ACYLIC PIPERAZINE AND PIPERIDINE DERIVATIVES WHICH ARE USEFUL FOR TREATING NEURONAL DAMAGE

A compound having the formula (I): wherein: each R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from (C1-C10)-straight or branched alkyl, Ar-substituted- (C1-C10)-straight or branched alkyl, (C2-C10)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or Ar-substituted-(C2-C10)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl; wherein one to two CH2 groups of said alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl chains in each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are optionally and independently replaced with O, S, S(O), S(O), S(O)2, C(O) or N(R5) in a chemically stable arrangement, wherein the CH2 group of R1 and R2 bound directly to said nitrogen cannot be replaced with C(O); or R1 and R2 taken together form a 4 to 7 membered ring; or R3 and R4 taken together form a 3 to 7 membered ring; wherein a CH2 in either the R1 and R2 ring system or the R3 and R4 ring system is independently and optionally replaced with O, C(O), N(R5), S, S(O), S(O)2 in a chemically stable arrangement; or wherein either or both of the R1 and R2 ring system and the R3 and R4 ring system is optionally fused with Ar. These compounds are useful for treating or preventing neuronal damage, particularly damage associated with neurological diseases. These compounds are also useful for stimulating nerve growth. The invention also provides compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of utilizing those compositions for treating or preventing neuronal damage or for stimulating nerve growth.