Synthesis and chemiluminescent properties of amino-acylated luminol derivatives bearing phosphonium cations

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules24213957

The monitoring of reactive oxygen species in living cells provides valuable information on cell function and performance. Lately, the development of chemiluminescence-based reactive oxygen species monitoring has gained increased attention due to the advantages posed by chemiluminescence, including its rapid measurement and high sensitivity. In this respect, specific organelle-targeting trackers with strong chemiluminescence performance are of high importance. We herein report the synthesis and chemiluminescence properties of eight novel phosphonium-functionalized amino-acylated luminol and isoluminol derivatives, designed as mitochondriotropic chemiluminescence reactive oxygen species trackers. Three different phosphonium cationic moieties were employed (phenyl, p-tolyl, and cyclohexyl), as well as two alkanoyl chains (hexanoyl and undecanoyl) as bridges/linkers. Synthesis is accomplished via the acylation of the corresponding phthalimides, as phthalhydrazide precursors, followed by hydrazinolysis. This method was chosen because the direct acylation of (iso)luminol was discouraging. The new derivatives’ chemiluminescence was evaluated and compared with that of the parent molecules. A relatively poor chemiluminescence performance was observed for all derivatives, with the isoluminol-based ones being the poorest. This result is mainly attributed to the low yield of the fluorescence species formation during the chemiluminescence oxidation reaction.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules24213957

molecules
Article
Synthesis and Chemiluminescent Properties of
Amino-Acylated luminol Derivatives Bearing
Phosphonium Cations
Anna Pantelia 1, Ira Daskalaki 1, M. Consuelo Cuquerella 2, Georgios Rotas 1,
Miguel A. Miranda 2,* and Georgios C. Vougioukalakis 1,
*
1
Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15771 Athens, Greece; annapantelia@gmail.com (A.P.);
iradask@hotmail.com (I.D.); rotasgiorgos@hotmail.com (G.R.)
Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Spain;
mcuquere@itq.upv.es
2
*
Correspondence: mmiranda@qim.upv.es (M.A.M.); vougiouk@chem.uoa.gr (G.C.V.);
Tel.: +34-963-877-807 (M.A.M.); +30-210-727-4230 (G.C.V.);
Fax: +34-963-879-444 (M.A.M.); +30-210-727-4761 (G.C.V.)
ꢀꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
ꢀꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Received: 15 October 2019; Accepted: 30 October 2019; Published: 31 October 2019
Abstract: The monitoring of reactive oxygen species in living cells provides valuable information
on cell function and performance. Lately, the development of chemiluminescence-based
reactive oxygen species monitoring has gained increased attention due to the advantages
posed by chemiluminescence, including its rapid measurement and high sensitivity. In this
respect, specific organelle-targeting trackers with strong chemiluminescence performance are of
high importance. We herein report the synthesis and chemiluminescence properties of eight
novel phosphonium-functionalized amino-acylated luminol and isoluminol derivatives, designed
as mitochondriotropic chemiluminescence reactive oxygen species trackers. Three different
phosphonium cationic moieties were employed (phenyl, p-tolyl, and cyclohexyl), as well as
two alkanoyl chains (hexanoyl and undecanoyl) as bridges/linkers. Synthesis is accomplished
via the acylation of the corresponding phthalimides, as phthalhydrazide precursors, followed
by hydrazinolysis. This method was chosen because the direct acylation of (iso)luminol was
discouraging. The new derivatives’ chemiluminescence was evaluated and compared with that of the
parent molecules. A relatively poor chemiluminescence performance was observed for all derivatives,
with the isoluminol-based ones being the poorest. This result is mainly attributed to the low yield of
the fluorescence species formation during the chemiluminescence oxidation reaction.
Keywords: phthalhydrazide; luminol; chemiluminescence; peroxide; phosphonium; mitochondria
1. Introduction
Chemiluminescence (CL), the emission of light derived from a chemical reaction, is usually the
outcome of a substrate’s redox reaction towards the formation of an excited species, which emits
light upon deactivation [
detection and analytical purposes, finding applications in analytical chemistry, clinical diagnostics,
forensics, etc. [ ]. High sensitivity, linear response, and fast measurement are among the main
1]. This chemically-induced light generation is of high importance, for both
2–4
advantages of CL-based analyses. In parallel, the growing evidence on the importance of certain
highly-reactive oxidants, known as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively),
in cell signaling, homeostasis, and metabolism [5–8] has necessitated the development of methods for
detecting the intracellular levels of ROS/RNS [
9
,10]. In this regard, mitochondria have been identified
Molecules 2019, 24, 3957; doi:10.3390/molecules24213957
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

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as the primary ROS-producing organelles [11
–
13]. The existence of ROS/RNS, both ideal oxidants
in CL reactions, has led to the use of chemiluminescent ROS-detecting probes, capitalizing on the
advantages of CL-based analyses [14–18].
5-Amino-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione is probably the most notorious and widely-used
chemiluminescent reagent [19–21]. It was synthesized for the first time at the beginning of the 20th
century [22], but its outstanding CL properties were discovered 26 years later [23]. The nickname
“Luminol” was given to this bicyclic compound, due to its intriguing CL properties [24], while fame
came a little later, when it was first reported as an efficient blood tracker in forensics [25]. Luminol’s
strong chemiluminescence is triggered upon oxidation from peroxide in the presence of a catalyst
(peroxidases, Fe3+, HOCl), yielding the excited 3-aminophthalate anion, which has been identified
as the light-emitting species. Although its laboratory use is widespread, it has been only recently
employed as in vivo CL tracker of neutrophil anti-microbial activity, either unmodified [26,27], or as
a functional biodegradable material [28]. In this respect, functionalization of luminol with targeting
moieties is expected to result in novel organelle-specific molecular trackers.
Our present work is part of an ongoing collaborative project on the development of novel,
mitochondriotropic chemiluminescent probes for ROS detection. In this regard, we opt for the synthesis
of tailor-designed luminol and isoluminol (the 6-amino isomer of luminol) derivatives, covalently
linked with phosphonium cations as mitochondriotropic moieties [29–31]. Herein, we report on the
synthesis and chemiluminescent properties of amino-acylated luminol and isoluminol derivatives
bearing variable phosphonium cations (triphenyl, tris(4-tolyl) or tricyclohexyl) and chain lengths (hexyl,
undecyl). Amino-acylation of (iso)luminol was chosen due to the seemingly ease of synthesis. Despite
luminol’s high repute, chemically modified derivatives are rather limited. Simple acylated luminol
derivatives have been synthesized and their chemiluminescence efficiencies have been evaluated
more than 50 years ago [32–34]. Their synthesis was reportedly performed via the direct acylation
of luminol with acyl chlorides, while their CL efficiencies appeared to be much lower to those of
luminol, indicating that chemical functionalization can substantially alter the CL properties of the
parent molecule. On the other hand, highly-efficient (electro)chemiluminescent luminol-Ru(bpy)3
donor-acceptor dyads [35,36] have been lately prepared from the direct acylation of luminol, while
acylation has very recently been also achieved using cyclic anhydrides [37]. Thus, our goal was
two-fold, namely: a) the development of an efficient synthetic procedure for a series of luminol and
isoluminol amino-acylated phosphonium derivatives; and b) the evaluation of the chemiluminescence
properties of these derivatives, in order to assess their potential for in vivo CL performance. Along
these lines, a re-evaluation of the CL properties of acyl-(iso)luminol derivatives, studied by modern
spectroscopic techniques, is presented herein.
2. Results
2.1. Synthesis of the Target Compounds
The synthesis of amino-acylated luminol derivatives
1 was initially approached through the
direct acylation of luminol (Lum) with a phosphonium-carboxylic acid derivative, albeit without
success (Scheme 1). A variety of methods were employed, involving the reaction of luminol with
phosphonium alkanoic acids 2a or 2b, (prepared from the reaction of 6-bromo-hexanoic or undecanoic
acid with triphenylphosphine) [38] through acid chloride [32], or using coupling agents, yielding, in
both cases, inseparable mixtures from which the desired product
purity and yield. Other approaches, involving the use of NHS-activated esters, anhydride (prepared
from DCC-mediated condensation of 39]), or mixed anhydride (prepared in situ from using
ethyl chloroformate [40]), yielded again either inseparable mixtures, or no reaction. Preparation of
was also attempted using bromoalkanoic acids, followed by their reaction with phosphine, again
without success.
1 could not be isolated in sufficient
2
[
2
1

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Scheme 1. Attempted direct acylation of luminol.
The above disappointing results led to another synthetic approach. Both the acidity of luminol’s
hydrazide protons and the weak nucleophilicity of its amino group were identified as potential source
of byproducts (through 2-N-, 3-N-, or O-acylation). Therefore, amino-acylation was attempted on
protected luminol derivatives. Phthalimides have been used as protected phthalhydrazides in the
preparation of amino-alkylated isoluminol derivatives [41
6a (Scheme 2) were prepared from the respective nitrophthalic acids 3a
sequence involving consecutive condensation reactions towards anhydrides
, and finally reduction of the nitro group [41 44]. Phthalimides 6a show good solubility in common
–
43]. In this respect, amino-phthalimides
in a three-step reaction
and then phthalimides
,b
,b
4
5
,
,b
organic solvents and thus can be handled easier, as compared to the respective phthalhydrazides.
Additionally, their easy and scalable preparation (no column chromatography needed) render them
valuable intermediates in the synthesis of phthalhydrazide derivatives.
Scheme 2. Synthesis of aminophthalimides 6a,b. Reagents and conditions: (i) Ac2O, ∆; (ii) sec-BuNH2,
AcOH, ∆; (iii) H2, Pd/C, MeOH.
Acylation of phthalimides 6a,b proceeds smoothly with bromoalkyl carboxylic acids 7
via acyl chloride, furnishing the acylated phthalimides in moderate yields (Scheme 3). It
is worth noting that room temperature has to be maintained throughout the reaction (even
during the evaporation of oxalyl chloride), since halogen exchange occurs to some extent,
towards the chloride, while more complex byproducts (e.g., 13 [45]) are isolated on prolonged
heating. On the other hand, no reaction occurred when the acylation was attempted with the
aid of coupling reagents (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N0-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC),
N,N0-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) or vanillin, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)). This result
was in stark contrast to that of the similar coupling reaction of luminol mentioned above, where
complex mixtures were formed. This is a clear indication that the hydrazide group is the source
of by-product(s) formation. Next, introduction of the appropriate phosphine was performed in
refluxing acetonitrile, yielding the corresponding phosphonium cations in moderate to good yields.
Tricyclohexylphosphonium derivative 11b was isolated as mixture with tricyclohexylphosphinoxide
and was used in the next step as such. Phosphonium 1a has been also prepared from the direct
acylation of phthalimide 6a with phosphonium carboxylic acid 2a (via acyl chloride) in 61% yield,
rendering this procedure a good alternative. Finally, hydrazinolysis of the phthalimides afforded the
desired phthalhydrazides
1 and 12 in moderate (non-optimized) yields. Prolonged reaction times and
high temperatures during hydrazinolysis have to be avoided in order to bypass amide bond cleavage.

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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Scheme 3. Synthesis of phosphonium bearing phthalhydrazides. Reagents and conditions:
(i) (a) (COCl)2, (b) 6a or 6b, Py, DCM; (ii) PR3, MeCN, ; (iii) NH2NH2.H2O, EtOH, . Yields
are non-optimized.
∆
∆
The desired products can be thus isolated in a repeatable manner and employing the usual
purification procedures. Acylation of luminol and isoluminol is evident in the 1H-NMR spectra of
the derivatives, where characteristic patterns appear, as shown in Figure 1. All signals are shifted
downfield, as compared to their parent compounds, while the newly-obtained amide NH protons
appear quite deshielded. The hydrazide proton signals are not always evident, usually appearing as
very broad peaks of variable chemical shift (12–8 ppm), quite sensitive to moisture, solvent traces, and
sample concentrations.
Figure 1. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6) spectra of: (
(aromatic region). The signals attributed to 5-N-amide (a,b) and amine (c,d) protons are indicated.
a) 1e; (b) 12b; (c) isoluminol; and (d) luminol

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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2.2. Chemiluminescence Studies
In order to investigate the CL properties of the new luminol-phosphonium derivatives, a protocol
was established. Briefly, (iso)luminols were dissolved in aqueous basic solutions, giving a final
concentration of 7.5 µM. Then, each sample was introduced in a quartz cuvette and the CL was
triggered by subsequent addition of H2O2 and K3[Fe(CN)6] while vigorously stirring. Monitoring
of the process was performed using a fluorometer with its own lamp switched off, running in
the time-based mode. The CL displayed by the amino-acylated derivatives
1 and 12, under these
experimental conditions, together with that of the parent compound luminol, are shown in Figure 2
and Table 1.
Figure 2. Results of a typical experiment to determine the chemiluminescence of the amino-acylated
derivatives 1a (blue), 1b (green), 1c (red), 1d (magenta), 1e (olive), and luminol (black) in aqueous basic
solutions. Inset: magnification.
Table 1. CL quantum yields of phthalhydrazides 1, 12, and luminol
Compound
Φ
CL
Luminol
1a
0.012 a
0.001
1b
0.001
1c
0.001
1d
0.001
1e
0.001
12a
12b
12c
< 0.001
< 0.001
< 0.001
a
See [46].
As a general finding, acylation diminishes almost quantitatively luminol’s CL, irrespective of
the mitotropic moieties incorporated to the structure, or the length of the chain employed to link
them to the amino acylated luminols. Amino-acylated isoluminols (compounds 12) showed even a
more dramatic effect, as CL was practically undetectable. Chemiluminescence quantum yields (ΦCL
)
were determined by comparison with luminol, taking its previously established absolute Φ0 as
CL
0.012 [46]. To do so, the total area under the curve for each compound was measured 10 times, in
separate experiments, and the average value was used to calculate the relative
ΦCL as ΦCL = A/AL x
Φ0CL, where A corresponds to the average area for each compound and AL the value obtained in the
case of the reference compound luminol. The results are listed in Table 1.
It is widely accepted that the oxidation of luminol leads to the formation of 3-aminophthalate
(
3AP) in its excited singlet state (Scheme 4, step A). In part, this excited species (13AP*) relaxes to its

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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ground state through the emission of light at 425 nm (Scheme 4, step B), thus producing the observed
chemiluminescence in the global process. Taking this into account, the dramatic decrease of CL upon
acylation could originate by a diminution in the yield of the oxidation and/or the emission steps.
To ascertain which is the key step affected, the fluorescence of 3-heptanamidophthalic acid 14 was
measured as reference compound (closely related to the emitting species in the CL of
two steps from 3-nitrophthalic acid) and compared to that of 3APH (Figure 3a) [47]. To this end, two
alkaline isoabsorptive solutions of 3APH and 14 were excited at the same wavelength ( = 303 nm)
1, prepared in
λ
exc
to ensure that both absorb the same number of photons. The fluorescence spectra were then recorded
and revealed that the emission quantum yields are of the same order, albeit significantly different
(
ΦF = 0.17 for 14, as compared with ΦF = 0.30 [48] for the reference compound 3APH). This sole
parameter does not justify the remarkable CL variations, which have to be attributed to the lower yield
of aminophthalate formation from the oxidation reaction, possibly due to the lower electron donating
capability of the aromatic ring substituent. Accordingly, the perturbation of the electronic distribution
of the benzenoic chromophore is reflected in the significant changes observed in the UV–vis spectra
(Figure 3b).
Scheme 4. Steps involved in phthalhydrazide derivatives’ chemiluminescence.
Figure 3. (a) Fluorescence spectra of 3APH (black) and 14 (red) (λ = 303 nm, matching absorbance)
exc
in aqueous basic solutions. (b) Normalized UV–vis spectra of luminol (black), 1a (blue) and 12a (violet)
in aqueous basic solutions.
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. General Information
All chemicals were obtained from commercial sources and were used without further purification.
Solvents were dried according to published procedures [49]. The course of the reactions was followed
with thin-layer chromatography (TLC), using aluminum sheets (0.2 mm) coated with silica gel 60 with
fluorescence indicator (silica gel 60 F254). Purification of the products was carried out by flash column
chromatography, using silica gel 60 (230 400 mesh). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were
−
obtained with a Bruker Avance 400MHz (Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbH, Ettlingen, Germany) or a Varian
Mercury 200MHz spectrometer (Varian Inc., Yarnton, UK). Chemical shifts are reported in ppm. HRMS
spectra were recorded in a QTOF maXis impact (Bruker) spectrometer under electron spray ionization
(ESI) conditions. Fluorescence spectra were registered with a Photon Technology International (PTI)
spectrofluorometer (Photon Technology International, Inc. NJ, USA), model LPS-220B equipped with
a 75 W Xe lamp as a light source, also equipped with a monochromator. Monitoring of the CL was

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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performed using the same spectrofluorometer with its own lamp switched off. The set was run in the
timebased mode with the detection dialed at 425 nm. Each experiment was performed at least 10 times.
Triggering the chemiluminescence: luminols were dissolved in aqueous basic solutions giving a final
concentration of 7.5
µM. Then, 2 mL of each sample were introduced in a quartz cuvette and the CL was
triggered by addition of 2.5
µ
L of H2O2 (50% w/w) and 8 µ
L of K3[Fe(CN)6] 75 mM while vigorously
stirring. The 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectra of some compounds are in the Supplementary Materials.
3.2. Synthetic Procedures
3.2.1. Synthesis of TPP Carboxylic Acids
Triphenylphosphine (11.5 mmol) was added in a solution of bromoalkyl carboxylic acid (12 mmol)
in dry acetonitrile (20 mL) and the mixture was stirred at reflux under argon for 48 h. After cooling,
the solvent was evaporated and the product precipitated out upon addition of ethyl acetate (or diethyl
ether). Filtration and washing with the same solvent furnished pure products [38].
(5-Carboxypentyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (2a). White powder (4.83 g, 92%). 1H NMR
(200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 8.46 (bs, 1H, COOH), 7.91–7.57 (m, 15H, ArH), 3.73–3.56 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.41–2.33
: 176.09, 135.21 (d, J = 2.8 Hz,
(m, 2H, CH2COOH), 1.67–1.55 (m, 6H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
PPh3 para), 133.66 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, PPh3 ortho), 130.65 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, PPh3 meta), 118.11 (d, J = 86.0 Hz,
PPh3 ipso), 34.25, 29.58 (d, J = 16.2 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 24.06, 22.56 (d, J = 51.0 Hz, CH2P), 21.99 (d,
J = 4.1 Hz, CH2CH2P). 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3) : 25.23. ES-MS m/z for C24H26O2P [M]+: calcd.
δ
377.2, found 377.2.
(10-Carboxydecyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (2b). White powder (5.88 g, 97%). 1H NMR
(200 MHz, CDCl3) : 8.82 (bs, 1H, COOH), 7.80–7.60 (m, 15H, ArH), 3.66–3.44 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.29
(t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, CH2COOH), 1.69–1.38 (m, 6H, CH2), 1.31–1.00 (m, 10H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz,
CDCl3) : 177.66 (C=O), 135.10 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, PPh3 para), 133.52 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, PPh3 ortho), 130.53 (d,
δ
δ
J = 12.5 Hz, PPh3 meta), 118.09 (d, J = 85.9 Hz, PPh3 ipso), 34.40, 30.28 (d, J = 15.9 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P),
28.99, 28.86, 28.84, 28.82, 28.73, 24.65, 22.56 (d, J = 50.7 Hz, CH2P), 22.44 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, CH2CH2P). 31
NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 25.08. ES-MS m/z for C29H36O2P [M]+: calcd. 447.2, found 447.2.
P
3.2.2. Synthesis of the Nitrophthalic Anhydrides 4a,b
A mixture of 3- or 4-nitrophthalic acid (10 g, 0.047 mol) and acetic anhydride (24 mL) was stirred
at reflux for 1h. After cooling, volatiles were evaporated (repeated addition of toluene and evaporation
facilitated the procedure). The anhydride precipitated out of the residue upon addition of diethyl ether
as sub-white powder (3-nitrophthalic anhydride 4a: 7.90 g (90%), 4-nitrophthalic anhydride 4b: 8.00 g
(88%)). The anhydrides were used in the next step without characterization.
3.2.3. Synthesis of the Nitrophthalimides 5a,b
A mixture of 3-nitrophthalic anhydride (7 g, 36.25 mmol), sec-butylamine (5.3 g, 72.50 mmol) and
acetic acid (60 mL) was refluxed for 18 h. After cooling, volatiles were evaporated and dichloromethane
(200 mL) was added. The solution was washed with aq. NaHCO3 (2
dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent evaporated, affording the desired phthalimides.
×
60 mL) and water (2
×
60 mL),
2-(sec-Butyl)-4-nitroisoindoline-1,3-dione (5a). From 3-nitrophthalic anhydride 4a. Beige solid, 7.92 g
1
(88%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 8.10–8.03 (m, 2H, H-5, H-7), 7.94–7.85 (m, 1H, H-6), 4.35–4.17 (m,
1H, NCH), 2.13–1.67 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.45 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CHCH3), 0.86 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C
NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 165.98, 163.08, 144.91, 135.34, 133.85, 128.86, 126.82, 123.33, 49.91, 26.58, 18.10,
11.20. ES-MS m/z for C12H12N2O4 [M]+: calcd. 248.0, found 248.0. ES-HRMS m/z for C12H12N2NaO4
[M + Na]+: calcd. 248.0797, found 248.0801.

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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2-(sec-Butyl)-5-nitroisoindoline-1,3-dione (5b). From 3-nitrophthalic anhydride 4b. Beige solid, 7.74 g
1
(86%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 8.59 (s, 1H, H-4), 8.57 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H-6), 8.00 (d, J = 7.5 Hz,
1H, H-7), 4.38–4.14 (m, 1H, NCH), 2.15–1.66 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.46 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CHCH3), 0.85 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 166.38, 166.07, 151.62, 136.35, 133.28, 129.14,
124.28, 118.43, 49.92, 26.69, 18.19, 11.20. ES-HRMS m/z for C12H12N2NaO4 [M + Na]+: calcd. 248.0797,
found 248.0803.
3.2.4. Synthesis of Aminophthalimides 6a,b
A stirred solution of the nitrophthalimide (1.83 g, 7.37 mmol) in methanol (30 mL) was degassed
(Ar) for 30 min. 10% Pd/C (200 mg) was added, then bubbled with H2 for a while and the mixture was
stirred under an H2 atmosphere (20 bar) for 18 h. The mixture was filtered through celite, washed with
methanol, and the filtrate was concentrated, leaving the corresponding aminophthalimide.
4-Amino-2-(sec-butyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (6a). From 4-nitrophthalimide 5a. Yellow solid, 1.50 g
1
(93%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 7.36 (dd, J = 8.3, 7.1 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.08 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H, H-5),
6.87 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H, H-7), 5.41 (bs, 2H, NH2), 4.28–4.01 (m, 1H, NCH), 2.17–1.64 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.45
(d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CHCH3), 0.87 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 170.51, 168.84,
145.27, 134.82, 132.52, 120.88, 112.10, 110.92, 48.48, 26.81, 18.40, 11.23. ES-HRMS m/z for C12H14N2NaO2
[M + Na]+: calcd. 241.0947, found 241.0948.
5-Amino-2-(sec-butyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (6b). From 5-nitrophthalimide 5b. Yellow solid, 1.51 g
(94%). 1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 7.45 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 6.89 (s, 1H, H-4), 6.78 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 1H, H-6), 6.45 (s, 2H, NH2), 4.09–3.95 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 1.98–1.58 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.34 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 3H, CHCH3), 0.76 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6): 168.55, 168.27,
155.02, 134.29, 124.81, 116.65, 116.49, 106.83, 47.77, 26.45, 18.45, 11.22. ES-HRMS m/z for C12H14N2NaO2
[M + Na]+: calcd. 241.0947, found 241.0948.
3.2.5. General Procedure for the Acylation of Phthalimides
A solution of the carboxylic acid (11 mmol) in oxalyl chloride (10 mL) was stirred for 5 h under
Ar. Then, the volatiles were evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure at room temperature. The
residue was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (8 mL) and added dropwise to a cooled (0 ◦C) solution
of the aminophthalimide (2.18 g, 10 mmol) and pyridine (1.61 mL, 20 mmol) in dichloromethane
(24 mL) under Ar. The resulting mixture was stirred at r.t. for 18 h. Water (100 mL) was added, the
layers were separated and the aqueous was washed with dichloromethane (2
organic layers were dried (Na2SO4), solvent was evaporated and the residue was subjected to column
×
40 mL). The combined
chromatography, affording the corresponding acylated phthalimide.
6-Bromo-N-(2-(sec-butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)hexanamide (8a). From 6-bromohexanoic acid and
4-aminophthalimide 6a. Chromatography with EtOAc/petroleum ether 8:1 to 4:1. Brownish oil (2.8 g,
1
71%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 9.60 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.73 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.63 (t, J = 7.9 Hz,
1H, H-6), 7.45 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.28–4.09 (m, 1H, CH), 3.41 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H, BrCH2), 2.47 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.12–1.65 (m, 6H), 1.60–1.42 (m, 5H), 0.86 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C
NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 172.01, 170.71, 168.05, 137.24, 135.78, 131.37, 124.61, 117.83, 115.55, 49.19,
37.71, 33.63, 32.45, 27.72, 26.90, 24.40, 18.54, 11.39. ES-HRMS m/z for C18H22BrN2O3 [M
393.0819, found 393.0821.
−
H]−: calcd.
11-Bromo-N-(2-(sec-butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)undecanamide (8b). From 11-bromoundecanoic
acid and 4-aminophthalimide 6a. Chromatography with EtOAc/petroleum ether 8:1 to 4:1. Brownish
1
oil (3.3 g, 70%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 9.58 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.74 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.62 (t,
J = 7.9 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.44 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.27–4.10 (m, 1H, CH), 3.37 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H, BrCH2),
2.44 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.08–1.65 (m, 6H), 1.45–1.19 (m, 15H), 0.86 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3).
13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.49, 170.69, 167.93, 137.40, 135.71, 131.43, 124.64, 117.70, 115.57, 77.16,

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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49.20, 38.06, 34.08, 32.87, 29.41, 29.38, 29.29, 29.19, 28.78, 28.20, 26.93, 25.33, 18.50, 11.36. ES-HRMS m/z
for C23H32BrN2O3 [M − H]−: calcd. 463.1602, found 463.1613.
6-Bromo-N-(2-(sec-butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)hexanamide (9a). From 6-bromohexanoic acid and
5-aminophthalimide 6b. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 0% to 5%. Brownish oil (2.7 g, 40%,
1
mixture with 10 mol% of the corresponding chloride). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 8.01 (dd, J = 8.1,
1.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.96 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H, H-4), 7.94 (bs, 1H, NH), 7.75 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.32–4.14
(m, 1H, CH), 3.42 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H, BrCH2), 2.47 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.15–1.71 (m, 6H), 1.61–1.44
(m, 5H), 0.86 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.38, 168.10, 168.02, 143.71,
132.97, 126.00, 123.82, 123.75, 113.82, 48.85, 37.00, 33.33, 32.06, 27.39, 26.57, 24.29, 18.11, 11.04. ES-HRMS
m/z for C18H22BrN2O3 [M − H]−: calcd. 393.0819, found 393.0811.
11-Bromo-N-(2-(sec-butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-5-yl)undecanamide (9b). From 11-bromoundecanoic
acid and 5-aminophthalimide 6b. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 0% to 5%. Brownish oil
1
(2.7 g, 58%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 8.25 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.09 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.97 (s,
1H, H-4), 7.74 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.32–4.13 (m, 1H, CH), 3.38 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H, BrCH2), 2.45 (t,
J = 6.8 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.08–1.65 (m, 6H), 1.47–1.19 (m, 15H), 0.86 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C
NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 172.16, 168.60, 168.29, 143.79, 133.45, 126.43, 124.46, 123.84, 113.86, 49.25,
37.91, 34.25, 32.86, 29.45, 29.42 (2C), 29.32, 28.80, 28.21, 26.96, 25.49, 18.54, 11.43. ES-HRMS m/z for
C23H32BrN2O3 [M − H]−: calcd. 463.1602, found 463.1610.
3.2.6. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Phosphonium Phthalimides
A solution of the bromide (1 mmol) and the phosphine (2 mmol) in dry acetonitrile (5 mL) was
refluxed under Ar for 3 days. After cooling, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was subjected
to column chromatography, yielding the corresponding phosphonium cation.
(6-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (10a).
From bromide 8a and triphenylphosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 3 to 10%. White
1
solid (335 mg, 51%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 9.53 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.62 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, H-5), 7.85–7.60
(m, 15H, ArH), 7.55 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.39 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.23–4.05 (m, 1H, CH),
3.80–3.65 (m, 2H, PCH2), 2.40 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.07–1.60 (m, 8H), 1.39 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H,
CH3), 0.81 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 171.16, 169.35, 167.10, 136.11,
134.80, 134.34 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, PPh3 para), 132.74 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, PPh3 ortho),130.45, 129.76 (d, J = 12.5 Hz,
PPh3 meta), 123.89, 117.21 (d, J = 86.0 Hz, PPh3 ipso), 116.90, 114.88, 48.90, 36.26, 28.82 (d, J = 16.0 Hz,
CH2CH2CH2P), 25.94, 23.52, 21.44 (d, J = 50.0 Hz, CH2P), 21.40 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, CH2CH2P), 17.60, 10.49.
31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
577.2608.
δ
: 24.89. ES-HRMS m/z for C36H38N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 577.2615, found
(6-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide (10b).
From bromide 8a and tri(p-tolyl)phosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White
1
solid (371 mg, 53%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 9.56 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.67 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, H-5), 7.70–7.57
(m, 7H, ArH), 7.50–7.43 (m, 7H, ArH, H-6, H-7), 4.26–4.08 (m, 1H, CH), 3.64–3.50 (m, 2H, PCH2),
2.46–2.34 (m, 11H, ArCH3, CH2CO), 2.07–1.60 (m, 8H), 1.43 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H, CH3), 0.85 (t, J = 7.4 Hz,
3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 171.88, 170.24, 167.92, 146.15 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, PAr3 para),
136.94, 135.47, 133.34 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 131.26, 131.09 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, PAr3 meta), 124.57,
117.64, 115.59, 114.83 (d, J = 88.7 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 48.98, 37.03, 29.63 (d, J = 16.6 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 26.70,
24.35, 22.66 (d, J = 53.0 Hz, CH2P), 22.18 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.79 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, ArCH3), 18.36,
11.23. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
found 619.3080.
δ
: 23.97. ES-HRMS m/z for C39H44N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 619.3084,
(11-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide
(
10c). From bromide 8b and triphenylphosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 10%.
1
White solid (582 mg, 80%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 9.55 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.71 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, H-5),

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7.84–7.55 (m, 16H, ArH, H-6), 7.41 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.24–4.07 (m, 1H, CH), 3.77–3.61 (m, 2H,
PCH2), 2.39 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.09–1.58 (m, 6H), 1.41 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H, CH3), 1.34–1.10
(m, 12H), 0.83 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.55, 170.70, 168.12,
137.42, 135.71, 135.08 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, PPh3 para), 133.79 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, PPh3 ortho), 131.48, 130.58 (d,
J = 12.6 Hz, PPh3 meta), 124.69, 118.25 (d, J = 85.9 Hz, PPh3 ipso), 117.72, 115.63, 49.24, 38.06, 30.49 (d,
J = 15.5 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 29.37, 29.27 (2C), 29.18 (2C), 26.95, 25.32, 22.87 (d, J = 49.6 Hz, CH2P),
22.75 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, CH2CH2P), 18.52, 11.37. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 25.31. ES-HRMS m/z for
C41H48N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 647.3397, found 647.3397.
(11-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
10d). From bromide 8b and tri(p-tolyl)phosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 10%.
White solid (485 mg, 63%). 1H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
: 9.57 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.73 (d, J = 8.4 Hz,
(
δ
H-5), 7.68–7.42 (m, 14H, ArH, H-6, H-7), 4.26–4.09 (m, 1H, CH), 3.57–3.42 (m, 2H, PCH2), 2.44 (s, 9H,
ArCH3), 2.39 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.07–1.57 (m, 6H), 1.43 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 1.36–1.13 (m,
12H), 0.88 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.55, 170.67, 168.10, 146.25 (d,
J = 3.0 Hz, PAr3 para), 137.36, 135.70, 133.53 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 131.41, 131.21 (d, J = 12.9 Hz,
PAr3 meta), 124.64, 117.71, 115.56, 115.19 (d, J = 88.6 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 49.20, 38.04, 30.55 (d, J = 15.6 Hz,
CH2CH2CH2P), 29.76, 29.38, 29.27, 29.22, 29.17, 26.91, 25.30, 23.06 (d, J = 51.1 Hz, CH2P), 22.67 (d,
J = 4.3 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.94 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, ArCH3) 18.52, 11.37. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
ES-MS m/z for C44H54N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 689.3867, found 689.3869.
δ: 24.13.
(11-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)tricyclohexylphosphonium bromide
(
10e). From bromide 8b and tricyclohexylphosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to
1
10%. White solid (723 mg, 97%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 9.51 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.65 (d, J = 8.3 Hz,
H-5), 7.55 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.36 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.20–4.02 (m, 1H, CH), 2.67–2.22 (m,
7H, PCH, COCH2), 1.96–1.15 (m, 51H, CH), 0.78 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz,
CDCl3) δ: 172.07, 170.18, 167.63, 136.92, 135.27, 130.98, 124.19, 117.24, 115.14, 48.73, 37.59, 30.91 (d,
J = 13.6 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 29.46 (d, J = 40.3 Hz, PCy3-C1), 28.91, 28.88, 28.86, 28.73, 28.61, 26.87 (d,
J = 3.5 Hz, PCy3-C2), 26.46, 26.08 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, PCy3-C3), 25.08, 24.86, 22.44 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, CH2CH2P),
18.08, 15.45 (d, J = 43.0 Hz, CH2P), 10.94. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 32.62. ES-HRMS m/z for
C41H66N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 665.4806, found 665.4804.
(6-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-5-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide (11a).
From bromide 9a and tri(p-tolyl)phosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 3 to 10%. White
solid (504 mg, 72%). 1H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 10.98 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.59 (s, 1H, H-4), 8.13 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, H-6), 7.67–7.43 (m, 13H, ArH, H-7), 4.29–4.10 (m, 1H, CH), 3.45–3.26 (m, 2H, PCH2), 2.65
(t, J = 7.2 Hz, CH2CO), 2.46 (s, 9H, ArCH3), 2.06–1.70 (m, 8H), 1.43 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H, CH3), 0.84 (t,
J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 173.10, 168.45, 168.28, 146.26 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, PAr3
para), 145.00, 133.09 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 132.66, 131.03 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, PAr3 meta), 125.20, 124.14,
123.14, 114.49 (d, J = 88.9 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 113.83, 48.47, 36.72, 29.70 (d, J = 15.9 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 26.61,
24.32, 22.87 (d, J = 52.5 Hz, CH2P), 21.64 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, ArCH3), 21.39 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, CH2CH2P) 18.22,
11.07. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
found 619.3094.
δ
: 22.24. ES-HRMS m/z for C39H44N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 619.3084,
(6-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-5-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)tricyclohexylphosphonium bromide
(
11b). From bromide 9a and tricyclohexylphosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 3%
1
to 10%. White solid (595 mg, 88%, contaminated with 25 mol% tricyclohexylphosphinoxide). H NMR
(400 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 10.87 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.42 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H, H-4), 8.04 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.9 Hz, H-6), 7.45
(d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.06–3.97 (m, 1H, NCH), 2.57 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, CH2CO), 2.48–2.39 (m, 3H, PCH),
2.18–2.11 (m, 2H, PCH2), 1.97–1.05 (m, 41H, CH, O=CCy3*), 0.67 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C
NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.85, 168.33, 168.20, 144.95, 132.66, 125.25, 123.98, 123.09, 113.64, 48.45,
36.11, 35.02* (d, J = 60.8 Hz, O=PCy3-C1), 30.00 (d, J = 14.1 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 29.64 (d, J = 40.4 Hz,

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PCy3-C1), 26.90 (d, J = 3.8 Hz, PCy3-C2), 26.59* (d, J = 11.6 Hz, O=PCy3-C3), 26.55, 26.12 (d, J = 11.9 Hz,
PCy3-C3), 26.02* (d, J = 3.0 Hz, O=PCy3-C2), 25.82* (d, J = 1.3 Hz, O=PCy3-C4), 25.07 (d, J = 1.2 Hz,
PCy3-C4), 24.20 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, CH2CH2CH2CH2P), 21.43 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, CH2CH2P), 18.13, 15.48 (d,
J = 42.8 Hz, CH2P), 10.96. 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3) : 33.64. ES-HRMS m/z for C36H56N2O3P [M]+:
δ
calcd. 595.4023, found 595.4032. *signals attributed to tricyclohexylphosphinoxide.
(11-((2-(sec-Butyl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-5-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
(
11c). From bromide 9b and tri(p-tolyl)phosphine. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 3 to 10%.
1
White solid (523 mg, 68%). H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 10.74 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.52 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H,
H-4), 8.14 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.8 Hz, H-6), 7.51 (dd, J = 12.4, 8.1 Hz, PTol-Hortho), 7.46 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H,
H-7), 7.41 (dd, J = 8.3, 3.2 Hz, PTol-Hmeta), 4.13–4.04 (m, 1H, NCH), 3.29–3.22 (m, 1H, PCH), 2.58 (t,
J = 7.5 Hz, CH2CO), 2.39 (s, PTol-CH3), 1.97–1.85 (m, 1H, CH2CH3), 1.70–1.43 (m, 7H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.0,
CHCH3), 1.27–1.10 (m, 10H), 0.74 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 173.82,
168.69, 168.51, 146.48 (d, J = 2.9 Hz, PAr3 para), 145.42, 133.26 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 132.85, 131.20
(d, J = 12.8 Hz, PAr3 meta), 125.24, 124.28, 123.29, 114.84 (d, J = 88.7 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 114.14, 48.64, 37.10,
30.28 (d, J = 15.5 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 28.75, 28.71, 28.70, 28.65, 28.39, 26.82, 25.29, 23.07 (d, J = 51.9 Hz,
CH2P), 22.39 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.79 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, ArCH3), 18.37, 11.21. 31P NMR (162 MHz,
CDCl3) δ: 22.81. ES-HRMS m/z for C44H54N2O3P [M]+: calcd. 689.3867, found 689.3886.
3.2.7. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Phosphonium Phthalhydrazides
A solution of the phosphonium phthalimide (0.4 mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (6 mmol) in
ethanol (15 mL) was refluxed for 3 h. After cooling, the volatiles were evaporated and the residue was
subjected to column chromatography, yielding the corresponding phthalhydrazide.
(6-((1,4-Dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-5-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide
(
1a). From phthalimide 10a. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (139 mg,
1
53%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 12.53 (bs, 1H, NH), 12.06 (bs, 2H, NH),8.78 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H,
H-6), 7.80–7.45 (m, 17H, Ar-H, H-7, H-8), 3.71–3.50 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.39–2.22 (m, 2H, CH2CO), 1.78–1.54
(m, 6H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 172.02, 159.90, 154.47, 140.90, 135.13 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, PAr3
para), 134.21, 133.52 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 130.54 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, PAr3 meta), 127.91, 122.22,
119.59, 118.03 (d, J = 85.9 Hz, ipso), 114.80, 37.95, 29.71 (d, J = 17.4 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 24.40, 22.25 (d,
J = 49.6 Hz, CH2P), 22.23 (d, J = 3.2 Hz, CH2CH2P). 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 25.33. ES-HRMS m/z
for C32H31N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 536.2098, found 536.2097.
(6-((1,4-Dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-5-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
(
1b). From phthalimide 10b. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (84 mg,
1
32%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 12.53 (bs, 1H, NH), 12.66 (bs, 2H, NH), 8.80 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H,
H-6), 7.70 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H, H-8), 7.57–7.30 (m, 13H, Ar-H, H-7), 3.46–3.25 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.41–2.18 (m,
11H, ArCH3, CH2CO), 1.78–1.52 (m, 6H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 172.34, 160.21, 155.19,
146.48 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, PAr3 para), 140.93, 134.08, 133.44 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 131.30 (d, J = 12.9 Hz,
PAr3 meta),128.51, 122.31, 119.94, 114.98 (d, J = 88.8 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 115.25, 38.29, 29.93 (d, J = 16.0 Hz,
CH2CH2CH2P), 24.58, 22.74 (d, J = 49.2 Hz, CH2P), 22.30 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.97. 31P NMR
(81 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 25.23. ES-HRMS m/z for C35H37N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 578.2657, found 578.2619.
(11-((1,4-Dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-5-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide
(
1c). From phthalimide 10c. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (135 mg,
1
49%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 15.58 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.74 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.90–7.70 (m,
15H, ArH), 7.62 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, H-8), 7.49 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, H-7), 3.60–3.45 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.28 (t,
J = 7.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 1.65–1.10 (m, 16H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 171.09, 160.37,
156.81, 140.29, 134.84 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, PAr3 para), 133.58 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 130.34, 130.22 (d,
J = 12.4 Hz, PAr3 meta), 129.99, 119.50, 118.62 (d, J = 85.6 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 118.59, 117.36, 38.10, 30.72,
29.67 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 28.59 (2C), 28.51, 27.95, 25.03, 21.67 (d, J = 4.2 Hz, CH2CH2P),

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20.09 (d, J = 49.4 Hz, CH2P). 31P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 23.39. ES-HRMS m/z for C37H41N3O3P
[M]+: calcd. 606.2880, found 606.2888.
(11-((1,4-Dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-5-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
(
1d). From phthalimide 10d. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (108 mg,
1
37%). H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 12.74 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.95 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.77 (d, J = 7.7 Hz,
1H, H-8), 7.62 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 7.55–7.36 (m, 15H, ArH), 3.36–3.22 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.42–2.27
(m, 11H, ArCH3, CH2CO), 1.72–1.04 (m, 16H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.80, 159.66,
154.97, 146.34 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, PAr3 para), 141.21, 134.06, 133.24 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 131.15 (d,
J = 12.9 Hz, PAr3 meta), 128.28, 122.41, 119.66, 115.12, 114.86 (d, J = 88.7 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 38.62, 30.38 (d,
J = 15.7 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 28.91 (2C), 28.87, 28.83, 28.77, 25.31, 22.82 (d, J = 51.6 Hz, CH2P), 22.49 (d,
J = 4.2 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.81 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, ArCH3). 31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
m/z for C40H47N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 648.3350, found 648.3437.
δ: 23.82. ES-HRMS
Tricyclohexyl(11-((1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-5-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)phosphonium
bromide (1e). From phthalimide 10e. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid
1
(56 mg, 20%). H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 12.67 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.98 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.81 (d,
J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, H-8), 7.69 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-7), 2.53 (q, J = 11.5 Hz, 3H, PCyCH), 2.40 (t, J = 7.5 Hz,
2H, COCH2), 2.38–2.30 (m, 2H, PCH2), 2.01–1.19 (m, 46H, CH2). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 172.81,
159.82, 154.77, 141.40, 134.35, 128.09, 122.63, 119.67, 115.09, 38.73, 31.18 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P),
30.02 (d, J = 40.3 Hz, PCy3-C1), 29.15, 28.98, 28.94, 28.86, 28.82, 27.25 (d, J = 3.9 Hz, PCy3-C2), 26.53
(d, J = 11.7 Hz, PCy3-C3), 25.47, 25.35, 22.79 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, CH2CH2P), 15.82 (d, J = 42.5 Hz, CH2P).
31P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl3)
624.4295.
δ
: 32.71. ES-HRMS m/z for C37H59N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 624.4289, found
(6-((1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-6-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
(
12a). From phthalimide 11a. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (190 mg,
1
72%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 11.46 (bs, 2H, NHNH), 10.63 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 8.42 (s, 1H,
H-5), 8.03–7.94 (m, 2H, H-7, H-8), 7.68–7.55 (m, 12H, ArH), 3.56–3.45 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.46–2.30 (m, 11H,
ArCH3, CH2CO), 1.60–1.45 (m, 6H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 172.13, 155.00, 154.50,
145.53 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, PAr3 para), 143.10, 133.46 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 130.80 (d, J = 12.8 Hz,
PAr3 meta),128.18, 126.24, 123.29, 122.33, 115.51 (d, J = 88.2 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 113.28, 36.08, 29.51 (d,
J = 17.5 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 24.30, 21.67 (d, J = 5.0 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.28 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, ArCH3), 20.52
(d, J = 52.0 Hz, CH2P). 31P NMR (81 MHz, DMSO-d6) : 24.04. ES-HRMS m/z for C35H37N3O3P [M]+:
δ
calcd. 578.2567, found 578.2627.
Tricyclohexyl(6-((1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-6-yl)amino)-6-oxohexyl)phosphonium bromide
(
12b). From phthalimide 11b. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (157 mg,
1
62%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 11.25 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 8.56 (s, 1H, H-5), 8.11 (d, J = 8.7 Hz,
1H, H-7), 7.97 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H, H-8), 2.59–2.43 (m, 5H, PCH), 2.32–2.15 (m, 2H, COCH2), 2.03–1.26
(m, 36H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ
: 172.31, 155.00, 154.39, 143.20, 128.18, 126.15, 123.34,
122.35, 113.32, 36.03, 30.11 (d, J = 13.3 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 28.54 (d, J = 41.2 Hz, CH2P-cyclo), 26.11
(d, J = 4.2 Hz, CH2CH2P-cyclo), 25.94 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P-cyclo), 25.02, 24.26, 21.44 (d,
J = 2.8 Hz, CH2CH2P), 14.28 (d, J = 44.0 Hz, CH2P). 31P NMR (81 MHz, DMSO-d6)
m/z for C32H49N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 554.3506, found 554.3556.
δ: 32.47. ES-HRMS
(11-((1,4-Dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophthalazin-6-yl)amino)-11-oxoundecyl)tri-p-tolylphosphonium bromide
(
12c). From phthalimide 11c. Chromatography with methanol/DCM 5% to 20%. White solid (108 mg,
1
37%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 11.44 (bs, 2H, NHNH), 10.47 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 8.40 (s, 1H,
H-5), 8.03–7.94 (m, 2H, H-7, H-8), 7.68–7.53 (m, 12H, ArH), 3.52–3.43 (m, 2H, CH2P), 2.44–2.33 (m, 11H,
ArCH3, CH2CO), 1.65–1.16 (m, 16H, CH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 172.32, 154.93, 154.38,
145.55 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, PAr3 para), 143.17, 133.44 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, PAr3 ortho), 130.80 (d, J = 12.8 Hz,
PAr3 meta), 128.15, 126.24, 123.31, 122.23, 115.54 (d, J = 88.2 Hz, PAr3 ipso), 113.26, 36.45, 29.79 (d,

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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J = 16.6 Hz, CH2CH2CH2P), 28.75, 28.68, 28.63, 28.13, 25.02, 21.76 (d, J = 3.5 Hz, CH2CH2P), 21.28 (d,
J = 1.5 Hz, ArCH3), 20.46 (d, J = 50.4 Hz, CH2P). 31P NMR (81 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 24.13. ES-HRMS m/z
for C40H47N3O3P [M]+: calcd. 648.3350, found 648.3401.
3.2.8. Synthesis of 3-Heptanamidophthalic Acid (14)
Synthesis of 4-aminoisobenzofuran-1,3-dione 15 [50]. A stirred solution of 3-nitrophthalic anhydride 4a
(4.5 g, 23 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was degassed (Ar) for 30 min. 10% Pd/C (200 mg) was added, then
bubbled with H2 for a while and the mixture was stirred under H2 atmosphere (20 bar) for 18 h. The
mixture was filtered through celite, washed with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was concentrated. The
solid residue was washed with dichloromethane (extracting
silica gel was added in the combined washings, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was
≈
1 g of a mixture containing the product),
dry-loaded onto column chromatography (dichloromethane), affording 3-aminophthalic anhydride 15
1
as yellow solid (488 mg, 13%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ
: 7.57 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.11 (d,
J = 7.0 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.09 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H, H-4), 6.83 (s, 2H, NH2). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
: 164.00, 163.92, 148.33, 137.21, 131.47, 122.25, 112.68, 108.01. ES-MS m/z for C8H5NO3 [M]+: calcd.
δ
163.0, found 163.0. A solution of heptanoic acid (263 mg, 2.024 mmol) in oxalyl chloride (1 mL) was
stirred for 5 h under Ar. Then, the volatiles were evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure at
room temperature. The residue was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (1 mL) and added dropwise to
a cooled (0 ◦C) solution of the anhydride 15 (300 mg, 1.84 mmol) and pyridine (474
µ
L, 5.52 mmol) in
dichloromethane (5 mL) under Ar. The resulting mixture was stirred at r.t. for 48 h. Water (40 mL)
was added and the aqueous phase was washed with dichloromethane (2 20 mL) and ethyl acetate
(3 20 mL). The combined ethyl acetate washings were dried (Na2SO4), solvent was evaporated and
×
×
the residue was subjected to column chromatography (0% to 20% methanol/DCM) yielding phthalic
1
acid 14 as off-white solid (17 mg, 3%). H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ: 11.92 (bs, 1H, NH), 8.40 (d,
J = 8.2, Hz, 1H, H-4), 7.38–7.27 (m, 2H, H-5, H-6), 2.28 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, COCH2), 1.64–1.52 (m, 2H,
COCH2CH2), 1.33–1.24 (m, 6H), 0.86 (t, J = 6.3 Hz, 3H, hexyl-CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6)
δ:
173.29, 173.20, 172.82, 155.51, 135.85, 128.47, 127.95, 123.88, 123.34, 37.27, 31.31, 28.58, 25.34, 22.18, 12.98.
ES-HRMS m/z for C15H18NO5 [M − H]−: calcd. 292.1185, found 292.1188.
4. Conclusions
A series of phosphonium-functionalized amino-acylated luminol and isoluminol derivatives was
synthesized. Direct acylation of (iso)luminol resulted in inseparable mixtures, so their preparation was
accomplished through the acylation of the corresponding, easily-accessible phthalimides, followed by
hydrazinolysis. In this way, the targeted derivatives were isolated in a scalable and repeatable manner.
All compounds were fully characterized using NMR and HRMS spectroscopies. The H2O2-triggered
chemiluminescence of the synthesized compounds was investigated under alkaline conditions and
compared to that of the parent compound. In general, all amino-acylated luminol derivatives exhibit a
CL quantum yield markedly lower to that of luminol. The remarkable decrease in the CL quantum yield
is attributed to both the weaker fluorescence of the corresponding phthalates and, more importantly, to
the poorer electron-donating nature of the aromatic ring substituent, which results in a lower yield of the
CL-triggering oxidation reaction. Thus, while the task of attaching a phosphonium cation on luminol
is feasible, the amino-acylation approach, towards (iso)luminol functionalization, affords inefficient
chemiluminescent derivatives. As a result, different functionalization routes have to be considered.
Supplementary Materials: NMR spectra for the prepared compounds are available online at http://www.mdpi.
com/1420-3049/24/21/3957/s1.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, G.C.V., G.R., M.A.M., and M.C.C.; Methodology, G.C.V., G.R., M.A.M.,
and M.C.C.; Validation, G.C.V. and G.R.; Investigation, A.P., I.D., and M.C.C.; Resources, G.C.V. and M.A.M.;
Writing—original draft preparation, G.R.; Writing—review and editing, G.C.V. and M.A.M.; Visualization, G.R.;
Supervision, G.C.V., G.R., and M.A.M.; Project administration, G.C.V. and M.A.M.; Funding acquisition, G.C.V.,
A.P., and M.A.M.

Molecules 2019, 24, 3957
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Funding: This project was financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 framework program for
research and innovation under grant agreement no. 712921, as well as a Greek State Scholarships Foundation
(I.K.Y.) fellowship to A.P.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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45. Spectroscopic data for 13, derived from reaction of 6a and 7a: H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3)
δ
: 9.77 (bs, 1H,
NH), 8.69 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H, H-5), 7.64 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H, H-6), 7.47 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H, H-7), 4.29–4.11 (m, 1H,
CH), 3.44 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H, CH2Cl), 2.57 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CO), 2.34–2.24 (m, 4H, CH2-cyclopentyl),
2.12–1.53 (m, 10H), 1.45–1.30 (m, 5H), 0.86 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3)
δ: 207.29,
171.29, 170.37, 168.06, 136.96, 135.75, 131.60, 124.50, 118.14, 116.27, 69.98, 49.29, 44.89, 38.40, 32.84, 32.79, 32.37,
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are not available from the authors.
©
2019 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/).