Asymmetric synthesis of γ-aminophosphonates: The bio-isosteric analogs of γ-aminobutyric acid

Abstract

The properties of aminophosphonates as transition state analogs of amino acids, and as antibacterial, antifungal and antiHIV agents attracted considerable attention in recent years. Although many reviews appeared in the literature covering α- and β-aminophosphonates, γ- aminophosphonates did not receive sufficient attention despite the fact that parent γ-aminophosphonic acid and its derivatives are bio-isosteric analogs of GABA (γ-amino butyric acid). This review provides a critical summary of the significance of γ-aminophosphonates and various approaches to their synthesis, with particular emphasis to asymmetric versions.