4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-YL]benzenesulfonamide for the treatment of inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder

Abstract

A class of pyrazolyl benzenesulfonamide compounds is described for use in treating inflammation and inflammation-related disorders. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula II:

##STR00001##
or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder in a subject by administering a therapeutically-effective dose of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, to the subject.

Description

RELATED CASE

Compounds of Formulas I-II HRMS is an abbreviation for High resolution mass spectrometry. In the following tables, “ND” represents “not determined”.

EXAMPLE 1

##STR00034##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-butane-1,3-dione

Ethyl trifluoroacetate (23.52 g, 166 mmol) was placed in a 500 mL three-necked round bottom flask, and dissolved in methyl tert-butyl ether (75 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (40 mL, 177 mmol) via an addition funnel over a 2 minute period. Next 4′-chloroacetophenone (23.21 g, 150 mmol) was dissolved in methyl tert-butyl ether (20 mL), and added to the reaction dropwise over 5 minutes. After stirring overnight (15.75 hours), 3N HCl (70 mL) was added. The organic layer was collected, washed with brine (75 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give a 35.09 g of yellow-orange solid. The solid was recrystallized from iso-octane to give 31.96 g (85%) of the dione: mp66°-67° C.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

4-Sulphonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (982 mg, 4.4 mmol 1.1 equivalent) was added to a stirred solution of 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-butane-1,3-dione from Step 1 (1.00 g, 4.0 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 20 hours. (HPLC area percent showed a 96:3 ratio of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide to its regioisomer (4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide). After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate, washed with water and with brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give a light brown solid which was recrystallized from ethyl acetate and iso-octane to give the pyrazole (1.28 g, 80%, mp 143°-145° C.). HPLC showed that the purified material was a 99.5:0.5 mixture of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide to its regioisomer. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD 10/1) d 5.2 (s, 2H), 6.8 (s, 1H), 7.16 (d, j=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, j=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, j=8.66, 2H), 7.91 (d, j=8.66, 2H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD 10/1) d 106.42 (d, j=0.03 Hz), 121.0 (q, j=276 Hz), 125.5, 126.9, 127.3, 129.2, 130.1, 135.7, 141.5, 143.0, 143.9 (q, j=37 Hz), 144.0; ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃OD 10/1) d -62.9; EI GC-MS M+=401.

Example 2 was prepared in a similar manner using the appropriate acetophenone.

EXAMPLE 2

##STR00035##

Step 1: Preparation of 1-(4-methylphenyl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione

4′-Methylacetophenone (5.26 g, 39.2 mmol) was dissolved in 25 mL of methanol under argon and 12 mL (52.5 mmol) sodium methoxide in methanol (25%) was added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and 5.5 mL (46.2 mmol) ethyl trifluoroacetate was added. After refluxing for 24 hours, the mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated. 100 mL 10% HCl was added and the mixture extracted with 4×75 mL ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford 8.47 g (94%) of a brown oil which was carried on without further purification.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To the dione from Step 1 (4.14 g, 18.0 mmol) in 75 mL absolute ethanol was added 4.26 g (19.0 mmol) 4-sulphonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride. The reaction was refluxed under argon for 24 hours. After cooling to room temperature and filtering, the reaction mixture was concentrated to afford 6.13 g of an orange solid. The solid was recrystallized from methylene chloride/hexane to give 3.11 g (8.2 mmol, 46%) of the product as a pale yellow Yellow solid: mp 157°-159° C.; Anal. calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₂SF₃: C, 53.54; H, 3.70; N, 11.02. Found: C, 53.17; H, 3.81; N, 10.90.

EXAMPLE 3

##STR00036##

Step 1: Preparation of 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyacetophenone

To a cooled solution (0° C.) of 7.44 g (55.8 mmol) AlCl₃ in 25 mL of CH₂Cl₂ under argon was added 2.5 mL of acetic anhydride dropwise. After stirring for 0.5 hours, 4.18 g (23.6 mmol) of 2,6-dichloroanisole was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, warmed to room temperature and stirred for 12 hours. The reaction was poured into 6 mL conc. hydrochloric acid/80 mL ice water. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75 mL). The combined organic washes were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and stripped to afford the crude product as a yellow oil. NMR analysis showed that acylation only occured para to the methoxy. The crude oil was used without any further purification.

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared in the same manner as Example 2, Steps 1 and 2 and was purified on a prep plate eluting with 10:1 hexane/ethyl acetate to afford a yellow solid: Anal. cal'd for C₁₇H₁₂N₃O₃SF₃Cl₂.H₂O: C, 42.16; H, 2.91; N, 8.68. Found: C, 42.03; H, 2.54; N, 8.45.

EXAMPLE 4

##STR00037##

Step 1: Preparation of 3-ethyl-4-methoxyacetophenone

AlCl₃ (4.9 g, 36.8 mmol) was added to a solution of 2-ethylanisole (2.5 g, 18.4 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 mL). Acetyl chloride (1.3 mL, 18.4 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture, which was then stirred at reflux for 0.5 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was poured over crushed ice and followed up with a methylene chloride/water extraction. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was chromatographed on a 4000 micron chromatotron plate with 10% ethyl acetate/90% hexane as eluant to afford 2.3 g of desired material.

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-ethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedure describe din Example 2, Steps 1 and 2: Anal. calcd for C₁₉H₁₈N₃O₃SF₃: C, 53.64; H, 4.26; N, 9.88. Found: C, 53.69; H, 4.36; N, 9.88.

EXAMPLE 5

##STR00038##

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methylthioanisole

Methyl iodide (0.5 mL, 8.1 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1.1 g, 8.1 mmol) were added to a solution of o-thiocresol (1.0 g, 8.1 mmol) in 10 mL of DMF. The reaction was stirred at 50° C., for 4 hours and poured into hexane and water. The organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to afford 1.1 g of desired material.

Steps 2, 3 and 4: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-methyl-4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedures found in Example 4, Steps 1, 2 and 3: Anal. calcd. for C₁₈H₁₆N₃O₂S₂F₃: C, 50.58; H, 3.77; N, 9.83. Found: C, 50.84; H, 3.62; N, 9.62.

EXAMPLE 6

##STR00039##

Step 1: Preparation of 3-allyl-4-methoxyacetophenone

Potassium hydroxide (3.2 g, 56.8 mmol) was added to a solution of 3-allyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone (10 g, 56.8) in 125 mL THF. Dimethyl sulfate (excess) was added and the reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 16 hours. The reaction was cooled, concentrated and poured into EtOAc and water. The organic layer was separated and washed with dilute sodium hydroxide to get rid of unreacted starting material. The ethyl acetate layer was dried and concentrated to afford 9.2 g of 3-allyl-4-methoxy acetophenone.

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-propenyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedures described in Example 2, Steps 1 and 2: Anal. calc'd for C₂₀H₁₈N₃F₃O₃S: C, 54.92; H, 4.15; N, 9.61. Found: C, 54.70; H, 4.12; N, 9.43.

EXAMPLE 7

##STR00040##

Step 1: Preparation of 3-n-propyl-4-methoxyacetophenone

To a solution of the product in Example 6, Step 1 (3 g, 17.0 mmol) in 50 mL of ethanol was added a catalytic amount of 4% Pd/C. The reaction mixture was stirred in a Parr shaker at room temperature at 5 psi hydrogen for 0.5 hours. The reaction was filtered and concentrated to afford 4 g of pure 3-propyl-4-methoxy acetophenone.

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-n-propyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedures described in Example 2, Steps 1 and 2: Anal. calcd. for C₂₀H₂₀N₃F₃O₃S: C, 54.66; H, 4.59; N, 9.56. Found: C, 54.84; H, 4.65; N, 9.52.

EXAMPLE 8

##STR00041##

Step 1: Preparation of 3-cyclopropylmethyl-4-methoxyacetophenone

To a solution of the product in Example 6, Step 1 (3 g, 17.0 mmol) and catalytic Pd(OAc)₂ in 20 mL Et₂O was added ethereal diazomethane until starting material was consumed. The reaction was filtered, concentrated and chromatographed on a 4000 micron chromatotron plate (20% EA/80% hexane as eluant) to afford 2.5 g of desired ketone.

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-cyclopropylmethy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedures described in Example 2, Steps 1 and 2: Anal. calc'd. for C₂₁H₂₀N₃F₃SO₃: C, 55.87; H, 4.47; N, 9.31. Found: C, 55.85; H, 4.27; N, 9.30.

EXAMPLE 9

##STR00042##

To a solution of the product of Example 2 (500 mg, 1.31 mmol) in 5 mL of sulfuric acid was added nitric acid (0.6 mL, 1.31 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 hours. The mixture was poured over ice, the solid precipitate was filtered and chromatographed on a 4000 micron plate (20% EtOAc/80% hexane as eluant) to afford 410 mg of desired material: Anal. calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃N₄O₄SF₃: C, 47.89; H, 3.07; N, 13.14. Found: C, 47.86; H, 2.81; N, 13.15.

EXAMPLE 10

##STR00043##

A catalytic amount of 10% Pd/C was added to a solution of hydrazine hydrate (0.022 mL, 0.7 mmol) in 10 mL of ethanol. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 15 minutes before the addition of the compound from Example 9 (100 mg, 0.23 mmol), and the resulting reaction mixture was refluxed for another 2 hours. The reaction was cooled, filtered through Celite and concentrated to afford 100 mg of title compound: Anal. calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅N₄O₂SF₃.0.5 CO₂: C, 50.24; H, 3.61; N, 13.39. Found: C, 50.49; H, 3.44; N, 13.37.

EXAMPLE 11

##STR00044##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-bromomethylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The product from Example 2 (1.13 g, 3.0 mmol) and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS, 0.64 g, 3.6 mmol) were dissolved in 40 mL of benzene and irradiated with a UV lamp for 3 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and poured into 50 mL of H₂O. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine and dried over MgSO₄. The crude pyrazole was obtained as an amber oil. The oil was purified via radical band chromatography eluting with 30% ethyl acetate/70% hexane to afford the 4-bromomethyl compound as a yellow oil which crystallized upon standing.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The bromo methyl compound from Step 1 was dissolved in 30 mL of acetone/4 mL of H₂O and refluxed for 120 hours. The reaction was concentrated and the residue dissolve in 50 mL of ethyl acetate and dried over MgSO₄. The crude product was obtained as an amber oil. The oil was purified via radial band chromatography eluting with 30% ethyl acetate/70% hexane to afford the title compound as a yellow solid: Anal. calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₃SF₃: C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57. Found: C, 51.28; H, 3.59; N, 10.31.

EXAMPLE 12

##STR00045##

To the product from Example 11 in 2 mL of acetone was added 1.33M Jones reagent until an orange color persisted. The reaction was poured into 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 20 mL of H₂O and the organic layer separated, washed with saturated sodium bisulfite and dried over MgSO₄. The crude product was filtered through silica gel/Celite to afford the title compound as a yellow solid: HRMS m/z 411.0507 (calc'd for C₁₇H₁₂N₃O₄SF₃, 411.0500).

The following compounds in Table I were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 1-12, with the substitution of in a similar manner using the appropriate acetophenone.

TABLE I
##STR00046##
Ex.	A	M.P.(° C.)	Analytical
13	4-Br	137-139	Calc. C, 43.07; H, 2.48; N, 9.42;
			Br, 17.91
			Obs. C, 43.01; H, 2.32; N, 9.39;
			Br, 17.62
14	3-Cl	154-155	Calc. C, 47.83; H, 2.76; N, 10.46;
			Cl, 8.82
			Obs. C, 47.61; H, 2.85; N, 10.31;
			Cl, 8.43
15	2-Cl	159-160	Calc. C, 47.83; H, 2.76; H, 10.46
			Obs. C, 47.47; H, 2.65; N, 10.31
16	4-CF3	144-145	Calc. C, 46.90; H, 2.55; N, 9.65
			Found: C, 46.98; H, 2.57; N, 9.61
17	4-F	168-169	Calc. C, 49.87; H, 2.88; N, 10.90
			Found: C, 49.83; H, 2.89; N, 10.86
18	H	164-165	Calc. C, 52.31; H, 3.29; N, 11.43
			Found: C, 52.14; H, 3.07; N, 11.34
19	4-OCH3	153-154	Calc. C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57
			Found: C, 51.00; H, 3.48; N, 10.24
20	4-OCF3	101-103	Calc. C, 45.24; H, 2.46; N, 9.31
			Found: C, 45.22; H, 2.37; N, 9.29
21	2-CH3	126-128	Calc. C, 53.54; H, 3.70; N, 11.02
			Found: C, 53.52; H, 3.55; N, 11.06
22	2,4-di-F	127-130	M + H 404
23	2,6-di-F	178-180	M + H 404
24	4-CN	196-197.5
25	3,4-di-Cl	145-147	Calc. C, 44.05; H, 2.31; N, 9.63;
			Cl, 16.25
			Found: C, 44.00; H, 2.20; N, 9.63;
			Cl, 16.46
26	2,4-di-Cl	153-155	Calc. C, 43.87; H, 2.35; N, 9.59
			Found: C, 43.78; H, 2.13; N, 9.56
27	4-NO2	169-172	Calc. C, 46.61; H, 2.69; N, 13.59;
			S, 7.78
		(dec)	Obs.: C, 46.52; H, 2.67; N, 13.51;
			S, 7.84
28	2-F	165-166	Calc. C, 49.87; H, 2.88; N, 10.90
			Found: C, 49.49; H, 2.62; N, 10.79
29	4-NH2	124-127	HRMS: 382.0671
		(dec)
30	4-F, 2-CH3	170-171	Calc. C, 51.13; H, 3.28; N, 10.52
			Found: C, 50.83, H, 2.98; N, 10.55
31	3-CH3	135-137	Calc. C, 53.54; H, 3.70; N, 11.02
			Found: C, 53.15; H, 3.58; N, 10.96
32	4-OCH2CH3	141-142	Calc. C, 51.43; H, 4.08; N, 9.99
			Found: C, 51.49; H, 3.80; N, 10.08
33	4-OCH3,	143-144	Calc. C, 53.64; H, 4.26; N, 9.87
	3,5-di-CH3		Found: C, 53.49; H, 4.39; N, 9.64
34	3-F	143-144	Calc. C, 49.87; H, 2.88; N, 10.90
			Found: C, 49.80; H, 2.80; N, 10.84
35	4-OCH, 3-F	155-156	Calc. C, 49.16; H, 3.15; N, 10.11
			Found: C, 48.77; H, 2.93; N, 9.96
36	4-SCH3	165-166	Calc. C, 49.39; H, 3.41; N, 10.16
			Found: C, 49.48; H, 3.46; N, 10.26
37	4-Cl, 3-CH3	ND	Calc. C, 49.10; H, 3.15; N, 10.11
			Found: C, 49.00; H, 3.00; N, 10.10
38	4-CH2CH3	ND	Calc. C, 54.68; H, 4.08; N, 10.63
			Found: C, 54.54; H, 3.73; N, 10.67
39	2,4-di-CH3	ND	Calc. C, 54.68; H, 4.08; N, 10.63
			Found: C, 54.31; H, 4.32; N, 10.39
40	2-OCH3	167-168	Calc. C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57
			Found: C, 51.29; H, 3.34; N, 10.52
41	4-OCH3,	146-147
	3-CH3
42	4-SCH3, 3-Br	141-144	HRMS: 490.9595
43	4-CH3, 3-Cl	186-190	Calc. C, 49.10; H, 3.15; N, 10.11
			Found: C, 49.21; H, 3.17; N, 10.10
44	3,4-di-OCH3	192-193	Calc. C, 50.58; H, 3.77; N, 9.83
			Found: C, 50.58; H, 3.83; N, 9.72
45	4-OCH3, 3-Cl	166-168	Calc. C, 47.29; H, 3.03; N, 9.73
			Found: C, 47.21; H, 2.91; N, 9.55
46	4-OCH3,	ND	Calc. C, 48.49; H, 3.39; N, 9.42
	3-Cl, 5-CH3		Found: C, 48.27; H, 3.42; N, 9.22
47	2-OCH3, 4-F	163-164	Calc. C, 49.16; H, 3.15; N, 10.12
			Found: C, 49.32; H, 3.27; N, 10.18
48	2,4-di-OCH3	ND	Calc. C, 50.58; H, 3.77; N, 9.83
			Found: C, 50.40; H, 3.78; N, 9.83
49	4-F, 3-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 45.78; H, 2.40; N, 10.01
			Found: C, 45.75; H, 2.34; N, 10.15
50	4-OCH3,	ND	Calc. C, 47.12; H, 2.79; N, 9.70
	3,5-di-F		Found: C, 46.72; H, 2.75; N, 9.54
51	4-SCH3, 3-F	ND	Calc. C, 47.33; H, 3.04; N, 9.74
			Found: C, 47.25; H, 3.39; N, 9.45
52	4-SCH3, 3-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 45.59; H, 2.93; N, 9.38
			Found: C, 45.56; H, 2.76; N, 9.52
53	4-N(CH3)2	ND	HRMS: 410.1016
54	4-N(CH2CH3)2	ND	HRMS: 438.1353

EXAMPLE 55

##STR00047##

To a solution of the product of Example 41 (240 mg, 0.58 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added NaSMe (205 mg, 2.9 mmol) and the mixture heated to reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled, poured into 0.1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Flash chromatography using 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate provided 31 mg of the title compound: Anal. calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₃SF₃.0.25 H₂O: C, 50.80; H, 3.64; N, 10.45. Found: C, 50.71; H, 3.47; N, 10.39.

EXAMPLE 56

##STR00048##

To a solution of the product from Example 53 (431 mg, 1.0 mmol) in 10 ml methanol was added 36 mg (0.17 mmol) ruthenium, (III) chloride hydrate, followed by 1.5 mL 30% hydrogen peroxide (14.7 mmol) over 2 hours. The reaction was quenched with 25 mL of 1M KOH in methanol and concentrated to give 1.24 g of a brown solid. The solid was purified on a prep plate eluting with 2/97/1 methanol/methylene chloride/ammonium chloride to give 52 mg (0.14 mmol, 12%) of the product as a yellow solid.

EXAMPLE 57

##STR00049##

19 mg (0.051 mmol) of the product from Example 56 was treated with 0.03 mL acetic anhydride (0.32 mmol) and 0.03 mL triethylamine (0.22 mmol) in 3 mL methylene chloride at room temperature for 12 hours. The reaction matured was concentrated and the residue dissolved in 10 mL ethyl acetate. After washing with brine (2×10 mL), the solution was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford the title compound (18.4 mg, 74%) as a yellow solid: HRMS m/e 438.0976 (calc'd for C₁₉H₁₇N₄O₃SF₃, 438.0974).

EXAMPLE 58

##STR00050##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4-difluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-butane-1,3-dione

Ethyl difluoroacetate (24.82 g, 200 mmol) was placed in a 500 mL three-necked round bottom flash, and dissolved in diethyl ether (200 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide in methanol (48 mL, 210 mmol) via an addition funnel over a 2 minute period. Next, 4′-chloroacetophenone (25.94 g, 200 mmol) was dissolved in diethyl ether (50 mL), and added to the reaction dropwise over 5 minutes. After stirring overnight (18 hours), 1N HCl (250 mL) and ether (250 mL) were added. The organic layer was collected, washed with brine (250 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give 46.3 g of a yellow solid. The solid was recrystallized from methylene chloride and iso-octane to give 31.96 g (69%) of the dione: mp 65°-66.5° C.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-Sulphonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.45 g, 6.5 mmol 1.3 equivalent) and 4,4-difluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]butane-1,3-dione from Step 1 (1.16 g, 5 mmol) were dissolved in ethanol (10 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 20 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and washed with water (100 mL) and with brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give 1.97 g of a light brown solid which was recrystallized from ethanol and water to give 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide (1.6 g, 93% yield,): mp 185°-186° C.

EXAMPLE 59

##STR00051##

Step 1: Preparation of 3′-fluoro-4′-methoxyacetophenone

Aluminum chloride, (80.0 g, 0.6 mol) and chloroform (750 mL) were placed in a 2 L three-necked round bottom flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer and cooled by means of an ice bath. To the stirred solution acetyl chloride (51.0 g, 0.65 mol) was added dropwise, maintaining the temperature between 5°-10° C. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at 5° C. before the dropwise addition at 5°-10° C. of 2-fluoroanisole (62.6 g, 0.5 mol). The mixture was stirred at 0°-10° C. for 1 hour and poured into ice (1 L). The resultant layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (2×250 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×150 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to a volume of 300 mL. Hexanes were added and a white solid formed which was isolated by filtration and air dried. This material was recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and hexanes to afford (77.2 g, 92%) of material suitable for use in the next step: mp 92°-94° C.; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) 7.8 (m, 2H), 7.3 (t, 1H), 3.9 (s, 3H), 2.5 (s, 3H).

Step 2: Preparation of 4,4-difluoro-1-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-butane-1,3-dione

Ethyl difluoroacetate (4.06 g, 32.7 mmol) was placed in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and dissolved in methyl tert-butyl ether (50 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (7.07 g, 32.7 mmol) followed by 3′-fluoro-4′-methoxyacetophenone from Step 1 (5.0 g, 29.7 mmol). After stirring for 16 hours, 1N HCl (50 mL) was added. The organic layer was collected, washed with water (2×50 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered, and added to hexanes to precipitate a tan solid (7.0 g, 96%): mp 70°-72° C.; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) 8.0 (m, 3H), 7.3 (t, 1H), 6.9 (s, 1H), 6.5 (t, 1H), 3.9 (s, 3H).

Step 3: Preparation of 4-[5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4,4-Difluoro-1-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-butane-1,3-dione from Step 2 (7.0 g, 28.4 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (150 mL). To the stirred mixture was added 4-sulphonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (7.4 g, 33 mmol) and stirred at reflux overnight (16 hours). The mixture was cooled and water was added until crystals slowly appeared. The product was isolated by filtration and air dried to provide the desired product as a light tan solid (9.8 g, 87%): mp 159°-161° C.; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) 7.85 (d, 2H), 7.5 (m, 6H), 7.3-6.9 (m, 5H), 3.8 (s 3H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃SO₃F₃: C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57. Found: C, 51.46; H, 3.52; N, 10.63.

EXAMPLE 60

##STR00052##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4,4-trifluoromethyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)butane-1,3-dione

To a stirred solution of 4-methoxyacetophenone (11.43 g, 76.11 mmol) and ethyl difluoroacetate (8.4 mL, 10.4 g, 83.72 mmol) in diethyl ether (300 mL) in a 500 mL round bottomed flask was added sodium methoxide in methanol (18.2 mL of a 25% solution, 79.91 mmol). The solution became a dark lavender color within thirty minutes, and then a gray suspension within 1.5 hours. The reaction was stirred for 60 hours. Diethyl ether (300 mL) was added and the mixture was acidified (pH 2) with 1N HCl. The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel, mixed and separated. The ethereal phase was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and filtered. Hexane was added causing precipitation of an orange solid 5.25 g of 4,4,4-trifluoromethyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)butane-1,3-dione. An additional 3.43 g of product was obtained by recrystallization of the concentrated mother liquor from hexane: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 400 mHz 15.58 (br s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.87 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=8.87 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 6.00 (t, J=54.55 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H).

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

A mixture of 4,4,4-trifluoromethyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)butane-1,3-dione from Step 1 (2.006 g, 8.79 (mmol) and 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride salt (2.065 g, 9.23 mmol) dissolved in ethanol (25 mL) was heated to reflux for 16 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, was concentrated and recrystallized from methanol yielding 4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide as fluffy tan crystals (1.49 g, 45%): mp 133°-135° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 mHz 7.90 (d, J=8.863 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=8.863 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J=8.863 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (d, J=8.863 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (t, J=56.47 Hz, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 4.96 (br s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3 H); ¹⁹NMR (CDCl₃) 300 mHz −112.70 (d, J=57.9 Hz). High resolution mass spectrum Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅F₂N₃O₃S: 379.0802. Found: 379.0839. Elemental analysis calc'd for C₁₇H₁₅F₂N₃O₃S: C, 53.82; H, 3.99; N, 11.08. Found: C, 53.75; H, 3.99; N, 11.04.

The following compounds in Table II were obtained according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 58-60, with the substitution of in a similar manner using the appropriate acetophenone.

TABLE II
##STR00053##
Ex.	A	M.P.(° C.)	Anal.
61	4-CF3	202-205	M + H 418
62	4-SCH3	157-158
63	4-(1-morpholino)	167-171	M + 434
64	4-CH3	158-159	Calc. C, 56.19; H, 4.16; N, 11.56
			Obs. C, 56.25; H, 4.17; N, 11.61
65	3,4-di—CH3	168-171	Calc. C, 57.28; H, 4.54; N, 11.13
			Obs. C, 57.34; H, 4.59; N, 11.16
66	4-CO2CH3	157-158	Calc. C, 53.56; H, 3.09; N, 15.61
			Obs. C, 53.45; H, 3.11; N, 15.62
67	4-CONH2	235-236	HRMS: 393.0833
68	4-CO2H	258-260	HRMS: 394.0662
		(dec)
69	2-F, 4-OCH3	138-140	Calc. C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57
			Obs. C, 51.14; H, 3.48; N, 10.40
70	4-CN	222-224	Calc. C, 54.54; H, 3.23; N, 14.97
			Obs.: C, 54.58; H, 3.21; N, 15.06
71	3-Cl, 4-CH3	156-158	Calc. C, 51.32; H, 3.55; N, 10.56
			Obs: C, 51.46; H, 3.53; N, 10.53
72	3-Cl, 4-OCH3	160	Calc. C, 49.34; H, 3.41; N, 10.15;
			Cl, 8.57; S, 7.75
			Obs.: C, 49.41; H, 3.37; N, 10.17;
			Cl, 8.62; S, 7.67
73	4-Cl, 3-CH3	163-165	Calc. C, 51.32; H, 3.55; N, 10.56
			Obs.: C, 51.42; H, 3.57; N, 10.53
74	3,4-di-OCH3	181-185	Calc. C, 52.81; H, 4.19; N, 10.26
			Obs.: C, 52.86; H, 4.19; N, 10.20
75	3,5-di-Cl,	170-173	Calc. C, 45.55; H, 2.92; N, 9.37
	4-OCH3		Obs.: C, 45.83; H, 3.05; N, 9.31
76	3,5-di-F,	149-150	Calc. C, 49.16; H, 3.15; N, 10.12
	4-OCH3		Obs.: C, 49.24; H, 3.16; N, 10.13
77	2-OCH3	129-132	Calc. C, 53.82; H, 3.99; N, 11.08
			Obs.: C, 53.82; H, 3.97; N, 11.15
78	3-Br, 4-OCH3	164	HRMS: 456.9883
79	4-SO2CH3	209-210
80	4-C6H5	167-170	M + 425
81	H	171-172	HRMS: 349.0737

EXAMPLE 82

##STR00054##

Step 1. Preparation of 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4,4-difluorobutane-1,3-dione

Ethyl difluoroacetate (1.72 g, 11 mmol) was dissolved in ether (25 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (2.38 g, 11 mmol) followed by 3′,4′-(methylenedioxy)acetoxyphenone (1.64 g, 10 mmol). After stirring 16 hours, 1N HCl (25 mL) was added. The organic layer was collected and washed with water (2×25 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting crude dione was used in the next step without further purification or characterization.

Step 2. Preparation of 5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

1-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-4,4-difluorobutane-1,3-dione from Step 1 (2.4 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (100 mL). To the stirred mixture was added 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.46 g, 11 mmol) and heated to reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled and water was added until crystals slowly appeared. Filtration yielded a light tan solid (3.3 g, 84%): mp 214°-218° C. ¹H NMR (D₆-DMSO): 7.86 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.49 (brs, 2H), 7.3-6.7 (m, 5H), 6.06(s, 2H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃N₃SO₄F₂: C, 51.91; H, 3.33; N, 10.68. Found: C, 51.90; H, 3.25; N, 10.65.

EXAMPLE 83

##STR00055##

Step 1: Preparation of Methyl-4-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate

Dimethyl oxalate (23.6 g, 200 mmol) was placed in a 500 mL three-necked round bottom flask, and dissolved in diethyl ether (200 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide in methanol (48 mL, 210 mmol) via an addition funnel over a 2 minute period. Next, 4′-chloroacetophenone (25.94 g, 200 mmol) was dissolved in diethyl ether (50 mL), and added to the reaction dropwise over 3 minutes. After stirring overnight (18 hours), 1N HCl (400 mL) and ethyl acetate (750 mL) were added. The organic layer was collected, washed with brine (350 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give 45.7 g of a yellow solid. The solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate and iso-octane to give 23 g (48%) of the dione: mp 108.5°-110.5° C.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic Acid

4-Sulphonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.45 g, 6.5 mmol, 1.3 equivalent) and methyl-4-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate (1.2 g, 5 mmol) were dissolved in ethanol (50 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 20 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate (200 mL) and washed with water (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give 1.7 g of a light brown solid which was recrystallized from methanol and water to yield 1.6 g (85%) of a white solid. This material was dissolved in methanol (150 mL) and 3N NaOH (75 mL) and stirred at reflux for 3 hours. The methanol was removed in vacuo and the aqueous solution acidified with concentrated HCl. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate (200 mL), which was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over MgSO₄ filtered and concentrated to give 4-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, 1.4 g (74%): mp 135° C. (dec).

EXAMPLE 84

##STR00056##

Step 1. Preparation of 3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyacetophenone

To a stirred suspension of AlCl₃ (24.05 g, 180.40 mmol) in chloroform (300 mL, dried by passage through alumina) at 4° C. (ice bath) under nitrogen was added acetyl chloride (11.0 mL, 152.65 mmol) over 20 minutes. This chilled suspension was stirred at 0° C. for 30 minutes and 2,6-difluoro anisole was added dropwise over 30 minutes. The resulting suspension was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction was quenched by slowly pouring it into a rapidly stirred ice/water mixture. The water layer was extracted with methylene chloride (2×50 mL) and the organic phases were combined and concentrated in vacuo yielding a clear mobile oil. In a 50 mL round bottomed flask was added the above clear oil, DMF (25 mL), K₂CO₃ (15 g). Methyl iodide (6 mL) was added and the suspension stirred at 45° C. under nitrogen overnight. Water (1 mL) was added and the mixture was heated for an additional 14 hours. The crude reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted with water (250 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The ether phase was washed with sodium bicarbonate saturated solution, potassium bisulfate (0.1N solution), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo yielding a clear mobile liquid. This liquid was distilled (30° C., 1 mm) yielding 12.5 g of a clear liquid which was a mixture of 3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyacetophenone and 3,5-difluoro-4-acetoxyacetophenone in an 85:15 ratio. The yield based upon this ratio was 41%. This ketone was used as is.

Step 2. Preparation of Methyl 1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate

To a stirred solution of 3,5-fluoro-4-methoxyacetophenone from Step 1 (6.46 g, 34.70 mmol) and dimethyl oxalate (6.15 g, 52.05 mmol) in methanol (80 mL), was added sodium methoxide solution (13.4 mL of 25% solution, 58.99 mmol) in one portion and the reaction stirred overnight. The crude reaction was diluted with methylene chloride, washed with potassium bisulfate (0.1N solution), brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo yielding methyl 4-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dioxo-butanoate as an off white crystalline solid which was used as is. A mixture of 4-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dioxo-butanoate and 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride salt (7.76 g, 34.70 mmol) dissolved in methanol was warmed to reflux for 9 hours. Upon allowing the clear reaction to cool to room temperature, a crystalline precipitate formed which was collected by vacuum filtration yielding 5.45 g, (37% based upon the 3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyacetophenone) of methyl 1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate as an off-white solid: mp 185°-190° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 mHz) 7.95 (d, J=8.86, 2H), 7.49 (d, J=8.86, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.77 (m, 2H), 4.99 (s, 2H, 4.04 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 3H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/300 mHz) −126.66. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₃F₂N₃O₃S: C, 51.06; H, 3.57; N, 9.92. Found: C, 51.06; H, 3.54, N, 9.99.

EXAMPLE 85

##STR00057##

Step 1. Preparation of Methyl 4-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate

Dimethyl oxalate (15.27 g, 0.129 mol) and 4′-chloroacetophenone (20.0 g, 0.129 mol) were charged to a 500 mL round-bottom flask, with provisions made for magnetic stirring, and diluted with methanol (300 mL). Sodium methoxide (25% in methanol, 70 mL) was added in one portion. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction became an insoluble mass during this time. The solid was mechanically broken up, then concentrated hydrochloric acid (70 mL) was added, and the white suspension was stirred vigorously at room temperature for sixty minutes. The suspension was cooled to 0° C. and held for 30 minutes. The solid was filtered, and the filter cake was washed with cold water (100 mL). Upon drying, methyl 4-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate was obtained (16.94 g, 54.4%) as the enol: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.94 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.48 (s, 1H).

Step 2. Preparation of Methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3yl]carboxylate

A 100 mL round-bottomed flask equipped with magnetic stirrer and nitrogen inlet was charged with methyl 4-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate from Step 1 (5.0 g, 20.78 mmol), 4-sulfonamidylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (5.11 g, 22.86 mmol) and methanol (50 mL). The reaction vessel was heated to reflux and held for 16 hours. A precipitate formed overnight. The suspension was cooled to 0° C., held for 0.5 hour, filtered and washed with cold water to provide, after air-drying, 7.91 g (91%) of crude product. Recrystallized 3.50 g from boiling ethanol to yield 3.14 g (97%) of pure methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-yl]carboxylate: mp 227° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.91 (d, J=8.86 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.86 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H). Mass Spectrum, MH+=392. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₄ClS: C, 52.11; H, 3.60; N, 10.72; Cl, 9.05; S, 8.18. Found: C, 52.07; H, 3.57; N, 10.76; Cl, 9.11; S, 8.27.

EXAMPLE 86

##STR00058##

Methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-yl]carboxylate (Example 85) (0.10 g) was dissolved in absolute ethanol (10 mL) and a catalytic amount of 21% NaOEt/EtOH was added. The reaction was stirred without temperature control for 72 hours, then water (10 mL) was added. The product crystallized, the suspension was cooled to 0° C. and held for 30 minutes. The product was filtered, washed with water (5 mL) and dried to yield 0.071 g (70%) of a white solid: Mass Spectrum: MH+=406. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆N₃O₄ClS: C, 53.27; H, 3.97; N, 10.35; Cl, 8.74; S, 7.90. Found: C, 53.04; H, 4.00; N, 10.27; Cl, 8.69; S, 7.97.

The following compounds in Table III were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 83-86, with the substitution of the appropriate reagents.

TABLE III
##STR00059##
Ex.	A	B	M.P. (° C.)	Analytical.
87	4-NO2	—CH3	216-220	MH+ = 403
88	4-F	—CH3	ND	Calc. C, 54.40; H, 3.76; N, 11.19; S, 8.54
				Obs. C, 54.49; H, 3.70; N, 11.25; S, 8.50
89	4-NH2	—CH3	267-269(dec)	MH+ = 373
90	4-Br	—CH3	221-224	MH+ = 438
91	4-OCH3	—CH3	169-171	HRMS: 387.0930
92	4-CH3	—CH3	213-215	HRMS: 371.0965
93	4-CH3	—CH2CH3	219-220	Calc. C, 59.21; H, 4.97; N, 10.90
				Obs. C, 58.73; H, 4.96; N, 10.78
94	4-Cl	—CH2CH2CH3	ND	Calc. C, 54.35; H, 4.32; N, 10.01; Cl, 8.44; S, 7.64
				Obs. C, 54.11; H, 4.28; N, 10.14; Cl, 8.54; S, 7.64
95	3,5-di-Cl, 4-OCH3	—CH3	225-229

EXAMPLE 96

##STR00060##

4-[4-(Aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (Example 83) (1.08 g, 2.86 mmol), HOBt (0.66 g, 4.3 mmol) and EDC (0.66 g, 3.4 mmol) were dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) (20 mL) and stirred at ambient temperature for 5 minutes. To this solution was added NH₄OH (30%, 2.9 mL) and the reaction stirred for an additional 18 hours. This solution was then poured into ethyl acetate (200 mL) and 1N HCl (200 mL), shaken and separated. The organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ (150 mL) and brine (150 mL), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to yield 0.9 g of a white solid which was recrystallized from ethyl acetate and iso-octane to yield 4-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (0.85 g, 79%): mp 108°-110° C.

##STR00061##

A 250 mL three-neck round-bottom flask, equipped with a thermometer, gas sparging tube, reflux condenser and provisions for magnetic stirring, was charged with methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate (Example 88) (3.0 g, 7.99 mmol), methanol (100 mL), and a catalytic amount of sodium cyanide. Anhydrous ammonia gas was sparged through the reaction vessel for 16 hours without temperature control. The suspension turned a deep red during this time. The reaction was sparged with anhydrous nitrogen at room temperature for 20 minutes, cooled to 0° C. and held for 30 minutes. The solid was filtered and washed with cold water (50 mL) to yield, upon drying, 1.87 g (65%) of [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxamide as a white solid: mp 214°-216° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD/300 MHz) 7.64 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (m, 2H), 6.82-6.67 (m,6H), 6.39(s, 1H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD/282.2 MHz) −112.00(m). Mass spectrum, MH+=361. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₃N₄O₃FS: C, 53.33; H, 3.64; N, 15.55; S, 8.90. Found: C, 53.41; H, 3.69; N, 15.52; S, 8.96.

EXAMPLE 98

##STR00062##

Step 1. Preparation of Methyl 4-[4-fluorophenyl]-2,4-dioxobutanoate

Dimethyl oxalate (18.80 g, 0.159 mol) and 4′-fluoroacetophenone (20.0 g, 0.145 mol) were charged to a 1000 mL round-bottom flask and diluted with methanol (400 mL). The reaction flask was placed in a sonication bath (Bransonic 1200), and sodium methoxide (25% in methanol, 70 mL) was added over 25 minutes. The reaction was sonicated at 45° C. for 16 hours. The reaction became an insoluble mass during this time. The solid was mechanically broken up, then poured into a hydrochloric acid solution (1N, 500 mL). A magnetic stirrer was added, and the white suspension was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 60 minutes. The suspension was cooled to 0° C. and held for 30 minutes. The solid was filtered, and the filter cake was then washed with cold water (100 mL). Upon drying, methyl 4-[4-fluorophenyl]-2,4-diketobutanoate was obtained (22.91 g, 70.6%) as the enol: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 8.03 (ddd, J=8.86 Hz, J=8.66 Hz, J=5.03 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (dd, J=8.86 Hz, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/282.2 MHz) −103.9(m).

Step 2. Preparation of Methyl 4-[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate

A 500 mL one-neck round-bottom flask equipped for magnetic stirring was charged with methyl 4-[4-fluorophenyl]-2,4-diketobutanoate from Step 1 (1.00 mg, 44.61 mmol), 4-sulfonamidylphenylhyrazine hydrochloride (10.98 g, 49.07 mmol) and methanol (200 mL). The suspension was heated and held at reflux for three hours, then cooled to room temperature. The suspension was cooled to 0° C., held for 30 minutes, filtered, washed with water (100 mL), and dried to yield 14.4 g (86%) of methyl 4-[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate as a white solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.85 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (ddd, J=8.66 Hz, J=8.46 Hz, J=4.85 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (dd, J=8.66 Hz, J=8.46 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (s, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/282.2 MHz: −111.4(m). Mass spectrum. MH+=376. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇N₁₄N₃O₄FS: C, 54.40; H, 3.76; N, 11.19; S, 8.54. Found: C, 54.49; H, 3.70; N, 11.25; S, 8.50.

Step 3. Preparation of [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylic Acid

A 500 mL one-neck round-bottom flask, equipped with provisions for magnetic stirring, was charged with methyl 4-[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate from Step 2 (10.0 g, 26.64 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (200 mL). Aqueous sodium hydroxide (2.5N, 27 mL) and water (25 mL) were added, and the suspension was heated to reflux and held for 16 hours. The solids all dissolved during this time. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, and hydrochloric acid solution (1N, 110 mL) was added. The aqueous suspension was extracted with methylene chloride (2×200 mL). The combined organic solution was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. Trituration with 300 mL of methylene chloride yielded, upon filtration and drying, 9.0 g, (94%) of [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylic acid as a white solid: mp 138°-142° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD/300 MHz) 7.93 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (ddd, J=8.86 Hz, J=8.66 Hz, J=4.83 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J=8.86 Hz, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (s, 1H). ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃OD/282.2 MHz): −114.01(m).

Step 4. Preparation of N-(3-chlorophenyl)-[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxamide

A 100 mL one-neck round-bottom flask, equipped with provisions for magnetic stirring, was charged with [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylic acid from Step 3 (0.500 g, 1.38 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (0.206 g, 1.522 mmol), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.318 g, 1.66 mmol) and N,N-dimethylformamide (30 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for forty minutes, then 3-chloroaniline (0.154 mL, 1.453 mmol) was added. The reaction was held at room temperature for sixteen hours, then poured into an aqueous solution of citric acid (5%, 100 mL). The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×60 mL), and the combined organic solutions were washed with aqueous citric acid (60 mL), saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (2×60 mL) and 50% saturated sodium chloride solution (2×60 mL). The organic solution was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to an oil. Trituration with 20 mL of dichloromethane yielded, upon filtration and drying, 0.439 g (67%) of N-(3-chlorophenyl)-[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxamide as a white solid: mp 207°-212° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD/300 MHz) 8.90 (s, 1H), 7.86 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.79 (t, J=2.01 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J=7.05 Hz, J=2.01 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=8.86 Hz, 2H), 7.21-7.11 (m, 3H), 7.02-6.94 (m, 4H). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD/282.2 MHz): −111.38(m). Mass spectrum, MH+=470. Anal. Calc'd for C₂₂H₁₆N₄O₃ClFS: C, 56.11; H, 3.42; N, 11.90; Cl, 6.81; S, 7.53. Found: C, 55.95; H, 3.50; N, 11.85; Cl, 6.82; S, 7.50.

The following compounds in Table IV were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 96-98, with substitution of the appropriate starting material.

TABLE IV
##STR00063##
Ex.	A	B	MP. ° C.	Analytical
99	4-Br	H	143-145	MH+ = 421
100	4-F	phenyl-	233-236	MH+ = 436
101	4-NO2	H	278-281	MH+ = 387
102	4-F	4-CH3O-phenyl-	209-211	MH+ = 466
103	4-F	4-CH3-phenyl-	222-225	MH+ = 451
104	4-F	cyclohexyl-	224-227	MH+ = 442
105	4-F	3-F-phenyl-	227	MH+ = 454
106	4-Cl	3-F-phenyl-	174-176(dec)	MH+ = 471
107	H	H	ND	MH+ = 343
108	4-OCH3, 3-Cl	H	ND	MH+ = 408
109	4-SCH3	H	115(dec)	HRMS: 389.0743
110	4-OCH3	H	115-140	Calc. C, 54.83; H, 4.33; N, 15.04
				Obs. C, 54.76; H, 4.34; N, 14.98
111	4-CH3	H	139-140	HRMS•H2O: 356.0939
112	4-OCH3	—CH3	209	MH+ = 387
113	4-Cl	glycine benzyl ester	136	MH+ = 525
114	4-Cl	glycine	124-130	MH+ = 435
115	4-OCH3, 3-Br	H	ND	M + Li = 457/459
116	4-OCH3, 3,5-di-Cl	H	185(dec)	HRMS: 440.0113

EXAMPLE 117

##STR00064##

A dry 100 ml three-neck flask, equipped with a reflux condenser, thermometer, pressure-equalizing addition funnel and provisions for magnetic stirring was charged with anhydrous DMF (20 mL) and cooled to 0° C. Oxalyl chloride (0.530 mL, 6.105 mmol) was added over twenty seconds, causing a 5° C. exotherm. The white precipitate formed dissolved as the reaction cooled to 0° C. The reaction was held at 0° C. for ten minutes, then a solution of [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxamide (Example 97) in anhydrous DMF was added to the vigorously stirring solution over approximately two minutes. After fifteen minutes, pyridine (1.0 mL, 12.21 mmol) was added to quench the reaction. The mixture was poured into dilute hydrochloric acid (1N, 100 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×75 mL). The combined organic solution was washed with 1N HCl (2×100 mL) and with 50% saturated NaCl (3×100 mL). The organic solution was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to a crude oil. The oil was applied to a column of silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate and hexane (40% ethyl acetate) to obtain, upon concentration of the appropriate fractions, 0.66 g (69%) of 4-[3-cyano-5-(4-fluorophenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide as a white solid: mp 184°-185° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.94 (d, J=8.86 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.86 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.07 (m, 4H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 4.88 (brs, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃/282.2 MHz) −109.90(m). Mass spectrum, MH+=343. Anal. Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁N₄O₂FS: C, 56.14; H, 3.24; N, 16.37; S, 9.36. Found: C, 56.19; H, 3.16; N, 16.39; S, 9.41.

The following compounds in Table V were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Example 117, with the substitution of the appropriate starting material.

TABLE V
##STR00065##
Ex.	A	M.P. (° C.)	Anal.
118	4-Br	156-157	HRMS: 401.9833
119	4-Cl	142-143
120	4-OCH3	ND	HRMS: 354.0774
121	4-CH3	90-95	HRMS: 338.0849
122	4-SCH3	192-193
123	4-OCH3, 3-Cl	179	MH+ = 389
124	4-OCH3, 3,5-di-Cl	121-125	HRMS: 422.0051
125	4-OCH3, 3-Br	213	MH+ = 433
126	4-NO2	230-232	MH+ = 370
127	H	ND	MH+ = 325

EXAMPLE 108

##STR00066##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]hexane-1,3-dione

Ethyl heptafluorobutyrate (5.23 g, 21.6 mmol) was placed in a 100 mL round bottom flask, and dissolved in ether (20 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (4.85 g, 22.4 mmol) followed by 4-chloroacetophenone (3.04 g, 19.7 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight (15.9 hours) and treated with 3N HCl (17 mL). The organic layer was collected, washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated in vacuo, and recrystallized from iso-octane to give the diketone as a white solid (4.27 g, 62%): mp 27°-30° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 15.20 (br s, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.58 (S, 1H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz: −80.94 (t), −121.01 (t), −127.17 (s); M+H 351.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(heptafluoropropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (290 mg, 1.30 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the diketone from Step 1 (400 mg, 1.14 mmol) in ethanol (5 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred overnight (23.8 hours). The ethanol was removed in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a white solid which was passed through a column of silica gel with ethyl acetate/hexane (40%) and recrystallized from ethyl acetate/isooctane to give the pyrazole as a white solid (0.24 g, 42%): mp 168°-71° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 7.90 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (s, 1H), 5.20 (br s, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz: −80.48 (t), −111.54 (t), −127.07 (s).

EXAMPLE 129

##STR00067##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-chloro-4,4-difluoro-1-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-butane-1,3-dione

Methyl 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroacetate (4.20 g, 29 mmol) was placed in a 100 mL round bottom flask, and dissolved in ether (10 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (6.37 g, 29 mmol) followed by 4′-chloroacetophenone (4.10 g, 26.5 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight (20.4 hours), then poured into a separatory funnel and washed with 3N HCl (15 mL), brine (20 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo and recrystallized from iso-octane to give the diketone as a yellow solid (3.78 g, 53%): mp 53°-55° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 14.80 (br s, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (S, 1H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz: −66.03 (s); M+ 267.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(chloro-difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-Sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.39 g, 6.2 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the diketone from Step 1 (1.43 g, 5.7 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred overnight (15.75 hours). The ethanol was removed in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a white solid which was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/isooctane to give the pyrazole as a white solid (0.32 g, 41%): mp 130°-33° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 7.90 (d, J≦8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.76 (s, 1 H), 5.13 (br s, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz: −48.44 (s); M+ 417/419.

EXAMPLE 130

##STR00068##

Step 1. Preparation of 3′-fluoro-4′-methoxyacetophenone

Aluminum chloride (80.0 g, 0.6 mol) and chloroform (750 mL) were placed in a 2 L three-necked round bottom flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer and cooled by means of an ice bath. To the stirred solution was added acetyl chloride (51.0 g, 0.65 mol) dropwise, maintaining the temperature between 5°-10° C. The mixture was allowed to stir for 10 minutes at 5° C. before the dropwise addition at 5°-10° C. of 2-fluoroanisole (63.06 g, 0.5 mol. The mixture was stirred at 0°-10° C. for 1 hour and poured into ice (1 L). The resultant layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride (2×250 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×150 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to 300 mL. Hexanes crystallized from the mixture: mp 92°-94° C.; ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) 7.8 (m, 2H), 7.3 (t, J=8.7Hz, 1H), 3.9 (s, 3H), 2.5 (s, 3H).

Step 2. Preparation of 4,4-dichloro-1-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-butene-1,3-dione

Methyl dichloroacetate (1.57 g, 11 mmol) was dissolved ether (25 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (2.38 g, 11 mmol) followed by 3′-fluoro-4′-methoxyacetophenone from Step 1 (1.68 g, 10 mmol). After stirring 16 hours 1N HCl (25 mL) was added. The organic layer was collected and washed with water (2×25 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting crude dione was used in the next step without further purification or characterization.

Step 3. Preparation of 4-[3-(dichloromethyl)-5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4,4-Dichloro-1-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-butane-1,3-dione from Step 2 (2.8 g, 10 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (100 mL). To the stirred mixture was added 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.46 g, 11 mmol) and heated to reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled and water was added until crystals slowly appeared. Filtration yielded a light tan solid (2.7 g, 63%): mp 190°-193° C.: ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) 7.84 (d, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 7.47 (brs, 2H), 7.3-7.0 (m, 3H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃SO₃FCl₂: C, 47.45; H, 3.28; N, 9.76. Found: C, 47.68; H, 3.42; N, 10.04.

EXAMPLE 131

##STR00069##

Step 1: Preparation Methyl 4-phenyl-2,4-dioxobutanoate

To a solution of dimethyl oxalate (11.81 g, 100 mmol) in ether (200 mL) is added 24 mL of 25% sodium methoxide in methanol, followed by a solution of acetophenone (12.02 g, 100 mmol) in ether (20 mL) and the mixture stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was partitioned between 1N HCl and EtOAc and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to give 18.4 g of crude butanoate.

Step 2. Preparation of Methyl 1-[(4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole 3-carboxylate

The ester was prepared from the butanoate in Step 1 using the procedure described in Example 2, Step 2.

Step 3. Preparation of 4-[3-hydroxymethyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzene Sulfonamide

To a solution of ester in Step 2 (4.0 g, 10.4 mmol) in 50 mL THF was added LiAlH₄ (0.592 g, 15.6 mmol) in portions and the mixture refluxed overnight. The reaction was cooled and quenched with 1N NaHSO₄ and extracted with ether (3×). The combined extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to give 3.5 g crude alcohol. Flash chromatography using 1:1 hexane/EtOAc provided the title compound.

Step 4: Preparation 4-[3-fluoromethyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a mixture of the alcohol from Step 3 (212 mg, 0.64 mmol) in dichloromethane (4 mL) was added diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (0.13 mL, 1.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and partitioned between water and dichloromethane. The organic solution was washed with brine and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (72 mg, 34%): mp 162°-163° C.; Anal. calc'd for C₁₆H₁₄N₃O₂SF: C, 58.00; H, 4.26; N, 12.68. Found: C, 57.95; H, 4.03; N, 12.58.

The following compounds in Table VI were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 128-131, with the substitution of the appropriate substituted acetyl and acetate starting materials.

TABLE VI
##STR00070##
Ex.	A	R2	M.P. (° C.)	Anal.
132	4-Cl	—CF2CF3	145.5-150
133	4-Cl	—CH2Cl	198-201	Calc. C, 50.27; H, 3.43;
				N, 10.99
				Found C, 50.34; H, 3.43; N, 10.96
134	3- F,	—CF2Cl	120-124	Calc. C, 47.29; H, 3.04;
	4-OCH3			N, 9.74
				Found C, 47.28; H, 3.37; N, 9.88
135	3- F,	—CBrF2	120-122	Calc. C, 42.87; H, 2.75;
	4-OCH3			N, 8.82
				Found C, 42.99; H, 3.81; N, 9.92
136	3- Cl,	—CH2Cl	ND	Calc. C, 49.53; H, 2.84;
	4-OCH3			N, 8.66
				Found C, 50.03; H, 3.81; N, 9.92

EXAMPLE 137

##STR00071##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4-difluoro-1-(2-pyrazinyl)-butane-1,3-dione

Ethyl difluoroacetate (2.23 g, 18 mmol) was placed in a 100 mL round bottom flask and dissolved in ether (10 mL). To the stirred solution was added 25% sodium methoxide (4.68 g, 22 mmol) followed by acetylpyrazine (2.00 g, 16 mmol). After two hours stirring at room temperature, a precipitate formed and THF (10 mL) was added to the reaction. The reaction was stirred an additional 25.9 hours, then treated with 3N HCl (10 mL). The organic layer was collected, washed with brine (20 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo and recrystallized from methylene chloride/iso-octane to give the diketone as a brown solid (2.23 g, 68%); mp 103°-110° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 14.00 (br s, 1H), 9.31 (d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.68 (dd, J=1.4 Hz 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 6.03 (t, J=54.0 Hz, 1H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz: −127.16 (d); M+ 200.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[5-(2-pyrazinyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-Sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.37 g, 1.65 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of the diketone from Step 1 (0.30 g, 1.50 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 5.3 hours. The ethanol was removed in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water (20 mL), brine (20 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown solid (0.36 g) which was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/ethanol/isooctane to give the pyrazole as a brown solid (0.20 g, 38%): mp 191°-94° C.; ¹H NMR (acetone d₆) 300 MHz 8.94(d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.62 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (dd, J=1.4 Hz, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.02 (t, J=54.6 Hz, 1H), 6.73 (br s, 2 H); ¹⁹F NMR (acetone d₆) 300 MHz: −113.67 (d): M+351.

EXAMPLE 138

##STR00072##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole

11.6 g Adogen 464 and 7 mL of dibromomethane were refluxed in 50 mL of H₂O for 0.5 hours under argon. 3-Methylcatechol (8.89 g, 71.6 mmol) was added over 2 hours and the mixture refluxed for an additional 1 hour. Distillation of the product from the reaction mixture afforded the title compound as a yellow oil: HRMS m/e 136.0524 (calc'd for C₈H₈O₂, 136.0524).

Step 2: Preparation of 5-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole (A) and 6-acetyl-4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole (B)

13.8 g of polyphosphoric acid and 5 mL of acetic anhydride were heated to 45° C. under a drying tube of CaSO₄ until liquified. The product from Step 1 was added and the reaction was stirred at 45° C. for 4.5 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and quenched with 150 mL of ice water. The aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (4×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and filtered to give the crude product as a red oil. The oil was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 10% ethyl acetate/90% hexane to afford two products: A: Anal. calcd for C₁₀H₁₀O₃: C, 67.07; H, 5.66. Found: C, 67.41; H, 5.75, and B: MS, M+ 178.

Steps 3 and 4: 4-[5-(4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from product A using the procedures described in Example 2, Steps 1 and 2: White solid: Anal. calcd for C₁₈H₁₄N₃O₄SF₃: C, 50.82; H, 3.22; N, 9.88. Found: C, 50.71; H, 3.34; N, 9.55.

The following compounds in Table VII were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 137-138, with the substitution of in a similar manner using the appropriate starting material.

TABLE VII
##STR00073##
Ex.	A	B	M.P.(° C.)	Anal.
139	5-bromo-2-thienyl	CF2H	168-169	M + Li 440/442
140	2-thienyl	CF2H	190-191	M + Li 367
141	5-chloro-2-thienyl	CF2H	168-170	M + 389/391
142	1-cyclohexenyl	CF2H	160-161	M + 353.
143	1,4-benzodioxan	CF2H	115-119	Calc. C, 53.06; H, 3.71; N, 10.32
				Obs. C, 52.40; H, 3.98; N, 9.96
144	4-methylcyclohex-3-ene-1-yl	CF2H	164-168	HRMS: 367.1194
145	2-methylcyclopenten-1-yl	CF2H	165-166	HRMS: 353.1033
146	2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl	CF2H	125-127	Calc. C, 50.12; H, 3.94; N, 10.96
				Obs. C, 50.21; H, 3.92; N, 11.00
147	2,5-dimethyl-3-furyl	CF2H	139-142	Calc. C, 52.31; H, 4.12; N, 11.44
				Obs. C, 52.07; H, 4.16; N, 11.37
148	5-methyl-2-furyl	CF2H	177-179	Calc C, 50.99; H, 3.71; N, 11.89
				Obs. C, 51.08; H, 3.68; N, 11.95
149	4-bromo-4-methylcyclohex-1-yl	CF2H	175-	HRMS: 448.0520
			178(dec)
150	4-methylcyclohex-1-yl	CF2H	190-192	HRMS: 369.1341
151	4-chloro-4-methylcyclohex-1-yl	CF2H	197-199	HRMS: 403.095
152	3,4-dibromo-4-	CF2H	172-173
	methylcyclohex-1-yl
153	2-methoxycyclohex-1-yl	CF2H	177-179	HRMS: 386.1357
154	2-benzofuryl	CF2H	215-217	Calc C, 55.52; H, 3.37; N, 10.79
				Obs. C, 55.52; H, 3.32; N, 10.85
155	2,5-dichloro-3-thien-yl	CF2H	154-156	Calc. C, 39.63; H, 2.14; N, 9.90
				Obs. C, 39.63; H, 2.13; N, 9.89
156	2-benzofuryl	CF3	227-228	Calc. C, 53.07; H, 2.97; N, 10.31
				Obs. C, 53.02; H, 2.96; N, 10.39
157	5-chloro-2-thienyl	CF3	161-165	HRMS: 406.9784]
158	5-bromo-2-thienyl	CF3	ND	Calc: C, 37.18; H, 2.01; N, 9.29;
				Br, 17.67
				Found: C, 37.25; H, 1.93; N, 9.45;
				Br, 17.40
159	5-indanyl	CF3	118-120	Calc: C, 56.01; H, 3.96; N, 10.31
				Found: C, 56.02; H, 4.06; N, 10.22
160	5-methylthien-2-yl	CF3	188-190	Calc. C, 46.51; H, 3.12; N, 10.85
				Found: C, 46.17; H, 3.10; N, 10.75
161	2,3-dihydrobenzofuryl	CF3	152-153	Calc. C, 52.81; H, 3.45; N, 10.26
				Found: C, 52.67; H, 3.78; N, 10.13
162	1-cyclohexenyl	CF3	135-138	HRMS: 371.0918
163	6-tetrahydronaphthyl	CF3	143-145	Calc. C, 57.00; H, 4.31; N, 9.97
				Found: C, 56.72; H, 4.27; N, 9.90
164	3-benzothienyl	CF3	164-165	Calc. C, 51.06; H, 2.86; N, 9.92
				Obs. C, 50.96; H, 2.73; N, 9.78
165	3,4-dihydrobenzopyranyl	CF3	ND	HRMS: 423.0855
166	styryl	CF3	166-167	Calc. C, 54.96; H, 3.59; N, 10.68
				Obs. C, 54.77; H, 3.59; N, 10.47
167	4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxol-6-yl	CF3	ND	Calc. C, 50.82; H, 3.22; N, 9.88
				Obs. C, 50.64; H, 3.35; N, 9.72
168	3-pyridyl	CF3	202-204	Calc. C, 48.91; H, 3.01; N, 15.21
				Obs. C, 48.97; H, 3.16; N, 14.96
169	3,4-dihydrobenzothiopyranyl	CF3	ND	Calc. C, 51.95; H, 3.67; N, 9.56
				Obs. C, 51.98; H, 3.78; N, 9.48

EXAMPLE 170

##STR00074##

4-[5-(1-Cyclohexenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide (Example 142) (0.31 g, 0.88 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (15 mL), 10% palladium on charcoal was added, and the suspension was stirred at room temperature under hydrogen (36 psi) for 18.25 hours. The reaction was filtered through celite, and the ethanol removed in vacuo to give a white solid, which was recrystallized from methylene chloride/isooctane (0.31 g, 99%); mp 199°-203° C.; ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) 300 MHz 8.05 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.69 (t, J=55.0 Hz 1H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 5.02 (br s, 2H), 2.67 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.88(m, 5H), 1.24-1.43 (m, 5H); ¹⁹F NMR (acetone-d₆) 300 MHz: −112.86 (d).

EXAMPLE 171

##STR00075##

4-[4-(Aminosulfonyl)phenyl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-carboxylic acid (Example 83) (3.8 g, 10 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) were stirred at room temperature during the dropwise addition of 1.0M borane-tetrahydrofuran complex (30 mL, 30 mmol). The mixture was heated to reflux for 16 hours. The solution was cooled and methanol was added dropwise until gas evolution ceased. Ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added and the mixture was washed successively with 1N hydrochloric acid, brine, sat. aq. sodium bicarbonate solution, and water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The resultant product was recrystallized from ethanol:water to yield 2.6 g (71%) of a white solid: mp 192°-194° C.; ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO/300 MHz) 7.81 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H, 7.46 (d, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 7.42 (brs, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 5.35 (t, J=8.0Hz, 1H), 4.50 (d, J=8.0Hz, 2H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₆H₁₄N₆SO₂Cl: C, 52.82; H, 3.88; N, 11.55. Found: C, 52.91; H, 3.88; N, 11.50.

EXAMPLE 172

##STR00076##

A 60% dispersion of sodium hydride in mineral oil (4.0 g, 100 mmol) was twice washed with hexane (100 mL each) and dried under a stream of nitrogen. Ether (300 mL) was added followed by dropwise addition of ethanol (0.25 mL) and γ-butyrolactone (4.0 mL, 52 mmol). The mixture was cooled to 10° C. and acetophenone (5.8 mL, 50 mmol) in ether (40 mL) was added dropwise over 1 hour. The mixture was warmed to 25° C. and stirred overnight. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with ethanol (5 mL) followed by 10% aqueous ammonium sulfate (100 mL). The organic solution was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate to give the desired diketone (3.4 g) as an oil. Pyridine (0.34 mL, 4.2 mmol) and the diketone (700 mg, 3.4 mmol) in methanol (3 mL) were added to a slurry of 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine-HCl (750 mg, 3.4 mmol) in methanol (8 mL). The mixture was stirred at 25° C. overnight and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and the solution washed with 1N HCl. The organic solution was separated, dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel using ethyl acetate to give the desired pyrazole (435 mg) as a solid: Anal. calc'd for C₁₈H₁₉N₃O₃S: C, 60.49; H, 5.36; N, 11.75. Found: C, 60.22; H, 5.63; N, 11.54.

EXAMPLE 173

##STR00077##

Following the procedure of Example 172, but substituting 4-fluoroacetophenone for acetophenone afforded 4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide. Anal. calc'd for C₁₈H₁₈N₃O₃SF.0.25 H₂O: C, 56.90; H, 4.91; N, 11.05. Found: C, 56.80; H, 4.67; N, 11.02.

EXAMPLE 174

##STR00078##

Jones reagent (0.64 mL of a 2.67M solution) was added dropwise to a solution of 4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide from Example 173 (295 mg, 0.78 mmol) in acetone (8 mL). The mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 2 hours. The solution was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water (3×). The organic solution was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residual oil was crystallized from ether/hexane to give the desired acid (149 mg): mp 180°-182° C.; Anal. calc'd for C₁₈H₁₆N₃O₄SF: C, 55.52; H, 4.14; N, 10.79. Found: C, 55.47; H, 4.22; N, 10.50.

EXAMPLE 175

##STR00079##

Step 1: Preparation of 2,3-epoxy-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-hexanone

To a solution of 5-methyl-1-phenyl-1-hexan-3-one (2.0 g, 10.6 mmol) in 15 mL EtOH and 5 mL acetone was added a mixture of 30% hydrogen peroxide (2 mL) and 4N NaOH (1.5 mL) dropwise and the mixture stirred at 25° C. for 1-3 hours. Water (50 mL) was added and the precipitate filtered and dried at 40° C. in vacuo to provide 1.9 g of the epoxide as a white solid: Anal. calc'd for C₁₃H₁₆O₂.0.1 H₂O: C, 75.77; H, 7.92; Found: C, 75.47; H, 7.56.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-(3-isobutyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide

The epoxide prepared above in Step 1 (1.26 g, 6.11 mmol) and 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.38 g, 6.17 mmol) were stirred in 20 mL EtOH with AcOH (0.5 mL) and the mixture refluxed for 3 hours, cooled and quenched with 50 mL H₂O. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL), the combined extracts were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Flash chromatography using 70:30 hexane/ethyl acetate provided the title compound (0.41 g, 19%) as a white solid: Calc'd for C₁₉H₂₁N₃O₂S: C, 64.20; H, 5.96; N, 11.82. Found: C, 64.31; H, 6.29; N, 11.73.

EXAMPLE 176

##STR00080##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-[3-formyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of the alcohol prepared in Example 131, Step 3 (1.1 g, 3.3 mmol) in ethyl acetate (20 mL) was added MnO₂ (5 g, 60 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the solution was concentrated to provide the crude aldehyde.

Step 2: Preparation of Ethyl 3-[1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-cyano-2-propenoate

To a solution of the aldehyde from Step 1 (1.2 g, 3.6 mmol) in benzene (18 mL) was added ethyl cyanoacetate (0.38 mL, 3.6 mmol), ammonium acetate (50 mg, 0.7 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (0.17 mL, 2.8 mmol). The solution was heated at reflux for 18 hours, cooled, and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic solution was washed with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water and brine. The organic solution was dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (40% hexane in ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (1.0 g, 66%): Anal. calc'd for C₂₁H₁₈N₄O₄S: C, 59.82; H, 4.30; N, 13.22. Found: C, 59.70; H, 4.29; N, 13.26.

EXAMPLE 177

##STR00081##

To a suspension of 220 mg (0.58 mmol) 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-formyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide (prepared as described in Example 176, Step 1) in dichloromethane (3 mL) was added pyridine (0.12 mL, 1.3 mmol) and O-benzylhyroxylamine hydrochloride (110 mg, 0.68 mmol) and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was partitioned between pH 7 buffer and dichloromethane and the organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated. Flash chromatography on silica gel (2:1 hexane/EtOAc) provided the title compound (151 mg, 56%): mp 158°-159° C.; Anal. calc'd for C₂₃H₁₉N₄O₃SCl.0.25 H₂O: C, 58.59; H, 4.17; N, 11.88. Found: C, 58.43; H, 4.03; N, 11.85.

The following compounds in Table VIII were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 171-177, with the substitution of the appropriate starting material.

TABLE VIII
##STR00082##
Ex	A	R2	M.P. (° C.)	Anal.
178	H	—CH2OH	183-184	HRMS: 329.0845
179	4-OCH3	—CH2OH	140-142	Calc. C, 56.81; H, 4.77; N, 11.69
				Found: C, 56.92; H, 4.76; N, 11.64
180	3,5-di-Cl, 4-OCH3	—CH2OH	191-193	HRMS 427.0199
181	3-Cl, 4-OCH3	—CH2OH	ND	Calc. C, 51.84; H, 4.09; N, 10.67
				Cl, 9.00; S,8.14
				Found: C, 51.77; H, 4.02; N, 10.73;
				Cl, 9.11; S, 8.03
182	4-CH3	—C(CH3)2OH	178-179
183	4-Cl	—(CH3)2CO2H	156-159
184	4-Cl	—CH2CONH2	198-200
185	H	—CH3	ND	Calc. C, 60.46; H, 5.07; N, 13.21
				Found: C, 60.48; H, 4.95; N, 13.19
186	4-Cl	—CH2CN	212-214	Calc. C, 54.77; H, 3.51 N, 15.03
				Found: C, 54.94; H, 3.61; N, 14.88

EXAMPLE 187

##STR00083##

Step 1: Preparation of 2-trifluoroacetyl-1-tetralone

A 250 mL one necked round bottom flask equipped with a reflux condenser, nitrogen inlet and provisions for magnetic stirring was charged with ethyl trifluoroacetate (28.4 g, 0.2 mol) and 75 mL of ether. To this solution was added 48 mL of 25% sodium methoxide in methanol (0.21 mol). A solution of 1-tetralone (29.2 g, 0.2 mol) in 50 mL of ether was added over about 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 hours and was diluted with 100 mL of 3N HCl. The phases were separated and the organic layer was washed with 3N HCl, and with brine, dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in 70 mL of boiling ethanol/water and cooled to room temperature, whereupon crystals of 2-trifluoroacetyl-1-tetralone formed which were isolated by filtration and air dried to give pure compound (32 g, 81%): mp 48°-49° C.; ¹H NMR CDCl₃ δ 2.8 (m, 2H), 2.9 (m, 2H), 7.2 (d, j=3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (m, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.98 (m, 1H), ¹⁹F NMR CDCl₃ δ −72.0. EI GC-MS M+=242.

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4,5-dihydro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H)-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

A 100 mL one necked round bottomed flask equipped with reflux condenser, nitrogen inlet and provisions for magnetic stirring was charged with 2-trifluoroacetyl-1-tetralone from Step 1 (1.21 g, 5.0 mmol), 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.12 g, 5.0 mmol) and 25 mL of absolute ethanol. The solution was warmed to reflux for 15 hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, and then washed with water, and with brine, dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from a mixture of ethyl acetate and isooctane to give 1.40 g, 71% of pure product: mp 257°-258° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/CD₃OD, 4:1) δ 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.9 (m, 2H), 6.6 (m, 1H), 6.9 (m, 1H), 7.1 (m, 1H), 7.16 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 2H), 7.92 (m, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ −62.5. ( FAB-MS M+H=394.

EXAMPLE 188

##STR00084##

Step 1. Preparation of 6-methyl-2-(trifluoroacetyl)tetralone

Ethyl trifluoroacetate (5.33 g, 37.5 mmol) was dissolved in ether (50 mL) and treated with a sodium methoxide solution (25% in methanol, 9.92 g, 45.9 mmol) followed by 6-methyltetralone (5.94 g, 37.1 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 6.1 hours then treated with 1N HCl (20 mL). The organic layer was collected, washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown oil (8.09 g) that was used in the next step without further purification.

Step 2. Preparation of 4-[4,5-dihydro-7-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-Sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.80 g, 8.0 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the diketone from Step 1 (1.86 g, 7.3 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 14.8 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and with brine, dried over MgSO₄ and reconcentrated in vacuo to give the pyrazole as a brown solid (1.90 g, 64%): mp 215°-218° C. ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) 300 MHz 8.10 (d, 2H), 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.92 (d, 1H), 6.79 (br s, 2H), 6.88 (d,1H), 3.02 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H). ¹⁹F NMR (acetone-d₆) 282 MHz −62.46 (s). High resolution mass spectrum Calc'd. for C₁₉H₁₇F₃O₂S: 408.0994. Found: 408.0989.

The following compounds in Table IX were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 187-188, with the substitution of the appropriate ester.

TABLE IX
##STR00085##
Ex.	R2	R6	M.P. (° C.)	Anal.
189	—CHF2	6-OCH3	275-277	HRMS: 405.0961
190	—CHF2	7-CH3	240-241	HRMS: 390.1122
191	—CF3	6,8-CH3	284-288	HRMS: 422.1089
192	—CF3	7-OCH3	277-278	HRMS: 423.0838
193	—CF3	7,8-OCH3	269-275	HRMS: 453.1011
194	—CHF2	7-OCH3	256-257
195	—CO2CH3	7-OCH3	274-276	HRMS: 414.1117

EXAMPLE 196

##STR00086##

Step 1. Preparation of 4-keto-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothianaphthene

4-(2-Thienyl)butyric acid (28.42 g, 167 mmol) was placed in a round bottom flask with acetic anhydride (30 mL) and phosphoric acid (0.6 mL), and heated to reflux for 3.2 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 100 mL of water, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown oil (22.60 g) which was vacuum distilled (1 mm Hg, 107°-115° C.) to give a white solid (13.08 g, 51%): mp 34°-40° C.); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 7.29 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H, 2.95 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.47(m, 2H), 2.13(m, 2H). M+H=153.

Step 2. Preparation of 4-keto-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-5-(trifluoroacetyl)thianaphthene

Ethyl trifluoroacetate (11.81 g, 83.1 mmol) was dissolved in ether (50 mL) and treated with a sodium methoxide solution (25% in methanol, 18.35 g, 84.9 mmol) followed by 4-keto-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothianaphthene from Step 1 (12.57 g, 82.6 mmol) dissolved in ether (25 mL). The reaction was stirred for 69.4 hours at room temperature, then treated with 3N HCl (40 mL). The organic layer was collected, washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown solid which was recrystallized from ether/hexane to give the diketone (10.77 g, 52%) as brown needles; mp 54°-64° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) 300 MHz 15.80 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 3.04 (m, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) 282 MHz −70.37 (s). M+H=249.

Step 3. Preparation of 4-[4,5-dihydro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H thieno[3,2-g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-Sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.36 g, 10.6 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the diketone from Step 2 (2.24 g, 9.0 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred 14.7 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and washed with ethanol and with water to give the desired pyrazole as a white solid (2.69 g, 75%): mp 288°-290° C.; ¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) 300 MHz 8.12 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (br s, 2H), 6.59 (s, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (m, 2H), 3.01 (m, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (acetone-d₆) 282 MHz −62.46 (s). High resolution mass spectrum Calc'd. for C₁₆H₁₂F₃N₃O₂S₂: 399.0323. Found: 399.0280.

EXAMPLE 197

##STR00087##

Step 1. Preparation of 3-[4-(chloro)phenyl]-propane-1,3-dione

Ethyl formate (8.15 g, 0.11 mol) and 4′-chloroacetophenone (15.4 g, 0.1 mol) were stirred in ether (150 mL) at room temperature. Sodium methoxide (25%) (23.77 g, 0.11 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and was then treated with 150 mL of 1N hydrochloric acid. The phases were separated and the ethereal solution washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford 18.3 g of a yellow oil. The resulting crude mixture was used directly in the next step without purification.

Step 2. Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

3-[4-(Chloro)phenyl]-propane-1,3-dione from Step 1 (18.3 g, 0.1 mol) and 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (22.4 g, 0.1 mol) were dissolved in 150 mL of absolute ethanol and heated to reflux for 16 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature, diluted with 100 mL of water and let stand, whereupon crystals of pyrazole formed that were isolated by filtration to provide 8.4 g (25%) of a white solid: mp 185°-187° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.89 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.76 (d, J=1.8Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d,J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.17 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 6.53 (d, J=1.8Hz, 1H), 4.93 (brs 2H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₂N₃SO₂Cl: C, 53.97; H, 3.62; N, 12.59. Found: C, 54.08; H, 3.57; N, 12.64.

Step 3. Preparation of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

4-[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide from Step 2 (3.0 g, 9 mmol) was dissolved in 50 mL of acetic acid, and 9 mL of 1M chlorine in acetic acid was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 16 hours when sat. aq. sodium bicarbonate solution was slowly added until the mixture was neutral to pH paper. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL), combined and washed with sat. aq. sodium bicarbonate and with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resultant product was recrystallized from isopropanol to yield 2.6 g (78%) of a white solid: mp 168°-171° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DMSO-D₆/300 MHz) 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.46 (brs, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J=8.7Hz, 2H). Anal. Calc'd for C₁₅H₁₁N₃SO₂Cl₂: C, 48.93; H, 3.01; N, 11.41. Found: C, 49.01; H, 2.97; N, 11.41.

EXAMPLE 198

##STR00088##

Step 1: Preparation of 2-fluoroacetophenone

To a solution of 2-hydroxyacetophenone (2.5 g, 18.4 mmol) in 100 mL CH₂Cl₂ at −78° C., was added triflic anhydride (10 g, 35.4 mmol) followed by 2,6-lutidine (4.1 mL, 35.4 mmol) and the mixture stirred at −78° C. for 50 minutes. The mixture was poured into CH₂Cl₂ and water and the CH₂Cl₂ layer separated, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to a peach solid. To a solution of the crude triflate in 100 mL THF was added 35 mL of 1N tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF. The mixture was refluxed for 15 minutes, cooled and poured into ether and water. The ether layer was separated, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Flash chromatography on silica gel using 20:1 hexane/EtOAc furnished the α-fluoroketone (0.852 g, 33.5%).

Step 2: Preparation of 4-(4-fluoro-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide

A solution of 2-fluoroacetophenone (200 mg, 1.45 mmol) in 2 mL dimethylformamide-dimethylacetal was refluxed for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled and concentrated to give the crude enaminoketone. Without further purification, the enaminoketone was treated with 4-sulfonamidophenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (0.34 g, 1.52 mmol) in 10 mL EtOH at reflux for 17 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the filtrate concentrated to a yellow gum. Flash chromatography using a gradient of 5:1 to 2:1 hexane/EtOAc provided 0.11 g of a yellow solid: Recrystallization from ether/hexane gave the product as a pale yellow solid. mp 194°-194.5° C.; Anal. calc'd for C₁₅H₁₂N₃O₂SF.0.2 H₂O: C, 56.14; H, 3.89; N, 13.09. Found: C, 55.99; H, 3.65; N, 12.92.

EXAMPLE 199

##STR00089##

A 100 mL three-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with reflux condenser, gas dispersion tube and provisions for magnetic stirring was charged with 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide (Example 1) (500 mg, 1.2 mmol) and 50 mL of glacial acetic acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature and treated with a stream of chlorine gas for a period of 15 minutes. The solution was then stirred at room temperature for 1.25 hours and then diluted with 100 mL of water. The solution was then extracted three times with ether and the combined ethereal phase washed with brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give a white solid that was recrystallized from ether/petroleum ether to provide 390 mg (75%) of 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide: mp 180°-182° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃/300 MHz) 7.97 (d, J=6.6Hz, 2H, 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=6.3Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J=6.6Hz, 2H), 5.78 (brs, 2H).

EXAMPLE 200

##STR00090##

Step 1: Preparation of 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione

To a solution of 2-fluoroacetophenone from Step 1 of Example 198 (0.48 g, 3.4 mmol) in 25 mL THF at −78° C., was added 1N lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (4 mL) and the mixture stirred at −78° C. for 45 minutes. 1-(Trifluoroacetyl)imidazole (0.65 mL, 5.7 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at −78° C. for 30 minutes and at 0° C. for 30 minutes. The mixture was quenched with 0.5N HCl, poured into ether and water, and the ether layer separated, washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. Flash chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of 10:1 to 4:1 hexane/EtOAc furnished the 1,3-diketone (0.34 g, 43%).

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4-fluoro-5-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The diketone from Step 1 (0.34 g, 1.45 mmol) was treated with 4-sulfonamidophenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (0.35 g, 1.56 mmol) in 15 mL EtOH at reflux for 15 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the filtrate concentrated to a yellow gum. Flash chromatography using 3:1 hexane/EtOAc provided 0.28 g of a yellow solid. Recrystallization from CH₂Cl₂/hexane gave the product as a pale yellow solid: Anal. calc'd for C₁₆H₁₁N₃O₂SF₄: C, 49.87; H, 2.88; N, 10.90. Found: C, 49.79; H, 2.88; N, 10.81.

EXAMPLE 201

##STR00091##

Step 1: Preparation of 2-methyl-1-phenyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione

To a solution of propiophenone (965 mg, 7.2 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at −78° C. was added sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (7.9 mL of a 1M solution in THF). The solution was kept at −78° C. for 0.5 hour and then warmed to −20° C. over 1 hour. The solution was cooled to −78° C. and 1-(trifluoroacetyl)imidazole (1.5 g, 9.1 mmol) in THF (4 mL) was added via cannula. The solution was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was partitioned between 1N HCl and ether. The organic solution was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give the crude diketone (1.9 g).

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The diketone from Step 1 was dissolved in absolute ethanol (25 mL) and 4-sulfonamidophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.0 g, 9.0 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated at reflux for 19 hours. Volatiles were removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate. The organic solution was washed with water and brine, dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (2:1 hexane/ethyl acetate) to give the title pyrazol (1.52 g, 49%): mp 145°-146° C.; Calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₂SF₃: C, 53.54; H, 3.70; N, 11.01. Found: C, 53.41; H, 3.66; N, 10.92.

EXAMPLE 202

##STR00092##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-methoxy-3-methylbutyrophenone

To a suspension of aluminum chloride (10.3 g, 77.2 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) at 0° C. was added dropwise a solution of 2-methylanisole (5.0 mL, 35.3 mmol) and butyric anhydride (5.8 mL, 35.3 mmol). The reaction solution was kept at 0° C. for 2 hours and then warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction solution was poured into conc. HCl (9 mL) and ice water (80 mL). The reaction was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic layer was washed with 2N NaOH and brine, dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (9:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (5.2 g, 77%).

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[4-ethyl-5-(3-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from the butyrophenone in Step 1 using the procedure described in Example 201, Steps 1 and 2: mp 135°-136° C.; Calc'd for C₂₀H₂₀N₃O₃SF₃: C, 54.66; H, 4.59; N, 9.56. Found: C, 54.11; H, 4.38; N, 9.43.

EXAMPLE 203

##STR00093##

Step 1: Preparation of 2-cyclopropylacetophenone

To a suspension of sodium cyanide (1.8 g, 37.0 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (20 mL) at 60° C. was added dropwise (bromomethyl)cyclopropane (5.0 g, 37.0 mmol). The addition was done at such a rate to keep the temperature of the reaction at 60° C. After the addition was completed, the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and partitioned between ether and water. The organic solution was washed with 1N HCl and water, dried and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in ether (5 mL) and added to a solution of phenyl magnesium bromide (25 mL of a 3M solution in ether) in ether (20 mL) and benzene (25 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours, then poured into a 1N HCl solution and stirred for 1.5 hours. The organic solution was separated and the aqueous solution extracted with dichloromethane. The organic solution was dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (9:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (2.0 g, 34%).

Steps 2 and 3: Preparation of 4-[4-cyclopropyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from the acetophenone in Step 1 using the procedure described in Example 201), Steps 1 and 2: mp 173°-174° C.; Calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆N₃O₂SF₃: C, 56.01; H, 3.96; N, 10.31. Found: C, 55.85; H, 3.78; N, 10.19.

EXAMPLE 204

##STR00094##

Step 1: Preparation of 4-[4-bromomethyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of 4-[4-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide prepared in Example 201 (500 mg, 1.3 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (9 mL) and benzene (4 mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (285 mg, 1.6 mmol). The mixture was irradiated with a sunlamp for 3.5 hours. The reaction mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane and water and the organic solution was dried and concentrated to give the desired product, 412 mg (69%).

Step 2: Preparation of 4-[4-formyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of the compound prepared in Step 1 (362 mg, 0.79 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (7 mL) was added collidine (0.14 mL, 1.0 mmol). The solution was heated at 120° C. for 3 hours and then kept at overnight at room temperature. The reaction solution was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water and the organic solution was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed (1:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (205 mg, 66%).

Step 3: Preparation of 4-[4-hydroxymethyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of the aldehyde prepared in Step 2 (165 mg, 0.41 mmol) in methanol (3.5 mL) at 0° C. was added sodium borohydride (16 mg, 0.41 mmol). The reaction solution was kept at 0° C. for 2.5 hours. The reaction was quenched with the addition of an aqueous 1M KHSO₄ solution (3 mL). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic solution dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (1:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (36 mg, 46%): m.p. 179°-180° C.; ¹H NMR d 7.91 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.75 (s, 2H), 4.53 (d, 2h, J=5.0 Hz), 4.30 (t, 1H, J=5.0 Hz).

EXAMPLE 205

##STR00095##

To a solution of the pyrazole prepared in Example 175 (0.15 g, 0.42 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was added an excess of sulfuryl chloride slowly at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, quenched with water and the aqueous layer extracted three time with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated to give an oil which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 70:30 hexane/ethyl acetate as eluent to give the desired compound: HRMS m/z 389.0970 (calc'd for C₁₉H₂₀ClN₃SO₂, 389.0965).

The following compounds in Table X were prepared according to procedures similar to that exemplified in Examples 197-205, with the substitution of the appropriate starting material.

TABLE X
##STR00096##
Ex.	R3	R2	A	MP (° C.)	Analytical
206	Cl	H	4-F	175-178	Calc C, 51.22; H, 3.15; N, 11.94
					Obs. C, 51.43; H, 3.10; N, 11.82
207	Br	H	4-Cl	209-210	Calc. C, 43.66; H, 2.69; N, 10.18
					Obs. C, 43.74; H, 2.70; N, 10.23
208	Cl	H	H	172-174	Calc. C, 53.98; H, 3.62; N, 12.59 Cl, 10.62; S, 9.60
					Obs. C, 54.17; H, 3.64, N, 12.45 Cl, 10.46; S, 9.42
209	Cl	H	3-di-Cl, 4-OCH3	211-212	Calc. C, 44.41; H, 2.80; N, 9.71
					Obs. C, 44.72; H, 3.04, N, 9.72
210	Br	H	4-CH3	ND	HRMS: 391.0003
211	Cl	H	4-CH3	160-163	Calc. C, 55.25; H, 4.06; N, 12.08
					Obs. C, 55.06; H, 4.03. N, 12.02
212	Cl	H	3-Cl, 4-OCH3	ND	Calc. C, 48.25; H, 3.29; N, 10.55 Cl, 17.80; S, 8.05
					Obs. C, 48.10; H, 3.31. N, 10.52 Cl, 17.70; S, 7.98
213	Cl	H	4-OCH3	155-156	Calc. C, 52.82; H, 3.88; N, 11.55
					Obs. C, 52.18;H, 3.93, N, 11.41
214	Br	H	4-OCH3	130-132
215	CN	H	4-OCH3	216-219	HRMS: 355.0860
216	Cl	H	3,5-di-F, 4-OCH3	196-199	Calc. C, 48.07; H, 3.03; N, 10.51
					Obs. C, 48.45; H, 355, N, 10.10
217	SO2CH3	H	Cl	182-185	Calc. C, 46.66; H, 3.43; N, 10.20
					Obs. C, 46.57; H, 3.49, N, 10.39
218	C2H5	CF3	H	177-178	Calc. C, 54.68; H, 4.08; N, 10.62
					Obs. C, 54.61; H, 4.10; N, 1054
219	CH3	CF3	4-OCH3	158-159	Calc. C, 52.55; H, 3.92; N, 10.21
					Obs. C, 52.27; H, 4.00; N, 10.16
220	CH3	CF3	4-Cl	154-155	Calc. C, 49.10; H, 3.15; N, 10.10
					Obs. C, 49.05; H, 3.02; N, 9.96
221	CH3	CF3	44	103-104	Calc. C, 51.13; H, 3.28; N, 10.52
					Obs. C, 51.09; H, 3.26; N, 1034
222	C2H5	CF3	4-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 50.30; H, 3.52; N, 9.77
					Obs. C, 50.40; H, 3.51; N, 9.72
223	CH3	CF3	4-CH3	144-145	Calc. C, 54.68; H, 4.08; N, 10.62
					Obs. C, 5438; H, 3.87; N, 1031
224	C2H5	CF3	4-CH3	142-143	Calc. C, 55.74; H, 4.43; N, 10.26
					Obs. C, 55.60; H, 4.37; N, 10.17
225	C2H5	CF3	4-OCH3	160-161	Calc. C, 53.64; H, 4.26; N, 9.87
					Obs. C, 53.55; 4.23; N, 9.65
226	C2H5	CF3	3-F, 4-OCH3	156-157	Calc. C, 51.46; H, 3-86; N, 9.47
					Obs. C, 51.27; H, 3.75; N, 9.33
227	Br	CHF2	4-Cl	224-226	Calc. C, 41.53; H, 2.40; N, 9.08
					Obs. C, 41.50; H, 238; N, 9.00
228	Cl	CHF2	3,5-di-Cl, 4-OCH3	92-102(dec)	Calc C, 42.30; H, 2.51; N, 8.70
					Obs. C, 42.50; H, 2.67, N, 8.56
229	Cl	CHF2	H	174-176	Calc. C, 50.07; H, 3.15; N, 10.95
					Obs. C, 50.07; H, 3.18, N, 10.98
230	Br	CHF2	H	184-186	Calc. C, 44.87; H, 2.82; N, 9.81
					Obs. C, 44.98; H, 2.81, N, 9.64
231	Cl	CHF2	4-OCH3	171-172	HRMS: 413.0351
232	Cl	CN	H	174-l77(sub)	Calc. C, 53.56; H, 3.09; N, 15.61;
					Cl, 9.98; S, 8.94
					Obs. C, 53.81; H, 3.18; N, 15.43;
					Cl, 9.78; S, 8.91
233	Cl	CN	4-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 48.87; H, 2.56; N, 14.25;
					Cl, 18.03; S, 8.15
					Obs. C, 48.99; H, 2.55; N, 14.30;
					Cl, 17.96; S, 8.08
234	Cl	CN	4-F	ND	Calc. C, 51.00; H, 2.68; N, 14.87;
					Cl, 9.41; S, 8.51
					Obs. C, 51.19; H, 2.73; N, 14.98;
					Cl, 9.22; S, 8.56
235	Br	CN	4-F	ND	Calc. C, 45.62; H, 239; N, 13.30;
					Br, 18.97; S, 7.61
					Obs. C, 45.51; H, 2.36; N, 13.21;
					Br, 19.09; S, 7.51
236	Br	CN	H	ND	Calc. C, 47.66; H, 2.75; N, 13.89;
					Br, 19.81; S, 7.95
					Obs. C, 47.62; H, 2.77; N, 13.77;
					Br, 19.74; S, 8.04
237	Br	CO2C2H5	4-Cl	ND	HRMS: 482.9707
238	Cl	CO2CH3	H	ND	HRMS: 342.0495
239	Cl	CO2CH3	4-Cl	ND	HRMS: 426.0128
240	Cl	CO2C2H5	4-Cl	ND	HRMS: 440.0207
241	Cl	CO2CH3	4-F	ND	HRMS: 410.0391
242	Br	CO2CH3	4-F	ND	HRMS: 453.9880
243	Cl	CO2CH3	4-OCH3, 3-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 47.38; H, 331; N, 9.21;
					Cl, 15.54; S, 7.03
					Obs. C, 47.10; H, 3.26; N, 9.01;
					Cl, 15.74; S, 6.92
244	Cl	CO2CH3	4-OCH3, 3,5-di-Cl	198-199	Calc. C, 44.06; H, 2.88; N, 8.56
					Obs. C, 43.59; H, 2.77; N, 8.44
245	Cl	CO2CH3	4-OCH3, 3-Br	ND	Calc. C, 43.18, H, 3.02; N, 839; S, 6.40
					Obs. C, 43.25; H, 257; N, 8.40; S, 6.59
246	Cl	CONH2	H	ND	HRMS: 377.0539
247	Cl	CONH2	4-Cl	ND	HRMS: 411.0115
248	Cl	CONH2	4-F	ND	HRMS: 395.0397
249	Br	CONH2	4-F	ND	Calc. C, 43.75, H, 2.75; N, 12.75;
					Br, 18.19; S, 7.30
					Obs. C, 43.65; H, 2.78; N, 12.66;
					Br, 18.13; S, 7.21
250	Br	CONH2	H	ND	HRMS: 419.9920
251	Cl	CO2H	H	ND	HRMS: 377.0249
252	Cl	CO2H	4-Cl	ND	Calc. C, 46.62, H, 2,69; N, 10.19; Cl, 17.20; S, 7.78
					Obs. C, 46.59, H, 2.68; N, 10.21; Cl, 17.25; S, 7.73
253	Cl	CO2H	4-OCH3, 3,5-di-Cl	220(dec)	Calc. C, 42.83: H, 2.54; N, 8.81
					Obs. C, 43.65; H, 2.52; N, 8.78
254	Cl	CH3	H	ND	Calc. C, 55.25; H, 4.06; N, 12.08
					Obs. C, 55.24; H, 4.26; N, 12.17
255	Cl	CH2OH	H	195-197	HRMS: 363.0431
256	Cl	CH2OH	4-Cl	203-204	Calc. C, 48.25; H, 3.29; N, 10.55
					Obs. C, 48.36; H, 3.27; N, 10.50
257	Cl	(CH2)2CO2H	4-Cl	212-214	Calc. C, 49.10; H, 3.43; N, 9.54
					Obs. C, 49.23; H, 3.45; N, 9.49
258	OCH3	CF3	H	137-138	Calc. C, 51.38; H, 3.55; N, 10.57
					Obs. C, 51.40; H, 3.47; N, 10.47

EXAMPLE 259

##STR00097##

Increasing the polarity of the eluant used in the purification in Example 234 to 60% ethyl acetate, upon concentration of the appropriate fractions, yielded 4-[4-chloro-3-cyano-5-[4-(fluoro)phenyl])-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-N-[(dimethylamino)methylene]benzenesulfonamide (0.485 g, 15%): High Resolution Mass Spectrum (MLi+) calc'd: 438.0779. Found: 438.0714. Elemental analysis calc'd for C₁₉H₁₅N₅O₂FClS: C, 52.84; H, 3.50: N, 16.22; Cl, 8.21; S, 7.42. Found: C, 52.76; H, 3.52; N, 16.12; Cl, 8.11; S, 7.35.

EXAMPLE 260

##STR00098##

Similarly, 4-[4-bromo-3-cyano-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-N-[(dimethylamino)methylene]benzenesulfonamide was isolated from the purification of Example 235 (0.153 g, 28%): High Resolution Mass Spectrum (M+) calc'd: 457.0208. Found: 457.0157. Elemental analysis calc'd for C₁₉H₁₆N₅O₂BrS: 49.79; H, 3.52: N, 15.28; Br, 17.43; S, 6.99. Found: C, 49.85; H, 3.56; N, 15.10; Br, 17.52; S, 6.87.

EXAMPLE 261

##STR00099##

Step 1: Preparation of N,N-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-(aminosulfonyl)acetophenone

To a solution of 4-(aminosulfonyl)acetophenone (2.0 g, 9.0 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (25 mL) was added sodium hydride (450 mg, 19.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and then 4-methoxybenzyl bromide (3.5 g, 19.0 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (5 mL) was added via cannula. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and partitioned between ethyl acetate and pH 7 buffer. The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic solution was dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (2:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (815 mg, 21%).

Step 2: Preparation of N,N-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a 25% sodium methoxide solution in methanol (0.2 mL) was added ethyl trifluoroacetate (75 mg, 0.53 mmol) and the protected acetophenone from Step 1 (235 mg, 0.53 mmol). THF (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 2 hours and then stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was partitioned between ether and 1N HCl solution. The organic solution was dried and concentrated to give the crude diketone (279 mg), which was diluted with absolute ethanol (2.5 mL). To this slurry was added pyridine (49 mg, 0.62 mmol) and 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (80 mg, 0.50 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and washed with 1N HCl. The organic solution was dried and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (3:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the protected pyrazole (159 mg, 51%).

Step 3: Preparation of 4-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]benzenesulfonamide

To a solution of the protected pyrazole (50 mg, 0.08 mmol) in acetonitrile (1 mL) and water (0.3 mL) was added ceric ammonium nitrate (360 mg, 0.65 mmol). The reaction solution was kept at room temperature for 16 hours. The solution was poured into water (15 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×25 mL). The combined extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated. The residue was chromatographed on silica (2:1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the desired product (13 mg, 42%): ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) 7.88 (d,2H), 7.46 (d, 2H), 7.39 (dd, 2H), 7.21 (t, 2H), 7.06 (s, 1H).

EXAMPLE 262

##STR00100##

The title compound was prepared using the procedure described in Example 261: HRMS m/z 397.0702 (calc'd for C₁₇H₁₄N₃O₃SF₃. 397.0708).

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. Exp. 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 0.025% surfactant, or with vehicle alone. One hour later a subplantar injection of 0.1 mL of 1% solution of carrageenan/sterile 0.9% saline was administered and the volume of the injected foot was measured with a displacement plethysmometer connected to a pressure transducer with a digital indicator. Three hours 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-Inflammatory Drugs, (J. Lombardino, ed. 1985)). The % inhibition shows the % decrease from control paw volume determined in this procedure and the data for selected compounds in this invention are summarized Results are shown in Table I.

Rat Carrageenan-induced Analgesia Test

The analgesia test using rat carrageenan was performed with materials, reagents and procedures essentially as described by Hargreaves, et al., (Pain, 32, 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 XI.

TABLE XI
	RAT PAW EDEMA	ANALGESIA
Examples	% Inhibition	% Inhibition
Example	@ 10 mg/kg body weight	@ 30 mg/kg body Weight
1	44	94
2	35	38
58	36	65
59	25	41
60	49	39
82	22*
86	42*
98	2*
117	32
129	47*
170	18*
171	14	37
188	32*	27
197	45*
199	35
*Assay Performed At 30 Mg/Kg Body Weight

Evaluation of COX I and COX II activity in vitro

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 was cloned into a BamHI site of the baculovirus transfer vector pVL1393 (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 baculoviruses were isolated by transfecting 4 μg of baculovirus transfer vector DNA into SF9 insect cells (2×10 e8) along with 200 ng of linearized baculovirus plasmid DNA by the calcium phosphate method. See M. D. Summers and G. E. Smith, A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors and Insect Cell Culture Procedures, Texas Agric. Exp. Station Bull. 1555 (1987). Recombinant viruses were purified by three rounds of plaque 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 (0.5×10⁶/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 10,000×G for 30 minutes, and the resultant supernatant was stored at −80° C. before being assayed for COX activity.

b. Assay for COX I and COX II activity

COX activity was assayed as PGE₂ formed/μg protein/time using 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 add 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 PGE₂ formed was measured by standard ELISA technology (Cayman Chemical). Results are shown in Table XII.

TABLE XII
	Human COX II	Human COX I
Example	ID50 μM	ID50 μM
1	<.1	18
2	<.1	15.0
3	<.1	>100
4	.6	37.5
5	<.1	6.3
6	.2	78.7
7	14	>100
8	37.7	>100
9	.1	55.2
10	2.7	>100
12	20	>100
55	22	77.9
56	<.1	11.7
57	47.9	>100
58	<.1	5.7
59	<.1	26.8
60	<.1	.8
82	<.1	1.1
84	<.1	65.5
85	73.6	>100
86	.5	>100
96	6.5	>100
97	96	>100
98	<.1	1.7
117	.3	>100
128	1.1	>100
129	<.1	13.5
130	3.6	12.5
131	.2	>100
138	.6	<.1
170	.1	>100
171	.8	>100
172	4.2	>100
173	4.7	>100
174	3.5	100
175	66.9	>100
176	.3	>100
187	1.1	13.6
188	.2	19.8
196	.6	4.1
197	<.1	3.4
198	4.2	56.5
199	<.1	<.1
200	<.1	.5
201	<.1	2.2
202	<.1	91
203	27	>100
204	6.7	>100
205	<.1	2.1
259	1.1	>100
260	1.1	>100
261	<.1	<.1
262	<.1	<.1

Also embraced within this invention is a class of pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I the present invention 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 pharmaceutical 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 capsules. The active ingredient may also 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 regiment 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 compositions may contain active ingredient in the range of about 0.1 to 2000 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 alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, and then tableted or encapsulated for convenient administration. Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation as may be provided in a dispersion of active compound in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Formulations for parenteral administration may be in the form of aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions or suspensions. These solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more of the carriers of 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, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol, sodium 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.

Claims

1. A method of treating inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to such inflammation or inflammation-associated disorder, a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I

2. The method of claim 1 wherein R¹ is phenyl, substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, methyl, and sulfamyl;

wherein R² is selected from hydrido, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, valeryl, isovaleryl, pivaloyl, and hexanoyl, methoxy, ethoxy, methylthio, aminocarbonyl, aminocarbonylmethyl, N-methylaminocarbonyl, N-ethylaminocarbonyl, N-isopropylaminocarbonyl, N-propylaminocarbonyl, N-butylaminocarbonyl, N-isobutylaminocarbonyl, N-tert-butylaminocarbonyl, N-pentylaminocarbonyl, N-phenylaminocarbonyl, N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-ethylaminocarbonyl, N-(3-fluorophenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(4-methylphenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(3-chlorophenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-(3-chlorophenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminocarbonyl, hydroxymethyl, and hydroxypropyl;

wherein R³ is selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, hexyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyano, methoxy, methylthio, methylsulfonyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxymethyl, and hydroxyethyl; and

wherein R⁴ is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, 1-cyclohexenyl, 2-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, 4-cyclohexenyl, 1-cyclopentenyl, 4-cyclopentenyl, benzofuryl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuryl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, benzothienyl, indenyl, indanyl, indolyl, dihydroindolyl, chromanyl, benzopyran, thiochromanyl, benzothiopyran, benzodioxolyl, benzodioxanyl, pyridyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, furyl and pyrazinyl; wherein R⁴ is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylthio, methylsulfinyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, hexyl, methylsulfonyl, cyano, carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, bromodifluoromethyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, hydroxyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, sulfamyl, methylaminosulfonyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxyisopropyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, trifluoromethoxy, amino, N-methylamino, N-ethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, formylamino, methylcarbonylamino, trifluoroacetamino, piperadinyl, piperazinyl, morpholino, nitro, and

3. The method of claim 2 selected from compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, of the group consisting of

ethyl 1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate;

ethyl 1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate;

isopropyl 1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate;

N-[4-methylphenyl]-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide;

N-[3-chlorophenyl]-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide;

N-[3-fluorophenyl]-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide;

N-[3-fluorophenyl]-1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide;

phenylmethyl N-[[1-[4-(aminosulfonyl)phenyl]-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carbonyl]glycinate;

4-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-3-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-cyano-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-ethyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-methyl-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-ethyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-ethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-ethyl-5-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-ethyl-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-ethyl-5-(3-fluoro-4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-fluoro-5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-3-(difluoromethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-3-(difluoromethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-3-difluoromethyl)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-3-cyano-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-3-cyano-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-3-cyano-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-bromo-3-cyano-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

ethyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-bromo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3yl]carboxylate;

ethyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-bromo-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4-chloro-5-(3,5dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

methyl [1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-5-(3-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-chloro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]carboxylate;

4-[4-chloro-3-hydroxymethyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,5-dimethylphenyl-4-methoxy)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-ethylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-bromo-4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-ethyl-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methoxy-3-(3-propenyl)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-fluoro-4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-methyl-4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-(N-methylamino)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-amino-4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-phenyl-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(heptafluoropropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(chloro-difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(pentafluoroethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(chloromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(chloro-difluoromethyl)-5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(phenyl)-3-(fluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-bromo-2-thienyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-chloro-2-thienyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(1-cyclohexenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(1-cyclohexyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(6-benzodioxanyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-5-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-benzofuranyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-benzofuryl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-bromo-2-thienyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-chloro-2-thienyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-indanyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-2-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide,

4-[5-(1-cyclohexenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-5-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(2-benzothienyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzothiopyran-7-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxol-6-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; and

4-[5-(4-methyl-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

4. The method of claim 3 where the compound is 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

5. The method of claim 3 where the compound is 4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

6. A method of treating inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to such inflammation or inflammation-associated disorder, a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I

7. The method of claim 6 wherein R² is selected from fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, cyano, carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, valeryl, isovaleryl, pivaloyl, hexanoyl, trifluoroacetyl, aminocarbonyl, N-methylaminocarbonyl, N-ethylaminocarbonyl, N-isopropylaminocarbonyl, N-propylaminocarbonyl, N-butylaminocarbonyl, N-isobutylaminocarbonyl, N-tert-butylaminocarbonyl, N-pentylaminocarbonyl, N-phenylaminocarbonyl, N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-ethylaminocarbonyl, N-(3-fluorophenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(4-methylphenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(3-chlorophenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)aminocarbonyl, N-methyl-N-phenylaminocarbonyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxymethyl and hydroxyethyl; wherein A is phenyl; and wherein, R⁶ is one or more radicals selected from fluoro, chloro, bromo, methylsulfonyl, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, methoxy, methylenedioxy, ethoxy, propoxy, n-butoxy, amino, and nitro;

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

8. The method of claim 7 selected from compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, of the group consisting of

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-7-methoxy-1H-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-4,5-dihydro-7-methyl-1H-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4,5-dihydro-7-methoxy-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4,5-dihydro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benz[g]indazol-1yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4,5-dihydro-7-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benz[g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

methyl[1-(4-aminosulfonylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-7-methoxy-1H-benz[g]indazol-3-yl]carboxylate; and

4-[4,5-dihydro-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-thieno[3,2,g]indazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

9. A method of treating inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to such inflammation or inflammation-associated disorder, a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula I

10. The method of claim 9 selected from compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, of the group consisting of

4-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]benzenesulfonamide; and

4-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

11. A method of treating inflammation or an inflammation-associated disorder in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to such inflammation or inflammation-associated disorder, a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of Formula II

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the compounds are selected from compounds, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, of the group consisting of

4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-(difluoromethyl)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[3-cyano-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[4-chloro-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide;

4-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide; and

4-[5-(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide.

13. The method of claim 1 for use in treatment of inflammation.

14. The method of claim 1 for use in treatment of an inflammation-associated disorder.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the inflammation-associated disorder is arthritis.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the inflammation-associated disorder is pain.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the inflammation-associated disorder is fever.

18. The method of claim 1 for use in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

19. A method of treating arthritis in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to arthritis, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

20. A method of treating pain in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to pain, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

21. A method of treating osteoarthritis in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to osteoarthritis, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

22. A method of treating rheumatoid arthritis in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

23. A method of treating juvenile arthritis in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to juvenile arthritis, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

24. A method of treating spondyloarthropathy in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to spondyloarthropathies, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

25. A method of treating menstrual cramps in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject having or susceptible to menstrual cramps, a therapeutically-effective amount of 4-[5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]benzenesulfonamide, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.