Three-component reaction of diamines with triethyl orthoformate and diethyl phosphite and anti-proliferative and antiosteoporotic activities of the products

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules25061424

A three-component reaction between diamines (diaminobenzenes, diaminocyclohexanes, and piperazines), triethyl orthoformate, and diethyl phosphite was studied in some detail. In the case of 1,3- and 1,4-diamines and piperazines, products of the substitution of two amino moieties—the corresponding tetraphosphonic acids—were obtained. In the cases of 1,2-diaminobenzene, 1,2-diaminocyclohexanes and 1,2-diaminocyclohexenes, only one amino group reacted. This is most likely the result of the formation of hydrogen bonding between the phosphonate oxygen and a hydrogen of the adjacent amino group, which caused a decrease in the reactivity of the amino group. Most of the obtained compounds inhibited the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with 1, trans-7, and 16 showing broad nonspecific activity, which makes these compounds especially interesting in the context of anti-osteolytic treatment and the blocking of interactions and mutual activation of osteoclasts and tumor metastatic cells. These compounds exhibit similar activity to zoledronic acid and higher activity than incadronic acid, which were used as controls. However, studies of sheep with induced osteoporosis carried out with compound trans-7 did not support this assumption.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules25061424

molecules
Article
Three-Component Reaction of Diamines with
Triethyl Orthoformate and Diethyl Phosphite and
Anti-Proliferative and Antiosteoporotic Activities of
the Products
Patrycja Petruczynik 1, Paweł Kafarski 1 , Mateusz Psurski 2 , Joanna Wietrzyk 2
,
Zdzisław Kiełbowicz 3, Jan Kuryszko 4 and Ewa Chmielewska 1,
*
1
Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology,
Wybrzez˙e Wyspian´skiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; patrycja.petruczynik@pwr.edu.pl (P.P.);
pawel.kafarski@pwr.edu.pl (P.K.)
Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Department of Experimental Oncology,
Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy Polish Academy of Sciences,
Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; mateusz.psurski@hirszfeld.pl (M.P.);
joanna.wietrzyk@hirszfeld.pl (J.W.)
Department of Surgery, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life
Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland; zdzislaw.kielbowicz@upwr.edu.pl
Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Animal Physiology and Biostructure,
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31,
50-375 Wrocław, Poland; jan.kuryszko@upwr.edu.pl
2
3
4
*
Correspondence: ewa.chmielewska@pwr.edu.pl; Tel.: +48-71-320-2977
ꢀꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
Academic Editors: Gian Cesare Tron, Tracey Pirali and Mariateresa Giustiniano
Received: 5 March 2020; Accepted: 18 March 2020; Published: 20 March 2020
ꢀꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Abstract: A three-component reaction between diamines (diaminobenzenes, diaminocyclohexanes,
and piperazines), triethyl orthoformate, and diethyl phosphite was studied in some detail.
In the case of 1,3- and 1,4-diamines and piperazines, products of the substitution of two
amino moieties—the corresponding tetraphosphonic acids—were obtained. In the cases of
1,2-diaminobenzene, 1,2-diaminocyclohexanes and 1,2-diaminocyclohexenes, only one amino group
reacted. This is most likely the result of the formation of hydrogen bonding between the phosphonate
oxygen and a hydrogen of the adjacent amino group, which caused a decrease in the reactivity
of the amino group. Most of the obtained compounds inhibited the proliferation of RAW 264.7
macrophages, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with 1, trans-7,
and 16 showing broad nonspecific activity, which makes these compounds especially interesting in
the context of anti-osteolytic treatment and the blocking of interactions and mutual activation of
osteoclasts and tumor metastatic cells. These compounds exhibit similar activity to zoledronic acid
and higher activity than incadronic acid, which were used as controls. However, studies of sheep
with induced osteoporosis carried out with compound trans-7 did not support this assumption.
Keywords: bisphosphonic acids; synthesis of C-P bond; multicomponent reactions; P-containing
drugs; anti-proliferative activity; osteoclasts; in vivo activity
1. Introduction
Although the synthesis of bisphosphonic acids was described as early as the 19th century,
the interest in these compounds is still growing, rooted in their promising and variable physiological
activities [
1]. Most commonly, their regulation of bone growth has been exploited for the design
and preparation of antiosteoporotic drugs that can also be used to treat skeletal complications of
Molecules 2020, 25, 1424; doi:10.3390/molecules25061424
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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various provenances [
1–
4
]. These compounds also exert an inhibitory activity towards important
medicinal enzymes, including farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (thus inhibiting Ras farnesylation, as
their structure makes them potential anti-cancer and/or anti-protozoan agents), glutamine synthetase
(possible anti-tuberculosis agents), and undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase (antibacterials) [1,5–9].
Some patients who received intravenous and oral forms of bisphosphonate therapy for various
bone-related conditions suffer osteonecrosis of the jaw, dependent on the dose and duration of
the therapy [10]. The mechanism by which bisphosphonates might contribute to the development
of osteonecrosis of the jaw is not well understood [11]. However, it may result, at least in part,
from the high binding and long residence of bisphosphonates in the bone tissue [12], with two
phosphonate groups and an adjacent hydroxyl moiety mediating the binding [13]. Thus, it has been
suggested that their analogues with a lower affinity for bone minerals could be useful. The use of
aminomethylenebisphosphonic acids lacking the hydroxyl moiety seems to be obvious solution to
reduce the bone affinity and increase the bioavailability of bisphosphonates. We have synthesized
hundreds of these compounds and screened their anti-proliferative activity towards mouse macrophage
J774E cells [14]. Since these cells originate from the same precursors as osteoclasts, this test is considered
a reasonable preliminary test for antiosteoporotic activity.
In this paper, we describe the application of a commonly used a three-component reaction
of amines with triethyl orthoformate and diethyl phosphite [15–17] We present the reactions with
diamines (diaminobenzenes, diaminocyclohexanes, diaminocyclohexenes and piperazines) being used
as substrates. Since this reaction usually gives mixtures of products that are difficult to separate,
the crude esters are commonly hydrolyzed with concentrated hydrochloric acid and the desired
bisphosphonic acids were isolated in moderate to good yields. The anti-proliferative action of these
compounds against mouse macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells, originating from the same precursors as
osteoclasts, was screened. As a result, trans-cyclohexane-1,4-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic) acid
(trans-7) was chosen for the study of its antiosteoporotic activity on sheep. Additionally, the anti-cancer
potency of the synthesized compounds was studied using the MCF-7 cell line, which is a well-established
model of breast cancer, and the PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
2.1.1. Reactions of Diaminobenzenes
The reaction of 1,4-diaminobenzene with triethyl orthoformate and diethyl phosphite
(Figure 1) readily provided 1,4-di-substituted tetrabisphosphonic acid (compound
1), which
appeared to be relatively stable if stored at low temperature while protected against moisture.
When 1,2-diaminobenzene was used, a mixture of products containing mono- and di-substituted
compounds (compounds
2 and 3, respectively) was obtained, with the mono-substituted produce the
major one (as revealed from NMR and MS studies—Figure 2 and Supplementary Data), although we did
not succeed in their isolation from the reaction mixture. 1,3-Diaminobenzene gave a complex mixture of
inseparable products, most likely di- (predominating) and mono-substituted compounds (compounds
4
and
not surprising since it was frequently observed earlier in the three-component condensation of amines
with trialkyl orthoformates and diethyl phosphites [15 18]. The efforts undertaken to separate and
5) accompanied by several side products. The formation of structurally variable side products is
–
isolate the products of the reactions of 1,2- and 1,3-diaminobenzenes failed since the postreaction
mixtures turned dark violet over time, and NMR studies revealed the intense decomposition of
their components.

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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P(O)(OH)2
NH
NH2
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
NH
P(O)(OH)2
1
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
NH
1./
2./
/
HC(OEt)3
NH2
NH
NH2
NH2
HP(O)(OEt)2
+
NH
P(O)(OH)2
HCl/H2O
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
2
3
P(O)(OH)2
NH
NH2
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
+
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
N
H
N
H
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
5
4
Figure 1. Three-component reaction of diaminobenzenes with triethyl orthoformate and diethyl phosphite.
3.48 3.46 3.44 3.42 3.40 3.38 3.36 3.34 3.32 3.30 3.28 3.26 3.24 3.22 3.20 3.1
f1 (ppm)
20.5 20.0 19.5 19.0 18.5 18.0
17.5 17.0 16.5 16.0 15.5 15.0 14.5 14.0 13.
f1 (ppm)
(a)
(b)
Figure 2. Fragments of 1H NMR ( ) and 31P NMR (
a b) spectra that indicate the formation of the mono-
and di-substituted products 2 and 3.
2.1.2. Reactions of Diaminocyclohexanes
Diaminocyclohexanes are valuable intermediates to produce dyestuffs, textile assistants, fungicides,
pesticides, and pharmaceuticals and thus are commercially available in all stereoisomeric forms.
We decided to undertake a more detailed study of the reactions in which the stereoisomers of
diaminocyclohexanes were used as substrates. As expected, in the cases of cyclohexane-1,3-diamine
and cyclohexane-1,4-diamine, two amino groups reacted (Figure 3). Thus, the reaction of a racemic
mixture of cis,trans-cyclohexane-1,3-diamine provided compound 6
, seen as a doublet in the 31P NMR
spectrum. This doublet is derived from the presence of a diastereomeric mixture composed of a meso
isomer obtained from the cis-substrate and a mixture of enantiomers formed from the trans-substrate.
The reaction of (
±
)-trans-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine gave meso-compound trans-7, as seen by the presence
of a singlet in the 31P NMR spectrum.

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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NH2
NH2
NH2
+
+
NH2
NH2
NH2
1./
2./
/
HC(OEt)3 HP(O)(OEt)2
HCl/H2O
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
HN
P(O)(OH)2
HN
P(O)(OH)2
HN
P(O)(OH)2
+
+
NH
NH
P(O)(OH)2
NH
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
-
-
meso
6
rac
6
P(O)(OH)2
NH
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
NH2
1./
/
HC(OEt)3
HP(O)(OEt)2
2./
HCl/H2O
HN
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
7
Figure 3. Products of the reactions of cyclohexane-1,3- and 1,4-diamines with triethyl orthoformate
and diethyl phosphite.
In the case of cyclohexane-1,2-diamines, only one amino group reacted, yielding
compound 8, independent of the ratio of substrates being used. By using all the available
stereoisomers of diaminocyclohexane, as well as their mixtures, we have proven that the
absolute configuration is retained (Figure 4). Quite interestingly the differences in the 1H
and 13C NMR spectra were small if not negligible (see Supplementary Data). In the 31P
NMR, a slightly broadened doublet was observed for enantiomerically pure products—(1S,2S)-
and (1R,2R)-cyclohexane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acids. This suggests that the
phosphonic groups are magnetically nonequivalent. We speculate that this may result either from
the conformation of compound
8 being frozen by the formation of intramolecular hydrogen
bonding between the amino proton and phosphonic acid oxygen or from formation of strong
hydrogen bonded dimers of this bisphosphonate. An identical result was obtained when using
(1S,2S)-(+)-cyclopentane-1,2-diamine as a substrate (Figure 4).
The use of ( )-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and an equimolar mixture of the cis and trans
±
isomers as substrates resulted, as expected, in more complex 31P NMR spectra (Figure 5 and
Supplementary Data), which reflects the growing number of stereoisomers.

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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NH2
NH2
NH2
NH2
NH2
NH2
+
+
.
.
1 / HC OEt / HP O OEt
(
)
(
)(
)
2
3
2 / HCl/H2O
HO O P
)2(
P O OH
( )( )
2
HO O P
)2(
P O OH
( )( )
2
(
)
(
)
HO O P
)2(
P O OH
HO O P
)2(
P O OH
( )( )
2
(
)
(
)(
)
2
(
)
NH
NH
NH
NH
+
+
+
NH2
-
NH2
-
NH2
-
NH2
,
-
,
,
,
1R 2
8
S
1 2R
S
(
8
(
)
1
2
8
S
)
1R 2R
8
S
)
(
(
)
-
-
-
-
rans
±
c s
±
i
t
8
8
( )
( )
HO O P
)2(
P O OH
)( )
2
(
)
(
.
.
1 / HC OEt / HP O OEt
)( )
2
(
)
(
3
NH2
NH
2 / HCl/H2O
NH2
NH2
,
-
1
2
9
S
)
S
(
Figure 4.
Products of reactions of various isomers of cyclohexane-1,2-diamines and
(1S,2S)-cyclopentane-1,2-diamine.
18.30 18.20 18.10 18.00 17.90 17.80 17.70 17.60 17.50 17.40 17.30 17.20 17.10 17.00
f1 (ppm)
18.5 18.4 18.3 18.2 18.1 18.0 17.9 17.8 17.7 17.6 17.5 17.4 17.3 17.2 17.1
f1 (ppm)
(a)
(b)
17.5 17.4 17.3 17.2 17.1 17.0 16.9 16.8 16.7 16.6 16.5 16.4 16.3 16.2 16.1
f1 (ppm)
18.20
18.10
18.00
17.90
17.80
f1 (ppm)
17.70
17.60
17.50
17.40
17.30
17.2
(c)
(d)
Figure 5. Phosphorus NMR spectra of isomers of (1S,2S)-
8
(a
), (1R,2R)-
8
(b
), ( )-trans-8 (c), and rac-8 (d).
±

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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2.1.3. Reactions of Diaminocyclohexenes
The magnetic nonequivalence of the phosphonic groups is also pronounced when
(1S,2S)- and (1R,2R)-4-cyclohexene-1,2-diamines and ( )-trans-4-cyclohexene-1,2-diamine were
used as substrates (Figure 6). In this case, the 31P NMR spectrum of (
)-trans-4-cyclohexene-
±
±
1-amino-2-amino-methylenebisphosphonic acid (compound trans-10) reveals two clearly separated
doublets (Figure 6), whereas for the enantiomeric forms, broadened doublets are seen.
NH2
NH2
NH2
NH2
+
.
.
1
2
H
H l H
Et
HP
/
Et
O O
)
2
/
/
C O
(
)
(
)(
C / 2O3
H P
O O
( )2( )
P
O O
( )(
H
H P
O O
( )2( )
P H
O O
( )( )
2
)
2
NH
NH2
NH
+
NH2
-
-
,
,
10
1R 2R
10
1
2
S
)
S
(
)
(
-
-
rans
±
10
t
( )
(a)
19.7 19.6 19.5 19.4 19.3 19.2 19.1 19.0 18.9 18.8 18.7 18.6 18.5 18.4 18.3 18.2 18.1 18.0 17.9 17
f1 (ppm)
18.8 18.7 18.6 18.5 18.4 18.3 18.2 18.1 18.0 17.9 17.8 17.7 17.6 17.5 17.4 17.3 17.2
f1 (ppm)
(b) (1S, 2S)-10
(c) (1R, 2R)-10
18.50 18.40 18.30 18.20 18.10 18.00 17.90 17.80 17.70 17.60 17.50 17.40 17.30 17.2
f1 (ppm)
(d) (±)-trans-10
Figure 6. Isomers of trans-4-cyclohexene-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid (
representative 31P NMR spectra of these compounds (b–d).
a) and

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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2.1.4. Reactions of Piperazines
The secondary amino groups of piperazine reacted smoothly, yielding piperaz-1,4-
diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid 11. The mono-substituted derivative 12 was obtained by
using N-acetylpiperazine as a substrate (Figure 7). Stereoisomers of 2,5-dimethylpiperazine and
2,6-dimethylpiperazine were also used to provide bisphosphonates 13 and 14, respectively (Figure 7).
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
NH
HN
N
N
1./
2./
HC(OEt)3/HP(O)(OEt)2
HCl/H2O
11
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
O
HN
N
NH
N
12
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
N
N
NH
HN
P(O)(OH)2
1./
2./
HC(OEt)3/HP(O)(OEt)2
HCl/H2O
13
cis-
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
N
N
NH
HN
13
trans-
+
+
NH
HN
NH
HN
NH
HN
1./
2./
HC(OEt)3/HP(O)(OEt)2
HCl/H2O
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
+
N
+
N
N
N
N
N
P(O)(OH)2
14
cis-
14
trans-
Figure 7.
Products of the three-component reaction of piperazines, triethyl orthoformate,
and diethyl phosphite.
While all four phosphorus atoms in compound 11 are magnetically equivalent, which is
demonstrated by the singlet in the 31P NMR spectrum, the spectra of compounds 13 and 14
are more complex. This is because the introduction of steric hindrance in proximity to the
aminomethylenebisphosphonic substituent results in the nonequivalence of the phosphonic moieties,
which is seen by the appearance of an AB spin system. Quite interestingly, the spectrum of compound

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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cis-14 is composed of both an AB system, derived from the substitution at position 1, and a singlet,
resulting from the substitution at position 4 (Figure 8). In the spectrum of rac-14, only the substituents
at position 4 differentiate the isomers to enable the determination that a non-equimolar mixture of the
cis and trans isomers was obtained.
24.0
23.0
22.0
21.0
20.0
19.0
18.0
f1 (ppm)
17.0
16.0
15.0
14.0
13.0
12.
24.5
23.5
22.5
21.5
20.5
19.5
18.5
17.5 16.5
f1 (ppm)
15.5
14.5
13.5
12.5
11.5
10.5
(a)
(b)
Figure 8. Phosphorus NMR spectra of 2,6-cis-dimethylpiperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid
(cis-14) (a) and a mixture of the cis and trans isomers (rac-14) (b).
2.1.5. Reactions of Aminoalkylidenediamines
To enlarge the set of compounds chosen for biological studies, it was additionally
supplemented by compounds 15 and 16 (Figure 9). However, we were not able to obtain
ethylene-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid) 15 in a pure form since this reaction is accompanied
by the ethylation of one amino group to yield compound 17. Compounds 15 and 17 are difficult to
separate, so we decided to perform the biological studies using the impure derivative.
1./
/
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
HC(OEt)3
HP(O)(OEt)2
H
H
N
N
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
+
NH2
N
H
N
H
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
H2N
2./
HCl/H2O
15
17
1./
/
HC(OEt)3
P(O)(OH)2
H
HP(O)(OEt)2
N
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
N
H
H2N
P(O)(OH)2
2./
HCl/H2O
P(O)(OH)2
16
Figure 9. Products of the reactions of aminoalkylidenediamines.
2.2. In Vitro Evaluation
To screen for the potential antiosteoporotic activity of the bisphosphonates, their anti-proliferative
activity towards in vitro cell cultures was determined. Because of the difficulty in isolating
and culturing large numbers of osteoclasts, most studies devoted to the characterization of the
pharmacological properties of bisphosphonates in vitro are performed on osteoclast surrogates,
particularly macrophages [19
a hematopoietic lineage and are highly endocytic and capable of demineralizing bone particles [21
,
20]. Both RAW 264.7 macrophages and osteoclasts are derived from
22].
,
They are well recognized for being sensitive to bisphosphonates, which most likely act by inducing
apoptosis. The results summarized in Table 1 clearly show that nearly all the studied compounds
effectively inhibit the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages, exhibiting potency similar or slightly

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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higher than incadronate and zoledronate, which are popular antiosteoporotic drugs. The only exceptions
are compounds (1S,2S)- and rac-14, which are an order of magnitude less active. The most active
9
appeared to be compounds 1, rac-6, and 11.
Table 1. Structures and in vitro anti-proliferative activities of bis[aminomethylenebis(phosphonic)]
acids against RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages, PC-3 human prostate cancer cells and MCF-7 human
breast cancer cells.
IC50 [µM] a
Compound No.
Structure
RAW 264.7
PC-3
MCF-7
H
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
N
NH
1
4.9 ± 2.3
215.8 ± 10.9
79.1 ± 25.6
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
NH
P(O)(OH)2
UN b
rac-6
2.1 ± 5.3
496.9 ± 166.3
NH
P(O)(OH)2
H
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
N
NH
trans-7
23.3 ± 7.1
30.7 ± 2.0
284.5 ± 19.8
616.5 ± 172.5
13.0 ± 5.1
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
P(O)(OH)2
(1S,2S)-8
53.7 ± 10.9
N
H
P(O)(OH)2
H
N
H
N
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH
trans-8
rac-8
18.5 ± 8.3
19.9 ± 5.4
854.8 ± 96.6
794.8 ± 18.7
212.3 ± 5.7
73.8 ± 22.0
83.2 ± 10.8
124.6 ± 4.0
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
H
N
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
NH
(1S,2S)-9
341.8 ± 56.8
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
NH
(1S, 2S)-10
(1R, 2R)-10
16.3 ± 11.1
16.6 ± 4.7
492.1 ± 173.5
640.6 ± 162.3
668.1 ± 158.8
55.4 ± 19.2
66.4 ± 25.3
213.6 ± 85.9
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
NH
NH2
(HO)
2
(O)P
P(O)(OH)
NH
2
(HO)
2
(O)P
P(O)(OH)
NH
2
trans-10
11
26.9 ± 8.2
7.0 ± 12.6
40.8 ± 9.7
NH2
NH2
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
N
N
UN b
UN b
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
N
N
trans-13
228.2 ± 112.9
23.6 ± 86.0
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
N
N
rac-14
259.7 ± 28.9
12.2 ± 4.0
6.1 ± 2.2
542.1 ± 40.4
60.9 ± 18.6
(HO)2(O)P
(HO)2(O)P
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
NH HN
15 c
169.6 ± 78.5
16
20.8 ± 1.6
293.0 ± 91.4
228.6 ± 64.5
23.2 ± 6.2
P(O)(OH)2
P(O)(OH)2
NH
Incadronic acid
48.4 ± 12.6
186.8 ± 24.7
P(O)(OH)2
OH
N
N
Zoledronic acid
cisplatin
42.2 ± 8.4
0.93 ± 0.4
146 ± 67.4
9.83 ± 1.7
115.3 ± 87.6
6.37 ± 0.8
P(O)(OH)2
(H2N)2PtCl2
a IC50 values were determined at concentrations in the range of 1–1000
from at least three experiments performed in triplicates. Compound was inactive in the concentration range tested.
µg/mL. Values are mean
±
standard deviation
b
c
Impure compound (see text).

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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Since bisphosphonates accumulate in the bones, a strong anti-proliferative effect on bone metastatic
and hematopoietic tumors can be expected, suggesting their possible clinical application as anti-cancer
drugs. Therefore, we also tested the action of the synthesized compounds on the two classic cancer
cell lines MCF-7 and PC-3. MCF-7 is a well-established model of breast cancer, which preferentially
metastasizes to the bone, forming predominantly osteolytic lesions, whereas PC-3 is a human prostate
cancer cell line used in prostate cancer research and drug development.
The in vitro anti-proliferative activities of the presented compounds against tumor cells vary.
All the aliphatic aminomethylenebisphosphonic acids and bis[aminomethylene(bisphosphonic)] acids
(6–
16) showed good anti-proliferative activity towards the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The IC50
values ranged from 2 M (compound ) to over 340 M ( ). The aliphatic phosphonates also showed
µ
6
µ
9
good anti-proliferative activity towards the human breast cancer MCF-7 line (the IC50 values ranged
from 13 µM to over 540 µM). With the exception of compounds rac-6, 11 and rac-14, all of the studied
compounds inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 in a manner equal to or stronger than the controls,
incadronate and zoledronate, while being significantly less toxic than the popular anti-cancer agent
cisplatin. The most active compounds were trans-
than cisplatin. On the other hand, only compounds
to be equipotent with incadronate and zoledronate towards the PC-3 cell line.
7
, trans-13, and 16, which were still 2-4 times weaker
1
, trans- , (1S,2S)- , trans-13 15, and 16 appeared
7
9
,
All aliphatic bis- and tetraphosphonates showed poor anti-proliferative activity against the
prostate cell line PC-3, except for compound rac-14. Quite interestingly compound rac-14 was as
potent as cisplatin while being only weakly active against the remaining cell lines, thus showing
marked selectivity.
However, the aromatic bis[aminomethylene(bisphosphonic)] acid (1) showed a similar or higher
activity than the reference bisphosphonates for the PC-3 line. Compounds
1,
6
and 11 were the
most active (Table 1) against the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Compound
1
showed a broad
anti-proliferative activity towards all cells applied in the study. It inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7,
RAW 264.7 and PC-3 cells with IC50 values ranging from approximately 5 M (RAW 264.7) to 216
µ
µM
(PC-3). The IC50 value for PC-3 was one and half-fold lower than the corresponding value for zoledronic
acid and in the same range as that for incadronic acid but worse than that of cisplatin. For the RAW
264.7 macrophages, compound
1 showed a nine times better anti-proliferative activity than zoledronate
and a ten times higher activity than incadronate.
The derivatives
cells. Compounds
6
8
,
,
7
10
,
8
,
10
,
, 11, 13, 15, and 16 exhibited a specificity of action against RAW 264.7
7,
,
13 15 showed comparable results to zoledronic acid, while compounds 6
and 11 showed 20 and 6 times stronger anti-proliferative activities, respectively.
Similar studies of the anti-proliferative activity of this class of compounds towards the J774E,
MC-7 and HL60 cell lines have been recently published [23]. The described set included compounds
trans- , and 16. The results of these studies are more or less similar to those presented in this work,
1
,
7
although with IC50 values that are significantly higher (including those of the controls). These studies
also indicated that compound 1 was the most promising candidate for further studies.
Taking into account the possible clinical application compounds, 1, trans-7, and 16 are the most
interesting of all the compounds tested. They show broad nonspecific activity, higher than that found
for incadronic acid, influencing the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and the PC-3 and MCF-7
cell lines. Compound
1 shows a broad nonspecific activity that is higher than that of incadronic acid.
Compound specifically and strongly influences the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and the
1
PC-3 and MCF-7 lines. This is especially interesting in the context of anti-osteolytic treatment and
the blocking of the interactions and mutual activation of osteoclasts and tumor metastatic cells in the
bone microenvironment.
2.3. In vivo Evaluation of Compounds
Compounds
1, trans-7, and 16 were the logical options for the treatment of sheep with induced
osteoporosis. These animals were chosen due to the similarity of sheep to humans in weight, bone

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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and joint structure, and bone regeneration mechanisms. Based on the previous literature report
and our studies, compound seemed to be the best choice. However, it is unstable in the solution
prepared for application in sheep [24 25]. This is clearly visible from the solution turning violet,
and 31P NMR spectra taken versus time indicate the decomposition of the carbon-to phosphorus bond
to form phosphorous acid. Therefore, compound trans- was chosen for in vivo studies, taking into
1
,
7
consideration its stability and solubility in aqueous solutions. Because osteoporosis does not occur
naturally in animals, it must be induced in sheep. It was induced by a separately described regimen
based on ovariectomy followed by controlled methylprednisolone treatment with respect to bone
metabolism and a suitable calcium/vitamin D-restricted diet [26]. The level of bone loss was determined
by measuring the bone mineral density by means of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and
computer radiography at the PET-TK Laboratory, Medical Diagnostic Center in Kraków. The bone
structural parameters were determined from iliac crest biopsy specimens using a diamond trephine.
After two months, the administration of bisphosphonate was started. An aqueous solution of the
sodium salt of bisphosphonate trans-7 (35 mg/sheep) was given to the animals every week using a probe
directly inserted into the rumen. Ten doses of the drug were given to five out of seven sheep. One
sheep was not medicated (negative control), whereas one was healthy (no osteoporosis was induced
here—positive control). At the end, the animals were sacrificed, and bone samples were collected from
the shaft, total hip, and radius of the femur and the proximal and distal tibial epiphysis for histology.
This examination revealed the presence of small erosion bays, where no osteogenesis was observed,
and large osteons characterized by arrested osteogenesis (Figure 10 and Supplementary Data). In some
bone lamella, a dysfunctional course of collagen fibers was noted, which indicates an inability to finish
the bone turnover process.
(a)
(b)
Figure 10. Erosion bays in tibia shown by arrows (
a
) and large osteon from shaft of femur, arrow
indicates arrested osteogenesis (b). Magnification 400×.
Summing up, a mild antiosteoporotic activity of compound trans-7, compared to incadronate
(results not shown), has been found, and thus these results are considered unsatisfactory.
3. Experimental Section
3.1. General Information
All solvents and reagents were purchased from commercial suppliers, were of analytical grade
and were used without further purification. Unless otherwise specified, solvents were removed with
a rotary evaporator. The 1H-, 31P- and 13C-NMR spectroscopic experiments were performed on a Bruker
Avance II Ultrashield Plus (Bruker, Rheinstetten, Germany) operating at 600.58 MHz (1H), 243.12 MHz
(31P{1H}) and 151.016 MHz (13C), a Bruker Avance III 500 MHz (Bruker, Rheinstetten, Germany)
operating at 500.14 MHz (1H), 202.46 MHz (31P) and 125.77 MHz (13C), a Bruker Advance TM DRX

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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operating at 121.51 MHz (31P), and a JEOL JNM-ECZ 400S Research FT NMR Spectrometer (JEOL Ltd.,
Tokyo, Japan) operating at 399.78 MHz (1H), 161.83 MHz (31P{1H}) and 100.53 (13C). Measurements
were made in solutions of D2O + NaOD at 300 K, and all solvents were supplied by ARMAR AG
(Dottingen, Switzerland). Chemical shifts are reported in ppm relative to TMS (tetramethylsilane)
and 85% H3PO4, used as external standards, and coupling constants are reported in Hz. Melting
points were determined on an SRS Melting Point Apparatus OptiMelt MPA 100 (Stanford Research
Systems, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and are reported uncorrected. The purity of all test compounds is
higher than 95% by 1H NMR and LC-MS. Mass spectra were recorded at the Faculty of Chemistry,
Wrocław University of Science and Technology using a Waters LCT Premier XE mass spectrometer
(method of electrospray ionization, ESI) (Waters, Milford, MA, USA).
3.2. Synthetic Procedures
3.2.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Aliphatic Bisaminomethylenebisphosphonates (6, 8–11,
16): Method A
A mixture of an aliphatic diamine (0.03 mol) and the appropriate amounts of diethyl phosphite
(0.126 mol, 16.32 mL) and triethyl orthoformate (0.063 mol, 4.4 mL) was heated with stirring at
◦
an elevated temperature (130 C) for 15 h (overnight) on the heating plate of a Radleys Carousel.
Then, the volatile components of the reaction mixture were evaporated, and the residue was dissolved
in chloroform (200 mL). The organic layer was extracted three times with water (3
inorganic layer was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude esters were then subjected
to hydrolysis.
×
150 mL), and the
3.2.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Bisaminomethylenebisphosphonates (1–7,trans-8, 11–14):
Method B
Diamine (0.03 mol) and the appropriate amounts of diethyl phosphite (0.126 mol, 16.32 mL) and
triethyl orthoformate (0.063 mol, 4.4 mL) were heated and simultaneously stirred at a temperature of
~130 ◦C on a heating plate (125 ◦C in the reaction medium) of a Radleys Carousel apparatus overnight
(15 h). The mixture was cooled, and the volatile components were removed using a rotary evaporator.
The resulting mixture was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and purified by washing with water
(100 mL), saturated sodium chloride solution (100 mL) and again with water (100 mL). The solution
was dried over anhyd MgSO4, and the solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The crude esters were
then subjected to hydrolysis.
3.2.3. Hydrolysis—General Procedure
The obtained ester (0.030 mol) was refluxed for 15 h (overnight) in 40 mL 6 M aqueous hydrochloric
acid solution. After cooling, the volatile components were removed using a rotary evaporator, and the
resulting oil was dissolved in a minimal amount of water (40–50 mL), decolored with activated charcoal
and purified by crystallization from a water–ethanol mixture (80/20 v/v). The impure product was
mixed with water for a few days until the dissolution of impurities was observed and then was filtered
and washed with distilled water and dried in vacuo.
Phenylene-1,4-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic) acid (
62% (method B); mp 342–344 ◦C.
1) [14,23] was obtained as a purple solid; yield:
Cyclohexane-1,3-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic) acid (
11% (method A) and 51% (method B); mp 269–270 ◦C.
6) [27] was obtained as a white solid; yields:
trans-Cyclohexane-1,4-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic) acid (trans-7) [14,23,27] was obtained as
a white solid; yield: 52% (method B); mp 243 ◦C.
(1S,2S)(+)-4-Cyclohexane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(1S,2S)-
8] was obtained as
a white solid; yield: 19% (method A); mp 245–246 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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δ
= 17.79 (broad AB spin system); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 0.74–0.85 (m, 1H),
0.94–1.14 (m, 3H), 1.43–1.56 (m, 2H), 1.61–1.68 (m, 1H), 1.93–2.03 (m, 1H), 2.17–2.27 (m, 1H), 2.40–2.49
(m, 1H), 2.68 (tbr, 1H, J = 19.9 Hz, CHP2); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 23.88, 24.22,
29.72, 31.87, 54.76, 55.47 (d, J = 115.83 Hz, CHP), 56.31 (d, J = 115.57 Hz, CHP), 62.30; HRMS (TOF MS
ESI); [M − H]− Calcd for C7H18N2O6P2: 287.0562; found: 287.0511.
(1R,2R)(
a white solid; yield: 13% (method A); mp 238–239 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 17.61 (broad AB spin system); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD ppm)
= 0.75–0.88 (m, 1H),
0.94–1.18 (m, 3H), 1.44–1.60 (m, 2H), 1.66–1.71 (m, 1H), 1.92–2.05 (m, 1H), 2.12–2.30 (m, 1H), 2.41–2.52
(m, 1H), 2.69 (t, 1H, J = 23.24 Hz, CHP2); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 24.44, 24.67,
−
)-4-Cyclohexane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(1R,2R)-8] was obtained as
δ
δ
δ
30.42, 33.55, 55.32, 56.27 (d, J = 123.20 Hz, CHP), 57.25 (d, J = 123.14 Hz, CHP), 63.06; HRMS (TOF MS
ESI); [M − H]− Calcd for C7H18N2O6P2: 287.0562; found: 287.0548 and 575.0829 [2M − H]−.
(
±
)-(trans)-Cyclohexane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(trans)-
a white solid; yields: 10% (method A) and 64% (method B); mp 235–236 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz,
D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 17.73 (AB spin system, J = 17.73 Hz); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD,
ppm) = 0.82 (qbr, 1H, J = 11.50 Hz), 1.01 (q, 1H J = 11.65 Hz), 1.08–1.12 (m, 2H), 1.49–1.54 (m, 2H),
8] was obtained as
δ
δ
1.66 (d, 1H, J = 12.60 Hz), 1.99 (d, 1H, J = 12.75 Hz), 2.21–2.26 (m, 1H), 2.44–2.48 (m, 1H), 2.67 (d, 0.5H,
J = 16.88 Hz, CHP); 2.71 (d, 0.5H, J = 17.17 Hz, CHP); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 24.51, 24.73, 30.57, 33.68, 55.43, 56.25 (d, J = 124.58 Hz, CHP), 57.13 (d, J = 124.50 Hz, CHP), 57.54;
HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M − H]− Calcd for C7H18N2O6P2: 287.0562; found: 287.0511.
Racemic cyclohexane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(rac)-8] [27] was obtained as
a white solid; yield: 18% (method A); mp 235–236 ◦C
(1S,2S)-Cyclopentane-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(1S,2S)-
a white solid; yield: 17% (method A); mp 227–228 ◦C; 31P-NMR (121.49 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm):
= 18.33 (broad AB spin system); 1H-NMR (500.14 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm):
= 1.14–1.25 (m, 2H),
9] was obtained as
δ
δ
1.44–1.49 (p, 2H, J = 7.34 Hz), 1.72–1.79 (m, 1H), 1.85–1.92 (m, 1H), 2.62 (t, 1H, J = 17.33 Hz, CHP2), 2.80
(q, 1H, J = 6.50 Hz, CHN), 3.10 (q, 1H, J = 6.59 Hz, CHN); 13C-NMR (125.77 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 20.84, 30.29, 32.70, 34.27 (t, J = 121.64 Hz, CHP2), 57.45 (CHN), 66.28 (CHN); HRMS (TOF MS ESI);
[M − H]− Calcd for C6H16N2O6P2: 273.0405 found: 273.0296.
(1S,2S)(+)-4-Cyclohexene-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(1S,2S)-10] was obtained as
a light brown solid; yield: 21% (method A); mp 220–221 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
=17.80 and 18.06; 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 1.61
−
1.77 (m, 2H), 2.08 2.32 (m, 2H),
−
2.57
−
2.70 (m, 2H), 2.787
−
2.89 (m, 1H, CHP2), 5.37
−
5.53 (m, 2H, CH =CH); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz,
D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 29.12, 31.82, 50.40, 56.04 (d, J = 124.23 Hz, CHP), 56.91 (d, J = 124.13 Hz, CHP),
124.89, 125.37; HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M + H]+ Calcd for C7H16N2O6P2: 287.0562; found: 287.0572.
(1R,2R)-4-Cyclohexene-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(1R,2R)-10] was obtained as
a light brown solid; yield: 12% (method A); mp 235
ppm)
= 18.72 (AB spin system, J = 7.81 Hz); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
(m, 2H), 1.88 (d, 1H, J = 17.70 Hz), 2.00 (d, 1H, J = 18.22 Hz), 2.30 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.53
CHP2), 5.15
5.28 (m, 2H, CH = CH); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
−
236 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD,
= 1.34 1.54
2.68 (m, 1H,
δ
δ
−
−
−
−
δ= 28.61, 31.55,
49.74, 55.50 (t, J = 196.3 Hz, CHP2), 56.62, 124.98, 1215.59; HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M
−
H]− Calcd for
C7H16N2O6P2: 285.0405; found: 285.0405.
( )-trans-4-Cyclohexene-1-amino-2-aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid [(trans)-10] was obtained as
±
a cream solid; yield: 18% (method A); mp 243–244 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
1
δ
= 17.85 (AB spin system, J = 7.56 Hz); H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 1.70–1.74
(m, 2H), 2.18 (d, 1H, J = 17.56 Hz), 2.32 (d, 1H, J = 17.85 Hz), 2.65–2.72 (m, 2H), 2.87–2.91 (m, 1H, CHP2),
5.49–5.52 (m, 2H, CH =CH); 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 29.16, 31.83, 50,35, 55.79

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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(d, J = 127.32 Hz CHP), 56.67 (d, J = 126.71 Hz CHP), 57.31(sbr), 124.99, 125.67; HRMS (TOF MS ESI);
[M − H]− Calcd for C7H16N2O6P2: 285.0405; found: 285.0418.
Piperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid (11) [14] was obtained as a white solid; yield: 25%
(method A), 42% (method B); mp 270–271 ◦C; 13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
=51.32,
66.17 (t, J = 122.92 Hz, CHP2); HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M
−
H]− Calcd for C6H18N2O12P4: 432.9732;
found: 432. 9713.
Piperaz-1-ylmethylenebisphosphonic acid (12) was obtained as a white solid; yield: 52% (method B);
mp 251–252 ◦C; 31P-NMR (161.83 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm) = 17.63; 1H-NMR (399.78 MHz, D2O
+ NaOD, ppm)
= 2.24–2.31 (m, 4H), 2.33 (t, 1H, J = 21.75 Hz, CHP2), 2.50–2.60 (m, 4H); 13C-NMR
(100.53 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
δ
δ
= 45.01, 51.16, 66.11 (d, J = 114.4 Hz, CHP), 67.36 (d, J = 119.4 Hz,
CHP); HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M − H]− Calcd for C5H14N2O6P2: 259.0249; found: 259.0243.
2,5-trans-Dimethylpiperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid [(trans)-13] was obtained as a white
solid; yield: 32% (method B); mp 244–245 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.12 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 13.96
= 0.95 and 0.96 (s, 6H),
2.88 (t, 2H, J = 11.23 Hz), 3.15 (t, 2H, J = 23.28 Hz, CHP2), 3.29–3.39 (m, 2H), 3.47 (d, 2H, J = 11.62 Hz);
(AB spin system, J = 18.60 Hz); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
13C-NMR (151.02 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ = 16.19, 55.60, 55.67, 56.13, 58.76 (t, J = 124.2 Hz, CHP2);
HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M − H]− Calcd for C8H22N2O12P4: 461.0045; found: 461.0029.
2,5-cis-Dimethylpiperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid [(cis)-13] was obtained as a white solid;
yield: 32% (method B); mp 237–239 ◦C; 31P-NMR (202.46 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
= 13.89 (ABX
= 0.99 and 1.00 (s, 6H),
2.91 (t, 2H, J = 11.87 Hz, CHP2), 3.16 (d, 2H, J = 19.34 Hz), 3.21 (d, 2H, J = 19.28 Hz), 3.32–3.42 (m, 2H),
3.51 (d, 2H, J = 10.66 Hz); 13C-NMR (125.77 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 16.10, 55.62, 55.73, 56.16,
spin system, JP-H = 19.73 Hz); 1H-NMR (500.14 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
δ
δ
56.20, 58.30 (d, J = 115.8 Hz, CHP), 59.29 (d, J = 115.7 Hz, CHP); HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M
for C8H22N2O12P4: 461.0045; found: 461.0027.
−
H]− Calcd
Racemic 2,6-Dimethylpiperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid [(rac)-14] was obtained as a white
solid; mixture of trans/cis isomers (4:2); yield: 37% (method B); mp 242–243 ◦C; 31P-NMR (161.83 MHz,
D2O + NaOD, ppm)
17.67 (s, minor isomer); 1H-NMR (399.78 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
(m, 2H), 2.10–2.29 (m, 2H, CHP2), 2.33–2.70 (m, 5H), 3.50–3.70 (m, 1H); 13C-NMR (100.53 MHz, D2O +
NaOD, ppm) = 16.17, 16.19, 16.23, 16.25, 18.37, 18.42, 50.00, 50.12, 50.26, 56.70, 57.36, 58.46, 60.98,
δ
= 17.90 (AB spin system, J = 35.90 Hz, both isomers); 17.48 (s, major isomer),
δ
= 0.56–0.70 (m, 4H), 0.82–0.93
δ
61.04, 63.83 (t, J = 131 Hz, CHP2); HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M
found: 461.0043.
−
H]− Calcd for C8H22N2O12P4: 461.0045;
2,6-cis-Dimethylpiperaz-1,4-diylmethylenebisphosphonic acid [(cis)-14] was obtained as a white solid;
yield: 27% (method B); mp 240–242 ◦C; 31P-NMR (243.16 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 17.11 (s),
17.39 (AB system, J = 36.15 Hz); 1H-NMR (600.58 MHz, D2O + NaOD, ppm)
= 0.61–0.67 (m, 3H),
0.87–0.96 (m, 3H), 2.18 (t, 1H, J = 12.07 Hz, CHP2), 2.25 (t, 1H, J = 11.15 Hz, CHP2), 2.39–2.49 (m, 2H),
δ
δ
2.52–2.68 (m, 2H), 3.55–3.64 (m, 2H); HRMS (TOF MS ESI); [M
found: 461.0055.
−
H]− Calcd for C8H22N2O12P4: 461.0045;
Hexylene-di(aminomethylenebisphosphonic acid (16) [23] was obtained as a white solid; yield: 37%
(method A); mp 211–212 ◦C.
3.2.4. Cell Cultures
Mycoplasma-free MCF-7, PC-3, and RAW 264.7 cell lines were purchased from the European
Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) and maintained at the Institute of Immunology
and Experimental Therapy (IIET), Wrocław, Poland. MCF-7 cell line was cultured in Eagle medium
(Life Technologies, Scotland, UK) supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum), 2 mM
L-glutamine, 1% NEAA (Non-Essential Amino Acid), 0.01 mg/mL insulin (all Sigma-Aldrich, Poland).

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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The PC-3 cell line was cultured in RPMI-1640 medium (Life Technologies, Scotland) supplemented
with 10% (v/v) FBS and 2 mM L-glutamine. The RAW 264.7 cell line was cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco’s
Modified Eagle Medium, Life Technologies, Scotland) supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS and 2 mM
L-glutamine. All culture media were additionally supplemented with 100 µg/mL streptomycin and
100 U/mL penicillin. Cell lines were cultured during all experiments in a humid atmosphere at 37 ◦C
and 5% CO2 and passaged twice a week using EDTA-trypsin (pH 8; IIET, Wrocław, Poland) solution as
a detachment agent.
3.2.5. SRB Anti-Proliferative Assay
24 h before adding the tested compounds, the cells were seeded on 96-well plates (Sarstedt,
Germany) in appropriate culture medium with 0.75
and 0.1
105 cells/mL for RAW 264.7. Cells were treated with each compound in at least four
concentrations in the range of 1000
−1 µM for 72 h. 0.2 M NaOH, used as a stock solution solvent,
×
105 cells/mL for MCF-7, 105 cells/mL for PC-3,
×
µM
was tested for anti-proliferative activity, and it did not affect the cell proliferation at 1 mM, the highest
concentration used in the compound solutions.
Experiments were carried out according to the described procedure [28], with minor modifications
for all adherent cells. Briefly, cells were fixed with 50
Performance Materials, Gliwice, Poland). After 1h incubation, the plates were washed several times
with tap water, and 50 L of a 0.1% (w/v) solution of sulforhodamine B (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany) in
µL/well of 50% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid (Avantor
µ
1% (v/v) acetic acid (Avantor Performance Materials, Gliwice, Poland) was added to each well. After
30 min of incubation at room temperature, the unbound dye was washed out with 1% (v/v) acetic acid,
and the bound dye was solubilized with 10 mM unbuffered TRIS (tris(hydroxyethyl)aminomethane,
Avantor Performance Materials, Gliwice, Poland) solution. The entire procedure was performed using
a Biotek EL-406 washing station (BioTek Instruments, Winooski, VT, USA). The absorbance was next
read using a Biotek Hybrid H4 reader (BioTek Instruments) at 540 nm.
The compounds at each concentration were tested in triplicate in a single experiment, and each
experiment was repeated at least three times independently. The results are presented as the mean
IC50
software [29].
±
standard deviation (SD) and calculated using the Prolab-3 system based on Cheburator 0.4
3.3. In vivo Studies
3.3.1. Studies on Sheep
Compound trans-7 was tested on a group of seven female “merino” sheep, aged 5–6 years
and weighing 45–60 kg. Sheep were purchased from Agricultural Experimental Station of Wrocław
University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Pawłowice, Poland. The group contained one sheep
on which no procedures were performed (negative control), one sheep after ovariectomy (positive
control) and five sheep after ovariectomy and glucocorticosteroid therapy. The animals were kept in
small boxes of a stable with a size of 10 m2, three in each. This was done to restrict their physical activity
and access to sunlight. The sheep were fed twice a day with hay and provided with unrestricted
access to water. All animals were weighed, and blood samples for the biochemical, morphological,
hormonal, and bone turnover markers were collected each month of the experiment. Two months after
the induction of osteoporosis, the administration of the tested bisphosphonate started. Thus, 35 mg of
trans-7 was dissolved in 35 mL of deionized water and pH was adjusted to 7.24 by addition 3M NaOH
(ca. 1.3 mL). This solution (35 mg of bisphosphonic acid/sheep, which is equal to 0.58–0.78 mg/kg)
was given to the animals every week using a probe inserted directly into the rumen. Ten doses of
bisphosphonate were given to each sheep. Finally, sheep were maintained at normal diet for additional
3,5 months. At the end, the animals were sacrificed, and bone samples from the femur and tibia were
collected for histology.

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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All studies were conducted in accordance with the Wrocław 2nd Local Ethics Committee for
Animal Experiments (resolution no 85/2009 of 27.02.2009) and was reviewed at and the study protocol
was approved by this ethics committee.
3.3.2. Histological Studies
The bone samples underwent conservation in 4% formalin solution and were decalcified by
successive bathing in 10% sodium versenate, distilled water, a mixture of formic and citric acids,
and distilled water. Then, they were dehydrated and kept in paraffin. The bone segments were
sectioned with a microtome to 6–7 µm slides for histomorphometric analysis. Before the analysis,
the samples were fixed for 3 h in a 3.5% solution of glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH
between 7.2 and 7.4), washed thoroughly with buffer and then fixed with a solution containing 1.0%
osmium tetroxide in the same buffer. After drying (ethanol-acetone), the samples were submerged in
Epon 812.
The bone slides were stained by the Delafield method with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed
by transmission microscopy (Tesla BS-500).
4. Conclusions
A three-component reaction between 1,4-diamines, triethyl orthoformate, and diethyl phosphite
resulted in introduction of two aminomethylenebisphosphonate moieties into the molecule. When
1,2-diamines were used as the substrates, the reaction surprisingly provided mono-substituted
aminomethylenebisphosphonates despite the ratio of the substrates used most likely, as a result of
steric hindrance. Moreover, stability of the mono-substituted products is enhanced by the formation of
hydrogen bonding between the phosphonate oxygen and the hydrogen of the adjacent amino group.
When 1,3-diamines were used as substrates mixtures of products of mono- and di-substitution had
been obtained. 31P NMR spectra revealed interesting non-equivalency of phosphorus atoms of the
obtained compounds.
The compounds obtained revealed diverse, albeit promising, activity towards PC-3, MCF-7,
and RAW 264.7 cells. Three of them, namely compounds 1, trans-7, and 16, showed broad nonspecific
activity, higher than that of incadronic acid (control), influencing the proliferation of all cell lines and
thus seem to be of particular interest in the context of anti-osteolytic therapy.
Tetraphosphonate trans-7 was chosen for the medication of sheep with induced osteoporosis,
but the result of this therapy was unsatisfactory. This shows that screening done based on the
anti-proliferative activity of bisphosphonates towards macrophage-like cell lines is not fully predictive
if considering antiosteoporetic activity. On the other hand, medication with bisphosphonates is a long
process, while the results of this study were obtained after just two and a half of months of medication
with some improvement of the bone status of the sheep observed after next three and a half of months.
Thus, this might be seen as a promising result.
Supplementary Materials: The following are available online. The datasets generated during the current study
are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. All data generated or analyzed during this
study are included in this published article Spectroscopic data for compounds (1H NMR, 31P NMR, 13C NMR and
MS) for compounds:
12, trans-13, cis-13, cis-14, rac-14
Histology (Delafield staining); Figure S2. Examples of erosion bays; Figure S3. Dysfunctional course of collagen
fibres of tibia (magnification 600×); Figure S4. Bone repair (magnification 400×).
1
,
6
,
7
, (1S, 2S)-
8
, (1R, 2R)-
8
, trans-
8
, rac-
8
, (1S, 2S)-
9, (1S, 2S)-10, (1R, 2R)-10, trans-10, 11,
,
16, incadronate and mixture of 15
&
17 (only 1H NMR and 31P NMR); Figure S1.
Author Contributions: E.C. performed the synthetic studies, synthesized compounds, conceived and designed
the experiments, wrote the paper and interpreted NMR spectra; P.P. synthesized compounds; M.P. and J.W.
conducted the in vitro studies; Z.K. conducted the in vivo studies; J.K. performed the histological experiments;
P.K. analyzed the data and helped in writing manuscript. All authors have given approval to the final version of
the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: These studies were partially supported by the Wrocław Research Center EIT+ under the project
“Biotechnologies and Advanced Medical Technologies—-BioMed” (POIG 01.01.02-02-003/08-00) financed by
the European Regional Development Fund (Operational Programme Innovative Economy, 1.1.2), partially by

Molecules 2020, 25, 1424
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a statutory activity subsidy from the Polish Ministry of Science and Education for the Faculty of Chemistry of
Wrocław University of Science and Technology (0401/0133/18).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are available from the authors.
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2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).