Phenyl phosphorodichloridate in the synthesis of cyclic phosphate diesters of biological interest

The general usefulness of phenyl phosphorodichloridate (PPDC) in the synthesis of non-nucleoside cyclic phosphates is described. The method is illustrated with several examples including cyclic phosphates incorporating six to nine members. However, the reagent could not be used for the preparation of five-membered cyclic phosphates or 3′,5′-cycloadenylic acid (cAMP) from adenosine. Based on a number of observations, the conclusion was reached that PPDC cannot be used for the synthesis of strained or reactive cyclic phosphates. A convenient synthesis of cis- and trans-2-hydroxycyclopentanemethanol and a simple, quantitative method of separation of the two isomers is described. A number of cyclic phosphates were tested as substrates and inhibitors for cyclic purine phosphodiesterase and protein kinase.