The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) with the substituents as described within the specification. The compounds are useful in the positive modulation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of a broad range of diseases in which the positive modulation of α7nAChR is advantageous, including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and also inflammatory diseases.