Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors, compositions and methods of use

Description of equivalent WO 2004002409 A2

CYCLOOXYGENASE-2 SELECTIVE INHIBITORS, COMPOSITIONS AND

METHODS OF USE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U. S. Application No. 60/391 ,769, filed June 27, 2002, and U. S. Application No. 60/454,307, filed March 14, 2003, both of which are incoφorated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention describes novel nitrosated and/or nitrosylated cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors and novel compositions comprising at least one nitrosated and/or nitrosylated cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The invention also provides novel compositions comprising at least one COX- 2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The invention also provides novel kits comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and, optionally, at least one nitric oxide donor and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The invention also provides methods for treating inflammation, pain and fever; for treating gastrointestinal disorders and/or improving the gastrointestinal properties of COX-2 selective inhibitors; for facilitating wound healing; for treating and or preventing renal and/or respiratory toxicities; for treating and or preventing other disorders resulting from elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2; and for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds (NSAIDs) are widely used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and acute and chronic inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These compounds inhibit the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), also known as prostaglandin G/H synthase, which is the enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into prostanoids. The NSAIDs also inhibit the production of other prostaglandins, especially prostaglandin G₂, prostaglandin H₂ and prostaglandin E₂, thereby reducing the prostaglandin-induced pain and swelling associated with the inflammation process. The chronic use of NSAIDs has been associated with adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal ulceration and renal toxicity. The undesirable side effects are also due to the inhibition of prostaglandin in the affected organ. Recently two isoforms of cyclooxygenase, encoded by two distinct genes (Kujubu et al, J. (COX-1), and an inductive form, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) It is thought that the antiinflammatory effects of NSAIDs are mediated by the inhibition of COX-2, whereas the side effects seem to be caused by the inhibition of COX-1 The NSAIDs currently on the market either inhibit both isoforms of COX with little selectivity for either isoform or are COX-1 selective Recently compounds that are COX-2 selective inhibitors have been developed and marketed These COX-2 selective inhibitors have the desired therapeutic profile of an antiinflammatory drug without the adverse effects commonly associated with the inhibition of COX 1 However, these compounds can result in dyspepsia and can cause gastropathy (Mohammed et al, N Engl J Med , 340(25) 2005 (1999)) Additionally the COX-2 selective inhibitors can increase the risk of cardiovascular events in a patient (Mukherjee et al , JAMA 286(8) 954-959 (2001)), Hennan et al , Circulation, 104 820-825 (2001))

There is still a need in the art for novel COX-2 selective inhibitor compounds that have gastroprotective properties, facilitate wound healing, decreased renal toxicity and dyspepsia, improved cardiovascular profile and that can be used at low dosages The invention is directed to these, as well as other, important ends SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides novel COX-2 selective inhibitors, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof These compounds are potent analgesics, have antiinflammatory properties and have an unexpected potential for facilitating wound healing The novel compounds also have unexpected properties in the treatment and/or prevention of renal and/or respiratory toxicity and for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors The COX 2 selective inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, can be nitrosated and or nitrosylated through one or more sites, such as oxygen (hydroxyl condensation), sulfur (sulfhydryl condensation) and/or nitrogen The invention also provides compositions comprising the novel compounds described herein in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier The invention is also based on the discovery that administering at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor and at least one nitπc oxide donor or administering at least one nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one nitric oxide donor reduces the gastrointestinal toxicity induced by COX-2 selective inhibitors Nitπc oxide donors include, for example, S-nitrosothiols, nitrites, nitrates, N-oxo-N-mtrosamines, SPM 3672, SPM 5185, SPM 5186 and analogues thereof, and substrates of the various isozymes of nitric oxide synthase Thus, another aspect of the invention provides compositions comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally substituted with at least one NO and/or N0₂ group (I e , nitrosylated and/or nitrosated), and at least one compound that donates, tiansfeis or releases nitric oxide as a charged species, I e , nitrosonium (NO⁺) or nitroxyl (NO-), or as the neutral species, nitπc oxide (NO»), and/or stimulates endogenous production of nitπc oxide or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase The invention also provides for such compositions in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides compositions comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally substituted with at least one N0₂ group and/or at least one NO group (1 e , nitrosated and/or nitrosylated respectively), and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitπc oxide as a charged species, 1 e , nitrosoniu (NO⁺) or nitroxyl

(NO-), or as the neutral species, nitπc oxide (NO«), and/or stimulates endogenous production of nitπc oxide or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and/or, optionally, at least one therapeutic agent, including but not limited to, steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lιpoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotπene B₄(LTB₄) receptor antagonists, Ieukotπene A (LTA ) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, HMG CoA inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitπc oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and the like The invention also provides for such compositions in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier Yet another aspect of the present invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing inflammation, pain and fever, for treating gastrointestinal disorders and/or improving gastrointestinal properties of COX-2 inhibitors, for facilitating wound healing, for treating and/or preventing renal and/or respiratory toxicity, and for treating and/or preventing COX-2 mediated disorders (l e , disorders resulting from elevated levels of COX-2) in a patient in need thereof which comprises administenng to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX 2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally substituted with at least one N0₂ group and/or at least one NO group (i e , nitrosated and/or nitrosylated respectively), and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitπc oxide as a charged species, I e , nitrosonium (NO⁺) or nitroxyl (NO-), or as the neutral species, nitπc oxide (NO»), and/or stimulates endogenous production of nitric oxide or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitπc oxide synthase and/or stimulates endogenous production of NO or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase (I e , NO donors). The methods can optionally further comprise the administration of at least one therapeutic agent, such as, for example, steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lιpoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotπene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonists, leukotπene A₄ (LT _t) hydrolase inhibitors, 5- HT agonists, HMG CoA inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylon inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures of two or more thereof In this aspect of the invention, the methods can involve administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and or nitrosyalted, administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and or nitrosylated and NO donors, administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and therapeutic agents, or administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and or nitrosylated, NO donors and therapeutic agents The selective COX-2 inhibitors, nitric oxide donors, and/or therapeutic agents can be administered separately or as components of the same composition in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers

Yet another aspect of the invention provides methods for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors in a patient in need thereof which comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, optionally substituted with at least one N0₂ and/or NO group (i e nitrosated and/or nitrosylated), and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide as a charged species, l e , nitrosonium (NO⁺) or nitroxyl (NO-), or as the neutral species, nitπc oxide (NO»), and/or stimulates endogenous production of nitπc oxide or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or stimulates endogenous production of NO or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitnc oxide synthase (1 e NO donor) The methods can optionally further comprise the administration of at least one of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, and mixtures of two or more thereof In this aspect of the invention, the methods can involve administenng the nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 selective inhibitors, administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and NO donors, administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and or nitrosylated, and at least one of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG- CoA) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors or thromboxane inhibitors, or administering the COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, NO donors, and at least one of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors or thromboxane inhibitors The COX-2 inhibitors, nitric oxide donors, and/or 3- hydroxy-3-methylgIutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors or thromboxane inhibitors can be administered separately or as components of the same composition in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers

In yet another aspect the invention provides kits comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally substituted with at least one N0₂ group and/or at least one NO group (I e , nitrosated and/or nitrosylated respectively), and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide as a charged species, I e , nitrosonium (NO⁺) or nitroxyl (NO-), or as the neutral species, nitric oxide (NO»), and/or stimulates endogenous production of nitric oxide or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase The kit can further comprise at least one therapeutic agent, such as, for example, steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonists, leukotriene _t (LT _t) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The COX-2 selective inhibitor, the nitric oxide donor and/or therapeutic agent, can be separate components in the kit or can be in the form of a composition in the kit in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings.

"NSAID" refers to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compound or a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for the biosyntheses of the prostaglandins and certain autocoid inhibitors, including inhibitors of the various isozymes of cyclooxygenase (including but not limited to cyclooxygenase- 1 and -2), and as inhibitors of both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase.

"Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor" refers to a compound that selectively inhibits the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme over the cyclooxygenase- 1 enzyme. In one embodiment, the compound has a cyclooxygenase-2 IC₅₀ of less than about 2 μM and a cyclooxygenase- 1 IC₅₀ of greater than about 5 μM, in the human whole blood COX-2 assay (as described in Brideau et al.,

Inflamm Res., 45: 68-74 (1996)) and also has a selectivity ratio of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition over cyclooxygenase- 1 inhibition of at least 10, and preferably of at least 40. In another embodiment, the compound has a cyclooxygenase- 1 IC₅₀ of greater than about 1 μM, and preferably of greater than 20 μM. The compound can also inhibit the enzyme, lipoxygenase. Such selectivity may indicate an ability to reduce the incidence of common NSAID-induced side effects.

"Parent COX-2 inhibitor "refers to a non-nitrosated and/or non-nitrosylated COX-2 inhibitor, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable esters thereof. "Parent COX-2 inhibitor" includes the compounds of Formulas (I), (II) and (III) before they are nitrosated and/or nitrosylated by the methods described herein. "Therapeutic agent" includes any therapeutic agent that can be used to treat or prevent the diseases described herein. "Therapeutic agents" include, for example, steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ receptor antagonists, leukotriene A₄ hydrolase inhibitors, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Helicobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and the like. Therapeutic agent includes the pro-drugs and pharmaceutical derivatives thereof including but not limited to the conesponding nitrosated and/or nitrosylated derivatives. Although nitric oxide donors have therapeutic activity, the term "therapeutic agent" does not include the nitric oxide donors described herein, since nitric oxide donors are separately defined.

"Cardiovascular disease or disorder" refers to any cardiovascular disease or disorder known in the art, including, but not limited to, restenosis, atherosclerosis, atherogenesis, angina, (particularly chronic, stable angina pectoris), ischemic disease, congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema associated with acute myocardial infarction, thrombosis, controlling blood pressure in hypertension (especially hypertension associated with cardiovascular surgical procedures), thromboembolic events, platelet aggregation, platelet adhesion, smooth muscle cell proliferation, vascular complications associated with the use of medical devices, wounds associated with the use of medical devices, cerebrovascular ischemic events, and the like. Complications associated with the use of medical devices may occur as a result of increased platelet deposition, activation, thrombus formation or consumption of platelets and coagulation proteins. Such complications, which are within the definition of "cardiovascular disease or disorder," include, for example, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic stroke, thromboembolic events, pulmonary thromboembolism, cerebral thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, thrombocytopenia, bleeding disorders and/or any other complications which occur either directly or indirectly as a result of the foregoing disorders. "Restenosis" is a cardiovascular disease or disorder that refers to the closure of a peripheral or coronary artery following trauma to the artery caused by an injury such as, for example, angioplasty, balloon dilation, atherectomy, laser ablation treatment or stent insertion. Restenosis can also occur following a number of invasive surgical techniques, such as, for example, transplant surgery, vein grafting, coronary artery bypass surgery, endarterectomy, heart transplantation, balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, laser ablation, endovascular stenting, and the like.

"Atherosclerosis" is a form of chronic vascular injury in which some of the normal vascular smooth muscle cells in the artery wall, which ordinarily control vascular tone regulating blood flow, change their nature and develop "cancer-like" behavior. These vascular smooth muscle cells become abnormally proliferative, secreting substances such as growth factors, tissue-degradation enzymes and other proteins, which enable them to invade and spread into the inner vessel lining, blocking blood flow and making that vessel abnormally susceptible to being completely blocked by local blood clotting, resulting in the death of the tissue served by that artery. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease), cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vessel disease are all common manifestations of atherosclerosis and are therefore encompassed by the terms "atherosclerosis" and "atherosclerotic disease".

"Improving the cardiovascular profile" refers to and includes reducing the risk of lie events, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic diseases, and inhibiting platelet aggregation of the parent COX-2 inhibitor. "Thromboembolic events" includes, but is not limited to, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombotic occlusion and reocclusion, acute vascular events, restenosis, transient ischemic attacks, and first and subsequent thrombotic stroke. Patients who are at risk of developing thromboembolic events, may include those with a familial history of, or genetically predisposed to, thromboembolic disorders, who have had ischemic stroke, transient ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and those with unstable angina pectoris or chronic stable angina pectoris and patients with altered prostacyclin/thromboxane A₂ homeostasis or higher than normal thromboxane A₂ levels leading to increase risk for thromboembolism, including patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

"Thromboxane inhibitor" refers to any compound that reversibly or irreversibly inhibits thromboxane synthesis, and includes compounds which are the so-called thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonists, thromboxane A₂ antagonists, thromboxane A₂/prostaglandin endoperoxide antagonists, thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonists, thromboxane antagonists, thromboxane synthase inhibitors, and dual acting thromboxane synthase inhibitors and thromboxane receptor antagonists. The characteristics of the preferred thromboxane inhibitor should include the suppression of thromboxane A₂ formation (thromboxane synthase inhibitors) and/or blockade of thromboxane A₂ and prostaglandin H₂ platelet and vessel wall (thromboxane receptor antagonists). The effects should block platelet activation and therefore platelet function.

"Thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonist" refers to any compound that reversibly or irreversibly blocks the activation of any thromboxane A₂ receptor. "Thromboxane synthase inhibitor" refers to any compound that reversibly or irreversibly inhibits the enzyme thromboxane synthesis thereby reducing the formation of thromboxane A₂. Thromboxane synthase inhibitors may also increase the synthesis of antiaggregatory prostaglandins including prostacyclin and prostaglandin D₂. Thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonists and thromboxane synthase inhibitors and can be identified using the assays described in Tai, Methods of Enzymology, Vol. 86, 1 10-1 13 (1982); Hall, Medicinal Research Reviews, 1 1 :503-579 ( 1991 ) and Coleman et al.,

Pharmacol Rev., 46: 205-229 (1994) and references therein, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

"Dual acting thromboxane receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor" refers to any compound that simultaneously acts as a thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonist and a thromboxane synthase inhibitor. "Thrombin inhibitors" refers to and includes compounds that inhibit hydrolytic activity of thrombin, including the catalytic conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, activation of Factor V to Va, Factor VIII to Villa, Factor XIII to XHIa and platelet activation. Thrombin inhibitors may be identified using assays described in Lewis et at., Thrombosis Research. 70: 173-190 (1993). "Platelet aggregation" refers to the binding of one or more platelets to each other. Platelet aggregation is commonly referred to in the context of generalized atherosclerosis, not with respect to platelet adhesion on vasculature damaged as a result of physical injury during a medical procedure. Platelet aggregation requires platelet activation which depends on the interaction between the ligand and its specific platelet surface receptor. "Platelet activation" refers either to the change in conformation (shape) of a cell, expression of cell surface proteins (e.g., the Ilb/IIIa receptor complex, loss of GPIb surface protein), and secretion of platelet derived factors (e.g., serotonin, growth factors).

"Patient" refers to animals, preferably mammals, most preferably humans, and includes males and females, and children and adults. "Therapeutically effective amount" refers to the amount of the compound and/or composition that is effective to achieve its intended purpose.

"Transdermal" refers to the delivery of a compound by passage through the skin and into the blood stream.

"Transmucosal" refers to delivery of a compound by passage of the compound through the mucosal tissue and into the blood stream.

"Penetration enhancement" or "permeation enhancement" refers to an increase in the permeability of the skin or mucosal tissue to a selected pharmacologically active compound such that the rate at which the compound permeates through the skin or mucosal tissue is increased.

"Carriers" or "vehicles" refers to carrier materials suitable for compound administration and include any such material known in the art such as, for example, any liquid, gel, solvent, liquid diluent, solubilizer, or the like, which is non-toxic and which does not interact with any components of the composition in a deleterious manner.

"Nitric oxide adduct" or "NO adduct" refers to compounds and functional groups which, under physiological conditions, can donate, release and/or directly or indirectly transfer any of the three redox forms of nitrogen monoxide (NO⁺, NO^", NO»), such that the biological activity of the nitrogen monoxide species is expressed at the intended site of action.

"Nitric oxide releasing" or "nitric oxide donating" refers to methods of donating, releasing and/or directly or indirectly transferring any of the three redox forms of nitrogen monoxide (NO⁺, NO-, NO»), such that the biological activity of the nitrogen monoxide species is expressed at the intended site of action. "Nitric oxide donor" or "NO donor" refers to compounds that donate, release and/or directly or indirectly transfer a nitrogen monoxide species, and/or stimulate the endogenous production of nitric oxide or endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in vivo and/or elevate endogenous levels of nitπc oxide or EDRF in vivo "NO donor" also includes compounds that are substrates for nitπc oxide synthase

"Alkyl" refers to a lower alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a bridged cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a heterocyclic ring, as defined herein An alkyl group may also comprise one or more radical species, such as, for example a cycloalkylalkyl group or a heterocyc calkyl group "Lower alkyl" refers to branched or straight chain acyclic alkyl group comprising one to about ten carbon atoms (preferably one to about eight carbon atoms, more preferably one to about six carbon atoms) Exemplary lower alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, iso-amyl, hexyl, octyl, and the like

"Substituted lower alkyl" refers to a lower alkyl group, as defined herein, wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced with one or more R¹⁰⁰ groups, wherein each R¹⁰⁰ is independently a hydroxy, an oxo, a carboxyl, a carboxamido, a halo, a cyano or an amino group, as defined herein

'Haloalkyl ' refers to a lower alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a bridged cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a heterocyclic ring, as defined herein, to which is appended one or more halogens, as defined herein Exemplary haloalkyl groups include tnfluoromethyl, chloromethyl, 2-bromobutyl, l -bromo-2-chloro-pentyl, and the like

"Alkenyl" refers to a branched or straight chain C₂-C₁₀ hydrocarbon (preferably a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbon, more preferably a C₂- hydrocarbon) that can comprise one or more carbon-carbon double bonds Exemplary alkenyl groups include propylenyl, buten-1-yl, isobutenyl, penten-1-yl, 2,2- methylbuten-1 -yl, 3-methylbuten-l-yl, hexan-1-yl, hepten-1-yl, octen-1-yl, and the like

"Lower alkenyl" refers to a branched or straight chain C₂-C₄ hydrocarbon that can comprise one or two carbon-carbon double bonds

"Substituted alkenyl" refers to a branched or straight chain C₂-C|₀ hydrocarbon (preferably a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbon, more preferably a C₂-Cβ hydrocarbon) which can comprise one or more carbon- carbon double bonds, wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced with one or more R groups, wherein each R is independently a hydroxy, an oxo, a carboxyl, a carboxamido, a halo, a cyano or an amino group, as defined herein

"Alkynyl" refers to an unsaturated acyclic C₂-Cιo hydrocarbon (preferably a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbon, more preferably a C₂-C₆ hydrocarbon) that can comprise one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds Exemplary alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, butyn-1-yl, butyn-2-yl, pentyl- 1 - yl, pentyl-2-yl, 3-methylbutyn- l-yl, hexyl-1 -yl, hexyl-2-yl, hexyl-3-yl, 3,3-dimethyl-butyn-l -yl, and the like.

"Bridged cycloalkyl" refers to two or more cycloalkyl groups, heterocyclic groups, or a combination thereof fused via adjacent or non-adjacent atoms. Bridged cycloalkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, hydroxy, halo, carboxyl, alkylcarboxylic acid, aryl, amidyl, ester, alkylcarboxylic ester, carboxamido, alkylcarboxamido, oxo and nitro. Exemplary bridged cycloalkyl groups include adamantyl, decahydronapthyl, quinuclidyl, 2,6-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 7-oxabycyclo(2.2.1)heptyl, 8-azabicyclo(3,2,l)oct-2-enyl and the like. "Cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon comprising from about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms. Cycloalkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylarylamino, aryl, amidyl, ester, hydroxy, halo, carboxyl, alkylcarboxylic acid, alkylcarboxylic ester, carboxamido, alkylcarboxamido, oxo, alkylsulfinyl, and nitro. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohepta-l ,3-dienyl, and the like.

"Heterocyclic ring or group" refers to a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon group having about 2 to about 10 carbon atoms (preferably about 4 to about 6 carbon atoms) where 1 to about 4 carbon atoms are replaced by one or more nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur atoms. Sulfur maybe in the thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl oxidation state. The heterocyclic ring or group can be fused to an aromatic hydrocarbon group. Heterocyclic groups can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylthio, aryloxy, arylthio, arylalkyl, hydroxy, oxo, thial, halo, carboxyl, carboxylic ester, alkylcarboxylic acid, alkylcarboxylic ester, aryl, arylcarboxylic acid, arylcarboxylic ester, amidyl, ester, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkylsulfinyl, carboxamido, alkylcarboxamido, arylcarboxamido, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonamido and nitro. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, 3- pyrrolinyl,4,5,6-trihydro-2H-pyranyl, pyridinyl, 1 ,4-dihydropyridinyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl, tetrhydrofuranyl, tetrazolyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolindinyl, oxazolindinyl 1,3-dioxolanyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolindinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1 ,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl,

1 ,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 2H-pyran I, 4H-pyranyl, piperidinyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, morpholinyl, 1 ,4-dithianyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, 1 ,3,5-triazinyl, 1,3,5-trithianyl, benzo(b)thiophenyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolinyl, quinolinyl, and the like.

"Heterocyclic compounds" refer to mono- and polycyclic compounds comprising at least one aryl or heterocyclic ring. "Aryl" refers to a monocyclic, bicychc, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system comprising one or two aromatic rings Exemplary aryl groups include phenyl, pyπdyl, napthyl, quinoyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, furanyl, indanyl, indenyl, indoyi, and the like Aryl groups (including bicychc aryl groups) can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylarylamino, halo, cyano, alkylsulfinyl, hydroxy, carboxyl, carboxylic ester, alkylcarboxylic acid, alkylcarboxylic ester, aryl, arylcarboxylic acid, arylcarboxylic ester, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, amidyl, ester, carboxamido, alkylcarboxamido, carbomyl, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonamido and nitro Exemplary substituted aryl groups include tetrafluorophenyl, pentafluorophenyl, sulfonamide, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfony], and the like

"Cycloalkenyl" refers to an unsaturated cyclic C₂ C|₀ hydrocarbon (preferably a C₂-C₈ hydrocarbon, more preferably a C -C₆ hydrocarbon) which can comprise one or more carbon-carbon tnple bonds

"Alkylaryl" refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, to which is appended an aryl group, as defined herein Exemplary alkylaryl groups include benzyl, phenylethyl, hydroxybenzyl, fluorobenzyl, fluorophenylethyl, and the like

"Arylalkyl" refers to an aryl radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkyl radical, as defined herein Exemplary arylalkyl groups include benzyl, phenylethyl, 4-hydroxybenzyl, 3-fluorobenzyl, 2- fluorophenylethyl, and the like "Arylalkenyl" refers to an aryl radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkenyl radical, as defined herein Exemplary arylalkenyl groups include styryl, propenylphenyl, and the like

"Cycloalkylalkyl" refers to a cycloalkyl radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkyl radical, as defined herein

"Cycloalkylalkoxy" refers to a cycloalkyl radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkoxy radical, as defined herein

"Cycloalkylalkylthio" refers to a cycloalkyl radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkylthio radical, as defined herein

"Heterocyclicalkyl" refers to a heterocyclic πng radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkyl radical, as defined herein "Arylheterocyclic ring" refers to a bi- or tπcyclic ring comprised of an aryl ring, as defined herein, appended via two adjacent carbon atoms of the aryl ring to a heterocyclic ring, as defined herein Exemplary arylheterocyclic rings include dihydroindole, 1 ,2,3,4 tetra-hydroquinoline, and the

' Alkylheterocyc c ring" refers to a heterocyclic πng radical, as defined herein, attached to an alkyl radical, as defined herein Exemplary alkylheterocychc rings include 2-pyrιdylmethyl, 1- methylpiperidin-2-one-3-methyl, and the like.

"Alkoxy" refers to R₅₀O-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein (preferably a lower alkyl group or a haloalkyl group, as defined herein). Exemplary alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, t-butoxy, cyclopentyloxy, trifluoromethoxy, and the like. "Aryloxy" refers to R₅₅0-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. Exemplary arylkoxy groups include napthyloxy, quinolyloxy, isoquinolizinyloxy, and the like. "Alkylthio" refers to R₅₀S-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein. "Lower alkylthio" refers to a lower alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to a thio group, as defined herein. "Arylalkoxy" or "alkoxyaryl" refers to an alkoxy group, as defined herein, to which is appended an aryl group, as defined herein. Exemplary arylalkoxy groups include benzyloxy, phenylethoxy, chlorophenylethoxy, and the like.

"Alkoxyalkyl" refers to an alkoxy group, as defined herein, appended to an alkyl group, as defined herein. Exemplary alkoxyalkyl groups include methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, isopropoxymethyl, and the like.

"Alkoxyhaloalkyl" refers to an alkoxy group, as defined herein, appended to a haloalkyl group, as defined herein. Exemplary alkoxyhaloalkyl groups include 4- methoxy-2-chlorobutyl and the like.

"Cycloalkoxy" refers to R₅₄0-, wherein R₅₄ is a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. Exemplary cycloalkoxy groups include cyclopropyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, and the like.

"Cycloalkylthio" refers to R₅ S-, wherein R₅₄ is a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. Exemplary cycloalkylthio groups include cyclopropylthio, cyclopentylthio, cyclohexylthio, and the like. "Haloalkoxy" refers to an alkoxy group, as defined herein, in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms on the alkoxy group are substituted with halogens, as defined herein. Exemplary haloalkoxy groups include 1 ,1 , 1-trichloroethoxy, 2-bromobutoxy, and the like. "Hydroxy" refers to -OH. "Oxo " refers to =0. "Oxy " refers to -O^" R₇₇⁺ wherein R₇₇ is an organic or inorganic cation.

"Oxime" refers to =N-OR₈| wherein R_sιis a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, an arylsulfonyl group, a carboxylic ester, an alkylcarbonyl group, an arylcarbonyl group, a carboxamido group, an alkoxyalkyl group or an alkoxyaryl group.

"Hydrazone refers to =N-N(R₈ι)(R'₈ι) wherein R'_8I is independently selected from R₈₁, and R₈, is as defined herein. "Organic cation" refers to a positively charged organic ion Exemplary organic cations include alkyl substituted ammonium cations, and the like

"Inorganic cation" refers to a positively charged metal ion Exemplary inorganic cations include Group I metal cations such as for example, sodium, potassium, and the like "Hydroxyalkyl ' refers to a hydroxy group, as defined herein, appended to an alkyl group, as defined herein

"Nitrate" refers to -0-N0₂ "Nitrite" refers to -O-NO "Thionitrate" refers to -S-N0₂ "Thionitπte" and "mtrosothiol" refer to -S-NO

"Nitro" refers to the group -N0₂ and "nitrosated" refers to compounds that have been substituted therewith

"Nitroso" refers to the group -NO and "nitrosylated" refers to compounds that have been substituted therewith "Nitπle" and "cyano" refer to -CN

"Halogen" or "halo" refers to iodine (I), bromine (Br), chlorine (CI), and/or fluorine (F). "Amino " refers to -NH₂, an alkylamino group, a dialkylamino group, an arylamino group, a diarylamino group, an alkylarylamino group or a heterocyclic ring, as defined herein

'Alkylamino" refers to R₅₀NH-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein Exemplary alkylamino groups include methylamino, ethylamino, butylamino, cyclohexylamino, and the like.

"Arylamino" refers to R₅₅NH-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein "Dialkylamino" refers to R₅₂R₅₃N-, wherein R₅₂ and R₅₃ are each independently an alkyl group, as defined herein. Exemplary dialkylamino groups include dimethylamino, diethylamino, methyl propargylamino, and the like "Diarylamino" refers to R₅₅R₆₀N-, wherein R₅₅ and Rβo are each independently an aryl group, as defined herein

"Alkylarylamino or arylalkylamino" refers to R₅₂R₅₅N-, wherein R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein, and R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein

"Al ylarylalkylamino " refers to R₅₂R _.N-, wherein R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein, and R₇₉ is an arylalkyl group, as defined herein

"Alkylcycloalkylamino " refers to R₅₂R₈₀N-, wherein R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein, and R₈₀ιs an cycloalkyl group, as defined herein

"Aminoalkyl " refers to an amino group, an alkylamino group, a dialkylamino group, an arylamino group, a diarylamino group, an alkylarylamino group or a heterocyclic ring, as defined herein, to which is appended an alkyl group, as defined herein Exemplary aminoalkyl groups include dimethylaminopropyl, diphenylaminocyclopentyl, methylaminomethyl, and the like.

"Aminoaryl " refers to an aryl group to which is appended an alkylamino group, a arylamino group or an arylalkylamino group. Exemplary aminoaryl groups include anilino, N-methylanilino, N- benzylanilino, and the like. "Thio" refers to -S-.

"Sulfinyl" refers to -S(O)-. "Methanthial" refers to -C(S)-. "Thial" refers to =S. "Sulfonyl" refers to -S(0)₂^". "Sulfonic acid" refers to -S(0)₂OR₇₆, wherein R₇₆ is a hydrogen, an organic cation or an inorganic cation, as defined herein.

"Alkylsulfonic acid" refers to a sulfonic acid group, as defined herein, appended to an alkyl group, as defined herein.

"Arylsulfonic acid" refers to a sulfonic acid group, as defined herein, appended to an aryl group, as defined herein

"Sulfonic ester" refers to -S(0)₂OR₅g, wherein R₅₈ is an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aryl heterocyclic ring, as defined herein.

"Sulfonamido" refers to -S(0)₂-N(R₅₁)(R₅₇), wherein R_5i and R₅₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein, or R₅₎ and R₅₇ when taken together are a heterocyclic ring, a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein.

"Alkylsulfonamido" refers to a sulfonamido group, as defined herein, appended to an alkyl group, as defined herein.

"Arylsulfonamido" refers to a sulfonamido group, as defined herein, appended to an aryl group, as defined herein.

"Alkylthio" refers to R₅₀S-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein (preferably a lower alkyl group, as defined herein).

"Arylthio" refers to R₅₅S-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. "Arylalkylthio" refers to an aryl group, as defined herein, appended to an alkylthio group, as defined herein.

"Alkylsulfinyl" refers to R₅₀-S(O)-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein. "Alkylsulfonyl" refers to R₅₀-S(O)₂-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein. "Alkylsulfonyloxy" refers to R₅₀-S(O)₂-O-, wherein R₅₀ is an alkyl group, as defined herein. "Arylsulfinyl" refers to R₅₅-S(0)-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. "Arylsulfonyl" refers to R₅₅-S(0)₂-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. "Arylsulfonyloxy" refers to R₅₅-S(0)₂-0-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. "Amidyl" refers to R₅ιC(0)N(R₅₇)- wherein R₅, and R₅₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein.

"Ester" refers to R₅ιC(0)0- wherein R₅ι is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein.

"Carbamoyl" refers to -0-C(0)N(R₅ι)(R₅₇), wherein R₅, and R₅₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein, or R₅₁ and R₅₇ taken together are a heterocyclic ring, a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. "Carboxyl" refers to -C(0)OR₇₆, wherein R₇₆ is a hydrogen, an organic cation or an inorganic cation, as defined herein.

"Carbonyl" refers to -C(O)-.

"Alkylcarbonyl" refers to R₅₂-C(0)-, wherein R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein. "Arylcarbonyl" refers to R₅₅-C(0)-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein. "Arylalkylcarbonyl" refers to R₅₅-R₅₂-C(0)-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein, and R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein.

"Alkylarylcarbonyl" refers to R₅₂-R₅₅-C(0)-, wherein R₅₅ is an aryl group, as defined herein, and R₅₂ is an alkyl group, as defined herein.

"Heterocyclicalkylcarbonyl" refer to R₇₈C(0)- wherein R₇₈ is a heterocyclicalkyl group, as defined herein.

"Carboxylic ester" refers to -C(0)OR₅₈, wherein R₅₈ is an alkyl group, an aryl group or an aryl heterocyclic ring, as defined herein.

"Alkylcarboxylic acid" and "alkylcarboxyl" refer to an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxyl group, as defined herein. "Alkylcarboxylic ester" refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxylic ester group, as defined herein.

"Arylcarboxylic acid" refers to an aryl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxyl group, as defined herein.

"Arylcarboxylic ester" and "arylcarboxyl" refer to an aryl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxylic ester group, as defined herein.

"Carboxamido" refers to -C(0)N(R₅|)(R₅₇), wherein R₅, and R₅₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein, or R₅₁ and R₅₇ when taken together are a heterocyclic ring, a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein. "Alkylcarboxamido" refers to an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxamido group, as defined herein.

"Arylcarboxamido" refers to an aryl group, as defined herein, appended to a carboxamido group, as defined herein.

"Urea" refers to -N(R₅₉)-C(0)N(R₅i)(R₅₇) wherein R₅ι, R₅₇, and R₅₉ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylheterocyclic ring, as defined herein, or R₅ι and

R₅₇ taken together are a heterocyclic ring, a cycloalkyl group or a bridged cycloalkyl group, as defined herein.

"Phosphoryl" refers to -P(R₇₀)(R₇ι)(R ₂), wherein R₇₀ is a lone pair of electrons, thial or oxo, and R₇₁ and R₇₂ are each independently a covalent bond, a hydrogen, a lower alkyl, an alkoxy, an alkylamino, a hydroxy, an oxy or an aryl, as defined herein.

Compounds that donate, transfer or release nitric oxide species in vivo have been recognized as having a wide spectrum of advantages and applications. The invention is based on the unexpected discovery of the effects of such compounds alone and together with one or more COX-2 inhibitors. Treatment or prevention of inflammation, pain and fever; treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and/or improvement of the gastrointestinal properties of COX-2 inhibitors; facilitation of wound healing; and treatment and/or prevention of renal and/or respiratory toxicity and cyclooxygenase-2 mediated disorders can be obtained by the use of COX-2 inhibitors of the invention; or by the use of COX-2 inhibitors in conjunction with one or more compounds that donate, release or transfer nitric oxide and/or stimulate endogenous production of NO and or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and, optionally, with one or more therapeutic agents.

The COX-2 selective inhibitors, that are optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, can be used alone or in conjunction with one or more compounds that donate, release or transfer nitric oxide and/or stimulate endogenous production of NO and/or EDRF in vivo and/or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and/or with one or more therapeutic agents, such as for example, steroids, nonsterodal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonists, leukotriene _t (LTA₄) hydrolase inhibitors, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti- histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, analgesics, Helicobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

These novel compounds and novel compositions of the present invention are described in more detail herein.

In one embodiment, the invention describes COX-2 inhibitors of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

<img file="WO2004002409A2_D0001.tif" />

I wherein:

R, is -S(0)₂-CH₃ or -S(0)₂-NH₂;

Ri at each occurrence is independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a methyl or CH₂OH; R₂ is a substituted lower alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic ring;

(a) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_n-0-V;

(b) -C(Z)-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(c) -C(Z)-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_n-0-V; (d) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R^,₄))_n-C(Z)-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_n-0-V; (e) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-CH=CH-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-0-V;

(f) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))„-0-V;

(g) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_n-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(h) -C(Z)-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(i) -C(0)-N(R,)-0-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_n-0-V; (j) -(C(R₄)(R'₄)) -C_≡C-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-0-V;

(k) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄))rY-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(I) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-E-N(R,)-0-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

(m) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-E-N(R₁)-0-(C(R₄)(R'₄) -0-V;

(n) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-N(R,)-0-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V; (o) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-O-N(R,)-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V,

(p) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_P- 0-N(R,)-E-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

(q) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_P- 0-N(R,)-E-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

(r) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-C(Z)-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

(s) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_P-Y-C(Z)-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V; or (t) -(C(R,)(R'₄))_p-Y-C(Z)-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

R₄ and R'₄ at each occurrence are independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group; or » and R' taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached are a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic ring;

V is -NO, -N0₂, or a hydrogen;

Y at each occurrence is independently an oxygen,-S(0)₀- or -N(R_a)R_r; Z is an oxo, a thial, an oxime or a hydrazone;

Q is Y or a covalent bond;

W at each occurrence is independently an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, a heterocyclic ring or an alkylheterocychc ring;

E is -C(0) or -S(0)₀; R_a is a lone pair of electron a hydrogen or a lower alkyl group;

R, is a hydrogen, an alkyl, an aryl, an alkylcarboxylic acid, an arylcarboxylic acid, an alkylcarboxylic ester, an arylcarboxylic ester, an alkylcarboxamido, an arylcarboxamido, an alkylaryl, an alkylsulfinyl, an alkylsulfonyl, an alkylsulfonyloxy, an arylsulfinyl, an arylsulfonyl, arylsulphonyloxy, a sulfonamido, a carboxamido, a carboxylic ester, an aminoalkyl, an aminoaryl, - (C(R₄χR'₄))_n-0-V, a bond to an adjacent atom creating a double bond to that atom, -(N₂0₂-)^"*M⁺, wherein M⁺ is an organic or inorganic cation; o is an integer from 0 to 2; k is an integer from 1 to 6; p at each occurrence is independently an integer from 0 to 10; n at each occurrence is independently an integer from 2 to 10; and with the proviso that when R₂ is cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocyclic ring, R₃ cannot be -(C(R_ι)(R'₄))_n-0-V, where R₄ and R'₄ at each occurrence are independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group and V is hydrogen, as disclosed in, for example, WO 98/47509 and WO 99/22720. In cases where multiple designations of variables that reside in sequence are chosen as a

"covalent bond" or the integer chosen is 0, the intent is to denote a single covalent bond connecting one radical to another. For example, E₀ would denote a covalent bond, while E₂ denotes (E-E) and (C(R₄)(R'₄))₂ denotes -C(R₄)(R'₄)-C(R₄)(R'₄)-.

Another embodiment of the invention describes COX-2 inhibitors of Formula (II), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

<img file="WO2004002409A2_D0002.tif" />

wherein R,, Rj', R₂ and R₃ are as defined herein and with the proviso that when R₂ is cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocyclic ring, R₃ cannot be

-(C(R )(R' ))_n-0-V, where 1^ and R' at each occurrence are independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group and V is hydrogen, as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,516,907, 5,753,688, 5,760,068 and in WO 95/15316.

Another embodiment of the invention describes COX-2 inhibitors of Formula (III), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

<img file="WO2004002409A2_D0003.tif" />

III wherein:

R₅ is:

(a) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-B-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(b) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R₄))_k-D-(C(R₄)(R'₄)) -0-V; (c) -C(Z)-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-Y-(C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V; (d) -(C(R₄)(R'₄)) -Y-W-Q-C(R₄)(R'₄))_k-0-V;

(e) -C(Z)-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄)) -0-V;

(f) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-E-N(R,)-0-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V; (g) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-E-N(R,)-0-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V; (h) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-N(R₁)-0-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V; (.) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_p-0-N(R,)-(C(R₄)(R'₄)_k-0-V;

0) -(C(R,)(R'₄))_p- 0-N(R,)-E-(C(R₄)(R'₄) -0-V, or

(k) -(C(R₄)(R'₄))_P- 0-N(R,)-E-W-Q-(C(R₄)(R'₄) -0-V_; B is -C(Z)-, -Y- or a covalent bond; D is - S(O)₀ or -N(R_a)(R ; and

R,, R,', R₂, R₄, R'₄, R_a, R„ E, Y, V, Z, W, Q, 0 and k are as defined herein.

In preferred embodiments for the compounds of Formula (I), (II) and (III), R₂ is a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group or a cyclooctyl group optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an amino group, a hydroxy group, a nitro group or a halo group; a phenyl or a pyridyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents independently selected from a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an amino group, a hydroxy group, a nitro group or a halo group. In more preferred embodiments the compounds of Formulas (I) are: l-(l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l-one; l-(3-((l Z)-4-(hydroxy)but-l-enyl)-l-cyclohexylρyrazol-5-yl-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4-(3-((3- hydroxypropoxy)methyl)- 1 -phenylpyrazol-5-y I)- 1 -(methy lsulfonyl)benzene; 1 -(3-(difluoro(3- hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-(4-methylphenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methy 1 sulfonyl) benzene ; l-(3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-(4-methoxyρhenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(3-(( l Z)-4-(hydroxy)but-l-enyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene;

4-hydroxy- 1 -( 1 -(4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3- yl)butan-l -one;

1 -( 1 -(4-fluoropheny l)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-y l)-4-hydroxybutan- 1 -one; 1 -( 1 -(4- bromophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l-one; l-(l-cyclohexyl-3-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l -cyclohexyl-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l-cyclohexyl-3-((3-(hydroxymethyl)ρhenoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(l -(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxyρropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(3-((3-hydroxybutoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(3-(( lE)-4-(hydroxy)but-l-enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-( l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-hydroxyhexan-l -one;

4-hydroxy- l -(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyI)- l -(4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl) butan-1-one;

4-hydroxy- l -(l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl) butan-1 -one; -(3-(( 1 E)-3-hydroxyproρ- 1 -enyl)- 1 -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)- 1 (methylsulfony 1) benzene; l-( l -cyclohexyl-3-(((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; -(3-(4-hydroxybutanoyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)ρyrazoIyl) benzenecarbonitrile; 4-(l -cyclohexyl-3-(4-hydroxybutanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzenesulfonamide; l -(l -(4-chloroophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l-one;

(l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxamide;

(l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3-hydroxypropyl) carboxamide; the nitrosated compounds of Formula (I) are: l -(l-cyclooctyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l-cycloheptyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l -( l-cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy)butan-l-one l-(3-((lZ)-4-(nitrooxy)but- l-enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; 4-(3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(3-(difluoro(3-(nitrooxy)proρoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methyIsulfonyl) benzene; l -(l-(4-chloroρhenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(l-(4-methylphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene;

4-(methy lsulfonyl)- 1 -(3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl)pheny l)pyrazol-5- yl)benzene; l-(l-(4-methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(3-((lZ)-4-(nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l -phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(3-((l E)-4-(nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l-(4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)ρhenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy)butan-l -one;

1 -(1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan-1-one

1 -( 1 -(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny l)py razol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan- 1 -one; l-(l-cyclohexyl-3-((2-(nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l -(1 -cyclohexyl-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l-cyclohexyl-3-((3-((nitrooxy)methyl)phenoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; l-(l-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene;

4-(methylsulfonyl)-l-(3-((3-(nitrooxy)butoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)benzene; l-(3-(( lE)-4-(nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-6-(nitrooxy)hexan-l -one; 1 -(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethy l)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4- (nitrooxy)butan- 1 - one; l-(l -(4-methoxyρhenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl-4-(nitrooxy) butan- 1 -one;

4-(l -cyclohexyl-3-(2-(nitrooxy)ethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)- l -(methylsulfonyl)benzene;

4-(l-cyclohexyl-3-(3-(nitrooxy)propyl)pyrazol-5-yl)- l -(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(5-(4-(methysulfonyl)phenyl)-l -(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(nitrooxy)ethan-l-one; 4-(l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazoI-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl) benzene;

4-(l-(4-methyI-3-nitrophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene; l-(3-((lE)-3-(nitrooxy)prop-l-enyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene; 4-(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazolyl) benzenecarbonitrile;

4-(l -cyclohexyl-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzenesulfonamide; l-(l-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan-1 -one;

(l-cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2-(nitrooxy)ethyl)carboxamide;

( 1 -cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3(nitrooxy) propyl)carboxamide; 3-(nitrooxy)propyl 4-(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)- l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)ρyrazol-3- yl)butanoate; the compounds of Formula (II) are:

4-(3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide; l-(3-((lZ)-4-hydroxybut-l-enyl)-5-(3-pyridnyl)pyrazolyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene; 4-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-5-phenylpyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)-benzenesulfonamide; the nitrosated compounds of Formula (II) are:

4-(5-(4-methylphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide; l-(3-((lZ)-4-(nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazolyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benznene;

4-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-5-phenylpyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-(chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)benzene-sulfonamide the compounds of Formula (III) are: 4-(5-(3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-((2,2-difluoro-3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(3-phenyl-5-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxy)methyl)isoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-((2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-5-hydroxypentyloxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide; 4-(5-((2- ((2-hydroxyethyl)sulfonyl)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide; the nitrosated compounds of Formula (III) are:

4-(5-(3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-3-ρhenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-(2-nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-y])benzenesulfonamide;

4-(5-((2,2-difuoro-3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfoamide; 4-(3-phenyl-5-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxy)methyl)isoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide; and 4-(5-((2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-5-(nιtrooxy)pentyloxy)methyl)-3-phenylιsoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamιde, 4-(5-((2-(nιtrooxy)ethyl)sulfonyl)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenyhsoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof

Another embodiment of the invention descπbes the metabolites of the compounds of Formulas (I), (II) and (III) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof These metabolites, include but are not limited to, the non-nitrosated and/or non-nitrosylated derivatives, degradation products, hydrolysis products, and the like, of the compounds of Formulas (I), (II) and (III) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof

Compounds of the invention that have one or more asymmetπc carbon atoms may exist as the optically pure enantiomers, pure diastereomers, mixtures of enantiomers, mixtures of diastereomers, racemic mixtures of enantiomers, diastereomeric racemates or mixtures of diastereomeric racemates The invention includes within its scope all such isomers and mixtures thereof

Another embodiment of the invention provides processes for making the novel compounds of the invention and to the intermediates useful in such processes The reactions are performed in solvents appropriate to the reagents and mateπals used are suitable for the transformations being effected It is understood by one skilled in the art of organic synthesis that the functionality present in the molecule must be consistent with the chemical transformation proposed This will, on occasion, necessitate judgment by the routineer as to the order of synthetic steps, protecting groups required, and deprotection conditions Substituents on the starting materials may be incompatible with some of the reaction conditions required in some of the methods described, but alternative methods and substituents compatible with the reaction conditions will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art The use of sulfur and oxygen protecting groups is well known for protecting thiol and alcohol groups against undesirable reactions duπng a synthetic procedure and many such protecting groups are known and described by, for example, Greene and Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, John Wiley &amp; Sons, New York (1999)

The chemical reactions described herein are generally disclosed in terms of their broadest application to the preparation of the compounds of this invention Occasionally, the reactions may not be applicable as described to each compound included within the disclosed scope The compounds for which this occurs will be readily recognized by one skilled in the art In all such cases, either the reactions can be successfully performed by conventional modifications known to one skilled in the art, e g , by appropriate protection of interfering groups, by changing to alternative conventional reagents, by routine modification of reaction conditions, and the like, or other reactions disclosed herein or otherwise conventional, will be applicable to the preparation of the corresponding compounds of this invention In all preparative methods, all starting materials are known or readily prepared from known starting materials The compounds of Formulas (I), (II) and (III) can be synthesized by one skilled in the art following the methods and examples described herein. The synthesis of the non-nitrosated and/or non-nitrosylated COX-2 inhibitors are disclosed in, for example, U. S. Patent Nos. 5,344,991, 5,393,790, 5,466,823, 5,474,995, 5,486,534, 5,504,215, 5,508,426, 5,510,496, 5,516,907, 5,521,207, 5,536,752, 5,550,142, 5,563,165, 5,616,601 , 5,620,999, 5,677,318, 5,668,161 , 5,691 ,374, 5,698,584,

5,710,140, 5,753,688, 5,859,257, 5,908,858, 5,945,539, 5,994,381 , 6,080,876, 6,083,969 and 6,071 ,954 and in WO 91/19708, WO 94/15932, WO 94/26731, WO 94/27980, WO 95/00501, WO 95/1 1883, WO 95/15315, WO 95/15316, WO 95/15317, WO 95/15318, WO 95/18799, WO 95/21817, WO 95/30652, WO 96/30656, WO 96/03387, WO 96/03392, WO 96/03385, WO 96/03387, WO 96/03388, WO 96/09293, WO 96/09304, WO 96/16934, WO 96/19462, WO

96/19463, WO 96/19469, WO 96/25405, WO 96/36617, WO 96/36623, WO 97/11704, WO 97/13755, WO 97/27181, WO 97/14691, WO 97/16435, WO 97/34882, WO 97/36863, WO 97/40012, WO 97/45420, WO 98/00416, WO 98/11080, WO 98/22422, WO 98/41516, WO 98/46594, WO 98/52937, WO 99/15531, WO 99/23087, WO 99/33796, WO 99/25695, WO 99/61016, WO 99/62884 and WO 99/64415 and in EP 0 745 596 Al, EP 0 087 629 Bl, EP 0418 845

Bl , EP 0 554 829 A2, EP 0 863 134 Al, EP 1 006 114 Al; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The COX-2 inhibitor compounds can then be nitrosated and/or nitrosylated through one or more sites such as oxygen, sulfur and/or nitrogen using the methods described in the examples herein and using conventional methods known to one skilled in the art. For example, known methods for nitrosating and/or nitrosylating compounds are described in

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,380,758 and 5,703,073; WO 94/03421, WO 94/04484, WO 94/12463, WO 95/09831, WO 95/30641, WO 97/27749, WO 98/19672, WO 00/25776, WO 01/00563 and WO 01/04082, WO 01/10814, WO 01/45703 and Oae et al, Org. Prep. Proc. Int., 75(3):165-198 (1983), the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The methods of nitrosating and/or nitrosylating the compounds described in the examples herein and in these references can be applied by one skilled in the art to produce any of the nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 inhibitors described herein.

The compounds of the invention include the COX-2 inhibitors, which have been nitrosated and/or nitrosylated through one or more sites such as oxygen (hydroxyl condensation), sulfur (sulfhydryl condensation) and/or nitrogen. The nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 inhibitors of the invention donate, transfer or release a biologically active form of nitrogen monoxide (i.e., nitric oxide).

Nitrogen monoxide can exist in three forms: NO- (nitroxyl), NO* (uncharged nitric oxide) and NO⁺ (nitrosonium). NO* is a highly reactive short-lived species that is potentially toxic to cells. This is critical because the pharmacological efficacy of NO depends upon the form in which it is delivered. In contrast to the nitπc oxide radical (NO»), nitrosonium (NO⁺) does not react with 0₂ or 0₂ species, and functionalities capable of transferring and/or releasing NO⁺ and NO- are also resistant to decomposition in the presence of many redox metals Consequently, administration of charged NO equivalents (positive and/or negative) is a more effective means of delivering a biologically active NO to the desired site of action

Compounds contemplated for use in the invention (e g , COX-2 selective inhibitor, that can be optionally nitrosated and or nitrosylated), are, optionally, used in combination with nitric oxide and compounds that release nitπc oxide or otherwise directly or indirectly deliver or transfer a biologically active form of nitrogen monoxide to a site of its intended activity, such as on a cell membrane in vivo

The term "nitric oxide" encompasses uncharged nitric oxide (NO^») and charged nitrogen monoxide species, preferably charged nitrogen monoxide species, such as nitrosonium ion (NO⁺) and nitroxyl ion (NO-) The reactive form of nitπc oxide can be provided by gaseous nitric oxide The nitrogen monoxide releasing, delivering or transferπng compounds have the structure F-NO, wherein F is a nitrogen monoxide releasing, delivering or transferπng moiety, and include any and all such compounds which provide nitrogen monoxide to its intended site of action in a form active for its intended purpose The term "NO adducts ' encompasses any nitrogen monoxide releasing, delivering or transferπng compounds, including, for example, S-nitrosothiols, nitrites, nitrates, S-nitrothiols, sydnonimines, 2-hydroxy-2-nιtrosohydrazιnes, (NONOates), (E)-alkyl-2-((E)- hydroxyιmιno)-5-nιtro- 3-hexeneamιde (FK-409), (E)-alkyl-2-((E)-hydroxyιmιno)-5-nιtro-3- hexeneamines, N-((2Z, 3E)-4- ethyl-2-(hydroxyιmιno)-6-methyl-5-nιtro-3-heρtenyl)-3- pyπdinecarboxamide (FR 146801 ), nitrosoamines, furoxans as well as substrates for the endogenous enzymes which synthesize nitric oxide NONOates include, but are not limited to, (Z)-l -(N-methyl-N-(6-(N-methyl- ammonιohexyl)amιno))dιazen-l mm 1,2-dιolate ("MAHMA/NO"), (Z)-l-(N-(3-ammonιopropyl) N (n-ρropyI)amιno)dιazen-l-ιum-l,2-dιolate (' PAPA/NO"), (Z)-l -(N-(3-amιnopropyl)-N-(4-(3- amιnopropylarnmonιo)butyl)-amιno) dιazen-l-ιum-l,2-dιolate (spermine NONOate or "SPER/NO ') and sodιum(Z)-l -(N,N- dιethylamιno)dιazenιum-l ,2-dιolate (diethylamine NONOate or 'DEA/NO") and derivatives thereof NONOates are also described in U S Patent Nos 6,232,336, 5,910,316 and 5,650,447, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety The "NO adducts" can be mono-nitrosylated, poly-nitrosylated, mono-nitrosated and/or poly-mtrosated at a variety of naturally susceptible or artificially provided binding sites for biologically active forms of nitrogen monoxide

One group of NO adducts is the S-nitrosothiols, which are compounds that include at least one -S-NO group These compounds include S-mtroso-polypeptides (the term "polypeptide' includes proteins and polyamino acids that do not possess an ascertained biological function, and derivatives thereof); S-nitrosylated amino acids (including natural and synthetic amino acids and their stereoisomers and racemic mixtures and derivatives thereof); S-nitrosylated sugars; S-nitrosylated, modified and unmodified, oligonucleotides (preferably of at least 5, and more preferably 5-200 nucleotides); straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted S-nitrosylated hydrocarbons; and S-nitroso heterocyclic compounds S-nitrosothiols and methods for preparing them are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,380,758 and 5,703,073; WO 97/27749; WO 98/19672; and Oae et al, Org. Prep. Proc. Int., 75(3): 165-198 (1983), the disclosures of each of which are incoφorated by reference herein in their entirety.

Another embodiment of the invention is S-nitroso amino acids where the nitroso group is linked to a sulfur group of a sulfur-containing amino acid or derivative thereof. Such compounds include, for example, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine, S-nitroso-captopπl, S-nitroso-N- acetylpenicillamine, S-nitroso-homocysteine, S-nitroso-cysteine, S-nitroso-glutathione, S-nitroso- cysteinyl-glycine, and the like.

Suitable S-nitrosylated proteins include thiol-containing proteins (where the NO group is attached to one or more sulfur groups on an am o acid or amino acid derivative thereof) from various functional classes including enzymes, such as tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA) and cathepsin B; transport proteins, such as lipoproteins; heme proteins, such as hemoglobin and serum albumin; and biologically protective proteins, such as immunoglobulins, antibodies and cytokines. Such nitrosylated proteins are descnbed in WO 93/09806, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Examples include polynitrosylated albumin where one or more thiol or other nucleophilic centers in the protein are modified.

Other examples of suitable S-nitrosothiols include, (i) HS(C(R_e)(R_f))_mSNO; (ii) ONS(C(R_e)(R_f))_mR_e; or (iii) H₂N-CH(C0₂H)-(CH₂)_m-C(0)NH-CH(CH₂SNO)-C(0)NH-CH₂-C0₂H; wherein m is an integer from 2 to 20; R_e and R_f are each independently a hydrogen, an alkyl, a cycloalkoxy, a halogen, a hydroxy, an hydroxyalkyl, an alkoxyalkyl, an arylheterocyclic ring, a cycloalkylalkyl, a heterocyclicalkyl, an alkoxy, a haloalkoxy, an amino, an alkylamino, a dialkylamino, an arylamino, a diarylamino, an alkylarylamino, an alkoxyhaloalkyl, a haloalkoxy, a sulfonic acid, a sulfonic ester, an alkylsulfonic acid, an arylsulfonic acid, an arylalkoxy, an alkylthio, an arylthio, a cyano, an aminoalkyl, an aminoaryl, an aryl, an arylalkyl, a carboxamido, a alkylcarboxamido, an arylcarboxamido, an amidyl, a carboxyl, a carbamoyl, an alkylcarboxylic acid, an arylcarboxylic acid, an alkylcarbonyl, an arylcarbonyl, an ester, a carboxylic ester, an alkylcarboxylic ester, an arylcarboxylic ester, a haloalkoxy, a sulfonamido, an alkylsulfonamido, an aryl sulfonamido, an alkylsulfonyl, an alkylsulfonyloxy, an arylsulfonyl, an arylsulfonyloxy, a urea, a nitro,

-T-Q-, or -(C(R„)(R_h))_k-T-Q or R_e and R_f taken together are an oxo, a thial, a heterocyclic ring, a cycloalkyl group, an oxime, a hydrazone or a bridged cycloalkyl group, Q is -NO or -N0₂, and T is independently a covalent bond, a carbonyl, an oxygen, -S(0)₀- or -N(R_a)R,-, wherein o is an integer from 0 to 2, R_d is a lone pair of electrons, a hydrogen or an alkyl group, R, is a hydrogen, an alkyl, an aryl, an alkylcarboxylic acid, an arylcarboxylic acid, an alkylcarboxylic ester, an arylcarboxylic ester, an alkylcarboxamido, an arylcarboxamido, an alkylsulfinyl, an alkylsulfonyl, an alkylsulfonyloxy, an arylsulfinyl, an arylsulfonyloxy, an arylsulfonyl, a sulfonamido, a carboxamido, a carboxylic ester, an aminoalkyl, an aminoaryl, -CH₂-C(T-Q)(R_g)(R_h), or -(N₂0₂-)^'*M⁺, wherein M⁺ is an organic or inorganic cation, with the proviso that when R, is -CH₂-C(T-Q)(R_g)(R_h) or -(N₂0₂-

)^«M⁺; then "-T-Q" can be a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group, an aminoalkyl group, a hydroxy group or an aryl group, and

R_g and R_h at each occurrence are independently R_e

In cases where R_e and R_f are a heterocyclic πng or taken together R_e and R_f are a heterocyclic ring, then R, can be a substituent on any disubstituted nitrogen contained within the radical wherein R, is as defined herein

Nitrosothiols can be prepared by various methods of synthesis In general, the thiol precursor is prepared first, then converted to the S-nitrosothiol derivative by nitrosation of the thiol group with NaN0₂ under acidic conditions (pH is about 2 5) which yields the S-nitroso derivative Acids which can be used for this purpose include aqueous sulfuπc, acetic and hydrochloric acids The thiol precursor can also be nitrosylated by reaction with an organic nitrite such as tert-butyl nitπte, or a nitrosonium salt such as nitrosonium tetraflurorborate in an inert solvent

Another group of NO adducts for use in the invention, where the NO adduct is a compound that donates, transfers or releases nitnc oxide, include compounds comprising at least one ON-O- or ON-N- group The compounds that include at least one ON-O- or ON-N- group are preferably ON-O- or ON-N-polypeptides (the term "polypeptide" includes proteins and polyamino acids that do not possess an ascertained biological function, and derivatives thereof), ON-O- or ON-N-amino acids (including natural and synthetic amino acids and their stereoisomers and racemic mixtures), ON-O- or ON-N-sugars, ON-O- or -ON-N- modified or unmodified oligonucleotides (comprising at least 5 nucleotides, preferably 5-200 nucleotides), ON-O- or ON-N- straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, and ON-O-, ON-N- or ON-C-heterocychc compounds

Another group of NO adducts for use in the invention include nitrates that donate, transfer or release nitric oxide, such as compounds comprising at least one 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- group Preferred among these compounds are 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- polypeptides (the term "polypeptide" includes proteins and also polyamino acids that do not possess an ascertained biological function, and derivatives thereof), 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N S amino acids (including natural and synthetic amino acids and their stereoisomers and racemic mixtures), 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- sugars, O_.N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- modified and unmodified oligonucleotides (comprising at least 5 nucleotides, preferably 5-200 nucleotides), 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, and 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- heterocyclic compounds Preferred examples of compounds comprising at least one 0₂N-0-, 0₂N-N- or 0₂N-S- group include isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, clonitrate, erythrityl tetramtrate, mannitol hexanitrate, mtroglyceπn, pentaerythπtoltetranitrate, pentπnitrol, propatylnitrate and organic nitrates with a sulfhydryl- contaimng amino acid such as, for example SPM 3672, SPM 5185, SPM 5186 and those disclosed in U S Patent Nos 5,284,872, 5,428,061, 5,661,129, 5,807,847 and 5,883,122 and in WO 97/46521, WO 00/54756 and in WO 03/013432, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety Another group of NO adducts are N oxo N nitrosoamines that donate, transfer or release nitric oxide and are represented by the formula R¹ R² N-N(0-M⁺)-NO, where R¹ and R² are each independently a polypeptide, an amino acid, a sugar, a modified or unmodified oligonucleotide, a straight or blanched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, or a heterocyclic group, and where M⁺ is an organic or inorganic cation, such as, for example, an alkyl substituted ammonium cation or a Group I metal cation

The invention is also directed to compounds that stimulate endogenous NO or elevate levels of endogenous endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in vivo or are substrates for nitric oxide synthase Such compounds include, for example, L-arginine, L-homoarginine, and N-hydroxy-L- argi ne, including their nitrosated and nitrosylated analogs (e g , nitrosated L-arginine, nitrosylated L-arginine, nitrosated N-hydroxy-L-argimne, nitrosylated N-hydroxy-L-arginine, nitrosated L- homoarginine and nitrosylated L-homoarginine), precursors of L-arginine and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, including, for example, citrulhne, ornithine, glutamine, lysine, polypeptides comprising at least one of these ammo acids, inhibitors of the enzyme arginase (e g , N-hydroxy-L- argimne and 2(S)-amιno-6-boronohexanoιc acid), nitric oxide mediators and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, including, for example, pyruvate, pyruvate precursors, α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms, precursors of α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms (as disclosed in WO 03/017996, the disclosure of which is incoφorated herein in its entirety), and the substrates for nitric oxide synthase, cytokines, adenosin, bradykinin, calreticulin, bisacodyl, and phenolphthalein EDRF is a vascular relaxing factor secreted by the endothehum, and has been identified as nitric oxide (NO) or a closely related derivative thereof (Palmer et al, Nature, 327 524- 526 (1987); Ignarro et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:9265-9269 (1987)).

The invention is also based on the discovery that compounds and compositions of the invention may be used in conjunction with other therapeutic agents for co-therapies, partially or completely, in place of other conventional antiinflammatory compounds, such as, for example, together with steroids, NSAIDs, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ (LTB ) receptor antagonists, leukotriene A₄ (LTA ) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, HMG-CoA inhibitors, H₂ receptor antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opiods, analgesics, Helicobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

Leukotriene A_\ (LTA_t) hydrolase inhibitors refer to compounds that selectively inhibit leukotriene A* hydrolase with an IC₅₀ of less than about lOμM, and preferably with an IC₅₀ of less than about 1 μM. Suitable LTA_t hydrolase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, RP-64966, (S,S)- 3-amino-4-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-hydroxybutyric acid benzyl ester, N-(2(R)-(cyclohexylmethyl)-3- (hydroxycarbamoyI)propionyl)-L-alanine, 7-(4-(4-ureidobenzyl)phenyl) heptanoic acid and 3 (3-

(lE,3E-tetradecadienyl)-2-oxiranyl)benzoic acid lithium salt, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

Suitable LTB₄ receptor antagonists include, but are not limited to, ebselen, linazolast, ontazolast; WAY 121006; Bay-x-1005; BI-RM-270; CGS-25019C; ETH-615; MAFP; TMK-688; T- 0757; LY 213024, LY 210073, LY 223982, LY 233469, LY 255283, LY 264086, LY 292728 and LY 293111; ONO-LB457, ONO-4057, and ONO-LB-448, S-2474, calcitrol; PF 10042; Pfizer 105696;

RP 66153; SC-53228, SC-41930, SC-50605, SC-51146 and SC-53228; SB-201146 and SB-209247; SKF-104493; SM 15178; TMK-688; BPC 15, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The preferred LTB₄ receptor antagonists are calcitrol, ebselen, Bay-x-1005, CGS-25019C, ETH-615, LY-293111, ONO-4057 and TMK-688, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Suitable 5-LO inhibitors include, but are not limited to, A-76745, 78773 and ABT761; Bay-x-

1005; CMI-392; E-3040; EF-40; F-1322; ML-3000; PF-5901 ; R-840; rilopirox, flobufen, linasolast, lonapolene, masoprocol, ontasolast, tenidap, zileuton, pranlukast, tepoxalin, rilopirox, flezelastine hydrochloride, enazadrem phosphate, and bunaprolast, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Suitable 5-LO inhibitors are also described more fully in WO 97/29776, the disclosure of which is incoφorated herein by reference in its entirety.

Suitable 5-HT agonists, include, but are not limited to, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitroptan, eleptriptan, almotriptan, ergot alkaloids. ALX 1323, Merck L 741604 SB 220453 and LAS 31416. Suitable 5-HT agonists are described more fully in WO 0025779, and in WO 00/48583. 5-HT agonists refers to a compound that is an agonist to any 5-HT receptor, including but not limited to, 5-HT, agonists, 5-HTι_B agonists and 5-HT_{i D} agonists, and the like. Suitable steroids, include, but are not limited to, budesonide, dexamethasone, corticosterone, prednisolone, and the like. Suitable steroids are described more fully in the literature, such as in the Merck Index on CD-ROM, 13^lh Edition.

Suitable HMG CoA inhibitors, include, but are not limited to, reductase and synthase inhibitors, such as, for example, squalene synthetase inhibitors, benzodiazepine squalene synthase inhibitors, squalene epoxidase inhibitors, acyl-coenzyme A, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and the like. Suitable HMG CoA inhibitors include simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, and the like, and are described more fully in U.S. Patent No. 6,245,797 and WO 99/20110, the disclosures of which are incoφorated herein by reference in their entirety.

Suitable NSAIDs, include, but are not limited to, acetaminophen, aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, including but not limited to prodrugs thereof, and the like. Suitable NSAIDs are described more fully in the literature, such as in Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (9th Edition), McGraw-Hill, 1995, Pgs. 617-657; the Merck Index on CD-ROM, 13^,h Edition; and in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,057,347 and 6,297,260 assigned to

NitroMed Inc., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Suitable H₂ receptor anatgonists, include, but are not limited to, cimetidine, roxatidine, rantidine and the like. Suitable H₂ receptor antagonists are described more fully in the literature, such as in Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (9th Edition), McGraw-Hill, 1995, Pgs. 901-915; the Merck Index on CD-ROM, 13^th Edition; and in WO 00/28988 assigned to

NitroMed Inc., the disclosures of which are incoφorated herein by reference in their entirety.

Suitable antineoplastic agents, include but are not limited to, 5-FU-fibrinogen, acanthifolic acid, aminothiadiazole, altretamine, anaxirone, aclarubicin and the like. Suitable antineoplastic agents are also described in U. S. Patent No. 6,025,353 and WO 00/38730, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Suitable antiplatelet agents, include but are not limited to, aspirin, ticlopidine, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, glycoprotein Ilb/IIIa receptor antagonists, and the like. Suitable antineoplastic agents are also described in WO 99/45913, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antiplatelet agent is aspirin, more preferably, low-dose aspirin (i.e. 75 mg - 100 mg/day).

Suitable thrombin inhibitors, include but are not limited to, N'-(( l -(aminoirninomethyl)-4- piperidinyl)methyl)-N-(3,3-diphenylpropinyl)-L-proline amide),3-(2-phenylethylamino)-6-methyl-l - (2-amino-6-methyl-5-methylene-carboxamidomethylpyridinyl)-2-pyrazinone, 3-(2-phenethylamino)- 6-methyl- i -(2-amino-6-methyl-5- methylenecarboxamidomethylpyridinyl)-2-pyridinone, and the like. Suitable thrombin inhibitors are also described in WO 00/18352, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Suitable thromboxane inhibitors, include but are not limited to thromboxane synthase inhibitors, thromboxane receptor antagonists, and the like. Suitable thromboxane inhibitors, are also described in WO 01/87343, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Suitable decongestants include, but are not limited to, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudophedrine, oxymetazoline, ephinephrine, naphazoline, xylometazoline, propylhexedrine, levo- desoxyephedrine, and the like.

Suitable antitussives include, but are not limited to, codeine, hydrocodone, caramiphen, carbetapentane, dextramethoφhan, and the like. Suitable proton pump inhibitors, include, but are not limited to, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, and the like. Suitable proton pump inhibitors are described more fully in the literature, such as in Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (9th Edition), McGraw-Hill, 1995, Pgs. 901-915; the Merck Index on CD-ROM, 13^lh Edition; and in WO 00/50037 assigned to NitroMed Inc., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The compounds and compositions of the invention, may also be used in combination therapies with opioids and other analgesics, including, but not limited to, narcotic analgesics, Mu receptor antagonists, Kappa receptor antagonists, non-narcotic (i.e. non-addictive) analgesics, monoamine uptake inhibitors, adenosine regulating agents, cannabinoid derivatives, neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists, Substance P antagonists, neurokinin- 1 receptor antagonists, sodium channel blockers, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Preferred combination therapies would be with morphine, meperidine, codeine, pentazocine, buprenoφhine, butoφhanol, dezocine, meptazinol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, Tramadol ((+) enantiomer), DuP 747, Dynorphine A, Enadoline, RP-60180, HN-1 1608, E-2078, ICI-204448, acetaminophen (paracetamol), propoxyphene, nalbuphine, E-4018, filenadol, mirtentanil, amitriptyline, DuP631 ,

Tramadol ((-) enantiomer), GP-531 , acadesine, AKI-1 , AKI-2, GP-1683, GP-3269, 4030W92, tramadol racemate, Dynoφhine A, E-2078, AXC3742, SNX- 1 1 1 , ADL2-1294, ICI-204448, CT-3, CP-99,994, CP-99,994, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

The compounds and compositions of the invention can also be used in combination with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors. Suitable iNOS inhibitors are disclosed in U. S.

Patent Nos. 5,132,453 and 5,273,875, and in WO 97/38977 and WO 99/18960, the disclosures of each of which are incoφorated by reference herein in their entirety.

The invention is also based on the discovery that the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and compositions described herein is effective for treating inflammation, pain (both chronic and acute), and fever, such as, for example, analgesic in the treatment of pain, including, but not limited to headaches, migraines, postoperative pain, dental pain, muscular pain, and pain resulting from cancer, as an antipyretic for the treatment of fever, including but not limited to, rheumatic fever, symptoms associated with influenza or other viral infections, common cold, low back and neck pain, dysmenorrhea, headache, toothache, sprains, strains, myositis, 5 neuralgia, synovitis, arthritis, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease (osteoarthπtis), spondyloarthropathies, gouty arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile arthritis For example, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and or nitrosylated In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2

10 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and, at least one therapeutic agent, including but not limited to, steroids, lt&gt; nonsterodal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5 lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotπene B

(LTB₄) receptor antagonists, leukotπene _t (LTA₄) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non- sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter

20 pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitnc oxide synthase The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition

Another embodiment of the invention provides methods for treating gastrointestinal disorders 5 and/or improving the gastrointestinal properties of the COX-2 selective inhibitor by administering to the patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and/or compositions described herein Such gastrointestinal disorders refer to any disease or disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract (e g , esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, jejunum) including, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, 0 peptic ulcers, stress ulcers, gastric hyperacidity, dyspepsia, gastroparesis, Zol nger-Ellison syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bacterial infections (including, for example, a Hehcobacter Pylon associated disease), short-bowel (anastomosis) syndrome, hypersecretory states associated with systemic mastocytosis or basophi c leukemia and hyperhistaminemia, and bleeding peptic ulcers that result, for example, from neurosurgery, head injury, severe body trauma or burns For example, the 5 patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase. In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and, at least one therapeutic agent, including but not limited to, including but not limited to, steroids, nonsterodal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ (LTB ) receptor antagonists, leukotriene A₄ (LTA₄) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non- sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase. The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides methods for facilitating wound healing (such as, for example, ulcer healing, bone healing including osteoporosis) by administering to the patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and/or compositions described herein. Wound refers to, and includes, any lesion that is characterized by loss of tissue, and, includes, but is not limited to, ulcers, cuts, burns, bone fractures, orthopedic procedure, wound infliction, and the like. Ulcers refers to lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract lining that are characterized by loss of tissue, and, include, but are not limited to, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and the like. For example, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase. In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and, at least one therapeutic agent, and, optionally, at least one nitric oxide donor. The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition.

Another embodiment of the invention provides methods to decrease or reverse renal and/or other toxicities (such as, for example, kidney toxicity, respiratory toxicity) by administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and/or compositions described herein For example, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one nitric oxide donor. In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one therapeutic agent, and, optionally, at least one nitnc oxide donor. The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition.

Another embodiment of the invention provides methods to treat or prevent disorders resulting from elevated levels of COX-2 by administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and/or compositions described herein. For example, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase. In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one therapeutic agent, including but not limited to, steroids, a nonsterodal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5- lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotπene B (LTB ) receptor antagonists, leukotriene _t (LTA_t) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, or elevates levels of endogenous EDRF or nitric oxide, or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase. The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition.

Disorders resulting from elevated levels of COX-2 (e.g., COX-2 mediated disorders) include, but are not limited to, for example, angiogenisis, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, premature labor, tendinitis, bursitis; skin-related conditions, such as, for example, psoriasis, eczema, surface wounds, burns and dermatitis; post-operative inflammation including from ophthalmic surgery, such as, for example, cataract surgery and refractive surgery, and the like; treatment of neoplasia, such as, for example, brain cancer, bone cancer, epithelial cell-derived neoplasia (epithelial carcinoma), such as, for example, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal cancer, such as, for example, lip cancer, mouth cancer, esophageal cancer, small bowel cancer and stomach cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreas cancer, ovary cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer, such as squamus cell and basal cell cancers, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and other known cancers that effect epithelial cells throughout the body, benign and cancerous tumors, growths, polyps, adenomatous polyps, including, but not limited to, familial adenomatous polyposis, fibrosis resulting from radiation therapy, and the like; treatment of inflammatory processes in diseases, such as, for example, vascular diseases, migraine headaches, periarteritis nodosa, thyroiditis, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, sclerodoma, rheumatic fever, type I diabetes, neuromuscular junction disease including myasthenia gravis, white matter disease including multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, nephrotic syndrome, Behcet's syndrome, polymyositis, gingivitis, nephritis, hypersensitivity, swelling occurring after injury, myocardial ischemia, and the like; treatment of ophthalmic diseases and disorders, such as, for example, retinitis, retinopathies, uveitis, ocular photophobia, acute injury to the eye tissue, glaucoma, inflammation of the eye and elevation of intraocular pressure and the like; treatment of pulmonary inflammation, such as, for example, those associated with viral infections and cystic fibrosis, and the like; treatment of central nervous system disorders, such as, for example, cortical dementia including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, multi-infarct dementia, pre-senile dementia, alcoholic dementia, senile dementia, and central nervous system damage resulting from stroke, ischemia and trauma, and the like; treatment of allergic rhinitis, respiratory distress syndrome, endotoxin shock syndrome, atherosclerosis; treatment of inflammations and/or microbial infections including, for example, inflammations and/or infections of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and/or skin; treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders, such as, for example, coronary artery disease, aneurysm, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, including, but not limited to, cardiac transplant atherosclerosis, myocardial infaraction, hypertension, ischemia, embolism, stroke, thrombosis, venous thrombosis, thromboembolism, thrombotic occlusion and reclusion, restenosis, angina, unstable angina, shock, heart failure, coronary plaque inflammation, bacterial-induced inflammation, such as, for example,

Chlamydia-m^' duced inflammation, viral induced inflammation, inflammation associated with surgical procedures, such as, for example, vascular grafting, coronary artery bypass surgery, revascularization procedures, such as, for example, angioplasty, stent placement, endarterectomy, vascular procedures involving arteries, veins, capillaries, and the like; treatment and/or prevention of urinary and/or urological disorders, such as, for example, incontinence and the like; treatment and/or prevention of endothelial dysfunctions, such as, for example, diseases accompanying these dysfunctions, endothelial damage from hypercholesterolemia, endothelial damage from hypoxia, endothelial damage from mechanical and chemical noxae, especially during and after drug, and mechanical reopening of stenosed vessels, for example, following percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) and percuntaneous transluminal coronary angiography (PTCA), endothelial damage in postinfarction phase, endothehum-mediated reocculusion following bypass surgery, blood supply distrubances in peripheral arteries, as well as, cardiovascular diseases, and the like, methods for treating and/or preventing tissue deterioration, such as, for example, for organ transplants, and the like, disorders treated by the inhibition and/or prevention of activation, adhesion and infiltration of neutrophils at the site of inflammation, and disorders treated by the inhibition and/or prevention of platelet aggregation

The compounds and compositions of the invention can also be used as a pre-anesthetic medication in emergency operations to reduce the danger of aspiration of acidic gastric contents

Another embodiment of the invention provides methods for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors by administenng to a patient m need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds and/or compositions described herein For example, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 selective inhibitor of the invention In another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and at least one nitric oxide donor In yet another embodiment, the patient can be administered a therapeutically effective amount of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, at least one of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, and, optionally, at least one nitric oxide donor The compounds can be administered separately or in the form of a composition When administered separately, the COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, can be administered about the same time as part of the overall treatment regimen l e , as a combination therapy "About the same time" includes administering the COX-2 selective inhibitor, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, simultaneously, sequentially, at the same time, at different times on the same day, or on different days, as long as they are administered as part of an overall treatment regimen, I e , combination therapy or a therapeutic cocktail

When administered in vivo, the compounds and compositions of the invention can be administered in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable earners and in dosages described herein When the compounds and compositions of the invention are administered as a combination of at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor and/or at least one nitrosated and or nitrosylated COX-2 selective inhibitor and/or at least one nitric oxide donor and/or therapeutic agent, they can also be used in combination with one or more additional compounds which are known to be effective against the specific disease state targeted for treatment The nitric oxide donors, therapeutic agents and/or other additional compounds can be administered simultaneously with, subsequently to, or prior to administration of the COX-2 selective inhibitor and or nitrosated and/or nitrosylated COX-2 selective inhibitor The compounds and compositions of the invention can be administered by any available and effective delivery system including, but not limited to, orally, bucally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, by topical application, by injection, transdermally, or rectally (e g , by the use of suppositories) in dosage unit formulations containing conventional nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles, as desired Parenteral includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intrasternal injection, or infusion techniques

Transdermal compound administration, which is known to one skilled in the art, involves the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds via percutaneous passage of the compound into the systemic circulation of the patient Topical administration can also involve the use of transdermal administration such as transdermal patches or iontophoresis devices Other components can be incoφorated into the transdermal patches as well For example, compositions and/or transdermal patches can be formulated with one or more preservatives or bacteπostatic agents including, but not limited to, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, chlorocresol, benzalkomum chloπde, and the like Dosage forms for topical administration of the compounds and compositions can include creams, sprays, lotions, gels, ointments, eye drops, nose drops, ear drops, and the like In such dosage forms, the compositions of the invention can be mixed to form white, smooth, homogeneous, opaque cream or lotion with, for example, benzyl alcohol 1 % or 2% (wt/wt) as a preservative, emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, lactic acid, punfied water and sorbitol solution In addition, the compositions can contain polyethylene glycol 400 They can be mixed to form ointments with, for example, benzyl alcohol 2% (wt/wt) as preservative, white petrolatum, emulsifying wax, and tenox II

(butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, citπc acid, propylene glycol) Woven pads or rolls of bandaging material, e g , gauze, can be impregnated with the compositions in solution, lotion, cream, ointment or other such form can also be used for topical application The compositions can also be applied topically using a transdermal system, such as one of an acrylic-based polymer adhesive with a resinous cross nking agent impregnated with the composition and laminated to an impermeable backing

Solid dosage forms for oral administration can include capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets, chewable tablets, pills, powders, sachets, granules and gels In such solid dosage forms, the active compounds can be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch Such dosage forms can also comprise, as in normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e g , lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate In the case of capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets, and pills, the dosage forms can also comprise buffering agents Soft gelatin capsules can be prepared to contain a mixture of the active compounds or compositions of the invention and vegetable oil Hard gelatin capsules can contain granules of the active compound in combination with a solid, pulverulent carrier such as lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, potato starch, corn starch, amylopectin, cellulose derivatives of gelatin. Tablets and pills can be prepared with enteric coatings.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs containing inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water. Such compositions can also comprise adjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, and sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Suppositories for vaginal or rectal administration of the compounds and compositions of the invention, such as for treating pediatric fever and the like, can be prepared by mixing the compounds or compositions with a suitable noniπitating excipient such as cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols which are solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature, such that they will melt in the rectum and release the drug.

Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions can be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing agents, wetting agents and/or suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation can also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1 ,3- butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that can be used are water, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride solution. Sterile fixed oils are also conventionally used as a solvent or suspending medium.

The compositions of this invention can further include conventional excipients, i.e., pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic carrier substances suitable for parenteral application which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, for example, water, salt solutions, alcohol, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, surfactants, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, perfume oil, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, petroethral fatty acid esters, hydroxymethyl-cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like. The pharmaceutical preparations can be sterilized and if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, colorings, flavoring and/or aromatic substances and the like which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds. For parenteral application, particularly suitable vehicles consist of solutions, preferably oily or aqueous solutions, as well as suspensions, emulsions, or implants. Aqueous suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension and include, for example, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain stabilizers.

The composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting agents, emulsifying agents and/or pH buffering agents. The composition can be a liquid solution, suspension, emulsion, tablet, pill, capsule, sustained release formulation, or powder. The composition can be formulated as a suppository, with traditional binders and carriers such as triglycerides. Oral formulations can include standard carriers such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, and the like

Various delivery systems are known and can be used to administer the compounds or compositions of the invention, including, for example, encapsulation in liposomes, microbubbles, emulsions, microparticles, microcapsules and the like The required dosage can be administered as a single unit or in a sustained release form

The bioavailabilty of the compositions can be enhanced by micronization of the formulations using conventional techniques such as grinding, milling, spray drying and the like in the presence of suitable excipients or agents such as phosphohpids or surfactants The preferred methods of administration of the COX 2 selective inhibitors and compositions for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders are orally, bucally or by inhalation The preferred methods of administration for the treatment of inflammation and microbial infections are orally, bucally, topically, transdermally or by inhalation

The compounds and compositions of the invention can be formulated as pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, alkali metal salts and addition salts of free acids or free bases The nature of the salt is not cπtical, provided that it is pharmaceutically-acceptable Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts may be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid Examples of such inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid and the like Appropnate organic acids include, but are not limited to, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organic acids, such as, for example, formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycohc, gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaπc, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaπc, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, mesylic, salicylic, p hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandehc, embonic (pamoic), methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic, toluenesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesuιfonιc, sulfanilic, steanc, algenic, β- hydroxybutyπc, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, galactaπc and galacturonic acid and the like Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable base addition salts include, but are not limited to, metallic salts made from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organic salts made from primary, secondary and tertiary amines, cyclic amines, N,N'-dιbenzylethylenedιamιne, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine) and procaine and the like All of these salts may be prepared by conventional means from the corresponding compound by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base with the compound While individual needs may vary, determination of optimal ranges for effective amounts of the compounds and/or compositions is within the skill of the art Generally, the dosage required to provide an effective amount of the compounds and compositions, which can be adjusted by one of ordinary skill in the art, will vary depending on the age, health, physical condition, sex, diet, weight, extent of the dysfunction of the recipient, frequency of treatment and the nature and scope of the dysfunction or disease, medical condition of the patient, the route of administration, pharmacological considerations such as the activity, efficacy, pharmacokinetic and toxicology profiles of the particular compound used, whether a drug delivery system is used, and whether the compound is administered as part of a drug combination.

The amount of a given COX-2 selective inhibitor of the invention that will be effective in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques, including reference to Goodman and Gilman, supra; The Physician's Desk Reference, Medical Economics Company, Inc., Oradell, NJ., 1995; and

Drug Facts and Comparisons, Inc., St. Louis, MO, 1993. The precise dose to be used in the formulation will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided by the physician and the patient's circumstances.

The amount of nitric oxide donor in a pharmaceutical composition can be in amounts of about 0.1 to about 10 times the molar equivalent of the COX-2 selective inhibitor. The usual daily doses of the COX-2 selective inhibitors are about 0.001 mg to about 140 mg/kg of body weight per day, preferably 0.005 mg to 30 mg/kg per day, or alternatively about 0.5 mg to about 7 g per patient per day. For example, inflammations may be effectively treated by the administration of from about 0.01 mg to 50 mg of the compound per kilogram of body weight per day, or alternatively about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 g per patient per day. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of up to 6 times per day, preferably 1 to 4 times per day, and most preferably once per day. Effective doses may be extrapolated from dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model test systems and are in the same ranges or less than as described for the commercially available compounds in the Physician's Desk Reference, supra. The invention also provides pharmaceutical kits comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical compounds and/or compositions of the invention, including, at least, one or more of the novel COX-2 selective inhibitors, that is optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated, and one or more of the NO donors described herein. Associated with such kits can be additional therapeutic agents or compositions (e.g., steroids, NSAIDs, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) receptor antagonists and leukotriene A₄ (LTA ) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, HMG-CoA inhibitors, H₂ antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non- sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Hehcobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and the like), devices for administering the compositions, and notices in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products which reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for humans.

EXAMPLES The following non-limiting examples further describe and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. In each of the examples, flash chromatography was performed on

40 micron silica gel (Baker)

Example 1: l-(l-Cydooctyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyra-_ol-5-yl)-4-(methylsuIfonyI) benzene 1 a. N-( Azacycloocty I idenemethy l)(tert-butoxy)carboxamιde

Cyclooctanone (5 g, 39 6 mmol) and t-butyl carbazate (5 24 g, 39 6 mmol) in methanol (140 mL) was stined at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was evaporated and the resulting solid dried under vacuo to give a white solid in quantitative yield. Mp 133 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) 6 7.45 (br s, I H), 2 35-2.40 (m, 2H), 2.27-2.35 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.82 (m, 4H), 1.51 (s, 9H), 1.32- 1.58 (m, 6H), ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 158.3, 152.9, 80.8, 36 5, 28.4, 27.4, 27.3, 26.5, 25 4, 24 6, 24 5 Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 241 (MH⁺) Anal calcd for C,₃H₂₄N₂0₂: C, 64.97; H, 10.07; N, 1 1.66. Found: C, 64 74, H, 9.98, N, 11.64.

1 b. (tert-Butoxy)-N-(cyclooctylamιno)carboxamιde

Sodium cyanoborohydπde (2.48 g, 39.6 mmol) was added portion-wise to a suspension of the product of Example 1 a (9 5 g, 39 6 mmol) in 50% acetic acid (100 mL) at room temperature The resultant clear solution was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature The reaction mixture was neutralized with IN NaOH, extracted with CH₂C1₂, washed with saturated NaHC0₃, dried, filtered and evaporated to give the title compound as a colorless oil in quantitative yield. The crude product was used without further purification. Ic Cyclooctyl hydrazine tπfluoroacetate

Trifluoroacetic acid (20 mL) was added drop-wise to a solution of the product of Example 1 b (5.6 g, 36.9 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour The solvent was evaporated to give the tπfluoroacetate salt of the title compound as a colorless oil in quantitative yield Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 6.00-6 25 (br s, IH), 3.70-3.95 (br s, I H), 2.95-3.13 (m, I H), 1.53 (s, 9H), 1.40-1.85 (m, 14H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 157.0, 80.4, 60.0, 30 4, 28 5, 27.4, 25.7, 23.9 Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 243 (MH⁺). Id Methyl (2Z)-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methylthιophenyl)-4-oxobut-2-enoate

Dimethyloxalate (26 g, 180.7 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of sodium methoxide (9.75 g, 180.7 mmol) in dry toluene (200 mL) at 0 °C The white suspension was stirred for 15 mm at 0 °C A solution of 4'-(methylthιo)acetophenone (15 g, 90 4 mmol) in dry toluene ( 150 mL) was then added drop-wise over 15 minutes giving a yellow suspension which was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The thick yellow suspension was transferred to a 2 liter flask and stirred vigorously with 10% HCl (250 mL) and EtOAc (200 L) to dissolve all the solid present. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (250 L), dried over Na₂S0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give thick brown oil. The brown oil was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (25 mL) and hexane (125 L) and left in a freezer at -20 °C for 16 hours to give the title compound (18 g, 79% yield) as orange color solid. Mp 81 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.83 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (s, IH), 3.89 (s, 3H), 2.47 (s, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 253 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₁₂H,₂0₄S: C, 57.13; H, 4.79; S, 12.71. Found: C, 56.85; H, 4.76; S, 12.43. le Methyl l-cyclooctyl-5-(4-methyIthiophenyl)ρyrazol-3-carboxylate

A mixture of the product Example Id (2 g, 7.9 mmol) and the product of Example lc (3.65 g, 10.3 mmol) in methanol (40 mL) was heated at 70 °C for 2 hours and cooled to room temperature. The mixture was made basic with 5% Na₂C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc which was then washed with saturated NaHC0₃ and water. The organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a thick oil, which was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1:2 EtOAc:Hex to give the title compound as a colorless oil (2.8 g, 99% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.34 (dd, J = 1.7 and 6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (dd, J = 1.9 and 4.7 Hz, 2H), 6.75 (s, IH), 4.35-4.55 (m, IH), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.20-2.38 (m, 2H), 1.15-1.90 ( , 12H); ^{l 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 163.3, 143.5, 142.6, 140.3, 129.7, 126.7, 126.4, 108.8, 60.4, 59.6, 52.1, 34.2, 30.3, 27.3, 26.5, 25.7, 24.8, 23.7, 15.5. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 359 (MH⁺).

If. (l-Cyclooctyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)methan-l -ol

Lithium aluminum hydride (6.78 mL of IM solution in THF, 0.26 g, 6.78 mmol) was added drop-wise to a solution of the product of Example le (2.43 g, 6.78 mmol) in THF (40 mL) at 0 °C. The yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid Na₂SO₄.10H₂O was added portionwise to the reaction mixture at 0 °C, followed by few drops of water and 0.1 N NaOH. The solid was filtered and washed with EtOAc. The residue, obtained after evaporation of the filtrate, was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1 : 1 EtOAc:Hex to give the title compound ( 1.64 g, 73% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.32 (dd, J = 2.0 and 6.6 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (dd, J = 1.6 and 6.6 Hz, 2H), 6.19 (s, IH), 4.79 (bd, J = 3.4 Hz, 2H), 4.27-4.40 ( , IH), 2.58-2.72 (m, IH), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.08-2.25 (m, 2H), 1.20-1.88 (m, 12H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 151.3,

143.1, 139.5, 129.5, 127.7, 126.4, 104.1 , 59.3, 58.5, 34.1 , 26.6, 26.3, 24.8, 15.6. Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 331 (MH⁺), 313 (M-OH). Anal, calcd.. for C_l9H₂₀N₂OS: C, 69.05; H, 7.93; N, 8.48. Found: C, 68.81; H, 8.06; N, 8.59. Ig. l-(l -CycIooctyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyI)benzene The product of Example If ( 1.54 g, 4.67 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (90 mL). OXONE^® (5.74 g, 9.33 mmol) in water (20 mL) was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and the resulting solid was removed by filtration. CH₂C1₂ was added to the filtrate, that was washed with saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried over Na₂S0₄, and filtered. The residue after evaporation of the solvent was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc/ Hexane to give the title compound as white needles (1.4 g, 83% yield). Mp l27-128 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.05 (d, J = 8.3

Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, / = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (s, IH), 4.73 (d, J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 4.25-4.37 (m, I H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.08-2.30 (m, 2H), 1.22-1.92 (m, 12H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 151.7, 141.6, 140.5, 136.8, 130.0, 128.0, 105.1 , 59.2, 59.1 , 44.6, 34.1 , 26.7, 26.2, 24.8. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 363 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C,₉H_2eN₂0₃S: C, 62.96; H, 7.23; N, 7.73; S, 8.84. Found: C, 62.99; H, 7.30; N, 7.67; S, 8.87. lh. l-(l -Cyclooctyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example lg (0.52 g, 1.43 mmol) in CHC1₃ was added to a mixture of fuming HNO₃ (0.30 mL, 0.45 g, 7.13 mmol) and Ac₂0 (1.1 mL, 1.16 g, 11.4 mmol) at -10 °C and stirred at - 10 °C for 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water and extracted with CH₂C1_2. The extracts were washed with ice cold saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtO Ac/Hex to give the title compound as a white solid (0.36 g, 63% yield). Mp 1 10-1 1 1 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.06 (dd, / = 1.8 and 6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (dd, J = 1.8 and 6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.38 (s, IH), 5.50 (s, 2H), 4.27-4.40 (m, IH), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.12-2.30 (m, 2H), 1.27-1.96 ( , 12H); ¹ C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 143.3, 141.9, 140.9, 136.2, 130.0, 128.1 , 107.3, 68.8, 59.5, 44.6, 33.9,

26.7, 26.1, 24.6. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 408 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C,₉H₂₅N₃0₅S: C, 56.00; H, 6.18; N, 10.31; S, 7.87. Found: C, 56.12; H, 6.30; N, 10.27; S, 7.84.

Example 2: l-(l-CycIoheptyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene 2a. Methyl l-cycloheptyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id, (tert-butoxy)-N-

(cycloheptylamino)carboxamide, TFA, using the procedure for Example le. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.34 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (s, IH), 4.29 ( , IH), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.39-1.96 (m, 12H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 345 (MH⁺). 2b. Methyl 1 -cycloheptyl-5-(4-(rnethylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate The product of Example 2a ( 150 mg, 0.44 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (2 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. The oxidant, /n-CPBA (240 mg, 0.96 mmol), was added and the cooling bath was removed. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (15 mL), washed with I N Na₂C0₃ (2 x 5) followed by brine (1 x 5), dried over Na₂S0₄, and concentrated. This gave a solid that was recrystallized from EtOAc (300 μL) and hexane (450 μL) to give the title compound (90 mg, 54% yield) as a white solid. Mp 115-117 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.07 (d, / = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (s, IH), 4.25 (pentet, J = 6.0 Hz, I H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 1.40-2.32 (m, 12). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 311 (MH⁺). Anal calcd. for Cι₉H₂₄N₂0₄S: C, 60.62; H, 6.43; N, 7.44. Found C, 60.43; H, 6.36; N, 7.47. 2c. 1 -( 1 -Cycloheptyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene The product of Example 2b (1.8 g, 4.9 mmol) was dissolved in THF (20 mL) and cooled to 0

°C. Solid lithium aluminum hydride (280 mg, 7.5 mmol) was added all at one time. Stirring was continued at 0 °C for 30 minutes followed by 30 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and excess lithium aluminum hydride was destroyed by the sequential addition of H₂0 (350 μL), 15% NaOH (350 μL), H₂0 (1 mL). The precipitate that formed was removed by filtration through Celite, washed with EtOAc (2 x 25). The combined filtrates were dried over

Na₂S0₄ and concentrated. Trituration of the solid residue with hexane (6 mL) and EtOAc (3 mL) gave the title compound (l.O g, 60% yield) as a white solid. Mp 116-118 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.29 (s, IH), 4.73 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 4.19 (pentet, J = 4.6 Hz, IH), 3.12 (s, 3H), 1.26-2.24 (m, 12). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 349 (MH^"1). Anal calcd. for d₈H₂₄N₂0₃S: C, 62.04; H, 6.94; N, 8.04. Found C, 61.87; H, 6.94; N, 7.99.

2d. l-(l-Cycloheptyl-3-((nitrooxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

Fuming nitric acid 90% (350 μL, 7.5 mmol) was added to acetic anhydride (1.1 mL, 12 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes, it was then cooled to 0 °C and diluted with EtOAc (10 mL). The product of Example 2c in EtOAc and the above mentioned mixture were stirred for 2 hours at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was partitioned between EtOAc (20 mL) and saturated NaHC0₃ (20 mL by stiπing for 20 minutes. The organic layer was removed and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (40 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂S0₄ and concentrated. Trituration of the residue in hexane (1.6 mL) and EtOAc (0.4 mL) gave the title compound (400 mg, 70 % yield) as a white solid. Mp 119-120 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.06 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.38 (s, IH), 5.50 (s, 2H), 4.22 (pentet, J = 4.6

Hz, IH), 3.13 (s, 3H), 1.42-2.20 (m, 12). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 394 (MH⁴). Anal calcd. for Cι_SH₂₃N₃0₅S: C, 54.95; H, 5.89; N, 10.68. Found C, 54.97; H, 5.99; N, 10.42. Example 3: l-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4 -(nitrooxy)butan-l- one 3a. Methyl(2Z)-2-hydroxy-4-(4-(methylsulfonyl)ρhenyl)-4-oxobut-2-enoate

OXONE^® (4.39 g, 7.1 mmol) in water ( 14 mL) was added drop-wise to a solution of Example I d ( 1.5 g, 6.0 mmol) in a mixture of MeOH (30 mL) and CH₂C1₂ (2 mL) at 0 °C. The resultant suspension was slowly allowed to warm to room temperature over a period of 1 hour. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was diluted with CH₂C1₂, washed with saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried (Na₂S0₄) and filtered. The solvent was evaporated to give the product (0.8 g, 47% yield). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 285 (MH⁺), 302 (MNH₄⁺).

3b. Methyl- l-cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate

The product of Example 3a (7.4 g, 26 mmol) and cyclohexyl hydrazine hydrochloride (4.3 g, 29 mmol) were heated at reflux in MeOH (100 mL) for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and a few drops of acetone was added to initiate crystallization. The resulting thick slurry was diluted with H₂0 (90 mL) and IN HCl (20 mL), then cooled to -20 °C in a freezer. The solid was isolated by filtration and washed with H₂0 (2 x 50), dried in vacuo at room temperature to give the title compound (8.3 g, 88% yield) as a tan solid. Mp 108 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) δ 8.09 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (s, IH), 4.06-4.10 (m, 1H),3.97 (s, 3H), 3.16 (s, 3H), 1.26-2.19 (m, 10H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 162.5, 142.5, 141.9, 140.8, 135.2, 129.7,

127.8, 109.3, 59.0, 51.8, 44.2, 33.1, 25.2, 24.5. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 363 (MH⁺). 3c. ( l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy-N- methylcarboxamide Trimethylaluminum (5.52 mL of 2M solution in hexane, 0.80 g, 11.1 mmol,) was added drop- wise to a suspension of dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride in CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) at 0 °C. The clear solution was stirred at 0 °C for 45 minutes and then at room temperature for 40 minutes. To this solution the product of Example 3b (2.06 g, 5.7 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ ( 4 mL) was added drop-wise. The stirring was continued for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and 10% HCl was carefully added drop-wise. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc, washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂S0₄ and filtered. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent was dissolved in CH₂C1₂, filtered through a silica gel pad and was washed with EtOAc. The combined filtrate and washings were evaporated to give the title compound (1.48 g, 67% yield) as a white solid. Mp 53 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.28 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (s, I H), 4.00-4.20 (m, IH), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.48 (br s, 3H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 1.78-2.20 (m, 7H), 1.13-1.37 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 144.6, 141.3, 140.9, 136.0, 130.0, 128.1, 109.5, 61.7, 59.0, 44.6, 33.5, 25.6, 25.1, 14.7, 14.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 392 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C_l9H₂₅N₃0₄S: C, 58.29; H, 6.44; N, 10.73. Found: C, 57.98; H, 6.45; N, 10.35. 3d. l-(l -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(l ,l,2,2-tetramethyl- 1- silapropoxy)butan-l-one To a solution of the product of Example 3c (1.0 g, 2.56 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added drop-wise the Grignard reagent prepared from 3-bromo-l -(1 ,l ,2,2-tetramethyl-l -silapropoxy) propane

(5 g, 19.8 mmol) and magnesium turnings (1.02 g, 42.5 mmol) in THF (50 L) at 0 °C under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was gradually allowed to warm to room temperature. After all the starting material had been consumed, saturated aqueous NH₄C1 solution was added drop-wise at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were washed with water, dried (Na₂S0 ) and filtered. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting first with 1: 10 to 2: 10, then with 1 :2 to 1 : 1 and lastly with 2: 1 EtOAc:hexane to give the title compound (1.27 g, 98% yield) as a white solid. Mp 131 -133 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.08 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (s, IH), 3.95-4.25 (m, I H), 3.74 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (s, 3H), 3.13 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.80-2.20 (m, 7H and 2H), 1.22-1.40 (m, 3H),

0.91 (s, 9H), 0.08 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 96.5, 150.3, 142.4, 141.0, 135.9, 130.0, 128.1 , 107.1 , 62.7, 59.0, 44.6, 35.3, 33.4, 27.6, 26.1, 25.5, 25.1, 18.5, -5.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m z 505 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₆H₄₀N₂O₄SSi: C, 61.87; H, 7.99; N, 5.55. Found: C, 61 .81 ; H, 7.70; N, 5.48. 3e. 1-(1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l-one

Tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (2.57 mL of 1 M solution in THF, (0.67 g, 2.57 mmol) was added drop-wise to a solution of the product of Example 3d (1.04 g, 2.06 mmol) in THF (24 mL) at 0 °C. The resultant solution was stirred at 0 °C for 2 hours and then at room temperature for 3 hours. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1: 1 to 2: 1 EtOAc:hexane to give an oil which was recrystallized from

CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc/Hexane to give the title compound (0.64 g, 79 % yield). Mp 112-1 14 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.07 (d, / = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (dd, J = 1.7 and 6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (s, IH), 4.00- 4.20 (m, I H), 3.65-3.80 (m, 2H), 3.19 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (s, 3H), 2.32 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, I H), 2.03 (p, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.68-1.97 (m, 6H), 1.18- 1.40 (m, 4H). ⁱ³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.9, 150.4, 142.7, 141.1, 135.7, 130.0, 128.2, 107.3, 62.3, 59.2, 44.6, 35.4, 33.5, 27.8, 25.5, 25.1. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 391 (MH⁺), 373 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₂₆N₂O₄S: C, 61.52; H, 6.71; N, 7.17. Found: C, 61.25; H, 6.66; N, 7.08. 3f. 1 -(1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy)butan-l-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 3e using the procedure for Example lh. Mp 122-124 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.07 (d, / = 8.2 Hz, 2H),

7.56 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (s, IH), 4.59 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.04-4.09 (m, IH), 3.21 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.15-2.24 (m, 2H), 1.67-2.13 (m, 7H), 1.12-1.42 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.7, 149.9, 142.6, 141.1 , 135.7, 130.0, 128.2, 107.2, 72.8, 59.2, 44.6, 34.5, 33.4, 25.5, 25.1 , 21.5. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 435 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂oH₂₅N₃0₆S: C, 55.16; H, 5.79; N, 9.65. Found: C, 54.93; H, 5.62; N, 9.49.

Example 4: l-(3-((lZ)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l-cycIohexylpyrazol-5-y_)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 4a. Methyl- l-cyclohexyl-5-(4-rnethylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate.

A mixture of the product of Example Id (1.98 g, 7.8 mmol) and cyclohexylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.54 g, 10.2 mmol) in methanol (40 mL) was heated at 70 °C for 3 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was made basic with 10% Na₂C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 25 mL). The organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a thick oil. The oil was dissolved in CH₂CI₂ (4 mL) and hexane (20 L) and left in a freezer at - 10 °C for 16 hours to give the title compound (2.2 g, 85% yield) as a white solid. Mp 84 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.33 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 8.3 Hz,

2H), 6.76 (s, IH), 4.08-4.13 (m, IH), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.07-2.20 ( , 2H), 1.80-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.62-1.72 (m, IH), 1.20-1.30 (m, 3H); ^,3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 163.1, 143.6, 142.3, 140.1, 129.4, 126.4, 126.2, 108.8, 58.7, 51.9, 33.1 , 25.5, 24.8, 15.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS), m/z 331 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₁₈H₂₂N₂0₂S: C, 65.43; H, 6.71; N, 8.48; S, 9.70. Found: C, 65.28; H, 6.66; N, 8.47; S, 9.61.

4b. 1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)methan-l -ol.

A solution of lithium aluminum hydride (1 M in THF, 2 mL, 2 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the product of Example 4a (0.7 g, 2.1 mmol) in THF (15 mL) at 0 °C. The resulting clear solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Solid Na₂SO₄.10H₂O (2 g) was added in small portions with stirring until a thick precipitate formed. Methanol in CH₂C1₂ ( 10%, 50 mL) was added and the mixture was filtered. The solid was washed with additional methanol in CH₂C1₂ (10% , 50 mL) and the combined filtrates were evaporated to give the title compound (0.61 g, 95% yield) as a white solid. Mp 97 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.31 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.20 (s, 1 H), 4.71 (ά, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 4.00-4.15 (m, I H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.65-2.10 (m, 7H), 1.15- 1.30 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 151.0, 143.2, 139.3, 129.3, 127.5, 126.3, 104.1, 59.0,

57.7, 33.2, 25.6, 25.1 , 15.4. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 303 (MH⁺). 4c. MethyI-l -cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxyladehyde

To a stirred solution of oxalyl chloride (0.66 mL, 0.96 g, 6.1 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (2.5 mL) at - 78 °C under nitrogen was added DMSO (1 .08 mL,15.2 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (2 mL) drop- wise over a period of 20 min. To this solution the product of Example 4b ( 1.84g, 6.1 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ ( 12 mL) was added drop-wise over a period of 40 minutes at -78 °C. The mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 1.5 hours. Triethylamine (4.25 L, 3.08 g, 30.5 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (2.6 mL) was then added drop-wise over a period of 45 minutes at -78 °C. The resultant mixture was stirred at 0°C for 20 minutes. To this mixture, water (2 mL) was added drop-wise followed by CH₂C1 (50 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂C1₂. The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% HCl, dried over Na₂S0 and filtered. The residue after evaporation of the solvent was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc/Hexane to give the title compound (1.4 g, 77% yield) as a white solid. Mp 63 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 9.97 (s, I H), 7.32 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.3Hz, 2H), 6.71 (s, I H), 4.00-4.18 (m, IH), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.50-1.90 (m, 7H), 1.15- 1.25 (m, 3H). ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 186.8, 150.4, 144.4, 140.4, 129.3, 126.2, 105.4, 58.7, 33.2, 25.5, 24.5, 15.2. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 301 (MH⁺).

4d. 1 -((3Z)-4-( 1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)but-3-enyloxy)- 1 , 1 ,2,2- tetramethy 1- 1 -si lapropane n-Butyl lithium (2.5 M solution in hexane, 2.25 mL , 0.36 g, 5.6 mmol), was added drop-wise to solution of (3-(( 1 , 1 -di mefhylethyl)-dimethylsily l)-oxy)propy 1)- triphenylphosphonium bromide

(2.45 g, 4.76 mmol) in THF (13 mL) at -78 °C. The resultant solution was stirred at -78 °C for 1 hour. To this solution the product of Example 4c (1.3 g, 4.3 mmol) in THF ( 13 mL) was added drop- wise. The reaction mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was gradually allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 24 hours. Water was added and the reaction mixture extracted with EtOAc, which was then washed with water, dried over Na₂S0₄ and filtered.

The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 0.5: 10 EtOAc:Hexane to give the pure Z-isomer (1.2 g, 61% yield) as a colorless oil and minor E-isomer (0.1 g, 5% yield). Z-isomer: Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.33 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (d, 7 = 11.7 Hz, lH), 6.28 (s, IH), 5.65-5.77 (m, I H), 3.98-4.12 (m, IH), 3.76 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.72 (q, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.60-2.18 (m, 7H), 1.15-1.40 (m,

3H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.07 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 148.4, 142.8, 139.3, 129.5, 128.7, 127.8, 126.4, 122.7, 105.9, 62.9, 57.8, 33.5, 33.1, 26.1, 25.8, 25.3, 18.5, 15.6, -5.0. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 457 (MH⁺). 4e. l -(3-((lZ)-4-(Hydroxy)but- l-enyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl-4-methylsulfonyl) benzene The product of Example 4d (1.17 g, 2.6 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (51 mL). OXONE^®

(4.73 g, 7.7 mmol) in water (1 1 mL) was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and then filtered to remove the solid. CH₂C1₂ was added to the filtrate which was washed with saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried over Na₂S0₄ and filtered. The residue after evaporation of the solvent was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc/Hexane to give the product (0.88 g, 92% yield) as a white solid. Mp 170- 172 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.05 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, J

= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (d, J = 1 1.5 Hz, IH), 6.27 (s, IH), 5.80-5.94 (m, IH), 3.90-4.10 (m, IH), 3.87 (q, J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, IH), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.75 (q, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.62-2.18 (m, 7H), 1.18- 1.40 (m, 3H); ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 148.1 , 141.5, 140.7, 136.5, 130.4, 129.9, 128.1 , 123.1 , 107.1 , 62.6, 58.5, 44.6, 33.6, 32.4, 25.7, 25.1. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m z 375 (MH⁺). Anal. calcd. for C₂₀H₂₆N₂O₃S: C, 64.14; H, 7.00; N, 7.48; S, 8.56. Found: C, 63.89; H, 7.07; N, 7.40; S,

8.60. 4f. l-(3-((lZ)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l -enyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound was prepared as a white crystalline solid from the product of Example 4e by following the procedure for Example l h. Mp 137-138 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.05 (dd, 7 = 1.5 and 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (dd, J = 1.7 and 6.1 Hz, 2H), 6.48 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.27 (s, IH), 5.62-5.74 (m, I H), 4.64 (t, 7 = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.93-4.10 ( , IH), 3.13 (s, 3H), 3.00-305 (m, 2H), 1.78-2.14 (m, 6H), 1.62-1.77 (m, IH), 1.19-1.38 (m, 3H); ^{l 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 148.0, 141.3, 140.6, 136.6, 129.9, 128.1, 125.7, 124.1, 107.2, 72.7, 58.5, 44.6, 33.5, 27.3, 25.7, 25.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 420 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂oH₂₅N₃θ₅S' 11 mol H₂0: C, 56.66; H, 6.06; N, 9.91. Found: C, 56.80; H, 5.99; 9.85.

Example 5: 4-(methylsu_fonyl)-l-(3-((3-(n_trooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazoI-5- yl)benzene 5a. Methyl 5-(4-(methylsulfonyI)pheny 1)- 1 -phenylpyrazol-3-carboxylate

The phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (2.9 g, 20 mmol) and the product of Example 3a (4.5 g, 16 mmol) were added to MeOH and the solution heated at reflux for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and H₂0 was added until the solution became turbid and a precipitate formed. The precipitate was isolated by filtration and washed with H₂0 (1 x 40). The solid was recrystallized from MeOH (2 x 300) to give the title compound (3 g, 50% yield) as a white solid. Mp 190-193 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.34-7.43 ( , 5H), 7.30-7.33 ( , 2H), 7.15 (.s, lHj, 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.07 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 357 (MH⁺). Anal calcd. for C,₈H,₆N₂0₄S: C, 60.66; H, 4.53; N, 7.86. Found C, 60.60; H, 4.46; N, 7.77. 5b. 4-(3-(Hydroxy methyl)- l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

A flask was charged with lithium aluminum hydride (320 mg, 8.4 mmol) in THF (8 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. The product of Example 5a (1.85 mg, 5.2 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 15 minutes then allowed to warm to room temperature while stirring and then stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The excess lithium aluminum hydride was destroyed by adding sequentially H₂0 (500 μL), 15% NaOH (500 μL), H₂0 (1.5 mL). The precipitate that formed was removed by filtration through Celite, the filter cake was washed with EtOAc (2 x 20). The combined filtrates were dried over Na₂S0 and concentrated. This gave the title compound ( 1.6 mg, 93% yield) as a white solid. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.85 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz,

2H), 7.34-7.41 (m, 5H), 7.23-7.27 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, I H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H). 5c. 4-(3-(Bromomethyl)-l -phenylρyrazol-5-yl)-l -(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 5b (1.6 g, 4.9 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (25 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. Phosphorous tribromide (470 μL, 4.9 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH₂C1₂ and washed with H₂0 (2 x

20) and dried over Na₂S0₄. Evaporation of the solvent gave a residue that was purified chromatography over silica gel eluting with Hexane:EtOAc 1 : 1 to give the title compound ( 1.2 g, 63% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.24-7.28 (m, 2H), 6.68 (s, I H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H). 5d. 4-(3-((3-Hydroxypropoxy)methy 1)- 1 -phenylpyrazoI-5-yl)- 1 -(methylsulfonyl)benzene To a slurry of 95% NaH (210 mg, 8.4 mmol) in THF (15 mL) at 0 °C was added 3- benzyloxypropanol (850 μL, 5.6 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 minutes by which time effervescence had ceased. The product of Example 5c (2 mg, 5.1 mmol) in THF ( 10 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. Excess NaH was quenched with IN HCl (40 mL), and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 40).

The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0 , and concentrated. The residue was taken up in EtOH (30 mL) and TFA (250 μL) and the hydrogenation was performed using 10% Pd/C (1 g) at 50 psi of hydrogen for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove the catalyst and was washed with EtOAc (2 x 25). The combined filtrate was concentrated and redissolved in CHC1₃ (60 mL). The chloroform solution was washed with H₂0 (2 x 30), dried over Na₂S0₄, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel eluting with EtOAc gave the title compound (600 mg, 30% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1,) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.25-7.38 (m, 5H), 6.63 (s, I H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 3.81 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 1.90 (pentet, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 387 (MH⁺). Anal calcd. for C₂₀H₂₂N₂O₄S: C, 62.16; H, 5.74; N, 7.25. Found C, 62.39; H, 5.58; N,

7.16. 5e. 4-(3-((3-(Nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyI)benzene

Fuming HN0₃ (1.0 mL, 26 mmol) was cooled to 0 °C. The product of Example 5d (400 mg, 1 mmol) in CHC1₃ was added and the mixture stirred at 0 °C for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was poured in to saturated aqueous NaHC0₃ (20 mL). The aqueous mixture was extracted with

CHC1₃ (3 xl5). The combined extracts were dried over Na₂S0 , and concentrated. The residue was purified chromatography over silica gel eluting with Hexane:EtOAc 1 : 1 to give the title compound (300 mg) as a clear oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.25-7.39 (m, 5H), 6.63 (s, I H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.61 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.06 (pentet, 7 = 6.2 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m z 432 (MH⁺). Anal calcd. for

C₂₀H_2lN₃O₆S: C, 55.68; H, 4.914; N, 9.74. Found C, 54.72; H, 4.58; N, 9.46. Example 6: l-(3-(D_fluoro(3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 6a. (4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-3-carboxylic acid The product of Example 5a (1.0 g, 2.8 mmol) and NaOH (130 mg, 3.2 mmol) in MeOH ( 10 mL) were heated to reflux for 8 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and partitioned between EtOAc (30 mL) and 0.5 N HCl (30 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 15). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0 , and concentrated. This gave the title compound (1 g, 100% yield) as a solid. Mp 207-208 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.90 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.44 (m, 5H), 7.26-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.20 (s, IH), 3 06 (s, 3H)

6b 3-(Phenylmethoxy)propyl 5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l -phenylpyrazol-3-carboxylate

The product of Example 6a (7 5 g, 22 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (50 mL) containing DMF (25 μL) Oxalyl chloride (2M/CH₂C1₂, 22 mL, 44 mmol) was added drop-wise The reaction 5 mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 1 5 hours, then concentrated to thick oil A solution of benzyloxypropanol (3 6 mL, 22 mmol) and pyridine (1 7 mL, 22 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (40 mL) was prepared and cooled to 0 °C The acid chloride prepared above was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and added drop-wise to the alcohol/pyndine mixture The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 18 hours The reaction mixture was diluted with CH₂C1₂ (60 mL),

10 washed with IN HCl, saturated NaHC0₃, and H₂0 (1 x 30), dned over Na₂S0₄, and concentrated to give the title compound (10 3 g, 95% yield) as an oil Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7 88 (d, 7 = 8 1 Hz, 2H), 7 39-7 42 (m, 6H), 7 29-7 34 (m, 8H), 7 09 (s, 1 H), 4 53 (t, 7 = 6 6 Hz, 2H), 4 53, (s, 2H), 3 65 (t, 7 = 6 3 Hz, 2H), 3 07 (s, 3H) 1 88 (pentet, 7 = 6 3 Hz, 2H) 6c 1 -(Methyl sulfonyl)-4-( 1 -phenyl-3-((3-(pheny 1 methoxy)propoxy)thιoxomethyl) pyrazol-5- it&gt; yl benzene

The product of Example 6b (10 3 g, 21 mmol) and Lawesson's reagent (32 g, 80 mmol) were heated to reflux in toluene (120 mL) for 5 days As the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C a precipitate formed The solid was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to a heavy oil The oil was triturated with Hexane EtOAc 1 1 (100 mL) A second precipitate formed which was 0 also removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to an oil The oily residue was filtered through silica gel eluting with CHCl₃to 5% MeOH/CHCl₃ to give the title compound (3 8 g, 36% yield) Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7 88 (d, 7 = 8 1 Hz, 2H), 7 39-7 42 (m, 6H), 7 26-7 34 (m, 8H), 7 09 (s, IH), 4 87 (t, 7 = 6 6 Hz, 2H), 4 54, (s, 2H), 3 68 (t, 7 = 5 7 Hz, 2H), 3 07 (s, 3H) 2 25 (pentet, 7 = 6 0 Hz, 2H) Mass spectrum (API TIS) /z 507 (MH⁺) 5 6d 4-(3-(DιfIuoro(3-(phenylmethoxy)propoxy)methyI)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-l-

(mefhylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 6c (3 8 g, 7 5 mmol) and SbCl₃ (90 mg, 04 mmol) were dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (40 mL) and cooled to 0 °C (Bιs(2 methoxyethyl)amιno)sulfur tπfluoπde (2 1 mL, 11 3 mmol) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature with stirring for 3 hours 0 The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and excess reagent was quenched with saturated aqueous

NaHC0₃ Addition of NaHC0₃ (25 mL) was drop-wise until effervescence subsided then more rapid The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with CH₂CI₂ The combined organic layers were washed with 1 N HCl and H₂0, dried over Na₂S0₄, and concentrated The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with Hexane EtOAc 1 1 to give the title compound (2 4 g, 62% 5 yield) Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7 87 (d, 7 = 8 4 Hz, 2H), 7 25-7 42 (m, 12H), 6 77 (s, 1 H), 4.53, (s, 2H), 4.24 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.64 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H). 2.06 (pentet, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 513 (MH⁺).

6e. l -(3-(Difluoro(3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene The product of Example 6d (1.05 g, 2.05 mmol) and NaI0₄ (2.7 g, 12.3 mmol) were taken up in a biphasic mixture of CC1₄ (20 mL), CH₃CN (20 mL), and H_zO (30 mL). Ruthenium chloride (20 mg, 0.1 mmol) was added to the mixture which was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel with CHC1₃ (20 mL) and saturated with NaCl. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with CHCI₃ (3 x 25). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0₄ and concentrated. The residue was taken up in

MeOH (20 mL) containing NaOH (200 mg, mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The MeOH was evaporated and replaced with H₂0 (100 mL). The aqueous mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4 x 25). The combined organic extracts were washed with H₂0 (2 x 25) and brine (1 x 25), dried over Na₂S0₄, and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with Hexane:EtOAc 1 :2 to give the title compound (390 mg, 50% yield) as a clear oil. Η

NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.27-7.37 (m, 2H), 6.80 (s, 1 H), 4.25 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H). 2.0 (pentet, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 423 (MH⁺). Anal cald for C₂₀H₂₀F₂N₂O₄S: C, 56.86; H, 4.77; N, 6.63. Found C, 56.60; H, 4.54; N, 6.40. 6f. l-(3-(Difluoro(3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene

Acetyl nitrate was prepared by addition of AgN0₃ (250 mg, 1.5 mmol) to AcCl (1 10 μL, 1.5 mmol) in CH₃CN (3 mL) and stirring at room temperature for 15 minutes. The AgCl precipitate was removed by filtration through a cotton plug. A 2 mL portion of the filtered AcON0₂ solution was added to the product of Example 6e in CH₃CN (6 mL), and stirred at room temperature for 2 hours.

The reaction mixture was diluted with Hexane:EtOAc 1 : 1 (60 mL). The organic mixture was extracted with satd NaHC0₃ (1x25) and brine (1x25), dried over Na₂S0 , and concentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with Hexane:EtOAc 3:2 to give the title compound (100 mg, 36% yield) as an oil along with 3-(nitrooxy)propyl 5-(4- (methylsulfonyl)phenyl)- l -phenylpyrazol-3-carboxylate (150 mg, 54% yield). 'H NMR (300 MHz,

CDCI₃) δ 7.88 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.44 (m, 5H), 7.27-7.33 (m, 2H), 6.80 (s, 1 H), 4.64 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.22 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H). 2.18 (pentet, 7 = 6.2 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 468 (MH⁺). Example 7: l-(l-(4-Ch_orophenyl)-3-((3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-y_)-4- methylsulfonyl)benzene 7a. Methyl 1 -(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsuIfonyl)phenyI)pyrazol-3-carboxylate

A mixture of the product of Example 3a (5.0 g, 17.6 mmol) and 4-chlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (3.46 g, 19.35 mmol) in MeOH (100 mL) was heated at 70 °C for 18 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed and the residue was redissolved in CH₂C1₂. The organic solution was washed with water and brine, and dried over magnesium sulfate.

Evaporation of solvent provided a solid, which was recrystallized from CH₂C1₂/Hexane to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (4.27 g, 62% yield). Mp 169-171 °C. ^]H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.93 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz,

2H), 7.15 (s, IH), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.09 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 319 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for Ci 8Hi5ClN2θ4S: C, 55.32; H, 3.87; N, 7.17. Found: C, 55.27; H, 3.69; N, 7.14.

7b. l-(l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (2.5g, 61% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 7a by following the procedure for Example 5b. Mp 96-100 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, 8.6, 7 = 8.63 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 4.80 (d, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.07 (br s, IH). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 363 (MH⁺).

7c. l-(3-(Bromomethyl)-1 -(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (2.1 g, 96% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 7b by following the procedure for Example 5c. Mp 60-64 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.90 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), δ 6.68 (s, IH), 4.56 (s, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 426 (MIT).

7d. l-(l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (531.4 mg, 57% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 7c by following the procedure for Example 5d except 3-benzyloxy propanol was substituted for 2- benzyloxy ethanol. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H),

7.34 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.61 (s, IH), 4.64 (d, 7 = 4.1 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (t, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (t, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 1.89 (q, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 421 (MH⁺).

7e. l-(l -(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (35.0 mg, 39% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 7d by following the procedure for Example 5e. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.67 (1, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.04 (q, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 466 (MH⁺). Example 8: l-(l-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-((3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl) -4- methyIsulfonyl)benzene

8a. Methyl 1 -(4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate.

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 3a (5.0 g, 17.6 mmol) and 4- 5 methylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (3.63 g, 22.9 mmol) in methanol (120 L) was heated at 70 °C for 18 hours and cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the residue was redissolved in methylene chloride. The organic solution was washed with water and brine, and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of solvent provided a solid, which was shown by NMR to be a mixture of regioisomers. The crude product was purified by chromatography over 10 silica gel, eluting with 50% ethyl acetate:hexane, to 100% ethyl acetate (gradient). The slower eluting compound was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give the title compound (4.3 g, 66% yield) as a white solid. Mp 173-175 °C. ^]H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ7.87 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 =

8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (s, 4H), 7.13 (s, IH), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 371 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for C19H18N2O4S: C, 61.61 ; H, 4.90; N, 7.56. Found: C, 61.62; lb H, 4.77; N, 7.61.

8b. l-(3-(Hydroxymethyl)-l-(4-methylρhenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene.

The title compound (2.7 g, 80% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 8a by following the procedure for Example 5b. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.18-7.11 (m, 4H), 6.61 (s, IH), 4.80 (d, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 2.38 20 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 342 (MH⁺)

8c . 1 -(3-(Bromomethy 1)- 1 -(4-methy lphenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfony l)benzene.

The title compound (2.7 g, 86% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 8b by following the procedure for Example 5c. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18-7.12 (m, 4H), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H). Mass 5 spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 374 (MH⁺)

8d. l -(3-((3-Hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l-(4-methylphenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (2.7 g, 80% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 8c by following the procedure for Example 5d. (910 mg, 83% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.85 0 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17-7.10 (m, 4H), 6.59 (s, IH), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.79 (t, 7 =

5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (t, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.05 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.87 (q, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 401 (MH⁺)

8e. 1 -( 1 -(4-methy lphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene 5 The title compound (460 mg, 64% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 8d by following the procedure for Example 5e. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.18-7.1 1 (m, 4H), 6.61 (s, IH), 4.61 (s, 2H), 4.60 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.04 (q, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 446 (MH⁺) Example 9: 4-(MethyIsulfonyl)-l-(3-((3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-l- (4-trifluoromethyl) pheι_yl)pyrazol-5-yI)benzene 9a. Methyl 5-(4-(methyIsulfonyl)phenyl)- l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) pyrazol-3-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 3a (5.0 g, 17.6 mmol) and 4- (trifluoromethyl)phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.03 g, 22.9 mmol) in acetic acid (120 mL) was heated at 70 °C for 18 hours and then cooled to room temperature. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the residue was redissolved in CH₂CI₂. The organic solution was washed with water and brine, and dried over magnesium sulfate. Evaporation of solvent provided a solid, which was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give the title compound as pale yellow needles (5.38 g, 72% yield). Mp 204-207 °C. *H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.95 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.68 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (s, 1 H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.10 (s, 3H).

Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 425 (MH+), 442 (M+l 8+). Anal, calcd. for C19H15F3N2O4S: C,

53.77; H, 3.56; N, 6.60; Found: C, 53.72; H, 3.52; N, 6.54.

9b. l-(3-(Hydroxymethyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyI)phenyl)pyrazol-5-yl-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene. The title compound (4.0 g, 86% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 9a by following the procedure for Example 5b. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.64

(d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.65 (s, 1 H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 397 (MH⁺).

9c. l-(3-(Bromomethyl)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl)ρhenyl)pyrazol-5-yl-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene. The title compound (3.7 g, 80% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 9b by following the procedure for Example 5c. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.93 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.64

(d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44-7.36 (m, 4H), 6.69 (s, IH), 4.56 (s, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 459 (MH⁺).

9d. l-(3-((3-Hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene The title compound (920 mg, 79% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 9a by following the procedure for Example 5d except 2-benzyloxy ethanol was used instead of 3-benzyIoxy propanol. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44-7.28 (m, 4H), 6.64 (s, IH), 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.81 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 1.90 (q, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 455 (MH⁺). 9e. 4-(Methylsulfonyl)- 1 -(3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)tnethyl)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzene .

The title compound (189.3 mg, 22% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 9d by following the procedure for Example 5e. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.44-7.38 (m, 4H), 6.64 (s, IH), 4.61 (s, 2H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.04 (q, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 500 (MH⁺)

Example 10: l-(l-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-((3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methy_)pyrazol- 5-yl)-4- mcthylsulfonyllbenzene 10a. Methyl 1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared as a white solid (3.99 g, 59% yield) by following the procedure for Example 8a. with a mixture of the product of Example 3a (5.0 g, 17.6 mmol) and 4- methoxyphenyl hydrazine hydrochloride (4.00 g, 22.9 mmol) in methanol (150 mL). Mp 136-138 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.88 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz,

2H), 7.13 (s, IH), 6.89 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.07 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 387 (MH+); Anal, calcd. for Ci9H] 8N2θ5S: C, 59.06; H, 4.70; N, 7.25. Found: C, 58.84; H, 4.63; N, 7.26.

10b. 1 -(3-(Hydroxymethyl)- 1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene.

The title compound (3.2g, 97% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 10a by following the procedure for Example 5b. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.84 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.59 (s, IH), 4.75 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.04 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 359 (MH⁺).

1 Oc. 1 -(3-(Bromomethyl)-l-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene.

The title compound (1.7g, 46% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 10b by following the procedure for Example 5c. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.85 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.61 (s, IH), 4.56 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.05 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 422 (MH⁺). lOd. l-(3-((3-Hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-l -(4-methoxyρhenyI)ρyrazol-5-yl) -4- (methy I su lfonyl)benzene

The title compound (770 mg, 47% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 10c by following the procedure for Example 5d except 2-benzyloxy ethanol was used instead of 3-benzyloxy propanol. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.84 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (d, 7

= 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.59 (s, IH), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.80-3.75 (m, 4H), 3.04 (s, 3H), 1 .88 (q, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 417 (MH⁺). 1 Oe. 1 -( 1 -(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)- 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene The title compound (120.5 mg, 72% yield) was prepared from the product of Example lOd by following the procedure for Example 5e. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.90 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, 7 = 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.43 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (dd, 7 = 2.7 Hz, IH), 7.05 (d, 7 = 9.0 Hz, IH), 6.62 (s, IH), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.58 (t, 7 = 6.0, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.66 (t, 7 = 6.0, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.03 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 507 (MH⁺) Example 11: l-(3-((lZ)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene and l-(3-((lE)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene 1 la. Methyl 5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-3-carboxylate

A mixture of the product of Example Id (10 g, 39.6 mmol) and phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (7.45 g, 51.6 mmol) in methanol (200 L) was heated at 70 °C for 5 hours and cooled to room temperature. The mixture was made basic with 10% Na₂C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 25 mL). The organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0 and filtered. The residue, after evaporation of the solvent, was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc/hexane to give the title compound (8.8 g, 68% yield) as a white solid. Mp 94-96 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.30-7.41 (m, 5H), 7.17 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (s, IH), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz,

CDC1₃) δ 162.9, 144.4, 144.1, 140.1 , 139.6, 129.2, 129.1, 128.5, 126.0, 125.9, 125.8, 109.8, 52.2, 15.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 325 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C,₈Hι₆N₂0₂S: C, 66.65; H, 4.97; N, 8.64. Found: C, 66.45; H, 4.92; N, 8.83.

1 lb. (5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-3-yl)-methanol The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example If by following the procedure for Example I f. Mp 105-106 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.26-7.39 (m, 5H), 7.09-7.18 (m, 4H), 6.49 (s, IH), 4.78 (d, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 2.26 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, IH); "C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 153.1 , 143.8, 140.0, 139.3, 129.1, 129.1 , 127.1, 126.9, 126.1 , 125.4, 106.2, 59.1, 15.4. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 297 (MH⁺), 279 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for Cι₇H_l6N₂0|S: C, 68.89; H, 5.44; N, 9.45. Found: C, 68.80; H, 5.34; N, 9.34.

He. l-((3Z)-4-(5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-3-yl)but-3-enyloxy)- 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl- 1 -silapropane and l -((3E)-4-(5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l- ρhenylpyrazol-3-yl) but-3-enyloxy)- 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl-l -silapropane

Activated Mn0₂ (4.49 g, 51.6 mmol) was dried under high vacuum for 2 days at 70 °C. Dried Mn0₂ (2 g, 23.0 mmol) was then added to a solution of the product of Example 1 la (3.08 g,

10.4 mmol), (3-((l ,l-dimethylethyl)-dimethylsilyl)oxy)propyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide (5.9 g,

1 1.5 mmol), l ,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-l -methyl-2H-pyrimido(l ,2-a)pyrimidine (3.45 g, 22.5 mmol), Ti(i-OPr)₄ (2.95 g, 10.4 mmol) in dry THF (250 mL) which was heated to reflux under nitrogen. A second portion of Mn0₂ (2.49 g, 28.6 mmol) was added after 1 h and the reaction mixture was heated for 4 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and then filtered through the Celite pad and washed with EtOAc. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent, was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1:2 EtOAc:Hexane to give the title compounds as a colorless oil. Z-isomer: (1.84 g, 39% yield), and E-isomer (0.3 g, 6% yield). Z- isomer: Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.25-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.10-7.20 (m, 4H), 6.57 (s, IH), 6.52 (d, 7 = 1 1.7 Hz, IH), 5.78-5.88 (m, 1 H), 3.79 (t, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.77 (q, 7 = 1.3 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H),

0.91 (s, 9H), 0.08 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 150.2, 143.1 , 140.2, 139.2, 130.5, 129.2, 129.1, 127.5, 127.2, 126.1, 125.3, 122.1 , 108.0, 62.8, 33.1, 26.1, 18.5, 15.5, -5.0. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) z 451 (MH⁺). l id. l -(3-((lZ)-4-(Hydroxy)but-l-enyl)-1 -phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 1 lc by following the procedure for Example 3e. Mp 104-105 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.87 (dd, 7 = 1.8 and 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (dd, 7 = 1.8 and 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.32-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.22-7.29 (m, 2H), 6.60 (s, IH), 6.55 (d, 7 = 11.6 Hz, IH), 5.87-5.98 (m, IH), 3.84 (q, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.93 (t, 7 = 5.0 Hz, IH), 2.83 (q, 7 = 5.0 Hz, 2H). ^{I 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 150.0, 141.6, 140.2, 139.4, 135.8, 131.4, 129.5, 129.5, 128.3, 127.8, 125.3, 122.6, 109.4, 62.5, 44.6, 32.6. Mass spectrum (API-

TIS) m/z 369 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₂₀N₂O₃S: C, 65.20; H, 5.47; N, 7.60. Found: C, 65.01 ; H, 5.21; N, 7.53. l ie. 1 -(3-(( 1 Z)-4-(Ni trooxy)but- 1 -enyl)- 1 -pheny lpyrazol-5-y l)-4-(methy lsulfonyl)benzene

Fuming HN0₃ (2.2 L, 3.28 g, 52.1 mmol) was added drop-wise to a solution of the product of Example 1 Id (0.64 g, 1 .7 mmol) in CHC1₃ at 0 °C and then stirred at room temperature for 30 min.

The solution was extracted with CH₂C1₂, washed with saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried over Na₂S0 , and filtered. The residue after evaporation of the solvent purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1:2 EtOAc:Hexane to give the product as a pale yellow foam (0.72 g, ~ 100% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.88 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.60 (s, lH), 6.54 (d, 7 = 11.5 Hz, IH), 5.73-5.87 (m, IH), 4.64 (t, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.61 -2.65

(m, 2H); ^{, 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.6, 141.5, 140.2, 139.5, 135.8, 129.4, 129.4, 128.2, 127.7, 127.4, 125.2, 123.3, 109.5, 72.5, 44.5, 27.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 414 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀Hι₉N₃O₅S'0.85 mol H₂0: C, 56.02; H, 4.86; N, 9.80. Found: C, 56.28; H, 4.85; N, 9.41. l lf. l-(3-((lE)-4-(Nitrooxy)but- l -enyl)- 1 -pheny lpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene Prepared as in Example 1 le to give the title compound as a white foam. Η NMR (300 MHz,

CDC1₃) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.48 (m, 5H), 6.68 (s, I H), 6.61 (d, 7 = 16.0 Hz, IH), 6.25-6.40 (in, 1 H), 4.58 (t, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.68 (q, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 150.8, 142.0, 140.1 , 139.5, 135.7, 129.4, 129.3, 128.2, 127.7, 126.7, 125.3, 125.1 , 105.9, 72.1, 44.4, 30.5. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 414 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀H₁₉N₃O₅S: C, 58.10; H, 4.63; N, 10.16. Found: C, 58.36; H, 4.75; N, 9.88. Example 12: l-(l-(4-Methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyI)pyrazol-3-yl)- 4- (nitrooxy)butan-l-one

12a. Methyl 1 -(4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared as a white solid (4.258 g, 63% yield) from the product of Example Id (5.05 g, 20 mmol) and 4-methylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.12 g, 26 mmol) following the procedure of Example 8a. Mp 113-1 15 °C. ^!H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.29-7.13

(m, 8H), 7.04 (s, IH), 3.99 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 339 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for C19H18N2O2S: C, 67.43; H, 5.36; N, 8.28. Found: C, 67.62; H, 5.27; N,

8.20. 12b. N-Methoxy-N-methyl(l-(4-methyIphenyl)-5-(4-methylthioρhenyl)pyrazol-3-yl) carboxamide

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 12a by following the procedure for Example 3c. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.14-7.30 (m, 8H), 6.98 (s, IH), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.53 (br s, 3H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 145.8, 143.3, 139.6, 138.1, 137.4, 129.7, 129.1, 126.4, 126.0, 125.3, 109.9, 61.7, 35.0, 21.2, 15.4. Mass spectrum ^API-TIS) /z 368 (MH*). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₂₁N₃O₂S: C, 65.37; H, 5.76; N, 11.43.

Found: C, 65.03; H, 5.54; N, 1 1.17.

12c. l-( 1 -(4-Methylphenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl- 1 - silapropoxy)butan- 1 -one The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 12b by following the procedure for Example 3d. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.13-7.26 (m, 8H), 6.96 (s,

IH), 3.71 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 1.92-2.05 (m, 2H), 0.86 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.6, 151.4, 144.3, 139.8, 138.4, 137.4, 129.8, 129.1 , 126.3, 126.0, 125.3, 107.4, 62.7, 35.2, 27.5, 26.1 , 21.2, 18.4, 15.3, -5.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 481 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₇H₃₆N₂0₂SSi: C, 67.46; H, 7.55; N, 5.83. Found: C, 67.40; H, 7.76; N, 5.74.

12d. 4-Hydroxy-l -(l-(4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3- yl)butan- l -one

The product of Example 12c (1.64 g, 3.42 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (60 mL). OXONE® (6.30 g, 10.25 mmol) in water (20 mL) was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and the resulting solid was removed by filtration. The filtrate was diluted with CH₂C1₂, washed with saturated NaHC0₃ and water, dried over Na₂S0₄. and filtered. The residue, after evaporation of the sol vent, was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1 :2 to 1 : 1 to 2: 1 EtO Ac :Hexane to give the title compound (0.8 g, 59% yield) as a white solid. Mp 159-161 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.88 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.16-7.23 (m, 4H), 7.10 (s, IH), 3.73 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (t, 7 = 6.95 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.10 (bt, 7 = 5.70 Hz, IH), 2.06 (p, 7 = 6.5 Hz, 2H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.4, 152.0, 143.0, 141.0, 138.1, 134.7, 132.8, 129.6, 128.1, 127.0, 123.0, 109.2, 62.4, 44.5, 35.6, 27.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 399 (MH⁺), 381 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for C₂,H₂₂N₂0₄S^« 1/2 H₂0: C, 61.90; H, 5.68; N, 6.87. Found: C, 62.29; H, 5.41 ; N, 6.82.

12e. 1 -( I -(4-Methylphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazoI-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan- 1 -one The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 12d by following the procedure for Example l h. Mp 107-109 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (dd, 7 = 2.9 and 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.16-7.24 (m, 4H), 7.10 (s, IH), 4.58 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.22 (p, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDClj) δ 194.3, 151.2, 143.1, 140.7, 139.4, 136.7, 135.1 , 130.2, 129.6, 127.9, 125.4, 108.6, 72.7, 44.5, 34.6, 21.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 444 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂,H₂₁N₃0₆S: C,

56.88; H, 4.77; N, 9.48. Found: C, 56.87; H, 4.69; N, 9.39. Example 13: l-(l-(4-F_uorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfony_)p__enyl)pyrazo_-3-yl)-4-

(nitrooxy)butan-l-one 13a. Methyl l-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate. The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5.05 g, 20 mmol; and 4- fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.23 g, 26 mmol) in methanol (120 mL) using the procedure of Example 10a. Separation of the regioisomers and recrystallization gave the title compound (5.124 g, 75% yield) as a white solid. Mp 1 17-1 19 °C. ^] H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.37-7.31 (m, 2H),

7.22-7.05 (m, 7H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 2.51 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 343 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for C_|8H_]5FN₂0₂S: C, 63.14; H, 4.42; N, 8.18; Found: C, 63.08; H, 4.41 ; N, 8.19.

13b. (1 -(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy-N- methylcarboxamide The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 13a using the procedure of Example 3c. Mp 91 -93 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.02-7.33 (m, 8H), 6.96 (s, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.50 (br s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 162.1 (7 = 248.5 Hz), 146.1 , 143.5, 140.1, 136.0, 129.2, 127.4, 127.3, 126.1 (7 = 5.2 Hz), 116.1 (7 = 23.1 Hz), 1 10.1, 61.8,

34.0, 15.4. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 372 (MH⁺), 394 (MNa⁺). Anal, calcd. for Cι₉H,₈FN₃0₂S: C, 61.44; H, 4.88; N, 1 1 .31. Found: C, 61.35; H, 4.86; N, 1 1.25.

13c. l -( l -(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(l ,l ,2,2- tetramethyl-l- silapropoxy)butan-l -one The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 13b using the procedure of Example 3d. Mp 46-47 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.02-7.42 (m, 8H), 6.96 (s, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 1.99 (p, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 0.88 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.5, 162.2 (7_C._F = 248.8 Hz), 151.6, 144.6, 140.2, 136.0, 135.9, 129.1, 127.4, 127.3, 126.0 (7_C._F = 1 1.4 Hz), 116.2 (7_C._F = 1 16.2 Hz), 107.8, 62.7, 35.3, 27.5, 26.1 , 18.5, 15.3, -5.1. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 485 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₆H₃₃FN₂0₂SSi: C, 64.43; H, 6.86; N, 5.78. Found: C, 64.29; H, 6.72; N, 5.70.

13d. 1 -( 1 -(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan- 1 -one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 13c using the procedure of Example 12d. Mp 164-166 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 7.27-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.1 1 (s, IH), 3.74 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H),

3.23 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 1.97-2.07 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δl96.4, 162.5 (7_C._F = 250.4 Hz), 151.7, 143.1 , 140.9, 135.3, 134.7, 129.6, 128.0, 127.5 (7_C._F = 8.8 Hz), 116.7 (7_C__F = 23.2 Hz), 108.9, 62.3, 44.4, 35.5, 27.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 403 (MH⁺), 385 (M-OH). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀H_l9FN₂O₄S: C, 59.69; H, 4.76; N, 6.96. Found: C, 59.40; H, 4.84; N, 6.71. 13e. l-(l-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan-1-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 13d using the procedure of Example lh. Mp 134-136 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.16 ( , 2H), 7.11 (s, IH), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 2.22 (p, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.4, I 62.6 (7_C-_F = 250.3 HZ), 151.4, 143.3, 141.0, 135.3, 134.7, 129.6, 128.1, 127.5 (7 _F = 8.8 Hz), 1 16.8

(7_C._F = 23.2 Hz), 108.9, 72.6, 44.5, 34.7, 21.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 448 (MH⁺), 465 (MNH₄⁺), 470 (MNa⁺). Anal, calcd. for CzoH.sFNjOeS: C, 53.69; H, 4.05; N, 9.39. Found: C, 53.47; H, 4.05; N, 9.26. Example 14: l-(l-(4-Bromophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsul_ nyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4- (nitrooxy)butan-l-one

14a. Methyl l-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate.

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5.05 g, 20 mmol) and 4- bromophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (5.81 g, 26 mmol) in methanol ( 120 mL) using the procedure for Example 8a. Separation of the regioisomers and recrystallization provided the title compound (6.798 g, 84% yield) as a white solid. Mp 138-140 °C. ' H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.49 (d, 7 =

8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.1 1 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (s, IH), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.49 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 405 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for Ci8Hi5BrN2θ2S: C, 53.61 ; H, 3.75; N, 6.95; found: C, 53.67; H, 3.60; N, 6.89.

14b. (1 -(4-Bromophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy- N-methylcarboxamide The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 14a using the procedure of Example 3c. Mp 151-153 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 7.47 (d, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.25 (m, 6H), 6.95 (s, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.49 (br s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 141.0, 138.1 , 134.9, 133.5, 126.9, 123.8, 121.5, 120.8, 120.6, 1 16.5, 105.1, 56.4, 29.0, 10.0. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 432/434 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C,₉H₁₈BrN₃0₂S: C, 52.79; H, 4.20; N, 9.72. Found: C, 52.67; H, 4.15; N 9.70. 14c. 1 -( 1 -(4-Bromophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiopheny l)pyrazol-3-y l)-4-( 1 , 1 ,2,2- tetramethyl- 1 - silapropoxy)butan- 1 -one

The title compound was prepared as a colorless oil from the product of Example 14b using the procedure of Example 3d. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 7.50 (d, 7 = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.27 (m, 5 6H), 6.96 (s, 1 H), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.14 (t, 7 = 7.31 Hz, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 1.99 (p, 7 = 6.9 Hz,

2H), 0.86 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H). ^{I 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.5, 151 .8, 144.5, 140.4, 138.8, 132.4, 129.2, 126.9, 126.2, 125.9, 122.2, 108.0, 62.7, 35.4, 27.5, 26.1, 18.5, 15.3, -5.1. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 545/547 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₆H₃₃BrN₂0₂SSi: C, 57.24; H, 6.10; N, 5.13. Found: C, 56.95; H, 6.02; N, 4.97. 10 14d. l-(l-(4-Bromophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l -one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 14c using the procedure of Example 12d. Mp l36-137 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.93 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (s, IH), 3.74 (m, 2H), 3.23 (t, 7 = 6.97 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 2.04 (p, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.93 (t, 7 = 5.6 Hz, i5 IH); ^,3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.4, 152.0, 143.0, 141.0, 138.1 , 134.7, 132.8, 129.6, 128.1,

127.0, 123.0, 109.2, 62.4, 44.5, 35.6, 27.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 463/465 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₁₉BrN₂O₄S: C, 51.84; H, 4.13; N, 6.05. Found: C, 51.57; H, 4.07; N, 5.79. 14e. l-(l-(4-Bromophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan-1-one The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 14d using the 0 procedure of Example lh. Mp 150-152 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.96 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.8

Hz, 2H), 7.59 (dd, 7 = 1.9 and 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (dd 7 = 1.7 and 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (dd, 7 = 2.8 and 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (s, I H), 4.61 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (t, 7 = 7.08 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.24 (p, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.3, 151.6, 143.1, 141.1 , 138.1, 134.7, 132.8, 129.6, 128.1, 127.0, 123.1 , 109.1 , 72.6, 44.5, 34.7, 21.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 508/510 (MIT). Anal. 5 Calcd. for C₂₀H₁₈BrN₃O₆S: C, 47.26; H, 3.57; N, 8.27. Found: C, 47.55; H, 3.47; N, 7.96.

Example 15: l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((2-(nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl)pyrazoI-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 15a. 4-(l -Cyclohexyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 4b (0.6 g, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of MeOH (20 mL) 0 and water (8 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. OXONE^® (3 g) was added and the resulting suspension was stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour. Water (25 mL) and 15% NH₄OH (25 mL) were added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAC (3 x 25 mL) and the organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0₄. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give white solid which was recrystallized from CH C1₂ (5 mL) and hexane (20 mL) to give the title compound (0.62 g, 94% yield) as a white solid. Mp 148 °C. Η 5 NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.03 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1 H), 4.73 (s, 2H), 3.90-4.10 (m, IH), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, IH, OH), 1.66-2.05 (m, 7H), 1.10-1.25 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) 5151.4, 141.7, 140.4, 136.5, 129.7, 127.9, 105.0, 59.0, 58.2, 44.4, 33.3, 25.6, 25.0. Mass spectrum (API-TIS), m/z 335 (MH⁺).

15b. 1 -(3-(Bromomethyl)-1 -cyclohexylpyrazoI-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene. The product of Example 15a (2.0 g, 5.9 mmol) and PBr₃ (1.1 mL, 1 1.7 mmol) were taken up in CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and stirred at room temperature overnight. Aqueous work-up followed by drying over MgS0₄ and evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure gave the title compound (1.9 g, 83% yield) as a yellow solid. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.36 (s, IH), 4.53 (s, 2H), 3.99-3.44 (m, IH), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.03-1.87 (m, 5H), 1.67 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.26 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 398 (MH⁺).

15c. l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((2-(phenylmethoxy)ethoxy)methyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

2-Benzyloxy-l -ethanol (1.5 g, 10.1 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of NaH (240.8 mg, 10.1 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL) and the reaction mixture stirred for 15 minutes. The product of Example 15b (2.0 g, 5.0 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred overnight. The sample was diluted with CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and washed with saturated NH₄C1 and brine. The sample was dried over Mg₂S0₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 3:1 Hexanes/EtOAc to give the title compound (1.3 g, 51 % yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.02 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.27 (m, 5H), 6.35 (s, IH), 4.61 (s, 2H), 4.57 (s, 2H), 3.99-3.94 (m, IH), 3.75-3.72 (m,

2H), 3.68-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.04-1.98 (m, 3H), 1.88-1.83 (m, 4H), 1.65-1.60 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 469 (MH⁺). 15d. 1 -(1 -Cyclohexyl-3-((2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl)ρyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 15c ( 1 .3 g, 2.8 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (100 mL) and placed in a Parr shaker. Pd/C (500 mg) was added and the sample flushed with nitrogen 4 times. The sample was then flushed several times with H₂ (25-30 psi). The hydrogenation was performed at 30 psi in a H₂ atmosphere for 30 minutes. The catalyst was removed via filtration through Celite and washed with additional EtOH. The combined filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure, to give the title compound (513.7 mg, 49% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.30 (s, I H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 4.03-3.94 (m, IH), 3.78-3.76 (m, 2H), 3.69-

3.67 (m, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.66 (br s, IH), 2.06-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.90-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.66- 1.62 (m, 3H), 1.28-1.22 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 379 (MH⁺).

15e. l -(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((2-(nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene Fuming nitric acid (5 mL) was cooled to 0 °C and the product of Example 15d (175.0 mg, 0.46 mmol) was added drop-wise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0°C for 1 hour. Water (5 mL) was added followed by Na₂C0₃ until the mixture was neutralized. CH₂C1₂ was added and the organics separated. The aqueous portion was extracted with additional CH₂C1₂ and the combined organic fractions were washed with water, dried over MgS0 and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (93.5 mg, 48% yield) as a pale yellow solid. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.33 (s, IH), 4.65-4.61 (m,

2H), 4.60 (s, 2H), 3.99-3.93 (m, IH), 3.84-3.81 (m, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.04-1.98 ( , 2H), 1.89-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.58-1.53 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.22 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 424 (MH⁺). Example 16: l-(l-CycIohexyl-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyI)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene 16a. l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((3-phenoxyproρoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

3-Benzyloxy- 1 -propanol (1.5 g, 9.6 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of NaH (228.7 mg, 9.6 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL) and the reaction mixture stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. The product of Example 15b(l .9 g, 4.8 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred overnight. The sample was diluted with CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and washed with saturated NH₄C1, brine, dried over Mg₂S0₄ and the solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 3:1 Hexanes/EtOAc to give the title compound (1 .2 g, 50% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.02 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.32-7.26 (m, 5H), 6.31 (s, IH), 4.54 (s, 2H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 3.99-3.94 (m, IH), 3.66 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H),^'3.12 (s, 3H), 2.07-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.94 (q, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 1.65-1.61 (m, 3H), 1.28- 1.22 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 483 (MH⁺)

16b. 1-(1 -Cyclohexyl-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The product of Example 16a (1.3 g, 2.3 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (100 mL) and placed in a Parr shaker. Pd/C (500 mg) was added and the sample flushed with nitrogen 4 times. The sample was then flushed several times with H₂ (25-30 psi). The flask was refilled to 30 psi with H₂ and the sample shaken for 30 minutes. The solid was removed via filtration through Celite and washed with additional EtOH. The filtrate was collected, dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (727.9 mg, 80% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.29 (s, I H), 4.57 (s, 2H), 4.03- 3.94 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.76 (m, I H), 3.75 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.58 (br s, I H), 2.07-2.03 (m, 2H), 1.99-1.83 ( , 3H), 1 .87 (q, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 1.65-1.59 (m, 2H), 1.28-1.21 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 393 (MH⁺). 16c. 1 -( I -Cyclohexyl-3-((3-(nitrooxy)ρroρoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl) benzene

Fuming nitric acid (5 ml) was cooled to 0 °C and the product of Example 16b (105.5 mg, 0.27 mmol) in EtoAc was added drop-wise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour. Water (5 mL) was added followed by Na₂C0₃ until the mixture was neutralized. CH C1₂ was added and the organics separated. The aqueous portion was extracted with additional CH₂CI₂ and the combined organic fractions were washed with water, dried over MgS0 and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (49.1 mg, 41% yield) as a pale yellow solid. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.03 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.30 (s, IH), 4.56 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.02-3.94 ( , 1 H), 3.62 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.1 1 (s, 3H), 2.04- 1.97 (m, 3H),

2.01 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.88-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.65 (br s, IH), 1.27-1.21 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API- TIS) /z 438 (MH⁺).

Example 17: l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((3-((nitrooxy)methyl)phenoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5- yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene. 17a. Ethyl 3-((l-cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-)methoxy)benzoate

The product of Example 15b (562.2 mg, 1.4 mmol), ethyl-3-hydroxybenzoate (259.5 mg, 1.6 mmol), K₂C0₃ (294.2 mg, 2.1 mmol), and Nal (233.8 mg, 1.6 mmol) were taken up in acetone (10 mL) and stirred at reflux overnight. Aqueous work-up followed by drying over MgS0₄ and removal of the solvent under reduced pressure gave the title compound (377.1 mg, 55% yield) as a white foam. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.03 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (br s, IH), 7.63 (d, 7 = 7.6 Hz, IH), 7.56

(d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (t, 7 = 8.3 Hz, IH), 7.19 (dd, 7 = 2.1 Hz, 8.3, IH), 6.40 (s, IH), 5.14 (s, 2H), 4.35 (q, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.05-3.98 (m, IH), 3.1 1 (s, 3H), 2.06-2.00 ( , 2H), 1.91-1.84 (m, 4H), 1.65 (br s, IH), 1.37 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.31-1.26 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 483 (MlF). 17b. l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((3-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 17a (377.1 mg, 0.78 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (7 mL) and cooled to 0 °C. A I M lithium aluminum hydride solution (1.02 mL, 1.02 mmol) was added drop-wise and the mixture stirred at 0 °C for 3.5 hours. Solid Na₂SO₄.10H₂O was added until a solid formed. The precipitate was removed via filtration and washed with 10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂. The filtrate was collected, dried over Mg₂S0 , and the solvent was evaporatedunder reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 2.5% MeOH / CHC1₃ to give the title compound (214.1 mg, 62% yield) as a clear oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.00 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, 7 = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (br s, IH), 6.93-6.86 (m, 2H), 6.38 (s, IH), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.62 (d, 7 = 4.6 Hz, 2H), 4.04-3.97 (m, IH), 3.08 (s, 3H), 2.04-1.97 (m, 2H), 1.89- 1.80 ( , 4H), 1.64 (br s, IH), 1.29-1.24 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 441 (MH⁺).

17c. l-(3-((3-(Bromomethyl)phenoxy)methyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The product of Example 17b (204.8 mg, 0.46 mmol) and PBr₃ (88.4 μL, 0.93 mmol) were taken up in CH₂C1₂ (3 mL) and stirred overnight. Aqueous work-up followed by drying over MgS0₄ and removal of the solvent under reduced pressure afforded the title compound (161.6 mg, 69% yield) as a clear oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.02 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (t, 7 = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 6.96-6.92 (m, 2H), 6.40 (s, IH), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 4.06-3.98 (m, IH), 3.09 (s, 3H), 2.06-2.03 (m, 3H), 1.91 -1 .87 (m, 3H), 1.65 (br s, IH), 1.29-1.22 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 504 (MH⁺). 17d. l -(l-Cyclohexyl-3-((3-((nitrooxy)methyl)ρhenoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 17c (161.6 mg, 0.32 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (5 mL) and AgN0₃ (109.3 mg, 0.64 mmol) was added. The mixture was shielded from light and stirred at room temperature overnight. IN HCl (4 mL) was added and the precipitate removed via filtration through Celite. The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (67.0 mg, 43% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃); δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (t, 7 = 7.6 Hz, I H), 7.06-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.98 (d, 7 = 7.6 Hz, IH), 6.40 (s, IH), 5.39 (s, 2H), 5.13 (s, 2H), 4.06-3.98 (m, IH), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.07-2.U2 (m, 3H), l.y2-1.8» (m, 3H), 1.67 (br s, IH), 1.34-1.26 (m, 3H . Mass spectrum (API-TIS; m/z 487 (MH⁺). Example 18: l-(l-(4-Fluorphenyl)-3-((3-nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4- methylsulfonyl)benzene 18a. Methyl l-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsu!fonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 3a (5.68 g, 20 mmol) and 4- fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.23 g, 26 mmol) in methanol (120 mL) using the procedure of Example 10a. Separation of the regioisomers and recrystallization gave the title compound as a white solid (4.16 g, 55% yield). Mp 224-227 °C. H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.94 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H),

7.44 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 7.17 (s, IH), 7.13 (m, 2H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.10 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 375 (MH+), 392 (M+18+). Anal, calcd. for C18H15FN2O4S: C, 57.75; H,

4.04; N, 7.48; found: C, 57.66; H, 3.88; N, 7.48.

18b. 1 -( I -(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methyIsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (0.4g, 77% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 18a by following the procedure for Example 5b. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 7.88 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.26-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 4.80 (d, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.06

(s, 3H), 2.19 (d, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 347 (MH⁺). 18c. l-(3-(Bromomethyl)-l-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (3.3 g, 82% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 18b by following the procedure for Example 5c. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.88 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.26-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1 H), 4.80 (d, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.19 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, IH). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 459 (MH⁺). 18d. l-( 1 -(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound (0.32 g, 25% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 18c by following the procedure for Example 5d except 2-benzyloxy ethanol was used instead of 3-benzyloxy propanol. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.24-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.05 (m, 2H), 6.61 (s, IH), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.78 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.43 (br s, IH), 3.05 (s, 3H), 1.88 (q, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 407 (MH⁺). 18e. l-( 1 -(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound (69.3 mg„ 74% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 18d by following the procedure for Example 5e. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.88 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.27-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, IH), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.58 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 2.04 (q, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 450 (MH⁺).

Example 19: 4-(methyIsu_fony_)-l-(3-((3-(nitrooxy)butoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl) benzene 19a. 4-(Methylsulfonyl)-l-(l -phenyl-3-((3-phenoxybutoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzene

4-Benzyloxy-l-butanol (540.6 mg, 3.1 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of NaH (133.3 mg, 5.6 mmol) in dry THF (10 mL) and the reaction mixture stirred for 15 minutes. The product of

Example 5c (1.1 g, 2.8 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred overnight. The sample was diluted with CH₂CI₂ (10 mL) and washed with saturated NH₄C1 and brine. The sample was dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 2: 1 Hexanes/EtOAc followed by preparatory plate chromatography eluting with 1 : 1 Hexanes/EtOAc to give the title compound (564.5 mg, 42% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.85 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.39- 7.32 (m, 5H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 5H) 6.64 (s, I H), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 3.62 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.50 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.05 (s, 3H), 1.74-1.66 (m, 4H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 491 (MH⁺). 19b. 1 -(3-((3-Hydroxybutoxy)methyl)- 1 -phenylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene The product of example 19a (564.5 mg, 1.2 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (100 mL) and placed in a Parr shaker. Pd C ( 1.3 g) was added and the sample flushed with nitrogen 4 times. The sample was then flushed several times with H₂ (25-30 psi). The hydrogenation was performed at 30 psi for 30 minutes. The catalyst was removed via filtration through Celite and washed with EtOH. The combined filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.23 g, 1 % yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.83 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.65 (s, IH), 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.69-3.62 (m, 4H), 3.06 (s, 3H),

1.78-1.66 (m, 4H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 401 (MH⁺).

19c. 4-(MethylsulfonyI)-l -(3-((3-(nitrooxy)butoxy)methyl)-l-phenylpyrazol-5-yl)benzene

The product of Example 19b (46.5 mg, .1 16 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (3 mL) and added drop-wise to 5 ml of cold fuming HN0₃. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 3 hours. Water

(10 mL) was added followed by Na₂C0₃ until the mixture was neutralized. Methylene chloride was added and the organics separated. The aqueous portion was extracted with additional methylene chloride and the combined organic fractions were washed with water, dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (37.6 mg, 73% yield) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.39-

7.37 (m, 2H), 7.31 -7.29 (m, 2H), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.65 (s, 2H), 4.53 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.66 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 1.93-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.83-1.77 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 446 (MH⁺). Example 20: 4-(5-(4-MethyIphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)- benzenesulfonamide

20a. Methyl 4-(4-methylρhenyl)-2, 4-dioxobutanoate

The title compound was prepared from dimethyloxalate (47.24 g, 400 mmol) and 4'- ethylacetophenone (26.84 g, 200 mmol) using the procedure for Example Id. Work-up and recrystallization provided the title compound as white needles (32. 6 g, 74% yield). Mp 82-84 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 15.36 (br.s, IH), 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.08

(s, IH), 3.96 (s, 3H), 2.46 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 221 (MH+). Anal calcd. for C12H12O4: C, 65.45; H, 5.49. Found: C, 65.46; H, 5.53.

20b. 4-Hydrazinobenzenesulfonamide

A stirred solution of 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (38.33 g, 200 mmol) and anhydrous hydrazine (31.4 mL, 1.0 mol) was heated at reflux for 30 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into water (500 mL) with swirling. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed thoroughly with water several times, air-dried, and dried under vacuum to give the title compound (35.5 g, 95% yield) as a white solid. Mp 169-171 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, THF-d₈) δ 7.59 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (br, I H), 5.99 (br, 2H), 3.87 (br, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 188 (MH⁺).

20c. Methyl 5-(4-methylphenyl)- 1 -(4-sulfamoylphenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 20a (6.25 g, 28.4 mmol) in MeOH (200 mL) was added the product of Example 20b (5.31 g, 28.4 mmol), followed by 12N HCl (2.4 mL). The mixture was heated at reflux for 6 hours and then concentrated. The resulting solid was crystallized from MeOH.EtOAc (1:9) to give the title compound as white plates (10.1 g, 96% yield). Mp 138-139 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, THF-d₈) δ 7.86 (m, 2H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.17 (s, 4H), 6.99 (s, I H), 6.55 (br,

2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 372 (MH⁺).

20d. 4-(3-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 20c (5.55 g, 14.96 mmol) in THF (500 L) was added lithium aluminum hydride (1.0 M in THF, 37 mL, 37 mmol) drop-wise. After stirring at room temperature for 3 hours, the mixture was poured onto crushed ice, acidified with 12N HCl (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting solid was crystallized from EtOAc:Hexane (2: 1) to give the title compound as white prisms (4.60 g. 89% yield). Mp 130 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, THF-d₈) δ 7.79 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (s, IH), 5.4 (br s, 2H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H),

2.1 (br s, I H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 344 (MH⁺). 20e. (5-(4-Methylphenyl)-l-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)methyl mefhylsulfonate

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 20d (4.79 g, 13.97 mmol) and N,N- diisopropylethylamine (2.96 mL, 17 mmol) in THF (120 mL) was added methanesulfonyl chloride (1.08 mL, 14 mmol). Atter stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the mixture was poured into 2N

HCl, extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na₂S0 , filtered, and concentrated to give the title compound as a white foam (5.21 g), which was used for the next step without further purification. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) 5 7.78 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.63 (s, I H), 5.8 (br s, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 422 (MH⁺) .

20f. 4-(3-((3-Hydroxyρropoxy)methyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide

Sodium (0.66 g, 28.7 mmol) was stirred in 1,3-propanediol (8 mL) while heating (50 °C) until complete dissolution. The product of Example 20e (1.26 g, 3.00 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added, and the resulting solution was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was poured into ice-cooled aqueous NH₄C1, extracted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0 , filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel eluting with a 0-5% gradient MeOH in CHC1₃) furnished the title compound as a white solid (1.08 g, 94% yield over two steps). Mp 85-86 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.73 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (s, 1 H), 6.15 (br s, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.72 (m, 4H), 3.25 (br, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H), 1.83 pentet, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 402 (MH⁺).

20g. 4-(5-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide.

A mixture of 90% HN0₃ (1.17 mL, 25 mmol) and Ac₂0 (7 mL) was stirred at -10 °C (ice- MeOH bath) for 30 min. The product of Example 20f (2.09 g, 5.21 mmol) in THF (12 mL) was added. After being stirred at -10°C for 20 minutes, the mixture was poured into ice containing aqueous Na₂C0₃, extracted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue over silica gel eluting with EtOAc:Hexane 2: 1 afforded the title compound as a tan solid (1.61 g, 69% yield). Mp 62 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.76 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, I = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.51 (s, I H), 5.75 (br s, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 4.60 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.07-2.02 (m, 2H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 151.3, 144.7, 142.8, 140.6, 140.0, 129.5, 128.6,

127.2, 126.7, 124.9, 108.0, 70.5, 66.4, 66.2, 27.2, 21.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z Λ41 (MH⁺). Example 21: l-(3-((lE)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 21 a. 1 -((3E)-4-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)but-3-enyloxy)- 1,1 ,2,2- tetramethyl-1-silapropane n-Butyl lithium (2.25 mL of 2.5 M solution in hexane, 0.36 g, 5.6 mmol), was added drop- wise to solution of phosphonium salt ((3-((l,l-dimethylethyl)-dimethylsilyl)-oxy)ρropyl)- triphenylphosphonium bromide) (2.45 g, 4.76 mmol) in THF (13 mL) at -78 °C. The resultant solution was stirred at -78 ^CC for 1 hour. To this solution product ofthe Example 4c (1.3 g, 4.3 mmol) in THF (13 mL) was added drop-wise and the stirring continued at -78 °C for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred at room temperature for 24 hour. Water was added and extracted with EtOAc which was then washed with water, dried and filtered. The residue, after evaporation of the solvent, was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 0.5: 10 EtOAc:Hex to give pure Z-isomer (1.2 g, 61% yield) as a colorless oil and E-isomer (0.1 g, 5% yield). E-isomer: Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.22-7.35 (m, 4H), 6.51 (d, 7 = 16.1 Hz, IH),

6.26 (s, I H), 6.12-6.25 (m, I H), 3.92 08 (m, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 7.10 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.37-2.48 (m, 2H), 1.56-2.10 (m, 7H), 1 .16-1.30 (m, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.07 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.8, 143.3, 139.3, 129.5, 128.1, 127.9, 126.5, 124.4, 102.1, 63.3, 57.8, 36.7, 33.5, 26.1, 25.8, 25.3, 18.5, 15.6, -5.0. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 457 (MH⁺). 21b. l-(3-((l E)-4-(Hydroxy)but- l -enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 21a by following the procedure for Example 12d. Mp 129-130 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.07 (d, 7 = 16.0 Hz, l H), 6.37 (s, I H), 6.16-6.30 (m, IH), 3.89-4.08 (m, IH), 3.77 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.49 (q, 7 = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 1.42-2.12 (m, 7H), 1.10-1.37 (m, 3H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.9, 141.8, 140.6, 136.8, 129.9, 128.2, 128.1 ,

125.1 , 103.4, 62.2, 58.4, 44.7, 36.5, 33.5, 25.8, 25.2. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 375 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀H₂₆N₂O₃S^«l/4 mol H₂0: C, 63.38; H, 7.04; N, 7.39; S, 8.46. Found: C, 63.35; H, 7.13; N, 7.13; S, 8.44. 21c. l -(3-((lE)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-l -cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene The title compound was prepared as a white foam from the product of Example 21 b by following the procedure for Example 1 h. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.05 (dd, 7 = 1.5 and 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.57 (d, 7 = 16.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.37 (s, 1 H), 6.09-6.23 (m, IH), 4.57 (t, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.90-4.12 (m, I H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.55-2.68 (m, 2H), 1.60-2.12 (m, 7H), 1.12- 1.35 (m, 3H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.3, 141.9, 140.6, 136.6, 129.9, 128.0, 125.9, 125.1 , 103.5, 72.3, 58.4, 44.6, 33.5, 31.7, 30.5, 25.7, 25.1. mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 420 (MH⁺). Anal.

Calcd. for C₂oH₂₅N₃0₅S: C, 57.26; H, 6.01 ; N, 10.02. Found: C, 56.98; H, 6.00; N, 9.75. Example 22: l-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsuIfonyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-6-(nitrooxy)hexan-l-one 22a. ( 1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy-N-methylcarboxamide The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 4a by following the procedure for Example 3c. Mp 80-82 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.34 (d, 7 =

6.4 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (s, I H), 4.05-4.20 (m, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.48 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.80-2.10 (m, 6H), 1.56-1.70 (m, IH), 1.17-1.32 (m, 3H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 144.2, 142.9, 139.9, 129.5, 126.9, 126.4, 108.6, 61.6, 58.4, 33.4, 25.6, 25.2, 15.5. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 360 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₁₉H₂₅N₃0₂S: C, 63.48; H, 7.01; N, 1 1.69. Found: C, 63.72; H, 7.05; N, 1 1.75.

22b. l-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-(l ,l ,2,2-tetramethyl- 1- silapropoxy)hexanone-l -one

To a solution of the product of Example 22a ( 6.0 g, 16.7 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added drop-wise the Grignard reagent prepared from 3-bromo-l -(l, l,2,2-tetramethyl-l-silaρropoxy) pentane (6.15 g, 21.8 mmol) and magnesium turnings ( 1.1 g, 46.0 mmol) in THF (40 mL) at room temperature under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours, and then quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous NH C1 at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were washed with water, dried (Na₂S0₄) and filtered. The residue obtained after evaporation of the solvent was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with 1 : 10 to 2: 10

EtOAc:Hexane to give the title compound (3.79 g, 48% yield) as a colorless oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.33 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (s, IH), 4.00-4.18 (m, IH), 3.63 (t, 7 = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.03 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.82-2.13 ( , 7H), 1.76 (p, 7 = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1 .52-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.52 (m, 2H), 1.20-1.36 (m, 3H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 197.1, 150.1 , 143.9, 140.1 , 129.5, 126.8, 126.4, 106.3, 63.3, 58.5, 38.7, 33.4, 32.9,

26.1 , 25.8, 25.6, 25.2, 24.5, 18.5, 15.5, -5.1. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 501 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for <img file="WO2004002409A2_D0004.tif" /> C, 67.15; H, 8.86; N, 5.59. Found: C, 67.14; H, 8.68; N, 5.59. 22c. l-(l -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-hydroxyhexan-l-one The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 22b by following the procedure for Example 12d. Mp 125-127 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.06 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (s, IH), 3.98-4.12 (m, IH), 3.68 (q, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 3.07 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.83-2.14 (m, 7H), 1.79 (p, 7 = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.60-1.72 (m, 3H), 1.40- 1.57 ( , 2H), 1.18-1.37 (m, 3H). ^,3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.8, 150.4, 142.4, 141.0, 135.9,

130.0, 128.1 , 107.2, 62.9, 59.1 , 44.6, 38.6, 33.4, 32.7, 25.6, 25.5, 25.1 , 24.1. Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 419 (MH⁺), 401 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for C₂₂H₃₀N₂O₄S : C, 63.13; H, 7.22; N, 6.69. Found:

C, 63.19; H, 7.08; N, 6.67. 22d. l-(l -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-6-(nitrooxy)hexan-l-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 22c by following the procedure for Example 1 h. Mp 11 1 -113 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.07 (dd, 7 = 1.9 and 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (s, IH), 4.48 (t, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.98-4.15 (m,

I H), 3.14 (s. 3H), 3.07 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.67-2.16 (m, 8H), 1.81 (p, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.45-1.61 (m, 3H), 1.19-1.38 (m, 3H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.2, 150.2, 142.5, 141.0, 135.8, 130.0,

128.1 , 107.1, 73.3, 59.0, 44.5, 38.2, 33.4, 26.7, 25.5, 25.4, 25.0, 23.8. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 464 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₂H₂₉N₃0₆S: C, 57.00; H, 6.31 ; N, 9.06. Found: C, 57.07; H, 6.24; N, 8.97.

Example 23: l-(5-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-

(nitrooxy)butan-l-one 23a. Methyl 5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate.

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5.0 g, 20 mmol) and 4- (trifluoromethyl)phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.58 g, 26 mmol) in acetic acid (120 mL) in a manner similar to Example 7a. Work-up and recrystallization provided the title compound as a white solid (4.05 g, 52% yield). Mp 108-110 °C. ^!H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) δ 7.66 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H),

7.51 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, =8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, =8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (s, IH), 4.01 (s, 3H),

2.52 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 393 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for 9H15F3N2O2S: C, 58.16; H, 3.85; N, 7.14; found: C, 58.26; H, 3.73; N, 7.10.

23b. N-Methoxy-N-methyl(5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)- pyrazolyl) carboxamide

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 23a by following the procedure for Example 3c. Mp 142-144 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.62 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H) 7.21 (dd, 7 = 2.1 and 6.5 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (dd, 7 = 2.1 and 6.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (s,

I H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.50 (br s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 146.1 , 143.3, 140.0, 138.1, 133.6, 129.0 (J_C-_F = 9.4 Hz), 126.4, 125.9, 125.7, 1 10.1 , 61.6, 34.0, 15.1. Mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 422 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₁₈F₃N₃O₂S: C, 57.00; H, 4.31 ; N, 9.97. Found: C, 56.78; H, 4.12; 9.76. 23c. 1 -(5-(4-Methylthiopheny 1)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4- (1 ,1 ,2,2- tetramethyl-l -silapropoxy)butan-l-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 23b by following the procedure for Example 3d. Mp 102- 103 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.59 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H) 7.15 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (s, 1 H), 3.68 (t, I = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.1 1 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 1.88-2.05 (m, 2H), 0.84 (s, 9H), 0.01 (s,

6H). ^{I 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 196.4, 152.1 , 144.7, 142.5, 140.7, 130.1 (I_C._F = 32.9 Hz), 129.2, 126.4 (J_c-_F.= 3.7 Hz), 126.2, 125.8, 125.6, 125.4, 108.5, 62.6, 35.4, 27.5, 26.1, 18.5, 15.3, -5.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 535 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₇H₃₃F₃N₂0₂SSi: C, 60.65; H, 6.22; N, 5.24. Found: C, 60.49; H, 6.13; 5.09. 23d. 4-Hydroxy-l-(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl) butan- 1 -one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 23c by following the procedure for Example 12d. Mp 60-63 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.95 (dd, 7 = 1.7 and 6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.42-7.47 (m, 4H), 7.12 (s, IH), 3.74 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2Hj, 3.24 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 1.97-2.12 (m, 2H), 1.85-1.97 (br s, IH). ¹³C NMR (75

MHz, CDCl₃) δ 196.4, 152.3, 143.2, 141.9, 141.3, 134.7, 130.8, 129.7, 128.2, 126..9 (I_C._F = 3.6 Hz), 125.6, 109.7, 62.4, 44.5, 35.6, 27.2. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 453 (MH⁺), 435 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for C_2lH₁₉F₃N₂0₄S: C, 55.75; H, 4.23; N, 6.19. Found: C, 55.59; H, 4.14; 5.91. 23e. l-(5-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4- (nitrooxy)butan- 1 -one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 23d by following the procedure for Example lh. Mp 152-154 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.95 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.70 (d, I = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.42-7.47 (m, 4H), 7.13 (s, I H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.23 (p, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.3, 151.9, 143.3, 141.8, 141.3, 134.6, 131.3, 129.7, 128.2, 126.9 (I_(C-_F) = 3.8 Hz), 125.6, 125.4, 109.6, 72.6, 44.5,

34.7, 21.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 498 (MH⁺), 515 (MNa⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂ιH_l8F₃N₃0₆S: C, 50.71; H, 3.65; N, 8.45. Found: C, 50.60; H, 3.49; 8.20.

Example 24: l-(l-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsuIfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yI)- 4- (nitrooxy)butan-l-one 24a. Methyl l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazole-3-carboxylate.

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5.05 g, 20 mmol) and 4- methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.54 g, 26 mmol) in methanol (120 mL) by following the procedure of Example 8a. Separation of the regioisomers and recrystallization gave the title compound as white needles (5.45 g, 15.4 mmol, 77% yield. Mp 106-108 °C; IH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) δ 7.27 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (s, IH), 6.89 (d, 7 = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 355 (MH+); Anal, calcd. for C,₉H,₈N₂0₃S: C, 64.39; H, 5.12; N, 7.90; found: C, 64.39; H, 5.05; N, 7.79. 24b. N-Methoxy-( 1 -(4-methoxyρhenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)-N- methylcarboxamide The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 24a by following the procedure for Example 3c. Mp 131-133 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.25-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.20 (m, 4H), 6.98 (s, IH), 6.89 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.53 (br s, 3H), 2.49 (s, 3H). ^{I 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 159.4, 145.7, 143.3, 139.6, 133.1, 129.1 , 126.9, 126.4, 126.1, 1 14.3, 109.7, 61.7, 55.6, 34.0, 15.4. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 384 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀H₂₁N₃O₃S: C, 62.64; H, 5.52; N, 10.96. Found: C, 62.44; H, 5.29; N, 10.75.

24c. l-(1 -(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-( 1 , 1,2,2- tetramethyl-1- silaρropoxy)butan-l-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 24b by following the procedure for Example 3d. mp 51-53 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.24 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (s, IH), 6.89 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.83

(s, 3H), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 1.99 (p, I = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 0.89 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.6, 159.5, 151.3, 144.4, 139.8, 133.0, 129.1, 126.9, 126.3, 126.0, 114.4, 107.3, 62.7, 55.6, 35.3, 27.5, 26.1 , 18.4, 15.3, -5.2. mass spectrum (API- TIS) m/z 497 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₇H₃₆N₂0₃SSi: C, 65.29; H, 7.30; N, 5.64. Found: C, 65.06; H, 7.40; N, 5.52.

24d. 4-Hydroxy-l -(l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl) butan-1 -one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 24c by following the procedure for Example 3e. Mp 125- 127 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (dd, J = 2.1 and 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 6.91 (dd, 7 = 2.1 and 8.9 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.73 (t, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (t, 7 = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.04 (p, J

= 6.9 Hz, 2H). ^,3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 196.6, 160.0, 151 .4, 143.0, 140.5, 135.0, 132.1 , 129.5, 127.8, 126.9, 1 14.7, 108.4, 62.2, 55.7, 44.4, 35.5, 27.4. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 415 (MH⁺), 397 (M-OH). Anal. Calcd. for C₂,H₂₂N₂0₅S: C, 60.86; H, 5.35; N, 6.76. Found: C, 60.66; H, 5.27; N, 6.59. 24e. 1 -(l-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl-4-(nitrooxy) butan-1-one

The title compound was prepared as a white solid from the product of Example 24d by following the procedure for Example 1 h. Mp 132-134 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, 7

= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.10 (s, IH), 6.91 -6.95 (m, 2H), 4.58 (t, 7

= 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.26 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.21 (p, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.5, 160.1 , 151.1 , 143.1, 140.6, 135.1 , 132.2, 129.5, 127.9, 127.0, 114.8, 108.4, 72.6, 55.8, 44.5, 34.6, 21.3. mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 460 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for C₂ιH_2lN₃0₇S: C, 54.90; H, 4.61 ; N, 9.15. Found: C, 54.63; H, 4.43; N, 8.97. Example 25: l-(3-((lZ)-4-(nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazolyl)-4- ( ethylsulfonyl)benzene 25a. Methyl 2,4-dioxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butanoate

Sodium methoxide (5.4 g, 100 mmol) and dimethyloxalate (11.8 g, 100 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous methanol (700 mL) and stirred at room temperature under nitrogen until a suspension was formed. To this mixture, 3-acetylpyridine (5.5 mL, 50 mmol) was added and the stirring was continued for 3 days at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with enough 5% aqueous KHS0 until all solids have dissolved. The methanol was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 200 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2 x 200 mL), brine and dried (NaS0 ) followed by the removal of solvent under reduced pressure to give the title compound (8.67g, 84% yield) as a yellow solid. Η NMR (CDC1₃, 300 MHz) δ 9.21-9.20 (m, IH), 8.84-8.82 (m, IH), 8.30-8.26 (m, IH), 7.50-7.45 (m, IH), 7.08 (s, IH), 3.96 (s, 3H). ^!3C NMR (CDC1₃, 75 MHz) δ 188.5, 170.4, 162.2, 153.9, 149.0, 135.2, 130.5, 123.8, 98.0, 53.3. ** mass spectrum (APJMS) m/z 208 (M+ 1)⁺. 25b. Methyl l-(4-(methylsulfony)phenyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-carboxalate

A mixture of the product of Example 25a (295 mg, 1.4 mmol) and 4-methylsulfonyl phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (528 mg, 2.8 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous methanol (10 mL) and refluxed (70 °C) overnight under nitrogen. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned with ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (50 L each). The organic layer was washed with water, brine and dried (NaS0 ). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and purification by silica gel flash column chromatography with 1 % methanol in dichloromethane yielded the title compound (350 mg, 69% yield) as an orange colored solid. 'H NMR (CDC1₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.66-8.65 (m, IH), 8.58-8.57 (m, IH), 7.99-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.59-

7.54 (m, 3H), 7.37-7.33 (m, 1H)7.16 (s, I H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.10 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (CDC1₃, 75 MHz) δl 61.9, 150.3, 149.1 , 145.2, 142.9, 141.5, 140.3, 135.8, 128.6, 125.8, 125.0, 123.5, 111.4, 52.3, 44.3. LRMS (APIMS) m/z 715 (2M+ 1)⁺, 358 (M+ 1)⁺. 25c. l -(3-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazoyl)-4-(methylsuIfonyl)benzene The product of Example 25b (600 mg, 1.7 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (50 mL). To this solution, DIBAL-H (I M in toluene, 3.4 mL, 3.4 mmol) was added drop-wise under nitrogen and stiπed at room temperature for 15 min. The reaction was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride, filtered and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water (1 x 50 mL), brine and dried (NaS0₄) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification by silica gel flash column chromatography with 3% methanol in dichloromethane yielded the title compound (310 mg, 57% yield) as a white solid. Η NMR (CDC1₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.64-8.61 (m, I H), 8.57-8.56 (m, IH), 7.94-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.27 (m, I H), 6.65 (s, I H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.69 (br s, I H). ^I3C NMR (CDC1₃, 75 MHz) δ 154.6, 150.0, 149.1 , 143.6, 141.0, 139.2, 135.9, 128.6, 126.2, 125.1 , 123.6, 108.5, 58.8, 44.5. mass spectrum (APLVIS) m/z 659 (2M+ 1 )⁺, 330 (M+ 1)⁺.

25d. l-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-carbaldehyde

The product of Example 25c (200 mg, 0.6 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (30 mL) and alumina (1 g) was added and stirred under nitrogen. Pyridinium chlorochromate (380 mg, 1.8 mmol) was added and continued stirring for 20 min. The reaction mixture was filtered, then washed with saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (3 x 30 mL), water (1 x 30 mL), brine (1 x 30 mL), dried (NaS0₄), filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. The product was purified on silica gel flash column choromatography with 3% methanol in dichloromethane to give the pure title compound (80 mg, 41% yield) as a solid. Η NMR (CDC1₃, 300 MHz) δ 10.10 (s, IH), 8.69-8.67 (m, IH), 8.58-8.57 (m, IH), 8.02 (s, I H), 7.99 (s, IH), 7.61-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.37-7.34 (m, IH), 7.12 (s, IH), 3.10 (s, 3H). mass spectrum (APIMS) m/z 328 (M+ if.

25e. 1 -(3-((lZ)-4-Hydroxybut-l-enyl)-5-(3-pyridnyl)ρyrazolyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene l-?-Butyldimethylsilyloxyproρyl-3-triphenylphosρhonium bromide (310 mg, 0.6 mmol, 2.5 eq.) and anhydrous THF (10 mL) was stirred and cooled to -78 °C under nitrogen. To this suspension, n-BuLi (1.6 M in hexanes, 300 μL, 2 mmol) was added and stirred for 20 minutes until the dark orange color was observed. To this solution the product of Example 25d (80 mg, 0.24 mmol) dissolved in anhydrous THF (5 mL) was added and stirred for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred for another 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride (3 mL) and layers were separated. The aqueous layer was diluted until all solids dissolved and further extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried (NaS0₄), filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. The product was purified by chromatography over silica gel and then it was dissolved in THF and tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (IM, 2mL, 2 mmol) was added and mixture stirred under nitrogen overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned with dichloromethane and water (30 L each) and layers separated. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried (NaS0₄), filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. The product was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography using 1 % methanol in dichloromethane to yield the title compound (40 mg, 52% yield) as a colorless foam. Η NMR (CDC1₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.64 (d, 7 = 3.8 Hz, IH), 8.59 (br s, IH), 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.55-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.37 - 7.32 (m, IH), 6.64 (s, IH), 6.53 (d, IH, 7 = 1 1.6 Hz), 6.02-5.93 (m, I H), 3.85 (t, 7 = 6.2, 2H), 3.07 (s, I H), 2.87-2.80 (m, 2H). ^I3C NMR (CDC1₃, 75 MHz) δ 151.0, 149.9, 149.1, 143.5, 140.5, 139.1 , 135.9, 132.2, 128.6, 126.0, 124.9, 123.5, 121.8, 1 10.5, 62.0, 44.4, 32.6. mass spectrum (APIMS) m/z 370 (M+ 1)⁺. 25f. l-(3-((lZ)-4-(Nitrooxy)but-l-enyl)-5-(3-pyridyl)pyrazolyl)-4-(methylsulfonyI) benzene

The product of Example 25e (40 mg, 0.1 1 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of ethyl acetate (3 mL) and dichloromethane (2 mL). The solution was cooled to 0 °C. In a separate flask, acetic anhydride (620 μL) and fuming nitric acid (190 μL) was mixed together at 0 °C. The Ac₂0/HN0₃ mixture (270 μL) was added to the solution of starting material and stirred at 0 °C for 10 min and at room temperature for 5 min. The reaction was quenched by pouring over crushed ice, layers separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 L). The combined organic layers were washed with water (3 x 25 mL), brine (1 x 25 mL) and dried (NaS0₄). The solution was filtered and solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound (38 mg, 84% yield) as a colorless foam. Η NMR (CDCI₃, 300 MHz) δ 8.70 (br s, 2H), 7.98 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.67-7.65 (m, IH), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (br s, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 6.56 (d, 7 = 12 Hz, IH), 5.94-5.85 (m, IH), 4.69 (t, 7 = 6.8, 2H), 3.16-3.10 (m, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (CDC1₃, 75 MHz) δ 155.2, 148.9, 148.2, 143.5, 139.9, 139.4, 136.9, 128.7, 128.5, 125.0, 122.6, 1 10.9, 72.2, 44.5, 27.3. Mass spectrum (APIMS) m/z 415 (M+ 1)⁺.

Example 26: 4-(5-(3-Nitrooxy)propoxy)-methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide 26a. 4-(5-(3-Hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Sodium (0.50 g, 22 mmol) was dissolved in 1 ,3-propanediol (10 mL) and to this was added a solution of 4-(5-(chloromethyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide (1.1 1 g, 3.18 mmol, prepared according to the method of Talley, J. J., et. al. 7. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 115-111) in THF

(20 mL). The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 4 hours, then poured into ice containing aqueous NH₄C1 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over Na₂S0 , filtered, and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silica gel, 1 : 1 EtOAc:THF) of the residue afforded the title compound as a white solid, (1.08 g, yield 87% yield). ^] H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.87 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.6-7.3 (m, 9H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.43 (t, 7 = 5.1 Hz, I H, OH),

3.55 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.46 (m, 2H), 1.67 (pentet, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z

389 (MH+).

26b. 4-(5-(3-Nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide

HN0₃ (90%, 1 mL) was added to Ac₂0 (6 L) at -10 °C (ice-MeOH bath), and the solution was stirred at the same temperature for 30 min. The product of Example 26a (910 mg, 2.34 mmol) in

THF (10 mL) was added, and the resulting solution was stirred at -10 °C for 20 min. The mixture was then poured into ice containing aqueous Na₂C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0 , filtered, and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silica gel, 2: 1 EtOAc:Hexane) gave the title compound as a white solid (0.9 g, 86% yield), ^] H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.87 (d, = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 7.5-7.3 (m, 9H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.56 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.58 (t, 7 = 6.1 Hz, 2H), 1.94 (pentet, 7 = 6.2 Hz, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 434 (MH+). Example 27: 4-(5-(2-Nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazoI-4-yl)benzene-sulfonamide

27a. 4-(5-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Sodium (0.828 g, 36 mmol) was dissolved in ethylene glycol ( 15 mL) and to this was added a solution of 4-(5-(chloromethyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide ( 1.80 g, 5.17 mmol, prepared according to the procedure of Talley, J. J., et. al. 7. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 775-777.)) in THF ( 15 mL). The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 4 hours, then poured into ice containing aqueous NH₄C1, extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silica gel, 1: 1 EtOAc:THF) of the residue afforded the title compound as a white solid ( 1.65 g, 85% yield). ^lH NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.88

(d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.27 (m, 7H), 5.53 (br, 2H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.70 (t, 7 = 3.8 Hz, 2H), 3.63 (t, 7 = 3.8 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (br, IH). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 375 (MH⁺). 27b. 4-(5-(2-Nitrooxy)ethoxy)methyl-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Fuming HN0₃ (90%, 1 mL) was added to Ac₂0 (6 mL) at -10 °C (ice-MeOH bath), and the solution was stirred at the same temperature for 30 min. The product of Example 27a ( 1.00 g mg,

2.67 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added, and the resulting solution was stirred at -10 °C for 20 min. The mixture was then poured into ice containing aqueous Na_C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered, and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silica gel, 2: 1 EtOAc:Hexane) gave the title compound as a white solid (0.81 g, 72% yield). *H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.89 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.30 (m, 7H), 5.46 (br, 2H), 4.60

(t, 7 = 3.0 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.83 (t, 7 = 3.0 Hz, 2H). ^I3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 165.5, 161.2, 141.7, 133.6, 130.3, 129.9, 128.4, 127.7, 126.7, 117.4, 71.7, 66.9, 62.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 420 (MH+). Example 28: 4-(5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl) benzenesulfonamide

28a. 4-(5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared using the procedure of Example 20f . ' H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.76 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.25(m, 4H), 7. U (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.51 (s, IH), 6.07 (br, 2H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.8-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.1 (br, IH), 1 .9-1.8 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 421 (MH+).

28b. 4-(5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 28a using the procedure of Example 20g. ^]H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.80 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.34-7.29(m, 4H), 7.14 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.55 (s, I H), 5.67 (br, 2H), 4.62-4.57 (m, 4H), 3.7-3.6 (m, 2H), 2.1-2.0 (m, 2H). ). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 467 (MH+). Example 29: 4-(3-((3-(Nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-5-phenylpyrazolyl) benzenesulfonamide

29a 4-(3-((3-Hydroxypropoxy)methyl)-5-phenylpyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide The title compound was prepared using the procedure of Example 20f. ^H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.74 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.33-7.27 (m, 5H), 7.171 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.52 (s, 1 H), 5.95 (br, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.8-3.7 (m, 4H), 3.2 (br, IH), 1.9-1.8 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 387

(MH+). 29b. 4-(3-((3-(Nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-5-phenylρyrazolyl)benzenesulfonamide

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 29a using the procedure of Example 20g. &gt;H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.82-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.33 ( , 5H), 7.23-7.20 (m, 2H), 6.55 (s, IH), 5.23 (br, 2H), 4.63-4.58 (m, 4H), 3.7-3.6 (m, 2H), 2.1-2.0 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum

(API-TIS) m/z 432 (MH+).

Example 30: 4-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-(2-(nitrooxy)ethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl) benzene. 30a. 4-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-vinylpyrazol-5-yl)-l-methylthiobenzene

A solution of BuLi (5.07 mL of 1.6 M solution in hexane, 8.1 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of methyltriphenylphosphoniumbromide (2.3 g, 6.5 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at -78 °C under

N₂. The resulting solution was stirred for 30 minutes and then a solution of the product of Example 4c (1.3 g, 4.3 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Saturated NH₄C1 (50 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0₄. The solvent was evaporated and crude product was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with (0.5: 10)

EtOAC:Hexane to give the title compound (0.92 g, 71% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) 8 7.21 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.68 (dd, 7 = 1 1 and 17.7 Hz, IH), 6.25 (s, IH), 5.58 (d, 7 = 17.7 Hz, IH), 5.16 (d, 7 = 11 Hz, IH), 3.85-3.96 (m, I H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.50-2.00 (m, 7H), 1.05-1.20 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.7, 143.1 , 139.2, 129.5, 129.2, 127.4, 126.2, 114.4, 102.1 , 57.6, 33.2, 25.5, 25.0, 15.3. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 299 (MH⁺). Anal. Calcd. for

C₁₈H₂₂N₂0₂S»l/4 mol H₂0: C, 64.54; H, 6.77; N, 8.36. Found: C, 64.26; H, 6.45; N, 8.32. 30b. 2-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-l-ethan-l-ol

A solution of IM BH₃»THF complex (6 mL, 6 mmol) was added drop-wise to a stirred solution of product of Example 30a (0.9 g, 3 mmol) in THF at 0 °C and stirred for 45 minutes at 0 °C. 10% NaOH (6 mL) followed by 30% H₂0₂ solution (6 mL) were added drop-wise. The product was extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na₂S0 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude material was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with (1 : 1 ) EtOAc: Hexane to give the title compound (0.18 g, 19% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.23 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 5.95 (s, 1 H), 3.82-3.96 ( , 1 H), 3.84 (t, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.30 (br s, IH), 2.80 (t, 7 = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 1.05- 1.95 (m, 10H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.5, 142.8, 139.2, 129.2, 127.5, 126.2, 104.7, 61.9, 57.5, 33.3, 30.9, 25.6, 25.1, 15.4. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 317

(MH⁺).

30c. 2-(l -Cyclohexyl-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound compound (0.18 g, 96% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 30b (0.17 g, 0.53 mmol) and OXONE^® (0.66 g, 1.07 mmol) using the procedure for Example 1 g. Mp

108 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.95 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.07 (s, IH), 3.81-3.94 (m, I H), 3.83 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.33 (br s, IH), 3.05 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, 7 = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.50-2.05 (m, 7H), 1 .05-1.25 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) 149.8, 141.2, 140.1 , 136.4, 129.5, 127.7, 105.6, 61.7, 57.9, 44.3, 33.2, 30.9, 25.4, 24.9. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 349 (MH⁺). 30d. 4-( 1 -Cyclohexyl-3-(2-(nitrooxy)ethyl)pyrazol-5-y I)- l-(methy lsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (0.12 g, 66% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 30c (0.16 g, 0.45 mmol), fuming HN0₃ (94 μL, 0.14 g, 2.24 mmol) and Ac₂0 (0.34 mL, 0.37 g, 3.58 mmol) using the procedure for Example lh. Mp 117 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.98 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.15 (s, IH), 4.70 (t, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.85-4.05 (m, IH), 3.07 (s, 3H), 3.04-3.08 ( , 2H), 1.60-2.00 (m, 7H), 1.10-1.30 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI₃) δ i46.5, ι41.9, *

140.6, 135.9, 129.7, 127.8, 106.0, 71.9, 58.4, 44.3, 33.1, 26.0, 25.5, 24.8. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 394 (MH⁺).

Example 31: 4-(l-CycIohexyl-3-(3-(nitrooxy)propyl)pyrazol-5-y_)-l-(methylsulfonyl) benzene 31 a. Methyl (2E)-3-(1 -cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)prop-2-enoate A solution of BuLi (3.2 mL of 1.6 M solution in hexane, 5.2 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of trimethylphosphonoacetate (0.92 g, 5.08 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at -78 °C under N₂. The resulting solution was stirred for 30 minutes and a solution of the product of Example 4c (1.22 g, 4.06 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Water (50 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂S0 . The solvent was evaporated and crude product was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with (1 :9) EtOAc:Hexane to give the title compound ( 1.12 g, 77% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.71 (d, 7 = 16 Hz, 1 H), 7.32 (d, 7 = 6.5 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 6.43 (s, IH), 6.38 (d, 7 = 16 Hz, 1 H), 4.03-4.08 (m, I H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.55-2.00 (m. 7H), 1.22-1.28 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 167.4, 146.8, 143.7, 139.8, 137.4, 129.3, 126.7, 126.2, 1 18.0, 104.6, 58.1 , 51.4, 33.2, 25.5, 25.0, 15.3. Mass spectrum

(API-TIS) m/z 357 (MH⁺). 31b. (2E)-3-( 1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)prop-2-en- 1 -ol

The title compound (0.62 g, 60% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 31 a (1.12 g, 3.4 mmol) and lithium aluminum hydride (3.4 mL of IM solution in THF, 0.13 g, 3.4 mmol) using the procedure for Example If. Mp 90 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.25-7.35 (m, 4H), 6.68 (d, 7 = 16 Hz, IH), 6.32-6.39 (m, I H), 6.31 (s, IH), 4.30 (d, 7 = 5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.98-4.06 (m, I H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1 .60-1.95 (m, 7H), 1.10-1.30 (m, 3H); ¹ C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 148.8, 143.3, 139.4, 129.6 129.3, 127.5, 123.9, 102.6, 63.6, 57.7, 33.3, 25.6, 25.1 , 15.4. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 329 (MH⁺). 31c. 4-(3-((lE)-3-Hydroxyprop- l -enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-l (methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound (0.52 g, 76% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 31b (0.62 g, 1.89 mmol) and OXONE^® (1.45 g, 2.36 mmol) using the procedure for Example lg. Mp 121 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.99 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (d, 7 = 16 Hz, IH), 6.35 (s, IH), 6.29-6.38 (m, 1 H), 4.27 (d, 7 = 5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.90-3.98 (m, IH), 3.09 (s, 3H), 1.60- 2.10 (m, 7H), 1.10-1.30 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 149.1 , 141.7, 140.4, 136.4, 130.3,

129.7, 127.8, 123.2, 103.6, 63.4, 58.2, 44.4, 33.3, 25.5, 24.9. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 361 (MH⁺). 3 Id. 4-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 31c (0.52 g, 1.44 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (20 mL) and degassed with N₂. 10% Pd/C (2 spatula) was added and hydrogenated (20 p.s.i.) for 3 hours. The carbon residue was removed by filtration and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with (2: 1) EtOAc:Hexane to give the title compound (0.37 g, 71 % yield) as a white solid. Mp 138 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.03 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.11 (s, IH), 3.90-4.00 (m, IH), 3.75 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.30 (br s, I H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.81 (t, 7 = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.60-2.10 (m, 9H), 1.15-1.30 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75

MHz, CDClj) δ 151.7, 141.4, 140.2, 136.6, 129.6, 127.8, 105.5, 62.7, 58.0., 44.4, 33.4, 31.5, 25.5, 24.9. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 363 (MH⁺). 31e. 4-(l -Cyclohexyl-3-(3-(nitrooxy)proρyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The title compound (0.1 1 g, 70% yield) was prepared from the product of Example 3 Id (0.14 g, 0.38 mmol), fuming HN0 (81 μL, 0.12 g, 1.93 mmol) and Ac₂0 (0.29 mL, 0.31 g, 3.09 mmol) by following the procedure for the Example 1 h. Mp 77 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.19 (s, I H), 4.53 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.95-4.07 (m, I H), 3.1 1 (s, 3H), 2.85 (t, 7 = 7.45 Hz, 2H), 1.69-2.20 (m, 9H), 1.10-1.30 (m, 3H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 150.1 , 142.5, 140.9, 135.2, 129.7, 127.9, 105.7, 72.4, 58.8, 44.3, 32.8, 26.4, 25.4, 24.6, 23.7. Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 408 (MH⁺).

Example 32: 4-(5-((2,2-Difuoro-3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)benzenesulfoamide 32a. 2,2-Difluoroρropane-l,3-diol

To a stirred solution of diethyldifluoromalonate (5.00 g, 25.5 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at 0 °C was added lithium aluminum hydride (1.0 M in THF, 61 mL, 61 mmol) drop-wise under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours, and then cautiously quenched by solid sodium sulfate decahydrate (15 g). The resulting mixture was aged for 30 minutes, filtered, and the filter cake was thoroughly rinsed with 1 :1 mixture of methanol and THF. The combined filtrates were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give the title compound (1.58 g, 55% yield) as a white solid which required no further purification (the yield can be improved up to 82% when the reaction was performed at -78 °C): Η NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.41 (br, 2H), 3.66 (t, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 13.8 Hz, 4H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d_s) δl23.7 (t, 7 (^{l 9}F, ^l3C) = 242 Hz), 60.9 (t, 7 (^l9F, ^l3C) = 29.4 Hz); LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 1 13.2 ((M + H)⁺). 32b. 4-(5-(Chloromethyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide. This compound was prepared according to the method of Talley, J. J. et al. 7. Med. Chem. 43,

115-111, 2000.

32c. 4-(5-((2,2-Difluoro-3-hydroxyproρoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 32a (3.37 g, 30 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added NaH (0.72 g, 30 mmol) portionwise. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature until gas evolution was no longer observed (ca. 15 min). The product of Example 32b (2.09 g, 6.00 mmol) in

THF (20 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 35 minutes, at which point the starting chloride was completely consumed as indicated by TLC. Upon cooling, the mixture was poured into aqueous ammonium chloride, extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x). The combined organic layers were washed with water (3 x), dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue (silica gel, 5% methanol in dichloromethane) gave the title compound

(1.96 g, 77% yield) as a beige solid. Mp 93-94 °C. *H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.52-7.40 (m, 9H), 5.64 (t, 7 = 6.2 Hz, IH), 4.78 (s, 2H), 3.89 (t, 7 ('⁹F, Η) = 13.5 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (td, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 13.8 Hz, 7 (Η, Η) = 6.2 Hz, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 425.2 ((M + H)⁺). 32d. 4-(5-((2,2-Difuoro-3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)-3-ρhenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfoamide Nitric acid (90%, 1.41 mL, 30 mmol, 20 equiv.) was added to stirred acetic anhydride (4.3 mL) at 0 °C. After 15 minutes, a pre-cooled (0 °C) solution of the product of Example 32c (0.637 g, 1.50 mmol) in THF (5 L) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 45 minutes. TLC indicated complete conversion of the starting alcohol. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with ice-cooled 2M aqueous sodium carbonate (2 x), and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting semisolid was purified by crystallization from dichloromethane/hexanes (1 : 1) to give the title compound (0.605 g, 86% yield) as white needles. Mp 69 °C; ^lU NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.94 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.42-7.35 (m, 7H), 5.11 (br, 2H), 4.77 (t, 7 (^,9F, Η) = 1 1.9 Hz, 2H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 3.87 (t, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 12.0 Hz, 2H); LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 470.0 ((M + H)⁺). Example 33: 4-(3-Phenyl-5-((2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-4-(nitrooxy)butoxy)methyl)isoxazol-4- yl)benzenesulfonamide

33a. 4-(3-Phenyl-5-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxy)methyl)isoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide

To a stirred solution of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobutane-l,4-diol (5.78 g, 35.7 mmol) in THF ( 150 mL) was added NaH (0.857 g, 35.7 mmol) portionwise at room temperature. After 15 minutes, the product of Example 32b (2.49 g, 7.14 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen atmosphere for 55 minutes, at which point the starting chloride was no longer observable by TLC. Upon cooling, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with aqueous ammonium chloride, water, and brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Crystallization of the residue from ethyl acetate gave the title compound (2.66 g, 79% yield) as white flakes. Mp 70 °C; ^lH NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.86 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz,

2H), 7.53-7.36 (m, 9H), 5.88 (t, 7 = 4.8 Hz, IH), 4.79 (s, 2H), 4.12 (t, 7 (¹⁹F, Η) = 15.5 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (td, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 15.2 Hz, 7 (Η, Η) = 4.8 Hz, 2H); LRMS (API-TIS) /z 475.2 ((M + H)⁺). 33b. 4-(3-Phenyl-5-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxy)methyl)isoxazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Nitric acid (90%, 4.66 L, 100 mmol, 18 equiv.) was added to stirred acetic anhydride ( 14 mL) at 0 °C. After 15 min, a pre-cooled (0 °C) solution of the product of Example 33a (2.60 g, 5.o0 mmol) in THF (30 L) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred under ambient atmosphere for 75 minutes. TLC indicated complete conversion of the starting alcohol. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with ice plus 2M aqueous sodium carbonate (2 x), and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting solid was purified by crystallization from dichloromethane/hexanes (1: 1) to furnish the title compound (2.36 g, 81 % yield) as white prisms. Mp 46 °C. *H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41-7.33 (m, 7H), 5.37 (br, 2H), 4.95 (t, 7 (ⁱ⁹F, Η) = 13.7 Hz, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 4.05 (t, 7 (^I9F, Η) = 13.2 Hz, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 520.2 ((M + H)⁺). Example 34: 4-(5-((2,2,3,3,4,4-Hexafluoro-5-(nitrooxy)pentyloxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)benzenesulfonamide

34a. 4-(5-((2,2,3,3,4,4-Hexafluoro-5-hydroxypentyloxy)rnethyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)benzenesulfonamide

To a stirred solution of 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoropentane-l ,5-diol (6.36 g, 30 mmol) in THF (100 L) was added sodium hydride (0.72 g, 30 mmol) in small portions. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature until hydrogen evolution had ceased (ca. 10 min). The product of Example 32b

(2.12 g, 6.09 mmol) in THF (25 L) was added, and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux under nitrogen atmosphere for 80 minutes, at which point the starting chloride was completely converted as judged by TLC. The mixture was poured into ice plus aqueous ammonium chloride with swirling, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue (silica gel, 5% ethanol in ethyl acetate) afforded the title compound (2.62 g, 82% yield) as a white crystalline solid. Mp 50- 51 °C; ^]H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.90 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.57-7.41 (m, 9H), 6.00 (t, 7 = 5.6 Hz, IH), 4.86 (s, 2H), 4.27 (t, 7 (¹⁹F, Η) = 15.2 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (td, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 15.7 Hz, 7 (Η, Η) = 5.6 Hz, 2H); LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 525.2 ((M + H)⁺). 34b. 4-(5-((2,2,3,3,4,4-Hexafluoro-5-(nitrooxy)pentyloxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)benzenesuIfonamide

Nitric acid (90%, 4.19 mL, 90 mmol, 30 equiv.) was added to stirred acetic anhydride (12.6 mL) at 0 °C. After 15 min, a pre-cooled (0 °C) solution of the product of Example 34a (1.58 g, 3.01 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C under ambient atmosphere for 105 minutes. TLC indicated complete conversion of the starting alcohol. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with ice water plus 2M aqueous sodium carbonate (2 x), and water. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting oil was purified by crystallization twice from dichloromethane/hexanes (1 : 1) to give the title compound (1.25 g, 73% yield) as a white solid. Mp 38-39 °C. ' H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.93 (dd, 7 = 6.9, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.33 (m, 7H), 5.23 (br, 2H), 4.99 (t, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 13.5 Hz, 2H), 4.72 (s,

2H), 4.10 (t, 7 (^l9F, Η) = 13.7 Hz, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 570.2 ((M + H)⁺). Example 35: l-(5-(4-(Methysulfonyl)phenyI)-l-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(nitrooxy)ethan-l- one 35a. 2-Bromo-l-(5-(4-methylthioρhenyl)-l-(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-yl)ethan-l-one To a stirred solution of methyl 5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-l-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole-3-carboxylate (prepared as described in Penning, T. D. et al. J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1347-1365.; 0.39 g, 1.2 mmol) and dibromomethane (0.17 mL, 2.4 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at -78 °C under nitrogen atmosphere was added methyl lithium (1.6 M in ether, 1.4 mL, 2.2 mmol). After being stirred at the same temperature for 90 minutes, the solution was quenched with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated.

Chromatography of the residue on silica gel (2: 1 EtOAc:hexane) gave the title compound (0.32 g, 69% yield) as a white foam. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.42-8.40 (m, I H), 7.83 (m, IH), 7.55- 7.51 (m, IH), 7.17-7.09 (m, 4H), 7.02 (s, IH), 4.70 (s, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H); LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 388 and 390 (MH⁺). 35b. 2-Bromo-l-(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)pyrazol-3-yl)ethan-l -one

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 35a (0.32 g, 0.823 mmol) in methanol (15 mL) was added OZONE^® (1.01 g, 1.65 mmol) in water (10 mL). After being stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel (2: 1 EtOAc:hexane) gave the title compound (0.34 g) as a white solid. Mp 1 16 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.32-8.30 (m, IH), 7.95-7.91 (m, 3H), 7.79-7.76 (m, IH), 7.50-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.14 (s, IH), 4.70 (s, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H).

LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 420 and 422 (MH⁺).

35c. l-(5-(4-(Methysulfonyl)phenyl)-l -(2-pyridyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-2-(nitrooxy)ethan-l -one

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 35b (0.21 g, 0.499 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was added silver nitrate (0.425 g, 2.5 mmol). After being stirred at ambient temperature for 20 hours, the mixture was concentrated and chromatographed on silica gel (1: 1 EtOAc:hexane) to give the title compound (0.19 g) as a white solid. Mp 82-84 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.34-8.33 (m, I H), 7.95-7.91 (m, 3H), 7.75-7.72 (m, IH), 7.50-7.22 (m, 3H), 7.15 (s, IH), 5.78 (s, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 403.2 (MH⁴). Example 36: 4-(5-(Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)benzene-sulfonamide

36a. 5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-l-(4-su-famoyIphenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)methyl methylsulfonate

To a stirred solution of 4-(5-(4-chloroρhenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)ρyrazoyl)- benzenesulfonamide (prepared as described in Penning, T. D. et al. 7. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 1347- 1365; 8.50 g, 23.2 mmol) in THF (200 mL) were added MeS0₂Cl (1.80 mL, 232 mmol), di- isopropylethylamine (4.36 mL, 25 mmol). After being stirred at room temperature for 90 minutes, the mixture was concentrated, poured into 2 N HCl, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give the title compound ( 10 g) as a white foam, which was used without further purification. 36b. 4-(5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-hydroxypropoxy)methyl)pyrazolyl)-benzenesulfonamide Sodium (0.69 g, 30 mmol) was dissolved in 1 ,3-dihydroxyρropane (15 mL). The product of

Example 36b (4.21 g, 10 mml) in THF (50 mL) was added, and the mixture was heated at reflux for 5 hours, and then poured into ice plus aqueous ammonium chloride. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting solid was purified by crystallization from 1 :5 MeOH:CHCl₃ to give the title compound (2.12 g) as white needles. Mp 96 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.77 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.25 (m, 4H),

7.13-7.09 (m, 2H), 6.51 (s, IH), 6.07 (br, 2H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.75-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.18 (br, IH), 1.85- 1 .80 (m, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 422.2 (MH⁺). 36c. 4-(5-(Chlorophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)benzene-sulfonamide

Nitric acid (90%, 1.2 mL, 25 mmol) and acetic anhydride (3.6 mL) were mixed and stirred at 0 °C for 15 min, the product of Example 36b ( 1.23 g, 2.92 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was then added.

After being stirred at 0 °C for 20 minutes, the mixture was poured into ice plus 2M sodium carbonate, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by crystallization from 1 : 1 dichloromethane:hexanes to give the title compound (1.1 1 g) as a yellow solid. Mp 88 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.80 (d, I = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.34-7.29 (m, 4H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.55 (s, 1 H), 5.67 (br s, 2H), 4.61-4.57 (m, 4H), 3.68 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.04 (m, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 467 (MH⁺). Example 37: 4-(5-((2-(Nitrooxy)ethyI)sulfonyI)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)benzenesuIfonamide

37a. 4-(5-((2-(2-Hydroxyethylthio)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide Sodium (0.69 g, 30 mmol) was dissolved in 2,2'-thiodiethanol ( 10 mL) at 50 °C. 4-((5-

Chloromethyl-3-phenyl)-4-isoxazolyl)benzenesulfonamide (synthesized as described in Talley et al.; 7. Med. Chem. 2002, 43, 115-111; 1.19 g, 3.41 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was added, and the solution was heated at reflux under nitrogen atmosphere for 150 minutes. The mixture was poured into aqueous ammonium chloride, extracted with EtOAc, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give an oil (2.38 g), which was used without further purification.

37b. 4-(5-((2- ((2-Hydroxyethyl)sulfonyl)ethoxy)methyl)-3-phenyIisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesu If onami de

To a stirred solution of the product of Example 37a (2.38 g crude) in methanol (150 mL) was added OXONE^® (16.4 g, 26.6 mmol) in water (150 mL). After being stirred at room temperature for 95 minutes, the mixture was poured into water, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel (EtOAc) gave the title compound (1.28 g), as a white solid. Mp 81 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, THF-d₈) δ 7.97 (d, I = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.7-7.4 (m, 7H), 6.22 (br, 2H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 4.03-3.88 (m, 4H), 3.49-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.19-3.08 (m, 2H), 3.03 (br, IH). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 467.2 (MH⁺).

37c. 4-(5-((2-(Nitrooxy)ethyl)sulfonyl)ethoxy)methyl)-3-ρhenylisoxazol-4-yl) benzenesulfonamide

Nitric acid (90%, 2.5 mL, 51 mmol) and acetic anhydride (8 mL) were mixed and stirred at 0 °C for 15 minutes, the product of Example 37b (1.08 g, 2.31 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was then added. After being stirred at 0 °C for 20 minutes, the mixture was poured into ice plus 2M sodium carbonate, extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was purified by crystallization from 3:1 dichloromethane:hexanes to give the title compound (0.81 g) as a white solid. Mp 62-63 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, THF-d⁸) δ 7.77 (d, I =8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.32-7.19 (m, 7H), 6.47 (br, 2H), 4.74 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 3.83 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.41 (t, 7 = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H). LRMS (API-TIS) m/z 467.2 (MH⁺). LRMS

(API-TIS) m/z 512.2 (MH⁺). Example 38: l-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-(((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene 38a. 1 -( 1 -Cyclohexyl-3-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene The product of Example 4b (1 ,64g, 5.43 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH/H₂0 (6mL/lmL) and OXONE^® was added (6.67 g, 10.86 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The resulting solid was removed via filtration and washed with CH₂C1₂. The filtrate was collected and diluted with additional CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and the organic layer separated, dried, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow solid ( 1 .55 g, 86% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 7.55 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 6.31

(s, I H), 4.73 (s, 2H), 3.99 (m, IH), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.04-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.86 (m, 4H), 1.66 (m, 2H), 1.27-1.25 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 335 (M+ 1). 38b. l-(3-(Bromomethyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 38a (1.5o g, 4.49 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (10 mL) and PBr₃ (853.1 mg, 8.98 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Water

(10 mL) was slowly added and the organics separated, washed with brine, and dried (MgS0₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give of the title compound as a white solid (1.29 g, 72% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.03 (d, 2H, 7 = 7.4), 7.55 (d, 2H, 7 = 7.4), 6.34 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.01-3.92 (m, I H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 2.02-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.85 (m, 4H), 1.64 (m, 2H), 1.24 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 398 (M+ 1).

38c. l-(l -Cyclohexyl-3-(((2-hydroxyethyI)amino)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 38b (480 mg, 1.209 mmol) and ethanolamine (109.4 uL, 1.813 mmol) were dissolved in acetonitrile (10 mL) and stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The acetonitrile was removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue dissolved in CH₂CI₂ (15 mL). The sample was washed with water (2 x 8 mL) and brine and dried (MgS0 ). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give of the title compound as a yellow oil (37 mg, 8% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.03 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 7.54 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 6.22 (s, IH), 3.97 (br m, IH), 3.86 (s, 2H), 3.67 (t, 2H, 7 = 5.1), 3.46 (s, IH), 3.11 (s, 3H), 2.88 (t, 2H, 7 = 5.1), 2.04-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.85 (m, 4H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.27-1.25 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 378 (M+ 1). Example 39: 4-(l-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l-

(methylsulfonyl)benzene Nitric acid (3 mL) was cooled to 0 °C and the product of Example lOd (31.2 mg, .075 mmol) in CH₃CN (2 mL) was added drop-wise. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 6 hours and diluted with H₂0 (3 mL). The sample was neutralized with solid Na C0₃ and the aqueous portion extracted with CH₂C1₂ (3 x 10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgS0₄), evaporated to give the title compound as a yellow oil (30.0 mg, 87 % yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.84 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.5), 7.40 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.5), 7.17 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.9), 6.87 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.9) 6.60 (s, I H), 4.61-4.56 (m, 4H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.67 (t, 2H, 7 = 6.1), 3.04 (s, 3H), 2.05-2.01 (t, 2H, 7 = 6.1). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 462 (M+ 1). Example 40: 4-(l-(4-Methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-3-((3-(nitrooxy)propoxy)methyl)pyrazol-5-yl)-l- (methylsulfonyl)benzene

The product of Example 8d (41.9 mg, 0.105 mmol) was cooled to 0 °C and cold HN0₃ (5 mL) was added drop-wise. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 2.5 hours and diluted with H₂0 (10 mL). The sample was neutralized with solid Na₂C0₃ and the aqueous layer extracted with CH₂C1₂ (3 x 10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgS0₄), evaporated to give the title compound as a yellow oil (5 mg, 10% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.92 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 7.91 (s, IH), 7.44 (d, 2H, 7 = 8.3), 7.45-7.43 (m, IH), 7.33-7.32 (m, IH), 6.63 (s, IH), 4.63-4.56 (m, 4H), 3.68 (t, 2H, 7 = 6.0), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.05 (t, 2H, 7 = 6.0). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 491 (M+

!)• Example 41: l-(3-((lE)-3-(Nitrooxy)prop-l-enyl)-l-cyclohexylpyrazol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) benzene

The title compound was prepared as a white foam from the product of Example 3 lc (33 mg, 0.09 mmol) in CHC1₃ (0.3 mL), fuming HN0₃ (19 μL, 29 mg, 0.46 mmol) and Ac₂0 (69 μL, 74.9 mg, 0.73 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example lh. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.0b (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, 7 = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, 7 = 16.0 Hz, IH), 6.44 (s, IH), 6.20-6.30

(m, IH), 5.07 (d, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.89-4.10 (m, IH), 3.14 (s, 3H), 1.92-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.92 ( , 4H), 1.57-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.15-1.35 (m, 2H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 406 (MH⁺). Example 42: 4-(5-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazolyI) benzene carbonitrile 42a. Methyl 1 -(4-cyanophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazole-3-carboxylate

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5 g, 20 mmol) and 4- cyanophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.4g, 26 mmol) in acetic acid (120 mL) following the procedure for the preparation of Example le. Purification gave a yellow solid (5.3 g, 76% yield). Mp 177-179 °C. H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.66 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, 7 = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.1 1 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (s, 1 H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H); Mass spectrum

(API-TIS) m/z 350 (MH+); Anal, calcd for C_l9H_l5N₃θ₂S: C, 65.31; H, 4.33; N, 12.03. Found: C, 65.37; H, 4.12; N, 12.01.

42b. l-(4-Cyanophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-pyrazol-3-yl)carboxamido-N-methoxy-N-methyl The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 42a (1.77 g, 5.05 mmol), trimethylaluminum (5.05 mL of 2M solution in hexane, 0.73 g, 10.1 mmol) and dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.99 g, 10.1 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 3c. Purification gave a white solid (1.8 g, 94% yield). Mp 146-147 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.66 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (s, IH), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.49 (br s, 3H), 2.51 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 147.1 , 143.7, 143.0, 140.8, 133.1, 129.2, 126.2, 125.6, 125.4, 1 18.1, 111.5, 111.2, 61.8, 34.0, 15.2; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 379 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd for C₂₀H_l8N₄O₂S^«1/4 mol H₂0: C, 62.72; H, 4.87; N, 14.63. Found: C, 62.70; H, 4.82; N, 14.57.

42c. 4-(5-(4-Methylthiophenyl)-3-(4-( 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl-l -silapropoxy)butanoyl) pyrazolyl) benzene carbonitrile The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 42b (1.56 g, 4.12 mmol), the

Grignard reagent (35 mL) (prepared from 3-bromo- 1 -( 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl-l - silapropoxy)propane (25 g, 98.8 mmol) and magnesium turnings (4.98 g, 0.21 mol) in THF (180 mL) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 3d. Purification gave a white solid (1.5 g, 73% yield). Mp 91-93 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.67 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, 7 = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (s, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.50 (s,

3H), 1.99 (p, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 0.88 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.3, 152.4, 144.8, 143.1, 141.0, 133.2, 129.2, 126.2, 125.5, 125.5, 1 18.1, 1 11.7, 108.8, 62.6, 35.4, 27.4, 26.1 , 18.4, 15.2, -5.2; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 492 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₇H₃₃N₃0₂SSi: C, 65.95; H, 6.76; N, 8.55. Found: C, 65.89; H, 6.69; N, 8.44. 42d. 4-(3-(4-Hydroxybutanoyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazolyl)benzene carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 42c (1.5 g, 3.06 mmol) in MeOH (54 mL) and OXONE^® (5.6 g, 9.17 mmol) in water (18 mL) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 12d. Purification gave a white solid (0.64 g, 52% yield). Mp 169-171 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.97 (dd, 7 = 1.9 and 6.7 Hz, 2H), 7.72 (dd, 7 = 2.0 and 10.8 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.12 (s, 1 H), 3.76 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.24 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.06

(p, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 1.79 (t, 7 = 3.2 Hz, IH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.2, 152.5, 143.3, 142.4, 141.5, 134.5, 133.6, 129.7, 128.3, 125.7, 117.7, 1 12.7, 110.1, 62.4, 44.5, 35.7, 27.1 ; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 410 (MH⁺), 392 (M-OH). Anal, calcd. for C₂ιH₁₉N₃0₄S: C, 61.60; H, 4.68; N, 10.26. Found: C, 61.34; H, 4.50; N, 10.18. 42e. 4-(5-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazolyl) benzenecarbonitrile

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 42d (0.4 g, 0.98 mmol) in CHC1₃ (3.2 mL), fuming HN0₃ (0.21 mL, 0.31 g, 4.89 mmol) and Ac₂0 (0.74 mL, 0.80 g, 7.8 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 1 h. Purification gave a white solid (0.32 g, 72% yield). Mp 148-149 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.96 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.72 (dd, 7 = 1.8 and 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.50 ( , 4H), 7.12 (s, I H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H),

3.10 (s, 3H), 2.22 (p, 7 = 6.9 Hz, 2H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.2, 152.2, 143.4, 142.3, 141.5, 134.4, 133.6, 129.7, 128.3, 125.7, 1 17.7, 112.8, 1 10.0, 72.5, 44.5, 34.7, 21.3; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 455 (MH⁺), 472 (MNH ). Anal, cacld. for C_2lH_l8N₄O₆S^«0.1 mol EtOAc: C, 55.48; H, 4.09; N, 12.09. Found: C, 55.36; H, 4.02; N, 1 1.78. Example 43: 4-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzene sulfonamide. 43a. ( I -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy-N-methyl carboxamide. The title compound was prepared from Example 4a (7 g, 21.2 mmol), trimethylaluminum (21.1 mL of 2M solution in hexane, 3.05 g, 42.4 mmol) and dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (4.13 g, 42.4 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 3c. Purification gave a white solid (7.1 g, 93% yield). Mp 80-82 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.34 (d, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H),

7.27 (d, 7 = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.71 (s, IH), 4.05-4.20 (m, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.48 (s, 3H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.80- 2.10 (m, 6H), 1.56-1.70 (m, I H), 1.17-1.32 (m, 3H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 144.2, 142.9, 139.9, 129.5, 126.9, 126.4, 108.6, 61.6, 58.4, 33.4, 25.6, 25.2, 15.5; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 360 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C_l9H₂₅N₃0₂S: C, 63.48; H, 7.01 ; N, 11.69. Found: C, 63.72; H, 7.05; N, 11.75.

43b. l-(l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(l,l ,2,2-tetramethyl-l- silapropoxy)butan-l-one

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 43a (3.9 g, 11.0 mmol) in THF (30 mL), the Grignard reagent prepared from 3-bromo-l-(l,l,2,2-tetramethyl-l -siIapropoxy) propane (25 g, 98.8 mmol) and magnesium turnings (5.0 g, 20.8 mol) in THF (180 mL following the procedure for preparation of Example 3d. Purification gave a colorless oil (3.79 g, 48% yield). Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.20-7.38 (m, 4H), 6.71 (s, IH), 4.02-4.20 (m, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 1.72-2.05 (m, 10H), 1.19-1.32 (m, 2H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 6H); Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 473 (MH⁺). 43c. 1 -(1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfinyl)phenyl)ρyrazol-3-yl)-4-(l , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl- 1- silaρropoxy)butan- 1 -one

The product of Example 43b (3.23 g, 6.84 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂C1₂ (48 mL) and MeOH (15 mL). Magnesium monoperoxyphathalate hexahydrate (MMPP) (1.83 g, 3.69 mmol) was added in five equal portions at 1 minute intervals. The resulting heterogeneous solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Saturated NaHC0₃ was added. The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂S0₄ and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give the crude product. The crude product was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 10% MeOH7CH₂CI₂ to give the title compound (1.5 g, 45% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.77 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (s, I H), 3.98-4.20 (m, I H), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 1.78-2.10 (m, 10H), 1.14-1.33 (m, 2H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR δ (75 MHz, CDC1₃)

196.6, 150.2, 146.7, 143.0, 133.3, 130.0, 124.3, 106.8, 62.7, 58.8, 44.0, 35.3, 33.4, 27.6, 26.1 , 25.6, 25.1 , 18.4, -5.3; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 488 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₆H₃₉N₂0₃SSi: C, 64.03; H, 8.06; N, 5.74. Found: C, 63.86; H, 8.05; N, 5.74.

43d. (4-( 1 -Cyclohexyl-3-(4-( 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetramethyl- 1 -silapropoxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5- yl)phenylthio)mefhyl acetate The product of Example 43c (1.5g, 3.1 mmol) was dissolved in acetic anhydride (12 mL). Powdered sodium acetate (1.1 g, 13.4 mmol) was added and the solution was refluxed for 8 hour. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in EtOAc :CH C1₂ (1:0.5), washed with saturated NH C1, brine and dried over Na S0₄. The solvent was removed under vacuo to give the title compound (0.9 g, 56% yield) as oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.54 (d, I = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, I

= 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.73 (s, IH), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.00-4.18 (m, I H), 3.73 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.1 1 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 1.83-2.00 (m, 10H), 1.12-1.32 (m, 2H), 0.91 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDClj) δ 196.8, 170.3, 150.1, 143.5, 136.3, 129.8, 129.2, 106.5, 67.4, 62.8, 58.6, 35.3, 33.4, 27.7, 26.1, 25.6, 25.2, 21.2, 18.4, -5.2; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 531 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₈H₄₂N₂0₄SSi: C, 63.36; H, 7.98; N, 5.28. Found: C, 63.32; H, 7.81 ; N, 5.19.

43e. ((4-(l-Cyclohexyl-3-(4-(l, l ,2,2-tetramethyl-l-silapropoxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)phenyl) sulfonyl)methyl acetate

The product of Example 43d (0.9 g, 1.7 mmol) and MMPP (0.92 g, 1.86 mmol) were mixed in CH₂C1₂ (16 mL) and MeOH (5 mL) and was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with saturated NaHC0₃ and the solvent was evaporated to half of its volume.

The residue was extracted into CH₂C1₂, washed with saturated NaHC0₃, water, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and evaporated to give the title compound (0.74g, 78% yield) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃) δ 8.05 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (s, IH), 5.21 (s, 2H), 3.98-4.12 (m, I H), 3.73 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 1.82-2.10 (m, 9H), 1.20- 1.35 (m, I H), 1.20-1.35 (m, 2H), 0.89 (s, 9H), 0.06 (s, 6H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.4, 168.3, 150.4,

142.2, 137.3, 136.7, 130.0, 129.6, 107.3, 62.7, 59.1 , 35.3, 34.8, 33.4, 31.7, 27.6, 26.1, 25.5, 25.1, 22.8, 20.4, 18.4, 14.2, -5.1 ; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 563 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₈H₄₂N₂0₆SSi: C, 59.76; H, 7.52; N, 4.98. Found: C, 59.67; H, 7.37; N, 4.94. 43f. 4-(l -Cyclohexyl-3-(4-(l,l,2,2-tetramethyl-l-silaproρoxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5- yl)benzenesulfonamide

Sodium acetate (0.77 g, 9.4 mmol) was added to a solution of the product of Example 43e (0.66 g, 1.17 mmol) in methanol (14 mL). The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes K₂C0₃ (0.46 g, 3.3 mmol) was added and the stirring was continued for 1.5 hours. To this solution, hydroxyaminosulfonic acid (0.53 g, 4.69 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, diluted with EtOAc and saturated NaHC0₃ was added. The solvent was evaporated to a small volume, more EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with saturated NaHC0₃, brine, dried over Na₂S0₄ and filtered. The residue after evaporation of the solvent was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 1 :2 to 1 : 1 EtOAc:Hexane to give the title compound (0.38 g, 64% yield) as a white solid. Mp 1 1 -153 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.96 (s, 2H), 3.92-4.10 (m, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.12 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.75-2.10 ( , 8H), 1.48- 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.20-1.38 (m, 2H), 0.90 (s, 9H),

0.06 (s, 6H); Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 506 (MH⁺).

43g. 4-( 1 -Cyclohexyl-3-(4-hydroxybutanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Tetrabutylammonium fluoride (0.75 mL of IM solution in THF, 0.20 g, 0.75 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of the product of Example 43f (0.38 g, 0.75 mmol) in THF (9 L). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The residue after evaporation of the solvent was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 1 : 1 EtOAc:CH₂Cl₂ to give the title compound (0.23 g, 78% yield) as a white solid. Mp 152-154 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 7.95 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.68 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (s, IH), 4.48 (t, 7 = 5.2 Hz, 2H), 4.08-4.22 (m, I H), 3.42- 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.02 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.82-2.00 (m, 4H), 1.70-1.82 (m, 4H), 1.19-1.38 (m, 2H); ¹³C

NMR (75 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 195.2, 149.5, 144.4, 143.0, 132.6, 129.6, 126.3, 106.6, 60.2, 58.1 , 34.9, 32.9, 27.0, 24.8, 24.7; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 31 (M-OH), 392 (MH⁺). LCMS (94.3%). 43h. 4-(l-CyclohexyI-3-(4-(nitrooxy)butanoyl)pyrazol-5-yl)benzenesulfonarnide

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 43g (0.15 g, 0.38 mmol), fuming nitric acid (80 μL, 0.12 g, 1.92 mmol) and acetic anhydride (0.28 mL, 0.31 g, 3.1 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 1 h. Purification gave a white solid (0.12 g, 74 % yield). Mp 45-47 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 8.05 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, 7 = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (s, IH), 4.75-4.90 (m, 2H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.90-4.20 (m, 1 H), 3.21 (t, 7 = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.15-2.24 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.92 (m, 4H), 1.92-2.15 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.18-1.32 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 194.9, 149.9, 142.8, 142.6, 134.7, 129.8, 127.2, 107.1, 72.8,

59.1 , 34.6, 33.4, 25.5, 25.1 , 21.5; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 437 (MH⁺). LCMS (94.6%). Example 44: l-(l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-

(nitrooxy)butan-l-one 44a. Methyl l-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-carboxylate The title compound was prepared from the product of Example Id (5 g, 20 mmol) and 4- chlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4.7 g, 26 mmol) in MeOH (120 mL) following the procedure for the preparation of Example le. Purification gave a white solid (5.7 g, 79% yield). Mp 140-143 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.34 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, 7 = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (s, IH), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.49 (s, 3H); Mass spectrum (API-TIS) /z 359 (MH+). Anal, calcd. for C_l8H₁₅ClN₂0₂S: C, 60.25; H, 4.21 ; N, 7.81. Found: C, 60.47; H,

4.10; N, 7.80.

44b. (l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-methoxy-N- methylcarboxamide

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 44a (2.5 g, 7.0 mmol), trimethylaluminum (7.0 mL of 2M solution in hexane, 1.00 g, 13.9 mmol) and dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.36 g, 13.9 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 3c. Purification gave a white solid (2.3 g, 85% yield). Mp 128-129 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.08-7.35 (m, 8H), 6.96 (s, I H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.50 (br s, 3H), 2.49 (s, 3H). ^{I 3}C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 162.6, 146.1 , 143.3, 140.1, 138.1, 133.7, 129.1, 129.0, 126.4, 125.9, 1 10.2, 61.6, 15.1 ; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 388 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C_l9H,₈ClN₃0₂S: C, 58.83; H, 4.68; N, 10.83. Found: C, 58.58; H, 4.64; N, 10.66.

44c. l -(l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(1 ,1,2,2- tetramethyl-1- silapropoxy) butan- 1-one

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 44b (2.3 g, 5.9 mmol), the Grignard reagent (81 mL) (prepared from 3-bromo-l -( 1 ,1,2,2-tetramethyl-l- silapropoxy)propane (68 g, 0.27 mol) and magnesium turnings (13.5 g, 0.56 mol) in THF (500 L) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 3d. Purification gave a white solid (1.9 g, 65% yield). Mp 64-65 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.02-7.42 (m, 8H), 6.96 (s, IH), 3.72 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (t, 7 = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 1.99 (p, 7 = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 0.89 (s, 9H), 0.05 (s, 6H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.5, 151.8, 144.5, 140.4, 138.3, 134.2, 129.4, 129.1, 126.6, 126.2, 125.9, 108.0, 62.6, 35.3, 27.5, 20.1 , 18.5, 1 .3, -5.2; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 502 (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for

C₂₆H₃₃CIN₂0₂SSi'l/4 mol CHC1₃: C, 59.38; H, 6.31 ; N, 5.28. Found: C, 59.00; H, 6.25; N, 5.04. 44d. l-(l-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-hydroxybutan-l-one

The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 44c (1.9 g, 3.8 mmol) in MeOH (57 mL) and OXONE^® (7.0 g, 1 1.4 mmol) in water (19 mL) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 12d. Purification gave a white solid (0.47 g, 29% yield). Mp 147-148 °C. Η

NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.35-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.20-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.10 (s, IH), 3.74 (q, 7 = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 2.00-2.11 (m, 2H), 1.96 (t, 7 = 5.6 Hz, I H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 196.4, 151.9, 143.1, 141.0, 135.0, 134.8, 129.9, 129.6, 128.1, 126.7, 109.2, 62.4, 44.5, 35.6, 27.3; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 419 (MH⁺), 401 (M-OH). Anal. calcld. for C₂₀H_l9ClN₂O₄S: C, 57.35; H, 4.57; N, 6.69. Found: C, 56.97; H, 4.49; N, 6.36.

44e. l-(l-(4-ChIorophenyl)-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-4-(nitrooxy) butan- 1-one The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 44d (0.19 g, 0.45 mmol) in CHC1₃ (2 mL), fuming HN0₃ (95.4 μL, 0.14g, 2.27 mmol) and Ac₂0 (0.34 mL, 0.37 g, 3.6 mmol) following the procedure for the preparation of Example 1 h. Purification gave a white solid. Mp 131- 132 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.92 (d, 7 = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.30-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.15-7.30 (m,

2H), 7.10 (s, 1 H), 4.58 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (t, 7 = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 2.22 (p, 7 = 6.6 Hz, 2H); ^l3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 194.3, 151.5, 143.1 , 141.0, 137.6, 135.1 , 134.7, 129.8, 129.6, 128.0, 126.7, 109.1 , 72.6, 44.5, 34.6, 21.2; Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z A6A (MH⁺). Anal, calcd. for C₂₀H₁₈ClN₃O₆S: C, 51.78; H, 3.91 ; N, 9.06. Found: C, 51.54; H, 3.86; N, 8.87. Example 45: (l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2- (nitrooxy)ethyl)carboxamide (NMI-1693)

45a. (l-CycIohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxamide

The product of Example 4b (1.8 g, 5.45 mmol) and ethanolamine (12 ml, 198.82 mmol) were heated at 60 °C for 2hours. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and acidified with IN HCl. The reaction mixture was extracted with ether (3 x 10 mL) and the organics separated, dried over MgS0 and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil. The sample was triturated in Et₂0 to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid (998 mg, 50% yield). Mp 149-151 0 °C. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃); δ 7.33 (d, 7 = 8.3, 2H), 7.25 (d, 7 = 8.3, 2H), 6.73 (s, 1 H), 4.07- 4.06 (m, IH) 3.84 (t, 7 = 4.9, 2H), 3.64-3.59 (m, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.95-1.90 (m, 3H), 1.86-1.85 (m, 3H), 1.28-1.25 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 360 (M+ 1).

45b. (1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)ρhenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxamide

The product of Example 45a (540 mg, 1.50 mmol) was cooled to 0 °C and dissolved in MeOH/H₂0 (20mL/10mL). OXONE^® was added (1.20 g, 1.95 mmol) and the mixture stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for an additional hour. Tne resulting solid was removed by filtration and the filtrate made basic with saturated Na₂C0₃ solution. Additional H₂0 (10 mL) was added and the sample extracted with EtOAc (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a solid (94.5 mg, 15% yield). Mp 199-201 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃); δ 8.06 (d, 7 = 8.1, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.1, 2H), 7.56-7.32 (m, IH), 6.84 (s, lH), 4.06- 4.02 (m, I H) 3.85-3.83 (m, 2H), 3.65-3.60 (m, 2H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.03-2.02 (rn, 2H), 1.98-1.87 (m,

2H), 1.70 (br s, IH), 1.61 (br s, IH), 1.27-1.25 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 392 (M+ 1). 45c. (l -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(2-(nitrooxy)ethyl) carboxamide

Fuming nitric acid (700 μL, 17.55 mmol) was added to acetic anhydride (756.6 μL, 8.01 mmol) at 0 °C and the mixture stirred for 10 minutes. The mixture was then added to a solution of the product of Example 45b ( 85.9 mg, 0.22 mmol) in EtOAc (15 mL) at 0 °C and the mixture stirred for

2 hours. Saturated NaHC0₃ was added to basify the mixture and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was washed with additional EtOAc (2 x 10 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried over MgS0₄ and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound (69.7 mg, 73% yield)as a solid. Mp 168-170 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃); δ 8.06 (d, 7 = 8.2, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.2, 2H), 7.20-7.16 (m, IH), 6.83 (s, IH), 4.67 (t, 7 = 5.3, 2H), 4.08-4.00 (m, IH)

3.81 (q, 7 = 5.3, 2H), 3.1 1 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.89 ( , 5H), 2.10 (br s, I H), 1.17 (br s, I H), 1 .28- 1.25 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 437 (M+ 1).

Example 46: (l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3-(nitrooxy) propyl)carboxamide 46a. ( 1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)carboxamide The product of Example 4b (540.0 mg, 1.64 mmol) and propanolamine (7 ml, 91.5 mmol) were heated at 60 °C overnight. The sample was allowed to cool to room temperature and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL). The solution was pulled through a silica gel plug to remove any excess propanolamine. The filtrate was collected and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give an oil, which upon standing at room temperature yielded an oil/crystal mixture. Et₂0 was added and the crystals collected via filtration. The sample was purified via recrystalization from hexanes/CH₂Cl₂ to give the title compound (329.8 mg, 54% yield) as white crystals. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃); δ 7.33 (d, 7 = 8.4, 2H), 7.24 (d, 7= 8.4, 2H), 7.17 (m, IH), 6.73 (s, IH), 4.06-4.04 (m, I H) 3.68 (t, 7 = 5.7. 2H), 3.61 (q, 7 = 5.7, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 1.99-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.91-1.82 (m, 3H), 1.78 (t, 7 = 5.7, 2H), 1.68 (m, IH), 1.26 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 374 (M+ 1).

46b. (l-Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyI)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3-hydroxypropyl) carboxamide

The product of Example 46a (392.8 mg, 0.88 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH/H₂0 (10mL/5mL) and OXONE^® was added (3.7 mg, 6.02 mmol). The mixture was stiπed at room temperature for 4hours. The resulting precipitate was removed via filtration and the solid washed with MeOH (2 mL). The filtrate was collected and diluted with additional CH₂C1₂ (10 mLj. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous portion extracted with additional CH₂C1₂ (2 x 10 mL). The combined organic extracts were collected, dried over MgS0 and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound (196.2 mg, 55% yield) as a white solid. Mp 166-168 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃); δ 8.04 (d, 7 = 8.0, 2H), 7.54 (d, 7 = 8.0, 2H), 7.24-7.21 (m, IH), 6.81 (s, IH), 4.06-3.99 (m, I H) 3.66-3.49 (m, 4H), 3.1 1 (s, 3H), 2.00-1.68 (m, 8H), 1.26-1.24 (m, 3H).

Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z 406 (M+ 1).

46c. (1 -Cyclohexyl-5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)-N-(3(nitrooxy) ρropyl)carboxamide Fuming nitric acid ( 10 mL, 250.7 mmol) was cooled to -10 °C and the product of Example 46b (80.3 mg, 0.19 mmol) was added as a solid. The mixture was stirred at -10 °C for 1.5 hours and diluted with ice water. The mixture was neutralized with a saturated solution of Na₂C0₃ and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 15 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, and dried over MgS0₄. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound (60.8 mg, 68% yield) a pale yellow solid. Mp 168-170 °C. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃); δ 8.06 (d, 7 = 8.2, 2H), 7.56 (d, 7 = 8.2, 2H), 7.10-7.08 (m, I H), 6.82 (s, I H), 4.59 (t, 7 = 6.5, 2H), 4.07-4.02 (m, I H) 3.57

(q, 7 = 6.5, 2H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.14-1.99 (m, 4H), 2.10 (t, 7 = 6.5, 2H), 1.70 (br s, IH), 1.63 (br s, 1 H), 1 .27- 1.25 (m, 3H). Mass spectrum (API-TIS) m/z A31 (M+ 1 ). Example 47: 3-(Nitrooxy)propyl 4-(5-(4-(methyIsulfonyl)phenyl)-l-(4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)butanoate 47a. Methyl (6Z)-7-hydroxy-7-(4-methylthiophenyl)-5-oxohept-6-enoate Lithium diisopropylamide mono(tetrahydrofuran) in cyclohexane (1.5 M; 28 mL, 42 mmol) was added to a solution of l -(4-methylthiophenyl)ethan- 1-one (5.16 g, 31 mmol) in THF (120 mL) and stirred for 30 minutes at -72°C. A solution of methyl 4-(chloroformyl)butyrate ( 1.78 g, 10.8 mmol) was added to the above solution and stirred for 30 minutes and then warmed slowly from the - 72°C to -45°C. To the reaction mixture was added 3N HCl (50 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate

(100 mL x 3). The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and evaporated. Trituration of the residue with diethyl ether/hexane gave a mixture of the title compound and starting material (~ 30% yield) as a solid (2.42 g). The crude material was used in the next step without purification. A small quantity of pure sample was obtained at the beginning of the trituation. Mp. 92-93°C. Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 15.1 (br, IH), 7.79 (d, 7 = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (d, 7 = 8.6

Hz, 2H), 6.13 (s, IH), 3.69 (s, 3H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 2.48 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.42 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.02 ( , 2H). ^,3C NMR (CDC1₃) δ 194.8, 183.0, 173.4, 144.9, 131.0, 127.3, 125.2, 95.6, 51.5, 37.9, 33.1, 20.8, 14.8. 47b. Methyl 4-(5-(4-methylthiophenyl)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)butanoate A solution of the product of Example 47a (1.61 g) and 4-(trifluoromethyl ) phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (1.28 g, 7.3 mmol) in methanol (50 mL) was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The reaction was concentrated and the residue was separated by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (1 :4, R/= 0.2) to give a mixture of the title compound with some unknown impurities (~5% yield) as an oil (1.80 g). The crude material was used in the next step without purification. Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.57 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, 7 = 8.4

Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.33 (s, IH), 3.68 (s, 3H), 2.76 (t, 7 = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.46 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.09 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (CDC1₃) δ 173.7, 153.8, 143.4, 142.4, 139.6, 128.9, 128.7 (7_CF = 33 Hz), 126.6, 126.0, 125.9, 124.6, 123.8 (7_CF = 270 Hz), 51.4, 33.5, 27.5, 24.5, 15.1. MS(API) m/z 435 (M+H)⁺. 47c. 4-(5-(4-Methylthiophenyl)-l-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)butanoic acid

A solution of the product of Example 47b (1.80 g) and LiOH (0.11 g, 4.47 mmol) in a mixture of water (10 mL), methanol (40 mL) and THF (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was acidified with 3N HCl and then evaporated. The aqueous residue was extracted with CH₂C1₂ (30 mL x2). The combined organic extracts were washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and evaporated. The residue was separated by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (gradient from 1 :2 to 3:2, R/= 0.3 in 3:2) to give the title compound as a white solid (0.82 g). Mp 92-93°C. Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.58 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.33 (s, IH), 2.80 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.50 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.09 (m, 2H). ^I C NMR (CDC1₃) δ 179.0, 153.7, 143.6, 142.6, 139.7, 129.1 , 128.8 (7_CF = 32 Hz), 126.5, 126.1 , 126.0, 124.8, 123.8 (7_CF = 270 Hz), 33.5, 27.3, 24.3, 15.2. MS(API) mle 419 (M-H)^'. Analysis for C₂₁H,₉F₃N₂0₂S Calcd. C, 59.99; H, 4.55; N, 6.66. Found C, 59.72; H, 4.34; N, 6.60.

47d. 4-(5-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-l -(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrazol-3-yl)butanoic acid A solution of OXONE^® (1.3 g, 2.1 1 mmol) in water (15 mL) was added to a solution of the product of Example 47c (0.82 g, 1.95 mmol) in methanol (50 L) and stirred at room temperature for

1.5 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered though Celite and then evaporated. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was dried over Na₂S0₄, filtered and evaporated. The residue was separated by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (gradient from 1:2 to 2:3, R/= 0.1 in 1:2) to give the title compound as an oil. Trituration of the product with ether/hexane gave the title compound as a white solid (0.49 g, 55 % yield). Mp 155-156°C. Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.48 (s, IH), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.82 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.50 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.10 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (CDC1₃) δ 178.9, 154.0, 142.1 , 141.8, 140.2, 135.4, 129.4 (7_CF = 32 Hz), 129.3, 127.8, 126.3, 124.9, 123.8 (7_CF = 270 Hz), 44.3, 33.3, 27.2, 24.1. MS(API) mle 451 (M-H) .

47e. 3-(Nitrooxy)propylamine nitric acid salt

A solution of 3-amino-l -propanol (6.17 g, 82.2 mmol) was added, dropwise, to an ice-cooled solution of fuming nitric acid (12 L) in acetic anhydride (50 mL). The reaction was stirred in an ice-bath for 10 minutes and then at room temperature for 10 minutes. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum at 40°C. The residue was stirred in diethyl ether (200 mL) until the product precipitated. The mixture was filtered and the white crystalline solid was dried in vacuo to give the title compound (12.1 g, 80% yield). Η NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 4.57 (br. t, 2 H), 2.8-3.0 (m, 2H), 1.96 (m, 2H). ^I3C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 70.9, 36.1, 24.5. MS(API) m/z 121 (M-N0₃)⁺. 47f . 3-(Nitrooxy)ρroρy1 4-(5-(4-(methylsulfonyl)pheny I)- 1 -(4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)pyrazol-3 - yl)butanoate

A solution of the product of Example 47d (0.35 g, 0.78 mmol), Example 47e (0.18 g, 0.98 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.20 g, 0.16 mmol), l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3- ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.21 g, 1.1 1 mmol) and NEt₃ (0.4 mL, 2.87 mmol) in CH₂C1₂ (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was partitioned between 3N HCl (50 mL) and CH₂CI₂ (50 mL). The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over

Na₂S0₄, filtered and evaporated. The product was separated by silica gel column chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate (R/= 0.25) to give the title compound as a yellowish foam (0.257 g, 59% yield). Η NMR (CDC1₃) δ 7.91 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, 7 = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.49 (s, IH), 6.39 (br. t, IH), 4.51 (t, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.37 (q, 7 = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.77 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.33 (t, 7 = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (CDCI₃) δ 173.0, 154.1, 142.1 , 141.7, 140.1 , 135.4, 129.3 (7_CF = 32 Hz), 129.2, 127.6, 126.3, 124.7, 123.5 (7_CF = 270 Hz), 71.0, 44.2, 35.9, 35.6, 27.1 , 26.9, 25.1 , 20.9. MS(API) m/z 555 (M+H)⁺.

Example 48: Assay for Human COX-l and COX-2 Enzyme Activity in Human Whole Blood The assay for COX-l and COX-2 enzyme activity, in the human whole blood was performed as described in Brideau et al., Inflamm Res., 45: 68-74 (1996)). Human blood (=50 mL) from male or female donors who had not received any aspirin or NSAIDs for 14 days was collected at two local area blood donor centers and placed in polypropylene syringes containing sodium heparin (20 units per mL blood, final concentration). The blood was transported to the laboratory on ice packs and used within 1.5 hours of collection. Upon receipt in the laboratory, the blood was allowed to come to room temperature for 15 minutes prior to distribution in 1 mL aliquots per well of 24 well tissue culture plates. The plates were then placed on a gently rotating platform shaker in a 5% C0₂ incubator at 37° C for 15 minutes. Test compounds were dissolved in DMSO, at 1000 fold the final desired concentration, and further diluted, as indicated, in DMSO. One μL of each dilution of the test compound was added per well, in duplicate wells; wells not receiving test compound (e.g., basal, background or control wells) received 1 μL DMSO.

To induce COX-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli (LPS, serotype 026:B6 or serotype 0127:B8, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO, Catalogue No. L3755 or L3129, respectively) was added at 10 μg/mL (2 μL of 5 mg/mL LPS in DMSO) to appropriate wells 15 minutes after the addition of the test compound. (Basal or background wells not incubated with LPS received 2 μL of

DMSO.) For the stimulation of COX-1, the calcium ionophore, A23187 (free acid from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO, Catalogue No. C7522) was added at 25 μM (1 μL of 25 mM stock in DMSO) to separate wells 4.5 hours after the addition of the test compound. (Again, basal, background or control wells not stimulated with A23187 received 1 μL of DMSO.) At 5 hours after the addition of the test compound, all incubations were terminated by placement on ice and the addition of 2 mM EGTA (100 μL of 20 mM EGTA, tetrasodium, in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) without Ca⁺⁺and Mg⁺⁺, pH 7.2)). The resulting solutions, were transferred by polyethylene transfer pipettes to 15 mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 1200 g for 10 minutes at 4 °C. One hundred μL of plasma was removed from each blood sample and added to 1 mL of methanol in new 15 mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes, vortexed, and stored overnight at -20 °C. The next day, the samples were centrifuged at 2000 g for 10 minutes at 4°C and the supernatants transferred to glass tubes and evaporated to dryness. The samples were assayed for thromboxane B₂ using EIA kits supplied by Cayman Chemical Co. (Ann Arbor, MI, Catalogue No. 519031) in duplicate wells after reconstitution with EIA Buffer and appropriate dilution (2000 fold for COX-1 and 500 fold for Cox-2 samples). The % inhibition for COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activity in human whole blood by the test compounds, at the indicated concentrations, are given in Table 1.

TABLE 1

<img file="WO2004002409A2_D0005.tif" /><img file="WO2004002409A2_D0006.tif" /><img file="WO2004002409A2_D0007.tif" />

The results show that the compounds in Table 1 have COX-2 selectivity. Example 49: Rat Carrageenan Air-Pouch

The carrageenan air pouch model was performed as described by Sedgwick et al., Agents Actions 18, 429-438, (1986) and Masferrer et al,. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91 , 3228-3232 (1994). Air pouches were produced by subcutaneous injection of 20 ml of sterile air on day (-6) into the intrascapular area of the back of the anesthesia rat (male CD, Charles River, 175-200g). An additional 10 mL of sterile air was injected into the pouch 3 days later to keep the space open and to assist in the development of the interior membrane. Six days after the initial air injection, 1 mL of a 1% solution of carrageenan (Sigma, lambda fraction) dissolved in pyrogen-free saline was injected directly into the pouch to produce an inflammatory response. The test compound in vehicle (3 mL/rat, 0.5% Methocel) was administered by oral intubation 1 hour prior to carrageenan injection into the inflammatory pouch. After 4 hours the exudate was removed by pipette into a calibrated centrifuge tube and the volume measured The number of leukocytes in the exudate was determined by cell counting with a Beckman Coulter Particle Counter with the lower threshold set to exclude red blood cells The exudate samples were assayed without further processing for PGE₂ (prostaglandin E₂) using PGE₂ EIA kit-Monoclonal, from Cayman Chemical Co (Ann Arbor, MI, Catalogue No 514010)

The % inhibition for the cell infiltration and the % inhibition for PGE₂ by the test compounds, at the indicated concentrations, are given in Table 2

Table 2

<img file="WO2004002409A2_D0008.tif" />

The compounds in Table 2 inhibit cell infiltration with an accompanying decrease in PGE₂ levels

The disclosure of each patent, patent application and publication cited or described in the present specification is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety

Although the invention has been set forth in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the invention, and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention