The present invention provides a heterocyclic compound having an orexin type 2 receptor agonist activity.
A compound represented by the formula (I):
wherein each symbol is as described in the description, or a salt thereof has an orexin type 2 receptor agonist activity, and is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of narcolepsy.
Areneoxides and trans-dihydrodiols at the 5,6- and 7,8-positions of quinoline have been synthesized. High stability of both areneoxides allowed identification of the 5,6-oxide as a liver microsomal metabolite of quinoline. Both areneoxides are converted to trans-dihydrodiols by microsamal epoxide hydrolase.