The present invention relates to chemical compounds of formula (I), with the substituents as described in the specification, useful in the positive modulation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). 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 α7 nAChR is advantageous, including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and also neuropathic pain and inflammatory diseases.