GB2079285A

GB2079285A - Diphosphonate derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them

Info

Publication number: GB2079285A
Application number: GB8022463A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Symphar SA
Current assignee: Symphar SA
Priority date: 1980-07-09
Filing date: 1980-07-09
Publication date: 1982-01-20
Also published as: GB2079285B

Abstract

This invention relates to new diphosphonate compounds of formula (I> <IMAGE> where X is H, OH, <IMAGE> or NH2, R and R' identical or different are H, CH3, C2H5 or C4H9-, m is zero or 1, and A is selected from the group comprising (CH3)3-C-, Y-C6H4-, Y-C6H4-O-C(CH3)2-, Y-C6H4-C(CH3)2-, Y-C6H4C(O)-C6H4 Y-C6H4-(CH2)n- and Y-C6H4-O-(CH2)n-, where n is an integer from 1 to 6 and Y is H, CH3, OCH3, or halogen. These compounds possess remarkable activity as hypoglycemic and/or antiatherogenic agents, and are usable in pharmaceutical compositions to alter lipoprotein profiles in favour of high density lipoproteins and to clear cholesterol from various tissues.

Description

SPECIFICATION Diphosphonate derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing them The present invention relates to diphosphonate derivatives, and more particularly to phenylalkyland phenoxylalkyl-diphosphonates and hydroxydiphosphonates, phosphonophospha,tes and aminodiphosphonates as well as antiatherogenic preparations containing said compounds for the treatment of human cardiovascular diseases.

Over the past few years, coronary heart prevention studies have been performed with common hypolipidemic agents such as clofibrate. More recently, the results of these studies have left the therapeutic effectiveness of these compounds in question (see for example New Engl. J. Med. 296, 1185-1190, 1970; Atherosclerosis Rev. 2, 113-153, 1977; The Lancet 8100, 1131-1132, 1978; and Brit. Med. J. 6152, 1585, 1978).

It is now desirable to make use of compounds which have a rapid and effective activity for decreasing cholesterol content directly in the tissues and not only in blood as it is the case for most common hypolipidemic agents.

Therefore, the present inventors have undertaken investigations on diphosphono compounds and have found that diphosphonates represented by general formula (I) possess a remarkable activity as antiatherogenic agents, as well as the ability to alter lipoprotein profiles in favour of high density lipoproteins and to directly clear cholesterol from various tissues.

This ability to remove cholesterol from tissues gives to these compounds (I) the potential of being used in diseases triggered by, or resulting from, abnormal cholesterol synthesis, metabolism and deposition. For example, cardiovascular diseases in general which are associated with cholesterol deposition in arterial walls (Atheromas), familial hypercholesterolemia and cholesterol deposition in subscutaneous tissues (Xanthomatosis), gallstones (cholesterol precipitated), cancer tissues in which cholesterol metabolism is impaired, thrombosis due to cholesterol rich-hypersensitive platelets (Shattil, S. J. et al The Journal of Clinical Investigation 55, 636-643, 1975), and deseases due to abnormal lipid content of red blood cells (Smith et al N. Engl. J. Med. 271, 396-398, 1963).

Since cholesterol is the precursor for steroid hormones (male and female sex hormones and for corticostern'(ds), abnormal synthesis of these hormones might be regulated by the use of such compounds. The possible uses of phosphonates in the fields described above are under investigation.

Some of these compounds of formula (I) further possess an activity as hypoglycemic agents.

In the above formula (I), X is H, OH,

or NH2; R and R' identical or different are H, CH C2H5 or C4H9; m is zero or 1; and A is selected from the group comprising

wherenis an integer from 1 to 6 and Y is H, CH3, OCH3, or an halogen, especially as Cl or F.

The hydroxydiphosphonate compounds of formula (la),

where R, R1 and A are as defined above, can be prepared according to the following scheme (with R=R'=CH3 or C2H5):

The phosphonophosphates of formula (Ib):

where R, R' and A are as defined above, can be prepared according to the following scheme (with R = Rx = CH3 or C2H5):

The diphosphonate compounds of formula (Ic),

where R, R' and A are as defined can be prepared according to the following scheme:

where Z is Br or Cl.

The aminodiphosphonate compounds of formula (Id)

where R, R' and A are as described above can be prepared according to the following scheme, with R=R'=C2H5 or C4H9, and

Y being as defined above.

The present invention will be now further described by reference to the following Examples 1 to 9 directed to the preparation of some of the compounds of formula (I).

EXAMPLE 1 Tetramethyj-1 (p-chlorophenyl)methane hydroxy 1, 1-diphosphonate (Compound 4) (Method adapted from D. A. Nicholson and H. Vaughn, Journal of Organic Chemistry 36, 3843, 1971)

Dimethyl phosphite (4.40 9, 40 mmol) and di(n-butyl)amine (0.24 g, 2 mmol) were dissolved in 90 ml ether and the resulting solution was cooled to OOC. Dimethyl p-chlorobenzoylphosphonate (9,96 g, 40 mmol) (prepared according to Journal of American Chemical Society 86,3862, 1964) was added dropwise with rapid stirring. A white solid separated out almost immediately. The mixture was stirred for one hour at 00, and filtration yielded 13.0 g (36 mmol) of the title compound.

Purification was done by dissolving the crude compound in acetone at room temperature and adding ether to crystallize it (acetone: ether ratio = 3:1). 7,9 g (22 mmol) of white crystals were obtained, with a yield (pure compound) of 55%.

yield (crude) = 90% mp =119-1230C IR (KBr): 3260 cm- : OH 2880 : aliphatic C-H 1500 : aromatic C-C 1280 + 1240 :P=O 1060 :P-O-C MS:m/e = 360 (M+2)+ :17% 358 (M)+ : 52% 251 (M+2-PO3Me2)+ :33% 249 (M-PO3Me2)+ :100% NMR (CDCl3): 8= 7.90-7.20 (multiplet, 4H) : phenyl group.

4.50-4.20 (triplet, 1 H, J = 7Hz): H from hydroxyl group, removed through exchange with deuterium oxide.

3.90-3.50 (multiplet, 12HO):H from methyl groups.

Analysis:C11H17C107P2 Calculated:C 36.84, H 4.78, P 17.27% Found: C36.81, H4.78, P 17.26% As verification of its structure, compound 4 was transformed into the corresponding hydroxydiphosphonic acid, mono sodium salt (compound 10), as follows:

A mixture of 3.59 g (10 mmol) of compound 4 and 15 g of 37% hydrochloric acid was refluxed for 3 hours. The evaporation of HCI and H2O left 3.2 g (10 mmol) of white solid.

mp: 192-1 940C (crude) yield: 100% (crude) For purification purpose, hydroxy (p-chlorophenyl) methylenediphosphonic acid was transformed into its mono-sodium salt, according to the following purification method adapted from P. F. Pflaumer and J. P. Filcik, Chemical Abstracts 72, 55656 k, 1970: The solid obtained as described above was dissolved in a mixture of 4.8g (80 mmol) of acetic acid and 0.7 g (39 mmol) of water at 950. Sodium acetatetrihydrate (1.36 g, 10 mmol) was then added gradually. A voluminous precipitate appeared almost instantly. It was filtrated and washed copiously with ether until the smell of acetic acid disappeared.The rinsed precipitate was recrystallized in an ethanol : water (20 : 80) mixture to give 1.94 g (6 mmol) of white powder of 1 hydroxy 1 (pchlorophenyl)methane 1,1-diphosphonic acid, monosodium salt.

yield: 60%.

EXAMPLE 2 Tetramethyl 2,2-dimethyl 2(p-chlorophenoxy) ethane 1-hydroxy 1, 1-diphosphonate (Compound 7) (Method adapted from K. D. Berlin et al, Journal of Organic Chemistry 30, 1265. 1965, and D. A.

Nicholson and H. Vaughn, Journal of Organic Chemistry 36, 3843, 1971)

p-Chlorophenoxyisobutyryl chloride was first prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of ethyl pchlorophenoxyisobutyrate and refluxing the acid obtained in thionyl chloride, in following the standard procedures.

An amount of 10.6 g (86 mmol) of trimethyl phosphite was added dropwise to 20.0 g (86 mmol) of p-chlorophenoxyisobutyryl chloride cooled to OOC. As verification of the reaction, evolution of methyl chloride could be observed. Distillation under reduced pressure gave 19.0 g (62 mmol) of dimethyl pchlorophenoxyisobutyrylphosphonate as an almost colorless oil.

bp= 115-118 / 5.10-2 Torr yield = 72% IR (film) : 3000 cm1 . aliphatic C-H 1740 :C=O 1500 : aromastic C-C 1250 :P=O 1050 :P-O-C 830 : 1,4-disubstituted phenyl Then a solution of 2.86 g (26 mmol) dimethyl phosphite and 0.18 g (1.4 mmol) di(n-butyl)amine in 65 ml ether was cooled to OOC, and dimethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrylphosphonate (7.97 g, 26 mmol) was introduced slowly with rapid stirring. A white solid began to form almost immediately. The reaction was left to stir at 0 C for one hour, then the solid was separated by filtration. Recrystallization in benzene: hexane (60 : 40) gave 7.18 g (1 7.2 mmol) of white feathery crystals of the title compound i.e. tetramethyl 2,2-dimethyl 2(p-chlorophenoxy) ethane 1-hydroxy 1,1diphosphonate.

mp = 137-1390C yield = 66% IR (KBr): 3360 cm-': OH 3000 : aliphatic C-H 1500 :aromatic C-C 1250+1220 :p=O 1070 : P-0-C 860 : 1,4-dusubstituted phenyl NMR (CDCl3): a = 7.4--7.0(multiplet, 4H) :phenylgroup.

4.0-3.70 (multiplet, 1 2H) : H from methyl groups bound to the phosphate moieties.

3.6-3.4 (hump, 1 H) : H from the hydroxyl group, removed through exchange with D20.

1.58 (singlet, 6H) : H from the branched methyl groups.

Analysis : C14H23 C108P2 Calculated:C 40.45 H 5.58 P 14.90% Found: C40.29 H 5.94 P 14.93% EXAMPLE 3 Tetramethyl 1[4(4'-chlorobenzoyl)-phenyl]methane 1-hydroxy 1,1-diphosphonate (Compound 8).

(Method adapted from D. A. Nicholson and H. Vaughn, Journal of Organic Chemistry 36, 3843, 1971).

The starting compound 4(4'-chlorobenzoyl)-benzoyl chloride was prepared according to G. E.

Robinson and J. M. Vernon, Journal of Chemical Society (C), 2586, 1970, and to E. Wertheim, Journal of American Chemical Society 55,2540, 1933.

Trimethyl phosphate (10.9 g, 88 mmol, 10% excess) was added dropwise to the acid chloride (22.4 g, 80 mmol) heated to just below the melting point (about 100 ). The reaction was exothermic and the white crystals of acid chloride turned into a brown oil with considerable foaming. The reaction mixture was stirred at 1000 for thirty minutes. Upon standing and cooling the oily material was transformed into an orange solid. Recrystallization in a 60 :40 chloroform : petroleum ether mixture gave 20 g (56.7 mmol) of pure dimethyl 4(4'-chlorobenzoyl)benzoylphosphonate.

mp = 9597 (yellow powder) yield= 71% IR (KBr) 2960 cm-1 : aliphatic C-H 1665+1650:C=O (pertaining to the benzoylphosphonate and benzophenone moieties) 1590 : aromatic C-C 1250 + 1260:P=0 1050 + 1030:P-O-C Then a mixture of 2.20 g (20 mmol) of dimethyl phosphite and 0.144 g (1.10 mmol) di(n-butyl) amide in 40 ml ether was cooled to OOC, and a filtered solution of 7.04 g (20 mmol) of di methyl 4(4'chlorobenzoyl) benzoylphosphonate in 40 ml dichloromethane was introduced dropwise. A white precipitate soon separated out of the yellow mother liquor. The reaction mixture was stirred for one hour at 0 C and the precipitate was filtrated and washed by ether.Recrystallization in acetone gave white crystals (2.4 g, 5.2 mmol) of tetramethyl- 1 [4(4'-chlorobenzoyl)phenyl]methane 1 hydroxy 1,1 diphosphonate.

mp = 150-1530C yield= 26% IR (KBr): 3280 cm-1 : OH 1670 :C=O 1600 : aromatic C-C 1260 + 1240 :P=O 1050+1030 :P-O-C MS (m/e): 464 (M + 2)+: 14% 462 (M)+: 42% 355 (M + 2-PO3Me2)+ :32% 353 (M-PO3Me2)+ : 100% -NMR (CDCI3): = 8.10-7.30 (multiplet, 8H): H from the two phenyl groups 4.5-4.3 (triplet, 1 H, J=Hz): H from hydroxyl group, removed through exchange with D2O 3.95-3.60 (multiplet, 1 2H) : H from the methyl groups.

EXAMPLE 4 Dimethyl 1(dimethoxyphosphinyl) p-chlorobenzyl phosphate (Compound 12)

Dimethyl p-chlorobenzoylphosphonate (9.96 g, 40 mmol) was introduced dropwise into a solution of equimolar amounts of dimethyl phosphite (4.40 g, 40 mmol) and di(n-butyl) amine (5.17 g, 40 mmol) that was cooled to 0 C prior to the addition. A white solid began to form almost immediately. After stirring for one hour at OOC, the solid was separated by filtration. Recrystallization performed at room temperature in a 1:3 dichloromethane : ether mixture gave 12.0 g (33 mmol) of white crystals.

mp=81-82 yield = 82% IR (KBr) = 2980 cm-1 : aliphatic C-H 1500 : aromatic C-C 1290 + 1260 :P=O 1050 :P-O-C NMR(CDCl3): #= 7.5-7.3(multiplet, 4H): phenyl group.

5.85-5.40 (multiplet, 1H):H from the methine group (non removable through exchange with deuterium oxide) 3.95-3.50 (multiplet, 1 2H) : H from the methyl groups.

Elementary analysis: C11H17ClO7P2 Calculated :C 36.84 H 4.78 P 17.27% Found: C36.71 H4.86 P 17.33% EXAMPLE 5 Dimethyl [1-(dimethoxyphosphinyl)2,2-dimethyl 2(p-chlorophenyl)]ethylphosphate (Compound 16)

Dimethylation of p-chlorophenylacetonitrile by means of sodium amide and methyl iodide in ether gave dimethyl p-chlorophenylacetonitrile. Hydrolysis of this nitrile followed by reflux of the obtained acid in thionyl chloride yielded p-chlorophenylisobutyryl chloride.

Dimethyl p-chlorophenylisobutyrylphosphonate was prepared in 90% yield by adding an equimolar amount of trimethyl phosphite to the above described acid chloride cooled to 00.

bp = 108-11 1 00/5.1 0-2 Torr (white oil) IR (film): 1690 cm-1 :c=O 1270 :P-O 1070 + 1040 :P-0-C Then a solution of 3.30 g (30 mmol) of dimethylphosphite and 3.1 g (24 mmol) of di (n-butyl) amine was cooled to 0 and dimethyl p-chlorophenylisobutyryl phosphonate (8.72 g, 30 mmol) was introduced with rapid stirring. A white solid soon separated out. After stirring for one hour at 0 the solid was separated by filtration. Recrystallization in ether gave 9.0 g (75%) of white crystals of the title compound, di methyl [1 (dimethoxyphosphinyl)2,2-dimethyl 2(p-chlorophenyl)] ethylphosphate.

mp=62-63 pR(KBr) 2980 cm-1 : aliphatic C-H 1500 : aromatic C 1280+1260 :P=O 1080+1030 :P-O-C MS(m/e) = 402 (M + 2)+ : 0.5% 400(M)+ :1.5% 248 +

NMR (CDCl3) = 7.5-7.25 (multiplet, 4H): phenyl group.

5.05-4.80 (multiplet, 1 H) : H from the methine group (non removable through exchange with D20).

3.85-3.50 (multiplet, 12H): H from the four methyl groups bound to the phosphate and phosphonate moieties 1.58 and 1.54 (two partially overlapped singlets, 6H) : H from the two branched methyl groups.

EXAMPLE 6 Tetraethyl 4-phenylbutylidene 1,1 -diphosphonate (Compound 21) (Method adapted from H. R. Hays and T. J. Logan, Journal of Organic Chemistry 31,3391, 1966, and from 0. T. Quimby et al, Journal of Organometallic Chemistry 13, 199, 1968).

Tetraethyl methylenediphosphonate (23.06 g, 80 mmol) prepared according to Monatshefte Chemie 81, 202, 1950 was added dropwise to a dispersion of sodium hydride (1.92 g, 80 mmol) in 30 ml toluene. When the evolution of hydrogen ceased, 3-phenyipropyl bromide (19.9 g, 100 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated to 900C for 14 hours and then to 11 00C for 2 more hours. After removal of the toluene under vacuum, the residue was dissolved in chloroform, washed repeatedly with a saturated sodium chloride solution and freed of water by passing through a silicone-treated filter.

Distillation under reduced pressure gave a colorless oil boiling at 135-1450/5.10-2Torr. A careful refractionation yielded 10.4 g (26 mmol) of tetraethyl 4 phenyl-butylidene 1,1-diphosphonate.

bp= 141-1430/5.10-2Torr yield = 32% IR (film) : see Table Ill MS (m/e): 406 (M)+ 61% 301 100% 269(M-po3Et2) : 23% NMR(CDCl3): #= 7.35-7.2:(multiplet, 5H): phenyl group.

4.45-3.90 : (quintet, 8H, J = 8Hz) H from the four methylene groups attached to the phosphonate moieties.

2.80-1.70 : (multiplet, 7H) : H from the odd hydrogen and from the side-chain methylene groups.

1.50-1.20: (triplet, 1 2H, J = 7Hz): H from the four methyl groups.

EXAMPLE 7 4-Phenylbutylidene 1, 1-diphosphonic acid (Compound 24)

A mixture of 8.1 5 g (20 mmol) of tetraethyl 4-phenylbutylidene 1,1 -diphosphonate and 40 g of 37% hydrochloric acid was refluxed for 1 5 hours. Evaporation to dryness of the clear acid solution gave a white sticky solid. The compound was repeatedly triturated with ether to remove its stickiness.

Recrystallization from an ether : acetone : hexane (30 : 40 : 30) mixture gave 3.8 g (13 mmol of white powder.

mp = 190-1920C yield= 65% IR (KBr) : see Table Ill EXAMPLE 8 Tetramethyl 4-phenylbutylidene 1,1 -diphosphonate (Compound 27) (Method adpated from D. A. Nicholson et al., Journal of Organic Chemistry 35, 3149, 1970)

A suspension of 4.5 g (15 mmol) of 4-phenylbutylidene 1,1 -diphosphonic acid and 9.8 g (92 mmol) of trim ethyl orthoformate was heated to reflux for ninety minutes. Rapid stirring was necessary to assure intimate contact of the two phases. An excess of trimethyl orthoformate (9.8 g, 92 mmol) was then added and the mixture was refluxed for a further thirty minutes. The methanol and methyl formate that were formed were removed by distillation thereby allowing the reaction temperature to rise.

Heating was continued until one phase remained and trimethyl orthoformate began to distill. After removal of this reagent, the brown residue was submitted to vacuum distillation to give 3.3 g (9.3 mmol) of a colorless oil.

bp = 135138 (5.10-2 mmHg) yield= 62% IR (film): see Table Ill NMR (CDCIS): b = 7.35-7.20 (multiplet, 5 H) : phenyl group.

3.95-3.60 (doublet, 12H, J = 11 Hz) : H from the methyl groups attached to the phosphonate moieties.

2.80-1.60 (multiplet, 7 H) : H from the odd hydrogen and from the side-chain methylene groups.

EXAMPLE 9 Tetrabutyl 1-(p-chlorophenyl)methane 1-amino 1, 1-diphosphonate (Compound 31) (Method adapted from N. Kreutzkamp and G. Cordes, Annalen der Chemie 623, 103 (1959)

The hydrochloride of ethyl imino(p-chlorobenzoate) was prepared from p-chlorobenzonitrile by the procedure of C. Grundmann and G. Ottmann, Chemical Abstracts 49, 3271 h, 1955 and the free base was liberated with potassium carbonate and ether.

Dibutyl phosphite (14.60 g, 75 mmol) was added dropwise to 0.57 g of sodium lumps (25 mmol) in 25 ml of dry benzene. Ethyl imino(p-chlorobenzoate) (3.67 g, 20 mmol) was then added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for five hours. The benzene solution was neutralized with acetic acid, washed repeatedly with a saturated sodium chloride solution and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated and the mixture submitted to vacuum distillation to remove the excess of reagent.

The residue was submitted to column chromatography (eluent = chloroform), 3.4 g of a white viscous oil were obtained which slowly solidified. Recrystallization in n-pentane gave white crystals (2.6 9,4.9 mmol) of tetrabutyl 1 (p-chlorophenyl)methane 1-amino 1,1-diphosphonate.

yield = 25% mp = 6768 IR = see Table IV MS= m/e=527 (M+2)+ : 1.8% 525 M+ : 5.5% 334 (M + 2-PO3Bu2)+: 35% 332 (M-PO3Bu2)+ : 100% Other compounds of formula (I) were prepared according to similar processes as above, and the physical properties of the compounds (I) prepared are shown on the following Tables I, II, III and IV.

NMR spectra of the hydroxy diphosphonate ester compounds (la) (Compounds 1 to 8) all displayed the characteristic absorptions of a hydroxy group : a sharp peak (for compounds 1 and 7), or a triplet (compounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8), that all were removed through exchange with deuterium oxide.

The NMR spectra of phosphonophosphate compounds (lb) also displayed a characteristic pattern - # 7.5-7.3 multiplet, phenyl group.

= 5.8-5.4 (Compounds 11, 12, 13, and 14).

5.1-4.8 (Compound 15, 16, and 17) multiplet corresponding to the absorption of the odd hydrogen atom, non removable through exchange with deuterium oxide.

8 ~ 3.9-3.5 multiplet, methyl ester groups.

a = 1.60-1.55 (only for compounds 1 5, 16, and 17) two singlets, branched methyl group

The MS spectra of all diphosphonate ester compounds (la-Id) showed a characteristic pattern : a molecular ion (M+) in significant intensity (1030%) and a base peak (100%) corresponding to the loss of a phosphonate ester group (M-PO3R2)+.

The sole exception is the mass spectrum of compound 7 which did not show the molecular ion but peaks corresponding to the beakdown of the molecule. The structure of the compounds was established without ambiguity by micro-analysis.

TABLE I Physical properties of hydroxydiphosphonates of formula (Ia)

Com- Formula (Ia) pound No. A R, R' mp ( C) IR absorptions (cm-1) 1 (CH3)3C- CH3 110-112 2 #- CH3 129-131 3250 : OH 2980 aliphatic C-H 3 H3C-#- CH3 110-113 4 Cl-#- CH3 119-123 # 1260 + 1240 : P = O 5 F-#- CH3 118-122 1050 : P-O-C CH3O 6 CH3O-#- CH3 120-123 CH3 7 Cl-#-O-C- CH3 137-138 3340, 1500, 1260, 1240, 1070 CH3 Cl 8 # # CH3 150-153 3280, 1670 (C=O) 1600, 1260 + 1240 O 1050 + 1030 3/4 H 9 #- > 300 3460 1/4 Na 3000 (broad) P-O-H # 10 Cl-#- 3/4 H 1200 - 1080 - 950 > 300 1/4 Na TABLE II Physical properties of phosphonophosphates of formula (Ib)

Compound Formula (Ib) No. A R, R' mp ( C) IR absorptions (cm-1) 11 #- CH3 oil * 12 Cl-#- CH3 81-82 2980 : aliphatic C-H 1500 : aromatic C-C 1290 + 1260 : P=O 1050 : P-O-C 13 F-#- CH3 48-49 # CH3 14 #- CH3 oil CH3 CH3 15 #-C- CH3 47-48 CH3 CH3 2980 : aliphatic C-C 16 Cl-#-C- CH3 62-63 # 1500 : aromatic C-C 1280 + 1260 : P=O CH3 1200 + 1180 : -C- group CH3 CH3 17 CH3O-#-C- CH3 1050 : P-O-C CH3 * bp = 152 - 155 (5.10-2 Torr) TABLE III Physical properties of diphosphonates of formula (Ic)

Formula (Ic) Compound No. A R, R' bp ( C/Torr) mp ( C) IR absorptions (cm-1) 18 #-CH2- C2H5 135-138/5.10-2 2980 : aliphatic C-H 1500: aromatic C-C 19 Cl-#-CH2- C2H5 153-156/5.10-2 # 1260 : P=O 1170 : P-O-C2H5 20 #-(CH2)2- C2H5 137-140/5.10-2 1050 : P-O-C21 #-(CH2)3 - C2H5 141-143/5.10-2 22 #-CH2- H 210-212 3400-3200 (broad):OH 1500 : aromatic C-C 23 Cl-#-CH2 - H 237-239 1230 : P=O 1040 : P-O24 #-(CH2)3- H 190-192 1040 : P-O (to be cont.) TABLE III (Cont.) Physical properties of diphosphonates of formula (Ic)

Compound Formula (Ib) No. A R, R' bp ( C/Torr) mp ( C) Ir absorptions (cm-1) 25 #-CH2- CH3 130-132/5.10-2 2980 : aliphatic C-H 1500 : aromatic C-C 26 Cl-#-CH2- CH3 141-144/5.10-2 # 1270 : P=O 1195 : P=O-CH3 27 #-(CH2)3- CH3 135-138/5.10-2 1050 : P-O-C TABLE IV Physical properties of aminodiphosphonates of formula (Id)

Cpd Formula (Id) No A R, R' bp ( C Torr) mp ( C) IR absorptions (cm-1) 28 #- C2H5 170-172/5.10-2 58.5-59.5 3240 : NH2 29 Cl-#- C2H5 185-188/5.10-2 79-80 2980 : aliphatic C-H 1460 : Phenyl group # 1240 : P=O 30 #- C4H9 180-185/5.10-2 10-15 1030 : P-O-C 31 Cl-#- C4H9 67-68 *Partial decomposition occured during the distillation, subsequent purification was carried out by column chromatography yielding the pure compound (white oil which solidified at 10 ).

MS : m/e:491 (M)+: 7%, 298 (M-PO3Bu2)+: 100% The present invention will be now further illustrated through the following Examples 11 to 1 3 concerning the pharmocological activity of the compounds of formula (I).

EXAMPLE 10 Effects of diphosphonates of formula (I) on lipid metabolism in normal rats Method used: Groups of 4 or 5 normal male Wistare rats, weighing about 200 g were treated with diphosphonates (200 mg/kg/day) p.o. for 4 to 21 days. Water soluble compounds were given in water or in solution in 24 mM dicarbonate buffer. Lipid soluble compounds were given in corn oil. The rats were weighed, sacrificed by decapitation (under light ether anesthesia) after overnight fasting. Blood was collected and serum used for analysis. The following blood parameter reflecting changes in lipid metabolism are reported - free fatty acids measured according to W. G. Duncombe (Clin.Acta 9, 122, 1964) - triglycerides enzymatic method (Boehringer Mannheim Kit 126 012) - phospholipids : moiybdate/vandate reaction (Boehringer Mannheim Kit 124 974) - -lipoproteins cholesterol was measured after heparin, CaCI2 precipitation according to M.

Burnstein et al. (La Presse Médicale 43, 974, 1958) and to D. Watson (Clin. Chim. Acta 5, 637, 1960).

Results obtained: With the exception of compounds 1 and 3, all the diphosphonates (I) tested lowered serum free fatty acids when measured in normal rats or in cholesterol fed rats. This activity seems to be a rather general property of these diphosphonates which possess a p-chlorophenyl moiety and shows their involvement in lipid metabolism. Similar properties have been described for several hypolipidemic agents ("Hypolipidemic Agents", ed. David Kritchevsky, vol. 41, Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Springer-Verlag, 349-408, 1 975). Significant decreases in serum triglycerides were measured with compounds 2, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 1 9 and the acid form of compound 4. In several cases, compounds 2, 4, 7 and 8, 11, 12, 1 5, 1 6, 21, 27 and 28, serum phospholipid was found to increase.In particular, compound 4 was found to be at least two fold the most active. Cholesterol present in the ,B- lipoprotein fraction (very low density lipoproteins VLDL, and low density lipoproteins LDL) decreased whereas sx-liprotein (high density lipoproteins HDL) cholesterol increased thus leading to a favorable augmentation of the a-cholesterol/j3-cholesterol ratio. This effect was associated in long term therapy with a decreased liver and aorta cholesterol content. Clofibrate was tested for comparison purposes and in our hands decreased phospholipids by 33.6% and the alp ratio decreased by 52.2%. The results are in agreement with those pubiished by C. E. Day et al (Artery 5, 90--109. 1979) and by K. R. Miller and G.

G. Cortesi (Artery 4, 564-577, 1 978) demonstrating that clofibrate decreases HDL cholesterol in rats.

The results described above show that these diphosphonates have the property to change lipid metabolism especially to increase the amount of lipid (mainly cholesterol) carried by a-lipoproteins and decrease the amount of lipids carried by s-lipoproteins (mainly triglycerides). Since it has been shown that the amount of HDL-cholesterol inversely correlates with the risk of cardiovascular disease (see N. E.

Miller, Lipids 13, 914--919, 1978),diphosphonates having the property to increase HDL levels might be useful in the potential treatment of atherosclerosis. It is important to note that the acid or salt form of compound 4 and the rather simple diphosphonate compound 1, do not have these properties. It is also important to note that diphosphonates which are structurally different from compounds 2, 4, 7, 8 and tested by others do not have the property to act on lipid metabolism (see W.Hollander et al., Atherosclerosis 31,307--325, 1978 and Mellies et al., Artery 6, 38, 1979) EXAMPLE 11 Effects of diphosphonates of formula (I) in cholesterol fed rats Method used: In order to increase tissue cholesterol, especially liver, rats were fed a high fat-high cholesterol diet for 10 days to 3 months, with the following diet composition : casein 20%, butter 37%, cellulose 9,1%, dextrose 18.9%, cholesterol 4.5%, sodium cholate 1.8%, minerals 7.3%, vitamins 1%, choline 0.4%.

The rats were then fed normal food and were treated for 10 days to 3 months with different compounds (200 mg/kg/day). Serum parameters described above were measured. Liver and aorta lipids were extracted according to J. Folch et al (J. Biochem. 226, 497, 1957). Total lipids were determined by the sulfophosphovanillic reaction (see N. Zölner and K. Kirsch, Z. Ges. exp. Med. 135, 545, 1962) and cholesterol by the Liebermann-Burchard reaction.

Results obtained The diet described above increased liver total lipids, especially triglycerides and cholesterol, 8 to 10 folds. Treatment with compounds 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 1 6 and 1 9 decreased significantly liver total lipids and/or liver cholesterol. When tested, the same effect was measured in the aortic tissue, This shows that these particular diphosphonates tested have the property to remove tissue cholesterol.

Since it is well established that cholesterol deposition is an important step in the initiation and/or development of atherosclerosis, these compounds might be useful in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerotic lesions, by preventing cholesterol deposition in tissues such as the aorta.

EXAMPLE 12 Effects of acid and salt form of diphosphonates of formula (I) in hypercalceamic rats Method used: In recent years, diphosphonic acids have been shown to be effective in the hypercalceamic animal model in which they inhibit aorta and kidney calcification (see M. Potokar and M. Schmidt-Dunker, Atherosclerosis 30, 313-320, 1 978). They have also been shown to prevent the vitamin D-induced rise in plasma calcium. This activity might be useful for the regression of preestablished atherosclerosis (see I. Y. Rosenblum et al., Atherosclerosis 22,411-424, 1975). Since diphosphonates have these activities when given as acids or sodium salts the acid and monosodium forms of compound 4 were also tested by using a protocol similar two the one described by Potokar (see above).Briefly, groups of 4 male Wistar rats received acid or salt form of compound 4 as 0.05% solution in drinking water corresponding to about 50 mg/kg/day. The rats were treated with the compounds for 1 5 days. From the 5th day to the 10th day hypercalceamia was produced by giving to control and treated rats 75000 U vitamin Dkg/day. Diphosphonate treatment continued from the 10th to the 15th day. The animals were then sacrificed under light ether anesthesia and serum calcium determined according to B. C. Ray Sarkar and U. P. S. Chanham (Anal. Biochem. 20, 155, 1967).

Results obtained Calcium deposition has been considered to play a role in the late stages of the development of atherosclerotic plaques (see W. Hollander, Exp. Mol. Path. 25, 106, 1976), and it has been shown that some diphosphonate acids or salts act on calcium metabolism and that this property by itself might be useful in the treatment of the late stages of atherosclerosis. The fact that none of the esterified forms but the acid and salt forms of compound 4 decrease serum calcium by 20 and 14% respectively indicates that the non-esterified diphosphonates act on calcium metabolism and might decrease calcification of atheromas.

Some results of the above described pharmacological activity tests of diphosphonates of formula (I) according to the present invention are shown in the following Tables V and VI.

TABLE V: Pharmacological activity of diphosphonates of formula (I)

Serum Liver Aorta Compounds Serum Free Serum Serum Cholesterol Tot. Liver Tot. Aorta Serum No. Fatty Acids Triglycerides Phospholipids α;/ss Lipids Cholesterol Lipids Chlolesterol Calcium N C.F N C.F N C.F N C.F C.F C.F C.F C.F 2 NS -56 -21 -15 +25 NS +88 -24 -50 -30 NS NS 4 -48 -67 -24 -21 +43 +21 +220 -31 -58 -47 NS NS 7 +28 -40 -33 NS +26 NS +27 NS -25 -27 -19 NS 8 -38 -52 -16 -17 NS +36 +51 -25 NS NS -39 NS 5 - +27 - +64 - - - - 3 NS NS NS NS - - - - NS 1 NS +24 -43 NS - - - - NS 4 Acid -17 -29 NS NS NS NS NS NS -20 10 -27 -17 NS NS NS NS NS NS -14 Clofibrate NS +19 -34 NS - NS - - TABLE VI

Serum Liver Aorta Compounds Serum Free Serum Serum Cholesterol Total Liver Total Aorta Serum No. Fatty Acids Triglycerides Phospholipids α/ss Lipids Chol. Lipids Chol. Calcium N CF N CF N CF N CF CF CF CF CF 12 -50 NS +26 +169 -32 -57 -37 -30 NS 11 -21 +32 +21 +25 -18 -51 - - 15 - +38 +15 +25 - - - - 16 - - +28 - +24 -32 -36 -46 - - 13 - NS NS +81 - - - - 14 - NS NS +15 - - - - 26 -44 +36 -18 NS - - - - NS 19 -44 -65 -16 -24 NS NS -35 NS NS -60 NS NS 21 - +46 +17 +33 - - - - 27 - +42 +33 +49 - - - - 28 - +41 +30 +15 - - - - Note: - In above Tables V and VI, results are given as % control values. Except for serum calcium, values which differ from control values by less than 15% are considered as non significant (NS).

- Serum free fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids were measured in normal rats (N) and in rats fed cholesterol for 10 days (C.F.) - Serum α/ss cholesterol, total lipids and cholesterol of liver and aorta were determined normal and in rats which had previously been fed a high cholesterol diet.

- Serum calcium was measured in hypercalceamic rats.

The pharmacological screening of diphosphonate derivatives of formula (I) according to the present invention has shown that said compounds possess specific properties and activities upon lipids and lipid metabolism, and that they have the potential of being used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease for the following reasons -They act on lipid metabolism in normal rats by decreasing serum free fatty acids, decreasing triglycerides and increasing phospholipids. The later might be linked to the increased HDL lipids, especially HDL cholesterol, observed most dramatically with compounds 2, 4, 5, 12 and 1 3.

-They possess the important property of decreasing and removing significantly liver and aorta lipids, especially cholesterol, in high fat high cholesterol fed rats. Experiments not reported here have also shown that compounds such as 2 and 4 increase bile and fecal cholesterol excretion leading to a net loss of tissue cholesterol.

It should be thus noted that the primary actions of said diphosphonates (I) are different and novel in comparison to the classical hypolipidemic compounds. The specificity of these activities (increased HDL and tissue clearance of cholesterol) strongly suggest a potential pharmaceutical use in atherosclerosis. Experiments done on rabbits in which experimental atherosclerosis had been induced by cholesterol feeding confirmed the previous observations, that compound 4 which has the p-CI moiety is the most active.

In addition, the fact that the acid and salt forms of compound 4 act on calcium metabolism suggests that all the non-esterified forms of these diphosphonates described have the potential of being used also to treat the late stages of atherosclerosis.

EXAMPLE 13 Hypoglycemic activity of diphosphonates of formula {IJ Male Wistar rats (5/group) weighing between 150200 g were treated for 4 days with prescreened phosphonates. They were fasted overnight and sacrificed the 5th day by decapitation under light ether anesthesia. Blood samples were collected using EDTA as anticoagulant. Results are given as means value + sem. The results as seen in Table VII indicate that the p-chloro-phenyl diphosphonate was most potent and especially when given i.p.

TABLE VII HYPOGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY

Plasma glucose (mg/100 ml) Treated Route of administration dosage, and vehicle Controls Cpd 4 Cpd 2 Cpd 21 Cpd 27 i.p. 50 mg/kg aq. buffer 87 j 3 36 t 1 p.o. 50 mg/kg aq. buffer 132 + 8 100 + 12 p.o. 50 mg/kg corn oil 125 + 10 90i 5 p.o. 100 mg/kg aq. buffer 111 + 7 93 + 12 p.o. 50 mg/kg corn oil 125j10 110i10 p.o. 200 mg/kg aq. buffer 131 + 4 88 + 5 p.o. 200 mg/kg aq. buffer 131 + 4 ~ 102 + 9 Glucose concentration was determined by the enzymatic method of W. Werner and H. G. Wielinger (Z.

Analyt. Chem. 252, 224, 1970) (obtained from Boehringer Mannheim, Kit No. 124036).

The present invention further includes in its scope hypoglycemic and antiatherogenic preparations.

which comprise as active ingredient a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more diphosphonate derivatives of formula (I).

Safe and effective amounts of phosphonate compound are prepared in sufficient amounts to produce a desirable effect at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio attendant with any medical treatment.

Within the scope of acceptable and sound medical judgment, the dosage of phosphonate compound will vary with the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the duration of the treatment, and the specific phosphonate compound employed.

The phosphonates are prepared as pharmaceutically acceptable products which include all ingredients used in the compositions employed and are suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

Preparation of the pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention for oral unit dosage forms can be a mixture with a solid vehicle containing iactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, amidon, amylopectine, cellulose derivative, and/or gelatine which can be prepared with the lubricants such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, forms of "carbowax" and/or polyethylene glycol. It can be preferable in some cases to use a capsule, and the ingredients can then consist of a mixture containing concentrated sugar, arabic gum, talc, and/or titan bioxide.

In some cases particular phosphonates can be mixed in buffer solution, corn oil, olive oil, glycerol commercial fillers, and administered in a closed hard gelatin capsule, as drops, or sirop forms.

In addition, the phosphonates can be fabricated with "Imhausen H" to produce suitable suppositories.

For example, compounds 4 to 9 were compressed in tablet form with magnesium stearate 10% and amidon 25% to obtain a final concentration of about 100 to 300 mg active agent. In addition compounds of formula (I) were made up in solution of drinking water or corn oil at concentrations between about 2 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml.

In conciusion, it should be pointed out that many of the compounds disclosed herein are also disclosed in our copending U.K. Application No. 79331 57, as is their use as antiatheriogenetic agents.

Broadly speaking, the compounds disclosed and claimed in that application are of the formula

where X is H or OH, R and R' which may be the same or different are H, CH3 or C2H5, m is zero or 1; A is

where n is 1, 2 or 3 and Y is H, CH3 or CI.

Accordingly we make no claim herein to the compounds disclosed and claimed in our copending U.K. application No. 7933157, their preparation or pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Claims

1. Diphosphonate compounds of the formula

where X is H, OH,

R and R' which may be the same or different are H, OH3, C2H5 or C4Hg; m is zero or 1; and A is

where n is an integer from 1 to 6 and Y is H, CH3, OCH3 or halogen.

2. Compounds according to claim 1, being hydroxydiphosphonates of the formula:

where R, R' and A are as defined in claim 1.

3. Compounds according to claim 1, being phosphonophosphates of the formula:

where R, R' and A are as defined in claim 1.

4. Compounds according to claim 1 being disphosphonates of the formula:

where R, R' and A are as defined in claim 1.

5. Compounds according to claim 1 being aminodiphosphonates of the formula:

where R, R' and A are as defined in claim 1.

6. Compounds according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which Y is H or a chlorine atom in para position.

7. Dimethyl [1 (dimethoxyphosphonyl) 2,2-dimethyl 2-phenyl]-ethyl phosphate.

8. Dimethyl [1 (dimethoxyphosphonyl)2,2-dimethyl 2-phenyl] ethyl phosphate.

9. Tetrabutyl 1 (p-chlorophenyl)methane 1-amino 1,1 -diphosphonate.

10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.