Amide-type substrates in the synthesis of n-protected 1-aminomethylphosphonium salts

Herein we describe the development and optimization of a two-step procedure for the synthesis of N-protected 1-aminomethylphosphonium salts from imides, amides, carbamates, or lactams. Our “step-by-step” methodology involves the transformation of amide-type substrates to the corresponding hydroxymethyl derivatives, followed by the substitution of the hydroxyl group with a phosphonium moiety. The first step of the described synthesis was conducted based on well-known protocols for hydroxymethylation with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. In turn, the second (substitution) stage required optimization studies. In general, reactions of amide, carbamate, and lactam derivatives occurred at a temperature of 70^◦C in a relatively short time (1 h). On the other hand, N-hydroxymethylimides reacted with triarylphosphonium salts at a much higher temperature (135^◦C) and over longer reaction times (as much as 30 h). However, the proposed strategy is very efficient, especially when NaBr is used as a catalyst. Moreover, a simple work-up procedure involving only crystallization afforded good to excellent yields (up to 99%).