The Synthesis of Pamidronic Derivatives in Different Solvents: An Optimization and a Mechanistic Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of pamidronic acid and sodium pamidronate dihydrate from β‐alanine and P‐reagents (phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid) was investigated at 75°C in different solvents, and the preparation was optimized. In sulfolane, the use of 2 equiv of phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid was found the optimum to lead to pamidronic acid in a yield of 63%. In methanesulfonic acid, 3.2 equiv of phosphorus trichloride was necessary without any phosphorous acid to give pamidronate dihydrate in the best yield (57%) after hydrolysis and pH adjustment. In the first case, the P‐nucleophile may be (HO)2P–O–PCl–O–P(OH)2 or (HO)2P–O–PCl2, whereas in the second case, the P‐reactant is probable Cl2P–O–S(O)2Me. It can be said that the mechanism proposed for the formation of pamidronic acid is highly influenced by the solvent used, as it determines the necessary P‐reagent(s). Our results promote the “on purpose” planning of the synthesis of dronates.