Calix[4]arene methylenebisphosphonic acids as calf intestine alkaline phosphatase inhibitors.

Calix[4]arenes bearing one or two methylenebisphosphonic acid fragments were prepared via addition of diethylphosphite to the parent calix[4]arene aldehydes. The resulting compounds displayed stronger inhibition of calf intestine alkaline phosphatase than simple methylenebisphosphonic or 4-hydroxyphenyl methylenebisphosphonic acids. The action of these phosphorylated calix[4]arenes is concordant with partial mixed-type inhibition.