1-(N-Acylamino)alkyltriarylphosphonium Salts with Weakened Cα-P⁺ Bond Strength-Synthetic Applications

One-Pot and Catalyst-Free Transformation of N-Protected 1-Amino-1-Ethoxyalkylphosphonates into Bisphosphonic Analogs of Protein and Non-Protein α-Amino Acids

Herein, we describe the development of one-pot transformation of α-ethoxy derivatives of phosphorus analogs of protein and non-protein α-amino acids into biologically important N-protected 1-aminobisphosphonates. The proposed strategy, based on the three-component reaction of 1-(N-acylamino)-1-ethoxyphosphonates with triphenylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate and triethyl phosphite, facilitates good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. The course of the reaction was monitored by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, allowing the identification of probable intermediate species, thus making it possible to propose a reaction mechanism. In most cases, there is no need to use a catalyst to provide transformation efficiency, which increases its attractiveness both in economic and ecological terms. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the one-pot procedure can be successfully applied for the synthesis of structurally diverse N-protected bisphosphonic analogs of α-amino acids. As shown, the indirect formation of the corresponding phosphonium salt as a reactive intermediate during the conversion of 1-(N-acylamino)-1-ethoxyphosphonate into a 1-aminobisphosphonate derivative is a crucial component of the developed methodology.

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 C_α-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.

Non-Kolbe electrolysis of N-protected-α-amino acids: a standardized method for the synthesis of N-protected (1-methoxyalkyl)amines

Here, we report a standardized method for the synthesis of N-protected (1-methoxyalkyl)amines by the electrochemical decarboxylative α-methoxylation of α-amino acid derivatives using the commercially available, easy-to-use, compact ElectraSyn 2.0 setup. The use of equipment with a standardized power source, electrodes, and other accessories allows this experimental procedure to be easily transferred to any laboratory in the world. A simple workup and chromatography-free purification produced the products in excellent yields above 90%.

Amide-Type Substrates in the Synthesis of N-Protected 1-Aminomethylphosphonium Salts

Herein we describe the development and optimization of a two-step procedure for the synthesis of N-protected 1-aminomethylphosphonium salts from imides, amides, carbamates, or lactams. Our “step-by-step” methodology involves the transformation of amide-type substrates to the corresponding hydroxymethyl derivatives, followed by the substitution of the hydroxyl group with a phosphonium moiety. The first step of the described synthesis was conducted based on well-known protocols for hydroxymethylation with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. In turn, the second (substitution) stage required optimization studies. In general, reactions of amide, carbamate, and lactam derivatives occurred at a temperature of 70 °C in a relatively short time (1 h). On the other hand, N-hydroxymethylimides reacted with triarylphosphonium salts at a much higher temperature (135 °C) and over longer reaction times (as much as 30 h). However, the proposed strategy is very efficient, especially when NaBr is used as a catalyst. Moreover, a simple work-up procedure involving only crystallization afforded good to excellent yields (up to 99%).

Synthesis of N-Protected 1-Aminoalkylphosphonium Salts from Amides, Carbamates, Lactams, or Imides

This report describes the development and optimization of the one-pot method for the synthesis of N-protected 1-aminoalkylphosphonium salts based on the three-component coupling of aldehydes and either amides, carbamates, lactams, imides, or urea in the presence of triarylphosphonium salts. The proposed strategy is very efficient and easy to carry out even on a larger scale (20 g) in any typical laboratory. Most reactions occur at temperatures between 50 and 100 °C in a short time (1–2 h) without requiring any catalyst, and simple workup procedures afford good to excellent yields. The exceptions are condensations with imides, which require much higher temperatures (150–170 °C) and longer reaction times (even 30 h). The possibility of carrying out the synthesis under solvent-free conditions (neat reactions) is also demonstrated. It is especially important for less reactive substrates (imides), and reactions required high temperature (or generally harsher conditions). Finally, we prove the developed one-pot methodology can be successfully applied for the synthesis of structurally diverse N-protected 1-aminoalkylphosphonium salts. Mechanistic studies showed the intermediate products of described couplings are 1-hydroxyalkylphosphonium salts, not N-hydroxyalkylamides, -imides, etc., as initially expected.

Michaelis-Arbuzov-Type Reaction of 1-Imidoalkyltriarylphosphonium Salts with Selected Phosphorus Nucleophiles

In this study, Michaelis-Arbuzov-type reaction of 1-imidoalkyltriarylphosphonium salts with phosphites, phosphonites, and phosphinites was used in the synthesis of a wide range of phosphorus analogs of α-amino acids such as 1-imidoalkylphosphonates, 1-imidoalkylphosphinates, and 1-imidoalkylphosphine oxides. Large differences were observed in the reactivity of substrates depending on their structure, especially on the type of phosphonium moiety and N-protecting group. The conditions under which the expected products can be obtained in good to excellent yields have been developed. Mechanistic aspects of the transformation have been provided.