Pyrano-and thiopyranoindole
United States Patent 11 1 Demerson et al.  
 [ Apr. 29, 1975 PYRANO-AND THlOPYRANOlNDOLE [73} Assignee: Ayerst, McKenna and Harrison Limited, Ville St. Laurent. Quebec, Canada 22 Filed: July 9, 1973 211 Appl.No.:377,837  
 Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Scr. No. 2l7 627. Jan. 13,  
 [52] U.S. Cl 260/2475 FP; 260/247.1 L; B; 260/2472 B; 260/268 TR; 260/293.57; 260/293.58; 260/32629; 260/3265 SA; 260/3265 B; 424/248; 424/267; 424/274 [5i] Int. Cl C07d 27/56 [58] Field of Search 260/2475 FP, 247.l L, 260/32629, 268 TR, 293.58. 3265 B [56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 2.051.496 4/l97l Germany OTHER PUBLICATIONS Dorofeenko et til, Khim. Geterotski Soedin. I970, No. 2, ppv 245-249-C.A. abstract only, Vol. 76, No. 153635.  
 Plieninger, Chem. Ber. 83, 27 l-272, (1950).  
 Behringer et al., Chem. Ber., 85, 743-75l. (i952).  
 Aksanova et al., Zh. Organ. Khim., 2(l), 163-!68. (I966), C.A abstract only, Vol. 64, No. 14l79g.  
 Primary E.\&#39;uminerLorraine A. Weinberger Assistant Examiner-Richard D. Kelly {57] ABSTRACT Pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives characterized by having an amino(lower)alkyl radical attached to either or both the l and 9 position of a pyrano[3,4-b]indole or thiopyrano[3.4b]indole nucleus or having said radical attached to the 1 position of a pyrano[4.3-b]indole or thiopyranol4,3-b]indole nucleus are disclosed. The amino portion of the amino (lower)alkyl radical may be further substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups or incorporated into a heterocyclic amine radical. The derivatives having the amino(lower)alkyl radical only at position l are further substituted at position l and may be optionally substituted at positions 3.4,5,6.7,8. and 9. The pyrano{3,4-b]indo1e or thiopyran0-[3,4b]indole derivatives having the amino(lower)alkyl radical only at position 9 possess two substituents at position i and may be optionally substituted at position 345.67 and 8; the derivatives having an amino(lower)alkyl radical at both positions l and 9 are further substituted at position I and may be optionally substituted at positions 345.67 and 8. The pyrano-and thiopyranoindole derivatives of this invention are useful antidepressant and antiulcer agents. Methods for the preparation and use of these derivatives are also disclosed.  
 46 Claims, No Drawings PYRANO-AND THIOPYRANOINDOLE This application is a continuatiomin-part of application Ser. No. 217,627 filed Jan. 13, 1972.  
 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention This invention relates to novel pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to intermediates used in these processes.  
  More specifically, the present invention relates to novel pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives possessing valuable pharmacologic properties. For example, these derivatives exhibit useful antidepressant properties at dosages which do not elicit undesirable side effects. Furthermore the present derivatives exhibit properties useful for the treatment and prevention of ulcers. The combination of these pharmacologic properties together with a low order of toxicity render the pyranoindoles and thiopyranoindoles of the invention therapeutically useful.  
 2. Description of the Prior Art Only a rather limited number of reports dealing with pyranoindole darivatives are available. In the few that do exist, pyranoindoles are treated more in the manner of chemical curiosities. For the most part these reports discuss the preparation of pyranoindoles in which the pyran portion thereof exists as a lactone. For example, see I-I. Plieninger, Chem. Ber., 83, 271 (I950), S. Sakurai and T. Ito, Nippon Kagaku Zasshi, 78, 1665 (I957); [Chem Abstr., 54, 1488f (1960)], and .I. Szmuszkovicz. J. Org. Chem., 27, 511 (I962).  
  The thiopyranoindoles f the prior art, for example, 3-aminopropyl)- l ,3,4,5-tetrahydrothiopyrano[4,3- blindole, M. E. Freed, et al., J. Med. Chem, 7, 628 (I964) are distinguished from the present compounds of this invention by lacking substituents on the thiop&#39;yran ring.  
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives of this invention are characterized by having an amino(lower)alkyl radical attached to a pyranoindole or thiopyranoindole nucleus. The preferred derivatives of this invention are represented by formula I and la in which R&#39; is lower alkyl or lower cycloalkyl; R R, R and R are the same or different selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl; R hy drogen, lower alkyl hydroxy, lower alkoxy, lower alkanoyloxy, nitro or halo; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or an amino(lower)alkyl radical of formula Alk-NR R wherein Alk is an alkylene selected form the group consisting of CRRCR&#39; R CR R CR&#39; R CR k&#39; and CRRCR&#39; R CR&#34;R CRR&#34; wherein R&#34; R, R&#34;, R, R&#34;, R, R&#34; and R&#34; are hydrogen or lower alkyl and R&#34; and R are either the same or different selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, or R&#34; is hydrogen and R is p-chlorophenacyl or R and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are joined form a heterocyclic amine radical selected from the group consisting of l-pyrrolidinyl, piperidino, morpholino, piperazino, 4-(lower-alkyl)-lpiperazinyl and 4-[hydroxy(lower)alkyl]- l -piperazinyl; X is oxy or thio; and Y is lower alkyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or an amino(lower)alkyl radical of formula --Alk- NRR wherein Alk is an alkylene selected from the group consisting of CR&#39;R. CR&#39;RCR&#39; R CRRCR R&#39; CRR and CR RCR R cR R CR R wherein R&#39;, R&#34;, R&#34;, R, R, R, R and R&#34; are hydrogen or lower alkyl and R and R are as defined herein; with the provisos that at least one of R and Y is AlkNRR&#34; and that in the compounds of formula Ia, Y must be Alk- NRR as defined herein.  
  In the above definitions it is understood that Alk, R and R in each case are entitled to the full range of their definitions as listed above, so that Alk, R and R of Allc-NRR linked to position 9 of formula I need not necessarily be the same as Alk, R and R of Alk-N R R linked to position I. I  
  Various processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula I are disclosed.  
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term lower alkyl&#34; as used herein contemplates both straight and branched chain alkyl radicals containing from one to six carbon atoms and includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, 2- methylpentyl and the like.  
  The term lower alkyl as used herein contemplates both straight and branched chain alkenyl radicals containing from two to six carbon atoms and includes vinyl, allyl, l-propenyl, methallyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl and from one to six carbon atoms and includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, 2-methylpentyl and the like.  
  The term lower alkenyl&#34; as used herein contemplates both straight and branched chain alkenyl radicals containing from two to six carbon atoms and includes vinyl, ethyl, allyl, l-propenyl, methallyl, Z-ethyl- 3-butenyl and the like.  
  The term phenyl(lower)alkyl&#34; as used herein contemplates a phenylalkyl radical in which the alkyl portion thereof contains from one to four carbon atoms and includes benzyl, phenethyl, a-methylphenethyl and the like.  
  The term lower cycloalkyl&#34; as used herein contemplates saturated cyclic hydrocarbon radicals containing from three to six carbon atoms and includes cyclopro&#39; pyl. cyclobutyl. cyclopentyl and the like.  
  The term lower alkoxy as used herein contemplates both straight and branched chain alkoxy radicals containing from one to four carbon atoms and includes mcthoxy. ethoxy. isopropoxy and the like.  
  The term lower alkanoyloxy as used herein con templates both straight and branched chain alkanoyloxy radicals containing from two to six carbon atoms and includes acetoxy. propionyloxy. hexanoyloxy and the like.  
  The term &#34;halo&#34; as used herein contemplates halogens and includes fluorine. chlorine. bromine and iodine.  
  The compounds of this inven ion are capable of forming acid addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. Such acid addition salts are included within the scope of this invention.  
  The acid addition salts are prepared by reacting the base form of the appropriate compound of formula l or In with either one to four equivalents. depending on the number of basic nitrogens in the compound. c preferably with an excess of the appropriate acid in an organic solvent. for example. ether or an ethanol ethcr mixture. These saits. when administered to mammals. possess the same pharmacologic activities as the corresponding bases. For many purposes it is preferable to administer the salts rather than the base compounds. Among the acid addition salts suitable for this purpose are salts such as the sulfate. phosphate. lactate. tartrate. male ate. citrate. hy drobromide and hydrochloride. Both the base compounds and the salts have the distinct advan tage of possessing a relatively low order of toxicity.  
  Also included in this invention are the stereochemi cal isomers of the compounds of formulae l and la which result from asymmetric centers. contained therein. These isomeric forms are prepared by different methods and are purified readily by crystallization or chromatography.  
  Individual optical isomers. which might be separated by fractional crystallization of the diastereoisomeric salts formed thereof. for instance. with dor 1- tartaric acid or D 1 +)-a-hromocamphor sulfonic acid. are also included.  
 ANTIDEPRESSAN&#39;I ACTlVZTY The useful antidepressant activity of the compounds of formulae l and la and their acid addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids are demonstrated in standard pharmacologic tests. such as. for example. the tests described by F. Hafliger and V. Burckhart in Psychopharmacoiogical Agents. M. Gordon. Ed. Academic Press. New York and London. 1964. pp. 75 83.  
  More specifically. as noted in the latter reference the antidepressant properties of a compound may be demonstrated by its capacity to antagonize the depressant effects of reserpine. Furthermore. it is well docw merited that reserpine in animals produces a model tic-- pression which can be used for detecting antidepressant properties. Accordingly. the compounds of the present invention antagoni7c reserpine effects in mice at doses ranging from about l to lllt) mgfkg. Several of the preferred compounds. for instance.  
 l-ll2dimethylaminoiethylEl-methyl-l.3.4.9-tctrahydropyrano-E 3.4 blindole oxalate (Example 309).  
 i-methyl-[ 3-( methylamino)propyl l-l .3.4.9 tetrahy dropyrano-l3.4&#39;blind0lc oxalate (Example 310).  
 l[E-(dimethylamino)propyH-l-methyl-l.3.4.9  
 tetrahydropyrano-[3.4-blindole oxalate (Example 3l2).  
 1-! Z-( dimethylamino)ethyl I-l-propyl-l .3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano-l3.4-biindole maleate (Example 330).  
 l-[ 2-(dimethylaminoethyl l -methyl-9-propyll .3 ,4,9- tetrahydropyrano-[3.4-blindole maleate (Example 683 and l-| 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl l-9-ethyl- 1 -methyl- 1 .3.4.9-  
 tetrahydrothiopyranol 3 .4-blindole hydrochloride (Example 911).  
 antagonize the effects of reserpine in mice at dose ranges from about 1 to l5 mg/kg.  
  When the compounds of this invention are used as antidepressants in warm-blooded mammals. cg. rats and mice. they may be used alone or in combination with pharmacologically acceptable carriers. the proportion of which is determined by the solubility and chemical nature of the compound. chosen route of administration and standard biological practice. For example. they may be administered orally in solid form containing such excipients starch. milk sugar. certain types of clay and so forth. They may also be administered orally in the form of solutions or they may be injected parenterally. For parenteral administration they may be used in the form of a sterile solution containing other solutes. for example. enough saline or glucose to make the solution isotonic.  
  The dosage of the present therapeutic agents will vary with the form of administration and the particular compound chosen. Furthermore. it will vary with the particular host under treatment. Generally. treatment is initiated with small dosages substantially less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter. the dosage is increased by small increments until the optimum effect under the circumstances is reached. in general. the compounds ofthis invention are most desirably administered at a concentration level that will generally afford effective results without causing any harmful or deleterious side effects and preferably at a level that is in a range of from about 0.1 mg to about 50 mg per kilo per day. although as aforementioned variations will occur. However. a dosage level that is in the range of from about 0.5 mg to about 25 mg per kilo per day is most desirably employed in order to achieve effective results.  
 ANTIULCER ACTIVITY The compounds of this invention possess another useful pharmacologic property; that is. they are useful antiulcer agents. More particularly. the said compounds of this invention exhibit antiulcer activity in standard pharmacologic tests, for example. the test described by D. A. Brodie and L. S. Valitski. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. H3. 998 (1963). based on the prevention of stress-induced ulcers.  
  When these compounds are employed as antiulcer agents. they are formulated and administered in the same manner as described above for their use as antidepressunt agents.  
 PROCESSES For the preparation of the pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives of formula I we prefer to use as starting materials the compounds of general formula 11,  
 in which R, R, R, R, R R are as defined in the first instance and X is hydroxy, mercapto, -SSO -Na or -SSO K.  
  The starting materials of formula II in which X is by droxy are either known, for example, tryptophol, described by H. R. Snyder and F. J. Pilgrim, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 70, 3770 (1948), or they are obtained by the following process:  
  With reference to this process phenylhydrazines &#39;of formula III and the hydroxyaldehyde of formula IV are reacted together according to the conditions of the Fischer lndole Synthesis,&#34; for example, see P. L. Julian, E. N. Myer and H. C. Printy, Heterocyclic Compounds&#34;, R. C. Elderfield, Ed., Vol. 3, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1952, pp. 8 11, to form the desired starting material (11, X=OH).  
  The phenylhydrazines of formula III are either known or are prepared according to known methods. A convenient method involves the diazotization of the appropriately substituted aniline to give the corresponding diazo derivative. The latter compound is then reduced with stannous chloride or sodium sulfite to give the corresponding phenylhydrazine, see L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1961, p. 734.  
  The hydroxyaldehydes of formula IV are either known, see for example, Rodds Chemistry of Carbon Compounds&#34;, S. Coffey, Ed., Vol. 1 d, 2nd ed., Elsevier Publishing Co., Amsterdam, 1965, pp. 44 49, or they are prepared according to known methods. A convenient method involves reduction of an appropriate lactone of formula with bis-( 3-methyl-2-butyl)borane, H. G. Brown and D. B. Bigley, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 83, 486 1961 diisobutyl aluminum hydride, L. l. Zakharkkin and l. M. Khorlina, Tetrahedron Letters, 619 1962) or sodium aluminum hydride, L. l. Zakharkin et al., Tetrahedron Let ters, 2087 (1963). The appropriate lactones utilized in this condensation are either commercially available, for example, fi-valerolactone, a methyl-butyrolactone. or they are described with a variety of methods for their preparation in organic chemistry textbooks; such as the textbooks, Methoden der Organischen Chemie, Houben-Weyl, E. Muller, Ed., Vol. Vl/2, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, i963, pp. 561 852 or L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Advanced Organic Chemistry,&#34; cited above.  
  Alternatively, the starting materials of formula 11 in which R&#34;, R, R and R are hydrogen and X is hydroxy are prepared by lithium aluminum hydride reduction (N. G. Gaylord, Reduction with Complex Metal Hydrides,&#34; Interscience Publishers, Inc, New York, 1956, pp. 322 370) of compounds of formula V described by T. Y. Shen, US. Pat. No. 3,161,654, Dec. 15, 1964:  
 wherein R is lower alkyl and R and R&#34; are as defined in the first instance.  
  In addition, convenient processes are available for the specific synthesis of certain starting materials of formula ll. For example, starting materials of formula 11 in which R R, R, R and R are hydrogen and X is hydroxy are obtained by reduction of the appropriate ethyl 3-indoleglyoxylate with lithium aluminum hydride, British Patent 778,823 and T. Nogrady and T. W. Doyle, Can. J. Chem., 42, 485 (1964). Starting ma terials of formula [1 in which R and R are hydrogen, R, R and R are hydrogen or lower alkyl and X is hydroxy are obtained by reacting indole or an appropriately substituted indole with ethylene oxide or lower alkyl substituted ethylene oxide according to the pro cess of M. Julia et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 2291 (1966).  
  The starting materials of formula II in which X is mercapto, SSO Na or S-SO K, and  
 R ,R ,R,R ,R and R are as defined in the first instance are obtained by the following process: The appropriate compound of formula ll (X=OH) described above, is treated with phosphorus tribromide in an inert solvent, for example, ether or methylene chloride to afford the corresponding 3(2-bromoethyl )-indole derivative. The latter compound is then converted to the de sired starting material of formula II (X SH) by a procedure similar to that described by N. N. Suvorov and V. N. Buyanov, Khim.-Farm. 2h, 1, (1967), [Chem Abstr. 67, 7347421 (1967)], for converting 3-(2- bromoethyl)-indole to indole-3-ethanethiol (ll; R R, R, R and R&#34; H and X SH). Accordingly, the appropriate 3-( Z-bromoethyl )-indole derivative is treated with sodium or potassium thiosulfate to afford the corresponding sodium or potassium [H 3-indolyl )ethyl thiosulfate derivative, respectively; namely the desired starting materials of formula 11 (X=S SO Na or S SO K). Treatment of the latter product with strong alkali, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, yields the corresponding bis[w-(3-indolyl)ethyl]-disulfide derivative. Reduction of the latter compound with lithium aluminum hydride gives the desired compounds of formula II (X SH).  
  Alternatively, the preceding thiosulfate derivative is treated with acid, for example, dilute aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, to give directly the latter compound of formula II.  
  It should be noted that the preceding processes may not be entirely practical for the preparation of the compounds of formula II in which X is mercapto, -S- SO Na or S-SO K, and R is hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy. For this reason, the preferred starting materials of formula II for the ultimate preparation of the compounds of formula I in which R is hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy and X is thio are the corresponding compounds of formula II in which R is benzyloxy, Le, a hydroxyl with a protecting benzyl group or other suitable protecting group, see .I. F. McOmie, Advances in Organic Chemistry&#34;, Vol. 3, R. A. Raphael, et a1, Ed, Interscience Publishers, New York, 1963, pp. 191 294. When the latter compounds are used as starting materials in this manner, they are first subjected to the process (II VI VII), described below. Subsequently, the benzyloxy group is removed by hydrogenation, in the presence of a catalyst, for example, palladium on carbon, just prior to affording the desired corresponding compound of formula l in which R is hydroxy. The latter are converted, if desired, to the corresponding compound of formula I in which R is lower alkanoyloxy by conventional means, for example, by treatment with the appropriate lower alkanoic anhydride preferably in the presence of pyridine. Likewise, it should be noted that similar use of the starting materials of formula II in which X is hydroxy and R is benzyloxy to obtain the corresponding compound of formula I in which R is hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy is also preferred.  
  The above described starting materials of formula II in which R, R, R&#34;, R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance are now subjected to a key reaction comprising the treatment of said starting materials with a compound of formula in which R is as defined in the first instance and Z is selected from the group consisting of:  
 a. COOR and A|k&#39;COOR in which R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and Alk is an alkylene selected from the group consisting of CR R, CRIORIICRIZRII! d CRl0RI1CRl2Rl3CR14Rl5 wherein R&#39;, R&#34;, R, R, R and R are hydrogen or lower alkyl,  
 b. CONR R and Alk CONR R in which Alk, R  
 and R are as defined above,  
 c. CH OCOR and Alk CH OCOR in which R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and Alk is as defined above,  
 d. Alk -L in which Alk is an alkylene selected from the group consisting of CR R&#34;CHR CR R CR R CHR and CR R&#39;CR&#39; R CR R&#39; CHR wherein R&#39;, R&#34;, R, R, R, R and R&#34; are as defined above and L is halo,  
 ev Alk NRCOR is which Alk and R&#34; are as defined in the first instance and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl containing from one to five carbon atoms,  
 f. Alk N0 in which Alk is as defined in the first instance,  
 g. bower alkyl and phenyl(lower)alkyl, and  
 h. Alk NR&#34;R in which Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance, in the presence of an acid catalyst to yield the compounds of formula VII in which R, R R, R, R R R, X and Z are as defined above.  
  Thereafter the appropriate compound of formula VII is converted to the desired pyranoindole of formula I according to the processes described hereinafter or is actually the desired compound of formula I in the case where Z is Alk-NRR, as described above.  
  In practicing the condensation (II+VI** VII) a solvent is used generally as a reaction medium. Any solvent inert to the reaction conditions may be used. Suitable solvents include aromatic hydrocarbon, for example benzene, or toluene, ethers and cyclic ethers, for example diethyl ether, dioxan, or tetrahydrofuran, halogenated hydrocarbons, for example methylene dichloride, or carbon tetrachloride and the like. Benzene and tetrahydrofuran are especially convenient and practical for this use. A variety of suitable acid catalysts may be used for this condensation, for example, the type of catalyst used in a Friedel-Crafts reaction, i.e. p-toluenesulfonic acid, aluminum chloride, phosphorus pentoxide, boron trifluoride, zinc chloride, hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid, trifluoroacetic acid, sulfuric acid and the like. p-Toluenesulfonic acid, aluminum chloride, boron trifluoride and phosphorus pentoxide are included among the preferred acid catalysts. The amount of acid catalyst used is not especially critical and may range from 0.0] molar equivalents to molar equivalents; however, a range of from 0,1 to 10 molar equivalents is generally preferred; however, note that the amount of acid catalyst should be in excess with respect to the basic nitrogens that may be present in R of the starting material of compound II or the compound of formula when Z is Alk-NR R The time of the reaction may range from l0 minutes to 60 hours, with the preferred range being from one-half to 24 hours. The temperature of the reaction may range from 20C. to the boiling point of the reaction mixture. Preferred temperature ranges include 20 to C.  
  A more detailed description of the preparation of the above intermediate compounds of formula VII and a description of their subsequent conversion to pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives of formula I are disclosed below. For convenience these descriptions are categorized into sections according to the group selected for Z for the intermediate.  
 a. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula Vll (Z COOR and Alk C()OR intermediates of formula VI] (Z COOR and Alk COOR in which R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and Alk is as defined in the first instance, R is hydrogen and R, R R, R, R R and X are as defined in the first instance) are readily obtained by the condensation (ll+Vl Vll) by using ketoacids or ketoesters of formula in which R is as defined in the first instance and Z is COOR&#39; or Alk COOR&#39; as defined above together with the starting material of formula ll (R H).  
  Generally comparable yields of product are obtained in this process when either the ketoacid or the corresponding ketoester is used. However, in the case where it is desired to prepare an acid compound of formula Vll(R= H) in which Z is Alk&#39;COOR wherein Alk is CR&#39;R and R&#34; is hydrogen (i.e., an acid intermediate of formula Vll), it is preferable to first condense the appropriate B-ketoester of formula Vl rather than the corresponding B-ketoacid and then hydrolyze the resulting ester product to give the desired acid compound.  
  Moreover, in the general practice of this invention it is often more convenient to prepare the acid compounds of formula Vll(R&#39;=H) by using the ketoester instead of the ketoacid in this process and then hydrolyze the resulting ester product to the desired acid, the reason being simply that the ketoesters are generally more readily available either commercially or by synthesis.  
  The hydrolysis of compounds of formula Vll(R&#34;=H) in which Z is COOR&#39; or All: COOR wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R is lower alkyl, i.e. ester intermediates of formula Vll(R&#34;=H to their corresponding acids of formula Vll (R H) is readily effected by treatment with a suitable alkali, for example, potassium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, in aqueous methanol or aqueous ethanol or by treatment with lithium iodide in a suitable organic solvent, for example, collidine, see L. F. Fieser and M. Fieser, Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons, lnc., New York, I967, pp. 6l5 6l7.  
  The 01-, 3-, &#39;yand 8- ketoacids and -ketoesters of formula V] are either known, for example, ethyl pyruvate, levulinic acid, ethyl a,a-dimethylacetoacetate, and Bfi-dimethyllevulic acid, or they are prepared by known methods described in general organic chemistry textbooks. For example, a comprehensive review on the properties and preparation of such a-, 3-, &#39;y and S-ketoacids and -ketoesters may be found in Rodds Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds, cited above, Vol. ld, pp. 226 274.  
  Thereafter these intermediate acids and esters of formula Vll (R H) are converted to compounds of for mula l in which R, R R R R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance and Y is -Alk-NRR in which Alk is Cl-l or Alk-CH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R and R are as defined in the first instance. This conversion is accomplished by amidation, reduction and if desired N-alkylation of the indolic nitrogen. The order of these steps is not critical. However, we have found the following sequence of these steps to be both convenient and practical.  
  First, when it is desired to prepare the derivatives of the latter group of compounds of formula I in which R&#34; is H, i.e., N-alkylation of the indolic nitrogen is not desired, either the above acid intermediate or ester intermediate may be employed.  
  ln the case where the acid intermediate of formula Vll( R= H) is employed, said acid is subjected to amidation by treatment with a lower alkyl chloroformate, preferably ethyl chloroformate, in the presence of triethylamine, affording the corresponding mixed anhydride, which is converted by treatment with the appropriate amine of formula HNR R&#34; in which R and R are as defined in the first instance, for example, ammonia, methylamine or dimethylamine, to yield the corresponding amide of formula Vll in which 2 is CONRR or AlkCONRR in which Alk, R and R are as de scribed in the first instance.  
  Alternatively, the latter amides are also obtained by treating the ester intermediates of formula Vll (R&#34;= H) with the appropriate amine according to known amidation methods, for example, see A.L.F. Beckwith in The Chemistry of Amides, J. Zalicky, Ed., lnterscience Publishers, New York, 1970, pp. 96 105.  
  Secondly, the amides so obtained are reduced with a suitable complex metal hydride to yield the desired pyranoindoles and thiopyranoindoles. Examples of suitable complex metal hydrides are lithium aluminum hydride, lithium aluminum hydride-aluminum chloride, aluminum hydride-aluminum chloride, diborane and sodium borohydride-aluminum chloride. Lithium aluminum hydride is preferred.  
  On the other hand when it is desired to prepare the compounds of formula I of the above group in which R, R R R&#34;, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance, R is lower alkyl, or lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or amino(lower)alkyl and Y is Alk-N RR in which Alk is CH, or Alk&#39;CH, wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R and R are as defined in the first instance, the acid or ester intermediate of formula VI] (R H) are first subjected to N-alkylation by treatment with a molar excess of the appropriate organic halide, namely a lower alkyl halide, lower alkenyl halide, propargyl halide, phenyl(- lower)alkyl halide or amino(lower)alkyl halide, respectively, in an inert solvent in the presence of a proton acceptor. Suitable inert solvents include tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene and dimethylformamide. Suitable proton acceptors include sodium hydride, alkali metal carbonate and triethylamine. Preferred conditions for effecting this N-alkylation include the use of sodium hydride as a proton acceptor and tetrahydrofuran as an inert solvent. Although the optimum temperature and reaction time will vary depending on the reactants employed, the reaction is generally performed at the boiling point of the reaction mixture for a period of 30 minutes to 48 hours.  
  The lower alkyl halides, lower alkenyl halides, propargyl halide, phenyl(lower)alkyl halides and aminoalkyl-(lower)halides employed herein are either known, for example, ethyl bromide, allyl bromide and dimethylaminoethyl chloride, or they are prepared by known methods, usually by the treatment of the corresponding alcohols with a halogenating agent, for instance, thionyl chloride, see D. J. Collins and J. J. Hobbs, Aust. J. Chem., 20, M13 (1967) and R. B. Moffett, J. Org. Chem., 14, 862 (1949).  
  In this manner, the corresponding N-alkylated derivatives of the above acid and ester derivatives of formula Vll are obtained. Thereafter these derivatives are subjected to the amidation and reduction steps according to the conditions described hereinabove in this section, to afford the desired compounds of formula I in which R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl, or amino(lower)alkyl.  
  Although the above sequence of steps for the conver&#39; sion of the acid and ester intermediates of formula VII (R H) to the above desired pyranoindoles is convenient and efficacious, a change in the order of the steps whereby the amides of formula Vll (R H) are treated with the appropriate organic halide according to the N-alkylation conditions described above, followed by reduction with a complex metal hydride, as described above, also affords the above desired compounds of formula I, in which R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or amino(lowerlalkyl. Treatment as described above, ofthe resulting corresponding amide derivative in which the indolic nitrogen is alkylated, also affords the above desired compounds of formula I, in which R is lower alkyl, lower all-tenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower) alkyl or amin- (lower)alkyl.  
  Furthermore, another change in the order of the steps for preparing the latter compounds of formula I is realized by N-alkylation, as described above, of the corresponding compounds of formula I in which R is hydrogen, described above. In this case when the starting material employed is a pyranoindole or thiopyranoindole of formula I in which Y is Alk- NRR in which Alk is CH or Alk CH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R is hydrogen and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, i.e., a primary or secondary amine function is present in the molecule in addition to the indolic nitrogen, it is expedient to use only one molar equivalent of the appropriate organic halide to avoid alkylation of the primary or secondary amine if so desired.  
  Another aspect of the present intermediates of formula VII relates to their conversion to compounds of formula I in which R, R&#39;&#39;, R, R, R R, R and)( are as described in the first instance and Y is Alk- NR R in which Alk is CH or AlkCH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R is hydrogen and R is lower alkyl, i.e. secondary amines. When it is desired to prepare the latter compounds a modification involving the protection of the secondary amine with a benzyl group or other suitable protecting group, see J. F. McOmie, cited above is especially convenient. For example, the aforementioned acid or ester intermediate of formula V1] is reacted with an amine of formula HNR R in which R is benzyl and R is lower alkyl according to the amidation step described above. The resulting amide is N-alkylated on the indolic nitrogen, if desired, and then reduced with a complex metal hydride according to the above procedures. Thereafter the benzyl group is removed by hydrogenolysis in the presence of a catalyst, preferably 10% palladium on carbon, to afford the desired secondary amine compounds of formula I.  
  Still another modification relates to a more general reduction of the above amides of formula Vll in which Z is CONR&#34;R or AlkCONRR wherein Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance. In other words this modification is applicable to the reduction of tertiary, secondary and primary amides, described herein, and is a preferred modification for the reduction of the latter two. In practising this modification, the aforementioned amide of formula Vll is treated with triethyloxonium fluoroborate or dimethyl sulfate, see H. Bredereck, et al., Chem. Ber., 98, 2754 (1965), in an inert solvent, for example, methylene dichloride, whereby the corresponding iminoether fluoroborate or methyl sulfate salt is obtained, respectively. Subsequent reduction of the salt thus obtained with a complex metal hydride, similar to the reduction described previously for the amides, yields the corresponding compounds of formula I. Alternatively, the above fluoroborate or methyl sulfate salt derived from a secondary or primary amide is decomposed by base treatment, for example, with 10% sodium hydroxide or triethylamine, to give the corresponding iminoether which is then reduced in a like manner to the desired compound of formula I.  
  When applying the aforementioned steps in the preparation of compounds of formula I in which R is hydroxy or lower alkanoyloxy, it is preferable to use corresponding intermediates in which R is benzyloxy followed by the appropriate transformations as noted previously to yield the desired compounds of formula I.  
  b. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula VlI (Z CONR R and Alk-CONR R The intermediates of formula Vll in which R is hydrogen and Z is CONRR and AlkCONRR wherein R&#34;, R and Alk are as defined in the first instance, described in the previous section, are also obtained directly by utilizing the appropriate starting ma terials of formula ll and 01-, ,B-, yor S-ketoamides of formula in which R is as defined above and Z is CONR R or AlkCONR&#34;R in which Alk, R and R are as defined above. The ketoamides required for this condensation are either known, for example, pyruvamide or a,a-dimethylacetoacetamide, or they are prepared by known methods, for instance, see Rodds Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds,&#34; cited above, Vol. 1d, pp. 226-274.  
  Thereafter these amides are converted by the reduction process, described above, to the compounds of formula l in which R, R R, R, R R and X are as defined in the first instance, R is hydrogen and Y is -Alkl lR R in which Alk is CH or Alk&#39;CH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R and R are as defined in the first instance.  
 c. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula Vll (Z CH OCOR and Alk-CH OCOR Intermediates of formula VII in which R is hydrogen and Z is CH OCOR and AlkCH OCOR&#39;- in which All: and R are as defined in the first instance, are ob tained when a starting material of formula II (R&#34;=H) is condensed with a ketoalcohol lower alkanoic acid ester of formula R CoCH OCOR or R COAlk-CH- OCOR in which R, Alk and R are as defined in the first instance in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst according to the conditions described above for the condensation (ll Vl Vll). The ketoalcohol lower alkanoic acid esters are either known, for example, acetonyl acetate or S-acetoxypentan-Z-one, or are prepared by known methods, for instance, see Rodds Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds,&#34; cited above, Vol ld, pp. 49-54.  
  These intermediates of formula Vll may then be utilized for the preparation of compounds of formula I of this invention in the following manner. The intermediate is hydrolyzed with an aqueous alcoholic solution of a suitable alkali, for example, sodium hydroxide in aqueous methanol to afford the corresponding primary alcohol. The primary alcohol is then oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde. Although a variety of methods are known for the oxidation of a primary alcohol to its corresponding aldehyde, see for example, Rodds Chemistry of the Carbon Compounds, cited above, Vol. lc, pp. 4 10, we have found that the method of K. E. Pfitzner and J. G. Mofiat, .I. Am. Chem. Soc., 87, 5670 (I965), using N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of a suitable acid, for example, trifluoroacetic acid, is both efficacious and convenient. Thereafter the aldehyde is reacted with an amine of formula HNRR in which R and R are as defined in the first instance according to the method of K. N. Campbell, et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 70, 3868 (I948 in the case when the amine used is ammonia or a primary amine or according to the method of N. J. Leonard and J. V. Paukstelis, J. Org. Chem., 28, i397 (I963) when the amine is a secondary amine to give the corresponding Schiff base or ammonium salt, respectively. The product so obtained is reduced with sodium borohydride, see E. Schenker, Agnew. Chem., 73, SI (I961), to yield compounds of formula I in which R, R R, R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance, R is hydrogen and Y is Alkl\lRR in which Alk is CH or AlkCH and R and R are as defined in the first instance.  
  Alternatively, the latter compounds of formula I are obtained by converting the above corresponding alcohol to a reactive intermediate such as the corresponding halide, mesylate or tosylate, which are then reacted with a two molar excess of an amine of formula NHR R in which R and R are as defined in the first instance. Preferably this reaction is performed in a suitable inert solvent, for example, tetrahydrofuran, at the boiling point of the reaction mixture for a period of eight to 24 hours. In connection with alkylations of amines of formula HNR&#34;R in which R is hydrogen and R is lower alkyl as disclosed herein, it is generally pref erable to perform the alkylation with the corresponding N-benzyl derivative of said amine, i.e., an amine of formula HNR R in which R&#34; is benzyl and R is lower alkyl. Thereafter, when all appropriate transformation have been performed, the N-benzyl group is removed by hydrogenolysis with a catalyst, preferably 10% palladium on carbon, to give the desired compounds of formula l.  
  Thereafter, and if desired, these latter compounds of formula I are converted to their corresponding derivatives in which R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl propargyl phenyl(lower)alkyl or amino(lower)alkyl by N- alkylation with one molar equivalent of the appropriate organic halide in the manner described for the N- alkylation in section (a).  
  Alternatively, the above aldehyde is odidized with a suitable oxidizing agent to yield the corresponding acid intermediates of formula Vll (R H) described in section (a). Although a variety of suitable oxidizing agents may be used for this purpose, for example, silver oxide, alkaline permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, we prefer to use silver oxide according to the method of M. Delepine and P. Bonnet, Compt. rend, I49, 39 (1909).  
  Again alternatively, the above aldehyde is converted to its oxime which on reduction with a complex metal hydride yields the corresponding primary amine of formula l in which R, R R, R, R R and X are as defined in the first instance, R is hydrogen and Y is AlkNR&#34;R in which Alk is CH or Alk -CH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R and R are hydrogen.  
  if desired those latter primary amine compounds of formula I may be N-alkylated on the indolic nitrogen in the manner described above with a molar equivalent of the appropriate organic halide to give the corresponding compounds of formula I in which R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or Alk-NRR wherein Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance.  
  In turn these latter compounds of formula I may be further N-alkylated on the nitrogen of the primary amine with the appropriate lower alkyl halide to the corresponding compounds of formula I in which Y is AlkNRR wherein Alk is CH or Alk CH wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R is lower alkyl (i.e. secondary or tertiary amines with respect to Y). In this case depending on the particular derivative desired the N-alkylation is effected with one or two moles of the alkyl halide to give respectively the secondarytR H and R lower alkyl with respect to Y) or tertiary amine (R R lower alkyl with respect to Y). On the other hand the N-alkylation may be effected in two steps introducing a different alkyl group each time to afford the corresponding tertiary amine in which R and R are different lower alkyls with respect to Y.  
  When it is desired to prepare the above tertiary amine compounds in which R or R are either or both methyl, an alternative alkylation method comprises reactinig the appropriate corresponding primary or secondary amine with an aqueous mixture of a substantial excess of formaldehyde and formic acid according to the conditions of the Eschweiler-Clarke reaction, see M. L. Moore, Organic Reactions, 5, 301 (i949), whereby N-methylation is effected.  
  Another N-alkylation method which is applied to the above primary and secondary amines involves acylation with a lower alkanoic anhydride or acid halide and subsequent reduction of the resulting amide.  
  Furthermore, the above primary amines are used to prepare compounds of formula I in which Y is Alk- -NR R wherein Alk is CH or AlkCH and R and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are joined form a heterocyclic amine radical as defined in the first instance. When used in this manner the primary amines are subjected to known N-alkylation methods, for example, see method J in Moffett, cited above, with the appropriate a,m-dibromides, or a,w-dibromides, for example, tetramethylene dibromide, pentamethylene dibromide bis( 2-chloroethyl )ether,  
 bis( Z-chloroethyl )benzylamine followed by hydrogenation in the presence of 10% palladium on carbon to remove the protecting benzyl group, a bis(2-chloroethyI)-Iower alkylamine or a bis(2-chloroethyl)-N- [hydroxy(lower)-alkyllamine, to give the corresponding, desired compound of formula I wherein Y is an amino(lower)alkyl in which the amino portion thereof is pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, piperazino, 4-( lower)alkyl- I -piperazinyl or 4-[ hydroxy-(lower)alkyl I -piperazinyl, respectively.  
  If during the above N-alkylations it is desired to protect primary or secondary amine functions that are present in the R portion of compounds of formula I, such protection may be afforded by the use of appropriate protecting groups, for example, a benzyl group; see also .I. F. W. McOmie in Advances in Organic Chemistry, Vol. 3, R. A. Raphael, et al., Ed., Interscience Publishers, New York, I963, pp. 191-294.  
 (I. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula VII (Z AlK L).  
  Intermediates of formula VII in which R is hydrogen and Z is AlK -L wherein AIK and L are as defined in the first instance, are obtained when a starting material of formula II (R =H) is condensed with a B, or fi-haloketone of formula RCOAlk L in which R, Alk and L are as defined in the first instance in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst according to the conditions described above for the condensation (II VI VII). The haloketones are either known, for example, 4-chlorobutan-2-one, or they are prepared by known methods, for instance, see Rodds Chemistry of Carbon Compounds,&#34; cited above, Vol. I c, pp. 70-71 and Methoden der Organischen Chemie&#34;, Houben-Weyl, E. Muller, Ed., V01. V13, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, I962, pp. 51 1-I076.  
  Thereafter these intermediates of formula VII are treated with a two molar excess of an amine of formula HNR R in which R and R are as defined in the first instance to yield the compounds of formula I in which R, R R, R, R&#34;, R and X are as described in the first instance, R is hydrogen and Y is All -l lRR in which Alk is Alk as defined in the first instance and R and R are as defined in the first instance. Preferred conditions for this reaction include the use of a suitable inert solvent, for example, tetrahydrofuran, temperatures ranging from 40 100C. or at the boiling point of the reaction mixture and a reaction time of from eight to 24 hours.  
  If desired the latter pyranolidoles and thiopyranoindoles may be N-alkylated on the indolic nitrogen with an appropriate lower alkyl halide or aminoalkyl halide according to the method described for the N-alkylation of the pyranoindoles and thiopyranoindoles in section (a).  
 e. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula VII (Z AlkNR COR Intermediates of formula VII in which R is hydrogen and Z is AlkNR COR wherein Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance are readily obtained by the condensation (II+ VI VII) by using ketoamides of formula s g Alk. NR C0R in which R, Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance together with the appropriate starting material of formula II (R H).  
  The ketoamides used herein are either known, for example, formamidoacetone IA. Treibs and W. Sutter Chem. Ber., 84, 96 (Il)] and see [R. H. Wiley and O.H. Borum, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 70, 2005 (1948)] or they are prepared by known procedures, for example, see Methoden der Organischen Chemie, cited above, Vol. Xl/l, I957, especially pp. 58-62, 285-289 and 508509, and F. F. Blicke, Organic Reactions, 1, 303 (1942).  
  Thereafter, reduction with a complex metal hydride and if desired N-alkylation of the indolic nitrogen as described in section (a) converts the instant intermediates of formula VII to pyranoindoles of formula I in which R, R R R, R R R, X are as defined in the first instance and Y is AlkNR R in which Alk and R are as defined in the first instance and R is lower alkyl.  
 f. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediates of Formula VII (2 Alk N0 Intermediates of formula VII in which R is hydrogen and Z is Alk-N0 wherein Alk is as defined in the first instance, are obtained by the condensation (Il+ VI VII) when the starting materials of formula II (R H) and appropriate or, 3-, -y-, and fi-nitroketones of formula R1 ii All; $0  
 in which R and Alk are as defined in the first instance are employed therein in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst. In this case trifluoroacetic acid is the preferred acid catalyst.  
  The nitroketones used herein are either known, for example, I-nitro-Z-propanone, N. Levy and c.W. Scaife, J. Chem. Soc., I I00, (I946) and 5-nitro-2- hexanone, H. Shechter, et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 74, 3664 (I952) or they are prepared by known methods, for example, see Levy, and Scaife, cited above, Shechter, et al. cited above, Rodd&#39;s Chemistry of Carbon Compounds&#34;, cited above, Vol. lc, pp. 71-72 and Methods der Organischen Chemie, cited above, Vol. X/l, I97], p. 203.  
  Thereafter, these intermediates of formula VII are reduced with a complex metal hydride, preferably lithium aluminum hydride, to afford the pyranoindoles of formula I in which R, R R, R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance, Y is hydrogen and Z is -Alk-NRR in which Alk is defined in the first instance and R and R are hydrogen.  
  If desired the latter compounds may be N-alkylated according to the methods described in section (c) to give the compounds of formula I in which R, R R, R, R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instances and Y is Alk-NRR in which Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance.  
  g. Preparation and Conversion of Intermediate of Formula VII (Z lower alkyl or phenyl(lower)alkyl) Intermediate of formula VII (Z lower alkyl or phenyl(lower)alkyl, R is hydrogen and R, R, R, R, R, R and X are as defined in the first instance) are readily obtained by the condensation (II+VI VII) by using the starting materials of formula II and the ketones of formula n -li-z in which R is as defined in the first instance and Z is lower alkyl or phenyl(lower)alkyl.  
  The ketones used herein are either available commercially, for example, acetone or phenylacetone, or they are prepared by conventional methods, for example, see P. Karrer, Organic Chemistry, 2nd. ed., EI- sevier Publishing Co., Inc. New York, I946 pp. I49-l69 and V. Migrdichian, Organic Synthesis, Vol. I, Reinhold Publishing Corp. New York, I957, pp. 100429.  
  These intermediates of formula VII are converted to the compounds of formula I in which R, R R R R R and X are as defined in the first instance, R is -(Alk)I IR R in which Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance and Y is lower alkyl or phenyl(lower- )alkyl by N-alkylation of the indolic nitrogen with the appropriate amino(lower)alkyl halide according to the method of N alkylation described in section (a).  
 h. Preparation of Compounds of Formula VII (Z Alk-NRR) II Compounds of Formula I (&#39;y= AIkNRR The above described starting materials of formula II in which R R, R, R R, R and X are as defined in the first instance are condensed in the presence of an acid catalyst with an aminoketone of formula RCO-Alk-NRR in which R Alk, R and R are as defined in the first instance to give directly the pyranoand thiopyranoindole derivatives of formula I of this invention.  
  The requisite aminoketones for this reaction are either known, for example, I-dimethyIamino-3- butanone, I-methylamino-3-pentanone, see F.F. Blicke, cited above, or they may be prepared by known procedures, for example, see Methoden der Organisehen Chemie,&#34; cited above, Vol. XI/l I957, pp. 58-62, 285-289 and 508509.  
  In practicing this present condensation it is generally advantageous to utilize substantially equimolar amounts of the starting material of formula II and the aminoketone in the presence of an acid catalyst. In this particular condensation the amount of the aforementioned acid catalyst to employ ranges generally from about 1 .0] to I molar equivalents with respect to the amount of aminoketone reactant, a range of from L to 10 molar equivalents being preferred. If more than one basic nitrogen is present in the reactants, for example, when R and R together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent a piperazino radical, then additional acid catalyst is added to compensate for such basic nitrogens. Optionally, one may employ the acid addition salts of the aforementioned aminoketones and starting materials of formula II if R is an amino(- lower)alkyl radical, for example the hydrochloride or the sulfate salt. In this case the amount of acid catalyst may range from 0.01 to I00 molar equivalents, preferably 0.1 to 10 molar equivalents. Boron trifluoride is a preferred acid catalyst for the present condensation. The reaction may be performed conveniently and advantageously without a solvent, although a high boiling solvent, for example, toluene, o-xylene or isobutyl ether, may be used. When the solvent is omitted, it is desirable to heat the reactants to a melt and stir the melt in an inert atmosphere, for example, nitrogen or helium. Reaction time and temperature depends on the particular reactants employed and may be varied. The most convenient reaction time is from one-half to 48 hours, preferably one-half to four hours, and reaction temperatures from 20 to 200C, preferably to [40C. The reaction in each individual case is performed preferably at the lowest temperature at which the reaction proceeds smoothly and expeditiously with a minimum of decomposition.  
  In the case where the starting material is one of formula II in which Y is -S--SO Na or SSO K, it is preferable to have at least one equivalent of water present in the reaction mixture. This water may be added directly to the reaction or it may be included as part of the acid catalyst. Examples of the latter instance would be when p-toluenesulfonic acid containing water of crystallization or concentrated hydrochloric acid are employed as the acid catalyst.  
  With reference to the preparation of the pyranoindole and thiopyranoindole derivatives of formula la, the replacement of the starting material of formula II in any of the aforementioned processes (a) to (g) with the starting material of formula Ila.  
 in which R R, R, R R and R are as defined in the first instance and X is as defined in the first instance, gives the corresponding intermediate of formula VlIa,  
 in which R, R R, R, R, R, R, X and Z are as defined hereinbefore. In the case where Z of said intermediate is AIk-NRR&#34;, the intermediate is the pyranoindole or thiopyranoindole of formula Ia. In the case where Z of said intermediate is other than -Alk- -NRR the intermediate is transformed to the corresponding pyranoindole or thiopyranoindole of formula Ia by the application of steps described hereinbefore for effecting the corresponding transformation of inter mediates of formula VII to the compounds of formula I.  
  In other words the treatment of the starting material of formula Ila with a compound of formula in which R and Z are as defined in the first instance according to the conditions of the condensation (II VI VII), described hereinbefore, gives the corresponding intermediate of formula Vlla, the latter compound being the corresponding compound of formula la or an intermediate therefor.  
  The requisite starting material of formula lla in which X is hydroxy and R R R, R R, and R is hydrogen is obtained by treating 2-(2-indoyl)ethyl tosylate, described by T. Sakan, Tetrahedron Letters, 4925 1968) with 10% sodium hydroxide solution. Optionally, the latter tosylate may be used in the condensation reaction in place of the starting material of formula [la in which X is hydroxy and R is hydrogen. The requisite starting material of formula Ila in which X is hydroxy and R is defined in the first instance other than hydrogen is obtained by reacting the appropriately substituted indole, for example, N-methylindole, or N- ethylindole, with ethylene oxide or an appropriately substituted ethylene oxide according to the precedure of Julia, et al., cited above. The requisite starting material of formula lla in which X is mercapto, -S-SO Na or SSO K, are prepared from the above corresponding compounds of formula Ila in which X is hydroxy according to the procedure described previously for the similar transformation of starting materials of formula II (X= hydroxy) to starting materials of formula II (X= mercapto SSO Na or --SSO;,-K).  
  Finally, it is the intention to cover all changes and modifications of the embodiment of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of disclosure which are within the scope and spirit of this invention. Such changes and modification include those variations which depend on well known interconversions of amines, amides, acids and esters or alternation of the order of the steps in the processes disclosed herein.  
  For example, the act of subjecting the corresponding derivative of the starting material of formula [I or Ila in which the indolic nitrogen is alkylated with a lower alkyl. lower alkenyl, propargyl, phenyl(lower)alkyl or amino(lower)alkyl, to condensation with an appropriate compound of formula VI according to the conditions of the key reaction taught in this present disclosure to yield the corresponding intermediate compound of formula Vll or Vlla in which the indolic nitrogen is so alkylated would not depart from the scope of spirit of this invention.  
  More specifically exemplified, the compounds of for mula l in which R is lower alkyl are prepared conveniently and generally in good yields by using the starting material of formula ll in which R is lower alkyl and subjecting the starting material to treatment with the appropriate compound of formula tion.  
 EXAMPLE 1 l-METHYL- l ,3,4,9-TETRAHYDROPYRANO[ 3,4- b]lNDOLE-l-ACETIC AClD (Vll: R CH R R, R, R R AND R H, X 0 AND Z CH COOH) Ethyl acetoacetate (23.4 g., 0.l8 moles) is added to a solution of the starting material of formula ll, tryptophol l0.0 g., 0.06 moles), in 200 ml. of benzene. After standing for 10 minutes, p-toluenesulfonic acid [.3 g.) and about 5 g. of hydrated alkali-aluminum silicate (Molecular Sieves No. 4) are added. The mixture is subjected to reflux for thirty minutes, 600 mg. more of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added and refluxing continued for 2 /2 hours. The molecular sieves are collected and the benzene solution washed successively with 5% sodium bicarbonate and water, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure to dryness affording an oil. The oil is subjected to chromatography on silica gel. Elution with 5% ether in benzene yields the ester, 1 -methyll ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano-[ 3 ,4-blindole-l-acetic acid ethyl ester, as an oil, v f&#39; a l7l5 cm.  
  Hydrolysis of this ester to the title compound is effected as follows: The ester is dissolved in 230 ml. of methanol. To this is added 10 g. of KOH in 30 ml. of H 0 and the solution is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The methanool is evaporated, water added and the solution washed with benzene. The aqueous phase is acidified with 6N HCl, and extracted with benzene. This organic phase is washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness to give an oil, which is crystallized from benzene containing a trace of petroleum ether to afford the title compound, m.p. l50- 152C. v f s 3325 and 1705 cm.  
  An equivalent amount of methyl acetoacetate may replace ethyl acetoacetate in the procedure of this Ex ample. In this case, l-methyl-l ,3,4,9-  
 tetrahydropyrano[-tetrahydropyrano[-b]indole-acetic acid methyl ester, m.p. 8790C. after recrystallization from benzene-hexane, is obtained as the ester.  
  An equivalent amount of propyl acetoacetate may replace ethyl acetoacetate in the procedure of this Example. ln this case, l-methyll ,3 ,4,9- tetrahydropyranol 3,4-b]indolel -acetic acid propyl ester is obtained as the ester.  
 EXAMPLE 2 l-METHYL-l,3,4,9TETRAHYDROPYRANO[3,4- bllNDOLE-l-PROPIONIC AClD (Vll: R CH R R, R, R R AND R H, X 0 AND Z CH CH COOH) A mixture of the starting material of formula ll, tryptophol (500 mg), levulinic acid (580 mg), 75 ml. of benzene, 1.7 g. of phosphorus pentoxide and about 0.5 g. of diatomaceous earth (Celite) is stirred magneti cally at room temperature for IS minutes and then at C. for l /2 hr. The reaction mixture is filtered. The filtrate is washed three times with 5N NaOH; the combined aqueous phase is washed twice with ether and then rendered acidic with cold 50% HCl. The aqueous phase is extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract is dried (Na SO and evaporated to dryness. The residue is crystallized from ethyl acetate-petroleum ether to afford the title compound, m.p. 104 l 10C., nmr (CDCl 51.47 (3H), 2.18 (4H), 2.74 (2H), 3.96 (2H), 7.18 (4H), 7.85 (IH), 9.60 (1H).  
  The above title compound is also obtained by following the procedure of Example 1 but replacing ethyl acetoacetate with an equivalent amount of ethyl levulinate. In this case lmethyl-l 3,4,9-  
  21 tetrahydropyrano[ 3,4-b]indolel -propionic acid ethyl ester, m.p. 116 118C, v f l 1716 cm, after crystallization from benzene-petroleum ether, is obtained as the ester prior to hydrolysis.  
 EXAMPLE 3 1-METHYL-l,3,4,9- TETRAHYDROTHIOPYRANO[ 3,4-bllNDOLE- l ACETlC ACID (VII; R CH R R, R, R R AND R H, X S AND Z CH- COOH) lndole-3-ethanethiol (1.5 g.) and methyl acetoacetate are mixed with ml. of benzene and the solution heated for 30 min. (bath temperature C.). p-Toluenesulfonic acid (0.15 g.) is added and the reaction mixture is subjected to reflux and stirring for 12 hours. Water formed in the reaction mixture during this period is collected by a water separator. After cooling the benzene solution is washed with 10% solution of sodium bicarbonate, water, saturated brine and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the benzene solution yields the ester. 1-methyl-l,3 ,4,9- tetrahydrothiopyrano[3,4-b1indole-l-acetic acid methyl ester as a semi-solid, v f&#39; 1715 cm.  
  This ester is then treated with aqueous alcoholic KOH in the manner described for the esters in Examples l and 2 to afford the title compound, m.p. 147 149C, nmr (CDCI 51.86 (8, 3H), 3.06, 8.12 (6H), 7.35 (multiplet, 4H), 8.71 (1H), 10.31 (1H), after recrystallization from benzene-hexane.  
  The procedures of Examples 1, or 3 are followed to prepare other compounds of formula VII in which R, R R, R, R R and X are as defined in the first in stance, R is hydrogen and Z is COOR or Alk--COOR wherein R and Alk are as defined in the first instance. Examples of such compounds of formula Vll are listed in Tables I and 11. In each of these examples an equivalent amount of the starting material of formula ll listed therein is used instead of the starting material of formula II described in the procedures of Examples 1 and 3. Note that in each of these examples the ester obtained prior to hydrolysis is a corresponding ester compound of formula Vll.  
  Similarly, the procedure of Example 2 is used to prepare the products listed in Tables 1 and [1. In this case an equivalent amount of the starting material of for mula II, listed therein, is used instead of the starting material of formula ll described in Example 2 and an equivalent amount of the corresponding ketoacid of formula V1 is used instead of the ketoester of formula VI listed therein.  
 TJJLI lilllQlilTi l C? smrnns .ATERIAL or i v7 EXAMPLE roam-Jul II .L V n R 2 n R x R r 9 4 H a a a a o cu co c a 1 .=eui 1//t-sr;-s m  
 acid  
  CH H H l &#39;L- -r.&#39;.- 5 3 H ll 0 c 115 CO C 15 1 ethy. 51 y] carboxylzc arena 6 11-9 a a ll 11 5-021 0 11-24: co cs lJ-diisopropyl-- 3 7 5 3 methyl//carbo;:rlic  
 acid  
 7 CH3 CH3 H K 5-03 0 CH3 C0 CH5 1,3,3-121122 hyl-G- hydrcxy -Vearboxylic acid 2 8 H H H H 7 l o n-G CO CH 8-ethy1-l--prorzyl// (H 5 387 3 carbexylic acid 9 [I H 41 H H O D 00 CH- l-eyelopropyll4.20pm 3 pyM/carboxylic acltqt f 10 ca. cs 0 a c s K o 0 co ca, 1 -cycl0pentylr,-il j 3 2 5 2 5 diethyl-B,3-dir1zthyl 1&#34; carboxylic acid &#39;11 a H on a a 0 on on co 3 3 a (2 H 1 1 3: methyl/beetle aczd 13 H H H H K 0 C CH CO C HS l-ethyl//acetic acid,  
 13 a a a a a 0 4 a Cu co c n, l-propyl/hcs&#39;uic 3915.. L I mp. 1 18 151 6.  
 TABL) I -Cntinued EMMPLE STIdiTIIiG zmzzzm. 0F  
 a] rim R19 c c a C H CH S-NO t-C li CA CO C lls CA CO C li5 CH CO 2 5 CH 00 C H CH 00 C H CB 00 C H caw agxc n up. 1: (Ia-cater A) mm. 1  
 1 cm. (1503a; 15)  
 1,b-dicthyl-f-n:.sfizhgl. acetic acid,  
 u,l-di.r.;eth vi//acecic acid; mp. 3.5% 3131 (Isoner A) mpn 1:13 C. (Iccmcr B).  
 l-cyclohexyl-mcm dimathyl/filcutic ma.  
 1-t-bui:y1//ac stic 12c Imp. 210 212C.  
 l-butyl vacetic acid mp. 127C.  
 6-b1&#39;cmo-l-ethy1// acetic acid mp.  
 acetic acid. mp. 127  
 G-methoxy-l-methyl/f acetic acid, m.p. 1 42 1 5C.  
 G-acetoxyd-nathyl/Y acetic acid, mp. 1 +2 1 6C.  
 6-benzyloxy-J.--nethyl, acetic acid, mp. 1 3.5  
 5-methyl-l-propyl// acetic acid. mp.  
 7-rcethyl-l-propyl// acetic acid, mp. 157 158C.  
 6-nitro-l-prcpyl// acetic acid, 1:1,;- 119 120 Ji-dimethyl lprowl/Acetic acid, mp. 18 C.  
 l-cycloprcpyl-a,adiethyl-ZB-dimethyi 6-ethoxy//acetic aci;  
 TABLE. 11 Continued STARTING MAIERIAL OF rmoasnm OF Forumm v1 rem-mm II 12&#39; -tuuk -cmra PRODUCT: LISTED a: liillbiilYiJllUtn [3,h-bJI1IDOL&#34; (SUFFIX 11:2...  
 alk ro .121 on it H n-cu 122 n-C li 3 7 FMCZHSXZHECHQEMO c(ca 1 ca tcmc a n co J-diethylJ PJ&#39; &#39;BJJ-trinethfl/ J butyric acid y -Zi-ethyl-initro-a, p ,7, yl/fimtyri acid 2 a, B-diethyl- 3 3-dimethy1-l 5- dipropylf/butyric acid l-ethyl-8-hydroxya ,c.,T,T-tetramathy1// butyric acid 2 5 S-ethmq-l-ethylr ras v r laa&#39; octomothyy/butyric acid EXAMPLE 126 N,N,1-TRlMETHYL-l ,3,4,9- TETRAHYDROPYRANO[3,4-b]-lNDOLE-1- ACETAMlDElVll; R CH R R, R, R R AND R H, X 0 AND Z CH CON(CH To a stirred solution of 1-methyl-l,3,4,9- tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indole-l-acetic acid g, 0.061 mole), prepared as described in Example 1, in dry tetrahydrofuran (300 ml), cooled to --5C., is added triethylamine (18.5 g, 0.183 mole), followed by ethyl chloroformate 16.6 g, 0.153 mole). The mixture is stirred at 5C. for 2 hr. This mixture, which now contains the mixed anhydride of the above starting material, is added dropwise to a cooled 40% aqueous solution of the amine, dimethylamine (225 ml). The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature for one-half hour. Most of the tetrahydrofuran is evaporated, and the residue partitioned between chloroform and water. The organic phase is washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue is subjected to chromatography on silica gel. Elution with ethyl acetate in benzene, followed by crystallization of the eluate from ethyl acetate affords the title compound, m.p. 149 l5 1C., v a 3375, 1634 cm&#39;.  
 In the same manner but replacing the 40% aqueous propylamine (40% aqueous solution), ethylamine aqueous solution), pyrrolidine (50% aqueous solution), piperidine, morpholine, N-methylpiperazine, l-methyll ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3,4-b]indolel acetamide, m.p. 158 160C,  
 N, l -dimethyl-l ,3 ,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3 ,4-blindolel-acetamide, m.p. 138 140C,  
 N-hexyl- 1 methyl-l ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3,4-blindole-l -acetamide,  
 N,N-diethyl- 1 -methyl-] ,3 ,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-  
 blindole-l-acetamide, m.p. 99C., v f&#39; 3350,  
 N-isopropyl- 1 -methyl-1 ,3 ,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3,4-  
 b]indole-1-acetamide, m.p. 151 153C,  
 N-ethyll -methyl-l ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3 ,4-b]indole-l-acetamide, m.p. 152 153C,  
 1-[( l-methyl-l ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indol-1- yl)acetyl]-pyrrolidine, m.p. 1 19 C,  
 l-[( 1 -methyl- 1 ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[ 3 ,4-b]indoll y1)acetyl]-piperidine, m.p. 148 149C,  
 l-[( l-methyl-l ,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano{ 3 ,4-b]indoll yl)acetyl]-morpholine, m.p. 141 142C, and  
 l-methyl-4-[(1-methyl-1,3 ,4,9-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-  
 blindole-1-yl)-acety1]piperazine, are obtained respectively.  
  By following the procedure of Example 126 but using as starting material an equivalent amount of one of the acid compounds of formula Vll, described in Examples 2 to 125, instead of l-methyl-l ,3,4,9- tetrahydropyranol3,4-blindole-l-acetic acid, and using an equivalent amount of an appropriate amine such as ammonia or a primary or secondary amine described in Example 126, then the corresponding amide compound of formula V1] is obtained. Examples of such amides are listed as products of Tables 11], 1V, V and V1 together with the appropriate starting material and amine used for the preparation of the amide. In each case the starting material is noted by the example in which it is prepared.