The synthesis of the drug alendronate from γ-aminobutyric acid and phosphorus trichloride/phosphorous acid as the P-reagents is revisited using methanesulfonic acid and sulfolane as solvents and ionic liquids (ILs) as additives according to a novel approach. Besides elaborating efficient synthetic methods with a record yield of up to 80%, the misleading literature data were also clarified. It is a novel trend to use ILs as only catalysts or additives and not as solvents.
Abstract:The syntheses of hydroxymethylenebisphosphonic acid derivatives (dronic acid derivatives) starting from the corresponding substituted acetic acids and P-reagents, mainly phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid are surveyed according to the solvents applied. The nature of the solvent is a critical point due to the heterogeneity of the reaction mixtures. This review sheds light on the optimum choice and ratio of the P-reactants, and on the optimum conditions.
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