Opening up the Toolbox: Synthesis and Mechanisms of Phosphoramidates

CuH-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Nitroarenes with Phosphine Oxides for the Direct Synthesis of Phosphamides

A CuH-catalyzed reductive coupling of nitroarenes with phosphine oxides is developed, which produces a series of phosphamides in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group tolerance. Gram-scale synthesis and late-stage modification of nitro-aromatic functional molecule niclosamide are also successfully conducted. The mechanism study shows that the nitro group is transformed after being reduced to nitroso and a nucleophilic addition procedure is involved during the reaction.

Antibody-Drug Conjugate Made of Zoledronic Acid and the Anti-CD30 Brentuximab-Vedotin Exert Anti-Lymphoma and Immunostimulating Effects

Relevant advances have been made in the management of relapsed/refractory (r/r) Hodgkin Lymphomas (HL) with the use of the anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) brentuximab-vedotin (Bre-Ved). Unfortunately, most patients eventually progress despite the excellent response rates and tolerability. In this report, we describe an ADC composed of the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) conjugated to Bre-Ved by binding the free amino groups of this antibody with the phosphoric group of ZA. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry analyses confirmed the covalent linkage between the antibody and ZA. The novel ADC has been tested for its reactivity with the HL/CD30+ lymphoblastoid cell lines (KMH2, L428, L540, HS445, and RPMI6666), showing a better titration than native Bre-Ved. Once the HL-cells are entered, the ADC co-localizes with the lysosomal LAMP1 in the intracellular vesicles. Also, this ADC exerted a stronger anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic (about one log fold) effect on HL-cell proliferation compared to the native antibody Bre-Ved. Eventually, Bre-Ved-ZA ADC, in contrast with the native antibody, can trigger the proliferation and activation of cytolytic activity of effector-memory Vδ2 T-lymphocytes against HL-cell lines. These findings may support the potential use of this ADC in the management of r/r HL.

Recent advances in metal directed C-H amidation/amination using sulfonyl azides and phosphoryl azides

Transition metal-catalyzed C-N bond formation reactions have gained popularity as a method for selectively transforming common C-H bonds into N-functionalized molecules. This approach is particularly useful for synthesizing aminated molecules, which require aminating reagents and amidated building blocks. Over the past two decades, significant advancements have been achieved in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization, with organic azides emerging as promising amino sources and internal oxidants. This review focuses on recent developments in utilizing sulfonyl and phosphoryl azides as building blocks for directed intra- and intermolecular C-H functionalization reactions. Specifically, it discusses methods for synthesizing sulfonamidates and phosphoramidates using sulfonyl and phosphoryl azides, respectively. The article highlights the potential of C-H functionalization reactions with organic azides for efficiently and sustainably synthesizing N-functionalized molecules, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in this field.

Copper-cobalt double metal cyanides as green catalysts for phosphoramidate synthesis

Phosphoramidates are common and widespread backbones of a great variety of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, additives and natural products. Conventional approaches to their synthesis make use of toxic chlorinated reagents and intermediates, which are sought to be avoided at an industrial scale. Here we report the coupling of phosphites and amines promoted by a Cu₃[Co(CN)₆]₂-based double metal cyanide heterogeneous catalyst using I₂ as additive for the synthesis of phosphoramidates. This strategy successfully provides an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to the synthesis of these valuable compounds in high yields and it is, to the best of our knowledge, the first heterogeneous approach to this protocol. While the detailed study of the catalyst structure and of the metal centers by PXRD, FTIR, EXAFS and XANES revealed changes in their coordination environment, the catalyst maintained its high activity for at least 5 consecutive iterations of the reaction. Preliminary mechanism studies suggest that the reaction proceeds by a continuous change in the oxidation state of the Cu metal, induced by a O₂/I^- redox cycle.

Insertion of Chemical Handles into the Backbone of DNA during Solid-Phase Synthesis by Oxidative Coupling of Amines to Phosphites

Conjugation of molecules or proteins to oligonucleotides can improve their functional and therapeutic capacity. However, such modifications are often limited to the 5' and 3' end of oligonucleotides. Herein, we report the development of an inexpensive and simple method that allows for the insertion of chemical handles into the backbone of oligonucleotides. This method is compatible with standardized automated solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, and relies on formation of phosphoramidates. A unique phosphoramidite is incorporated into a growing oligonucleotide, and oxidized to the desired phosphoramidate using iodine and an amine of choice. Azides, alkynes, amines, and alkanes have been linked to oligonucleotides via internally positioned phosphoramidates with oxidative coupling yields above 80 %. We show the design of phosphoramidates from secondary amines that specifically hydrolyze to the phosphate only at decreased pH. Finally, we show the synthesis of an antibody-DNA conjugate, where the oligonucleotide can be selectively released in a pH 5.5 buffer.

Prodrugs of Nucleoside 5'-Monophosphate Analogues: Overview of the Recent Literature Concerning their Synthesis and Applications

Nucleoside analogues are widely used as anti-infectious and antitumoral agents. However, their clinical use may face limitations associated with their physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic parameters, and/or their peculiar mechanisms of action. Indeed, once inside the cells, nucleoside analogues require to be metabolized into their corresponding (poly-)phosphorylated derivatives, mediated by cellular and/or viral kinases, in order to interfere with nucleic acid biosynthesis. Within this activation process, the first-phosphorylation step is often the limiting one and to overcome this limitation, numerous prodrug approaches have been proposed. Herein, we will focus on recent literature data (from 2015 and onwards) related to new prodrug strategies, the development of original synthetic approaches and novel applications of nucleotide prodrugs (namely pronucleotides) leading to the intracellular delivery of 5'-monophosphate nucleoside analogues.

Targeting of colorectal cancer organoids with zoledronic acid conjugated to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab

BACKGROUND

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are essential therapeutic options to treat solid and hematological cancers. The anti-epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab (Cet) is used for the therapy of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Anti-CRC Vδ2 cytolytic T lymphocytes can be elicited by the priming of tumor cells with the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) and consequent presentation of isopentenyl pyrophosphates through butyrophilin (BTN) family members such as BTN3A1 and BTN2A1. A major drawback that impairs the targeting of ZA to CRC is the bone tropism of aminobisphosphonates.

METHODS

The phosphoric group of ZA was linked to free amino groups of Cet in the presence of imidazole following the labeling of phosphoric groups of DNA to amino groups of proteins. The generation of Cet-ZA ADC was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis. Thirteen CRC organoids were obtained with a chemically defined serum-free medium in Geltrex domes. Proliferation and activation of cytolytic activity against CRC organoids by Vδ2 T cells was detected with flow cytometry, crystal violet and cytotoxic probe assays and image analysis. Immunohistochemistry and quantification of BTN3A1 or BTN2A1 expression and the number of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells in CRC were performed by automatic immunostaining, whole slide scanning and computerized analysis of digital pathology imaging.

RESULTS

The novel ADC Cet-ZA was generated with a drug antibody ratio of 4.3 and displayed a reactivity similar to the unconjugated antibody. More importantly, patient-derived CRC organoids, or CRC tumor cell suspensions, could trigger the expansion of Vδ2 T cells from peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes when primed with Cet-ZA. Furthermore, Cet-ZA triggered Vδ2 T cell-mediated killing of CRC organoids. The expression of BTN3A1 and BTN2A1 was detected not only in CRC organoids but also in CRC specimens, together with a considerable amount of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are proof of concept that the Cet-ZA ADC can be used to target specifically CRC organoids and may suggest a new experimental approach to deliver aminobisphosphonates to EGFR⁺ solid tumors.

Base-promoted direct amidation of esters: beyond the current scope and practical applications

The base-promoted direct amidation of unactivated esters is among the most useful reactions for amide bond formation in contemporary organic chemistry. The intensive research in this area has led to the development of a number of new methods to achive this transformation. However, to date, the existing literature is more methodological and in many instances lacks practical directions. Therefore, the full potential of this transformation is yet to be revealed by broadening the substrate scope. In a search for new practical applications of the amidation reaction, herein we present a comprehensive study of a number of base-promoted direct amidations that encompass a wide range of amines and esters. Furthermore, we applied our findings in the synthesis of phosphoramidates and several industrially relevant products.

A new method for direct amidation of unactivated esters with unprecedented substrate scope is developed.

Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of phosphoramides

Phosphoramide, as an important framework of many biologically active molecules, has attracted widespread attention in recent decades. It is not only widely used in pharmaceuticals because of its excellent biological activities, but it also shows good performance in organic dyes, flame retardants and extractors. Thus, it is of great significance to develop effective and convenient methods for the synthesis of phosphoramides. In this review, the recent advancements made in the synthesis routes and applications of phosphoramides are discussed. The synthetic strategies of phosphoramides can be separated into five categories: phosphorus halides as the substrate, phosphates as the substrate, phosphorus hydrogen as the substrate, azides as the substrate and other methods. The latest examples of these methods are provided and some representative mechanisms are also described.

Synthesis and evaluation of the antibiotic-adjuvant activity of carbohydrate-based phosphoramidate derivatives

Phosphoramidates are becoming increasingly recognized as molecular targets for therapeutic development. Their biological functions are significantly influenced by their inherent properties such as reactivity, as well as the P-N backbone which allows for structural diversity. In this study we report the synthesis of novel carbohydrate-based phosphoramidate derivatives via the Staudinger-phosphite reaction; along with an evaluation of their adjuvant activity in combination with popular antibiotics. Our targets involved variation in both the sugar residue as well as the identity of the phosphoramidate. Moderate to excellent yields of these derivatives were obtained. Notable adjuvant activity was observed with the halogenated phosphoramidates. For the fluorinated glucose derivative in particular, a remarkable 32-fold decrease in the MIC of Ampicillin was obtained against Methicillin-resistant S. aureus.