"The reactions are shown in flow diagram II wherein P is a protecting group and LG is a leaving group such as Cl, Br, I, OH, B(OH).sub.2, tosyl, mesyl or the like.##STR00008##Alternatively, compounds of formula Ib may be prepared directly from an indazole compound of formula XII by coupling said formula XII compound with the appropriate piperazine or homopiperazine compound of formula V in the pres" . . . .