PEG-SO3H catalyzed synthesis and cytotoxicity of α-aminophosphonates

One pot three-component PEG-SO3H catalyzed reaction of 4-(Pyridin-4-yl)benzaldehyde and triethyl phosphite with various primary amines afforded α-aminophosphonates with high yields by the Kabachnik–Field’s reaction. These new structurally diversified set of α-aminophosphonates (4a–j) were evaluated for their anti-tumor activity on human chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K 562), human colon carcinoma cells (Colo 205) along with non-cancerous human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). They showed moderate activity on both cancerous cells and non-cancerous cells.

Graphical abstractPEG-SO3H was found to be an efficient catalyst for the one pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates with excellent yields. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was studied on K562, Colo205 and HEK 293.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A series of Diethyl (aryl/heteroaryl amino)(4-(pyridine-4-yl)phenyl)methyl phosphonates were synthesized with high yields. ► PEG-SO3H is identified as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates. ► The synthesized compounds exhibited good cytotoxic activity against K 562, Colo 205 and HEK 293 cells. ► Two of the synthesized compounds were identified as the potential cytotoxic compounds.