Optimized strategies to synthesize β-cyclodextrin-oxime conjugates as a new generation of organophosphate scavengers

Abstract

A new generation of organophosphate (OP) scavengers was obtained by synthesis of β-cyclodextrin-oxime derivatives 8–12. Selective monosubstitution of β-cyclodextrin was the main difficulty in order to access these compounds, because reaction onto the oligosaccharide was closely related to the nature of the incoming group. For this purpose, non-conventional activation conditions were also evaluated. Intermediates 5 and 7 were then obtained with the better yields under ultrasounds irradiation. Finally, the desired compounds 8–10 were obtained from 5–7 in high purity by desilylation using potassium fluoride. Quaternarisation of compounds 8 and 9 was carried out. OP hydrolytic activity of compounds 8–12 was evaluated against cyclosarin (GF) and VX. None of the tested compounds was active against VX, but these five cyclodextrin derivatives detoxified GF, and the most active scavengers 10 and 11 allowed an almost complete hydrolysis of GF within 10 min. Even more fascinating is the fact that compounds 9 and 10 were able to hydrolyze enantioselectively GF.