Practical synthesis of 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates by radical reaction of hypophosphorous acid with terminal alkynes

ORGN 447

Yamina Belabassi, Sonia Gouault-Bironneau, and Jean-Luc Montchamp, J.montchamp@tcu.edu. Department of Chemistry, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 298860, Fort Worth, TX 76129
A simple and practical approach is reported for the synthesis of 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates compounds, which are novel precursors of the biologically important 1,1-bisphosphonates used to prevent bone resorption in a number of metabolic and tumor-induced bone diseases. The room temperature radical addition of hypophosphorous acid derivatives to terminal alkynes produces 1-alkyl-1,1-bis-H-phosphinates. The oxidative conversion of the 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates into the corresponding bisphosphonates is performed by using various oxidants, including ozone. The scope and the mechanistic aspects of the reaction will be discussed. The conversion of the 1,1-bis-H-phosphinates intermediates into 1,1-bisphosphino-alkanes will also be presented.