Benzimidazole derivatives useful as angiotensin II inhibitors
This application is a division of Ser. No. 07/599,894 filed Oct. 19, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,356. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to novel benzimidazole derivatives having excellent pharmacological activities and intermediates for synthesizing them. 
     More specifically, the present invention relates to compounds of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R 1  stands for an optionally substituted alkyl group, R 2  and R 3  each stands for a group capable of forming an anion or a group which can be changed thereinto, ring A stands for benzene ring optionally having, besides the group shown by R 2 , further substituents, and X shows linkage of phenylene group and phenyl group directly or through a spacer whose atomic chain is not more than 2 or salts thereof, which have strong angiotensine II antagonism and hypotensive activity and are useful as therapeutic agents of circulatory diseases such as hypertensive diseases, cardiac diseases, cerebral apoplexy, etc. 
     The renin-angiotensin system is involved in homeostasis to control systemic blood pressure, body fluid volume, and balance among the electrolytes, together with the aldosterone system. The relation between the renin-angiotensin system and hypertension has been clarified based on the fact that an inhibitor of an angiotensin II (AII) converting enzyme (ACE inhibitor) which produces angiotensin II having a potent vasoconstrictive action has been developed. Since angiotensin II elevates blood pressure via the angiotensin II receptors on the cellular membrane, the antagonists of angiotensin II, like ACE inhibitors, can be used for the treatment of hypertension. Many angiotensin II-related substances, such as saralasin and [Sar 1 , Ala 8  ]AII, have been reported to have potent angiotensin II antagonism. However, the peptide antagonists have been reported to be of short duration of action after parenteral administration and to be ineffective in oral administration [M. A. Ondetti and D. W. Cushman, Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 82-91(1978)]. 
     On the other hand, for solving the problems observed with these peptide antagonists, non-peptide angiotensin II antagonists have been investigated. As one of the earliest studies in this field, imidazole derivatives having angiotensin II antagonism were disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Nos. 71073/1981, 71074/1981, 92270/1982, and 157768/1983, U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,040 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,598. Later, improved imidazole derivatives are disclosed in EP-0253310, EP-0291969, EP-0324377, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Nos. 23863/1988 and 117876/1989. And, pyrrole, pyrazole and triazole derivatives are disclosed in EP-0323841 and Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 287071/1989 as angiotensin II antagonists. 
     The present inventors have considered that clinically useful compounds for therapy of circulatory diseases such as hypertension, cardiac diseases and cerebral apoplexy are required to have angiotensin II receptor antagonism and to show a strong angiotensin II antagonism and hypotensive action by oral administration thereof, and they have been intensively investigating the non-peptidic angiotensin II receptor antagonists on the basis of the above consideration. 
     Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,804, benzimidazole derivatives having angiotensin II receptor antagonism and effective for rats of renal hypertension by intravenous administration, for example, compounds (A) [represented by the following formula (A)] having hydroxymethyl, methoxy, formyl, chloro or carboxy group at the 5- or/and 6-positions, are disclosed. However, most of the compounds (A) are described as inactive when administered orally, while only 6-hydroxymethyl compounds and 6-chloro compounds are described as effective when administered orally (100 mg/kg or less). However, compounds showing only such an extent of potency as above are not satisfactory for putting them to practical use as medicinal products. ##STR3## 
     And, in the said U.S. Pat. No., the compounds specifically embodied, including the above-mentioned compounds (A) are limited to benzimidazole having substituents at 5- or/and 6-positions on the benzene ring, and no disclosure of benzimidazole derivatives having substituents at 4- or 7-position is found. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present inventors found that the specific compounds, i.e. 7-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, which are not described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,804, have a strong angiotensin II receptor antagonism, and also, when administered orally, show unexpectedly a strong AII antagonism and hypertensive action, which were not observed in the 5- or/and 6-position substituted derivatives. The present inventors have further developed their research work to accomplish the present invention. 
     More specifically, the present invention relates to compounds of the formula: ##STR4## wherein R 1  is an optionally substituted alkyl group, R 2  and R 3  are independently a group capable of forming an anion or a group which can be changed thereinto, ring A is a benzene ring optionally having, besides the group shown by R 2 , further substituents, and X shows linkage of the phenylene group and phenyl group directly or through a spacer whose atomic length is not more than 2 or salts thereof. 
     Referring to the above-mentioned general formula (I), the alkyl group shown by R 1  includes straight chain or branched lower alkyl groups having about 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, i-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, etc. The alkyl groups may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, optionally substituted amino group, halogen, lower(C 1-4 ) alkylthio group or a lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. Preferable groups shown by R 1  are lower(C 2-5 ) alkyl groups optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, amino group, halogen or a lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. 
     Examples of a group capable of forming an anion or a group which can be changed thereinto shown by R 2  include a group shown by the formula: --(CH 2 ) n  CO--D [wherein D stands for hydrogen, hydroxyl group, optionaly substituted amino group, halogen or optionally substituted alkoxy group (e.g. lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy group whose alkyl portion may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, optionally substituted amino group, halogen, a group of the formula: ##STR5## [wherein R&#34;&#39;, is hydrogen, a straight or branched lower (C 1-6 ) alkyl group (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), or C 5-7  cycloalkyl group (e.g. cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, etc.), and R&#34;&#34; is a straight or branched lower (C 1-6 ) alkyl group (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), C 5-7  cycloalkyl group (e.g. cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, etc.), lower (C 1-3 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, etc.) or lower (C 2-3 ) alkenyl group (e.g. vinyl, propenyl, allyl, isopropenyl, etc.) substituted by C 5-7  cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, etc.) or phenyl group, optionally substituted phenyl group (e.g. phenyl, etc.), a straight or branched lower (C 1-6 ) alkoxy group (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy, etc.), C 5-7  cycloalkyloxy group (e.g. cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, etc.), lower (C 1-3 ) alkoxy group (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, etc.) substituted by C 5-7  cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, etc.) or phenyl group, optionally substituted phenoxy group (e.g. phenoxy, etc.), or optionally substituted benzyloxy group (e.g. benzyloxy, etc.)] , lower (C 1-6 ) alkoxy group, lower (C 1-6 ) alkylthio group or optionally substituted dioxolenyl (e.g. 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl etc.), preferably lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy group whose alkyl portion may be substituted with hydroxyl group, optionally substituted amino group, halogen, lower(C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy, 1-lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy group, lower(C 1-6 ) alkylthio or lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy group), and n denotes 0 or 1], cyano, optionally protected (with e.g. alkyl or acyl group) tetrazolyl, phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, phenolic hydroxyl group, optionally substituted alkoxy group, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide and lower(C 1-3 ) alkyl group optionally substituted with hydroxyl group or optionally substituted amino group. Groups capable of forming anion or those which can be changed into such groups biologically, i.e. by being subjected to metabolism physiologically, or chemically (e.g. by oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis) are also within the meaning of R 2 , and the compound (I), wherein R 2  stands for a group capable of forming an anion or a group which can be changed thereinto chemically, is useful also as an intermediate for synthesis. 
     Preferable groups shown by R 2  include those represented by the formula, --(CH 2 ) n  CO--D [wherein D stands for hydrogen, hydroxyl group, amino, N-lower-(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino or lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, amino, halogen, lower(C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy, 1-lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy, lower(C 1-6 ) alkylthio or lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy, and n denotes 0 or 1] or tetrazolyl optionally protected with alkyl (e.g. lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl, etc.) or acyl (e.g. lower(C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl. Further preferable groups are those represented by the formula, --CO--D&#39; [wherein D&#39; stands for hydroxyl group, amino, N-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino or lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group, amino, halogen, lower(C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy, 1-lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxy, lower (C 1-6 ) alkylthio or lower(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy] or tetrazolyl optionally protected with an alkyl or acyl group. 
     Examples of groups capable of forming an anion or groups which can be changed thereinto, shown by R 3 , include carboxyl, tetrazolyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid amide (--NHSO 2  CF 3 ), phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, cyano, and lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxycarbonyl, and these groups are optionally protected with optionally substituted a lower alkyl group or acyl group, so long as they are capable of forming an anion or groups which can be changed thereinto under biological, i.e. physiological conditions or chemically. 
     And, the compounds (I), wherein R 3  stands for a group capable of forming anion or a group which can be changed thereinto (e.g. cyano) chemically (e.g. by oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis), are useful as intermediates for synthesis. 
     Preferable groups shown by R 3  are carboxyl or tetrazolyl. 
     Examples of substituents on the benzene ring A other than the groups shown by R 2  include halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br, etc.), nitro, cyano, optionally substituted amino groups [e.g. amino, N-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino (e.g. methylamino, etc.), N,N-di-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino (e.g. dimethylamino, etc.), N-arylamino (e.g. phenylamino, etc.), alicyclic amino (e.g. morpholino, piperidino, piperazino, N-phenylpiperazino, etc.)], groups represented by the formula --Y--R [wherein Y stands for a chemical bond, --O--, --S-- or ##STR6## and R stands for hydrogen, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group (e.g. lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl group optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, optionally substituted amino group, halogen, lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy, etc.), or groups represented by the formula --CO--D&#34;: [wherein D&#34; stands for hydrogen, optionally substituted alkoxy group [e.g. lower (C 1-4 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with optionally substituted amino group, hydroxyl group, halogen, lower (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, etc.], optionally substituted amino group [e.g. amino, N-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino (e.g. methylamino), N,N-di-lower (C 1-4 ) alkylamino (e.g. dimethylamino), N-arylamino (e.g. phenylamino), alicyclic amino (e.g. morpholino, piperidino, piperazino or N-phenylpiperazino), etc.], halogen (e.g. chlorine, etc.) or hydroxyl group]. Among them, halogen, lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl, lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy, nitro, and groups represented by the formula --CO--D&#34;, [wherein D&#34;&#39; stands for hydroxyl group or lower(C 1-2 ) alkoxy] or amino optionally substituted with lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl are preferable, and halogen and lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl are more preferable. 
     X shows that the adjacent phenylene group is bonded to the phenyl group directly or through a spacer whose atomic length is 2 or less. As the spacer, any one can be used, so long as it is a divalent chain in which the number of atoms constituting the straight chain is 1 or 2, and it may have a side chain. More specifically, it is exemplified by lower(C 1-4 ) alkylene, ##STR7## 
     Among the compounds of the above formula (I), those of the formula (I&#39;) ##STR8## [wherein R 1  stands for lower(C 2-5 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, amino group, halogen or lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy group, R 2  stands for a group represented by the formula: --CO--D&#39; [wherein D&#39; stands for hydroxyl group, amino, N-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di-lower(C 1-4 ) alkylamino or lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted with hydroxyl group, amino, halogen or lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy] or tetrazolyl group optionally protected with alkyl or acyl group, R 3  stands for carboxyl or tetrazolyl group optionally protected with alkyl or acyl group and R&#39; stands for hydrogen, halogen, lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl, lower(C 1-4 ) alkoxy, nitro, a group represented by the formula: --CO--D&#34;&#39; [wherein D&#34;&#39; stands for hydroxyl group or lower(C 1-2 ) alkoxy] or amino optionally substituted with lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl (preferably hydrogen, lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl, halogen, more preferably hydrogen)] are preferable. 
     Production Method 
     The compounds of the above-mentioned general formula (I) can be produced by, for example, the methods as shown below. ##STR9## [wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and W stands for halogen atom]. ##STR10## [wherein each symbol is of the same meaning as defined above]. ##STR11## [wherein R 1 , R 2 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and R 5  stands for optionally substituted lower(C 1-4 ) alkyl]. ##STR12## [wherein each symbol is of the same meaning as defined above]. ##STR13## [wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and Y stands for iminoether, iminothioether, carboxyl, amidine, cyano group, etc.]. ##STR14## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , R 5 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and n denotes 0 or 1]. ##STR15## [wherein each symbol is of the same meaning as defined above]. ##STR16## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and W stands for halogen atom]. ##STR17## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , A, X and W are of the same meaning as defined above]. ##STR18## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , A, X and W are of the same meaning as defined above, and R 6  stands for lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, optionally substituted amino group, or cyano group]. ##STR19## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, R 7  stands for lower alkyl group]. ##STR20## [wherein R 1 , R 3 , R 7 , A and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and n denotes 0 or 1]. 
     The above-mentioned reaction (a) is an alkylation by using the alkylating agent (III) in an organic solvent in the presence of a base. 
     Using about 1 to about 3 mol. of a base and about 1 to about 3 mol. of the alkylating agent (III) relative to 1 mol. of the compound (II), the reaction is conducted usually in a solvent such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, acetone, or ethyl methyl ketone. 
     As the base, use is made of e.g. sodium hydride, t-butoxy potassium, potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate. 
     The alkylating agent (III) is used in the form of a substituted halide (e.g. chloride, bromide and iodide), but it may be used in the form of a substituted sulfonic acid ester (e.g. methyl p-toluenesulfonate). 
     While reaction conditions vary with the combination of a base and the alkylating agent (III) to be employed, usually the reaction is conducted preferably at temperatures ranging from ice-cooling to room temperatures for about 1 to about 10 hours. 
     The reaction (b) is used to allow the cyano group substituted on the benzene ring of the compound (Ia) to react with various azides to give the tetrazole compound (Ib). 
     Using about 1 to about 3 mol. of an azide compound relative to 1 mol. of the compound (Ia), the reaction is carried out usually in a solvent e.g. dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene or benzene. 
     Examples of these azides include trialkyltin azide, triphenyltin azide or hydrazoic acid. 
     When an organotin azide is employed, the reaction is conducted in toluene or benzene under reflux for 10 to 30 hours. When hydrazoic acid is employed, sodium azide and ammonium chloride are used about 2 times mol. relative to the compound (Ia), and the reaction is allowed to proceed in dimethylformamide at about 100 to about 130° C. for about 1 to 3 days. It is preferable to add to the reaction system an appropriate amount of sodium azide and ammonium chloride to accelerate the reaction. 
     The reaction (c) is used to obtain the carboxylic acid (Id) by hydrolysis of the ester (Ic) in the presence of alkali. Using about 1 to about 3 mol. of alkali relative to 1 mol. of the compound (Ic), the reaction is allowed to proceed in an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol or methyl cellosolve). As the alkali, use is made of, among others, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The reaction is allowed to proceed preferably at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to about 100° C. for about 1 to about 10 hours. 
     The reaction (d) is used to produce a benzimidazole derivative (I) by reduction of a nitro group, followed by intramolecular dehydrative cyclization. 
     The reaction is conducted by using about 2 to about 10 mol. of a reducing agent relative to 1 mol. of the compound (IV). As the reducing agent, mention is made of a metal such as iron, zinc or tin, and the reaction can be conducted usually under acid or alkaline conditions. As the solvent, use is made of alcohols (e.g. methanol and ethanol), ethers (e.g. dioxane and tetrahydrofuran) and acetic acid or hydrochloric acid singly or as a mixture solution. 
     The reaction conditions vary with a combination of a reducing agent, a solvent and acid (or alkali), and the reaction is usually allowed to proceed at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to about 100° C. for about 1 to about 5 hours. 
     For the completion of dehydrative cyclization after the reduction reaction, it is preferable to heat for about 2 to about 3 hours at about 50° C. to about 100° C. under acidic conditions. 
     The reaction (e) comprises a cyclization reaction of a diamino compound (V) with various compounds in an organic solvent into a benzimidazole compound (I). 
     The above-mentioned various compounds are exemplified by carboxylic acid, aldehyde, ortho ester, imino ether and imino thioether. 
     These reagents are used usually in quantities of 1 to about 10 mol. relative to 1 mol. of the compound (V), and the reaction is allowed to proceed in an organic solvent, but the reagent can be used dually as the solvent. 
     The organic solvents are, varying with the reagent then employed, exemplified by alcohols (methanol, ethanol, etc.), cellosolves (methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons (chloroform, methylene chloride, etc.), ethers (dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), acetonitrile and dimethylformamide, among others. 
     For accelerating the reaction, an acid (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, etc.) or a base (triethylamine, pyridine, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium carbonate, etc.) can be added to the reaction system. 
     While the reaction conditions vary with reagents then employed, the reaction is conducted preferably at temperatures usually ranging from room temperatures to about the boiling point of the solvent then employed for about 1 hour to about 10 hours. 
     The reaction (f) is used to produce the carboxylic acid (If) by hydrolysis of the ester (Ie) in the presence of alkali. 
     Using about 1 to 3 mol. of alkali relative to 1 mol. of the compound (Ie), the reaction is carried out usually in an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, methyl cellosolve, etc.). As the alkali, use is made of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. 
     The reaction is conducted preferably at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to about 100° C. for about 1 to about 10 hours. 
     The reaction (g) is used to produce the hydroxymethyl compound (Ig) by reduction of the carboxylic acid ester (Ie). 
     The reaction is carried out by using about 1 to about 5 mol. of a reducing agent relative to 1 mol. of the compound (Ie). As the reducing agent, mention is made of, for example, lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride. When the former is used, usually ether (tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethyl ether, etc.) is employed as the solvent, and the reaction is allowed to proceed for about 1 to about 20 hours at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to about the boiling point of the solvent then employed. And, when the latter is used, usually ether (tetrahydrofuran and dioxane) or alcohol (ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc.) is employed as the solvent, and it is preferable to add a suitable amount of methanol to the reaction system to accelerate the reaction. The reaction is allowed to proceed for about 1 to about 20 hours at temperatures ranging from room temperature to about the boiling point of the solvent then employed, preferably from about 50° C. to about the boiling point of the solvent. 
     The reaction (h) is used to produce the compound (Ih) by halogenation of the compound (Ig) with a halogenating reagent in an organic solvent. 
     Examples of the organic solvent include, among others, halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform or dichloroethane and ethers such as ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or dioxane. As the halogenating reagent, use is made of, among others, thionyl chloride and phosphorus oxychloride. Among them thionyl chloride is preferable from the viewpoint of convenience of post-treatment of the reaction. The reaction is preferably carried out usually for about 1 to about 10 hours at temperatures ranging from room temperature to about the boiling point of the solvent then employed. 
     The reaction (i) is used to produce the methyl compound (Ii) by reducing the halogenated compound (Ih). 
     As the reducing agent, use is made of metal hydrides (e.g. organotin hydride), metal hydride complex compounds (e.g. sodium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride), metals and salts thereof (e.g. zinc, copper, sodium or lithium). When, among them, a metal hydride (e.g. Ph 3  SnH or Bu 3  SnH) is employed, the reaction carried out preferably in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent (e.g. benzene or toluene) by using about 1 to about 3 times mol. of a tin hydride compound for about 3 to about 10 hours at about the boiling point of the solvent then employed. While the reaction proceeds rapidly when an iodide or bromide is employed, it is preferable to add peroxide (e.g. perbenzoic acid) or azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) to the reaction system to accelerate the reaction, when a chlorine compound is employed. 
     The reaction (j) is used to produce the substituted compound (Ik) by substitution reaction of the halogen compound (Ih) with a nucleophilic reagent in an organic solvent. Examples of the organic solvent include alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol), ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran and dioxane), halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. dichloromethane, chloroform and dichloroethane), acetonitrile and dimethylformamide. The solvent to be employed is preferably selected appropriately depending on the nucleophilic reagent then employed. Examples of the nucleophilic reagent include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, etc., thiols such as methyl mercaptan, etc., amines such as alkylamine, aralkylamine, etc., and cyanides such as potassium cyanide, etc. 
     The reaction is carried out preferably in the presence of a suitable base (e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydride, sodium alkoxide, etc.). 
     Preferable reaction time is usually within the range from about one hour to about 10 hours at temperatures ranging from ice-cooling to about 50° C., but it varies with combination of the reagent and the solvent. 
     The reaction (k) is used to convert the nitrile (Ik) to the ester (Il). 
     It is convenient and preferable that the nitrile (Ik) is heated at temperatures ranging from about 50° C. to the boiling point of the solvent then employed for about 3 to about 20 hours in an alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc.) containing about 3 to 10 molecular equivalents of excess hydrogen chloride gas. The alcohol then employed acts as the solvent and also as the reaction reagent. While, during the reaction, imino ether is produced as intermediate, it is preferable to obtain the ester compound without isolating the intermediate. 
     The reaction (l) is used to produce the ester (Im) by esterification of the carboxylic acid (lf) with an alcohol. 
     The reaction is usually carried out by using a reactive alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol) in the presence of an acid catalyst. Examples of the catalyst include a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid or an organic acid such as p-toluenesulfonic acid. 
     The reaction is preferably carried out for about 5 to about 20 hours at around the boiling point of the solvent. 
     The reaction products obtained by the reactions (a) to (l) can be easily isolated by conventional isolation and purification processes, for example, column chromatography and recrystallization. 
     These compounds (I) can be led, by a conventional method, to salts with a physiologically acceptable acid or base, for example, salts with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloride, sulfate and nitrate, salts with an organic acid such as acetate, oxalate, citrate and maleate, salts with an alkali metal such as sodium salt and potassium salt, and salts with an alkaline earth metal such as calcium salt. 
     Among these compounds, the starting compounds (II), (III), (IV) and (V) can be synthesized by, for example, the methods described in the following literature references or methods analogous thereto. 
     (1) P. N. Preston, &#34;The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds&#34; Vol. 40, ed. by P. N. Preston, Tohn Wilcy &amp; Sons, New York (1981), pp. 1-286, 
     (2) A. Hunger, J. Kebrle, A. Rossi and K. Hottmann, Helv. Chim. Acta. 43, 1032 (1960), 
     (3) R. C. De Selms, J. Org. Chem., 27, 2163 (1962), 
     (4) A. F. Casy and J. Wrigit, J. Chem. Soc. (C), 1966, 1511, 
     (5) O. Meth-Cohn, H. Suschitzky and M. E. Sutton, J. Chem. Soc. (C), 1968, 1722, 
     (6) A. A. Shazhenov, Ch. Sh. Kadyrov and P. Kurbanov, Khim. Geterotsikl. Soedin., 1972, 641, 
     (7) N. Vinot, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1966, 3989, 
     (8) M. W. Partridge and H. A. Turner, J. Chem. Soc., 1958, 2086, 
     (9) R. E. Lyle and J. L. Lamattina, J. Org. Chem., 40, 438(1975), 
     (10) S. H. Dandegaonker and C. R. Revankar, J. Karnatak Univ., 6, 25(1961) (cf. CA, 59, 10023b), 
     (11) Y. Kanaoka, O. Yonemitsu, K. Tanizawa and Y. Ban, Chem. Pharm. Bull., 12, 773 (1964), 
     (12) J. Preston, W. F. Dewinter and W. L. Hofferbert, Jr., J. Hetercycl. Chem., 6, 119(1969), 
     (13) B. C. Bishop, A. S. Jones and J. C. Tatlow, J. Chem., Soc., 1964, 3076, 
     (14) H. Depoorter, G. G. Van Mierlo, M. J. Libeer and J. M. Nys, Belg. 595, 327, Mar. 23, 1961(cf. CA, 58, 9085a(1963)), 
     (15) H. J. J. Loozen and E. F. Godefroi, J. Org. Chem., 38, 3495(1973), 
     (16) N. Suzuki, T. Yamabayashi and Y. Izawa, Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 49, 353(1976), 
     (17) V. J. Grerda, R. E. Jones, G. Gal and M. Sletzinger, J. Org. Chem., 30, 259 (1965), 
     (18) M. Itaya, Yakugaku Zasshi, 82, 1(1965), 
     (19) I. Ganea and R. Taranu, Stud. Univ. Babes-Bolyai. Ser. Chem., 1966, 95(cf. CA, 67, 32648s(1967)), 
     (20) D. Jerchel, H. Fischer and M. Kracht, Ann. Chem., 162(1952), 
     (21) N. S. Kozlov and M. N. Tovshtein, Vestsi Akad. Navuk Belarus. SSR, Ser. Khim. Navuk 1967, 89(cf. CA, 69, 49507p), 
     (22) J. B. Wright, Chem. Rev., 48, 397(1951). 
     And, the starting compound (IV) can easily be produced by alkylation of the compound (VI) synthesized by, for example, the method described in &#34;K. Seno, S. Hagishita, T. Sato and K. Kuriyama, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1. 1984, 2013&#34; or an analogous method thereto, or by subjecting the compound (VI) to a reaction similar to the reaction (a) or a reaction analogous thereto (e.g. the reaction shown by the following scheme (m)). 
     The starting compound (V) can be produced by the reaction shown by the following scheme (n) or a reaction analogous thereto. 
     The starting compounds (XIV) and (XV) can be produced by the reaction shown by the following scheme (o) or a reaction analogous thereto. ##STR21## [wherein A, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , X and n are of the same meaning as defined above, and W stands for halogen atom] ##STR22## [wherein A, R 2 , R 3  and X are of the same meaning as defined above, and W stand for halogen atom] ##STR23## [wherein A, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and X are of the same meaning as defined above, R 8  stands for carboxylic acid ester, cyano or optionally protected tetrazolyl, and Z is --O--, --NH-- or --S--] 
     The reaction (m) produces an N-alkyl compound (IV) by alkylating the compound (VI) by a method similar to that of the reaction (a). 
     In the reaction (n), the acid azide (IX) which is produced by reacting the o-nitrobenzoate derivative (VII) with a halogenating reagent (e.g. thionyl chloride, phosphorus oxychloride, etc.) to give the acid chloride (VIII), followed by reaction with an azide compound (e.g. sodium azide, etc.) can be easily converted into the isocyanate (X), and the carbamic acid ester (XI) is produced in a high yield by heating the isocyanate (X) and t-butanol. On the other hand, the carbamic acid ester (XI) is produced by heating a mixture of the benzoate derivative (VII) and diphenyl phosphoryl azide (DPPA) in t-butanol. The diamino compound (V) is produced in a high yield by alkylating the obtained carbamic acid ester (XI) in a method similar to that of the reaction (m) to give the compound (XII), followed by deprotection and reaction with a reducing agent (e.g. raney nickel, stannic chloride, iron-hydrochloric acid, hydrazine-ferric chloride, etc.). 
     In the reaction (o), the benzimidazole derivative (XIV) is produced in a high yield by heating the diamino compound (V) and an acid chloride (e.g. chloroacetate chloride, 2-chloropropionate chloride, etc.) in the presence of a base (e.g. triethylamine, pyridine, etc.) to give a diacylamino compound, followed by heating the diacylamino compound and an acid (e.g. hydrochloric acid-ethanol, etc.), and the substituted compound (XV) is produced in a high yield by reacting the chloride (XIV) with various nucleophilic reagents (e.g. sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, methylamine, ethylamine, sodium thiomethoxide, sodium thioethoxide, etc.). The desired compound (I) can be produced by subjecting the obtained compound (XV) to the reaction (b), (c) or the like. 
     The compounds (I) and the salts thereof thus produced are less toxic, strongly inhibit the vasoconstrictive and hypertensive actions of angiotensin II, exert a hypotensive effect in animals, in particular mammals (e.g. human, dog, rabbit, rat, etc.), and therefore they are useful as therapeutics for not only hypertension but also cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and cerebral stroke. The compounds (I) and salts thereof, when used as medicines as mentioned above, can be orally or non-orally administered as they are or in such dosage forms as powders, granules, tablets, capsules, injections, etc. prepared by mixing with appropriate pharmacologically acceptable carriers, excipients or diluents. 
     The dose varies with the diseases to be treated, symptoms, subjects and administration routes, and it is desirable that a daily dose of 1 to 50 mg for oral administration or 1 to 30 mg for intravenous injection is divided into 2 to 3 when used as an agent for the therapy of essential hypertension in adults. 
    
    
     EXAMPLES 
     By the following formulation examples, working examples, experimental examples and reference examples, the present invention will be explained more concretely, but they should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any manner. 
     Examples of abbreviations in this specification are as follows: 
     Me: methyl, Et: ethyl, Pr: propyl, Bu: butyl, Pen: pentyl, Tet: tetrazolyl, THF: tetrahydrofuran, DMF: dimethylformamide, Ph: phenyl, Ac: acetyl 
     FORMULATION EXAMPLES 
     When the compound (I) of the present invention is used as a therapeutic agent for circulatory failures such as hypertension, heart failure, cerebral apoplexy, etc., it can be used in accordance with, for example, the following recipies. 
     1 Capsules 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1)   2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-                        
                              10 mg                                       
      yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid                           
(2)   lactose                 90 mg                                       
(3)   fine crystalline cellulose                                          
                              70 mg                                       
(4)   magnesium stearate      10 mg                                       
      one capsule             180 mg                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3) and a half of (4) are mixed and granulated. To the granules is added the remainder of (4), and the whole is filled into gelatin capsules. 
     2. Tablets 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1)  2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]                      
                              10 mg                                       
     methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid                               
(2)  lactose                  35 mg                                       
(3)  corn starch              150 mg                                      
(4)  fine crystalline cellulose                                           
                              30 mg                                       
(5)  magnesium stearate        5 mg                                       
     one tablet               230 mg                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3), two thirds of (4) and a half of (5) are mixed and granulated. To the granules are added the remainders of (4) and (5), followed by subjecting the granules to compression molding. 
     3. Injections 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1)   2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-                        
                               10 mg                                      
      yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid                           
      disodium salt                                                       
(2)   inositol                100 mg                                      
(3)   benzyl alcohol           20 mg                                      
      one ampoule             130 mg                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2) and (3) are dissolved in distilled water for injection to make the whole volume 2 ml, which is filled into an ampoule. The whole process is conducted under sterile conditions. 
     4. Capsules 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1) 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-                     
                                10 mg                                     
    (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-                              
    benzimidazole-7-carboxylate                                           
(2) lactose                     90 mg                                     
(3) fine crystalline cellulose  70 mg                                     
(4) magnesium stearate          10 mg                                     
    one capsule                 180 mg                                    
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3) and a half of (4) are mixed and granulated. To the granules is added the remainder of (4), and the whole is filled into gelatin capsules 
     5. Tablets 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1) 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-                     
                                10 mg                                     
    (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-                                     
    methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate                                    
(2) lactose                     35 mg                                     
(3) corn starch                 150 mg                                    
(4) fine crystalline cellulose  30 mg                                     
(5) magnesium stearate           5 mg                                     
    one tablet                  230 mg                                    
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3), two thirds of (4) and a half of (5) are mixed and granulated. To the granules are added the remainders of (4) and (5), followed by subjecting the granules to compression molding. 
     6. Capsules 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1) pivaloyloxymethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-                      
                               10 mg                                      
    yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-                              
    carboxylate                                                           
(2) lactose                    90 mg                                      
(3) fine crystalline cellulose 70 mg                                      
(4) magnesium stearate         10 mg                                      
    one capsule                180 mg                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3) and a half of (4) are mixed and granulated. To the granules is added the remainder of (4), and the whole is filled into gelatin capsules. 
     7. Tablets 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
(1) pivaloyloxymethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-                      
                               10 mg                                      
    yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-                              
    carboxylate                                                           
(2) lactose                    35 mg                                      
(3) corn starch                150 mg                                     
(4) fine crystalline cellulose 30 mg                                      
(5) magnesium stearate          5 mg                                      
    one tablet                 230 mg                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     (1), (2), (3), two thirds of (4) and a half of (5) are mixed and granulated. To the granules are added the remainders of (4) and (5), followed by subjecting the granules to compression molding. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1 
     2-Butyl-5-methoxybenzimidazole 
     To a solution of 4-methoxy-O-phenylenediamine (4.4 g) and ethyl valeroimidate hydrochloride (4.6 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was added triethylamine (5.7 g), and the mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours at room temperature. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the resulting residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and water, and the organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a crystalline product. 
     Recrystallization from isopropyl ether gave needles 2 7 g, 53%), m.p. 95-96° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.12 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 O:                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   70.50;        7.89;   13.71                                      
Found:   70.68;        7.95;   13.72                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.2-2.0(4H,m), 2.89(2H,t), 3.81(3H,s), 6.84(1H,q), 7.02(1H,d), 7.42(1H,d). 
     In the manner of Reference Example 1, the following compounds were synthesized. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2 
     2-Butyl-5-chlorobenzimidazole 
     Colorless needles, m.p. 149-150° C., yield 78% 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.11 H.sub.13 ClN.sub.2 :                      
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   63.31;        6.28;   13.42                                      
Found:   63.35;        6.46;   13.30                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.20-1.60(2H,m), 1.67-2.00(2H,m), 1.67-2.00(2H,m), 2.92(2H,t), 7.17(1H,m), 7.38-7.52(2H,m). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3 
     2-Butyl-5-nitrobenzimidazole 
     Colorless crystals, m.p. 140-141° C., yield 77% 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4 
     2-Propylbenzimidazole 
     A mixture of o-phenylenediamine (2.2 g) in butyric anhydride (4.7 g) was stirred for 4 hours at 110° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, dilute hydrochloric acid and water and then dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was refluxed for 1.5 hour in 3N-HCl (35 ml). The reaction mixture was made basic with a 6N NaOH. The crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless plates (0.9 g, 38%), m.p. 160-162° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.00(3H,t), 1.88(2H,se(hexaplet)), 2.91(2H,t), 2.91(2H,t), 7.10-7.35(2H,m), 7.45-7.70(2H,m), 8.30(1H,br s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5 
     2-Pentylbenzimidazole 
     To a solution of O-phenylenediamine (2.2 g) and triethylamine (2.0 g) in methylene chloride (20 ml) was added dropwise caproyl chloride (2.3 g) with stirring under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature, washed with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, then dried. The solvent was evaporated. To the residue was added 3N-HCl, and the mixture was heated for 1.5 hour under reflux. The reaction mixture was made basic with 6N NaOH. Then precipitating crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless needles (1.5 g, 47%), m.p. 161-162° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.1-1.6(4H,m), 1.7-2.0(2H,m), 2.92(2H,t), 7.1-7.3(2H,m), 7.5-7.7(2H,m). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 6 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole 
     To a solution of 2-butylbenzimidazole (0.87 g) in dimethylformamide (DMF) (5 ml) was added sodium hydride (60% oil, 0.24 g) under ice-cooling, and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. To the resultant mixture was added 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl chloride (1.1 g), which was stirred for 1.5 hour. To the reaction mixture was added water and it was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water and concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a colorless oil (1.8 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.2-1.6 (2H,m), 1.65-2.00(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 5.37(2H,s), 7.0-7.9(12H,m). 
     The following compounds (Reference Examples 7-16) were prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 6. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 7 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-6-methoxybenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield 48%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.14-1.53(2H,m), 1.76-1.91(2H,m), 2.83(2H,t), 3.81(3H,s), 5.37(2H,s), 6.70(1H,d), 6.89(1H,dd), 7.17(2H,d), 7.41-7.53(4H,m), 7.61-7.68(2H,m), 7.77(1H,dd). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1620, 1595, 1520, 1485, 1460, 1415, 1350, 1275, 1260, 1215, 1175, 1135, 1105, 1025, 930, 815, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 8 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-5-methoxybenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield 44%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.35-1.53(2H,m), 1.76-1.92(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 3.86(3H,s), 5.38(2H,s), 6.86(1H,dd), 7.11(1H,d), 7.15(2H,d), 7.29(1H,d), 7.41-7.53(3H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.77(1H,dd). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1620, 1595, 1485, 1440, 1415, 1345, 1275, 1200, 1160, 1030, 835, 800, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 9 
     2-Butyl-5-chloro-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield 48%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.35-1.54(2H,m), 1.77-1.92(2H,m), 2.87(2H,t), 5.40(2H,s), 7.12-7.27(4H,m), 7.42-7.55(4H,m), 7.65(1H,q), 7.75-7.80(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1510, 1460, 1400, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 10 
     2-Butyl-6-chloro-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl)benzimidazole 
     m.p. 124-125° C. (yield 35%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.35-1.54(2H,m), 1.77-1.92(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 5.37(2H,s), 7.14(2H,d), 7.20-7.25(2H,m), 7.41-7.55(4H,m), 7.61-7.70(2H,m), 7.77(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2220, 1620, 1595, 1485, 1440, 1415, 1345, 1275, 1200, 1160, 1030, 835, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 11 
     2-Butyl-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl1-5-nitrobenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield 45%) 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 12 
     2-Butyl-1-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-6-nitrobenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield 43%) 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 13 
     1-[(2&#39;-Cyanobiphenyl-4-yl]methyl-2-propylbenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield quantitative) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.04(3H,t), 1.82-2.00(2H,m), 2.86(2H,t), 5.42(2H,s), 7.15(2H,d), 7.21-7.29(3H,m), 7.40-7.53(4H,m), 7.59-7.68(1H,m), 7.73-7.81(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1510, 1480, 1455, 1410, 760, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 14 
     1-[(2&#39;-Cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-pentylbenzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield quantitative) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.88(3H,t), 1.23-1.44(4H,m), 1.80-1.95(2H,m), 2.87(2H,t), 5.43(2H,s), 7.16(2H,d), 7.21-7.29(3H,m), 7.41-7.53(4H,m), 7.60-7.68(1H,m), 7.74-7.82(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm 2220, 1510, 1480, 1455, 1410, 760, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 15 
     1-[(2&#39;-Cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield quantitative) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 5.44(2H,s), 7.26-7.34(4H,m), 7.41-7.55(4H,m), 7.60-7.68(1H,m), 7.76(1H,dd), 7.83-7.87(1H,m), 8.01(1H,s). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1500, 1480, 1460, 1440, 1365, 1285, 760, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 16 
     2-Butyl-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-Yl)methyl]benzimidazole 
     Oil (Yield quantitative) 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.2-1.6(2H,m), 1.65-2.00(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 5.37(2H,s), 7.0-7.9(12H,m). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 17 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole (1.8 g), sodium azide (0.98 g) and ammonium chloride (0.80 g) was stirred in DMF (6 ml) at 110° C. for 5 days, while supplementing sodium azide (1.6 g), ammonium chloride (1.3 g) and DMF (5 ml) to the reaction system. To the reaction mixture were added water and ethyl acetate, and precipitating crystals were collected by filtration. The organic layer of the filtrate was washed with water, dried and concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude crystals. These crystals were combined with the crystals obtained previously, this was followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate - methanol to afford colorless prisms (0.82 g, 41%), m.p. 235-236° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 :                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   73.51;        5.92;   20.57                                      
Found:   73.42;        5.90;   20.87                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.26-1.45(2H,m), 1.62-1.77(2H,m), 2.82(2H,t), 5.49(2H,s), 7.05(4H,s), 7.13-7.22(2H,m), 7.46-7.71(6H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1510, 1460, 1415, 775, 760, 745. 
     The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 17. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 18 
     2-Butyl-5-methoxy-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     m.p. 146-149° C. (decomp.) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.2/5H.sub.2 O:          
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   70.06;        6.06;   18.85                                      
Found:   70.27;        6.03;   18.42                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.25-1.44(2H,m), 1.60-1.75(2H,m), 2.78(2H,t), 3.77(3H,s), 5.45(2H,s), 6.80(1H,q), 7.01(2H,d), 7.06(2H,d), 7.13(1H,d), 7.35(1H,d), 7.47-7.70(4H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1490, 1450, 1440, 1195, 1155, 1020, 825, 755. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 19 
     2-Butyl-6-methoxy-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazol 
     m.p. 243-244° C. (decomp.) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O:                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   71.21;        5.98;   19.16                                      
Found:   70.98;        5.96;   19.41                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.24-1.43(2H,m), 1.58-1.73(2H,m), 2.75(2H,t), 3.75(3H,s), 5.45(2H,s), 6.78(1H,q), 7.05(5H,m), 7.43-7.70(5H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1615, 1490, 1450, 1260, 1220, 1020, 825, 810, 745. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 20 
     2-Butyl-5-chloro-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol 
     m.p. 249-250° C. (decomp.) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.23 ClN.sub.6.1/2H.sub.2 O:          
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.44;        5.35;   18.59                                      
Found:   66.55;        5.13;   18.37                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.26-1.44(2H,m), 1.61-1.76(2H,m), 2.81(2H,t), 5.50(2H,s), 6.99-7.09(4H,m), 7.20(1H,q), 7.47-7.70(7H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1500, 1450, 1410, 1000, 785, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 21 
     2-Butyl-6-chloro-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol 
     m.p. 216-217° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.23 ClN.sub.6 :                      
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.79;        5.23;   18.97                                      
Found:   67.41;        5.19;   19.02                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.25-1.43(2H,m), 1.60-1.75(2H,m), 2.79(2H,t), 5.51(2H,s), 7.01(2H,d), 7.08(2H,d), 7.18(1H,q), 7.49-7.72(6H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1460, 1410, 755. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 22 
     1-[[2&#39;-(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl )biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     Yield: 51% m.p. 238-239° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.21 H.sub.16 H.sub.6.1/5H.sub.2 O:            
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   70.85;        4.64;   23.61                                      
Found:   70.75;        4.40;   23.41                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 5.51(2H,s), 7.07(2H,d), 7.19-7.28(4H,m), 7.49-7.71(6H,m), 8.42(1H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1505, 1460, 1375, 1290, 1265, 1230, 1195, 1145, 1035, 965, 945, 820, 775, 760, 750, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 23 
     2-Propyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     Yield: 70% m.p. 239-240° C. (decomp.) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.24 H.sub.22 N.sub.6.1/2MeOH.3/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.85;        6.03;   19.95                                      
Found:   69.88;        6.01;   19.79                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.67-1.85(2H,m), 3.05(2H,t), 5.68(2H,s), 7.09(2H,d), 7.17(2H,d), 7.40-7.77(8H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1505, 1480, 1460, 1415, 1405, 760, 745. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 24 
     2-Pentyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     Yield 41% m.p. 208-209° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 :                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   73.91;        6.20;   19.89                                      
Found:   73.67;        6.19;   20.00                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.27-1.34(4H,m), 1.64-1.78(2H,m), 2.81(2H,t), 5.49(2H,s), 7.04(4H,s), 7.12-7.20(2H,m), 7.46-7.69(6H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1510, 1460, 1410, 745. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 25 
     Methyl 2-[4-(2-butylbenzimidazole-1-yl)methylphenyl]benzoate 
     To a solution of 2-butylbenzimidazole (0.52 g) in DMF (4 ml) was added, under cooling with ice, sodium hydride (60% oil, 0.13 g), and then the mixture was stirred for 20 minutes. To the resultant mixture was added methyl 2-(4-bromomethylphenyl)benzoate (1.0 g), which was stirred for 1.5 hour at room temperature. To the mixture was added water, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The solvent was evaporated to dryness to give an oily residue. The oil was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to obtain a colorless oil (1.2 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.92(3H,t), 1.25-2.00(4H,m), 2.87(2H,t), 3.60(3H,s), 5.36(2H,s), 7.05(2H,d), 7.15-7.60(8H,m), 7.65-7.9(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 1725, 1455, 1405, 1280, 1245, 780, 755, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 26 
     2-[4-(2-Butylbenzimidazol-1-yl)methylphenyl]benzoic acid 
     In a mixture of 1N NaOH solution (4.5 ml) and methanol (10 ml), methyl 2-[4-(2-butylbenzimidazol-1-yl)methylphenyl]benzoate (1.2 g) was heated for 3 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was dissolved in water, washed with ether, then acidified with 1N-HCl to afford crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and recrystallized from ethyl acetate - methanol to afford colorless crystals (0.64 g, 53%). 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.24 N.sub.2 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   78.10;        6.29;   7.29                                       
Found:   77.99;        6.36;   7.22                                       
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       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.63(3H,t), 0.99-1.17(2H,m), 1.34-1.49(2H,m), 2.62(2H,t), 5.32(2H,s), 7.04(2H,d), 7.18-7.55(8H,m), 7.66(1H,dd), 7.92(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1690, 1610, 1600, 1515, 1465, 1420, 1300, 1250, 1140, 1090, 1005, 820, 765, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 27 
     Methyl 2-butylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylate 
     To a mixture of conc. HCl (5.3 ml) and methanol (35 ml) was added methyl 3-nitro-2-(N-valerylamino)benzoate (2.8 g), to which was added iron powder (1.7 g) in portions while stirring at room temperature. The resultant mixture was heated for 8 hours under reflux. Insoluble material was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated. To the concentrate were added water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was made basic with 6N NaOH and was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were combined, washed with water and dried. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. The crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from isopropyl ether to give colorless needles (1.6 g, 70%), m.p. 97-98° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.37-1.56(2H,m), 1.80-1.95(2H,m), 2.96(2H,t), 4.00(3H,s), 7.26(1H,t), 7.85(1H,dd), 7.91(1H,d), 10.13(1H,br s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 28 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-4-carboxylate 
     To a solution of methyl 2-butylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.5 g) in DMF (15 ml) was added sodium hydride (60% oil, 0.13 g) under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and there was added 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl chloride (1.5 g). The resultant mixture was stirred for further 5 hours at room temperature and there was added water, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a pale yellow oil (2.3 g, 82%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.37-1.55(2H,m), 1.78-1.93(2H,m), 2.96(2H,m), 4.05(3H,s), 5.46(2H,s), 7.12(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.39-7.52(5H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.76(1H,d), 7.95(1H,dd). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1710, 1510, 1480, 1435, 1405, 1350, 1290, 1245, 1215, 1190, 1130, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 29 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-4-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-4-carboxylate (2.3 g), sodium azide (5.3 g) and ammonium chloride (4.4 g) was stirred in DMF (20 ml) at 110-120 C. for 26 hours. To the reaction mixture were added water and ethyl acetate, which was then made acidic with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Precipitating crystals were collected by filtration and recrystallized from methanol to give colorless needles (0.22 g, 9%), m.p. 223-224° C. (decomp.). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.0.3H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.72;        5.68;   17.81                                      
Found:   68.69;        5.68;   17.57                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.88(3H,t), 1.28-1.47(2H,m), 1.60-1.75(2H,m), 2.88(2H,t), 3.89(3H,s), 5.56(2H,s), 7.01(2H,d), 7.07(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.47-7.66(4H,m), 7.72-7.77(2H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1710, 1460, 1435, 1420, 1295, 1140, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 30 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl ]methyl]benzimidazole-4-carboxamide 
     Substantially the same reaction as in Reference Example 29 was conducted. To the reaction mixture were added water and ethyl acetate, which was acidified with 6N-HCl. Precipitating crystals were collected by filtration. From the filtrate was separated the organic layer, which was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crystals obtained thus above were recrystallized from methanol-chloroform to afford colorless prisms (0.37 g, 15%), m.p. 235-236° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 N.sub.7 O.1/2H.sub.2 O:          
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.81;        5.69;   21.29                                      
Found:   67.64;        5.68;   21.05                                      
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       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.89(3H,t), 1.30-1.48(2H,m), 1.65-1.80(2H,m), 2.90(2H,t), 5.58(2H,s), 7.06(4H,s), 7.30(1H,t), 7.48-7.74(5H,m), 7.84(1H,dd), 9.28(2H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1660, 1610, 1565, 1500, 1465, 1420, 1390, 1350, 1255, 1080, 1070, 1015, 885, 800, 775, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 31 
     Methyl 3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate 
     Fuming nitric acid (7.0 ml) was added dropwise to acetic anhydride (60 ml) under ice-cooling and there was added conc. sulfuric acid (0.2 ml). To the mixture was added methyl 2-valerylaminobenzoate (12 g), which was stirred for one hour at room temperature. To the resultant mixture was added ice-water and the mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crude crystals, followed by recrystallization from isopropyl ether to afford colorless needles (3.9 g, 28%), m.p. 61-62° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.13 H.sub.16 N.sub.5 O.sub.5 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   55.71;        5.75;   9.99;                                      
Found:   55.72;        5.79;   9.83;                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.30-1.50(2H,m), 1.65-1.80(2H,m), 2.46(2H,t), 3.97(3H,s), 7.30(1H,t), 8.10(1H,dd), 8.22(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 32 
     Methyl 2-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of methyl 3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate (3.9 g), 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (3.8 g) and K 2  CO 3  (2.1 g) in DMF (30 ml) was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water and it was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. The resultant crude crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to afford colorless crystals (5.1 g, 78%), m.p. 129-130° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.25 N.sub.3 O.sub.5 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.78;        5.34;   8.91                                       
Found:   68.84;        5.43;   8.87                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.85(3H,t), 1.18-1.36(2H,m), 1.61-1.76(2H,m), 2.08-2.16(2H,m), 3.67(3H,s), 4.65(1H,d), 4.96(1H,d), 7.20(2H,d), 7.38-7.50(4H,m), 7.56-7.68(2H,m), 7.75(1H,d), 7.98(1H,dd), 8.10(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 33 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a mixture of methyl 2-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate (5.14 g) in conc. HCl (4.0 ml) and methanol (10 ml) was added iron powder (1.9 g) in portions with stirring. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 70-80° C., then insoluble material was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated. To the concentrate were added ethyl acetate and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. Precipitating insoluble material was filtered off. From the filtrate was separated the aqueous layer, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were combined, dried and concentrated to give a crystalline residue. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate afforded colorless needles (4.15 g, 90%), m.p. 123-124° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.25 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   76.57;        5.95;   9.92                                       
Found:   76.44;        6.03;   9.67                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.38-1.57 (2H,m), 1.82-1.97(2H,m), 2.92(2H,t), 3.72(3H,s), 5.82(2H,s), 6.97(2H,d), 7.26(1H,t), 7.39-7.46(4H,m), 7.58-7.66(2H,m), 7.75(1H,dd), 7.97(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2220, 1725, 1480, 1440, 1420, 1400, 1280, 1260, 1195, 1140, 1115, 765, 750, 745. 
     The following compounds were prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 31. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 34 
     Methyl 2-butyrylamino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     m.p. 64-65° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90MHz, CDCl 3 ) 6: 1.03(3H,t), 1.57-1.97(2H,m), 2.43(2H,t), 3.97(3H,s), 7.20-7.43(1H,m), 8.07-8.27(2H,m), 10.50(1H,br s). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3300, 1725, 1690, 1585, 1535, 1510, 1445, 1355, 1265, 1210, 1115. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 35 
     Methyl 2-hexanoylamino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     m.p. 74-75° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.23-1.90(6H,m), 2.43(2H,t), 3.93(3H,s), 7.27(1H,t), 8.03-8.27(2H,m), 10.30(1H,br s). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3320, 1725, 1675, 1535, 1505, 1270. 
     In substantially the same manner as in Reference Example 32, the following compounds were obtained. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 36 
     Methyl 2-[N-butyryl-N-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     m.p. 150-151° C. (yield 78%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.50-1.90(2H,m), 2.10(2H,t), 3.67(3H,s), 4.83(2H,q), 7.17-7.80(9H,m), 7.93-8.17(2H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1740, 1670, 1530, 1445, 1430, 1390, 1345, 1290, 1280, 1250, 1125, 770. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 37 
     Methyl 2-[N-(2═-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-hexanoyl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     m.p. 85-86° C. (yield 75%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 1.07-1.37(4H,m), 1.50-1.83(2H,m), 2.10(2H,t), 3.67(3H,s), 4.83(2H,q), 7.17-7.80(9H,m), 7.93-8.17(2H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1735, 1670, 1530, 1480, 1445, 1430, 1390, 1375, 1345, 1290, 1270, 1260, 1200, 1130, 775. 
     In substantially the same manner as in Reference Example 33, the following compounds were obtained. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 38 
     Methyl 1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-Yl)methyl]-2-propylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 130-131° C. (yield 78%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.07(3H,t), 1.93(2H,br s), 2.90(2H,br s), 3.70(3H,s), 5.83(2H,br s), 6.93-8.07(11H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1710, 1450, 1400, 1290, 1270, 1265, 1200, 1125, 760. 
     Methyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-pentylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 109-110° C. (yield 75%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.17-2.10(6H,m), 2.90(2H,t), 3.70(3H,s), 5.83(2H,s), 6.97(2H,d), 7.13-8.00(9H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1710, 1450, 1430, 1280, 1260, 1190, 1120, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 40 
     Methyl 3-nitro-4-valerylaminobenzoate 
     Fuming nitric acid (1.4 ml) was added dropwise to acetic anhydride (12 ml) under ice-cooling and then was added conc. sulfuric acid (0.1 ml). To the stirred mixture was added methyl 4-valerylaminobenzoate (2.3 g) under ice-cooling, followed by stirring for one hour. To the resultant mixture was added ice water, and the crystals separated out were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give yellow prisms (2.14 g, 76%), m.p. 106-107° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.13 H.sub.16 N.sub.2 O.sub.5 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   55.71;        5.75;    9.99                                      
Found:   55.84;        5.80;   10.01                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.98(3H,t), 1.20-1.60(2H,m), 1.70-1.85(2H,m), 2.53(2H,t), 3.96(3H,s), 8.28(1H,dd), 8.91(1H,d), 8.96(1H,d), 10.60(1H,br s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 41 
     Methyl 4-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valerylamino]-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of methyl 4-valerylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (2.1 g), 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (2.0 g) and K 2  CO 3  (1.1 g) in DMF (20 ml) was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the organic layer was washed with water. The resultant solution was dried and concentrated to give a syrup, which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a yellow syrup (3.5 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 1.15-1.33(2H,m), 1.55-1.70(2H,m), 1.99-2.08(2H,m), 3.98(3H,s), 4.27(1H,d), 5.55(1H,d), 7.07(1H,d), 7.27(2H,d), 7.42-7.56(4H,m), 7.62-7.70(1H,m), 7.77(1H,d), 8.19(1H,q), 8.61(1H,d). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1730, 1610, 1535, 1480, 1435, 1390, 1345, 1285, 1240, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 42 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate 
     To a mixture of conc. HCl (4.0 ml) and methanol (10 ml) was added methyl 4-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valerylamino]-3-nitrobenzoate (3.5 g). To the resultant mixture was added, with stirring, iron powder (1.3 g) in portions and the mixture was stirred for one hour at 70-80° C., followed by filtering off an insoluble material. The filtrate was concentrated, which was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The resultant syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a yellow syrup (1.7 g, 53%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.45(2H,se), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 2.89(2H,t), 3.94(3H,s), 5.44(2H,s), 7.15(2H,d), 7.27(1H,d), 7.42-7.54(4H,m), 7.65(1H,dt), 7.77(1H,dd), 7.97(1H,dd), 8.50(1H,dd). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1720, 1615, 1480, 1440, 1400, 1335, 1300, 1280, 1210, 755. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 43 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 4-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valerylamino]-3-nitrobenzoate (1.7 g), sodium azide (3.9 g) and ammonium chloride (3.2 g) in DMF (17 ml) was stirred at 115 ° C. for 5 days. To the reaction mixture was added water and the mixture was neutralized with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crude crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate gave colorless needles (0.67 g, 34%), m.p. 134-136° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.19;        5.72;   17.67                                      
Found:   68.46;        5.77;   17.31                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 1.18-1.37(2H,m), 1.50-1.65(2H,m), 2.38(2H,t), 3.90(3H,s), 5.24(2H,s), 6.68(2H,d), 6.91(2H,d), 7.06(1H,d), 7.28-7.33(1H,m), 7.54-7.69(3H,m), 7.87(1H,dd), 8.00(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1720, 1615, 1515, 1435, 1410, 1340, 1300, 1280, 1220, 1085, 770, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 44 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4 4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (0.3 g) in methanol (3 ml) containing 2N NaOH (1 ml) was heated under reflux for two hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and then dissolved in water. The aqueous solution was made acidic with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization from acetonitrile-methanol afforded colorless crystals (0.23 g, 83%), m.p. 180-182° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.16;        5.49;   19.08                                      
Found:   68.43;        5.27;   18.88                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) 6: 0.88(3H,t), 1.28-1.46(2H,m), 1.63-1.78(2H,m), 2.89(2H,t), 5.58(2H,s), 7.07(4H,s), 7.47-7.70(5H,m), 7.86(1H,dd), 8.18(1H,s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 45 
     Methyl 3-valerylaminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 3-aminobenzoate (6.0 g) and triethylamine (4.5 g) in methylene chloride (90 ml) was added dropwise, while stirring under ice-cooling, valeryl chloride (4.8 g). The mixture was stirred for one hour. The reaction mixture was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, dilute hydrochloric acid and water, followed by drying and concentration to dryness. The concentrate was crystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to afford colorless prisms (8.1 g, 87%), m.p. 101-102° C.  1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.2-1.9(4H,m), 2.37(2H,t), 3.90(3H,s), 7.36(1H,t), 7.5(1H,br s), 7.70-7.95(2H,m), 8.03(1H,t). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 46 
     Methyl 4-nitro-3-valervlaminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 3-valerylaminobenzoate (2.3 g) in acetic anhydride (12 ml) was added dropwise fuming nitric acid (1.4 ml) while stirring under ice-cooling. To the mixture was added one drop of conc. sulfuric acid and the mixture was stirred for two hours. To the reaction mixture was added ice-water and it was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water and then dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a brown oil (1.0 g, 36%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.1-1.9(4H,m), 2.51(2H,t), 3.96(3H,s), 7.80(1H,dd), 8.26(1H,d),9.41(1H,d), 10.23(1H,br s). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 3380, 1730. 1615, 1590, 1535, 1500, 1440, 1420, 1325, 1310, 1280, 1250, 1210, 1160, 1110, 1070, 845, 775, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 47 
     Methyl 3-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valerylamino]-4-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of methyl 4-nitro-3-valerylaminobenzoate (1.0 g), 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (0.97 g) and potassium carbonate (0.55 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred for two days at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a pale yellow oil (1.24 g, 73%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.17-1.30(2H,m), 1.56-1.71(2H,m), 1.80-2.08(2H,m), 3.92(3H,s),4.43(1H,d), 5.37(1H,d), 7.26(2H,d), 7.40-7.51(4H,m), 7.60-7.69(2H,m), 7.75(1H,d), 
     7.97(1H,d), 8.16(1H,dd). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1735, 1675, 1600, 1580, 1530, 1480, 1435, 1420, 1390, 1350, 1285, 1220, 1200, 1115, 1090, 825, 775, 765. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 48 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylbenzimidazole-6-carboxylate 
     To a solution of methyl 3-[N-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valerylamino]-4-nitrobenzoate (1.2 g) in methanol (10 ml) containing conc. HCl (1.3 ml), was added, while stirring at room temperature, iron powder (0.45 g) in portions. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 70-80° C. To the reaction mixture were added water and ethyl acetate and the mixture was made basic with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. Precipitates then separated were filtered off. The organic layer separated from the filtrate was washed with water and dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give colorless needles (0.5 g, 45%), m.p. 166-167° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.25 N.sub.3 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   76.57;        5.95;   9.92                                       
Found:   76.39;        6.05;   9.79                                       
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.35-1.54(2H,m), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 2.88(2H,t), 3.92(3H,s), 5.47(2H,s), 7 14(2H,d), 7.40-7.53(4H,m), 7.60-7.68(1H,m), 7.74-7.80(2H,m), 7.96-8.02(2H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2210, 1715, 1620, 1580, 1510, 1480, 1460, 1425, 1410, 1340, 1325, 1280, 1270, 1250, 1230, 1185, 1105, 1080, 770, 760, 745. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 49 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-6-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-1-[2,-(cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-6-carboxylate (0.5 g), sodium azide and ammonium chloride (1.15 g) in DMF (5 ml) was stirred at 115° C. for 3.5 days. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was made acidic with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-methanol to afford colorless crystals (0.23 g, 41%), m.p. 224-225° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 H.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.98;        5.66;   17.88                                      
Found:   68.89;        5.68;   17.66                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.26-1.45(2H,m), 1.63-1.78(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 3.85(3H,s), 5.62(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.07(2H,d), 7.48-7.70(5H,m), 7.82(1H,dd), 8.14(1H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1725, 1460, 1450, 1435, 1340, 1265, 1235, 775, 760, 745. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 50 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methylbenzimidazole-6-carboxylic acid 
     A solution of methyl 2-butyl-1-[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-6-carboxylate (0.1 g) in methanol (5 ml) containing 1 N NaOH (0.5 ml) was heated for 5 hours under reflux. The solvent was evaporated to dryness and to the residue was added 1N-HCl (0.5 ml), which was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from methanol--ethyl acetate to afford colorless crystals (60 mg, 58%), m.p. 258-259° C. (decomp.). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2EtOAc:        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.73;        5.68;   16.92                                      
Found:   67.79;        5.50;   16.89                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.27-1.45(2H,m), 1.63-1.79(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 5.60(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.08(2H,d), 7.48(5H,m), 7.84(1H,dd), 8.11(1H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1730, 1460, 1410, 1335, 1285, 1265, 1225, 780, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 51 
     Methyl 2-amino-5-methylbenzoate 
     A mixture of 2-amino-5-methyl benzoic acid (10 g) in methanol (50 ml) containing conc. sulfuric acid (5.5 ml) was heated for 19 hours under reflux. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was dissolved in water. The solution was neutralized with an aqueous sodium hydroxide, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried and concentrated to afford a pale brown oil (8.1 g, 74%). 
       1  H-NMR(90MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.24(3H,s), 3.89(3H,s), 5.55(2H,s), 6.59(1H,d), 7.10(1H,dd), 7.68(1H,d). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 52 
     Methyl 5-methyl-2-valervlaminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 2-amino-5-methylbenzoate (8.1 g) and triethylamine (6.0 g) in methylene chloride (50 ml) was added dropwise, while stirring under ice-cooling, valeryl chloride (6.5 g). The reaction was allowed to stir for two hours, then the reaction mixture was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate, dilute hydrochloric acid and water, followed by drying. The solvent was evaporated to dryness to give a pale brown oil (12.8 g, 99%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.2-1.9(4H,m), 2.33(3H,s), 2.43(2H,t), 3.93(3H,s), 7.34(1H,dd), 7.82(1H,d), 8.62(1H,d). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 53 
     Methyl 5-methyl-3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate 
     To a mixture of methyl 5-methyl-2-valerylaminobenzoate (12.8 g) in acetic anhydride (5.9 g) was added dropwise, while stirring under ice-cooling, fuming nitric acid (6.7 ml), followed by stirring for 3 hours. To the reaction mixture was added ice water, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water, which was then dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from isopropyl ether gave colorless crystals (8.5 g, 60%), m.p. 59-60° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) : 0.94(3H,t), 1.31-1.50(2H,m), 163-1.78(2H,m), 2.43(2H,t), 3.95(3H,s), 7.90(1H,d), 8.00(1H,d), 10.16(1H,s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 54 
     Methyl 2-[[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl amino1-5-methyl-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of methyl 5-methyl-3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate (5.89 g), 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (5.44 g) and potassium carbonate (3.0 g) in DMF (50 ml) was stirred for 15 hours at 50° C. To the reaction mixture was added water and it was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the organic layer was dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to afford colorless crystals (3.1 g, 32%), m.p. 141-142° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.85(3H,t), 1.17-1.36(2H,m), 1.60-1.75(2H,m), 2.05-2.15(2H,m), 2.49(3H,s), 3.64(3H,s), 4.62(1H,d), 4.94(1H,d), 7.21(2H,d), 7.38-7.50(4H,m), 7.59-7.68(1H,m), 7.73-7.77(3H,m), 7.89(1H,m). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 55 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-Yl)methyl]-5-methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a solution of methyl 2-[[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl]amino]-5-methyl-3-nitrobenzoate (3.1 g) in a mixture of conc. HCl (4.4 ml) and methanol (22 ml) was added, while stirring, iron powder (1.6 g) in portions. The mixture was heated for 7 hours under reflux. Insoluble materials were filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated. To the concentrate was added water and this mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water, followed by drying. The solvent was distilled off and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a pale brown oil (2.8 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.37-1.56(2H,m), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 2.47(3H,s), 2.90(2H,t), 3.71(3H,s), 5.79(2H,s), 6.96(2H,d), 7.39-7.46(5H,m), 7.58-7.66(1H,m), 7.73-7.77(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1720, 1520, 1480, 1435, 1410, 1305, 1245, 1215, 1195, 1110, 1040, 780, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 56 
     Ethyl 2-amino-6-methylbenzoate 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 51. 
     Oil (yield 82%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.34(3H,t), 2.43(3H,s), 4.35(2H,q), 5.06(2H,br s), 6.50(2H,d), 7.07(1H,t). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 57 
     Ethyl 6-methyl-2-valerylaminobenzoate 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 52. 
     m.p. 56-57° C. (yield 70%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.39(3H,t), 1.18-1.87(4H,m), 2.37(2H,t), 2.46(3H,s), 4.41(2H,q), 6.94(1H,d), 8.27(1H,d), 7.32(1H,t), 9.69(1H,br s). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 58 
     Ethyl 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 53. 
     m.p 103-104° C. (yield 52%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.35(3H,t), 1.17-1.85(4H,m), 2.38(2H,t), 2.49(3H,s), 4.38(2H,q), 7.14(1H,d), 7.97(1H,d). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 59 
     Ethyl 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-[[2&#39;-(N-triphenylmethyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl-N-valeryl]aminobenzoate 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 54. 
     Oil (yield 80%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.34(3H,t), 1.20-1.45(2H,m), 1.60-1.78(2H,m), 2.14(2H,t), 2.40(3H,s), 4.09(1H,d), 5.28(1H,d), 4.23-4.42(2H,m), 6.81-6.96(10H,m), 7.19-7.53(13H,m), 7.69(1H,d), 7.88(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 60 
     Methyl 2-amino-5-chlorobenzoate 
     To a solution of 2-amino-5-benzoic acid (25.5 g) in methanol (300 ml) was added conc. sulfuric acid (12 ml). The mixture was heated for 24 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated and there was added water (300 ml), followed by neutralization with potassium carbonate. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, then the solvent was distilled off to give crude crystals. Recrystallization from i-propyl ether-benzene gave pale yellow crystals (17.1 g, 63%), m p. 68-70° C. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 61 
     Methyl 5-chloro-2-valerylaminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 2-amino-5-chlorobenzoate (15 g) and triethylamine (12 ml) in methylene chloride (150 ml) was added dropwise, while stirring under ice-cooling, valeryl chloride (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for further two hours. The reaction mixture was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water, followed by drying. The solvent was distilled off to afford a pale yellow crystals (13.4 g, 61%), m.p. 48-49° C. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 62 
     Methyl 5-chloro-3-nitro-2-valervlaminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 5-chloro-2-valerylaminobenzoate (13.4 g) in acetic anhydride (10 ml) was added dropwise, while stirring under ice-cooling, fuming nitric acid. The mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature, then there was added ice water. The mixture was allowed to stand to give crystals. Recrystallization from isopropyl ether afforded pale yellow crystals (9.5 g, 61%), m.p. 84-85° C. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 63 
     Methyl 5-chloro-2-[[N-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of methyl 5-chloro-3-nitro-2-valerylaminobenzoate (3.15 g), 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (2.8 g) and potassium carbonate (1.8 g) in DMF (50 ml) was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness, and the concentrate was extracted with ethyl acetate and H 2  O. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-benzene afforded colorless crystals (4.0 g, 79%), 137-138° C. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 64 
     Methyl 5-chloro-3-nitro-2-[[2&#39;-(N-triphenylmethyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl-N-valeryl]aminobenzoate 
     To a solution of methyl 5-chloro-3-nitro-2-valeryl]aminobenzoate (0.93 g) in DMF (10 ml) were added potassium carbonate (0.5 g) and N-triphenylmethyl-5-[2&#39;-(4-bromomethyl)biphenylmethyl]tetrazole (1.84 g). The mixture was stirred for 19 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water (50 ml) and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, then the solvent was distilled off. The residue (3.8 g) was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give pale yellow crystals (1.89 g, 82%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.17-1.35(2H,m), 1.56-1.80(2H,m), 2.03-2.10(2H,m), 3.63(3H,s), 4.41(1H,d), 4.82(1H,d), 6.76-6.98(10H,m), 7.98 (1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1750, 1690, 1555, 1295, 1270, 1225, 760, 710. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 65 
     Methyl 2-butyl-5-chloro-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylat 
     To a solution of methyl 5-chloro-2-[N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl- 4-yl)methyl-N-valeryl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate (3.33 g) in a mixture of conc. HCl (4 ml) and methanol (50 ml) was added, while stirring at room temperature, iron powder (95% purity, 1.1 g) in portions. The mixture was stirred for 24 hours at 80° C. Then, insoluble materials were filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was subjected to extraction with ethyl acetate-water. The organic layer was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water, dried and concentrated. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford colorless needles (1.83 g, 61%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.38-1.57(2H,m), 1.80-1.95(2H,m), 2.92(2H,t), 3.72(3H,s), 5.79(2H,s), 6.94(2H,d), 7.41-7.49(4H,m), 7.59-7.63(1H,m), 7.73-7.78(1H,m), 7.61(1H,d), 7.91(1H,d). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 66 
     Ethyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A solution of 3-nitrophthalic acid (35 g) in ethanol (300 ml) containing conc. sulfuric acid (20 ml) was heated for 24 hours under reflux. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was poured into ice-water (700 ml), which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, which was extracted with an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate. The aqueous layer was made acidic with hydrochloric acid, followed by extraction with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off to give a solid product (29 g, 74%), which was used in the subsequent reaction without purification. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.43(3H,t), 4.47(2H,q), 7.70(1H,t), 8.40(2H,d), 9.87(1H,br s). 
     IR(Nujol)cm 1725, 1535, 1350, 1300, 1270. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 67 
     Ethyl 2-t-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate (23.9 g) and thionyl chloride (12 ml) in benzene (150 ml) was heated for 3 hours under reflux. The resultant solution was concentrated to dryness to give the acid chloride (26 g, quantitatively), which was dissolved in methylene chloride (20 ml). The solution was added dropwise to a mixture of sodium azide (9.75 g) in DMF (20 ml) while stirring vigorously. The reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of ether-hexane (3 ml:1,200 ml) and water (250 ml), and the whole mixture was shaken. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, followed by distilling off the solvent. The residue was dissolved in t-butanol (200 ml), and the temperature of the solution was raised, while stirring gradually, followed by heating for two hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain an oil (30 g). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.40(3H,t), 1.53(9H,s), 4.43(2H,q), 7.23(1H,t), 8.03-8.27(2H,m), 9.70(1H,br s). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 3320, 2980, 1740, 1700, 1585, 1535, 1500, 1440, 1375, 1265, 1155. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 68 
     Ethyl 2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     To a solution of ethyl 2-t-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (20 g) in THF (50 ml) was added, while stirring under ice-cooling, sodium hydride (60% oil, 2.8 g). To the mixture were then added 4-(2-cyanobiphenyl)methyl bromide (18 g) and potassium iodide (0.36 g), followed by stirring for 15 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated for 4 further hours under reflux. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was extracted with water (250 ml) and ether (200 ml). The organic layer was concentrated to give a yellow oil, which was dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (60 ml) and methylene chloride (40 ml), and the solution was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and to the concentrate was added ethyl ether (200 ml) to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried to afford pale yellow crystals (22.1 g, 85%), m.p. 119-120° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.37(3H,t), 4.23(2H,s), 4.37(2H,q), 6.37(1H,t), 7.33-7.83(9H,m), 7.97-8.20(2H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3280, 2220, 1690, 1575, 1530, 1480, 1450, 1255, 1125, 1105, 755. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 69 
     Ethyl 3-amino-2-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino benzoate 
     To a solution of ethyl 2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate (5.5 g) in THF (50 ml) was added Raney nickel (5 g). Catalytic reduction was conducted at room temperature under atmospheric pressure. The catalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated to give a yellow oil (5 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  -D 2  O) δ: 1.30(3H,t), 4.23(2H,s), 4.27(2H,q), 6.87-7.03(2H,m), 7.33-7.87(9H,m). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 3435, 3350, 2980, 1690, 1615, 1465, 1365, 1280, 1240, 1215, 1190, 1065, 755. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 70 
     Ethyl 2-butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A solution of ethyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzoate (0.31 g) and ethyl butyroimidate (0.18 g) in ethanol (2 ml) was stirred for 2 hours at 70° C. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness, and the concentrate was extracted with ethyl acetate and an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane afforded pale yellow needles (0.22 g, 60%), m.p. 112-114° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.20(3H,t). 1.33-2.07(4H,m), 2.90(2H,t), 4.20(2H,q), 5.87(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.17-8.03(9H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1:  2220, 1725, 1480, 1450, 1420, 1400, 1285, 1255, 1245, 1190, 1110, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 71 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-hydroxymethylbenzimidazole 
     To a solution of methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (10 g) and NaBH 4  (2.2 g) in tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) was added dropwise methanol (19 ml) during 80 minutes. The mixture was heated for 27 further hours under reflux, and the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. To the concentrate was added water, which was neutralized with conc. HCl. Crystals thus separated were collected by filtration. Recrystallization from methanol afforded colorless needles (8.8 g, 93%), m.p. 203-204° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 N.sub.3 O:                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   78.96;        6.37;   10.62                                      
Found:   79.24;        6.36;   10.69                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.36-1.55(2H,m), 1.79-1.95(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 4.66(2H,d), 5.82(2H,s), 7.04(2H,d), 7.10(1H,dd), 7.18-7.26(1H,m), 7.40-7.52(4H,m), 7.64(1H,dt). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3200, 2210, 1510, 1480, 1455, 1425, 1410, 1280, 1015, 765, 750. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 72 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-chloromethylbenzimidazole 
     To a solution of 2-butyl-1-[(2 -cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-hydroxybenzimidazole (5.4 g) and thionyl chloride (8.3 g) in chloroform (80 ml) was added a catalytic amount of DMF (one drop), then the mixture was heated for one hour under reflux. The reaction mixture was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and water, followed by drying and concentration to dryness. The concentrate was crystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to afford colorless needles (5.3 g, 92%), m.p. 144-145° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 ClN.sub.3 :                      
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   75.44;        5.84;   10.15                                      
Found:   75.29;        5.87;   10.04                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.38-1.57(2H,m), 1.82-1.97(2H,m), 2.88(2H,t), 4.60(2H,s), 5.78(2H,s), 7.07(2H,d), 7.14(1H,dd), 7.21(1H,d), 7.41-7.54(4H,m), 7.60-7.69(1H,m), 7.75-7.84(2H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2210, 1515, 1480, 1450, 1425, 1400, 1350, 1280, 760, 745, 690. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 73 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-cyanomethylbenzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-chloromethylbenzimidazole (0.83 g) and sodium cyanide (0.12 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred for 22 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water and this mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was crystallized from ethyl acetate to give colorless prisms (0.76 g, 94%), m.p. 180-181° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.24 N.sub.4 :                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   80.17;        5.98;   13.85                                      
Found:   80.22;        6.17;   13.69                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 74 
     Ethyl[[2-butyl-1-(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazol-7-yl]acetate 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-cyanomethylbenzimidazole (0.76 g) in 3.5N-hydrochloride in ethanol (10 ml) was heated for 2.5 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, which was made basic with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a colorless oil (0.9 g, quantitatively). 
     NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.23(3H,t), 1.37-1.55(2H,m), 1.80-1.95(2H,m), 2.85(2H,t), 3.65(2H,s), 4.10(2H,q), 5.73(2H,s), 7.01-7.07(3H,m), 7.21(1H,t), 7.74-7.68(5H,m), 7.71-7.78(2H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm -1  : 2210, 1730, 1510, 1475, 1435, 1400, 1365, 1350, 1275, 1040, 760, 735. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 75 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-Yl)methyl)]-7-methylbenzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-chloromethylbenzimidazole (0.62 g), tributyltin hydride (3.0 g) and perbenzoic acid (catalytic amount) in toluene (20 ml) was heated for 5.5 hours under reflux in nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was concentrated, purified by column chromatography on silica gel and recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless crystals (0.5 g, 88%), m.p. 115-116° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 N.sub.3 :                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   82.29;        6.64;   11.07                                      
Found:   82.30;        6.74;   10.94                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.35-1.53(2H,m), 1.77-1.92(2H,m), 2.51(3H,s), 2.82(2H,t), 5.64(2H,s), 6.94(1H,d), 7.05(2H,d), 7.15(1H,t), 741-753(4H,m), 7.60-7.68(2H,m), 7.76(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2210, 1595, 1515, 1480, 1460, 1415, 1400, 1345, 1280, 780, 760, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 76 
     2-Butyl-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-7-hydroxybenzimidazole 
     To a solution of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-methoxybenzimidazole (1.2 g) in methylene chloride (5 ml) was added boron tribromide (1.7 g) at -72 ° C. in nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 8 hours at room temperature and there was added water, followed by stirring for further one hour. The reaction mixture was made basic with 6N NaOH, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. 
     Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless prisms (0.69, 63%), m.p. 185-186° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.23 N.sub.3 O:                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   78.71;        6.08;   11.02                                      
Found:   78.70;        6.07;   11.01                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.81(3H,t), 1.22-1.42(2H,m), 1.66-1.81(2H,m), 2.80(2H,t), 5.81(2H,s), 6.71(1H,d), 7.00(1H,t), 7.19-7.26(3H,m), 7.38-7.50(4H,m), 7.61(1H,m), 7.74(4H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2210, 1615, 1590, 1500, 1475, 1440, 1410, 1365, 1290, 1195, 1160, 1065, 780, 755, 725. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 77 
     2-Methoxy-6-nitroaniline 
     A mixture of 2-amino-3-nitrophenol (7.7 g) and potassium carbonate (7.6 g) in DMF (15 ml) was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature and there was then added methyl iodide (7.8 g). The mixture was stirred for 5 further hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and, then, dried. The solvent was distilled off to give crude crystals and recrystallization from isopropyl ether gave orange prisms (6.9 g, 82%), m.p. 76-77° C. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 78 
     N-(2-Methoxy-6-nitrophenyl)valeroamide 
     To a mixture of 2-methoxy-6-nitroaniline (5.9 g) in valeric anhydride (14 g) was added a catalytic amount of conc. sulfuric acid, which was stirred for 1.5 hour at 130-140° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was made basic with 6N NaOH. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless crystals (3.2 g, 36%), m.p. 113-114° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.33-1.51(2H,m), 1.64-1.79(2H,m), 2.42(2H,t), 3.94(3H,s), 7.14(1H,dd), 7.26(1H,t), 7.51(1H,dd), 7.64(1H,brs). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3300, 1670, 1600, 1590, 1545, 1520, 1485, 1460, 1430, 1360, 1275, 1055, 800, 735. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 79 
     N-(2&#39;-Cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl-N-(2-methoxy-6-nitrophenyl]valeramide 
     To a solution of N-(2-methoxy-6-nitrophenyl)valeramide (3.2 g) in DMF (15 ml) was added, under ice-cooling, sodium hydride (60% oil, 0.61 g). The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes and then there was added 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (3.5 g), followed by stirring for one hour at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a yellow oil (5.8 g, quantitatively). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.12-1.35(2H,m), 1.56-1.70(2H,m), 1.91-2.23(2H,m), 3.61(3H,s), 4.42(1H,d), 5.20(1H,d), 7.03-7.12(1H,m), 7 22(2H,d), 7.34-7.49(6H,m), 7.63(1H,m), 7.74(1H,d). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1670, 1535, 1480, 1390, 1275, 1050, 800, 760, 730. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 80 
     2-Butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-methoxybenzimidazole 
     To a solution of N-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-N-(2-methoxy-6-nitrophenyl)valeramide (5.8 g) in methanol (50 ml) and conc. HCl (7 ml) was added, while stirring at room temperature, iron powder (2.3 g) in portions. The reaction mixture was heated for 5 hours under reflux, then the solvent was distilled off. To the residue were added ethyl acetate and water, which was made basic with 6N NaOH. Insoluble materials were filtered off, and the filtrate was allowed to form two layers. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, followed by removal of the solvent. The residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane to afford colorless prisms (4.1 g, 80%), 127-128° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.91(3H,t), 1.32-1.51(2H,m), 1.73-1.89(2H,m), 2.79(2H,t), 3.83(3H,s), 5.71(2H,s), 6.69(1H,d), 7.11-7.19(3H,m), 7.38-7.51(5H,m), 7.63(1H,m), 7.76(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2210, 1605, 1585, 1505, 1480, 1460, 1445, 1420, 1400, 1280, 1255, 1090, 770, 720. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 81 
     2-Butyl-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-methoxymethylbenzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-hydroxymethylbenzimidazole (0.79 g), thionyl chloride (0.36 g) and DMF (catalytic amount) in chloroform (20 ml) was heated for one hour under reflux. The solvent was distilled off and the residue was dissolved in methanol (15 ml). To the solution was added sodium methoxide (4.9 M methanol solution, 2 ml), followed by heating for 6 hours under reflux. The solvent was distilled off. To the residue was added water, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give an oil (0.48 g, 59%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.92(3H,t), 1.20-2.05(4H,m), 2.84(2H,t), 3.30(3H,s), 4.34(2H,s), 5.74(2H,s), 6.90-7.90(11H,m). 
     IR(neat)cm : 2220, 1520, 1480, 1460, 1440, 1425, 1280, 1190, 760. 
     The following compounds (Reference Examples 82-4) were prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 32. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 82 
     Ethyl 2-N-acetyl-N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     Oil 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.30(3H,t), 1.97(3H,s), 4.17(1H,d), 4.83(1H,d), 7.17-8.17(11H,m). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2985, 2230, 1730, 1675, 1600, 1540, 1390, 1365, 1285, 770. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 83 
     Ethyl 2-[N-propionyl-N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     Oil 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.13(3H,t), 1.27(3H,t), 2.17(2H,q), 4.13(2H,q), 4.77(1H,d), 4.83(1H,d), 7.10-8.17(11H,m). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2985, 2220, 1730, 1675, 1600, 1535, 1480, 1445, 1390, 1350, 1290, 1265, 1210, 770. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 84 
     Ethyl 2-N-isobutylyl-N-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino-3-nitrobenzoate 
     Oil 
       1  H-NMR(900 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.07(3H,d), 1.13(3H,d), 1.30(3H,t), 2.03-2.47(1H,m), 4.20(2H,q), 4.70(1H,d), 5.13(1H,d), 7.17-8.27(1H,m). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2980, 2220, 1730, 1670, 1590, 1530, 1480, 1390, 1350, 1285, 1260, 1240, 1205, 765. 
     The following compounds (Reference Examples 85-87) were prepared according to the procedure for Reference Example 33. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 85 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 167-168° C. (yield 81%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 2.63(3H,s), 4.20(2H,q), 5.83(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.17-7.97(9H,m). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 2220, 1705, 1395, 1280, 1265, 1210. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 86 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 163-164° C. (yield 76%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 1.47(3H,t), 2.93(2H,q), 4.20(2H,q), 5.83(2H,s), 6.97(2H,d), 7.17-8.00(9H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1720, 1480, 1450, 1420, 1400, 1380, 1280, 1250, 1200, 1145, 1110. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 87 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-isopropylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 107-108° C. (yield 77%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.17(3H,t), 1.43(6H,d), 3.03-3.47(1H,m), 4.17(2H,q), 5.87(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.17-7.80(8H,m), 7.97(1H,d). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2220, 1730, 1440, 1400, 1280, 1250, 1205, 1140, 1110, 765, 740. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 88 
     Ethyl 2-chloromethyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylat 
     To an ice-cooled solution of ethyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate (1.0 g) and triethylamine (0.3 g) in methylenechloride (10 ml) was added chloroacetyl chloride (0.24 ml) in portions. The mixture was allowed to stir for 13 hours and then evaporated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was washed with H 2  O, dried and dissolved in EtOH (10 ml). To the solution was added conc-HCl (1 ml) and the solution was refluxed for 6 hours. The reaction solution was evaporated to dryness to give a residue and the residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and water. The solution was made basic with 1N-NaOH and the organic layer was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness to give crystals Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-isopropylether gave colorless crystals (0.88 g, 76%)  1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.21(3H,t), 4.21(2H,q), 4.83(2H,s), 6.02(2H,s), 7.02(2H,d), 7.29- 7.49(5H,m), 7.58-7.79(3H,m), 8.00 (1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 89 
     Ethyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl -2-methoxymethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A solution of ethyl 2-chloromethyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.8 g) and NaOMe (1.08 g, 28% solution in methanol) in methanol (15 ml) was refluxed for 2 hours. The reaction solution was evaporated to dryness to give a residue and the residue was dissolved in CH 2  Cl 2  -H 2  O. The organic layer was washed with H 2  O, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a syrup. The syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a yellow syrup (0.4 g, 52%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.43(3H,s), 3.72(3H,s), 4 78(2H,s), 5.97(2H,s), 6.99(2H,d), 7.25-7.49(5H,m), 7.55-7.77(3H,m), 7.99(1H,dd). 
     The following compounds (Reference Examples 90-93) were prepared by a method like that of Reference Example 89. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 90 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxymethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate pale brown syrup (92%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.16(3H,t), 1.23(3H,t), 3.59(2H,q), 4.21(2H,q), 4.82(2H,s), 5.99(2H,s), 6.99(2H,d), 7.24-7.45(5H,m), 7.55-7.75(3H,m), 7.98(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 91 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylthiomethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate pale yellow syrup (72%) 
       1  H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 2.18(3H,s), 3.90(2H,s), 4.20(2H,q), 5.96(2H,s), 7.01(2H,d), 7.23-7.35(1H,m), 7.37-7.50(4H,m), 7.59-7.80(3H,m), 7.97(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 92 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-Yl)methyl]-2-ethylthiomethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate pale brown syrup (88%) 
       1  H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 1.27(3H,t), 2.62(2H,q), 3.96(2H,s), 4.20(2H,q), 6.00(2H,s), 7 01(2H,d), 7.29(1H,t), 7.38-7.49(4H,m), 7.57-7.78(3H,m), 7.96(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 93 
     Ethyl 2-acetoxymethyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     pale brown syrup (99%) 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 94 
     Methyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate 
     A mixture of ethyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate (5g) and NaH (60% oil, 1.62 g) in methanol (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to give a syrup, which was poured into saturated aqueous NaHCO 3  solution (100 ml). The mixture was extracted with chloroform and the organic layer was washed with H 2  O, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a crystalline product. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane gave colorless crystals (3.9 g, 82%), m.p. 106-108° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.81(3H,s), 3.97(2H,br s) 4.23(2H,s), 6.40(1H,br s), 6.88-6.91 (2H,m), 7.34-7.55(7H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.77(1H,dd). 
     IR (KBr) cm -1  : 3410, 3350, 2225, 1695, 1485, 1470, 1290, 1200, 780, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 95 
     Methyl 2-(2-chloroethyl)-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a cold solution of methyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate (0.5 g) in CH 2  Cl 2  (5 ml) was added 3-chloropropionyl chloride (0.15 ml) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and then concentrated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was dissolved in methanol (5 ml) containing conc. HCl (0.5 ml) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction solution was concentrated to dryness to give a residue, which was dissolved in CH 2  Cl 2  --H 2  O. The aqueous layer was made basic and then extracted. The organic layer was washed with H 2  O, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a pale brown syrup (0.7 g, 100%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.37(2H,t), 3.74(3H,s), 4.09(2H,t), 5.87(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.29(1H,t), 7.39-7.81(7H,m), 7.97(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 96 
     Methyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-(2-methoxyethyl)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 2-(2-chloroethyl)-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.0 g) and K 2  CO 3  (0.25 g) in methanol (30 ml) was refluxed for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was dissolved to dryness to give a residue. The residue filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness and a resulting syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a pale yellow syrup (0.45 g, 59%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.19(2H,t), 3.34(3H,s), 3.72(3H,s), 3.92(2H,t), 5.88(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.26(1H,t), 7.40-7.48(4H,m), 7.56-7.76(3H,m), 7.95(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 97 
     Methyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-(2-methylthiomethyl)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     This compound was prepared by a method like that of Reference Example 96. colorless powder (1.1 g, 93%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.14(3H,s), 3.02-3.11(2H,m), 3.16-3.25(2H,m), 3.74(3H,s), 5.86(2H,s), 7.00(2H,d), 7.28(1H,t), 7.39-7.49(4H,m), 7.58-7.78(3H,m), 7.97(1H,dd). 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 98 
     2-Butyl-1-(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)benzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-chloromethylbenzimidazole (0.65 g) and dimethylamine (50% aqueous solution, 1.5 ml) in ethanol (3 ml) was heated in a sealed tube for 5 hours. The reaction solution was concentrated to dryness and a resulting syrup was dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a syrup, which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a colorless syrup (0.4 g, 63%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.92(3H,t), 1.35-1.53(2H,m), 1.81-1.94(2H,m), 2.16(6H,s), 2.80(2H,t), 3.34(2H,s), 6.00(2H,s), 6.95-7.01(3H,m), 7.16(1H,t), 7.39-7.50(4H,m), 7.62(1H,m), 7.73-7.77(2H,m). 
     IR (Neat) cm -1  : 2210, 1515, 1480, 1460, 1440, 1405, 1360, 1330, 1275, 1005, 840, 785, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 99 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-sec-butrylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 3-amino-2-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate (1.1 g) and 2-methylbutyric anhydride (0.56 g) in pyridine (2 ml) was heated at 115° C. for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was digested with ethyl acetate (50 ml) and the solution was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a syrup. The syrup was dissolved in ethanol (15 ml) containing conc. HCl (0.5 ml) and the solution was refluxed for 3 hours. After removal of the solvent, the resulting syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a pale yellow syrup (1.2 g, 92%). 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.90(3H,t), 1.20(3H,t), 1.40(3H,d), 1.50-2.10(1H,m), 4.17(2H,q), 5.87(2H,s), 6.97(2H,d), 7.17-8.03(9H,m). 
     IR (Neat) cm -1  : 2975, 2930, 2875, 2220, 1480, 1445, 1410, 1370, 1280, 1260, 1200, 1140, 1110, 1035, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 100 
     Ethyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-isobutylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     This compound was prepared by a method similar to that of Reference Example 99. 
     a pale yellow syrup (quant.) 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.03(6H,d), 1.20(3H,t), 2.07-2.53(1H,m), 2.80(2H,d), 4.17(2H,q), 5,83(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.13-8.00(9H,m). 
     IR (Neat) cm -1  : 2960, 2215, 1710, 1480, 1400, 1280, 1255, 1200, 1120, 760. 
     REFERENCE EXAMPLE 101 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (3.0 g), triphenylmethyl chloride (1.96 g) and triethylamine (1.0 ml) in CH 2  Cl 2  (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction solution was washed with H 2  O, dried over Na 2  SO 4  and concentrated to dryness to give a solid residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a colorless powder (4.25 g, 91%), m.p. 120-123° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.88 (3H,t), 1.26-1.45(2H,m), 1.72-1.88(2H,m), 2.81(2H,t), 5.72(2H,s), 6.63(2H,d), 6.92-6.97(8H,m), 7.12-7.43(13H,m), 7.68(1H,d), 7.78-7.83(1H,m), 7.92(1H,d). 
     IR (Neat) cm -1  : 3050, 2950, 2925, 1690, 1595, 1510, 1490, 1440, 1405, 1275, 1240, 1180, 740, 690. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 1 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (3.2 g), sodium azide (7.4 g) and ammonium chloride (6.1 g) in DMF (30 ml) was stirred for 4 days at 115° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl. Resulting crude crystals (1) were purified by column chromatography on silica gel. The crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-methanol to afford colorless prisms (2.27 g, 63%), m p. 168-169° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O:       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.37;        5.57;   17.86                                      
Found:   66.04;        5.69;   17.58                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.88(3H,t), 1.28-1.46(2H,m), 1.65-1.80(2H,m), 2.82(2H,t), 5.85(2H,s), 6.79(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.24(1H,t), 7.45(5H,m), 7.83(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm 1-1  : 1720, 1600, 1510, 1455, 1285, 1255, 1240, 775, 755, 745. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 2 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(N-methyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     The crude crystal (1) obtained in Working Example 1 was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane to give colorless needles (0.17 g, 4.7%), m.p. 133-135° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.51;        5.62;   18.01                                      
Found:   69.47;        5.66;   17.92                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.35-1.55(2H,m), 1.78-1.93(2H,m), 2.96(2H,t), 3.15(3H,s), 5.82(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.97(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.48-7.67(4H,m), 7.80(1H,dd), 7.95(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1715, 1520, 1415, 1290, 1260, 1200, 1125, 780, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 3 
     2-Butyl-N-isopropyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxamide 
     A solution of 2-butyl-1-[[2 -(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.71 g) and diethyl cyanophosphate (purity 90%, 0.82 g) in DMF (6 ml) was stirred for one hour under ice-cooling. To the solution were then added isopropylamine hydrochloride (0.14 g) and triethylamine (0.61 g), and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was neutralized with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate The organic layer was washed with water, dried and, then concentrated to dryness. Recrystallization of thus-obtained crude crystals from methanol--ethyl acetate gave colorless prisms (0.31 g, 41%), m.p. 247-249° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.29 H.sub.32 N.sub.7 O.1/5H.sub.2 O:          
       C (%))      H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.91;        6.55;   19.68                                      
Found:   69.91;        6.30;   19.87                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 0.93(6H,d), 1.26-1.44(2H,m), 1.62-1.77(2H,m), 2.80(2H,t), 3.85-3.95(1H,m), 5.67(2H,s), 6.84(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.16-7.24(2H,m), 7.44(1H,d), 7.51-7.72(4H,m), 8.27(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1640, 1540, 1510, 1455, 1415, 755, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 4 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 2-sodium salt 
     2-Butyl-1-[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.2 g) was added to methanol (15 ml) containing NaOMe (46 mg), and the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added toluene (30 ml) and the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crystals The crystals separated out were collected by filtration to give colorless powdery crystals (0.14 g, 62%), m.p. 255-257 ° C. (decomp.). 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 Na.sub.2 O.sub.2.2H.sub.2
 O:                                                                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   58.64;        4.92    15.78                                      
Found:   58.98;        4.60;   15.66                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.85(3H,t), 1.27-1.39(2H,m), 1.59-1.74(2H,m), 2.69(2H,t), 6.10(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.98-7.07(3H,m), 7.19-7.53(6H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1610, 1410, 1360, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 5 
     Butyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.47 g) and conc. sulfuric acid (0.1 ml) in butanol (10 ml) were heated for 66 hours under reflux. The solvent was removed by evaporation. To the residue was added water and the mixture was adjusted to pH 3 to 4 with 1N-NaOH, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane afforded colorless prisms (0.15 g, 29%), m.p. 192-193° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.30 H.sub.32 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   70.84;        6.34;   16.52                                      
Found:   70.99;        6.46;   16.25                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 0.85(3H,t), 1.18-1.39(4H,m), 1.45-1.64(4H,m), 2.38(2H,t), 3.99(2H,t), 5.50(2H,s), 6.47(2H,d), 6.79(2H,d), 6.93(1H,d), 7.04(1H,t), 7.27-7.32(1H,m), 7.50(1H,dd), 7.56-7.68(2H,m), 7.97-8.01(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1710, 1465, 1455, 1415, 1280, 1265, 1125, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 6 
     (4-Pyridyl)methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A solution of (4-pyridyl)methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzmidazole-7-carboxylate (0.61 g) and trimethyltin azide (0.75 g) in toluene (10 ml) was heated for 4 days under reflux in nitrogen atmosphere. After removal of the solvent, the resulting solvent residue was dissolved in ethanol (5 ml). To the solution was added 1N-HCl (8 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature and this mixture was neutralized with 1N NaOH, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried, and evaporated to dryness. The resulting residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane afforded colorless prisms (0.54 g, 83%), m.p. 179-180° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.32 H.sub.29 N.sub.7 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   70.70;        5.38;   18.04                                      
Found:   70.96;        5.45;   18.02                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.80(3H,t), 1.18-1.36(2H,m), 1.53-1.68(2H,m), 2.49(2H,t), 5.19(2H,s), 5.51(2H,s), 6.44(2H,d), 6.79(2H,d), 7.15- 7.31(4H,m), 7.47-7.61(3H,m), 7.67(1H,dd), 7.92(1H,dd), 8.35(2H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1720, 1600, 1410, 1280, 1250, 1120, 760, 750, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 7 
     2-Propyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)bichenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of methyl 2-propyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (2.5 g), sodium azide (3.9 g) and ammonium chloride (3.2 g) in DMF (30 ml) was stirred for 5 days at 110° C.-120° C. To the reaction mixture was added water and the solution was made acidic (pH 3-4), followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from DMF-ethanol afforded colorless crystals (0.8 g, 23%), m.p. 275-276° C. (decomp.). 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.10;        5.18;   18.78                                      
Found:   67.19;        4.95;   18.84                                      
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       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  -CF 3  COOH) δ: 1.10(3H,t), 1.70-2.20(2H,m), 3.23(2H,t), 5.97(2H,s), 6.90(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.47-7.80(5H,m), 8.03-8.17(2H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3070, 2720, 2440, 1700, 1450, 1410, 1405, 1285, 1235, 1200, 1190, 1120, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 8 
     2-Pentyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrayol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of methyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-pentylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (3.25 g), sodium azide (2.6 g) and ammonium chloride (2.1 g) in DMF (20 ml) was stirred for 5 days at 110-120° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was made acidic, (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-ethanol, followed by treatment with hot water, afforded colorless powdery crystals (1.0 g, 29%), m.p. 205-207° C. (decomp.). 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.98;        5.66;   17.88                                      
Found:   69.14;        5.60;   17.90                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  -CF 3  COOH) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.13-1.53(4H,m), 1.67-2.10(2H,m), 3.27(2H,t), 6.00(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.17(2H,d), 7.47-7.90(5H,m), 8.07-8.20(2H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3040, 2775, 1695, 1485, 1450, 1425, 1410, 1290, 1240, 1200, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 9 
     Methyl 2-butyl-5-methyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4 4-yl)methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-5-methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (2.8 g), sodium azide (6.2 g) and ammonium chloride (5.1 g) in DMF (25 ml) was stirred for 3 days at 110-120° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, which was made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-methanol afforded colorless prisms (0.72 g, 24%), m.p. 144-145° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.28 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.0.1H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.72;        5.89;   17.42                                      
Found:   69.58;        5.89;   17.28                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.82(3H,t), 1.17-1.37(2H,m), 1.45-1.60(2H,m), 2.26(3H,s), 2.34(2H,t), 3.56(3H,s), 5.23(2H,s), 6.43(2H,d), 6.60(1H,s), 6.76(2H,d), 7.28-7.32(2H,m), 7.59-7.69(2H,m), 7.96-8.00(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1715, 1515, 1455, 1440, 1410, 1315, 1255, 1225, 1050, 785, 765. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 10 
     2-Butyl-5-methyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of methyl 2-butyl-5-methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.15 g) in 1N NaOH (1.2 ml) and methanol (2 ml) was heated for 2 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, washed with ether and made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl. Crystals separated were collected by filtration and recrystallized from ethyl acetate to afford colorless crystals (0.1 g, 71%), m.p. 175-178° C. (decomp.). 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.19;        5.72;   17.67                                      
Found:   68.25;        5.66;   17.59                                      
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       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.25-1.44(2H,m), 1.63-1.77(2H,m), 2.41(3H,s), 2.79(2H,t), 5.82(2H,s), 6.76(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.45-7.49(2H,m), 7.55-7.69(4H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3440, 1700, 1600, 1515, 1450, 1410, 1310, 1240, 765. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 11 
     Ethyl 2-butyl-6-methyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 6-methyl-3-nitro-[N-[2&#39;-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol-5-yl)bipheny-4-yl]methyl-N-valeroyl] anthranylate (2.1 g) and iron powder (0.73 g) in conc. HCl (2.1 ml) and ethanol (10 ml) was heated for 18 hours under reflux. Insoluble materials in the reaction mixture were filtered off. The filtrate was then concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 1N-NaOH, and the resulting precipitates were filtered off through celite. The filtrate was made acidic with conc. HCl. The oily product was separated and extracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with water and concentrated to dryness. The syrupy product thus obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a crystalline product. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-isopropyl ether afforded pale brown prisms (0.8 g, 59%), m.p. 164-165° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84, 1.06(each 3H,t), 1.20-1.39(2H,m), 1.48-1.63(2H,m), 2.32(3H,s), 2.38(2H,t), 3.88(2H,q), 5.28(2H,s), 6.56(2H,d), 6.74(1H,d), 6.86(3H,dd), 7.28-7.33(1H,m), 7.58-7.63(2H,m), 7.91-7.97(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 12 
     Methyl 2-butyl-5-chloro-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a mixture of methyl 5-chloro-3-nitro-2-[N-[2&#39;-(N-triphenylemthyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-N-valerylanthranylate (1.26 g), conc. HCl (1.6 ml) and iron powder (95% purity, 0.45 g) in methanol (15 ml) was heated for 20 hours under reflux. Insoluble materials were filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated. The concentrate was extracted with ethyl acetate and water. To the organic layer was added an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and insoluble materials formed were filtered off. The filtrate was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals, which were recrystallized from ethyl acetate-benzene to afford colorless crystals (0 59 g, 74%), m.p 132-133° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.25 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 Cl:              
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.73;        5.03;   16.77                                      
Found:   64.49;        5.06;   16.50                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.23-1.41(2H,m), 1.52-1.68(2H,m), 2.50(2H,t), 3.62(3H,s), 5.48(2H,s), 6.46(2H,d), 6.83(2H,d), 6.93(1H,m), 7.31-7.36(1H,m), 7.49(1H,d), 7.63-7.68(2H,m), 7.96-8 00(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2960, 2875, 1720, 1510, 1460, 1430, 1400, 1280, 1230, 1190, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 13 
     2-Butyl-5-chloro-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A solution of methyl 2-butyl-5-chloro-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-carboxylate (0.28 g) in 1N NaOH (2 ml) and methanol (4 ml) was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was dissolved in water (10 ml), which was made acidic with 1N-HCl. Crystals thus separated were collected by filtration, recrystallized from methanol-chloroform to afford colorless crystals (0.2 g, 72%), m.p. 232-234° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.23 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 Cl.1/2H.sub.2    
O:                                                                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   62.96;        4.88;   16.94                                      
Found:   63.01;        4.81;   16.87                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.26-1.45(2H,m), 1.64-1.79(2H,m), 2.82(2H,t), 5.81(2H,s), 6.78(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.45-7.69(5H,m), 7.91(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2975, 2930, 2875, 1705, 1480, 1460, 1400, 1270, 1240, 1220, 1190, 870, 760, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 14 
     Ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.21 g), sodium azide (1.3 g) and ammonium chloride (1.07 g) in DMF (8 ml) was stirred for 60 hours at 110-120° C. To the mixture was added water and the mixture was made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. To the concentrate was added ether, and resulting crude crystals were collected by filtration, followed by recrystallization from ethanol to afford colorless crystals (0.95 mg, 41%), m.p. 138-139° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.80(3H,t), 1.07-1.77(7H,m), 2.37(2H,t), 4.07(2H,q), 5.50(2H,s), 6.47(2H,d), 6.80(2H,d), 7.00-7.10(2H,m), 7.23-7.73(4H,m), 7.90-8.10(1H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1715 1410 1290 1260 1125, 1040, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 15 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (80 mg) in 2-methoxyethanol (1.5 ml) and 2N NaOH (1.5 ml) was stirred for one hour at 110-120° C. The reaction mixture was neutralized with 2N-HCl, and then concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was dissolved in chloroform. After removal of insoluble materials by filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. Crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from aqueous ethanol to give colorless crystals (60 mg, 77%). 
     The melting point,  1  H-NMR and IR data are in good agreement with those observed in Working Example 1. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 16 
     2-Butyl-7-hydroxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-hydroxymethylbenzimidazole (0.4 g), sodium azide (0.98 g) and ammonium chloride (0.8 g) in DMF (4 ml) was stirred for 4 days at 110-120° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was crystallized from ethyl acetate-methanol to give colorless needles, m.p. 152-153° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.1/2C.sub.4 H.sub.8     
O.sub.2.1/10H.sub.2 O:                                                    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.43;        6.28;   17.35                                      
Found:   69.14;        6.22;   17.59                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.26-1.44(2H,m), 1.63-1.78(2H,m), 2.76(2H,t), 4.47(2H,s), 5.47(1H,br s), 5.76(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 7.04(2H,d), 7.08-7.16(2H,m), 7.49-7.70(5H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -  : 1510, 1450, 1405, 1020, 755, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 17 
     Ethyl [[2-butyl-1-[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-yl]acetate 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.86 g), sodium azide (0.5 g) and ammonium chloride (1.6 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred in DMF for 4.5 days at 110-120° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, then the solvent was distilled off. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crude crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate afforded colorless needles (0.53 g, 56%), m.p. 129-130° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.29 H.sub.30 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.0.4H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.41;        6.19;   16.75                                      
Found:   69.50;        5.94;   17.03                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 1.12-1.33(5H,m), 1.48-1.63(2H,m), 2.24(2H,t), 3.41(2H,s), 4.03(2H,q), 5.46(2H,s), 6.55-6.66(3H,m), 6.87(2H,d), 6.93-6.99(2H,m), 7.28-7.32(1H,m), 7.55-7.68(2H,m), 7.95-7.99(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1740, 1720, 1510, 1410, 1280, 1255, 1145, 755, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 18 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-acetic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-acetate (0.28 g) in 1N NaOH (1.5 ml) and methanol (5 ml) was heated for two hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated, which was neutralized with 1N-HCl. Crystals separated out were collected by filtration and purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford colorless crystals (0.12 g, 46%), m.p. 170-171° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.51;        5.62;   18.01                                      
Found:   69.60;        5.78;   17.90                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.27-1.44(2H,m), 1.64-1.75(2H,m), 2.79(2H,t), 3.58(2H,s), 5.62(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 6.98-7.16(4H,m), 7.49-7.71(5H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3430, 1720, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 19 
     2-butyl-7-methoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole sodium salt 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]- 7-methoxymethylbenzimidazole (0.6 g) and trimethyltin azide (1.2 g) in toluene (12 ml) was heated for 3 days under reflux in toluene (12 ml). The solvent was distilled off. To the residue was added 1N-HCl (8 ml) and the mixture was stirred for a while, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, then the solvent was distilled off. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give an oil. The product was dissolved in ethyl acetate, to which was added a methanol solution of sodium salt of 2-ethyl hexanoic acid (0.25 g). The mixture was concentrated. Crystals separated out were recrystallized from toluene --ethyl acetate to afford colorless crystals (0.22 g, 31%), m.p.175-178° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.27 N.sub.6 ONa.H.sub.2 O:           
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   65.84;        5.93;   17.06                                      
Found:   65.94;        5.81;   17.06                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.70(3H,t), 1.06-1.25(2H,m), 1.50-1.65(2H,m), 2.49(2H,t), 2.86(3H,s), 4.21(2H,s), 5.27(2H,s), 6.41(2H,d), 6.73-6.77(3H,m), 6.92-7.00(2H,m), 7.19-7.30(2H,m), 7.37(1H,d), 7.62(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1510, 1455, 1420, 1405, 1350, 1280, 1080, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 20 
     2-Butyl-7-methoxy-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole hydrochloride 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-methoxybenzimidazole (0.8 g) and trimethyltin azide (1.6 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated for 44 hours under reflux. Crystals then separated out were collected by filtration and were dissolved in methanol (20 ml). To the solution was added 1N-HCl (8 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 5  minutes at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crude crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-methanol afforded colorless prisms (0.83 g, 87%), m.p. 189-190° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.HCl:                   
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   65.75;        5.73;   17.69                                      
Found:   65.46;        5.85;   17.44                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.26-1.44(2H,m), 1.61-1.76(2H,m), 3.14(2H,t), 3.83(3H,s), 5.82(2H,s), 7.07-7.18(5H,m), 7.38(1H,d), 7.45-7.73(5H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1615, 1550, 1490, 1455, 1440, 1355, 1275, 1260, 1130, 1100, 1060, 990, 870, 850, 775, 750, 730. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 21 
     2-Butyl-6-methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-butyl-6-methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.55 g) in 5N aqueous sodium hydroxide (5 ml) and ethanol (10 ml) was heated for 100 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and then was dissolved in water, and the solution was made acidic with conc. HCl. Precipitates separated out were collected by filtration and washed with a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol. The precipitates were dissolved in saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate. After removal of insoluble materials by filtration, the filtrate was made acidic with conc. HCl. Precipitates then separated out were collected by filtration and crystallized from dimethylformamide --H 2  O to afford colorless crystals (0.22 g, 42%), m.p. 298-299° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.85(3H,t), 1.23-1.43(2H,m), 1.58-1.75(2H,m), 2.38(3H,s), 2.70(2H,t), 5.47(2H,s), 6.87, 7.02 (each 2H,d), 7.07(1H,d), 7.45-7.71(5H,m). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/10H.sub.2 O:   
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.24;        5.64;   17.94                                      
Found:   68.97;        5.85;   17.81                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     WORKING EXAMPLE 22 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-7-methylbenzimidazol 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-methylbenzimidazole (0,5 g), sodium azide (1.3 g) and ammonium chloride (1.1 g) in DMF (5 ml) was stirred for 3.5 days at 110-120° C. To the reaction mixture was added water, which was made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-methanol afforded colorless crystals (0.36 g, 62%), 
     m.p. 222-224° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.26 N.sub.6.1/4C.sub.4 H.sub.8       
O.sub.2 :                                                                 
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   72.95;        6.35;   18.90                                      
Found:   72.80;        6.35;   19.02                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.80(3H,t), 1.14-1.32(2H,m), 1.44-1.59(2H,m), 2.14(2H,t), 2.26(3H,s), 5.32(2H,s), 6.48-6.56(3H,m), 6.83-6.89(4H,m), 7.29-7.34(1H,m), 7.55-7.68(2H,m), 7.92-7.97(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1510, 1450, 1410, 780, 750, 740. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 23 
     Ethyl 2-isopropyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl] methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-isopropylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (2.12 g), sodium azide (3.9 g) and ammonium chloride (3.2 g) in DMF (15 ml) was stirred for 5 days at 110-120 C. To the reaction mixture was added water (150 ml), which was made acidic (pH 3-4) with dilute hydrochloric acid, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was crystallized from ethanol to afford colorless prisms (1.2 g, 52%), m.p. 144-146° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/4C.sub.2       
H.sub.5 OH.H.sub.2 O:                                                     
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.58;        5.99;   16.94                                      
Found:   66.38;        5.74;   16.69                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) : 1.30(3H,t), 1.53(6H,d), 3.37-3.80(1H,m), 4.30(2H,q), 5.97(2H,s), 6.90(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.43-8.10(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1730, 1450, 1285, 1270, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 24 
     Ethyl 2-methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazol-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (2.5 g), sodium azide (3.9 g) and ammonium chloride (3.2 g) in DMF (30 ml) was stirred for 4 days at 110-120° C. The reaction mixture was worked up according to the procedure described in Working Example 23 to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethanol afforded colorless prisms (1.36 g, 49%), m.p. 205-206° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5EtOH:         
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.82;        5.38;   18.39                                      
Found:   67.64;        5.38;   18.24                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) δ: 1.27(4H,t). 2.90(3H,s), 3.87(1H,q), 4.30(2H,q), 5.93(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.10(2H,d), 7.40-7.80(5H,m), 8.00(2H,d). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1725, 1410, 1290, 1260, 1220, 1115, 1040, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 25 
     Ethyl 2-ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.55 g), sodium azide (2.6 g) and ammonium chloride (2.14 g) in DMF (15 ml) was stirred for 5 days at 110-120 C. The reaction mixture was worked up according to the procedure described in Working Example 23 to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethanol afforded colorless prisms (0.68 g, 40%), m.p. 188-189° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.93;        5.44;   18.28                                      
Found:   67.76         5.36;   18.54;                                     
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) δ: 1.33(3H,t), 1.50(3H,t), 3.27(2H,q), 4.33(2H,q), 5.97(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.17(2H,d), 7.40-8.07(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1710, 1285, 1265, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 26 
     2-Methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     Ethyl 2-methyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.64 g) was heated under reflux for 4 hours in a mixture of methanol (10 ml) and 2N NaOH. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness, and the concentrate was dissolved in water, followed by neutralization with 1N-HCl to afford crystals Recrystallization from DMF-EtOH-H 2  O gave colorless prisms (0.3 g, 49%), m.p. 283-284° C. (decomp.). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.23 H.sub.18 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.72;        4.48;   20.30                                      
Found:   66.96;        4.40;   20.25                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) δ: 2.97(3H,s), 5.97(2H,s), 6.97(2H,d), 7.17(2H,d), 7.50-7.90(5H,m), 8.10(1H,d), 8.20(1H,d). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -  : 2470, 1700, 1455, 1410, 1240, 1220, 990, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 27 
     2-Ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.5 g) in methanol (10 ml) and 2N NaOH was heated under reflux for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was dissolved in water, followed by neutralization with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization from DMF-ethanol-water afforded colorless prisms (0.27 g, 58%), m.p. 261-262° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.24 H.sub.20 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.63;        4.70;   19.45                                      
Found:   67.91;        4.75;   19.80                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) δ: 1.50(3H,t), 3.20(2H,q), 5.97(2H,s), 6.93(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.37-8.17(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3070, 2720, 1700, 1450, 1410, 1290, 1250, 1210, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 28 
     2-Isopropyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of ethyl 2-isopropyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.2 g) in methanol (5 ml) and 2N NaOH (5 ml) was heated for 4 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and then dissolved in water, followed by neutralization with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization from DMF-50% EtOH afforded colorless prisms (0.8 g, 71%), m.p. 265-267° C. (decomp.). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.3/10H.sub.2 O:   
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.65;        5.13;   18.93                                      
Found:   67.64;        5.07;   19.00                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3  --CF 3  COOH) δ: 1.67(6H,d), 3.40-3.83(1H,m), 6.00(2H,s), 6.90(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.43-7.83(5H,m), 8.07(2H,d). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2620, 1695, 1285, 1260, 1245, 1205, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 29 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 2.potassium salt 
     To a solution of 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (1.2 g) and potassium 2-ethyl hexanoate (1.3 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was added toluene (50 ml) and the ethanol was removed by evaporation. Crystals then separated out were collected by filtration and washed with ether to give colorless crystals (1.1 g, 79%), m.p. 355-358° C. (decomp.) 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.22 K.sub.2 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.H.sub.2  
O:                                                                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   57.12;        4.42;   15.37                                      
Found:   56.93;        4.26;   15.01                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.22-1.43(2H,m), 1.60-1.76(2H,m), 2.70(2H,t), 6.06(2H,s), 6.79(2H,d), 6.94-7.03(3H,m), 7.20-7.34(4H,m), 7.40(1H,dd), 7.53-7.58(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3350, 1600, 1570, 1515, 1460, 1400, 1360, 1315, 1280, 1005, 825, 785, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 30 
     2-Butyl-7-hydroxy-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[(2,-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-7-hydroxybenzimidazole (0.69 g) and trimethyltin azide (1.1 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated for 4 days under reflux. Crystals then separated out were collected by filtration and then stirred in a mixture of 1N-HCl (10 ml) and methanol (15 ml) for 10 minutes at room temperature. To the resultant solution was added 1N NaOH to adjust to pH 3-4 to give crystals. The crude crystals were purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from acetone afforded colorless crystals, m.p. 186-188 ° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.1/2H.sub.2 O:          
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.27;        5.81;   19.39                                      
Found:   69.60;        5.69;   19.26                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.23-1.41(2H,m), 1.55-1.70(2H,m), 2.71(2H,t), 5.68(2H,s), 6.60(1H,d), 6.95(1H,t), 7.02-7.06(5H,m), 7.48-7.70(4H,m), 10.00(1H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1620, 1490, 1460, 1350, 1295, 780, 755, 730. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 31 
     Methyl 2-propyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of 2-propyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (465 mg) and conc. sulfuric acid (7.2 g) in methanol (60 ml) was heated for 24 hours under reflux. After removal of solvent, the residue was suspended with water, to which was added 1N-NaOH to adjust to pH 3-4, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethanol afforded colorless prisms (310 mg), m.p. 195-196° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.93;        5.44;   18.28                                      
Found:   68.02;        5.33;   18.33                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.37-1.80(2H,m), 2.30(2H,t), 3.60(3H,s), 5.47(2H,s), 6.47(2H,d), 6.80(2H,d), 6.93-8.00(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1730, 1440, 1290, 1280, 1270, 760. 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 32-33) were prepared according to the procedure described in Working Example 5. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 32 
     Methyl 2-ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     m.p. 185-186° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2C.sub.4       
H.sub.8 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O:                                                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.70;        5.47;   17.29                                      
Found:   66.70;        4.26;   17.49                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     WORKING EXAMPLE 33 
     Methyl 2-isopropyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 34 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[[2[-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (1.8 g) in methanol (18 ml) and conc. sulfuric acid (14.4 g) was heated for 24 hours under reflux. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the residue was suspended with water, whose pH was adjusted to 3-4 with 1N-NaOH, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. The solvent was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethanol afforded colorless prisms (1.05 g), m.p. 153-155° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.45;        5.70;   17.74                                      
Found:   68.63;        5.61;   17.72                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.80(3H,t), 1.00-1.73(4H,m), 2.37(2H,t), 3.60(3H,s), 5.47(2H,s), 6.47(2H,d), 6.80(2H,d), 6.97-8.00(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 1720, 1450, 1430, 1290, 1280, 1270, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 35 
     Ethyl 2-sec-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     This compound was prepared according to the procedure described in Working Example 14. 
     Melting point : 128-130° C. 
     
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Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.28 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5C.sub.4       
H.sub.8 O.sub.2.2/5H.sub.2 O:                                             
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.98;        6.06;   16.07                                      
Found:   68.10;        6.07;   15.94                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     WORKING EXAMPLE 36 
     Pivaloyloxymethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A solution of 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (3.0 g), triphenylmethyl chloride (1.96 g) and triethylamine (1.0 ml) in methylene chloride (20 ml) was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give colorless powder (4.25 g). The N-trityl compound thus obtained was dissolved in DMF (5 ml). To the solution were added potassium carbonate (0.2 g) and pivaloyloxymethyl iodide (0.35 g), and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated. To the concentrate were added water and ethyl acetate, which was subjected to extraction. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent by evaporation, the residue was dissolved in methanol (10 ml). To the solution was added 1N-HCl (3 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness, and the concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give colorless powdery crystals (0.43 g, 74%), m.p. 102-105° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.32 H.sub.34 N.sub.6 O.sub.4.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.77;        6.13;   14.60                                      
Found:   66.76;        6.09;   14.45                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.16(9H,s), 1.23-1.42(2H,m), 1.57-1.72(2H,m), 2.53(2H,t), 5.60(2H,s), 5.70 (2H,s), 6.60(2H,d), 6.89(2H,d), 7.11(1H,t), 7.25-7.27(1H,m), 7.33-7.38(1H,m), 7.58-7.63(3H,m), 7.97-8.02(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2975, 1750, 1730, 1480, 1450, 1410, 1280, 1260, 1150, 1100, 1010, 950, 760, 750. 
     In accordance with the method of Working Example 36, the following compounds were synthesized. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 37 
     1-(Cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-v11methyl1benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     Yield : 74% 
     Melting point : 102-105° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.35 H.sub.38 N.sub.6 O.sub.5.1/5CHCl.sub.3 :  
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   65.39;        5.95;   13.00                                      
Found:   65.18;        5.99;   12.86                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) : 0.87(3H,t), 1.17-1.87(18H,m), 2.53(2H,t), 4.45-4.58(1H,m), 5.52-5.75(2H,m), 6.60(2H,d), 6.73(1H,q), 6.89(2H,d), 7.12(1H,t), 7.27-7.35(2H,m), 7.57-7.66(3H,m), 7.98-8.03(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 2950, 2875, 1760, 1740, 1450, 1420, 1280, 1250, 1080, 1000, 910, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 38 
     1-(Ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5 5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     Yield : 75% 
     Melting point : 92-95° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis                                                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.46;        5.76;   14.55                                      
Found:   64.56;        5.69;   14.52                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.86(3H,t), 1.21(3H,t), 1.27-1.43(2H,m), 1.42(3H,d), 1.46-1.69(2H,m), 2.50(2H,t), 4.13(2H,dq), 5.48-5.73(2H,m), 6.56(2H,d), 6.72(1H,q), 6.86(2H,d), 7.09(1H,t), 7.19-7.23(1H,m), 7.29-7.34(1H,m), 7.55-7.64(3H,m), 7.97-8.01(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1760, 1730, 1410, 1375, 1275, 1245, 1070, 990, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 39 
     (5-Methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl1benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     Yield : 71% 
     Melting point : 123-125° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.31 H.sub.28 N.sub.6 O.sub.5.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.91;        5.10;   14.65                                      
Found:   64.79;        4.82;   14.34                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.22-1.40(2H,m), 1.53-1.68(2H,m), 2.16(3H,s), 2.46(2H,t), 4.81(2H,s), 5.54(2H,s), 6.53(2H,d), 6.86(2H,d), 7.08-7.22(2H,m), 7.43-7.38(1H,m), 7.58-7.65(3H,m), 7.95-8.00(1H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1820, 1720, 1400, 1300, 1275, 1250, 1220, 1185, 1105, 1000, 745. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 40 
     2-Hydroxyethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a solution of ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.72 g) in ethylene glycol (15 ml) was added, while stirring at room temperature, sodium hydride (60% oil, 0.25 g) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 hours. To the reaction mixture was added ice-water (100 ml), which was made acidic with formic acid. Precipitates then formed were dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml) and the solution was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness to give a crystalline product. The crystals were recrystallized from acetone to afford colorless crystals (0.49 g, 66%), m.p. 145-147° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.28 N.sub.6 O.sub.3.1/2C.sub.3       
H.sub.6 O:                                                                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.41;        5.94;   15.99                                      
Found:   67.19;        5.84;   15.79                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.23-1.97(4H,m), 2.13(3H,s), 2.87(2H,t), 3.77(2H,t), 4.23(2H,t), 5.73(2H,s), 6.77(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.20(1H,t),7.43-7.93(6H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 3340, 1715, 1410, 1290, 1265, 1035, 755. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 41 
     2-(4-Morpholino)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a cold solution of 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol- 5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.4 g), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine (0.15 g) and diethyl phosphocyanidate (0.1 g) in DMF (2 ml) was added a solution of triethylamine (0.06 g) in DMF (1 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford a colorless powder (0.3 g, 65%). The product was dissolved in methanol (7 ml) and to the solution was added 1N-HCl (1.2 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 2 hours, the reaction solution was concentrated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was dissolved in CH 2  Cl 2  --H 2  O and the aqueous layer was made basic with aqueous NaHCO 3  solution. The aqueous layer extracted with CH 2  Cl 2  and the combined CH 2  Cl 2  solution was washed with H 2  O, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give colorless fine crystals (0.19 g, 87%), m.p. 98-110° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.32 H.sub.35 N.sub.7 O.sub.3.3/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.67;        6.33;   17.01                                      
Found:   66.41;        6.15;   16.89                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.93(3H,t), 1.34-1.52(2H,m), 1.71-1.88(2H,m), 2.58(4H,br t), 2.85(2H,t), 2.94(2H,br t), 3.39(2H,br t), 4.10(2H,br t), 5.65(2H,s), 6.63(2H,d), 6.96(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.40-7.61(4H,m), 7.77(1H,dd), 7.83(1H,d). 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 42-43) were prepared by a method similar to that of Working Example 41. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 42 
     2-(1-Piperidino)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl ]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate colorless powder (55%), m.p. 210-213° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.33 H.sub.37 N.sub.7 O.sub.2.3/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.99;        6.70;   17.07                                      
Found:   68.93;        6.59;   16.94                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.27-1.58(8H,m), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 2.72-2.85(4H,m), 2.93(2H,t), 3.20-3.31(2H,m), 4.10-4.27(2H,m), 5.63(2H,br s), 6.59-6.70(2H,m), 7.04(2H,d), 7.26(1H,t), 7.36-7.50(4H,m), 7.72-7.77(1H,m), 7.98(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 43 
     2-(Dimethyamino)ethyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl1benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder (91%), m.p. 206-208° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.30 H.sub.33 N.sub.7 O.sub.2.2.1H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.18;        6.68;   17.46                                      
Found:   64.31;        6.40;   17.16                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.39-1.57(2H,m), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 2.34(6H,s), 2.94(2H,t), 3.10(2H,br t), 4.19(2H,br t), 5.66(2H,s), 6.63(2H,d), 7.03(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.39-7.54(4H,m), 7.73-7.78(1H,m), 7.97(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 44 
     Methyl 2-methoxymethyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of methyl 1-[(2&#39;-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxymethylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.4 g) and trimethyltin azide (1.0 g) in toluene (10 ml) was refluxed for 49 hours. The reaction solution was concentrated to dryness to give a residue and the residue was dissolved in methanol (6 ml) and 1N-HCl (6 ml). The solution was allowed to stir for 3 hours and concentrated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was dissolved in CH 2  Cl 2  --H 2  O and the mixture was made neutral with 1N-NaOH. The organic layer was washed with H 2  O, dried and concentrated to dryness to give a residue, which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give a crystalline product. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate-isopropylether gave colorless needles (0.3g, 68%). 
     m.p. 191-194° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.3.3/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.53;        5.03;   18.06                                      
Found:   64.57;        4.94;   17.97                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.27(3H,s), 3.66(3H,s), 4.21(2H,s), 5.62(2H,s), 6.59(2H,d), 6.87(2H,d), 7.16(1H,t), 7.30-7.36(2H,m), 7.55-7.63(3H,m), 7.93-7.99(1H,m). 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 45-47) were prepared by a method similar to that of Working Example 44. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 45. 
     Ethyl 2-ethoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.14(3H,t), 1.21(3H,t), 3.45(2H,q), 4.20(2H,q), 4.85(2H,s), 5.89(2H,s), 6.95(2H,d), 7.10-7.40(3H,m), 7.56-7.70(3H,m), 7.96(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 46 
     Ethyl 2-ethylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder (75%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.12(3H,t), 1.23(3H,t), 2.46(2H,q), 4.11(2H,q), 3.36(2H,s), 5.63(2H,s), 6.58(2H,d), 6.87(2H,d), 7.10-7.36(3H,m), 7.56-7.64(3H,m), 7.97-8.04(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 47 
     Ethyl 2-methylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl- 4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder (56%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.21(3H,t), 2.03(3H,s), 4.11(2H,q), 5.63(2H,s), 6.60(2H,d), 6.91(2H,d), 7.15 7.40(3H,m), 7.55-7.68(3H,m), 8.00-8.10(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 48 
     Ethyl 2-hydroxymethyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4 4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     The compound was prepared by a method similar to that of Working Example 44 from ethyl 2-acetoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate. 
     pale yellow powder (80%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 4.17(2H,q), 4.82(2H,br s), 5.56(2H,br s), 6.65(2H,d), 6.86(2H,d), 6.82-6.95(1H,m), 7.21-7.54(4H,m), 7.62 (1H,d), 7.75-7.82 (1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 49 
     2-Methoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A solution of methyl 2-methoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.2 g) in methanol (10 ml) and 1N-NaOH (1.5 ml) was heated at 80° C. for 20 hours. The solution was concentrated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was dissolved in H 2  O and made acidic to give a crystalline product. Recrystallization from DMF-MeOH-H 2  O gave colorless prisms (0.16 g, 80%). 
     m.p. 272-274° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.24 H.sub.20 N.sub.6 O.sub.3 (Mw. 440.46):    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   65.45;        4.58;   19.08                                      
Found:   65.32;        4.47;   18.95                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 3.28(3H,s), 4.68(2H,s), 5.87(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 6.98(2H,d), 7.29(1H,t), 7.45-7.70(5H,m), 7.91(1H,dd). 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 50-54) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 49. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 50 
     2-Ethoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless powder (80%), m.p. 243-245° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.3.1/2H.sub.2 O     
(Mw. 463.50):                                                             
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   64.78;        5.00;   18.13                                      
Found:   64.99;        4.97;   18.26                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 1.01(3H,t), 3.48(2H,q), 4.72(2H,s), 5.89(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.29(1H,t), 7.44-7.70(5H,m), 7.91(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 51 
     2-Methylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless powder (82%), m.p. 270-272° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.24 H.sub.20 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 S.1/2H.sub.2 O   
(Mw. 465.54):                                                             
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   61.92;        4.55;   18.05                                      
Found:   61.94;        4.44;   18.20                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 2.09(3H,s), 3.98(2H,s), 5.89(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.45-7.69(5H,m), 7.87(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 52 
     2-Hydroxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless powder (65%), m.p. 292-294° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.23 H.sub.18 N.sub.6 O.sub.3.3/10H.sub.2 O    
(Mw. 431.84):                                                             
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   63.97;        4.34;   19.46                                      
Found:   64.01;        4.29;   19.49                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 4.72(2H,s), 5.92(2H,s), 6.83(2H,d), 6.98(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.45-7.68 (5H,m), 7.88(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 53 
     2-Ethylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless crystals (76%), m.p. 157-160° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 S.9/10H.sub.2    
O:                                                                        
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   61.69;        4.93;   17.26                                      
Found:   61.75;        4.91;   17.26                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 1.18(3H,t), 2.54(2H,q), 4.01(2H,s), 5.89(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.45-7.68(5H,m), 7.87(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 54 
     2-Methylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless powder (48%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 2.66(3H,s), 4.42(2H,s) 5.84(2H,s), 6.79(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.27-7.68(6H,m), 7.87(1H,d). 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 55-58) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 31. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 55 
     Methyl 2-methylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder (54%), m.p. 186-188° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.25 H.sub.22 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 S.1/2H.sub.2 O:  
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   62.61;        4.83;   17.52                                      
Found:   62.82;        4.63;   17.69                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.03(3H,s), 3.70(3H,s), 3.36(2H,s), 5.63(2H,s), 6.64(2H,d), 6.94(2H,d), 7.18(1H,t), 7.30-7.40(2H,m), 7.57-7.66(3H,m), 8.02-8.07(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 56 
     Methyl 2-ethylthiomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     pale yellow powder (49%) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 S.1/2H.sub.2 O:  
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   63.27;        5.11;   17.03                                      
Found:   63.42;        4.87;   16.92                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.09(3H,t), 2.42(2H,q), 3.22(2H,s), 3.64(3H,s), 5.57(2H,s), 6.53(2H,d), 6.84(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.31-7.38(1H,m), 7.56-7.65(3H,m), 7.89-7.98(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 57 
     Methyl 2-hydroxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless powder (30%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.63(3H,s), 4.77(2H,s), 5.75(2H,s), 6.76(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.23(1H,t), 7.39-7.62(5H,m), 7.90(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 58 
     Methyl 2-ethoxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless needles (61%), m.p. 214-217° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.3.1/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.08;        5.18;   17.87                                      
Found:   66.15;        5.21;   17.80                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.14(3H,t), 3.44(2H,q), 3.68(3H,s), 4.13(2H,s), 5.63(2H,s), 6.61(2H,d), 6.89(2H,d), 7.16(1H,t), 7.19-7.39(2H,m), 7.57-7.64(3H,m), 7.97-8.02(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 59 
     Ethyl 2-chloromethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl1benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a solution of ethyl 2-hydroxymethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.2 g) in CH 2  Cl 2  (3 ml) was added thionyl chloride (0.3 ml) dropwise and the mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. The reaction solution was poured into ice-water and the organic layer was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a pale yellow amorphous powder (0.2 g, 96%). 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.29(3H,t), 4.19(2H,q), 4.63(2H,s), 5.77(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 7.03(2H,d), 7.28(1H,t), 7.35-7.39(1H,m), 7.56-7.72(4H,m), 8.06-8.11(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 60 
     Ethyl 2-methylaminomethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     To a solution of ethyl 2-chloromethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.2 g) in acetonitrile (5 ml) was added a solution of 40% methylamine in methanol (0.33 g) and the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 77 hours. The reaction solution was cooled to give pale yellow prisms (0.12 g, 61%), m.p. 248-250° C. 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 1.14(3H,t), 2.62(3H,s), 4.16(2H,q), 4.39(2H,s), 5.71(2H,s), 6.73(2H,d), 7.03(2H,d), 7.27-7.46(4H,m), 7.54-7.63(2H,m), 7.94(1H,dd). 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 61-62) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 1. 
     WORKING EXAMPLES 61 
     Ethyl 2-isobutyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless prism (71%) 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(6H,d), 1.13(3H,t), 1.23(1H,t), 1.83-2.40(1H,m), 2.00(1H,s), 2.27(2H,d), 4.03(2H,q), 4.13(1H,q), 5.47(2H,s), 6.43(2H,d), 6.73(2H,d), 6.87-7.70(6H,m), 7.90-8.00(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 62 
     Ethyl 2-sec-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     colorless prism (43%), m.p. 128-130° C. 
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.00-1.17(6H,m), 1.23(1H,t), 1.50-1.90(2H,m), 2.03(1H,s), 2.63-3.03(1H,m), 4.00(2H,q), 4.13(1H,q), 5.57(1H,d), 5.77(1H,d), 6.50(2H,d), 6.77(2H,d). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2720, 1730, 1450, 1280, 1265, 1200, 760, 765. 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 63-64) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 49. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 63 
     2-Isobutyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless powder (62%), m.p. 205-207° C.(d) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.2/5H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.93;        5.44;   18.23                                      
Found:   67.98;        5.63;   18.43                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.57(6H,d), 3.40-3.83(1H,m), 6.00(2H,s), 6.90(2H,d), 7.13(2H,d), 7.43-7.83(5H,m), 7.97-8.12(2H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2460, 1690, 1410, 1290, 1245, 1200, 1120, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 64 
     2-sec-Butyl-1-[[2 -(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless prism (79%), m.p. 184-186° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.24 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2EtOH:         
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.20;        5.72;   17.67                                      
Found:   67.96;        5.71;   17.46                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(90 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.83(3H,t), 1.17(1H,t), 1.30(3H,d), 1.53-2.13(2H,m), 2.77-3.13(1H,m), 3.63(1H,q), 5.90(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 7.03(2H,d), 7.23(1H,t), 7.33-7.97(7H,m). 
     IR(Nujol)cm -1  : 2600, 1700, 1450, 1410, 1275, 1230, 1200, 1140, 750. 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 65-66) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 19. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 65 
     Methyl 2-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     pale yellow powder (35%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.60(2H,t), 3.61(2H,t), 3.19(3H,t), 3.63(3H,t), 5.60(2H,s), 6.56(2H,d), 6.85(2H,d), 7.07-7.12(2H,m), 7.30-7.35(1H,m), 7.51-7.65(3H,m), 7.96(1H,dd). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 66 
     Methyl 2-(2-methylthioethyl)-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     pale yellow powder (16%) 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHZ, CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.09(3H,t), 3.63(3H,s), 2.72-2.96(4H,m), 5.65(2H,s), 6.60(2H,d), 6.87(2H,d), 7.06-7.20(2H,m), 7.29-7.34(1H,m), 7.54-7.63(3H,m), 7.99-8.05(1H,m). 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 67 
     Methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1-methyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate and methyl 2-butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (2.0 g), NaHCO 3  (1.1 g) and methyl iodide (1.5 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The resulting residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 1-methyl derivative (0.95 g, 45%) and 2-methyl derivative (0.36 g, 17%). 
     1-Methyl derivative (67a): m.p. 200-201° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.28 N.sub.6 O.sub.2 :                
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.98;        5.87;   17.49                                      
Found:   69.67;        5.80;   17.36                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.97(3H,t), 1.39-1.58(2H,m), 1.81-1.97(2H,m), 2.91(2H,t), 3.16(3H,s), 3.74(3H,s), 5.72(2H,s), 6.77(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.48-7.69(5H,m), 7.95(1H,dd). 
     2-Methyl derivative (67b): pale yellow syrup 
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.96(3H,t), 1.38-1.57(2H,m), 1.80-1.96(2H,m), 2.92(2H,t), 3.71(3H,s), 4.18(3H,s), 5.73(2H,s), 6.77(2H,d), 7.06(2H,d), 7.24(1H,t), 7.35-7.55(3H,m), 7.59(1H,dd), 7.80(1H,dd), 7.94(1H,dd). 
     IR(Neat)cm -1  : 1725, 1520, 1460, 1435, 1400, 1360, 1280, 1265, 1220, 1200, 1125, 760. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 68 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]7-formylaminobenzimidazole and 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-Yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-7-ethoxycarbonylaminobenzimidazole 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.94 g), diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.61 g) and triethylamine (0.61 g) in DMF (6 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 7 hours and then the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to give a crystalline residue. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel column to give two colorless crystalline products (68a and 68b). 
     Formylamino derivative (68a): colorless crystals (0.26 g, 29%), m.p. 290-292° C.(d) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.26 H.sub.25 N.sub.7 O:                       
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   69.16;        5.58;   21.71                                      
Found:   69.29;        5.51;   21.94                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.84(3H,t), 1.22-1.40(2H,m), 1.56-1.71(2H,m), 2.70(2H,t), 5.55(2H,s), 6.79(1H,d), 6.89(2H,d), 6.98-7.07(3H,m), 7.43(2H,d), 7.51-7.70(3H,m), 8.27(1H,s). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3340, 1630, 1530, 1510, 1420, 1400, 750, 730. 
     Ethoxycarbonylamino derivative (68b): colorless crystals (0.31 g, 31%), m.p. 190-194° C.(d) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 N.sub.7 O.sub.2.0.1H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.62;        5.92;   19.71                                      
Found:   67.43;        5.81;   19.70                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.18(3H,t), 1.25-1.39(3H,m), 1.56-1.71(2H,m), 2.50(2H,t), 3.99(2H,q), 5.37(2H,s), 6.07(1H,s), 6.66(2H,d), 6.90-7.05(5H,m), 7.34(1H,dd), 7.55-7.64(2H,m), 8.00(1H,dd). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1700, 1520, 1250, 750. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 69 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-7-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)benzimidazole 
     This compound was prepared by a method like that of Working Example 44. 
     colorless crystals (56%) m.p 178-180° C.(d) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.28 H.sub.31 N.sub.7.2HCl.2H.sub.2 O.1/2AcOEt:
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   58.25;        6.68;   15.85                                      
Found:   58.42;        6.42;   15.61                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.91(3H,t), 1.33-1.51(2H,m), 1,71-1.86(2H,m), 2.50(6H,s), 3.17(2H,t), 4.32(2H,s), 5.92(2H,s), 7.07(2H,d), 7.14(2H,d), 7.49-7.72(5H,m), 7.80(1H,d), 7.92(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 3400, 1500, 1470, 1435, 1420, 750. 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 70-71) were prepared by a method like that of Working Example 44. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 70 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1-methyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless prism (78%), m.p. 213-214° C. 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.1/2H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   68.19;        5.72;   17.67                                      
Found:   68.52;        5.55;   17.62                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.38-1.57(2H,m), 1.80-1.95(2H,m), 2.99(2H,t), 3.18(3H,s), 5.82(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 6.97(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.48-7.68(4H,m), 7.80(1H,d), 7.98(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1700, 1520, 1470, 1445, 1435, 1410, 1290, 1280, 1230, 1185, 1145, 1120, 1100, 820, 770, 760, 745, 730. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 71 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2 -(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     colorless needles (71%), m.p. 226-228° C.(d) 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.27 H.sub.26 N.sub.6 O.sub.2.0.7H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   67.68;        5.76;   17.54                                      
Found:   67.48;        5.51;   17.26                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 1.38-1.56(2H,m), 1.79-1.94(2H,m), 3.07(2H,t), 4.22(3H,s), 5.84(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 7.06(2H,d), 7.25-7.55(4H,m), 7.74(1H,d), 7.81(1H,dd), 8.00(1H,d). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1700, 1510, 1450, 1430, 1410, 1360, 1290, 1240, 1190, 1150, 1120, 1100, 1060, 1035, 1000, 820, 760, 750, 740, 720. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 72 
     2-Butyl-1-[[2&#39;-(N-pivaloyloxymethyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid 
     A mixture of 2-butyl-1-[[2,-(1H-tetrazol-5-y)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.71 g), K 2  CO 3  (0.21 g) and iodomethylpivalate (0.36 g) in DMF (2 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours. The reaction mixture was digested with water and made acidic (pH 3-4) with 1N-HCl. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was washed with H 2  O, dried and evaporated to dryness to give a residue. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford colorless powder (0.2 g, m.p. 188-191° C.(d). 
     
         ______________________________________                                    
Elemental Analysis for C.sub.32 H.sub.34 N.sub.6 O.sub.4.0.6H.sub.2 O:    
       C (%)       H (%)   N (%)                                          
______________________________________                                    
Calcd:   66.56;        6.14;   14.55                                      
Found:   66.82;        6.28;   14.13                                      
______________________________________                                    
 
    
       1  H-NMR(200 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.94(3H,t), 0.96 and 1.18(9H,s), 1.36-1.55(2H,m), 1.77-1.93(2H,m), 2.90-2.97(2H,m), 5.39(1.5H,s), 5.81(2H,s), 6.36(0.5H,s), 6.76-6.83(2H,m), 6.96-7.03(2H,m), 7.20-7.29(1H,m), 7.38-7.97(6H,m). 
     IR(KBr)cm -1  : 1760, 1600, 1460, 1410, 1275, 1240, 1125, 1100, 760. 
     The following compounds (Working Examples 73-76) were prepared according to the procedure described in Working Example 36. 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 73 
     Pivaloyloxymethyl 2-ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 74 
     Pivaloyloxymethyl 2-propyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methylbenzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 75 
     1-(Cyclohexvloxvcarbonvloxy)ethyl 2-propyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     WORKING EXAMPLE 76 
     1-(Cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethyl-1-[[2&#39;-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl1methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate 
     EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 1 
     Inhibition of binding of angiotensin-II to angiotensin receptor 
     Method 
     An experiment of inhibition on the binding of angiotensin II (A-II) to A-II-receptor was conducted by modifying the method of Douglas et al. [Endocrinology, 102, 685-696 (1978)]. An A-II receptor was prepared from the membrane fraction of bovine adrenal cortex. 
     The compound of this invention (10 -6  M or 10 -5  M) and  125  I-A-II (1.85 kBq/50 μl ) were added to the receptor membrane fraction, and the mixture was incubated for one hour at room temperature. The receptor-bound and free  125  I-A-II were separated through a filter (Whatman GF/B filter), and the radioactivity of  125  I-A-II bound to the receptor was measured. 
     Results 
     The results relating to the compounds of this invention are shown in Table 1. 
     EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 2 
     Inhibitory effect of the compound of this invention on pressor action of A-II 
     Method 
     Jcl:SD rats (9 week old, male) were used. On the day prior to that of the experiment, these animals were applied with cannulation into the femoral artery and vein under anesthesia with pentobarbital Na. The animals were fasted but allowed free access to drinking water until the experiment was started. On the day of conducting the experiment, the artery cannula was connected with a blood-pressure transducer, and the average blood pressure was recorded by means of polygraph. Before administration of the drug, the pressor action due to intravenous administration of A-II (100 ng/kg) as the control was measured. The drugs were orally administered, and then, at each point of the measurement, A-II was administered intravenously, and the pressor action was similarly measured. By comparing the pressor action before and after administration of the drug, the percent inhibition by the drug on A-II-induced pressor action was evaluated. 
     Results 
     The results relating to the compounds of this invention are shown in Table 1. 
     
                                           TABLE 1                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
 ##STR24##                                                                
                                             Rodioreceptor                
                                             assay   Pressor response     
                                             1 ×                    
                                                 1 ×                
                                                     to A II (p.o.)       
No.  R.sup.1                                                              
            R&#39;   R&#34;  R&#39;&#34;  R.sup.2       R.sup.3                           
                                             10.sup.-6 M                  
                                                 10.sup.-5 M              
                                                     3 mg/kg              
                                                          30              
__________________________________________________________________________
                                                          mg/kg           
Working                                                                   
Example                                                                   
 1   Bu     H    H   H    COOH          Tet  78  95  +++*.sup.2           
                                                          +++             
 4   Bu     H    H   H    COONa         Tet · Na                 
                                             71  91  +++  +++             
 7   Pr     H    H   H    COOH          Tet  79  95  +++  +++             
 9   Bu     H    Me  H    COOMe         COOMe                             
                                             45  92  ++*.sup.2            
                                                          NT              
10   Bu     H    Me  H    COOH          Tet  40  90  +++  +++             
12   Bu     H    Cl  H    COOMe         Tet  65  91  ++   +++             
14   Bu     H    H   H    COOEt         Tet  50  82  ++   +++             
16   Bu     H    H   H    CH.sub.2 OH   Tet  67  90  NT*.sup.1            
                                                          +++             
17   Bu     H    H   H    CH.sub.2 COOEt                                  
                                        Tet  75  93  +*.sup.2             
                                                          NT              
19   Bu     H    H   H    CH.sub.2 OMe  Tet  60  90  +    NT              
27   Et     H    H   H    COOH          Tet  91  96  +++  +++             
28   iPr    H    H   H    COOH          Tet  88  98  +    NT              
29   Bu     H    H   H    COOK          Tet · K                  
                                             60  87  +++  +++             
31   Pr     H    H   H    COOMe         Tet  78  92  +++  +++             
34   Bu     H    H   H    COOMe         Tet  66  90  +++  +++             
36   Bu     H    H   H                                                    
                           ##STR25##    Tet  86  95  +++  +++             
37   Bu     H    H   H                                                    
                           ##STR26##    Tet  65  94  +++  +++             
39   Bu     H    H   H                                                    
                           ##STR27##    Tet  83  97  +++  +++             
49   CH.sub.2 OMe                                                         
            H    H   H    COOH          Tet  35  73  +++  +++             
51   CH.sub.2 SMe                                                         
            H    H   H    COOH          Tet  45  76  +++  +++             
Refer-                                                                    
ence                                                                      
Example                                                                   
17   Bu     H    H   H    H             Tet  52  87  --*.sup.2            
                                                          --              
19   Bu     H    H   OMe  H             Tet  47  88  --   NT              
21   Bu     H    H   Cl   H             Tet  22  79       --              
26   Bu     H    H   H    H             COOH 48  87       NT              
29   Bu     COOMe                                                         
                 H   H    H             Tet   6  61       --              
30   Bu     CONH.sub.2                                                    
                 H   H    H             Tet   1  40  --   --              
44   Bu     H    COOH                                                     
                     H    H             Tet  13  66  --   NT              
49   Bu     H    H   COOMe                                                
                          H             Tet  77  94  --   --              
50   Bu     H    H   COOH H             Tet   7  53  --   --              
__________________________________________________________________________
 *.sup.1 NT = not tested                                                  
 *.sup.2 +++ ≧70%&gt; ++ ≧50%&gt; + ≧30%&gt;--