Green and cost-effective synthesis of sulfamidophosphonates using ZnO nanoparticles as catalyst

Sulfamidophosphonate have a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, herbicide and anti-tumor activities, making them useful in various fields. New sulfonamidophosphonates have been developed as selective inhibitors of COX-2 (the mediator of cell survival, proliferation and apoptosis) and anticancer candidates.

The use of nanoparticles in the synthesis of biomolecules such as phosphonate and sulfonamide is a promossing approach for green synthesis. One common approach for green synthesis is to use nanoparticles as catalyst, which can enhance the reaction rate and efficiency, and reduce the amount to toxic and hazardous chemicals used in the synthesis process. The small size of nanoparticles provides a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which enhances their reactivity and can lead ti improved reaction kinetics and yields. Additionally, the unique physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles , such as high thermal stability and biocompatibility, make them attractive for use in various organic synthesis applications including asymmetric catalysis, green chemistry, and drug delivery. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained from anhydrous ZnCl₂ and NaOH with particle size between 10-30 nm under ultrasound power In FT-IR spectrum, the structure of NP ZnO is confirmed by a band between 500 to 600 cm^-1 that corresponds to the stretching vibrations of the bond (Zn-O).

In continuation to our research in the field of the synthesis of novel compounds containing sulfonamide and phosphonate moieties, we are interested to study the one-pot synthesis of α-sulfamidophosphonate under a green, clean, and environment-friendly method using microwave irradiation in the presence of zinc nanoparticles as catalyst. In this approach, sulfanilamide was reacted with various aromatic aldehydes and triethylphosphite after 30-60 minutes, the reaction was completed with an excellent yields. The target compounds were characterized by ¹H, ³¹P, ¹³C NMR, and IR.