Enzymatic and chromatographic resolution procedures applied to the synthesis of the phosphoproline enantiomers

Abstract

The preparation of enantiomerically pure pyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acid (phosphoproline, Pro) has been addressed through the synthesis of suitable racemates and subsequent resolution by independent enzyme-catalyzed and chiral HPLC methods. First, racemic phosphoproline derivatives bearing the necessary protecting groups have been synthesized in excellent global yields starting from inexpensive materials. Preparative HPLC resolution of the N-Cbz-protected aminophosphonate on a cellulose-based column allowed the isolation of enantiomerically pure enantiomers on a gram scale. Enzyme-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of the aminophosphonate was studied using different lipases, solvents, and carbonates. Candida antarctica lipase type A (CAL-A) provided the highest enantioselectivity when combined with benzyl 3-methoxyphenyl carbonate.