Stereoselective inhibition of glutamate carboxypeptidase by organophosphorus derivatives of glutamic acid.

A series of alkyl and aryl phosphonyl, thiophosphonyl, and dithiophosphonyl derivatives of (S)- and (R)-glutamic acid were prepared and examined for inhibitory potency against glutamate carboxypeptidase (carboxypeptidase G). The acquisition of the phosphonamidodithioic acids and the individual phosphonamidothioic acid diastereomers was achieved through a common phosphonamidothiolate precursor, which also allowed for the chromatographic resolution of the chiral phosphorus center of the phosphonamidothioic acids. The most potent inhibitor of the series was the n-butylphosphonamidate derivative of the natural isomer of glutamic acid.