Technical field

The invention relates to a phosphorylation process of complex alcohols, and products obtained by that process.

Background

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Phosphorylation processes and reagents are chosen to avoid significant degradation of the compound being phosphorylated and to produce desired yields.

In some phosphorylation processes, reagents such as 2:2:2-trichloroethyl dichlorophosphate, di-imidazolide chlorophosphate and di-analide chlorophosphate are used under gentle conditions to avoid degradation of the compound being phosphorylated.

However, such processes have been found to produce limited yields, which would not be economical or suitable for commercial purposes.

In other phosphorylation processes, the reagent phosphorous oxychloride is used, but the reaction typically produces a variety of by-products and hydrogen chloride. Such process may also not be commercially viable given that the reagent phosphorous oxychloride is difficult to handle.

The reagent P ₄ O ₁₀ , which is commonly known as phosphorus pentoxide, but has other names such as phosphorus (V) oxide, phosphoric anhydride and diphosphorus pentoxide, is a white crystalline solid. This reagent has been used for phosphorylation of ethanol and other short chain primary alcohols (i.e. less than 6 carbon atoms) and it has been found to be suitable for phosphorylation of alcohols such as primary fatty alcohols, secondary alcohols and aromatic alcohols. Australian Patent No. 200043870 describes a process, which involves forming an intimate mixture of one or more of these alcohols and P ₄ O ₁₀ , partly hydrated P ₄ O ₁₀ or a mixture thereof, at a temperature below 80°C, and allowing the intimate mixture to continue to react for a period of time at this temperature, i.e. below 80°C, until formation of the phosphorylated alcohol is substantially formed. It is clear that the temperature must be kept to a minimum and below 80°C to avoid degradation.

The phosphorylation of complex alcohols, such as secondary and tertiary alcohols, with P ₄ O ₁₀ at higher temperatures was thought to lead to degradation and/or side reactions such as dehydration and double bond formation. These problems teach away from the use of P ₄ O ₁₀ for the efficient and commercial phosphorylation of complex alcohols at high temperatures.

The present inventors have found that complex alcohols can be phosphorylated at a high temperature and that, at such temperatures, desirable yields can be obtained with minimal degradation of the complex alcohols. Summary

Accordingly, there is provided a process for phosphorylating a complex alcohol, comprising the steps of:

(a) mixing the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ until its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved;

(b) allowing the reaction mixture of step (a) to react until the exothermic reaction is complete;

(c) heating or cooling the reaction mixture of step (b) to at least 80°C; and

(d) hydrolysing the reaction mixture of step (c).

There is also provided a product obtained by the process.

Detailed description

The invention relates to a process for phosphorylating a complex alcohol, comprising the steps of:

(a) mixing the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ until its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved;

(b) allowing the reaction mixture of step (a) to react until the exothermic reaction is complete;

(c) heating or cooling the reaction mixture of step (b) to at least 80°C; and

(d) hydrolysing the reaction mixture of step (c).

Complex alcohol

The complex alcohol may be a linear or branched alcohol comprising at least 6 carbon atoms (i.e. 6 or more carbon atoms). In some embodiments, the complex alcohol comprises at least 7 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, the complex alcohol comprises at least 8 carbon atoms. In particular embodiments, the complex alcohol comprises at least 10 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms mentioned herein refers to the number of carbon atoms that make up the backbone of the linear or branched complex alcohol or the ring system of the cyclic complex alcohol.

Examples of linear and branched complex alcohols include, but are not limited to, hexanol, hexan-1 -ol, heptanol, heptan-1 -ol, octanol, octan-1 -ol, decanol, decan-1 -ol, undecanol, dodecanol, 1 -dodecanol, tridecanol, 1 -tetradecanol, pentadecanol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, 1 -methylhexan-1 -ol, 2-methylhexan-1 -ol, 3-methyl-heptan-1 -ol, 4- methylhexan-1 -ol, 1 -methylhexan-2-ol, 2-methylhexan-2-ol, 3-methyl-hexan-2-ol, 4- methylhexan-2-ol, 1 -methylhexan-3-ol, 2-methylhexan-3-ol, 3-methyl-hexan-3-ol, 4- methylhexan-3-ol, 1 -methylhexan-4-ol, 2-methylhexan-4-ol, 3-methyl-hexan-4-ol, 4- methylhexan-4-ol, 1 -methylhexan-5-ol, 2-methylhexan-5-ol, 3-methyl-hexan-5-ol, 4- methylhexan-5-ol, 1 -methylhexan-6-ol, 2-methylhexan-6-ol, 3-methyl-hexan-6-ol, 4- methylhexan-6-ol, 1 -ethylhexan-1 -ol, 2-ethylhexan-1 -ol, 3-ethyl-hexan-1 -ol, 4-methylhexan- 1 -ol, 1 -ethylhexan-2-ol, 2-ethylhexan-2-ol, 3-ethyl-hexan-2-ol, 4-ethylhexan-2-ol, 1 - ethylhexan-3-ol, 2-ethylhexan-3-ol, 3-ethyl-hexan-3-ol, 4-ethylhexan-3-ol, 1 -ethylhexan-4-ol,

2- ethylhexan-4-ol, 3-ethyl-hexan-4-ol, 4-ethylhexan-4-ol, 1 -ethylhexan-5-ol, 2-ethylhexan-5- ol, 3-ethyl-hexan-5-ol, 4-ethylhexan-5-ol, 1 -ethylhexan-6-ol, 2-ethylhexan-6-ol, 3-ethyl- hexan-6-ol, 4-ethylhexan-6-ol, 1 -methylheptan-1 -ol, 2-methylheptan-1 -ol, 3-methyl-heptan-1 - ol, 4-methylheptan-1 -ol, 1 -methylheptan-2-ol, 2-methylheptan-2-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-2-ol, 4- methylheptan-2-ol, 1-methylheptan-3-ol, 2-methylheptan-3-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-3-ol, 4- methylheptan-3-ol, 1-methylheptan-4-ol, 2-methylheptan-4-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-4-ol, 4- methylheptan-4-ol, 1-methylheptan-5-ol, 2-methylheptan-5-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-5-ol, 4- methylheptan-5-ol, 1-methylheptan-6-ol, 2-methylheptan-6-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-6-ol, 4- methylheptan-6-ol, 1-methylheptan-7-ol, 2-methylheptan-7-ol, 3-methyl-heptan-7-ol, 4- methylheptan-7-ol,1 -ethylheptan-1 -ol, 2-ethylheptan-1 -ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-1 -ol, 4- methylheptan-1 -ol, 1-ethylheptan-2-ol, 2-ethylheptan-2-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-2-ol, 4- ethylheptan-2-ol, 1 -ethylheptan-3-ol, 2-ethylheptan-3-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-3-ol, 4-ethylheptan-

3- ol, 1 -ethylheptan-4-ol, 2-ethylheptan-4-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-4-ol, 4-ethylheptan-4-ol, 1 - ethylheptan-5-ol, 2-ethylheptan-5-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-5-ol, 4-ethylheptan-5-ol, 1 -ethylheptan- 6-ol, 2-ethylheptan-6-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-6-ol, 4-ethylheptan-6-ol, 1-ethylheptan-7-ol, 2- ethylheptan-7-ol, 3-ethyl-heptan-7-ol, 4-ethylheptan-7-ol, 1 -methyloctan-1 -ol, 2-methyloctan- 1 -ol, 3-methyl-octan-1 -ol, 4-methyloctan-1 -ol, 1-methyloctan-2-ol, 2-methyloctan-2-ol, 3- methyl-octan-2-ol, 4-methyloctan-2-ol, 1 -methyloctan-3-ol, 2-methyloctan-3-ol, 3-methyl- octan-3-ol, 4-methyloctan-3-ol, 1 -methyloctan-4-ol, 2-methyloctan-4-ol, 3-methyl-octan-4-ol,

4- methyloctan-4-ol, 1 -methyloctan-5-ol, 2-methyloctan-5-ol, 3-methyl-octan-5-ol, 4- methyloctan-5-ol, 1 -methyloctan-6-ol, 2-methyloctan-6-ol, 3-methyl-octan-6-ol, 4- methyloctan-6-ol, 1 -methyloctan-7-ol, 2-methyloctan-7-ol, 3-methyl-octan-7-ol, 4- methyloctan-7-ol, 1 -methyloctan-8-ol, 2-methyloctan-8-ol, 3-methyl-octan-8-ol, 4- methyloctan-8-ol,1 -ethyloctan-1 -ol, 2-ethyloctan-1 -ol, 3-ethyl-octan-1 -ol, 4-methyloctan-1 -ol,

1 - ethyloctan-2-ol, 2-ethyloctan-2-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-2-ol, 4-ethyloctan-2-ol, 1 -ethyloctan-3-ol,

2- ethyloctan-3-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-3-ol, 4-ethyloctan-3-ol, 1-ethyloctan-4-ol, 2-ethyloctan-4-ol,

3- ethyl-octan-4-ol, 4-ethyloctan-4-ol, 1 -ethyloctan-5-ol, 2-ethyloctan-5-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-5-ol,

4- ethyloctan-5-ol, 1 -ethyloctan-6-ol, 2-ethyloctan-6-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-6-ol, 4-ethyloctan-6-ol,

1 - ethyloctan-7-ol, 2-ethyloctan-7-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-7-ol, 4-ethyloctan-7-ol, 1 -ethyloctan-8-ol,

2- ethyloctan-8-ol, 3-ethyl-octan-8-ol, 4-ethyloctan-8-ol, 1-methylnonan-1 -ol, 2-methylnonan- 1 -ol, 3-methyl-nonan-1 -ol, 4-methylnonan-1 -ol, 1 -methylnonan-2-ol, 2-methylnonan-2-ol, 3- methyl-nonan-2-ol, 4-methylnonan-2-ol, 1 -methylnonan-3-ol, 2-methylnonan-3-ol, 3-methyl- nonan-3-ol, 4-methylnonan-3-ol, 1 -methylnonan-4-ol, 2-methylnonan-4-ol, 3-methyl-nonan- 4-ol, 4-methylnonan-4-ol, 1 -methylnonan-5-ol, 2-methylnonan-5-ol, 3-methyl-nonan-5-ol, 4- methylnonan-5-ol, 1 -methylnonan-6-ol, 2-methylnonan-6-ol, 3-methyl-nonan-6-ol, 4- methylnonan-6-ol, 1 -methylnonan-7-ol, 2-methylnonan-7-ol, 3-methyl-nonan-7-ol, 4- methylnonan-7-ol, 1 -methylnonan-8-ol, 2-methylnonan-8-ol, 3-methyl-nonan-8-ol, 4- methylnonan-8-ol, 1 -methylnonan-9-ol, 2-methylnonan-9-ol, 3-methyl-nonan-9-ol, 4- methylnonan-9-ol,1 -ethylnonan-1 -ol, 2-ethylnonan-1 -ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-1 -ol, 4-methylnonan- 1 -ol, 1 -ethylnonan-2-ol, 2-ethylnonan-2-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-2-ol, 4-ethylnonan-2-ol, 1 - ethylnonan-3-ol, 2-ethylnonan-3-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-3-ol, 4-ethylnonan-3-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-4-ol, 2-ethylnonan-4-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-4-ol, 4-ethylnonan-4-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-5-ol, 2-ethylnonan-5- ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-5-ol, 4-ethylnonan-5-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-6-ol, 2-ethylnonan-6-ol, 3-ethyl- nonan-6-ol, 4-ethylnonan-6-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-7-ol, 2-ethylnonan-7-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-7-ol, 4- ethylnonan-7-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-8-ol, 2-ethylnonan-8-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-8-ol, 4-ethylnonan-8-ol, 1 -ethylnonan-9-ol, 2-ethylnonan-9-ol, 3-ethyl-nonan-9-ol, and 4-ethylnonan-9-ol.

The complex alcohol may be a cyclic complex alcohol and may be carbocyclic or heterocyclic. Further, the carbocyclic or heterocyclic complex alcohol may be aromatic or non-aromatic. In some embodiments, the heterocyclic complex alcohol comprises one or more heteroatoms. In one embodiment, the heterocyclic complex alcohol comprises one heteroatom. In another embodiment, the heterocyclic complex alcohol comprises two heteroatoms. The heteroatom may be selected from the group consisting of N, O, S and P.

The cyclic complex alcohol may also be monocyclic or polycyclic. The polycyclic complex alcohol may comprise 2 or more rings. In some embodiments, the polycyclic complex alcohol comprises 2 or more rings, wherein at least 2 rings are fused.

In particular embodiments, the complex alcohol is a sterol. The sterol may be a phytosterol. In one specific embodiment, the sterol is cholesterol.

In other particular embodiments, the complex alcohol is a chromanol. In some embodiments, the chromanol is a tocopherol or tocotrienol.

In some embodiments, the tocopherol is natural, synthetic, or a combination thereof. Natural tocopherol typically comprises about 96% a-tocopherol and a small amount of γ-tocopherol. Synthetic tocopherol, on the other hand, typically comprises about 99-98% a-tocopherol. Furthermore, synthetic tocopherol comprises a mixture of the 8 possible stereoisomers, where only 1 occurs naturally.

In other embodiments, the tocopherol is a-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ- tocopherol, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the tocopherol comprises α-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the tocopherol comprises equal to or greater than about 90% α-tocopherol. In another embodiment, the tocopherol is α-tocopherol (i.e. 100% a- tocopherol).

The complex alcohol may also be a pharmaceutical compound, an anaesthetic, or an antioxidant.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compound is an oncology drug such as a taxane, a nucleoside or a kinase inhibitor, a steroid, an opioid analgesic, a respiratory drug, a central nervous system (CNS) drug, a hypercholesterolemia drug, an antihypertensive drug, an immunosuppressive drug, an antibiotic, a luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, a LHRH antagonist, an antiviral drug, an antiretroviral drug, an estrogen receptor modulator, a somatostatin mimic, an anti-inflammatory drug, a vitamin D ₂ analogue, a synthetic thyroxine, an antihistamine, an antifungal agent, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or an anesthetic.

Suitable oncology drugs include taxanes such as paclitaxel, cabazitaxel and docetaxel, camptothecin and its analogues such as irinotecan and topotecan, other antimicrotubule agents such as vinflunine, nucleosides such as gemcitabine, cladribine, fludarabine capecitabine, decitabine, azacitidine, clofarabine and nelarabine, kinase inhibitors such as sprycel, temisirolimus, dasatinib, AZD6244, AZD1 152, PI-103, R- roscovitine, olomoucine and purvalanol A, and epothilone B analogues such as ixabepilone, anthrocyclines such as amrubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin and valrubicin, super oxide inducers such as trabectecin, proteosome inhibitors such as bortezomib and other topoisomerase inhibitors, intercalating agents and alkylating agents.

Suitable steroids include anabolic steroids such as testosterone,

dihydrotestosterone, estradiol and ethynylestradiol, and corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisilone, budesonide, triamcinolone, fluticasone, mometasone, amcinonide, flucinolone, fluocinanide, desonide, halcinonide, prednicarbate, fluocortolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone and fluprednidine.

Suitable opioid analgesics include morphine, oxymorphone, naloxone, codeine, oxycodone, methylnaltrexone, hydromorphone, buprenorphine and etorphine.

Suitable respiratory drugs include bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, and

decongestants and more particularly salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, montelukast and formoterol. Suitable CNS drugs include antipsychotic such as quetiapine and

antidepressants such as venlafaxine.

Suitable drugs to control hypercholesterolemia include ezetimibe and statins such as simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

Suitable antihypertensive drugs include losartan, olmesartan, medoxomil, metrolol, travoprost and bosentan.

Suitable immunosuppressive drugs include glucocorticoids, cytostatics, antibody fragments, anti-immunophilins, interferons, TNF binding proteins and more particularly, cacineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid and its derivatives such as mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine.

Suitable antibacterial agents include antibiotics such as amoxicillin, meropenem and clavulanic acid.

Suitable LHRH agonists include goserelin acetate, deslorelin and leuprorelin.

Suitable LHRH antagonists include cetrorelix, ganirelix, abarelix and degarelix.

Suitable antiviral agents include nucleoside analogs such as lamivudine, zidovudine, abacavir and entecavir and suitable antiretro viral drugs include protease inhibitors such as atazanavir, lapinavir and ritonavir. Suitable selective estrogen receptor modulators include raloxifene and fulvestrant.

Suitable somastatin mimics include octreotide.

Suitable anti-inflammatory drugs include mesalazine and suitable NSAIDs include acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Suitable vitamin D ₂ analogues include paricalcitol.

Suitable synthetic thyroxines include levothyroxine.

Suitable anti-histamines include fexofenadine.

Suitable antifungal agents include azoles such as viriconazole.

Suitable antioxidants include ascorbic acid, hydroxy carotenoids such as retinol, and calciferol.

Suitable anesthetics include propofol.

The complex alcohol may also be a solvent, such as, for example, tetraglycol and lauryl alcohol.

In some embodiments, the complex alcohol is sparingly soluble or insoluble in aqueous solution. For example, the complex alcohol may be farnesol.

In some embodiments, the complex alcohol may be a mixture of two or more complex alcohols.

In the above embodiments, the linear, branched or cyclic complex alcohol is monohydroxy or polyhydroxy. In some embodiments, the polyhydroxy complex alcohol comprises 2 hydroxy groups. In other embodiments, the polyhydroxy complex alcohol comprises more than 2 hydroxy groups. For example, the polyhydroxy complex alcohol may comprise 3, 4 or 5 hydroxy groups. In particular embodiments, the complex alcohol is a monohydroxy complex alcohol.

In the above embodiments, the linear, branched or cyclic complex alcohol may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent groups. Unless otherwise defined, the term "substituted" or "substituent" as used herein refers to a group which may or may not be further substituted with one or more groups selected from C _1-6 alkyl, C _1-6 alkenyl,

6alkynyl, aryl, aldehyde, halogen, haloC^alkyl, haloC^alkenyl, haloC^alkynyl, haloaryl, hydroxy, C^alkylhydroxy, C^alkoxy, -OC^alkylhydroxy, -OC^ealkylC^ealkoxy,

₆ alkenyloxy, aryloxy, benzyloxy, haloC^alkoxy, haloC^alkenyloxy, haloaryloxy, nitro, nitroaryl, nitroheterocyclyl, amino,

6alkylamino, Ci_ ₆ dialkylamino, Ci_ ₆ alkenylamino, Ci_ ₆ alkynylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, benzylamino, dibenzylamino, acyl, C^alkenylacyl, C^alkynylacyl, arylacyl, acylamino, diacylamino, acyloxy, alkylsulphonyloxy, arylsulphenyloxy, heterocyclyl, heterocycloxy, heterocyclamino, haloheterocyclyl, alkylsulphenyl, arylsulphenyl, carboalkoxy, carboaryloxy, mercapto, C^alkylthio, benzylthio, acylthio, and phosphorus-containing groups. Phosphorylation reagent

The complex alcohol is mixed with P ₄ O ₁₀ . In some embodiments, the P ₄ O ₁₀ may be partly hydrated (or a polyphosphoric acid).

The molar ratio of hydroxyl group (of the complex alcohol) to phosphorus may be within a range of about 3:1 to about 1 :3. In some embodiments, the molar ratio is within the range of about 2:1 to about 1 :2. In one embodiment, the molar ratio is about 2:1 .

In another embodiment, the molar ratio is about 1 :1 , or substantially equimolar. In this particular embodiment, the molar ratio of hydroxyl group (of the complex alcohol) to P4O10 would be about 1 :0.25.

Process

The process is for phosphorylating a complex alcohol, comprising the steps of:

(a) mixing the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ until its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved;

(b) allowing the reaction mixture of step (a) to react until the exothermic reaction is complete;

(c) heating or cooling the reaction mixture of step (b) to at least 80°C; and

(d) hydrolysing the reaction mixture of step (c).

Step (a)

This step involves mixing the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ until its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved.

The meaning of "exothermic reaction" is well known in the relevant art. It describes a chemical reaction that releases energy by light or, as in the present invention, heat. The term "exothermic reaction temperature" is used herein to refer to the temperature at which the chemical reaction between the complex alcohol and P4O10 commences to release heat.

The complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ are mixed until its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved, and may be mixed to form an intimate mixture. Mixing may be achieved by any available means, including stirring (manual or mechanical). In some embodiments, mixing may also involve the use a high-shear mixer.

In some embodiments, this step may also involve heating the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ to advance the chemical reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ to its exothermic reaction temperature. For example, the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ may be heated so that its exothermic reaction temperature is achieved in a shorter period of time. For example, the complex alcohol and P O _i0 may be heated to advance the chemical reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ to its exothermic reaction temperature in about 15 to 30 minutes.

In other embodiments, no heating is applied so that the chemical reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ achieves its exothermic reaction temperature over the time needed to reach this temperature. Step (b)

This step involves allowing the reaction mixture of step (a) to react until the exothermic reaction is complete. In some embodiments, as the reaction progresses, heat is generated by the exothermic reaction process and the temperature of the reaction rises without external heating.

The exothermic reaction is complete when the temperature of the chemical reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ begins to fall.

In some embodiments, this step does not involve mixing. In alternate embodiments, this step involves mixing. As mentioned above, mixing may be achieved by any available means, including stirring (manual or mechanical), and may also involve the use of a high- shear mixer.

Step (c)

This step involves heating or cooling the reaction mixture of step (b) to at least 80°C. In this step, the temperature is at least 80°C. The term "at least 80°C" is used herein to refer to a temperature equal to or greater than 80°C. In some embodiments, the temperature is within the range of at least 80°C to about 160°C. In other embodiments, the temperature is within the range of about 90°C to 140°C. In one embodiment, the temperature is about 90°C. In another embodiment, the temperature is about 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the temperature is about 1 10°C.

The reaction mixture of step (b) will be cooled to the relevant temperature if the temperature of the reaction mixture of step (b) is higher than this temperature after the exothermic reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ Oi ₀ is complete. In the alternative, the reaction mixture of step (b) will be heated to the relevant temperature if the temperature of the reaction mixture of step (b) is lower than this temperature after the exothermic reaction between the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ is complete.

In some embodiments, the heating or cooling of the reaction mixture of step (b) may be allowed to proceed gradually over time. In other embodiments, the time may be limited to a specific period of time. For example, the period of time may be limited to about 30 to about 90 minutes, after which external means is used to further heat or to further cool the reaction mixture of step (b).

Once at the heated or cooled temperature, the reaction mixture of step (b) may be maintained at this temperature for about 30 to about 180 minutes. In some embodiments, the reaction mixture of step (b) is maintained at this temperature for about 60 to about 180 minutes. In one embodiment, the reaction mixture of step (b) is maintained at this temperature for about 60 to about 120 minutes. In another embodiment, the reaction mixture of step (b) is maintained at this temperature for about 60 minutes.

Step (d)

This step involves hydrolysing the reaction mixture of step (c). Hydrolysis involves the addition of an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may be water (e.g. deionised water). In some embodiments, an excess amount of water is added during the step of hydrolysis. During hydrolysis, the reaction mixture of step (c) may be maintained at the hydrolysis temperature of at least 80°C. The term "at least 80°C" has the meaning mentioned above. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis temperature is within the range of at least 80°C to about 150°C. In some embodiments, the hydrolysis temperature is within the range of about 85°C to 120°C. In one embodiment, the hydrolysis temperature is within the range of about 90°C to 110°C. In another embodiment, the hydrolysis temperature is within the range of about 90°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the hydrolysis temperature is within the range of about 100°C to 1 10°C.

Hydrolysis may be conducted for about 30 to about 180 minutes. In some embodiments, hydrolysis is conducted for about 30 to about 120 minutes. In one embodiment, hydrolysis is conducted for about 60 to about 120 minutes. In another embodiment, hydrolysis is conducted for about 90 to about 120 minutes. In one

embodiment, hydrolysis is conducted for about 60 to about 90 minutes.

Optional solvent

The process may be conducted in the absence of an additional solvent. The term "additional solvent" is used herein to refer to a solvent other than the aqueous solution, such as water, used during the step of hydrolysis. In some embodiments, the reaction is conducted without an additional solvent such that the complex alcohol and P ₄ O ₁₀ are mixed in neat form.

Product

The invention also relates to a product obtained by the process.

The product obtained by the process may be a phosphorylated mono-complex alcohol, a phosphorylated di-complex alcohol, or a mixture thereof. In particular embodiments, the product is a mixture of a phosphorylated mono-complex alcohol and a phosphorylated di-complex alcohol. In these embodiments, the molar ratio of the mixture of the phosphorylated mono-complex alcohol and the phosphorylated di-complex alcohol may be at least about 2:1 , about 2:1 , about 6:4 or about 8:2, or within a range of about 4:1 to about 1 :4 or about 6:4 to about 8:2.

In some embodiments, the product obtained by the process may be a cross-coupled phosphate diester.

It should be appreciated that the product obtained by the process may also comprise residual amounts of unreacted complex alcohol and/or related substances. In such embodiments, the process may further involve purification steps.

Further process steps to obtain further products

The product obtained by the process may also be further reacted with an amphoteric surfactant. In these embodiments, the complex alcohol is a tocopherol, and the phosphorylated complex alcohol is a tocopheryl phosphate. The tocopheryl phosphate may be a mono- tocopheryl phosphate, a di-tocopheryl phosphate, or a mixture thereof.

In one embodiment, the amphoteric surfactant is a tertiary amine of the formula NR ₁ R ₂ R ₃ , wherein is selected from the group consisting of C ₆ . ₂₂ alkyl, and R ₂ and R ₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, (CH ₂ ) _n COOX,

(CH ₂ ) _n CHOHCH ₂ S0 ₃ X, (CH ₂ ) _n CHOHCH ₂ OP0 ₃ X, in which X is H or forms a salt with a cation selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, alkylammonium and alkanolamine, and n is 1 or 2.

The term "C ₆ . ₂₂ alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain or cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Examples include, but are not limited to, hexyl, cyclohexyl, decyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl.

In some embodiments, is a C ₁₂ alkyl (dodecyl), and R ₂ and R ₃ are independently selected from CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH and CH ₂ CH ₂ COONa.

In particular embodiments, the tertiary amine is 3-[2-carboxyethyl(dodecyl)amino] propanoic acid. In other embodiments, the tertiary amine is 3,3'-dodecylimino)dipropionic acid monosodium salt (or lauryliminodipropionic acid, sodium lauryliminodipropionate or N- lauryl iminodipropionate).

The product obtained by this further process may be lauryliminodipropionic acid tocopheryl phosphates or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the salt is a sodium salt. Examples

Various embodiments/aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1

Synthetic a-tocopherol and P ₄ O ₁₀ were mixed (mass ratio 0.170), and with heating, the exothermic reaction temperature was reached within about 15 minutes. Heating was continued until the reaction mixture a temperature of about 120°C was achieved and then stopped. The temperature of the reaction mixture continued to rise for a brief period of time. When the exothermic reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool without any external control for about 60 minutes. The reaction was then further cooled to a temperature of about 90°C before hydrolysis was conducted with deionised water for about 60 minutes.

The process produced about 58.52 %w/w mono-tocopheryl phosphate and about 30.49 %w/w di-tocopheryl phosphate.

It was also noted that there was about 0.21 %w/w unreacted synthetic a-tocopherol. Example 2

Synthetic a-tocopherol and P ₄ O ₁₀ were mixed (mass ratio 0.170), and with heating, the exothermic reaction temperature was reached within about 15 minutes. Heating was continued until the reaction mixture a temperature of about 120°C was achieved and then stopped. The temperature of the reaction mixture continued to rise for a brief period of time. When the exothermic reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool without any external control for about 60 minutes. The reaction was then further cooled to a temperature of about 90°C before hydrolysis with deionised water was conducted for about 60 minutes.

The process produced about 59.26 %w/w mono-tocopheryl phosphate and about

30.91 %w/w di-tocopheryl phosphate.

It was also noted that there was about 0.20 %w/w unreacted synthetic a-tocopherol. Example 3

Natural a-tocopherol (0.07 %w/w) and P ₄ O ₁₀ were mixed (mass ratio 0.170), and with heating, the exothermic reaction temperature was reached within about 15 minutes. Heating was continued until the reaction mixture a temperature of about 120°C was achieved and then stopped. The temperature of the reaction mixture continued to rise for a brief period of time. When the exothermic reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool without any external control for about 60 minutes. The reaction was then further cooled to a temperature of about 90°C before hydrolysis with deionised water was conducted for about

60 minutes.

The process produced about 55.79 %w/w mono-tocopheryl phosphate and about 27.68 %w/w di-tocopheryl phosphate.

It was also noted that there was about 0.07 %w/w unreacted synthetic a-tocopherol. Example 4

Propofol (1 .07 g, 6.00 mmol) and P ₄ O ₁₀ (0.430 g, 1 .51 mmol) were combined in a reaction tube and stirred vigorously. The reaction mixture was heated with a H ₂ 0 bath (50- 90°C) for over 120 minutes so that the exothermic reaction was complete and then hydrolysed with H ₂ 0 (0.260 g) at 90°C for 60 minutes.

After cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was dissolved in EtOH (30 mL), transferred to a 100 mL RBF and concentrated in vacuo (60°C H ₂ 0 bath). The residual red oily solid was suspended in hot hexane (90 mL) and filtered hot. The hexane filtrate was concentrated in vacuo (60°C H ₂ 0 bath) to ~25 mL and then cooled on an ice bath for about 120 minutes. The cold suspension was filtered in vacuo and the filter cake was washed with cold hexane (3 x 15 mL) and dried in a vacuum oven (55°C) to give a white powder.

Mass spectrometry analysis of the end product indicated the formation of the desired monophosphate derivative of propofol. Example 5

Propofol (0.565 g, 3.17 mmol), D-oc- Tocopherol (1 .35 g, 3.13 mmol) and P ₄ O ₁₀ (0.462 g , 1 .63 mmol) were combined in a Radleys 12 Station Carousel reaction tube. The reaction mixture was heated at 100°C for 120 minutes to allow the respective exothermic reactions to complete. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 90°C before hydrolysis with H ₂ 0 (0.360 g) at that temperature for 60 minutes.

After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with EtOH (30 mL), filtered and concentrated in vacuo (60°C H ₂ 0 bath) to give a brown oil substance.

Mass spectrometry analysis of the end product indicated the formation of the monophosphate derivatives of propofol and D-a-tocopherol, as well as the cross-coupled phosphate diester.

Example 6

Lauryl alcohol (0.990 g, 5.31 mmol) and P ₄ O ₁₀ (0.530 g, 1 .87 mmol) were combined in a Radleys 12 Station Carousel reaction tube and stirred vigorously. The reaction mixture was heated at 100°C for 60 minutes and the exothermic reaction to complete. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 90°C before hydrolysis with H ₂ 0 (0.140 g) at that temperature for 60 minutes.

After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was partitioned between Et ₂ 0 (6 mL) and H ₂ 0 (6 mL). The Et ₂ 0 phase was concentrated in vacuo (60 °C H ₂ 0 bath) to give a yellow liquid.

Mass spectrometry analysis of the end product indicated the formation of the desired monophosphate derivative of lauryl alcohol.

Example 7

β-Estradiol (0.490 g, 1 .80 mmol) and P ₄ Oi ₀ (0.140 g, 0.493 mmol) were combined in a Radleys 12 Station Carousel reaction tube and suspended in Triacetin (2 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 100°C for 60 minutes and to complete the exothermic reaction. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 90°C before it was hydrolysed with H ₂ 0 (1 .00 g) at that temperature for 60 minutes.

After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was washed with hexane (2 x 25 mL). The resultant suspension was dissolved in THF (30 mL) and concentrated in vacuo

(60°C H ₂ 0 bath) to give an oily beige solid. Mass spectrometry analysis of the end product indicated the formation of the desired monophosphate derivative.

I n the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention , except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.