Bis[2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl](2-cyanoethyl)phosphine Oxide: Synthesis and Reactions with 1,4-Dihalobutanes

Abstract

Bis[2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl]phosphine reacts with acrylonitrile under mild conditions to form bis[2-(4- pyridyl)ethyl](2-cyanoethyl)phosphine which is readily oxidized in air to the corresponding bis[2-(4-pyridyl)- ethyl](2-cyanoethyl)phosphine oxide. The latter compound reacts with 1,4-dihalobutanes according the scheme of polyquaternization with practically quantitative formation of high-molecular cationic compounds (ionenes) bearing phosphine oxide groups and pyridinium cycles in the main chain. The thus obtained ionenes enter the intermolecular interaction with anionic polyelectrolytes (polyacrylic acid, heparin). They were also found to exhibit antibacterial activity.