Resolution of chiral phosphate, phosphonate, and phosphinate esters by an enantioselective enzyme library

An array of 16 enantiomeric pairs of chiral phosphate, phosphonate, and phosphinate esters was used to establish the breadth of the stereoselective discrimination inherent within the bacterial phosphotriesterase and 15 mutant enzymes. For each substrate, the leaving group was 4-hydroxyacetophenone while the other two groups attached to the phosphorus core consisted of an asymmetric mixture of methyl, methoxy, ethyl, ethoxy, isopropoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, cyclohexyl, and cyclohexoxy substituents. For the wild-type enzyme, the relative rates of hydrolysis for the two enantiomers ranged from 3 to 5.4 x 10(5). Various combinations of site-specific mutations within the active site were used to create modified enzymes with alterations in their enantioselective properties. For the single-site mutant enzyme, G60A, the stereoselectivity is enhanced relative to that of the wild-type enzyme by 1-3 orders of magnitude. Additional mutants were obtained where the stereoselectivity is inverted relative to the wild-type enzyme for 13 of the 16 pairs of enantiomers tested for this investigation. The most dramatic example was obtained for the hydrolysis of 4-acetylphenyl methyl phenyl phosphate. The G60A mutant preferentially hydrolyzes the SP-enantiomer by a factor of 3.7 x 10(5). The I106G/F132G/H257Y mutant preferentially hydrolyzes the RP-enantiomer by a factor of 9.7 x 10(2). This represents an enantioselective discrimination of 3.6 x 10(8) between these two mutants, with a total of only four amino acid changes. The rate differential between the two enantiomers for any given mutant enzyme is postulated to be governed by the degree of nonproductive binding within the enzyme active site and stabilization of the transition state. This hypothesis is supported by computational docking of the high-energy, pentavalent form of the substrates to modeled structures of the mutant enzyme; the energies of the docked transition-state analogues qualitatively capture the enantiomeric preferences of the various mutants for the different substrates. These results demonstrate that the catalytic properties of the wild-type phosphotriesterase can be exploited for the kinetic resolution of a wide range of phosphate, phosphonate, and phosphinate esters and that the active site of this enzyme is remarkably amenable to structural perturbations via amino acid substitution.     

Enzymatic removal of carboxyl protecting groups. III. Fast removal of allyl and chloroethyl esters by Bacillus subtilis esterase (BS2)

An esterase from Bacillus subtilis (BS2) allows the fast and selective removal of allyl, 2-chloroethyl, and 2,2,2-chloroethyl esters under mild conditions in high yields. In addition, BS2 easily hydrolyzes phenacyl esters, while the hydrolysis of sterically hindered diphenylmethyl esters is slow, requiring longer reaction time and higher enzyme/substrate ratio.     

Synthesis of 1-amino-2-vinylcyclopropane-1-phosphinates. Conversion of a phosphonate to phosphinates

Conversion of diethyl 1-amino-2-vinylcyclopropanephosphonate to ethyl 1-amino-2-vinylcyclopropanephosphinate was accomplished by using either nucleophilic or electrophilic carbon reagents. Hydrolysis of the phosphonate diethyl ester to the mono acid followed by oxalyl chloride treatment provided the phosphonomonochloridate, which was treated with nucleophilic organometallic agents to afford phosphinate ethyl esters. Alternatively, the chloridate was reduced to the phosphonous ethyl ester, and then alkylated with various electrophilic alkylating agents to obtain phosphinate ethyl esters.     

ANCUT2, a Thermo-alkaline Cutinase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus nidulans</Emphasis> and Its Potential Applications

Biochemical characterization of purified ANCUT2 cutinase from Aspergillus nidulans is described. The identified amino acid sequence differs from that predicted in Aspergillus genomic databases in amino acids not relevant for catalysis. The enzyme is thermo-alkaline, showing its maximum activity at pH 9 and 60 °C, and it retains more than 60% of its initial activity after incubation for 1 h at 60 °C for pH values between 6 and 10. ANCUT2 is more active towards long-chain esters and it hydrolyzes cutin; however, it also hydrolyzes short-chain esters. Cutinase is inhibited by metal ions, PMSF, SDS, and EDTA (10 mM). It retains 50% of its activity in most of the solvents tested, although it is more stable in hydrophobic solvents. According to its found biochemical properties, preliminary assays demonstrate its ability to synthesize methyl esters from sesame oil and the most likely application of this enzyme remains in detergent formulations.     

Palladium-catalyzed reactions of hypophosphorous compounds with allenes, dienes, and allylic electrophiles: methodology for the synthesis of allylic h-phosphinates

Hypophosphorous compounds (MOP(O)H(2), M = H, R(3)NH) effectively participate in metal-catalyzed C-P bond-forming reactions with allenes, dienes, and activated allylic electrophiles under mild conditions. The catalytic system Pd(2)dba(3)/xantphos is crucial to avoid or minimize the competitive reductive transfer-hydrogenation pathway available to hypophosphorous acid derivatives. Further investigation into the allylation mechanism provided access to the analogy allylic acetate-allylic phosphinate, which then led to the development of a Pd-catalyzed rearrangement of preformed allylic phosphinates esters and, ultimately, to a catalytic dehydrative allylation of hypophosphorous acid with allylic alcohols. The reactions disclosed herein constitute efficient synthetic approaches, not only to prepare allylic H-phosphinic acids but also their esters via one-pot tandem processes. In addition, the potential of H-phosphinates as useful synthons for the preparation of other organophosphorus compounds is demonstrated.     

P-S Bond scission by bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq): first documented example of an organometallic complex hydrolyzing thiophosphinates

Thiophosphinate hydrolysis involving P-S bond scission is desirable for the degradation of organophosphate neurotoxins, and we report the first case for such a hydrolytic process by an organometallic compound. The metallocene, bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride, Cp(2)MoCl(2) (Cp = eta(5)-C(5)H(5)), hydrolyzes a variety of thioaryl diphenylphosphinates in an aqueous THF solution. P-S scission of p-methoxythiophenyl diphenylphosphinate has a 500-fold rate of acceleration in the presence of Cp(2)MoCl(2)(aq) with activation parameters of 20(3) kcal mol(-)(1) and -15(3) cal mol(-)(1) K(-)(1) for DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger), respectively. These activation parameters and the rate acceleration are consistent with an intermolecular hydrolytic process in which the Cp(2)Mo serves as a Lewis acid to activate the phosphinate for nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, rho = 2.3 (25 degrees C) which indicates a single nonconcerted mechanism in which the rate determining step is the nucleophilic attack on the activated phosphinate.     

An approach to the synthesis and assignment of the absolute configuration of all enantiomers of ethyl hydroxy(phenyl)methane(P-phenyl)phosphinate

Ethyl butyryloxy(phenyl)methane(P-phenyl)phosphinate was hydrolyzed using four bacterial species as biocatalysts. In all cases the reaction was stereoselective and isomers bearing an α-carbon atom with an (S)-configuration were hydrolyzed preferentially. Also a lack of stereoselectivity toward the phosphorus atom was observed. Hydrolysis of one enantiomeric mixture, namely mixture of (S_P,R) and (R_P,S) configuration afforded enantiomerically pure ethyl (R_P,S)-hydroxy(phenyl)methane(P-phenyl)phosphinate, configuration of which was established by X-ray crystallography. The observed ¹H and ³¹P NMR chemical shifts of Mosher esters of ethyl hydroxy(phenyl)methane(P-phenyl)phosphinate were correlated with the configurations of both stereogenic centers of all four stereoisomers.     

Phosphinic acid pseudopeptides analogous to glutamyl-gamma-glutamate: synthesis and coupling to pteroyl azides leads to potent inhibitors of folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase.

Several routes to a complex phosphinate phosphapeptide analogous to the gamma-glutamyl peptide Glu-gamma-Glu have been investigated. Formation of gamma-phosphono glutamate derivatives via addition of a phosphorus-based radical to protected vinylglycine was found to be of limited value because of the elevated temperatures required. Alkylation and conjugate addition reactions of trivalent phosphorus (P(III)) species were investigated. In situ generation of bis-trimethylsilyl esters of phosphinous acids proved to be an effective route to phosphinates of modest structural complexity. However, this chemistry could not be extended to the incorporation of an amino acid moiety at the N-terminal side of the desired phosphinate. A successful synthesis of the target phosphinate phosphapeptide was effected using P(III) chemistry and dehydrohalogenation to yield an alpha,beta-unsaturated phosphinic acid ester, following which conjugate addition of diethylacetamido malonate and acid-mediated hydrolysis afforded the desired phosphinate phosphapeptide. Coupling of the unprotected phosphinate phosphapeptide with two acyl azides derived from folic acid and methotrexate led to the corresponding pteroylphosphapeptides of interest as possible mimics of tetrahedral intermediates in the reaction catalyzed by folylpolyglutamate synthetase.     

Magnesium Halide‐promoted Ring‐opening Reaction of Cyclic Ether in the Presence of Phosphine Halide

A new route to the direct preparation of H‐phosphinate esters has been explored. The ring‐opening reaction of cyclic ether (tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydropyrane) was carried out with magnesium halide in the presence of phosphine halide (PRCl₂ or PCl₃). The process is straightforward and all the reagents are relatively cheap and readily available. Magnesium halide‐mediated THF ring‐opening (S_N2@C) and the subsequent S_N2@P elementary reactions that giving rise to the intermediate of haloalkyl phosphinates have been discussed based on our experimental findings ( Path I : S_N2@C−+S_N2@P). Another possible route, the direct S_N2 between THF (nucleophile) and phosphine halide (electrophile) that followed by THF ring opening by halide dissociated from phosphine halide ( Path II: S_N2@P−+S_N2@C), was also proposed. However, path II is the least likely reaction path because neutral THF is not a good nucleophile. H‐phosphinate esters could be readily available in the subsequent hydrolysis process. Considering the ionic bond strength in magnesium halides and the nucleophilicity of halides dissociated from MgX₂ in protic solvents like water, MgBr₂ is recommended for ring‐opening reactions of cyclic ethers.     

Studies on heterobifunctional cross-linking reagents, 6-maleimidohexanoic acid active esters

6-maleimidohexanoic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester has been used widely for preparation of enzyme immunoconjugates as a unique heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent. Its heterobifunctional reactivity is good, but its ester portion hydrolyzes easily in the presence of water. Several 6-maleimidohexanoic acid active esters (6-maleimidohexanoic acid 4-nitrophenyl ester, 6-maleimidohexanoic acid N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboximide ester, and 6-maleimidohexanoic acid pentafluorophenyl ester) were prepared and their reactivity and stability in an aqueous media were tested. Of the synthetic esters, the pentafluorophenyl ester exhibited the highest reactivity and stability in aqueous media.     

An eleven amino acid residue deletion expands the substrate specificity of acetyl xylan esterase II (AXE II) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium purpurogenum</Emphasis>

The soft-rot fungus Penicillium purpurogenum secretes to the culture medium a variety of enzymes related to xylan biodegradation, among them three acetyl xylan esterases (AXE I, II and III). AXE II has 207 amino acids; it belongs to family 5 of the carbohydrate esterases and its structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography at 0.9 A resolution (PDB 1G66). The enzyme possesses the alpha/beta hydrolase fold and the catalytic triad typical of serine esterases (Ser90, His187 and Asp175). AXE II can hydrolyze esters of a large variety of alcohols, but it is restricted to short chain fatty acids. An analysis of its three-dimensional structure shows that a loop that covers the active site may be responsible for this strict specificity. Cutinase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes esters of long chain fatty acids and shows a structure similar to AXE II, lacks this loop. In order to generate an AXE II with this broader specificity, the preparation of a mutant lacking residues involving this loop (Gly104 to Ala114) was proposed. A set of molecular simulation experiments based on a comparative model of the mutant enzyme predicted a stable structure. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the loop's residues have been eliminated from the AXE II cDNA. The mutant protein has been expressed in Aspergillus nidulans A722 and Pichia pastoris, and it is active towards a range of fatty acid esters of up to at least 14 carbons. The availability of an esterase with broader specificity may have biotechnological applications for the synthesis of sugar esters.     

Synthesis of new α or γ-functionalized hydroxymethylphosphinic acid derivatives

The syntheses of new γ-ethoxycarbonyl- and α-amino-alkyl hydroxymethylphosphinic acid derivatives are described. These compounds were conveniently prepared by Michael addition or Kabachnik-Fields reaction of an original precursor, ethyl benzyloxymethyl hydrogenophosphinate, respectively to α,β-unsaturated esters using a basic activation or to imines. Selective deprotection of the alcohol function was achieved by hydrogenolysis on Pd/C, whereas lithium bromide was used to selectively cleave the phosphinate ester group. Acidic hydrolysis readily gave the free hydroxymethylphosphinic acids.     

Orthosilicate-mediated esterification of monosubstituted phosphinic acids

Monosubstituted phosphinic acids are esterified with orthosilicates in excellent yields. Phosphinylidene-containing acids react selectively under these conditions, while disubstituted phosphinic acids and phosphonic acids remain unchanged. One-pot procedures are also described for the preparation of phosphinate esters from an alcohol. This novel method provides a convenient and general alternative to more commonly employed conditions such as diazomethane or carbodiimide.     

Novel anion receptors for selective recognition of dimethyl phosphinate and carboxylate

We have designed and synthesized new anion receptors 1 and 2, which have amide NH, pyrrole NH and vinyl CH as hydrogen bond donors. These receptors are selective for dimethyl phosphinate and carboxylates. Due to electron withdrawing effect of the cyano group which is trans to the vinyl hydrogen with respect to carbon-carbon double bond, receptor 1 has higher binding constants for phosphinate and carboxylate than those of receptor 2. Modeling studies shows that cyano group polarized all three hydrogens through planar π-electron network. In addition, receptor 1 gave orange colored 1,4-addition product for cyanide.     

Manganese‐Mediated Intermolecular Arylation of H‐Phosphinates and Related Compounds

The intermolecular radical functionalization of arenes with aryl and alkyl H‐phosphinate esters, as well as diphenylphosphine oxide and H‐phosphonate diesters, is described. The novel catalytic Mn^II/excess Mn^IV system is a convenient and inexpensive solution to directly convert C_sp2?H into C?P bonds. The reaction can be employed to functionalize P‐stereogenic H‐phosphinates since it is stereospecific. With monosubstituted aromatics, the selectivity for para‐substitution increases in the order (RO)₂P(O)H<R¹P(O)(OR)H<Ph₂P(O)H, a trend that may be explained by steric effects.     

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on organophosphorus coupling molecules: from metal phosphonates to surface modification of oxides

Organophosphorus acids (phosphoric, phosphonic, and phosphinic) and their derivatives (salts, esters) are highly promising coupling molecules that allow the anchoring of organic groups to inorganic solids. In this article we briefly review our contribution in the preparation of materials based on organophosphorus coupling molecules: new sol–gel routes to microporous zirconium phosphonates and metal oxide/phosphonate or phosphinate hybrids, and surface modification of metal oxide nanoparticles. The potentialities of the sol–gel and surface modification approaches are illustrated by the immobilization of organometallic metal complexes using phosphine-phosphonate molecules. To cite this article: P.-H. Mutin et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

New phosphorylating agents for general synthesis of mixed phosphate esters

An effective procedure has been developed for the general synthesis of mixed alkyl or aryl phosphate esters by metal-catalyzed phosphorylation of alcohols with aryl bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolinyl)phosphinate. Among metallic acetylacetonates examined as catalysts, the zirconium complex was the most effective as in activity order of Zr(IV)> Ce(III)> Zn(II)> Mn(III)> Mn(II)-complexes.     

Preparation of new imidazol-2-yl-(amino)methylphosphonates,phosphinates and phosphine oxides and their unexpected cleavage under acidic conditions

The efficient synthesis of new imidazol-2-yl-(amino)methylphosphonic acids, phosphonates phosphinate esters and phosphine oxides is described. The synthetic methodology is based on nucleophilic addition of phosphorus species to imidazole-2 derived imines. Additionally, it was discovered that heating the imidazol-2-yl-(amino)methylphosphonates with aqueous HCl or H₂SO₄ leads to their decomposition resulting in a rupture of the C–P bond, elimination of the phosphorous-containing fragment and formation of the corresponding secondary imidazole-2 alkylamines. A mechanistic pathway for the cleavage is postulated.     

Catalysis of the ethanolysis of aryl methyl phenyl phosphinate esters by alkali metal ions: transition state structures for uncatalyzed and metal ion-catalyzed reactions

This paper reports on a spectrophotometric kinetic study of the effects of the alkali metal ions Li+ and K+ on the ethanolysis of the aryl methyl phenyl phosphinate esters 3a-f in anhydrous ethanol at 25 degrees C. Rate data obtained in the absence and presence of complexing agents afford the second-order rate constants for the reaction of free ethoxide (k(EtO-)) and metal ion-ethoxide ion pairs (k(MOEt)). The sequence k(EtO-) < k(MOEt) is established for all the substrates, contrary to the generally observed reactivity order in nucleophilic substitution processes. The quantities deltaG(ip), deltaG(ts) and DeltaG(cat), which quantify the observed alkali metal ion effect in terms of transition state stabilization through chelation of the metal ion, give the order deltaG(ts) > deltaG(ip) for Li+ and K+. Hammett plots show significantly better correlation of rates with sigma and sigma(o) substituent constants than with sigma-, yielding moderately large rho(rho(o)) values that are consistent with a stepwise mechanism in which formation of a pentacoordinate (phosphorane) intermediate is the rate-limiting step. The range of the values of the selectivity parameter, rho(n) (= rho]/rho(eq)), 1.3-1.6, obtained for the uncatalyzed and alkali metal ion catalyzed reactions indicates that there is no significant perturbation of the transition state (TS) structure upon chelation of the metal ions. This finding is relevant to the mechanism of enzymatic phosphoryl transfer involving metal ion co-factors. The present results enable one to compare structural effects for nucleophilic reactions of several series of organophosphorus substrates. It is shown that the order of reactivity of the substrates: 4-nitrophenyl dimethyl phosphinate (2) > 3a > 4-nitrophenyl diphenyl phosphinate (1) is determined mainly by the steric effects of the alkyl/aryl substituents around the central P atom in the TS of the reaction.     

Unprecedented base effect on the synthesis of chiral phosphinate esters: A new route to P-chiral phosphine oxides of high enantiomeric purity

The stereochemical outcome of the reaction of chiral secondary alcohols with a phosphinyl chloride was found to be highly dependent on the achiral base used. Thus, the reaction of the readily available sugar derived carbinols, 1 and 2, with methylphenylphosphinyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine yields stereoselectively the corresponding Snp-phosphinates 3Sp and 5Sp in 94 and 92% diastereomeric excess (de). Simply changing the base from triethylamine to pyridine affords Rp-phosphinates 4Rp and 6Rp epimers to 3Sp and 5Sp at the phosphinyl phosphorus in 50 and 40% de respectively. These phosphinate esters were found to be good P-chiral transferring intermediates, they react with Grignard reagents under very mild conditions to give the corresponding phosphine oxides. Both enantiomers Sp- and Rp-o-anisylmethylphenylphosphine oxide (PAMPO) as well Sp- and Rp- methylphenylpropyl phosphine oxide were obained enantiomerically pure in high yields