Benzofuran compounds, compositions, and methods

The present invention provides novel, reduced benzothiophenes of formula IwhereinR is -H, -OH, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -O-CO-(C1-C6 alkyl), -O-CO-Ar in which Ar is optionally substituted phenyl, or -O-SO2-(C4-C6 alkyl);Ris -H, -OH, -O(C1-C4 alkyl), -O-CO-(C1-C6 alkyl), -O-CO-Ar in which Ar is optionally substituted phenyl, -O-SO2-(C4-C6 alkyl) chloro or bromo;n is 2 or 3; andRand Reach are independently C1-C4 alkyl, or combine to form 1-piperidinyl, 1-pyrrolidino, methyl-1-pyrrolidino, dimethyl-1-pyrrolidino, 4-morpholino or 1-hexamethyleneimino; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Further provided are methods for alleviating the symptoms of post-menopausal syndrome, and inhibiting endometriosis, uterine fibrosis, and aortal smooth muscle cell proliferation.Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations with formula I compounds, optionally including estrogen or progestin, and intermediate compounds.