; S, 10.74. Found: C, 72.46; H, 6.17; S, 10.56.

Example 8

1 - [ 2 - ( 4 -Cyanophenyl ) eye lopent en- 1 -yl ] - 4 - ( methyl sulf onyl ) benzene

Step 1 : Preparation of 4 -cvanophenvlboronic acid .

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 1 of Example 1 , 4-bromobenzonitrile (Aldrich) was converted to 4-cyanophenylboronic acid: NMR (DMSO-dβ ) δ

7 .76 (d, 8 Hz , 2H) .

Step 2 : Preparation of 1- \ 2 - (4-cyanophenvD cyclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 500 mg (1.9 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 540 mg (3.7 mmol) of 4- cyanophenylboronic acid (Step 1) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane/ethyl acetate (19:1) gave 480 mg (89%) of l-[2-(4- cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.07 (m, J= 1 Hz, 2H) , 2.42 (s, 3H) , 2.89 (t, _J I= 7 Hz, 4H) , 7.05 (d, 0= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.11 (d, J***- 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.26 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.48 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- .2- (4-cvanophenvl) cvclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in

Step 4 of Example 1, 240 mg (0.82 mmol) of l-[2-(4- cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 2) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with ethyl acetate/hexane (3:7) and subsequent recrystallization gave 174 mg (66%) of 1- [2- (4-cyanophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 163.0- 164.5°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.13 (m, _J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.95 (t, 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.30 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J_= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.79 (d, £= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 323 (100), 308 (4), 244 (42); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H17NO2S: 323.0980. Found: 323.1014. Anal. Calc'd for C19H17NO2S: C, 70.56; H, 5.30; N, 4.33; S, 9.91. Found: C, 70.59; H, 5.34; N, 4.29; S, 9.67.

Example 9

HO

1- [2- ( 4-Hydroxymethylphenyl) eyelopenten- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) enzene

Step 1: Preparation of 4-hvdroxymethylphenylboronic a id,

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 1 of Example 1, 4-bromobenzyl alcohol (Aldrich) was converted to 4-hydroxymethylphenyl boronic acid: NMR (DMSO-dβ) δ 4.50 (d, ■_!= 5 Hz, 2H) , 5.08 (s, IH) , 7.20-

7.45 (m, 2H) , 7.68-7.90 (m, 2H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 1- \ 2 - (4-hvdroxymethylphenyl) cvclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylthio)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 250 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -A- (methylthio)benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was reacted with 290 mg (1.9 mmol) of 4- hydroxymethylphenylboronic acid (Step 1) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:4) gave 255 mg (92%) of l-[2-(4- hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylthio)benzene as a solid: mp 82-85°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.04 (m, _J I= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.45 (s, 3H) , 2.88 (t, = 7 Hz,

4H) , 4.64 (s, 2H) , 7.08 (s, 4H) , (m, 2H) , 7.15-7.25 (m, 4H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 1- r2- (4-hydroxymethylphenyl) cvclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 210 mg (0.71 mmol) of l-[2-(4- hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 2) was oxidized. Purification by silica gel chromatography with hexane/ethyl acetate (1:4) and subsequent recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane gave l-[2-(4- hydroxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 114- 115°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.09 (m, £= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.92 (t, J=

7 Hz, 4H) , 3.03 (s, 3H) , 4.67 (s, 2H) , 7.13 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.24 (d, ιl= 8 Hz, IH) , 7.33 (d, ιl= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.74 (d, 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 328 (100), 311 (10), 297 (21), 218 (53); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H20O3S: 328.1133. Found: 328.1147. Anal. Calc'd for C19H20O3S: C, 69.48; H, 6.14; S, 9.76. Found: C, 69.51; H, 6.40; S, 9.68.

Example 10

1- [2- ( 4-Methoxymethylphenyl ) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 79 mg (0.24 mmol) of 1- [2- ( 4 -hydroxymethy lphenyl) cyclopent en- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene (Example 9) in 2 mL of dry THF at 0°C was treated with 15 mg (0.6 mmol) of sodium hydride (95%) . After 30 minutes, 0.1 mL (1.6

mmol) of methyl iodide was added and the reaction was allowed to warm o ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo: the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (MgS04) , and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1) and subsequent lyophilization from acetonitrile/water (1:1) gave 25 mg (30%) of l-[2-(4- methoxymethylphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: NMR

(CDCI3) δ 2.09 (m, £= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.92 (t, J= 7 Hz, 4H) ,

3.03 (s, 3H) , 3.40 (s, 3H) , 4.42 (s, 2H) , 7.12 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.20 (d, £= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.33 (d,_J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.73 (d, 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 342 (100), 81 (27), 69 (62) . HRMS. Calc'd for C20H22O3S: 342.1290. Found: 342.1301. Anal. Calc'd for C20H22O3S: C, 70.15; H, 6.48; S, 9.36. Found: C, 69.86; H, 6.64; S, 9.38.

Example 11

H ₃

1- [2- ( -Methylthiophenyl) eye lopent en -1-yl] - 4- (methylsulf onyl ) benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 1- (2-bromocvclopenten-l-yl ) -4- ( methylsulf onyl ) benzene .

Following the synthetic procedure outlined in Step 4 of Example 1, 250 mg (0.93 mmol) of l-(2- bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylthio) benzene (Example 1, Step 2) was oxidized to give 280 mg (100%) of l-(2-

bromocyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 103-104°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.02-2.14

(m, 2H) , 2.74-2.83 (m, 2H) , 2.86-2.94 (m, 2H) , 3.07 (s, 3H) , 7.77 (d, _J != 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.93 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) .

Step 2 : Preparation of 1- \ 2 - (4-methylthiophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene.

Following a synthetic procedure which was similar to the one outlined in Step 3 of Example 1, 270 mg (0.9 mmol) of 1- (2-bromocyclopenten-l-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (Step 1) was reacted with 300 mg (1.8 mmol) of 4-methylthiophenylboronic acid (Example 1, Step 1) . Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane/ethyl acetate (4:1) gave 265 mg (86%) of 1- [2- (4-methylthiophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl) -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless solid: mp 138- 139°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.08 (m, _ ~~ 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.47 (s,

3H) , 2.90 (t, J 7 Hz, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 7.06 (d, _J_= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.11 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.34 (d, 0.= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 344 (100), 297 (4), 218 (33); HRMS. Calc'd for C19H20O2Ξ2 : 344.0905. Found: 344.0907. Anal. Calc'd for C19H20O2S2: C, 66.24; H, 5.85; S, 18.16. Found: C, 66.28; H, 5.81; S, 18.95.

Example 12

1- [2- ( -Fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethyleyclopenten- l-yl]-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

Step 1: Preparation of the ethyl acetal of mucobromic acid.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 500 g

(1.94 mol) of mucobromic acid (Lancaster) and 2 g of p- toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate in 600 mL of toluene and 400 mL of absolute ethanol was heated to reflux for 6 hours during which time 150 mL of a water, toluene, and ethanol azeotrope was removed by distillation. The solution was concentrated in vacuo: the residue was dissolved in 1500 mL of ethyl acetate and washed successively with water, saturated sodium carbonate, and brine, dried (Na2S04) , and reconcentrated to give 440 g (79%) of the ethyl acetal of mucobromic acid (5 in

Synthetic Scheme II) as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 1.31 (t, J= 7 Hz, ^' 3H), 3.73-3.96 (m, 2H) , 5.81 (s, IH) .

Step 2: Preparation of cis-2.3-dibromobut-2-ene-l.4- diol.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 150 g (525 mmol) of the ethyl acetal of mucobromic acid (Step 1) in 150 mL of anhydrous THF at -78°C was treated with 1400 mL of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1.5 M in toluene) over a 30 minute period. The solution was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for 2 hours. The reaction was slowly treated (maintaining the temperature below 10°C) with 100 mL of acetone followed by 50 mL of 2.5 N sodium hydroxide. Water (1000 mL) was added and the solution extracted 5 times with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na2S04) , and concentrated. The residue was washed 3 times with hexane and dried in vacuo to give 88.5 g (69%) of cis-2,3-dibromo-2-ene-l,4-diol (6 in

Synthetic Scheme II) as a colorless solid: mp 66-67°C; NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 4.27 (d, .2=6 Hz, 4H) , 5.44 (t, £= 6 Hz,

2H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of cιs-1.2. 3.4-tetrabromobut-2-ene

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 25.2 g (102 mmol) of cis-2, 3-dibromobut-2-ene-l, 4-diol (Step 2) in 150 mL of methylene chloride at 0°C was treated with 9.6 mL of phosphorus tribromide. The solution was allowed to warm to ambient temperature where it was allowed to stir for 1 hour prior to the addition of ice water. The aqueous phase was extracted 5 times with methylene chloride; these extracts were combined with the original methylene chloride phase and washed with water, saturated sodium carbonate, brine, dried ( a2S04) , and concentrated in vacuo to give 18 g (47%) of cis-1,2, 3 , 4-tetrabromobut-2-ene [7 (X= Br) in

Synthetic Scheme II] as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 4.40 (s,

4H) .

Step 4: Preparation of 1 , 2-dibromo-4 , 4-di (carboethoxy) cyclopentene.

Under nitrogen, a solution of 9.7 g (60.6 mmol) of diethyl malonate in anhydrous THF at -10°C was treated with 2.9 g (121 mmol) of sodium hydride (95%) and allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The resulting solution was then added slowly to 15 g (40.4 mmol) of cis-1,2,3, 4-tetrabromobut-2-ene (Step 3) in 350 mL of anhydrous THF at -78°C. The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature overnight prior to concentration in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (Na2S04), and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (Waters Prep-500) with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:99) gave 3.7 g (25%) of 1,2, -dibromo- 4, 4-di (carboethoxy)cyclopentene (8 in Synthetic Scheme II) as a colorless oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 1.26 (t, j 7 Hz,

6H) , 3.26 (s, 4H) , 4.22 (m, 3= 7 Hz, 4H) ; MS (FAB) for

M+H m/e: 373, 371, 369.

Step 5: Preparation of 1,2-dibromo-4,4- di(hvdroxymethyl)cyclopentene.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 8.7 g

(23.5 mmol) of 1,2-dibromo-4,4- di(carboethoxy)cyclopentene (Step 4) in 70 mL of anhydrous THF at -78°C was treated with 80 mL of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1.5 M in toluene) over a 20 minute period. The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature overnight and was slowly treated with 20 mL of acetone followed by 10 mL of 2.5 N sodium hydroxide. Water (100 mL) was added and the solution extracted 5 times with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried (Na2S04), and concentrated in vacuo to give 5.7 g (85%) of 1,2- dibromo-4, -di(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentene (10 in Synthetic Scheme III) as a colorless oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ

2.20 (s, 2H) , 2.50 (s, 4H) , 3.70 (s, 4H) .

Step 6: Preparation of 1.2-dibromo-4.4- di (tosylmethyl)cyclopentene.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 5.7 g (19.9 mmol) of 1,2-dibromo-4,4- di(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentene (Step 5) in 50 mL of pyridine at ambient temperature was treated with 19 g (99.7 mmol) of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride. The reaction was allowed to stir overnight and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved ethyl acetate and washed twice with 3% hydrochloric acid followed by brine. The solution was dried (Na2S04) and concentrated in vacuo to give 5.2 g (44%) of 1,2-dibromo-4,4- di(tosylmethyl)cyclopentene (14 i. Synthetic Scheme V) as a colorless semisolid: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.42 (s, 4H) ,

2.47 (s, 6H) , 3.90 (s, 4H) , 7.37 (d, *2= 8 Hz, 4H) , 7.74

(d, J= 8 Hz, 4H) .

Step 7 : Preparation of 1.2-dibromo-4.4- di (iodomethyl) cyclopentene.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 5.2 g (8.7 mmol) of 1,2-dibromo-4 , 4- di (tosylmethyl) cyclopentene (Step 6) and 13 g (86 mmol) of sodium iodide in 40 mL of DMF/H2O (3:1) was heated to 150°C in an oil bath overnight. The reaction was cooled, diluted with 200 mL of ethyl acetate, and washed with water. Drying (Na2S04) and concentrating in vacuo gave 3.7 g (84%) of 1,2-dibromo-4, 4- di (iodomethyl) cyclopentene (15 in Synthetic Scheme V) as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.70 (s, 4H) , 3.50 (s, 4H) .

Step 8: Preparation of 1, 2-dibromo-4.4- dimethvlcvclopentene.

Under nitrogen, a stirred solution of 3.7 g (7.3 mmol) of 1, 2-dibromo-4, 4-di (iodomethyl) cyclopentene (Step 7) and 1.3 g (20.6 mmol) of sodium cyanoborohydride in 15 mL of hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) was heated to 100 °C in an oil bath overnight. The reaction was cooled, diluted with 50 mL of water, and extracted 5 times with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:5) . The combined extracts were washed 3 times with water, dried (Na2Ξ04), and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel chromatography (Waters Prep-500) with hexane gave 1.3 g (70%) of 1,2-dibromo-4,4- dimethylcyclopentene (16 in Synthetic Scheme V) as a colorless oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 1.16 (s, 6H) , 2.44 (s,

4H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 256 (24), 254 (63), 252(44), 175 (26), 173 (29) , 94 (100) .

Step 9: Preparation of 1- .2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4.4- dimethvlcvclopenten-1-vll -4- (methylthio) benzene.

Under nitrogen, 1.3 g (5.1 mmol) of 1,2- dibromo-4, 4-dimethylcyclopentene (Step 8) was reacted with 600 mg (4.3 mmol) of 4-fluorophenylboronic acid (Lancaster) in 23 mL of toluene, 15 mL of ethanol, and 10 mL of 2M Na2C03 in the presence of 250 mg (5 mol %) of Pd(PPh3)4. The reaction was vigorously stirred at reflux overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (Na2 θ4) , and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 250 mg of 1- (2-bromocyclopenten-l-yl) -4-fluorobenzene (38 in Synthetic Scheme X when Rl and R2 = CH3 , R5 = F, R3 , R4,

R6, and R7 = H) as a pale yellow oil which was reacted with 200 mg (1.2 mmol) of 4-methylthiophenylboronic acid (Example 1, Step 1) in 5.2 mL of toluene, 3.4 mL of ethanol, and 2.2 mL of 2M a2C03 in the presence of 40 mg (5 mol %) of Pd(PPh3)4. The reaction was vigorously stirred at reflux for 6 hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water, dried (Na2S04), and reconcentrated.

Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane gave 120 mg of 1-[2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethyl cyclopenten-1-] -4- (methylthio)benzene (41 in Synthetic Scheme X when Rl and R2=CH3 , R5= F, R10_= SCH3 , R3 , R4, R6, R7, R8, R9, RH, and Rl2= H) as an oil: NMR (CDCI3) δ 1.20 (s, 6H0, 2.42 (s, 3H) , 2.63 (s, 4H) , 6.90 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.00-7.18 (m, 4H) , 7.30-7.60 (m, 2H) .

Step 10: Preparation of 1- \ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4.4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yll -4-

(methylsulfonvl)benzene.

A solution of 120 mg (0.39 mmol) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylthio)benzene (Step 9) in 3 mL of methanol/water (1:1) was slowly treated with 470 mg (0.76 mmol) of Oxone® [2 KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4] in 2 mL of water. After stirring for 4 hours, the solvent was removed in vacuo.

The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water and brine, dried (MgSC.4), and reconcentrated. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) with hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1) and subsequent lyophilization from acetonitrile/water (1:1) gave 50 mg (38%) of l-[2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethyl cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (41 in Synthetic Scheme X when Rl and R2= CH3 , R5= F, R10= SO2CH3 , R3 , R , R6, R7. _R 8 _t R9, RH, and R ⁱ = H) as a colorless solid: NMR (CDCI3) d 1.24 (s, 6H) , 2.71 (s, 4H) , 3.4 (s, 3H) , 6.92 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.05-7.12 (m, 2H) , 7.30 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (d, 9 Hz, 3H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 344 (100), 329 (33), 250 (18), 235 (20), 109 (35), 69 (44); HRMS. Calc'd for C20H21FO2S: 344.1246. Found: 344.1272.

Example13

4- [2- (4-Fluorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethy1eyelopenten- l-yl]benzenesulfonamide

Under nitrogen, a solution of 4.55 g (13.2 mmol) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A ,4-dimethylcyclopenten- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example 12) in 50 mL of THF at -78°C was treated with 6.3 mL (15.8 mmol) of n-butyllithium (2.5 M in hexane) over a period of 5 minutes. The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 25 minutes, cooled to -78°C, and treated with 19.8 mL (19.8 mmol) of tributylborane (1.0 M in THF) . The resulting dark brown solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes and then

at reflux for 16 hours prior to the addition of 8.7 g (106 mmol) of sodium acetate, 10 mL of water, and 5.2 g (46 mmol) of hyάroxyamine-O-sulfonic acid. The resulting light orange mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed first with water and then with brine, dried (MgS04), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel to give 2.0 g (44%) of 4- [2- (4- fluorophenyl)-4,4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 117- 118°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 1.23 (s, 6H) , 2.70 (s, 4H) , 4.72

(s, 2H) , 6.92 (t, jr = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.05-7.12 (m, 2H) , 7.26 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.74 (d, = 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 345 (100), 330 (39), 250 (28), 109 (50 80 (31), 69 (58); HRMS. Calc'd for C _ιg H _2Q FN0 ₂ S:

345.1199. Found: 345.1194. Anal. Calc'd for [C ₁₉ H _2Q FN0 ₂ S + 0.27 H20] : C, 65.15; H, 5.91; N, 4.00;

9.15. Found: C, 65.07; H, 5.94; N, 3.86; S, 9.29.

Example 14

1- \2- ( 4-Chlorophenyl ) -4.4 -dimethyl eve lopent e -

1-yll -4 - (methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes XV, XX, XXI, and XXII, l-[2-(4- chlorophenyl ) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

( methylsulf onyl) benzene was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 144-145°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) d 1.23 (s, 6H) , 2.71

(s, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 7.05 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.21 (d, _ι l= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.30 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (d, J= 8 Hz,

2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 360 (100), 345 (30! 266 (20), 231 (20); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₂₀ H ₂₁ ClLiO ₂ S:

367.1111. Found: 367.1105. Anal. Calc'd for

C ^C ₂ 2 ₀ 0H ^H ₂ 2 ₁ lC ^C l ^l O ^O ₂ 2S ^S : ^: C ^C ,' 6 ⁶ 6 ⁶ .-5 ⁵ 0 ⁰ ;' ^' H ^H , 5.82; Cl, 9.84. Found: C, 66.61; H, 6.10, Cl, 9.85.

Example 15

4 - [2 - ( 4 -Chlorophenyl ) -4 , 4 - dime hy ley clop en t en- l-yl ] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (4 -chlorophenyl) -4 , 4- dimethylcyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene

(the title compound of Example 14) was converted to 4- [2- (4 -chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethylcyclopenten-l- yl] benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 144- 145°C; NMR (CDCI ₃ ) δ 1.24 (s, 6H) , 2.71 (s, 4H) , 4.78

(s, 2H) , 7.05 (d, _J I= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.20 (d, £= 9 Hz, 2H) ,

7.26 (d, _J I= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₂₀ ClNO ₂ S: ^' 361.0903. Found: 361.0882.

Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₉ H ₂₀ ClNO ₂ S: C, 62.72; H, 5.55; Cl,

10.31; S, 8.80. Found: C, 62.35; H, 5.71; Cl, 10.04; S, 8.74.

Example 16

1- [2- (4-Fluorophenyl) -4,4- di (fluoromethyl) eyelopente -1-yl] -4-

( ethylsulfonyl)benzene

Step 1: Preparation of 4- (methylthio)acetoohenone

To a stirred solution of 50 g (340 mmol) of 4- (methylthio)benzonitrile in 2 L of THF at -78°C under an atmosphere of nitrogen, was added 282 mL (390 mmol) of methyllithium (1.4 M in diethyl ether) over a period of ten minutes. The solution was stirred at -78°C for one hour, and then the dry ice bath was removed. After five hours, 100 mL of water followed by 200 mL of 3N hydrochloric acid were added to the reaction mixture and it was stirred overnight. Concentration in vacuo gave a residue which was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The water layer was extracted with three portions of ethyl acetate and the combined ethyl acetate layers were dried (MgS0 ₄ ) . Concentration n vacuo gave 58 g of crude (4-methylthio)acetophenone as a solid:

NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.52 (s, 3H) , 2.57 (s, 3H) , 7.26 (d, 2 = 9

Hz, 2H) , 7.87 (d, ii = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 2: Preparation of 4-(methylsulfonvl)acetophenone

To a solution of 11.73 g (71.1 mmol) of 4- (methylthio)acetophenone (prepared in Step 1) in 500 mL

of dichloromethane at ambient temperature was added

61.14 g (177 mmol) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%)

(MCPBA) in portions over 20 minutes. The reaction was stirred for two hours, quenched slowly with aqueous sodium bisulfite, washed with three 100 mL portions of saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried (MgSO.) , and concentrated in vacuo to give 11.91 g (91%) of (4- methylsulfonyl) acetophenone as an colorless solid: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.67 (s, 3H) , 3.08 (s, 3H) , 8.06 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 8.14 (d, J_ = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 3 : Preparation of 2-bromo-4 -

(methylsulfonyl)acetophenone

To a stirred solution of 11.91 g (60.5 mmol) of 4- (methylsulfonyl)acetophenone (prepared in Step 2) in 133 mL of glacial acetic acid and 0.11 mL of hydrochloric acid at ambient temperature was added a solution of 8.22 g (51.4 mmol) of bromine in 9.3 mL of glacial acetic acid over a period of three hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with 500 mL of water and extracted with chloroform. The combined extracts were dried (MgSO.) and concentrated in vacuo to give 15.7 g of crude 2-bromo- (4 ' -methylsulfonyl)acetophenone as a solid: NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 3.10 (s, 3H) , 4.45 (s, 2H) , 8.08

(d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 8.17 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 4: Preparation of 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -1- \ 2- -

(methylsulfonvl)phenvll -2-oxoethoxyl ethanone

To a stirred solution of 4.45 g (28.9 mmol) of 4-fluorophenylacetic acid in 3.26 g (31.8 mmol) of triethylamine and 275 mL of acetonitrile was added 8.9 g (28.9 mmol) of 2-bromo-4 '- (methylsulfonyl)acetophenone (prepared in Step 3) at ambient temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, concentrated in vacuo, and partitioned between ethyl

acetate and water. The organic phase was dried (MgSO.) and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) gave 6.87 g (68%) of 2- (4-fluorophenyl)-l-[2-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -2-oxoethoxy] ethanone as a colorless solid: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.08 (s, 3H) , 3.79 (s,

2H) , 5.35 (s, 2H) , 7.06 (s, t, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.32 (dd, J = 6 and 9 Hz, 2H) , 8.06 (s, 4H) .

Step 5: Preparation of 3- (4-fluorophenyl) -A- . (4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl1 -5H-furan-2-one

Under nitrogen, 4.10 g (11.7 mmol) of 2- (4- fluorophenyl) -1- [2- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -2 - oxoethoxy] ethanone (prepared in Step 4), 6.52 mL (46.8 mmol) of triethylamine, 4.89 g (25.7 mmol) of p- toluenesulfonic acid, and 12 g of 4A molecular sieves were added to 117 mL of acetonitrile and stirred at reflux for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The dichloromethane layer was dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and reconcentrated in vacuo.

Recrystallization from hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1) gave

3.65 g (94%) of 3- (4-fluorophenyl) -4- [4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -5H-furan-2-one as a solid: mp 166-167°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 3.08 (s, 3H) , 5.19 (s, 2H) ,

7.10 (t, jl = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.42 (dd, J = 6 and 9 Hz, 2H) ,

7.52 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.97 (d, J. = 9 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. CalC'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₃ F0 ₄ S: 332.0519. Found: 332.0501. Anal. Cal-'d for C ₁₇ H ₁₃ F0 ₄ S: C, 61.44; H, 3.94; O, 19.26. Found: C, 61.11; H, 4.06; 0, 19.32.

Step 6: Preparation of 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -3- r (4- met vlsnlfonvl) henvl1-1.4-dihvdroxv-2-butene

To a solution of 3.08 g (9.28 mmol) of 3- (4- fluorophenyl) -4- (4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -5H-furan-2-one

(prepared in Step 5) in 93 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at -78°C under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 20 mL

(30 mmol) of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1.5 M in THF)

(DIBAL) over a 10 minute period. The solution was stirred at -78°C for 20 minutes, allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and stirred overnight. An additional 15 mL (22 mmol) aliquot of DIBAL was added and stirring was continued for 2 hours. The reaction was cooled to -78°C, treated dropwise with 25 mL of acetone, warmed to room temperature, and slowly treated with 25 mL of water. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes prior to the careful addition of 35 mL of 1.2N sodium hydroxide. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with 1 N hydrochloric acid followed by brine, dried (MgSO.) , and concentrated in vacuo to give

3.8 g of crude 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -3- [ (4- methy1sulfonyl)phenyl] -1, 4-dihydroxy-2-butene as a colorless oil: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.98 (s, 3H) , 4.60 (d, J =

6 Hz, 4H) , 6.8 (t, _J I = 9 Hz, 2H) , 6,94-7.02 (m, 2H) , 7.22 (d, JL = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.65 (d, _χ = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 7: Preparation of 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -3- . (4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl1 -1, 4-dichloro-2-butene

To a solution of 3.5 g (7.62 mmol) of crude 2-

(4-fluorophenyl) -3- [ (4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -1, 4- dihydroxy-2-butene (prepared in Step 6) in 58 mL of N,N- dimethylformamide (DMF) at 5°C under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added dropwise 1.52 mL ( 20.84 mmol) of thionyl chloride. The reaction was stirred at 5°C for 22 hours, stirred at ambient temperature for an additional 8 hours, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water; the ethyl acetate phase was dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo to give crude 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -3- [ (4- methylεulfonyl)phenyl] -1, 4-dichloro-2-butene as a solid: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.0 (s, 3H) , 4.55 (d, J = 3.4 Hz, 4H) ,

6 . 86 ( t , J = 9 Hz , 2H ) , 6 . 75 ( d , J = 8 . 3 Hz , 2H ) , 7 . 45 ( d , J = 9 Hz , 2H ) .

Step 8A: Preparation of 1- f2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4.4- dicarbomethoxycycl" ^~ ->enten-l-yl1 -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene

To a solution of 1.2 mL (10.5 mmol) of dimethyl malonate in 10 mL of DMF under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 215 mg (26.9 mmol) of lithium hydride in portions. The resulting suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 20 minutes prior to the addition of a solution of crude 2- (4-fluorophenyl) -3- [ (4- methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -1, 4-dichloro-2-butene (prepared in Step 7) in 10 mL of DMF. The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours, treated with another

150 mg (18.8 mmol) of lithium hydride, and stirred for another 4 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water; the organic phase was dried (MgSO , and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel to give 1.1 g (34%) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as an oil: NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 3.03 (ε, 3H) , 3.55 (s, 4H) , 3.79 (s, 6H) , 6.93 (t, *2 = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.11 (dd, 6 and 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.32 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.77 (d, <! = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 8B: Preparation of 1- \2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4.4- dicarbomethoxycvclopenten-1-v11 -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene

To a solution of 7.18 mL (63 mmol) of dimethyl malonate in 160 mL of DMF at 0°C under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 3.0 g (75 mmol) of sodium hydride (60% suspension in oil) . The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes (or until the gas

evolution has ceased) , cooled to -20°C, and treated with 15 g (69 mmol) of 2-bromo-4 ' -fluoroacetophenone

(Aldrich) in one portion. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour and then cooled to 0°C; another 75 mmol of sodium hydride was added and the resulting mixture stirred at ambient temperature for 15 minutes (or until the gas evolution has ceased) . The reaction was recooled to -20°C and treated with 19.1 g

(69 mmol) of 2-bromo-4 '- (methylsulfonyl)acetophenone (prepared in Step 3) . The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate; the ethyl acetate phase was dried (MgSO.) and reconcentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel to give 13.8 g (51%) of dimethyl 2- [2- (4- fluorophenyl) -2-oxoethyl] -2- [2- [4-

(methylεulfonyl)phenyl] -2-oxoethyl]propanedioate as an oil: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) d 3.06 (s, 3H) , 3.76 (s, 6H) , 4.03 (s,

2H) , 4.08 (s, 2H) , 7.13 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) , 7.97-8.05 [m with d at 8.03 (_I = 8.7 Hz) , 4H] , 8.14 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H) .

To a vigorously stirred mixture of 50.4 g (771 mmol) of zinc dust in 640 mL of THF at -78°C under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added dropwise 60.4 mL (551 mmol) of titanium (IV) chloride. The reaction was warmed to ambient temperature with a water bath and then stirred at reflux for 1 hour. To the resulting dark mixture under reflux was added a solution of 15 g (32.3 mmol) of dimethyl 2- [2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -2-oxoethyl] -2 - [2- [ A- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl] -2-oxoethyl]propanedioate (prepared above) in 20 mL of THF. The resulting mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours, filtered through a pad of celite, rinsed with ethyl acetate, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate; the organic phase was washed with brine, dried (MgSO.) , and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed

on silica gel to give 6.26 g (44%) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) -4, -dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)oenzene which was identical to the material prepared in Step 8, Method A.

Step 9 : Preparation of 1- .2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4 , 4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl1 -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

Under nitrogen, a solution of 1.01 g (2.34 mmol) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -A , A- dicarbomethoxycyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylεulfonyl)benzene (prepared in Step 8) in 1.5 mL of THF at -78°C waε treated with 11.6 mL (11.6 mmol) of DIBAL (1.0 M in THF) . The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature for 1.5 hours, quenched with acetone and aqueous NaOH, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried (MgS0 ₄ ), and concentrated in vacuo to give 840 mg of crude 1- [ 2 - (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorless oil: NMR (CDCID δ 2.82 (d, J = 5 Hz, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 3.86 (d, J= 5 Hz, 4H) , 6.94 (t, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.11 (dd, J = 5 and 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.33 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.77 (d, J = 9 Hz, 2H) .

Step 10: Preparation of 1- f2- (4-fluorophenyl) - , 4- di (tosylmethyl) cyclopenten-l-yl1 -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

Under nitrogen, a solution of 2.34 mmol of the crude 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4- di (hydroxymethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene (prepared in Step 9) in 8 mL of pyridine at ambient temperature was treated with 1.2 g (6.3 mmol) of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (tosyl chloride) . The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours, concentrated in vacuo, and chromatographed on silca gel to give 1.06 g (66% overall

yield from Step 9) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4- di (tosylmethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene as a colorleεs solid: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.46 (s, 6H) , 2.73 (s, 3H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 4.05 (s, 4H) , 6.85-7.0 (m, 4H) , 7.20 (d, J = 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.34 (d, J = 8 Hz, 4H) , 7.75 (d, J = 8 Hz, 6H) .

Step 11: Preparation of 1- .2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4 , 4- di (fluoromethyl)cyclopenten-1-yll -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

Under nitrogen, 20 mL (20 mmol) of Bu ₄ NF (1.0

M in THF) was added to a stirred solution of 3.7 g (5.4 mmol) of 1- [2- (4-fluorophenyl) -4, 4- di (tosylmethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylεulfonyDbenzene (prepared in Step 10) in 10 mL of anhydrous THF. The reaction was stirred at reflux for 14 hours and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Purification by silica gel chromatography (MPLC) using hexane/ethyl acetate (9:1) gave 1.0 g (49%) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) -4, 4-di (fluoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene as a pale-yellow solid: mp 134- 135°C; NMR (CDCI3) δ 2.84 (s, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 4.52

(d, J= 47 Hz, 2H) , 6.95 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.06-7.13 (m, 2H) , 7.32 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H),7.79 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₂₀ H ₁₉ F ₃ O ₂ S: 380.1058. Found: 380.1077.

Anal. Calc'd for C _2Q H ₁₉ F ₃ 0 ₂ S + 0.30 H ₂ 0: C, 62.26; H, 5.12; F, S, 8.31. Found: C, 62.47; H, 5.26; S, 8.47.

Example 17

1- [2- (4-Fluorophenyl ) -4, 4- di (trif luoromethyl ) eye lopen en -1-yl] -4- ( methyl s lf onyl) benzene

Following the general procedures outlined in Synthetic Schemes XV, XX, XXI, and XXII, l-[2-{4- f luorophenyl) -A, 4-di (trif luoromethyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] - 4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 137.7-138.5°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.04 (s, 3H) ,

3.36 (s, 4H) , 6.98 (t, _I= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.07-7.15 (m, 2H) , 7.33 (t, 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e (rel intensity) 459 (100), 374 (10); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₂₀ H ₁₅ F ₇ O ₂ S: 452.0681. Found: 452.0712. Anal.

Calc'd for C _2[) H ₁₅ F ₇ 0 ₂ S + 0.23 H ₂ 0: C, 53.16; 3.60; F, 28.11. Found: C, 52.85; H, 3.40; N, 28.06.

Example 18

1- [2- (4 -Fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l yl ] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) enzene

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes XV, XX, XXI, and XXII, l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l-yl] -4-

5 (methylsulfonyl)benzene was isolated as a pale-yellow oil: NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 0.91 (t, J= 8 Hz, 6H) , 1.56 (q, J= 8

Hz, 4H) , 2.69 (s, 4H) , 3.03 (s, 3H) , 6.92 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.09 (t, ιl= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.31 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 372 (100) , 10 343 (46), 264 (18) , 235 (20) ; HRMS. Calc'd for

^C 22 ^H 25 ^F0 2 ^S: 372.1559. Found: 372.1532. Anal. Calc'd for C ₂₂ H ₂₅ F0 ₂ S: C, 69.08; H, 6.88; F, 4.97; S, 8.38.

Found: C, 69.05; H, 6.96; F, 4.92; S, 8.71.

i5 Example 19

4- [2- ( 4 -Fluorophenyl) -4 , -die thy ley clop en ten - 20 1-yl] benzenesulf onamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (4-f luorophenyl) -4 , 4- diethylcyclopenten-1-yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl) benzene (the 25 title compound of Example 18) was converted to 4- [2- (4- f luorophenyl) -4, 4-diethylcyclopenten-l- yl]benzeneεulf onamide aε a colorless solid: mp 100.8- 101.2°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 0.91 (t, 0.= 8 Hz, 6H) , 1.49-1.60

(m, 4H) , 2.68 (s, 4H) , 4.69-4.77 (m, 2H) , 6.92 (t, J= 9 30 Hz, 2H) , 7.05-7.13 (m, 2H) , 7.26 (t, *!= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.74 (t, 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 373 (100) , 344 (38) , 264 (12) , 235 (25) , 109 (63); HRMS. Calc'd

for C ₂₁ H ₂₄ FN0 ₂ S: 373.1512. Found: 373.1572. Anal, Calc'd for C ₂₁ H ₂₄ FN0 ₂ S: C, 67.53; H, 6.48; N, 3.75.

Found: C, 67.55; H, 6.43; N, 3.75.

Example 20

4- [2- ( -Fluorophenyl ) cyclopenten- 1- yl ] benzenesulf onamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, l-[2-(4- f luorophenyl ) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) benzene (the title compound of Example 1) was convered to 4- [2-

(4-f luorophenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzeneεulf onamide aε a colorlesε εolid: mp 173-174°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.02-2.15

(m, 2H) , 2.92 (t, _ι l= 7 Hz, 4H) , 4.73 (br s, 2H) , 6.93

(t, J= 10 Hz, 2H) , 7.06-7.15 (m, 2H) , 7.28 (d, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (d, 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity)

317 (100) 237 (40), 221 (30) , 109 (55); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₆ FN0 ₂ S: 317.0886. Found: 317.0916. Anal.

Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₆ FN0 ₂ S: C, 64.28; H, 5.05; N, 4.42.

Found: C, 63.98; H, 5.29; N, 4.21.

Example 21

4 - [2 - ( -Chlorophenyl ) cyclopent en- l-yl ] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, l-[2-(4- chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene

(the title compound of Example 3) was converted to 4- [2-

(4 -chlorophenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzeneεulf onamide as a colorlesε solid: mp 177-178°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.09 (p,

J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.90 (t, J= 8 Hz, 4H) , 4.78 (s, 2H) , 7.06 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.20 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.27 (d, J= 9

Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intenεity) 335 (57), 333 (100), 253 (24), 218 (70), 217

(47) , 202 (36), 125 (29), 115 (36), 91 (24); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H _lg ClN0 ₂ S: 333.0590. Found: 333.0587. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H _lg ClN0 ₂ S: C, 60.04; H, 4.95; Cl,

10.42; N, 4.12; S, 9.43. Found: C, 59.83; H, 4.84; Cl, 10.99; S, 10.77.

Example 22

4- [2- (4- (Trifluoromethyl )phenyl)

cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedureε outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, l-[2-(4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example

6) waε converted to 4- [2- (4-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorlesε solid: mp 164- 165°C (dec); NM C(CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.05-2.18 (m, 2H) , 2.93 (t, 8 Hz, 4H) , 4.75 (s, 2H) , 7.20-7.30 (m, 4H) , 7.48 (t,

J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.66 (t, 1= 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e (rel intensity) 392 (26), 374 (100), 334 (13), 308 (8); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ F ₃ N0 ₂ S: 367.0854. Found: 367.0832. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ F ₃ N0 ₂ S: C, 58.85; H, 4.39; N, 3.81. Found: C, 58.75; H, 4.45; N, 3.53.

Example 23

1- [2 - ( 4 -Methoxyphenyl ) cyclopenten- 1-yl ] -4 -

(methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, l-[2-(4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl) benzene was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 128.8- 129.8°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 2.01-2.14 (m, 2H) , 2.90 (t, J= 8

Hz, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 3.79 (s, 3H) , 6.78 (t, J= 9 Hz,

2H) , 7.08 (t, 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.75 (t, _J I= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e (rel intensity) 335

(100); HRMS. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₂₀ O ₃ S: 328.1133. Found:

328.1125. Anal. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₂₀ O ₃ S: C, 69.48; H, 6.14; S, 9.76. Found: C, 69.62; H, 6.19; S, 9.80.

Example 24

4- [2- ( 4 -Methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten- 1- yl] benzenesulf onamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (4 -methoxyphenyl)

cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example 23) was converted to 4- [2- (4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzeneεulfonamide aε a colorleεε solid: mp 171-175°C (dec); NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.00-2.12 (m, 2H) , 2.89 (t, J= 8 Hz, 4H) , 3.79 (s, 3H) ,

4.70-4.76 ( , 2H) , 6.77 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.08 (t, J= 9

Hz, 2H) , 7.30 (t, J= 9 ~, 2H) , 7.73 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ;

MS (FAB) m/e (rel intensity) 329 (100), 297 (11), 249 (64) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H _ιg N0 ₃ S: 329.1086. Found: 329.1112. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H _ιg N0 ₃ S: C, 65.63; H, 5.81; N, 4.25. Found: C, 65.46; H, 5.89; N, 4.26.

Example 25

1- [2- (2 , 3 -Dif luorophenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl ] -4- (methylsulf onyl ) benzene

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, l-[2-(2,3- di fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( methyl sulf onyl) benzene was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 151-152°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.14 (p, _∑= 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.87-3.00 (m, 4H) , 3.02 (s, 3H) , 6.77-6.84 (m, IH) , 6.91-7.11 (m, 2H) , 7.28 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.74 (d, = 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 334 (100), 255 (54) , 227 (24), 128 (29), 127 (33); HRMS. Calc'd for ^C ₁₈ ^H ₁₆ ^F 2° ₂ ^S: 334.0839. Found: 334.0835. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ F ₂ 0 ₂ S: C, 64.66; H, 4.82; S, 9.59. Found: C,

64.67; H, 4.87; S, 9.46.

Example 26

4- [2- ( 2 , 3-Difluorophenyl ) eyelopenten-1- yl] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, l-[2-(2,3- difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylεulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example

25) waε converted to 4- [2- (2,3- difluorophenyl) cyclopenten-l-yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 133-134°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 2.13 (p, 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.85-3.00 (m, 4H) , 4.75 (s, 2H) , 6.76-6.84

(m, IH) , 6.90-7.11 (m, 2H) , 7.20-7.27 (m, 2H) , 7.72 (d, •1= 8 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ F ₂ N0 ₂ S: 335.0792.

Found: 335.0774. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ F ₂ N0 ₂ S + 0.18 H20: C, 60.29; H, 4.57; F, 11.22; N, 4.14; S, 9.47.

Found: C, 60.27; H, 4.69; F, 11.35; N, 4.06; S, 9.52.

Example 27

1- [2- ( 3 , 4-Dichlorophenyl) eye lopent e -1-yl] -4 (methylsulfonyl ) enzene

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, 1- [2- (3,4- dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylεulfonyl)benzene waε iεolated aε a colorleεε εolid: mp 100-101°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.10 (p, J= 8 Hz,

2H) , 2.85-2.96 (m, AH) , 3.05 (s, 3H) , 6.91 (dd, J 9 and 2 Hz, IH) , 7.23-7.28 ( , 2H) , 7.32 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.79 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ Cl ₂ 0 ₂ S:

366.0248. Found: 366.0269. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ C1 ₂ 0 ₂ S: C, 58.86; H, 4.39; Cl, 19.31; S, !

Found: C, 58.53; H, 4.53; Cl, 19.26; S, 8.78.

Example 28

4- [2- ( 3 , 4 -Dichlorophenyl ) cyclopent en-l- yl] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, l-[2-(3,4- dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl) benzene (the title compound of Example

27) was converted to 4- [2- (3,4- dichlorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide aε a colorless solid: mp 134-135°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.10 (p,

_J I= 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.84-2.95 (m, 4H) , 4.76 (s, 2H) , 6.91 (dd, _J I= 9 and 2 Hz, IH) , 7.23-7.30 (m, 4H) , 7.78 (d, £= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e 372, 370, 368. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ C1 ₂ N0 ₂ S : C, 55.43; H, 4.11; Cl, 19.25; N, 3.80; S,

8.71. Found: C, 55.57; H, 4.02; Cl, 19.24; N, 3.67; S, 8.62.

Example 29

1- [2- ( 3 -Fluoro- 4 -methoxyphenyl ) cyclopenten- 1 -yl ] -

4 - (methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Following the general procedureε outlined in

Synthetic Schemeε I, VII, and X, 1- [2- (3-f luoro-4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

( methylsulf onyl) benzene was iεolated aε a colorleεs solid: mp 127.8-128.6°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.02-2.14 (m,

2H) , 2.84-2.94 (m, 4H) , 3.05 (s, 3H) , 3.86 (s, 3H) ,

6.76-6.92 (m 3H) , 7.34 (t, £= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.78 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 346 (100), 315 (7) ,

267 (10), 191 (10), 139 (12) , 107 (7); HRMS. Calc'd for C _ιg H _ιg F0 ₃ S: 346.1039. Found: 346.1049. Anal. Calc'd for C _ιg H _ιg F0 ₃ S: C, 65.88; H, 5.53; F, 5.48. Found: C,

65.71; H, 5.49; F, 5.13.

Example 30

4- [2- ( 3 -Fluoro- -methoxyphenyl) eye lopen en- l-yl] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (3-f luoro-4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -A-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example

29) was converted to 4- [2- (3-fluoro-4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorlesε solid: mp 170.0-170.8°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.01- 2.13 (m, 2H) , 2.83-2.93 (m, 4H) , 3.87 (s, 3H) , 4.75 (s,

2H) , 6.76-6.92 (m, 3H) , 7.30 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (t,

J= 2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intenεity) 347 (100) , 316 (12),

267 (12), 252 (19), 236 (20) , 191 (16), 139 (12); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₈ FN0 ₃ S: 347.0991. Found: 347.0955. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₈ FN0 ₃ S: C, 62.23; H, 5.22; N,

4.03. Found: 62.37; H, 5.36; 3.99.

Example 31

1- [2- ( 3 -Chloro- 4 -methoxyphenyl ) eye 1 op en t en -1 -yl ] 4 - (methylsulfonyl ) be zene

Following the general procedureε outlined in

Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, 1- [2- (3-chloro-4- methoxyphenyl ) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl) benzene was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 118-120°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 2.01-2.14 (m, 2H) , 2.83-2.95 ( , 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 3.87 (s, 3H) , 6.77 (d,

_2= 9 Hz, IH) , 6.94 (d, >I= 9 Hz, IH) , 7.18 (d, J= 2 Hz,

IH) , 7.34 (t, 1= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.77 (t, i= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS

(ED m/e (rel intensity) 362 (100), 327 (13), 248 (18), 233 (8); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₉ H _ιg Cl0 ₃ S: 362.0743. Found: 362.0727. Anal. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₁₉ C10 ₃ S : C,

62.89; H, 5.28; Cl, 9.77. Found: C, 62.89; H, 5.42; 9.95.

Example 32

4- [2- ( 3 -Chloro- 4 -methoxyphenyl ) cyclopent en-l- yl] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (3-chloro-4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten- 1-yl] -4-

(methylsulfonyl) benzene (the title compound of Example

31) was converted to 4- [2- (3-chloro-4- methoxyphenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 178.8-180.0°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.01- 2.13 (m, 2H) , 2.83-2.93 (m, 4H) , 3.87 (s, 3H) , 4.75 (s,

2H) , 6.76 (d, 9 Hz, IH) , 6.94 (dd, J= 9 and 2 Hz,

IH) , 7.20 (d, _J I= 2 Hz, IH) , 7.30 (t, J= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.76

(t, 8 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intenεity) 363 (100)

328 (14), 268 (16) , 233 (17) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₈ C1N0 ₃ S: 363.0696. Found: 363.0701. Anal.

Calc'd for C ₁₈ H _lg ClN0 ₃ Ξ: C, 59.41; H, 5.00; N, 3.85. Found: C, 59.12; H, 5.06; N, 3.69.

1- [2- (3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl) eyelopenten- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

.27

Following the general procedures outlined in

Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, 1- [2- (3-chloro-4- fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -A- (methylsulfonyl)benzene was iεolated aε a colorlesε solid: mp 87.5-88.5°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.03-2.15 ( , 2H) , 2.84-2.95 (m, 4H) , 3.04 (ε,

3H) , 3.87 (s, 3H) , 6.91-7.02 (m, 2H) , 7.19 (dd, J= 8 and

2 Hz, IH) , 7.31 (t, J 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.79 (t, J= 9 Hz,

2H) ;MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 350 (100) , 315 (6) , 271 (22), 236 (69); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ C1F0 ₂ S:

350.0544. Found: 350.0523. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H _lg ClF0 ₂ S: C, 61.62; H, 4.60; F, 5.42. Found: C,

61.37; H, 4.67; F, 5.09.

Example 34

4- [2- (3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl ) eyelopenten-1- yl] benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in

Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1-[2- (3-chloro-4- fluorophenyl)cyclopenten-l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example 33) was converted to 4-

[2- (3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 150.5- 151.5°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.02-2.16 m, 2H) , 2.83-2.96 (m,

4H) , 4.78 (s, 2H) , 6.90-7.03 (m, 2H) , 7.18-7.24 (m, IH) , 7.28 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.78 (t, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (ED m/e (rel intensity) 351 (100) , 316 (16), 271 (40) , 236 (28) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ C1FN0 ₂ S: 351.0496. Found:

351.0516. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ C1FN0 ₂ S: C, 58.04; H, 4.30; N, 3.98. Found: C, 57.94; H, 4.41; N, 3.93.

1 ~i

Example 35

5- [2- [4- (Methylsulfonyl ) phenyl] eye 1 op en t en -1 -yl ] -

1, 3 -benzodioxole

Following the general procedures outlined in Synthetic Schemes I, VII, and X, 5- [2- [4-

(methylsulfonyl) phenyl] cyclopenten-1-yl] -1,3- benzodioxole was isolated as a colorless solid: mp 140.0-140.7°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.06 (p, _J= 8 Hz, 2H) ,

2.82-2.93 (m, 4H) , 3.04 (s, 3H) , 5.93 (s, 2H) , 6.59-6.72 (m, 3H) , 7.35 (d, £= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.76 (d, _2= 9 Hz, 2H) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₁₈ 0 ₄ S: 342.0926. Found:

342.0932. Anal. Calc'd for C _ιg H ₁₈ 0 ₄ S: C, 66.65; H, 5.30. Found: C, 66.43; H, 5.47.

Example 36

4- [2- ( 2 -Me thy lpyridin -5-yl) cy clopent en - l-yl]benzenesulf onamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XI (with the substitution of 33 for

43) , 1- (2-bromocyciopencen-l-yl) -4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene (prepared in Step 1 of Example

11) was reacted with 2-methylpyridin-5-yltrimethyltin

(prepared in Synthetic Scheme VIII) to provide 4-[2-(2- methylpyridin-5-yl)cyclopenten-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 108.0-109.5°C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ

2.05-2.19 (m, 2H) , 2.46 (s, 3H) , 2.86 (t, J= 7 Hz, 4H) ,

3.05 (s, 3H) , 7.02 (d, J= 8 Hz, IH) , 7.32 (br s, IH) ,

7.33 (d, _J I= 8 Hz, 2H) , 7.78 (d, _∑= 8 Hz, 2H) , 8.82 (d, J= 2Hz, IH) ; MS (CD m/e (rel intensity) 314 (100), 234 (5), 89 (20); HRMS. Calc'd for C _lg H _ιg LiN0 ₂ S: 320.1297.

Found: 320.1281. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H _ιg N0 ₂ S: C,

69.01; H, 6.07; N, 4.47. Found: C, 68.91; H, 6.40; 4.28.

Example 37

1- [2- (4-Fluorophenyl) eyelopenten-1-yl] -4-

(fluoromethylsulfonyl) enzene

Under nitrogen, 2.7 mL (3.8 mmol) of methyllithium (1.4 M in ether) was added to a stirred solution of 1.0 g (3.2 mmol) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl] -A-(methylsulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example 1) in 10 mL of anhydrous THF at -78°C. The reaction was allowed to warm to ambient temperature and stir for 1 hour. A solution of 1.2 g (4.8 mmol) of N-fluorodibenzenesulfonamide

(Aldrich) in 5 mL of anhydrous THF was slowly added at 0°C. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at ambient temperature and quenched with water. Purification by

silica gel chromatography (MPLC) using hexane/ethyl acetate (9:1) gave 110 mg (10%) of l-[2-(4- fluorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4-

(fluoromethylεulfonyl)benzene aε a colorleεs solid: mp 123-124°C; NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ 2.10 (p, J= 7 Hz, 2H) , 2.92 (t,

J= 7 Hz, 4H) , 5.11 (d, J= 47 Hz, 2H) , 6.94 (dd, J= 9 and

2 Hz, 2H) , 7.07-7.14 (m, 2H) , 7.36 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) ,

7.77 (d, 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (El) m/e (rel intensity) 334 (100), 237 (24), 209 (22); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₈ H ₁₆ F ₂ 0 ₂ S: 334.0839. Found: 334.0828. Anal. Calc'd for

^C ₁₈ ^H ₁₆ ^F ₂ ° ₂ ^{S +} °- ^{22 H20: C} ' ⁶³ - ⁹⁰ ' ^{' H} ' 4.90 ^; F, 11.23 ^; S, 9.48. Found: C, 63.89; H, 4.90; F, 11.07; 9.76.

Example 38

1- [2- ( 3 , 4 -Dif luorophenyl ) eye lopent en- l-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl ) benzene

Following the general procedureε outlined in Synthetic Schemeε I, VII, and X, l-[2-(3,4- dif luorophenyl) cyclopenten-1-yl] -4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene was isolated as a colorlesε solid: mp 114-115 °C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.10 (p, 8 Hz, 2H) , 2.85-2.96 (m, 4H) , 3.05

(s, 3H) , 6.79-6.86 (m, IH) , 6.89-7.07 (m, 2H) , 7.32 (d, _χ= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.79 (d, £= 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e 341 (M+Li) ; HRMS. Calc'd for C _lg H ₁₇ F ₂ 0 ₂ S: 335.0917. Found: 335.0925.

Anal. Calc'd for C _lg H ₁₆ F ₂ 0 ₂ S: C, 64.66; H, 4.82; F, 11.36. Found: C, 64.77; H, 4.91; F, 11.39.

Example 39

4- [2- (3, 4-Difluorophenyl) eyelopenten- l-yl]benzenesulfonamide

Following the general procedure outlined in Synthetic Scheme XXIII, 1- [2- (3,4-difluorophenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]-4- (methylεulfonyl)benzene (the title compound of Example 38) waε converted to 4-[2- (3,4-difluorophenyl)cyclopenten-1- yl]benzenesulfonamide as a colorless solid: mp 147-147.5 °C; NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.10 (p, £= 9 Hz, 2H) , 2.84-2.95 (m, 4H) ,

4.76 (s, 2H) , 6.80-6.86 (m, IH) , 6.90-7.07 (m, 2H) , 7.27 (d, J= 9 Hz, 2H) , 7.78 (d, = 9 Hz, 2H) ; MS (FAB) m/e 342 (M+Li); HRMS. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₆ F ₂ N0 ₂ S: 336.0870. Found: 336.0856. Anal. Calc'd for C ₁₇ H ₁₅ F ₂ N0 ₂ S: C, 60.88; H, 4.51; N, 4.18. Found: C, 60.97; H, 4.56; N, 4.15.

BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Rat Carrageenan Foot Pad Edema Test

The carrageenan foot edema test was performed with materials, reagents and procedures essentially as described by Winter, et al., (Proc. Soc. EXΏ. Biol. Med.. 111. 544 (1962)). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected in each group so that the average body weight was as close as possible. Rats were fasted with free access to water for over sixteen hours prior to the test. The rats were dosed orally (1 mL) with compounds suspended in vehicle containing 0.5% methylcellulose and .025% surfactant, or with vehicle alone. One hour later

a εubplantar injection of 0.1 mL of 1% solution of carrageenan/sterile 0.9% εaline was administered and the volume of the injected foot was measured with a displacement plethysmometer connected to a preεεure tranεducer with a digital indicator. Three hourε after the injection of the carrageenan, the volume of the foot was again measured. The average foot swelling in a group of drug-treated animals was compared with that of a group of placebo-treated animals and the percentage inhibition of edema was determined (Otterness and

Bliven, Laboratory Models for Testing NSAIDs. in Non- steroidal Anti-In lammatory Druσs. (J. Lombardino, ed. 1985)) . Results are shown in Table I.

Rat Carrageenan-induced Analgesia Test

The analgesia teεt uεing rat carrageenan was performed with materials, reagents and procedures essentially as described by Hargreaveε, et al., (Pain. 21, 77 (1988)) . Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated as previously described for the Carrageenan Foot Pad Edema test. Three hours after the injection of the carrageenan, the rats were placed in a special plexiglass container with a transparent floor having a high intensity lamp as a radiant heat source, positionable under the floor. After an initial twenty minute period, thermal stimulation was begun on either the injected foot or on the contralateral uninjected foot. A photoelectric cell turned off the lamp and timer when light was interrupted by paw withdrawal. The time until the rat withdraws its foot was then measured. The withdrawal latency in seconds was determined for the control and drug-treated groups, and percent inhibition of the hyperalgesic foot withdrawal determined. Results are shown in Table I.

TABLE 3

RAT PAW EDEMA ANALGESIA

% Inhibition % Inhibition @ lOmσ/kσ body weight ■i 20mg/kg body weight

66

41

29

39

14 ²

442

15 ²

26 ²

17 ²

46 ²

1 - Assay performed at 20 mg/kg body weight.

2 - Assay performed at 30 mg/kσ body weight.

Evaluation of COX I and COX II activity in vi tro

The compounds of this invention exhibited inhibition in vitro of COX II. The COX II inhibition activity of the compounds of this invention illustrated in the Examples was determined by the following methods.

a. Preparation of recombinant COX baculoviruses

A 2.0 kb fragment containing the coding region of either human or murine COX-I or human or murine COX- II waε cloned into a BamHl site of the baculovirus transfer vector pVLl393 (Invitrogen) to generate the baculovirus transfer vectors for COX-I and COX-II in a manner similar to the method of D.R. O'Reilly et al (Baculovirus Expression Vectors : A Laboratory Manual (1992) ) . Recombinant baculoviruεes were isolated by transfecting 4 μg of baculoviruε tranεfer vector DNA into SF9 insect cells (2xl0e8) along with 200 ng of linearized baculovirus plasmid DNA by the calcium phoεphate method. See M.D. Summerε and G.E. Smith, A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors and Insect Cell Cul ture Procedures, Texas Agric. Exp. Station Bull. 1555 (1987) . Recombinant viruses were purified by three rounds of plague purification and high titer (10E7 - 10E8 pfu/ml) stocks of virus were prepared. For large scale production, SF9 insect cells were infected in 10 liter fermentors (0.5 x 10°/ml) with the recombinant baculovirus stock such that the multiplicity of infection was 0.1. After 72 hours the cells were centrifuged and the cell pellet homogenized in

Tris/Sucrose (50 mM: 25%, pH 8.0) containing 1% 3-[(3- cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio] -1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) . The homogenate was centrifuged at 10,000xG for 30 minutes, and the resultant supernatant was εtored at -80°C before being aεεayed for COX activity.

b. Assay for COX I and COX II activity:

COX activity waε assayed aε PGE ₂ formed/μg protein/time uεing an ELISA to detect the prostaglandin released. CHAPS-solubilized insect cell membranes containing the appropriate COX enzyme were incubated in a potassium phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 8.0) containing

epinephrine, phenol, and heme with the addition of arachidonic acid (10 μM) . Compounds were pre-incubated with the enzyme for 10-20 minutes prior to the addition of arachidonic acid. Any reaction between the arachidonic acid and the enzyme was stopped after ten minutes at 37°C/room temperature by transferring 40 μl of reaction mix into 160 μl ELISA buffer and 25 μM indomethacin. The PGE ₂ formed waε meaεured by standard ELISA technology (Cayman Chemical) . Results are shown in Table II.

TABLE II.

HUMAN COX I HUMAN COX II ID50 μM ID50 μM

Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

13 6 TABLE I I . ( cont . )

HUMAN COX I HUMAN COX II ID50 μ ID50 μM

Examples 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Also embraced within this invention is a class of pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I in association with one or more non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents and/or adjuvants (collectively referred to herein as "carrier" materials) and, if desired, other active ingredients. The compounds of the present invention may be administered by any suitable route, preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition . adapted to such a route, and in a dose effective for the treatment intended. The compounds and composition may, for example, be administered intravascularly,

intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or topically.

For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, capsule, suspension or liquid. The pharma¬ ceutical composition is preferably made in the form of a dosage unit containing a particular amount of the active ingredient. Examples of such dosage units are tablets or capsuleε. The active ingredient may alεo be administered by injection as.a composition wherein, for example, saline, dextrose or water may be used as a suitable carrier.

The amount of therapeutically active compound that is administered and the dosage regimen for treating a disease condition with the compounds and/or compositions of this invention depends on a variety of factors, including the age, weight, sex and medical condition of the subject, the severity of the disease, the route and frequency of administration, and the particular compound employed, and thus may vary widely. The pharmaceutical compositionε may contain active ingredient in the range of about 0.1 to 1000 mg, preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 500 mg and most preferably between about 1 and 100 mg. A daily dose of about 0.01 to 100 mg/kg body weight, preferably between about 0.1 and about 50 mg/kg body weight and most preferably from about 1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, may be appropriate. The daily dose can be administered in one to four doses per day.

For therapeutic purposes, the compounds of this invention are ordinarily combined with one or more adjuvants appropriate to the indicated route of administration. If administered per os. the compounds may be admixed with lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkancic acids, cellulose alkyl

esters, talc, steaπc acid, magnesium scearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and εulfuric acidε, gelatin, acacia gum, εodium algmate, polyvmylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvmyl alcohol, and then tableted or encapsulated for con¬ venient administration. Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation as may be provided in a disperεion of active compound in hydroxy- propylmethyl celluloεe. Formulations for parenteral administration may be m the form of aqueous or non- aqueous isotonic sterile in ection solutions or suspenεions. These solutionε and εuspenεionε may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned for use in the formulations for oral administration. The compounds may be dissolved in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, seεame oil, benzyl alcohol, εodium chloride, and/or various buffers. Other adjuvants and modes of administration are well and widely known in the pharmaceutical art.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, the details of these embodiments are not to be construed as limitations.