The Kabachnik–Fields reaction, comprising the condensation of an amine, oxo compound and a P-reagent (generally a >P(O)H species or trialkyl phosphite), still attracts interest due to the challenging synthetic procedures and the potential biological activity of the resulting α-aminophosphonic derivatives. Following the success of the first part (Molecules 2012, 17, 12821), here we summarize the synthetic developments in this field accumulated in the last decade. The procedures compiled include catalytic accomplishments as well as catalyst-free and/or solvent-free “greener” protocols. The products embrace α-aminophosphonates, α-aminophosphinates, and α-aminophosphine oxides along with different bis derivatives from the double phospha-Mannich approach. The newer developments of the aza-Pudovik reactions are also included.

α-Aminophosphonates and related compounds are important due to their real and potential biological activity. α-Aminophosphonates may be prepared by the Kabachnik–Fields condensation of oxo compounds, amines and dialkyl phosphites, or by the aza-Pudovik addition of the same P-reagents to imines. In this review, the methods that allow for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates with optical activity are surveyed. On the one hand, optically active catalysts or ligands may induce enantioselectivity during the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. On the other hand, asymmetric catalysis during the aza-Pudovik reaction, or hydrogenations of iminophosphonates, may prove to be a useful tool. Lastly yet importantly, it is possible to start from optically active reagents that may be associated with diastereoselectivity. The “green” aspects of the different syntheses are also considered.

Encouraged by the significant cytotoxic activity of simple α-aminophosphonates, a molecular library comprising phosphonoylmethyl- and phosphinoylmethyl-α-aminophosphonates, a tris derivative, and N-acylated species was established. The promising aminophosphonate derivatives were subjected to a comparative structure–activity analysis. We evaluated 12 new aminophosphonate derivatives on tumor cell cultures of different tissue origins (skin, lung, breast, and prostate). Several derivatives showed pronounced, even selective cytostatic effects. According to IC₅₀ values, phosphinoylmethyl-aminophosphonate derivative 2e elicited a significant cytostatic effect on breast adenocarcinoma cells, but it was even more effective against prostatic carcinoma cells. Based on our data, these new compounds exhibited promising antitumor activity on different tumor types, and they might represent a new group of alternative chemotherapeutic agents.

An efficient method applying acyl chlorides as reagents was developed for the acylation of the hindered hydroxy group of dialkyl α-hydroxy-benzylphosphonates. The procedure did not require any catalyst. A few acylations were also performed with the S_C-enantiomer of dimethyl α-hydroxy-benzylphosphonate, and the optical purity was retained. A part of the acyloxyphosphonates was tested against eight tumor cell lines of different tissue origin at c = 50 μM concentration. The compounds elicited moderate cytostatic effect against breast, skin, prostate, colon, and lung carcinomas; a melanoma cell line; and against Kaposi’s sarcoma cell lines. Then, dose-dependent cytotoxicity was assayed, and benzoylation of the α-hydroxy group was identified as a moiety that increases anticancer cytotoxicity across all cell lines. Surprisingly, a few analogues were more toxic to multidrug resistant cancer cell lines, thus evading P-glycoprotein mediated drug extrusion.

New derivatives were synthesized by the acylation of α-amino-benzylphosphonates, and by reacting them in a second Kabachnik–Fields condensation.

A literature survey of the P–C coupling reactions of 1,4-and 1,2-bromo-iodobenzenes with diphenylphosphine oxide or diethyl phosphite under different conditions comprising Pd-, Ni-, or Cu-catalysis revealed that, depending on the experimental details, the yields of the corresponding >P(O)-bromobenzenes were rather diverse and occasionally contradicting. Therefore, the reactivity of a series of 1,4-, 1,3- and 1,2-dibromo- and bromo-iodobenzenes with the above mentioned P-reagents was evaluated under the “P-ligand-free” microwave (MW)-assisted conditions elaborated by us. Starting from dibromobenzenes and iodo-bromoarenes, practical and competent syntheses were developed for phosphonoyl- and phosphinoyl-bromoarenes, and, in a few instances, for arenes with two P-functions. The cheaper dibromobenzenes may be substituted for the bromo-iodo derivatives. In all, 12 products were prepared in yields of 45–82%. They were fully characterized. The method described does not require the use of traditional P-ligands.