Remarkable potential of the α-aminophosphonate/phosphinate structural motif in medicinal chemistry

Bisphosphonates: The role of chemistry in understanding their biological actions and structure-activity relationships, and new directions for their therapeutic use

The bisphosphonates ((HO)2P(O)CR1R2P(O)(OH)2, BPs) were first shown to inhibit bone resorption in the 1960s, but it was not until 30 years later that a detailed molecular understanding of the relationship between their varied chemical structures and biological activity was elucidated. In the 1990s and 2000s, several potent bisphosphonates containing nitrogen in their R2 side chains (N-BPs) were approved for clinical use including alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate. These are now mostly generic drugs and remain the leading therapies for several major bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis and skeletal-related events associated with bone metastases. The early development of chemistry in this area was largely empirical and only a few common structural features related to strong binding to calcium phosphate were clear. Attempts to further develop structure-activity relationships to explain more dramatic pharmacological differences in vivo at first appeared inconclusive, and evidence for mechanisms underlying cellular effects on osteoclasts and macrophages only emerged after many years of research. The breakthrough came when the intracellular actions on the osteoclast were first shown for the simpler bisphosphonates, via the in vivo formation of P-C-P derivatives of ATP. The synthesis and biological evaluation of a large number of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates in the 1980s and 1990s led to the key discovery that the antiresorptive effects of these more complex analogs on osteoclasts result mostly from their potency as inhibitors of the enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS/FPPS). This key branch-point enzyme in the mevalonate pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis is important for the generation of isoprenoid lipids that are utilized for the post-translational modification of small GTP-binding proteins essential for osteoclast function. Since then, it has become even more clear that the overall pharmacological effects of individual bisphosphonates on bone depend upon two key properties: the affinity for bone mineral and inhibitory effects on biochemical targets within bone cells, in particular FDPS. Detailed enzyme-ligand crystal structure analysis began in the early 2000s and advances in our understanding of the structure-activity relationships, based on interactions with this target within the mevalonate pathway and related enzymes in osteoclasts and other cells have continued to be the focus of research efforts to this day. In addition, while many members of the bisphosphonate drug class share common properties, now it is more clear that chemical modifications to create variations in these properties may allow customization of BPs for different uses. Thus, as the appreciation for new potential opportunities with this drug class grows, new chemistry to allow ready access to an ever-widening variety of bisphosphonates continues to be developed. Potential new uses of the calcium phosphate binding mechanism of bisphosphonates for the targeting of other drugs to the skeleton, and effects discovered on other cellular targets, even at non-skeletal sites, continue to intrigue scientists in this research field.

1-Aminoalkylphosphonium Derivatives: Smart Synthetic Equivalents of N-Acyliminium-Type Cations, and Maybe Something More: A Review

N-acyliminium-type cations are examples of highly reactive intermediates that are willingly used in organic synthesis in intra- or intermolecular α-amidoalkylation reactions. They are usually generated in situ from their corresponding precursors in the presence of acidic catalysts (Brønsted or Lewis acids). In this context, 1-aminoalkyltriarylphosphonium derivatives deserve particular attention. The positively charged phosphonium moiety located in the immediate vicinity of the N-acyl group significantly facilitates Cα-P+ bond breaking, even without the use of catalyst. Moreover, minor structural modifications of 1-aminoalkyltriarylphosphonium derivatives make it possible to modulate their reactivity in a simple way. Therefore, these types of compounds can be considered as smart synthetic equivalents of N-acyliminium-type cations. This review intends to familiarize a wide audience with the unique properties of 1-aminoalkyltriarylphosphonium derivatives and encourage their wider use in organic synthesis. Hence, the most important methods for the preparation of 1-aminoalkyltriarylphosphonium salts, as well as the area of their potential synthetic utilization, are demonstrated. In particular, the structure-reactivity correlations for the phosphonium salts are discussed. It was shown that 1-aminoalkyltriarylphosphonium salts are not only an interesting alternative to other α-amidoalkylating agents but also can be used in such important transformations as the Wittig reaction or heterocyclizations. Finally, the prospects and limitations of their further applications in synthesis and medicinal chemistry were considered.

Practical Synthesis of Phosphinic Dipeptides by Tandem Esterification of Aminophosphinic and Acrylic Acids under Silylating Conditions

In this report, a synthetic protocol for the preparation of phosphinic dipeptides of type 5 is presented. These compounds serve as valuable building blocks for the development of highly potent phosphinopeptidic inhibitors of medicinally relevant Zn-metalloproteases and aspartyl proteases. The proposed method is based on the tandem esterification of α-aminophosphinic and acrylic acids under silylating conditions in order to subsequently participate in a P-Michael reaction. The scope of the transformation was investigated by using a diverse set of readily available acrylic acids and (R)-α-aminophosphinic acids, and high yields were achieved in all cases. In most examples reported herein, the isolation of biologically relevant (R,S)-diastereoisomers became possible by simple crystallization from the crude products, thus enhancing the operational simplicity of the proposed method. Finally, functional groups corresponding to acidic or basic natural amino acids are also compatible with the reaction conditions. Based on the above, we expect that the practicality of the proposed protocol will facilitate the discovery of pharmacologically useful bioactive phosphinic peptides.

Visible-light-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization for the synthesis of phosphorylated oxindoles

The visible-light-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with H-phosphine oxides has been developed for the synthesis of phosphorylated oxindoles. This efficient and facile process was useful for the construction of a C-P bond and triggered the formation of a C-C bond with good compatibility with functional groups undermild reaction conditions.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Redox processes are at the heart of synthetic methods that rely on either electrochemistry or photoredox catalysis, but how do electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis compare? Both approaches provide access to high energy intermediates (e.g., radicals) that enable bond formations not constrained by the rules of ionic or 2 electron (e) mechanisms. Instead, they enable 1e mechanisms capable of bypassing electronic or steric limitations and protecting group requirements, thus enabling synthetic chemists to disconnect molecules in new and different ways. However, while providing access to similar intermediates, electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis differ in several physical chemistry principles. Understanding those differences can be key to designing new transformations and forging new bond disconnections. This review aims to highlight these differences and similarities between electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis by comparing their underlying physical chemistry principles and describing their impact on electrochemical and photochemical methods.

Enantioselective Phosphonation of Isoquinolines via Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Dearomatization

An efficient and enantioselective phosphonation protocol for construction of chiral α-aminophosphates and α-aminodiarylphosphine oxides has been developed based on chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed dearomatization of isoquinolines. A series of chiral 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines...

Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α- and β-enamido phosphonates: highly enantioselective access to amino phosphonic acids

Broad substrate scope; high isloated yield and enantioselectivity; novel hybrid bisphosphine ligands; gram-scale reaction with lower catalyst usage.

Synthesis of N-methylene phosphonate aziridines: reaction scope and mechanistic insights

Treatment of N-carbamoyl aziridines by the diethyl phosphite anion affords either α-methylene-phosphonate or gem-bisphosphonate derivatives containing an aziridine motif depending on the nature of the base used.

Copper(I)-catalysed intramolecular hydroarylation-redox cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N-propargylanilines with phosphites

Intramolecular hydroarylation-redox cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N-propargylanilines with phosphite diesters proceeded in the presence of Cu(I)-catalysts (20 mol%) to selectively give 2-phosphono-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines in good yields with 100% atomic utilization. P-H and two C-H bonds are activated at once and these hydrogen atoms are trapped by a propargylic triple bond in the molecule.

Tetraalkyl Hydroxymethylene-bisphosphonate and Dialkyl 1-Diphenylphosphinoyl-1-hydroxy-ethylphosphonate Derivatives by the Pudovik Reaction and Their Rearranged Products

The reaction of diethyl α-oxoethylphosphonate and diethyl oxobenzylphosphonate with diethyl phosphite, dimethyl phosphite, and diphenylphosphine oxide affords, depending on the substrates and conditions (nature and quantity of the amine catalyst, temperature, and solvent), the Pudovik adduct and/or the corresponding >P(O)–CH–O–P(O)< product formed by rearrangement. The nature of the substituent on the central carbon atom (a methyl or phenyl group) influences the inclination for the rearrangement. The asymmetric products (either adducts or rearranged species) with different P(O)Y functions (Y = RO or Ph) exhibit interesting NMR features.

Phosphorylation of arenes, heteroarenes, alkenes, carbonyls and imines by dehydrogenative cross-coupling of P(O)-H and P(R)-H

Organophosphorous compounds have recently emerged as a powerful class of compounds with widespread applications, such as in bioactive natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials, and as ligands in catalysis. The preparation of these compounds requires synthetic techniques with novel catalytic systems varying from transition metal, photo- and electrochemical catalysis to transformations without metal catalysts. Over the past few decades, the addition of P-H bonds to alkenes, alkynes, arenes, heteroarenes and other unsaturated substrates in hydrophosphination and other related reactions via the above-mentioned catalytic processes has emerged as an atom economical approach to obtain organophosphorus compounds. In most of the catalytic cycles, the P-H bond is cleaved to yield a phosphorus-based radical, which adds onto the unsaturated substrate followed by reduction of the corresponding radical yielding the product.

Organic photoredox catalytic α-C(sp3)-H phosphorylation of saturated aza-heterocycles

A metal-free C(sp³)-H phosphorylation of saturated aza-heterocycles via the merger of organic photoredox and Brønsted acid catalyses was established under mild conditions. This protocol provided straightforward and economic access to a variety of valuable α-phosphoryl cyclic amines by using commercially available diarylphosphine oxide reagents. In addition, the D-A fluorescent molecule DCQ was used for the first time as a photocatalyst and exhibited an excellent photoredox catalytic efficiency in this transformation. A series of mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations demonstrated that this transformation underwent a sequential visible light photoredox catalytic oxidation/nucleophilic addition process.

Facile Synthesis of Iron-Based MOFs MIL-100(Fe) as Heterogeneous Catalyst in Kabachnick Reaction

An effective technique was proposed for the synthesis of novel α-aminophosphonates: a three-component one-pot condensation reaction of aniline, aromatic aldehydes, and triphenyl phosphite in the presence of (MIL-100(Fe)) as a heterogeneous catalyst. Initially, MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized using H3BTC and ferric nitrate at low temperature and atmospheric pressure. Further, MIL-100(Fe) was characterized using various techniques such as XRD, BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Herein, MIL-100(Fe) showed exceptional catalytic performance for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonate and its derivatives compared with conventional solid catalysts, and even homogeneous catalysts. The study demonstrated that MIL-100(Fe) is an ecofriendly and easily recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in Kabachnick reactions for α-aminophosphonate synthesis, with high yield (98%) and turnover frequency (TOF ~ 3.60 min−1) at room temperature and a short reaction time (30 min).

Ni-Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic Alkylation of H-Phosphinates

The asymmetric synthesis of P-stereogenic phosphinates through allylic alkylation of H-phosphinates has been developed. With H-phosphinates and allylic acetates as the starting materials, a variety of allylic P-chiral phosphinates were accessed in high enantioselectivities of up to 92% ee and generally high yields. In addition, a further study demonstrated the applicability of this protocol, including the scale-up synthesis and facile transformation of chiral products from phosphinates to phosphine oxides with organolithium reagents under mild reaction conditions.

Study of the Three-Component Reactions of 2-Alkynylbenzaldehydes, Aniline, and Dialkyl Phosphites-The Significance of the Catalyst System

New, practical approaches for the synthesis of α-amino (2-alkynylphenyl)-methylphosphonates and 1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-1-ylphosphonates were developed. By the propylphosphonic anhydride (T₃P^®)-mediated Kabachnik–Fields reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes, aniline, and dialkyl phosphites, α-amino (2-alkynylphenyl)-methylphosphonates were obtained selectively in high yields. The method developed is a simple operation and did not require a chromatographic separation since the products could be isolated from the reaction mixture by a simple extraction. At the same time, 2,3-disubstituted-1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-1-ylphosphonates could be prepared effectively from the same kinds of starting materials (2-alkynylbenzaldehydes, aniline, and dialkyl phosphites) at 60 °C in a short reaction time by changing the catalyst for CuCl. Therefore, it was proved that the catalyst system applied played a crucial role with respect to the reaction outcome.

Zirconium-catalyzed asymmetric Kabachnik-Fields reactions of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes

An effective catalyst has been developed for the three-component reaction of aldehydes, anilines and phosphites in an asymmetric catalytic Kabachnik-Fields reaction to give α-aminophosphonates. A catalyst was sought that would give high asymmetric inductions for aromatic and, and more particularly, for aliphatic aldehydes since there has not previously been an effective catalyst developed for this class of aldehydes. The optimal catalyst is prepared from three equivalents of the 7,7'-di-t-butylVANOL ligand, one equivalent of N-methylimidazole and one equivalent of zirconium tetraisopropoxide. This catalyst was most efficient in the presence of 10 mol% benzoic acid. Optimal conditions for aryl aldehydes required the use of 3,5-diisopropyl-2-hydroxyaniline and gave the aryl α-aminophosphonates in up to 96% yield and 98% ee over 11 different aryl aldehydes. The best aniline for aliphatic aldehydes was found to be 3-t-butyl-2-hydroxyaniline and gave the corresponding phosphonates in up to 83% yield and 97% ee over 18 examples. The asymmetric inductions for aliphatic aldehydes were comparable with those for aromatic aldehydes with a mean induction of 90% ee for the former and 91% ee for the latter. The best method for the liberation of the free amine from the aniline substituted α-aminophosphonates involved oxidation with N-iodosuccinimide.

Enantioselective Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrophosphinylation of Allenes with Phosphine Oxides: Access to Chiral Allylic Phosphine Oxides

A Pd-catalyzed hydrophosphinylation of alkyl and aryl-oxyallenes with phosphine oxides has been developed for the efficient and rapid construction of a family of chiral allylic phosphine oxides with a diverse range of functional groups. This methodology was further applied in the facile construction of chiral 2H-chromene and later stage functionalization of cholesterol.

α-Aminophosphonates 4-XC6H4-NH-CH(4-BrC6H4)-P(O)(OiPr)2 (X = H, Br, MeO): Crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis, computational studies and in silico molecular docking with the SARS-CoV-2 proteins

We report structural and computational studies of three α-aminophosphonates 4-XC6H4-NH-CH(4-BrC6H4)-P(O)(OiPr)2, namely diisopropyl((4-bromophenyl)(phenylamino)methyl)phosphonate (X = H, 1), diisopropyl((4-bromophenyl)((4-bromophenyl)amino)methyl)phosphonate (X = Br, 2) and diisopropyl((4-bromophenyl)((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)methyl)phosphonate (X = MeO, 3). The structures of 1-3 were fully confirmed by means of the 31P{1H} and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Crystal structures of 2 and 3 are isostructural and each contain two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit cell. Energy frameworks have been calculated to analyze the overall crystal packing of 1-3. The DFT calculations were performed to verify the structures of 1-3 as well as their electronic and optical properties. Molecular docking was applied to examine the influence of both the (S)- and (R)-enantiomers of 1-3 on a series of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

Enantioselective vinylogous aldol reaction of acylphosphonates with 3-alkylidene oxindoles

A simple strategy for yielding chiral tertiary α-hydroxy phosphonates that integrates two highly biologically relevant scaffolds namely 3-alkylidene-2-oxindoles and phosphonates has been described. The hydrogen bonding ability of the bifunctional thiourea catalyst allows simultaneous dual activation of a vinylogous oxindole nucleophile and an acylphosphonate electrophile, affording hydroxyphosphonato-3-alkylidene-2-oxindoles as aldol adducts in high yields (up to 92%) with excellent stereocontrol (up to 99% ee).

A One-Pot Approach to 2-Substituted-2-(Dimethoxyphosphoryl)-Pyrrolidines from Substituted tert-Butyl 4-Oxobutylcarbamates and Trimethyl Phosphite

A novel approach to 2-substituted-2-(dimethoxyphosphoryl)-pyrrolidines 7a-7o and 9a-9r has been developed, which features a TMSOTf-mediated one-pot intramolecular cyclization and phosphonylation of substituted tert-butyl 4-oxobutylcarbamates. The major advantages of this method include simple operation under mild reaction conditions, the use of cheap Lewis acid, and good to excellent yields with high diastereoselectivities (dr up to 99:1).

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Phosphorus Substituted 4-Cyanooxazolines, 2-Aminocyanooxazolines, 2-Iminocyanooxazolidines and 2-Aminocyanothiazolines by Rearrangement of Cyanoaziridines

Several phosphorus-substituted N-acylated cyanoaziridines 2 and N-carbamoylated cyanoziridines 5 were prepared in good to high yields. N-Acylated cyanoaziridines 2 were used, after ring expansion, in an efficient synthesis of oxazoline derivative 3a and in a completely regio-controlled reaction in the presence of NaI. Conversely, N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5 reacted with NaI to obtain a regioisomeric mixture of 2-aminocyanooxazolines 7. Mild acidic conditions can be used for the isomerization of N-thiocarbamoyl cyanoaziridine 6a into a 2-aminocyanothiazoline derivative 8a by using BF₃·OEt₂ as a Lewis acid. Likewise, a one pot reaction of NH-cyanoaziridines 1 with isocyanates obtained 2-iminocyanooxazolidines 9 regioselectively. This synthetic methodology involves the addition of isocyanates to starting cyanoaziridines to obtain N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5, which after the ring opening, reacts with a second equivalent of isocyanate to give the final 2-imino cyanooxazolidines 9. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on the cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) was also screened. 2-Iminooxazolidines 9 exhibited moderate activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, a selectivity towards cancer cells (A549) over non-malignant cells (MCR-5) was detected.

B(C6F5)3-catalyzed O-H insertion reactions of diazoalkanes with phosphinic acids

A highly efficient base-, metal-, and oxidant-free catalytic O-H insertion reaction of diazoalkanes and phosphinic acids in the presence of B(C6F5)3 has been developed. This powerful methodology provides a green approach towards the synthesis of a broad spectrum of α-phosphoryloxy carbonyl compounds with good to excellent yields (up to 99% yield). The protocol features the advantages of operational simplicity, high atom economy, practicality, easy scalability and environmental friendliness.

Copper-catalyzed P-H insertion reactions of sulfoxonium ylides

A copper-catalyzed P-H insertion reaction between sulfoxonium ylides and H-phosphorus oxides has been demonstrated, furnishing α-phosphonyl carboxylate derivatives in 41-93% yields. This methodology utilizing bench-stable and thermodynamically stable sulfoxonium ylides as carbene precursors in the presence of the inexpensive and readily available copper catalyst shows advantages such as mild reaction conditions, good functional group compatibility, and easy scale-up, which make this protocol attractive for large-scale chemical processing and processing at the industrial scale.

Highly Diastereoselective Construction of Carbon- Heteroatom Quaternary Stereogenic Centers in the Synthesis of Analogs of Bioactive Compounds: From Monofluorinated Epoxyalkylphosphonates to α-Fluoro-, β-, or γ-Amino Alcohol Derivatives of Alkylphosphonates

The synthesis of the stable surrogates of an important amino acid (R)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) such as substituted hydroxy aminophosphonic acids bearing a quaternary stereogenic center is presented. Highly diastereoselective formations of fluorinated spiroepoxy alkylphosphonate or related tertiary carbon-containing oxiranes from β-keto phosphonates possessing methyl, phenyl, or cyclohexenyl substituents, are reported. Stereoselective acid-promoted epoxide opening by bromide or azide followed by reduction/protection afforded tertiary bromides or N-Boc derivatives of β-amino-γ-hydroxy alkylphosphonates in most cases, while the reactions of oxiranes with different amines yielded their β-hydroxy-γ-amino regioisomers. Surprisingly, during the synthesis of amino phosphonic acids, we observe that the acid-induced rearrangement proceeded in a high diastereospecific manner, leading finally to substituted β-hydroxy-γ-aminoalkylphosphonic acids.

Fiaud's Acid, a novel organocatalyst for diastereoselective bis α-aminophosphonates synthesis with in-vitro biological evaluation of antifungal, antioxidant and enzymes inhibition potential

(S, S)-1-hydroxy-1-oxo-2-c,5-t-diphenylphospholane or Fiaud's acid is used as a novel and effective chiral organocatalyst for bis α-aminophosphonates synthesis with excellent diastereoselectivity and yields within short reaction time. All synthesized bis α-aminophosphonates revealed a good to excellent antifungal capacity, where the six compounds 4a, 4b, 4e, 4h, 4k and 4l are the best fungicide inhibiting the growth of Fusarium oxysporumandBotrytis cinereaby 65% to 84% with IC₅₀ values <0.02 mg/mL. Similarly, these six products exhibited a strong antioxidant effect, whereas a low inhibition activity was obtained with both AChE and BChE. Furthermore, they displayed a very weak inhibitory activity against tyrosinase except for the compound4l.These findings suggest a possible use of these compounds as synthetic pesticides with less hazardous effects with antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase properties.

Gold-Catalyzed Access to Isophosphinoline 2-Oxides

Gold(I)-catalyzed reactions of electron-poor alkynes are still a challenging process. A straightforward synthesis of phosphorus-based heterocycles, namely, 2-phenyl 1H-isophosphinoline 2-oxides 1, is reported. The reaction used PPh₃AuCl precatalyst in combination with triflic acid under microwave activation and afforded isophosphinoline 2-oxides 1 in moderate to quantitative yields through a fully regioselective 6-endo-dig hydroarylation cyclization, paving the way toward an effective synthesis of phosphorus heterocycles.

Phosphinotripeptidic Inhibitors of Leucylaminopeptidases

Phosphinate pseudopeptide are analogs of peptides containing phosphinate moiety in a place of the amide bond. Due to this, the organophosphorus fragment resembles the tetrahedral transition state of the amide bond hydrolysis. Additionally, it is also capable of coordinating metal ions, for example, zinc or magnesium ions. These two properties of phosphinate pseudopeptides make them an ideal candidate for metal-related protease inhibitors. This research investigates the influence of additional residue in the P2 position on the inhibitory properties of phosphinopeptides. The synthetic strategy is proposed, based on retrosynthetic analysis. The N-C-P bond formation in the desired compounds is conveniently available from the three-component condensation of appropriate amino components, aldehydes, and hypophosphorous acid. One of the crucial synthetic steps is the careful selection of the protecting groups for all the functionals. Determination of the inhibitor activity of the obtained compounds has been done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and standard substrate _L-Leu-p-nitroanilide toward the enzymes isolated from the porcine kidney (SsLAP, Sus scrofa Leucine aminopeptidase) and barley seeds (HvLAP, Hordeum vulgare Leucine aminopeptidase). An efficient procedure for the preparation of phosphinotripeptides has been performed. Activity test shown that introduction of additional residue into P2 position obtains the micromolar range inhibitors of SsLAP and HvLAP. Moreover, careful selection of the residue in the P2 position should improve its selectivity toward mammalian and plant leucyl aminopeptidases.

Synthesis and Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity Studies of Novel 3-Amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-Phospha-γ-lactones

A series of 3-amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-phosphalactones (4a–l) has been synthesized from the Kabachnik–Fields reaction via a facile route from a one-pot three-component reaction of diphenylphosphite with various 2-hydroxybenzaldehyes and heterocyclic amines in a new way of expansion. The in vitro anti-cell proliferation studies by MTT assay have revealed them as potential Panc-1, Miapaca-2, and BxPC-3 pancreatic cell growth inhibitors, and the same is supported by molecular docking, QSAR, and ADMET studies. The MTT assay of their SAHA derivatives against the same cell lines evidenced them as potential HDAC inhibitors and identified 4a, 4b, and 4k substituted with 1,3-thiazol, 1,3,4-thiadiazol, and 5-sulfanyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol moieties on phenyl and diethylamino phenyl rings as potential ones. Additionally, the flow cytometric analyses of 4a, 4b, and 4k against BxPC-3 cells revealed compound 4k as a lead compound that arrests the S phase cell cycle growth at low micromolar concentrations. The ADMET properties have ascertained their inherent pharmacokinetic potentiality, and the wholesome results prompted us to report it as the first study on anti-pancreatic cancer activity of cyclic α-aminophosphonates. Ultimately, this study serves as a good contribution to update the existing knowledge on the anticancer organophosphorus heterocyclic compounds and elevates the scope for generation of new anticancer drugs. Further, the studies like QSAR, drug properties, toxicity risks, and bioactivity scores predicted for them have ascertained the synthesized compounds as newer and potential drug candidates. Hence, this study had augmented the array of α-aminophosphonates by adding a new collection of 3-amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-phosphalactones, a class of cyclic α-aminophosphonates, to it, which proved them as potential anti-pancreatic cancer agents.

Synthesis of α-Aminophosphonates and Related Derivatives; the Last Decade of the Kabachnik-Fields Reaction

The Kabachnik-Fields reaction, comprising the condensation of an amine, oxo compound and a P-reagent (generally a >P(O)H species or trialkyl phosphite), still attracts interest due to the challenging synthetic procedures and the potential biological activity of the resulting α-aminophosphonic derivatives. Following the success of the first part (Molecules 2012, 17, 12821), here we summarize the synthetic developments in this field accumulated in the last decade. The procedures compiled include catalytic accomplishments as well as catalyst-free and/or solvent-free "greener" protocols. The products embrace α-aminophosphonates, α-aminophosphinates, and α-aminophosphine oxides along with different bis derivatives from the double phospha-Mannich approach. The newer developments of the aza-Pudovik reactions are also included.

α-(Imino)pyridyldifluoroethyl Phosphonates: Novel Promising Building Blocks in Synthesis of Biorelevant Aminophosphonic Acids Derivatives

A convenient synthetic approach to previously unknown NH-iminophosphonates bearing 2-, 3-, and 4-pyridyldifluoromethyl groups at the imine carbon atom was developed. The synthetic potential of these novel building blocks was demonstrated by their conversion into highly functionalized acyclic and heterocyclic aminophosphonates and phosphonic acids combining in their structure biorelevant aminophosphonic fragment, difluoromethyl group, and pyridyl, piperidyl, thiazolidin-4-one, or thiazidinan-4-one heterocyclic moieties in a single molecular platform.

Phosphonates enantiomers receiving with fungal enzymatic systems

BACKGROUND

Phosphonates derivatives are in the area of interests because of their unique chemical-physical features. These compounds manifest variety of biological interactions within the sensitive living cells, including impact on particular enzymes activities. Biological "cause and effect" interactions are based upon the specific matching between the structures and/or compounds and this is usually the result of proper optical configurations of particular chiral moieties. Presented research is targeted to the phosphonates with the heteroatom incorporated in their side functionalities. Such molecules are described as possible substrates of bioconversion for the first time lately and this field is not fully explored.

RESULTS

Presented research is targeted to the synthesis of pure hetero-phosphonates enantiomers. The catalytic activity of yeasts and moulds were tested towards two substrates: the thienyl and imidazole phosphonates to resolve their racemic mixtures. Biotransformations conditions differed depending on the outcome, what included changing of following parameters: type of cultivation media, bioprocess duration (24-72 h), additional biocatalyst pre-treatment (24-48 h starvation step triggering the secondary metabolism). (S)-1-amino-1-(3-thienyl)methylphosphonate was produced with the assistance of R. mucilaginosa or A. niger (e.e. up to 98% and yield up to 100%), starting from the 3 mM of substrate racemic mixture. Bioconversion of racemic mixture of 3 mM of (1-amino-1-(4-imidazole)methylphosphonic acid) resulted in the synthesis of S-isomer (up to 95% of e.e.; 100% of yield) with assistance of R. mucilaginosa. 24 h biotransformation was conducted with biomass preincubated under 48-hour starvation conditions. Such stereoselective resolution of the racemic mixtures of substrates undergoes under kinetic control with the conversion of one from the enantiomers.

CONCLUSIONS

Composition of the culturing media and pre-incubation in conditions of nutrient deficiency were significant factors influencing the results of kinetic resolution of racemic mixtures of phosphonic substrates and influencing the economic side of the biocatalysis e.g. by determining the duration of whole biocatalytic process.

Synthesis of Non-canonical Amino Acids and Peptide Containing Them for Establishment of the Template for Drug Discovery

Non-canonical amino acid derivatives are an attractive scaffold for novel drug candidates. Among the methods used to prepare this motif, the asymmetric Mannich-type reaction of α-imino carboxylic acid derivatives is a preeminent strategy because a wide variety of non-canonical amino acids can be accessed by changing only the nucleophile. Preparing the common substrate is difficult, however, which makes this method problematic. We developed a convenient method for synthesizing common substrates using MnO₂-mediated oxidation of stable precursors. Peptides bearing non-canonical amino acids are another attractive synthetic target. We propose a new approach for synthesizing non-canonical amino acid-containing peptides by directly applying various organic reactions to peptidic substrates. Using hydrophobic anchor-supported peptides, we directly applied ring-closing metathesis and asymmetric Friedel-Crafts reactions to peptidic substrates. We also developed a novel recyclable organocatalyst according to the nature of the hydrophobic anchor tagged compound.

Enantioselective Reductive Cyanation and Phosphonylation of Secondary Amides by Iridium and Chiral Thiourea Sequential Catalysis

The combination of transition-metal catalysis and organocatalysis increasingly offers chemists opportunities to realize diverse unprecedented chemical transformations. By combining iridium with chiral thiourea catalysis, direct enantioselective reductive cyanation and phosphonylation of secondary amides have been accomplished for the first time for the synthesis of enantioenriched chiral α-aminonitriles and α-aminophosphonates. The protocol is highly efficient and enantioselective, providing a novel route to the synthesis of optically active α-functionalized amines from the simple, readily available feedstocks. In addition, the reactions are scalable and the thiourea catalyst can be recycled and reused.

A Carbodiimide-Mediated P-C Bond-Forming Reaction: Mild Amidoalkylation of P-Nucleophiles by Boc-Aminals

The first example of a carbodiimide-mediated P-C bond-forming reaction is described. The reaction involves activation of β-carboxyethylphosphinic acids and subsequent reaction with Boc-aminals using acid-catalysis. Mechanistic experiments using ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations support the contribution of unusually reactive cyclic phosphinic/carboxylic mixed anhydrides in a reaction pathway involving ion-pair "swapping". The utility of this protocol is highlighted by the direct synthesis of Boc-protected phosphinic dipeptides, as precursors to potent Zn-aminopeptidase inhibitors.

New approaches towards the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro isoquinoline-3-phosphonic acid (TicP)

Two new strategies for the efficient synthesis of racemic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-phosphonic acid (Tic^P) (±)-2 have been developed. The first strategy involves the electron-transfer reduction of the easily obtained α,β-dehydro phosphonophenylalanine followed by a Pictet-Spengler cyclization. The second strategy involves a radical decarboxylation-phosphorylation reaction on 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic). In both strategies, the highly electrophilic N-acyliminium ion is formed as a key intermediate, and the target compound is obtained in good yield using mild reaction conditions and readily available starting materials, complementing existing methodologies and contributing to the easy accessibility of (±)-2 for further research.