Efficient Synthesis of Highly Active Phospha-Isosteres of the Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitor Oseltamivir

With a HunsdieckerBarton iododecarboxylation strategy, we converted the carboxylate group of the oseltamivir precursor into exemplary phosphonate monoesters. In all cases, Ki values towards influenza virus sialidase remained in the sub-nanomolar range. We have thus made valuable structural space available for the design of novel oseltamivir-based tools for influenza virus research.