Antiviral agents

1. A compound of formula I

Het-A-Alk-W-Ar-C(X 2 )═NO-X 1   I,

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, where: Het is a radical of the formula:

wherein each R 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, di(C 1-6 alkylamino, cyano, formyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, hydroxyC 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxyC 1-4 alkyl, C 1-6 haloalkoxy, aryloxy, C 1-6 -alkylthio, arylthio, C 1-6 alkylsulphinyl, C 1-6 alkylsulphonyl, arylsulphinyl, arylsulphonyl, —CH═NO-C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxycarbonyl, C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl and aryl;

R 2 and R 3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy and halo;

or R 1 and R 2 or R 2 and R 3 combined in radicals (a-1), (a-4), (a-7) and (a-13) may represent a bivalent radical of formula —CH═CH—CH═CH— or (CH 2 ), where p is an integer from 2 to 4;

each Y is independently O or S; and

each Y′ is O, SO or SO 2 :

A is O, S, NH, N(C 1-6 alkyl), CH 2 O, a direct bond or a bivalent heterocyclic radical of the formula:

where one or more of the carbon atoms within the radicals (b-1) to (b-4) may be optionally substituted with C 1-6 alkyl or two carbon atoms in the radicals (b-1) to (b-4) may be bridged with a divalent C 2-4 alkyl radical, m and n are each

independently integers of 1 to 4 inclusive with the proviso that the sum of m and n in radicals (b-1) to (b-4) is 3, 4 or 5;

Z is N or CR 6 where R 6 is hydrogen, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy or amino;

Z′ is O, S, CHR 7 or NR 8 where R 7 is hydrogen, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy or amino and R 8 is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl;

R 4 is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl; and

R 5 is hydrogen, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl or C 1-6 alkoxy;

Alk is divalent C 1-7 alkyl or a direct bond;

W is O, S, OCH 2 , a direct bond or NR 9 where R 9 is hydrogen or C 1-6 alkyl;

Ar is a radical of the formula:

where each Y is independently O or S, and

R 10 and R 11 are each independently hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl, hydroxy, C 1-6 alkyl, halo, amino, cyano, nitro, C 1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy C 1-6 alkylthio, or trifluoromethyl;

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl, C 3-6 alkynyl, C 3-6 haloalkynyl or C 1-6 alkyl substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 2-6 alkoxyalkoxy, acyl or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, F, Cl, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or a bivalent radical of formula —CH 2 ) 2 —, —(CH 2 ) 3 —, —CH 2 ) 2 O— or —(CH 2 ) 2 O— which forms a 5- or 6-membered ring with a neighbouring carbon atom of Ar;

with the proviso that when Alk is a direct bond and A is O, S, CH 2 O or a direct bond, then W is not O, S, OCH 2 or a direct bond.

2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Het is a radical of formula (a-1), (a-2) or (a-8).

3. A compound according claim 1 wherein R 1 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, chloro, methoxy and trifluoromethyl.

4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R 2 and R 3 are independently hydrogen, chloro or methyl.

5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is O or S.

6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein A is O, NH, NMe, a bond or a radical of formula (b-1).

7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Z is CH or N.

8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Alk is divalent C 1-6 alkyl or a direct bond.

9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein W is O.

10. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Ar is a radical of formula (c-1), (c-2) or (c-4).

11. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R 10 and R 11 are each independently H, methyl chloro, hydroxy, methoxy, cyano or nitro.

12. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is O or S.

13. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X 1 is C 1-4 alkyl, C 2-4 alkoxyalkyl, C 3-4 alkenyl, C 3-4 alkynyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl, C 3-4 haloalkenyl, C 3-4 haloalkyl or cyanomethyl.

14. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X 2 is H, methyl or a bivalent radical of formula (CH 2 ) 2 or (CH 2 ) 3 which forms a 5- or 6-membered ring with the Ar group.

15. A compound of formula II:

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein:

R 1 is hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, di(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, cyano, formyl —CH═NO—C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 haloalkoxy, aryloxy, C 1-4 alkylthio, or aryl;

Z is CH or N;

Alk is divalent C 1-6 -alkyl;

R 10 and R 11 are cache independently hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, halo, hydroxy;

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl, C 3-6 alkynyl, C 3-6 haloalkynyl or C 1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or X 2 is —CH 2 CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — forming a 5- or 6-membered ring with a carbon atom on the phenyl ring.

16. A compound of formula III:

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

wherein:

R 1 is hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl halo, hydroxy, mercapto, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, di(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, cyano, formyl, —CH═NO—C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 haloalkoxy, aryloxy, C 1-4 alkylthio, or aryl;

A is a bond or CH 2 O;

Alk is divalent C 1-7 alkyl;

R 10 and R 11 are each independently hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, halo, hydroxy;

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl, C 3-6 -alkynyl, C 3-6 haloalkynyl or C 1-6 -alkyl optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or X 2 is —CH 2 CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — forming a 5- or 6 membered ring with a carbon atom on the phenyl ring.

17. A compound of formula IV

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof

wherein:

R 1 is hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, trifluoromethyl, amino, mono(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, di(C 1-4 alkyl)amino, cyano, formyl, —CH═NO—C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 haloalkoxy, aryloxy, C 1-4 alkylthio, or aryl;

Z is CH or N;

Alk is divalent C 1-6 alkyl;

R 10 and R 11 are each independently hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, halo, hydroxy;

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl, C 3-6 alkynyl, C 3-6 haloalkynyl or C 1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or X 2 is —CH 2 CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — forming a 5- or 6 membered ring with a carbon atom on the phenyl ring.

18. A compound of formula V

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

wherein:

Het is pyridyl, pyrazinyl, thiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrimidinyl or quinoxalinyl, each of which may be optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from halo, trifluoromethyl, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy and hydroxy;

Z is CH or N;

Alk is divalent C 1-6 alkyl;

R 10 and R 11 are each independently hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, halo, hydroxy;

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl, C 3-6 alkynyl, C 3-6 haloalkynyl or C 1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or X 2 is —CH 2 CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — forming a 5- or 6-membered ring with a carbon atom on the phenyl ring.

19. A compound of formula VI

or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.

wherein:

Het is pyridyl, pyrazinyl, thiadiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, pyrimidinyl or quinoxalinyl, each of which may be optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from halo, trifluoromethyl, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy and hydroxy;

A is a direct bond, O, NH or NMe;

Alk is divalent C 1-6 alkyl;

R 10 and R 11 are each independently hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 alkoxy, halo, hydroxy,

X 1 is C 1-6 alkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, C 3-6 haloalkenyl C 3-6 alkynyl, C 3-6 -haloalkynyl or C 1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, aryl, C 1-4 alkoxy or C 1-4 alkylthio; and

X 2 is hydrogen, cyano, C 1-4 alkyl, C 1-4 haloalkyl or X 2 is —CH 2 CH 2 — or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — forming a 5- or 6-membered ring with a carbon atom on the phenyl ring.

20. A compound of formula VII:

where A, Alk, W, Ar and X 2 are as defined in claim 1 , and X 3 is X 1 or an oxime protecting group.

21. A compound of formula X

Het-A-Alk-W-Ar-C(═NOH)X 2   X

where Het, A, Alk, W, Ar and X 2 are as defined in claim 1 .

22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 , or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

23. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 , or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a known anti-viral or anti-retroviral agent or other pharmaceutical.

24. A method for the treatment of a picornavirus infection in a mammal including the step of administering an effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1 , or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof,

25. A method of claim 24 wherein the picornaviral infection is caused by one or more serotypes of rhinovirus.

26. A method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing a compound of formula I according to claim 1 , or a salt or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof:

with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefore.

27. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl-ethoxy-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-ethanone O-ethyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-ethanone O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethanone O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl]-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-ethanone O-methyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-one O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-isopropyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

[1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-meth-(E)-ylideneaminooxy]-acetonitrile;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-benzyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethanone O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-[2-2-ethoxy-ethoxy)-ethyl]-oxime;

4-(2-{1-[6-(2,2,2-Trifluoro-ethoxy)-pyridazin-3-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-ethoxy)-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-(2-[1-(6-Methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-benzyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-(3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy)-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-one O-ethyl-oxime;

1-(4-{2-[1-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-phenyl)-propan-1-one O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-nitro-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde O-ethyl oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-methyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-methyl-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-methyl-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-3-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-2-methoxy-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Phenyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

(Z)-4-{2-(1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl)-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-prop-2-ynyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

6-(4-{2-[4-(Ethoxyimino-methyl)-phenoxy]-ethyl}-piperidin-1-yl)-pyridazine-3carbaldehyde;

4-{2-[1-(6-Hydroxymethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-(2-fluoro-ethyl)-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-2-oxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-Hydroxy-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2,6-Dimethyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2,6-Dimethyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

2-Methoxy-4-(2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2-Methyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

2,5-Dimethyl-4-(2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2,5-Dimethyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

2,3-Dimethyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2,3-Dimethyl-4-{2-[1-(6-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime, and

6-(4-{2-[4-(Ethoxyimino-methyl)-phenoxy]-ethyl}-piperidin-1-yl)-pyridazine-3-carbaldehyde O-methyl-oxime.

28. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-5-hydroxy-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-5-hydroxy-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-5-hydroxy-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-[1-(Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-[3-(1-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime; and

4-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4yl]-ethoxy}-indan-1-one O-ethyl-oxime.

29. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-benzyl-oxime;

4-[3-(3-Methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-ethanone O-methyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-ethanone O-allyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-ethanone O-allyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-one O-methyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-one O-ethyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propan-1-one O-allyl-oxime;

1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-ethanone O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-isopropyl-oxime;

[1-{3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-meth-(E)-ylideneaminooxy]-acetonitrile;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-prop-2-ynyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[6-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-hexyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[7-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-heptyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[5-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-pentyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-butoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl)-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-(2-ethoxy-ethyl)-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-2-oxo-propyl)-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-phenyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[3-(3-Ethyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-propyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(3-Ethyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-ethoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-Methyl-4-[2-(3-propyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[3-(3-methyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-(2-fluoro-ethyl)-oxime;

4-[3-(3-Cyclopropyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-propoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[4-(3-Ethyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-butoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime; and

3,5-Dimethyl-4-[4-3-propyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-butoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime.

30. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

4-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(4-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-[2-(4-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(4-Pyridazin-3-yl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime,

4-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

3-{2-[4-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime;

4-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime; and

3-{2-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-propyl-oxime.

31. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-{3-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-yl]-propoxy}-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime; and

3-[1-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-3-ylmethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-allyl-oxime.

32. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

4-[2-(5′-Trifluoromethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(5′-Chloro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-[1,2′]bipyrazinyl-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Methyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Chloro-pyrazin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Chloro-pyrazin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(6′-Methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

2-(4-{2-[4-(Methoxyimino-methyl)-phenoxy]-ethyl}-piperidin-1-yl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester;

2-(4-{2-[4-(Ethoxyimino-methyl)-phenoxy]-ethyl}-piperidin-1-yl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-pyrazin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[2-(1-Benzooxazol-2-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[2-(1-Benzooxazol-2-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(4,6-Dimethoxy-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(4,6-Dimethoxy-[1,3,5]triazin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Ethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(5-Ethyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[2-(1-Benzothiazol-2-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-[2-(1-Benzothiazol-2-yl-piperidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-quinoxalin-2-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime; and

4-{2-[1-(6-Chloro-5-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime.

33. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

4-[5-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-ylamino)-pentyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{5-[(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-methyl-amino]-pentyloxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[6-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-ylamino)-hexyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[4-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-ylamino)-butoxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-{6-[(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-methyl-amino]-hexyloxy}-benzaldehyde O-methyl-oxime;

4-{4-[(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-methyl-amino]-butoxy}-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime;

4-[5-(6-Chloro-pyridazin-3-yloxy)-pentyloxy]-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime; and

4-(6-(Chloro-quinoxalin-2-yloxy)-benzaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime.

34. A compound selected from the group consisting of the following:

2-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-thiazole-4-carbaldehyde O-ethyl-oxime; and

2-{2-[1-(6-Methyl-pyridazin-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-ethoxy}-thiazole-4-carbaldehyde O-methyl-oxime.