# Efficient synthesis of small-sized phosphonated dendrons: potential organic coatings of iron oxide nanoparticles

Antonio Garofalo, Audrey Parat, Catalina Bordeianu, Cynthia Ghobril, Marie Kueny-Stotz, Aurélie Walter, Julien Jouhannaud, Sylvie Bégin-Colin,

Delphine Felder-Flesch

► To cite this version:

Antonio Garofalo, Audrey Parat, Catalina Bordeianu, Cynthia Ghobril, Marie Kueny-Stotz, et al. Efficient synthesis of small-sized phosphonated dendrons: potential organic coatings of iron oxide nanoparticles. New Journal of Chemistry, 2014, 38 (11), pp.5226-5239. 10.1039/c4nj00654b. hal-05030772

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Cite this: *New J. Chem.*, 2014, 38, 5226

Received (in Montpellier, France)
24th April 2014,
Accepted 1st August 2014

DOI: 10.1039/c4nj00654b

www.rsc.org/njc

# Efficient synthesis of small-sized phosphonated dendrons: potential organic coatings of iron oxide nanoparticles†

Antonio Garofalo,‡ Audrey Parat,‡ Catalina Bordeianu, Cynthia Ghobril, Marie Kueny-Stotz, Aurélie Walter, Julien Jouhannaud, Sylvie Begin-Colin and Delphine Felder-Flesch*

We report herein the synthesis of biocompatible small-sized phosphonated monomers and dendrons used as functional coatings of metal oxide nanoparticles, more specifically superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapy through hyperthermia. The molecules were engineered to modulate their size, their hydrophilic and/or biocompatible character (poly(amido)amine versus oligoethyleneglycol), the number of anchoring phosphonate groups (monophosphonate versus phosphonic tweezers) and the number of peripheral functional groups for further grafting of dyes or specific vectors. Such a library of hydrophilic phosphonic acids opens new possibilities for the investigation of dendronized nanohybrids as theranostics.

## Introduction

Research on inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is rapidly expanding with a large variety of applications, as well as strategies for their synthesis.¹ Most often, surface modification of the NPs is critical, in particular to avoid their aggregation, make them dispersible in liquid media or derivatize them with functional end groups for further modification. Here again, the exceptional binding properties of phosphonic acids to oxide surfaces have attracted much attention and many examples of decorated magnetic metal oxide NPs using phosphonate terminated molecules have recently emerged in the literature.²

Many research groups worldwide are actively developing superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) NPs with the emergence of a vast number of applications in health sciences, including for example combined *in vivo* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging *via* multimodal NPs based on fluorescent probes conjugated to SPIO NPs,³ hyperthermic heating of tumours,⁴ and drug delivery.⁵ In this context, biofunctionalization of the NPs is most often required to avoid aggregation or rapid clearance by the Mononuclear Phagocyte System.⁶ For this purpose, appropriate coatings and especially surface modification using molecules derivatized with phosphonic

acid groups are being developed. It is also worth noting that bisphosphonate anchors were found to bind more strongly to iron oxide NPs than monophosphonates, thus conferring them higher stability in water at physiological pH.⁷

Among the most common routes to functional phosphonic acids for surface modification are the Michaelis–Arbuzov and Michaelis–Becker reactions,⁸ hydrophosphonylation with palladium (Tanaka's⁹ or Beletskaya's¹⁰ methods) or with nickel or copper,¹¹ the Hirao cross-coupling,¹² the phosphamichael addition,¹³ and the Pudovik reaction¹⁴ starting from aldehydes. The Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction,¹⁵ also known as the Arbuzov reaction, is one of the most versatile reactions for the formation of P–C bonds and consists of the reaction of a triester phosphite with an alkyl halide, resulting in the conversion of P(III) to a pentavalent phosphorus species. While elevated temperatures are required for the activation of the transformation, recent data have shown that for some specific substrates this reaction can be advantageously operated at room temperature in the presence of a suitable Lewis acid.¹⁶ Barney *et al*.¹⁷ recently proposed a straightforward synthesis of benzyl or allyl phosphonates from the corresponding alcohols using triethylphosphite and zinc iodide. Benzyl phosphonates esters are usually prepared from benzyl halides and trialkylphosphite *via* an Arbuzov reaction and this procedure is a convenient alternative, although benzylic compounds bearing an electron-withdrawing group are much less reactive. Moreover, such synthetic methodology allows introducing the phosphonate group in the last steps of the synthesis, which is advantageous since the chromatographic

IPCMS UMR CNRS-UdS 7504, 23 rue du loess BP43, 67034 Strasbourg cedex 2,
France. E-mail: Delphine.Felder@ipcms.unistra.fr; Fax: +33 (0)388107246;
Tel: +33 (0)388107163

† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nj00654b

‡ These authors contributed equally to the work performed.

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>
purification of phosphonate-containing intermediates throughout the whole multistep synthesis is time-consuming.

Dendrimers or dendritic architectures¹⁸ are being developed for biomedical applications due to their precisely defined structure and composition, and high tuneable surface chemistry.¹⁹ A clear input is brought by the dendritic molecules as they are discrete and monodisperse entities in which size, hydrophilicity, molecular weight and biocompatibility can easily be tuned as a function of their generation.²⁰ Furthermore, a dendritic shell allows versatile and reproducible polyfunctionalization at its periphery which could lead to, multimodal imaging probes through dye or fluorophore grafting, and theranostics through specific drug anchoring. Current studies show that small-sized dendrons may have an impressive future in the functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles²¹ due to their highly controlled molecular structure and high tuneability leading to biocompatible, polyfunctional and water-soluble systems. Dendronized iron oxide nanoparticles using a phosphonate or hydroxamic acid anchor were shown to display very good colloidal properties and high relaxivity values.²² Such anchoring groups induced strong binding,²³ and phosphonic anchors were demonstrated to preserve NPs' magnetic properties.²⁴

We recently reported that a dendritic coating (Fig. 1) of magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles increases their effect on water proton relaxation times thus leading to optimized contrast enhancement capacities in MRI.²⁵

Therefore, we managed to prepare a library of functional dendritic phosphonic acids either fully PEGylated (Part I) or derived from the poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) family (Part II). In both parts, the generation, the OEG chain length and the number of phosphonic anchors (mono-phosphonate or bisphosphonate tweezers) were varied. Such a library of functional hydrophilic phosphonic acids opens new possibilities for the investigation of dendronized nanohybrids as possible theranostics (Scheme 1).

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Fig. 1** Structure of phosphonic acid derivatives previously described.²⁶</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 1** General structure of synthesized compounds.</figcaption></figure>

# Results and discussion

## Part I: PEGylated monomers

**Synthesis of mono-ethylphosphonate.** We have previously developed the synthesis of first generation monophosphonate oligoethylene glycol (OEG) gallate dendrons (G₁-P₁-OEG) **1-4** (Fig. 1) bearing a longer functionalized OEG chain in the *para* position for further grafting of biomolecules.²⁶ These small-sized monomers were obtained from the key intermediate **12** which was obtained in six steps with a 25% overall yield (Scheme 2). First, *para*-benzylated methyl gallate **6** and tosylated tetraethyleneglycol monomethyl ether **5** were obtained in good yields from the commercially available methyl gallate and tetraethyleneoxide monomethyl ether, respectively, following a reported one-step procedure.²⁷ A Williamson etherification between **5** and **6** in acetone at 60 °C, in the presence of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) and potassium iodide (KI), allowed the preparation of ester 7 in 75% yield. Protected ethyl phosphonate **11** was obtained following a three-step sequence: (i) reduction of the ester function by lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄) to obtain benzylic alcohol **9** in 90% yield, (ii) treatment of **9** with thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) to yield benzyl chloride **10** (70%) and (iii) refluxing **10** at 160 °C in triethyl phosphate (P(OEt)₃) to prepare *para*-protected ethyl phosphonate **11** (85%). Finally, phenol deprotection was achieved by hydrogenolysis in the presence of palladium activated on carbon (Pd/C) (10%) which led, after overnight stirring, to ethyl phosphonate **12** in 96% yield.

Finally, monomers **1-4** (Fig. 1) were obtained after deprotection of the phosphonate esters with a large excess of trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr).²¹

The synthesis of ethyl phosphonate **15** displaying an ethyl-amine linker in the *para*-position is highlighted in Scheme 3. The compound was obtained in 4 steps with 54% overall yield.

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 4** Synthesis of mono-ethylphosphonate anchor **18**. (a) CBr₄, PPh₃, THF, 0 °C at rt, 2 h, 88%; (b) P(OEt)₃, 160 °C, 2 h, 75%; (c) Boc-2-bromoethylamine, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 16 h, 65%; (d) TFA, CH₂Cl₂, 0 °C to rt, 16 h, 95%.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 5** Synthesis of bis-ethylphosphonate anchor **22**. (a) LiAlH₄ 1 M in THF, THF, reflux, 3 h, 94%; (b) HBr in acetic acid 30%, acetic acid, rt, 24 h, 96%; (c) P(OEt)₃, 160 °C, 2 h, 95%; (d) Boc-2-bromoethylamine, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 16 h, 76%; (e) TFA, CH₂Cl₂, 0 °C to rt, 16 h, 88%.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 2** Synthesis of mono-ethylphosphonate anchor **12**. (a) TsCl, NaOH, THF/H₂O, rt, 24 h, 94%; (b) benzyl bromide, KHCO₃, KI, DMF, 30 °C, 4 d, 70%; (c) K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 24 h, 75%; (d) NaOH, MeOH/H₂O, reflux, 2 h, 90%; (e) LiAlH₄ 1 M in THF, THF, rt, 1 h, 90%; (f) SOCl₂, CH₂Cl₂, reflux, 2 h, 70%; (g) P(OEt)₃, 160 °C, 3 h, 85%; (h) Pd/C 10%, H₂, EtOH, rt, 16 h, 96%.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 3** Synthesis of mono-ethylphosphonate anchor **15**. (a) P(OEt)₃, 160 °C, 3 h, 92%; (b) Pd/C 10%, H₂, EtOH, rt, 16 h, 92%; (c) Boc-2-bromoethylamine, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 16 h; (d) TFA, CH₂Cl₂, 0 °C to rt, 16 h, 94%.</figcaption></figure>

First, 4-(benzyloxy) benzyl chloride reacted under reflux with P(OEt)₃ to yield **13** (92%). Phenol **14** was obtained after hydrogenolysis in the presence of Pd/C (10%), and was next engaged in an etherification reaction in the presence of Boc-2-bromoethylamine. Subsequent treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) yielded **15** (94%).

**Synthesis of bis-amino mono-ethylphosphonate.** The synthetic route of the key intermediate **18** for the preparation of dendritic ethyl phosphonate is reported in Scheme 4. Benzyl bromide **16** was obtained in 84% yield from the commercially available 3,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol after its activation with triphenyl phosphine (PPh₃) and tetrabromomethane (CBr₄). Compound **16** was immediately converted to its corresponding ethyl phosphonate **17** after refluxing for 2 hours in P(OEt)₃. An etherification reaction between **17** and Boc-2-bromoethylamine, followed by the deprotection of the two amine functions in the presence of TFA, provided **18** as a ditrifluoroacetate salt (59% yield over 2 steps).

**Synthesis of mono-amino bis-ethylphosphonate tweezers.**

The synthesis of tweezers **22** is detailed in Scheme 5. Its precursor **21** was obtained in three steps (reduction, bromination, and phosphorylation), with 86% overall yield, starting from the commercially available dimethyl-5-hydroxyisophthalate. Amine **22** was then easily prepared from **21** by Williamson etherification in the presence of Boc-2-bromoethylamine followed by the treatment with TFA (67% over 2 steps).

**Synthesis of bis-amino bis-ethylphosphonate tweezers.**

Bis-ethyl phosphonate **26** was obtained following the synthetic route depicted in Scheme 6. Synthesis of the carboxylic acid intermediate **24** was accomplished in two steps starting from 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester: etherification in acetone with Boc-2-bromoethylamine under basic conditions (**23** (65%) followed by saponification by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (86%). A peptide coupling between amine **22** and acid **24** in the

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 6** Synthesis of bis-ethylphosphonate anchor **26**. (a) Boc-2-bromoethylamine, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 16 h, 65%; (b) NaOH, MeOH/H₂O, reflux, 2 h, 86%; (c) **22**, BOP, DIPEA, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 24 h, 65%; (d) TFA, CH₂Cl₂, 0 °C to rt, 16 h, 98%.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_12.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 8** Synthesis of dendritic and functional phosphonic acids **40-43**. (a) TsCl, NEt₃, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 24 h, (85%); (b) **35**, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 16 h, (70-90%); (c) TMSBr, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 16 h, (85-95%).</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 7** Synthesis of dendritic ethylphosphonates **28-34**. (a) **8**, BOP, DIPEA, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 24 h, (70-85%); (b) Pd/C 10%, H₂, EtOH, rt, 16 h, (75-85%).</figcaption></figure>

35 then underwent a Williamson reaction with ethylphosphonates **28, 30, 32 or 34** in acetone at 60 °C in the presence of K₂CO₃ and KI to yield the corresponding dendritic ethyl phosphonates **36-39** in 70-90% yield. Treatment of **36, 37, 38 or 39** with a large excess of TMSBr generated a phosphonic acid function at the focal point and converted the terminal *tert*-butyl ester group into its corresponding carboxylic acid. This step allowed the obtention of compounds **40-43** in 85-95% yields.

**Synthesis of dye-functionalized dendritic phosphonic acids via click chemistry.** Phenols **12** and **28, 30, 32, 34** were subjected to an etherification reaction in acetone at reflux in the presence of propargyl bromide (Scheme 9).

The corresponding acetylenic derivatives **44-48** were engaged in click reactions with azide-derivatized Patent Blue VF Dye (Scheme 10).

Patent Blue VF was first converted into sulfonyl chloride **49** by treatment with phosphoryl chloride (POCl₃) for 3 days and was used without further purification. The reaction between the commercially available OEGylated azide and sulfonyl chloride **49** led to the preparation of sulfonamide **50** in a moderate 50% yield. The click reaction between propargyl derivatives **44-48**, and **50**, in the presence of copper(II) sulphate (CuSO₄·5H₂O) and sodium ascorbate, gave ethyl phosphonates **51, 53, 55, 57, 59** in 50-85% yields, which were then deprotected with an excess of TMSBr to yield their phosphonic acid derivatives **52, 54, 56, 58, and 60** (90-95% yield).

## Part II: PAMAM-OEG dendrons

Another design of our small-size dendrons was based on a small poly(amido)amine structure. Precisely, alkyne monomer

presence of (benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and N,N'-diisopropyl-ethylamine (DIPEA) led to 25 with 65% yield. Finally, Boc removal by TFA yielded 26 as a di-trifluoroacetate salt (98%).

**Synthesis of dendritic mono- and bis-ethylphosphonates.** The synthetic route to phenolic intermediates **28, 30, 32, 34** is described in Scheme 7. Amines **15, 18, 22 or 26** underwent a peptide coupling type reaction with carboxylic acid **8** (obtained by saponification of 7 with NaOH, Scheme 2) in the presence of BOP and DIPEA to obtain benzylated compounds **27, 29, 31** or **33** (70-85%) respectively. Finally, hydrogenolysis in the presence of Pd/C led to the corresponding ethyl phosphonates **28, 30, 32 or 34**, respectively, with 75 to 85% yield.

**Synthesis of COOH-functionalized dendritic phosphonic acids.** Refluxing in concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an easy route for conversion of phosphonate esters into their acid analogues. However, for sensitive products requiring milder reaction conditions, McKenna's method²⁸ using bromotrimethylsilane (TMSBr) remains an efficient method which allows the obtention of trimethylsilyl phosphonate ester intermediates that hydrolyze *in situ* into phosphonic acids, in protic medium (water or alcohol).

In order to achieve the synthesis of phosphonic acids **40-43** bearing a long functionalized oligoethylene glycol chain in the *para* position, the first step was the synthesis of the common intermediate 35 (Scheme 8), which was obtained in good yield starting from the commercially available hydroxy-dPEG®8-*t*-butylester.²⁹
<figure><img src="image_14.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 9** Synthesis of acetylenic derivatives **44** to **48**. (a) Propargyl bromide in xylene 80%, K₂CO₃, KI, acetone, reflux, 2 h, (80–90%).</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 11** Introduction of functional OEG chains into a poly(amido)-amine monomer.²²c (a) TMSONa 1 M, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 16 h, quant; (b) N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT), DMF, 60 °C, 24 h, 70%; (c) 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDCI), HOBT, DIPEA, CH₃CN, rt, 16 h, 67%.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 10** Synthetic route to dye-functionalized dendritic phosphonic acids **52**, **54**, **56**, **58** and **60**. (a) Patent Blue VF, POCl₃, rt, 3 d, 90%; (b) azido-dPEG™-amine, NEt₃, 4-DMAP, CH₂Cl₂/DMF, 0 °C to rt, 16 h, 50%; (c) **44**, **45**, **46**, **47** or **48**, CuSO₄·5H₂O, sodium ascorbate, DMSO/H₂O, rt, 16 h, (50–85%); (d) TMSBr, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 16 h, (90–95%).</figcaption></figure>

**61** was synthesized following a reported procedure (Scheme 11).³⁰ After deprotection of the two methyl esters by sodium trimethyl-silanolate (TMSONa), functionalized OEG chains (**62** or **64**) were introduced into the monomer by a peptide coupling reaction as shown in Scheme 11 to yield bifunctional acetylenic conjugates (**63** or **65**). The OEG chains were chosen for their tunable length and possible derivatization.

In parallel, two azide-derivatized ethylphosphonate precursors displaying one (67) or two (72) phosphorus anchors were synthetized (Scheme 12). The mono-ethylphosphonate precursor **67** was obtained in a two-step sequence starting from commercially available 1,4-bis(chloromethyl)benzene whereas the bis-ethylphosphonate anchor **72** was obtained in a four-step procedure starting from methyl-3,5-dibromomethylbenzoate **68**.²²c,³⁰,³¹ (Scheme 12).

Acetylenic PAMAM monomers **63** and **65** underwent the click reaction catalyzed by Cu(II)SO₄·5H₂O in the presence of sodium ascorbate as the reducing agent with either azide **67** or **72** (Scheme 13) to yield mono-(73) or bis-ethylphosphonates **74** and **75**.

### Part III: linear phosphonates

Linear aromatic bis-ethyl phosphonates were successfully prepared *via* the click reaction (Schemes 14 and 15).³² Discrete short (76) or long (78)³³ alkyne-derivatized OEG arms were obtained quantitatively starting from their alcohol counterparts in the presence of propargylbromide and potassium *tert*-butoxide (*tBuOK*) in THF. They were then reacted with azide **72** following the same procedure described for **74–75** (Scheme 13) to yield linear bis-ethyl phosphonates **79** and **80**, respectively (Scheme 14).

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>

66

67

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>

68

69

70

71

<figure><img src="image_20.png" /></figure>

72

<figure><img src="image_21.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 12** Synthesis of mono- and bis-ethylphosphonate azide precursors **67** and **72**. For precursor **67**: (a) P(OEt)₃, 120 °C, 2 h, 48%; (b) NaN₃, CH₃CN, reflux, 16 h, 95%. For precursor **72**: (a) DIBALH, toluene, 3 h, 0 °C, 90%; (b) P(OEt)₃, 2 h, 140 °C, quant; (c) SOCl₂, CHCl₃, 1 h, reflux, quant; (d) NaN₃, CH₃CN, reflux, 16 h, quant.</figcaption></figure>

73

<figure><img src="image_22.png" /></figure>

67

72

<figure><img src="image_23.png" /></figure>

74

<figure><img src="image_24.png" /></figure>

75

<figure><img src="image_25.png" /><figcaption>**Scheme 13** Coupling between PAMAM monomers **63** or **65** and mono or bisphosphonate precursors **67** and **72** via click reaction. (a) CuSO₄·5H₂O/sodium ascorbate, THF/H₂O (4:1), rt, 16 h (**73**: 60%, **74**: 75%, **75**: 62%).</figcaption></figure>

77

78

<figure><img src="image_26.png" /></figure>

76, n = 3

78, n = 9

79, n = 3

80, n = 9

<caption>**Scheme 14** Synthesis of linear bis-ethylphosphonates **79** and **80**. (a) TsO-PEG₃-Me,²⁵ KOH, THF, reflux, 18 h, 65%; (b) propargylbromide, tBuOK, THF, rt, 1 week; (c) **72**, CuSO₄·5H₂O/sodium ascorbate, THF/H₂O (4:1), rt, 16 h (**79**: 65%, **80**: 61%).</caption>

Functionalized and linear bis-ethyl phosphonates **86** and **87** were similarly (via click reaction) prepared starting from the azide-OEG arm **84** and **85** and the alkyne-derivatized aromatic bis-ethyl phosphonate **81** (Scheme 15).

Activated alcohols **82** and **83**³⁴ were quantitatively transformed into their azide derivatives **84** and **85** respectively *via* a nucleophilic substitution in the presence of sodium azide (NaN₃) in acetone, under reflux. In parallel, phenol **21** reacted with propargylbromide under basic conditions to obtain

<figure><img src="image_27.png" /></figure>

82, R = Ms, n = 4

83, R = Ts, n = 8

<figure><img src="image_28.png" /></figure>

84, n = 4

85, n = 8

<figure><img src="image_29.png" /></figure>

86, n = 4

87, n = 8

<caption>**Scheme 15** Synthesis of functional bis-ethylphosphonates **86** and **87**. (a) Propargylbromide, K₂CO₃, 18-crown-6, acetone, reflux, 16 h, 84%; (b) NaN₃, acetone, reflux, 16 h (**84** see ref. 30, **85**: quant); (c) **72**, CuSO₄·5H₂O/sodium ascorbate, THF/H₂O (4:1), rt, 16 h (**86**: 32%, **87**: 69%).</caption>
<figure><img src="image_30.png" /><figcaption>Scheme 16 Synthesis of linear and functional mono-ethylphosphonates **90** and **91**. (a) LiBr, acetone, reflux, 16 h (**88**: 72%, **89**: 70%); (b) P(OEt)₃, reflux, 2 h (**90**: quant, **91**: 92%).</figcaption></figure>

alkyne-derivatized bisphosphonate **81** which underwent the Cu(II) catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in the presence of **84** or **85** and sodium ascorbate as the reducing agent, to obtain **86** (34%) and **87** (71%), respectively, in moderate yields.

Aliphatic and hydrophilic monophosphonates were prepared in a two-step sequence starting from the activated alcohols **82** and **83** (Scheme 16). Once transformed into their corresponding halides **88** and **89**, respectively, they underwent the second step of the Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction in the presence of P(OEt)₃ to obtain ethylphosphonates **90** and **91** quantitatively.

The final deprotection of the previously mentioned mono- or bis-ethylphosphonates (Schemes 13–16) was achieved in the presence of TMSBr, which allowed the simultaneous deprotection of *tert*-butyl esters of compounds **73**, **74**, **86**, **87**, **90** and **91**, whereas a two-step sequence was necessary to yield hydroxy-functionalized bis-phosphonic acid **92** (Scheme 17).

**Proof of concept of dendronized iron oxide nanoparticles.**
Designing and synthesizing hybrid materials is of utmost importance since such materials can display strong versatility and adaptability in biomedical applications due to an appropriate organic coating. Aqueous suspensions of dendronized iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized by co-precipitation (leading to naked NPs in water) or by thermal decomposition (NPs *in situ* coated by oleic acid in an organic solvent), have been obtained after functionalization of NPs with either phosphonic acid **1**, **2**, **3**, 21a,c,22b,25,26a **4**, **58**, **60**, 26b **92**, 22c **93** 21c or **94** 22c (Fig. 2). Different grafting strategies have been optimized depending on the NPs synthetic method.21a,24a,b The size distribution, the colloidal stability in isoosmolar media (Fig. 3), the surface complex nature as well as the preliminary biokinetic studies performed with optical imaging, and the contrast enhancement properties evaluated through *in vitro* and *in vivo* MRI experiments, have been compared as a function of the nature of both organic shell and NPs.22a–c,25,26a,b All functionalized NPs displayed good colloidal stability in water; however, the ones bearing a peripheral carboxylic acid function gave the best results in iso-osmolar media.22

Whereas the grafting rates were similar, the nature of the surface complex depended on the NPs synthetic method. The *in vitro* contrast enhancement properties were better than commercial products (Table 1), with a better performance of the NPs synthesized by co-precipitation.25 On the other hand, the NPs synthesized by thermal decomposition were more efficient *in vivo*. However, all of our previously reported studies21,22,24–26 clearly highlighted that the dendritic organic coating impacts the nanoobject aggregation state, thus influencing the bioelimination speed and importance of the hepato-biliary *versus* urinary

<figure><img src="image_31.png" /><figcaption>Scheme 17 Final deprotection step of functional dendritic and linear mono- and bis-ethyl phosphonates. (a) TBAF, THF, rt, 16 h; (b) TMSBr, CH₂Cl₂, rt, 2–4 h **92**: 75%, **93**: 98%, **94**: 91%, **95**: 98%, **96**: 99%, **97**: 98%, **98**: 97%, **99**: 83%, **100**: 99%.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_32.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 2 TEM images of dendronized iron oxides NPs@**94** of 10 nm.22c</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_33.png" /><figcaption>Fig. 3 Evolution of the size distribution of NP@**94** (■) and NP@**94** diluted (□) in sodium chloride medium (0.15 M NaCl) after 24 h.22c</figcaption></figure>
<table><caption>**Table 1** *In vitro* relaxivity studies (1.5 T, room temperature) of dendronized nanoparticles compared to commercially available polymer-coated nanoparticles</caption><thead><tr><th>Compound (company)</th><th>Coating agent</th><th>D<sub>H</sub> (nm)</th><th>r1 (mM<sup>-1</sup> s<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>r2 (mM<sup>-1</sup> s<sup>-1</sup>)</th><th>r2/r1</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sinerem (Guerbet)</td><td>Dextran</td><td>51–30</td><td>9.9</td><td>65</td><td>6.7</td></tr><tr><td>NP@1</td><td>Dendritic-OEG monophosphonate</td><td>30 ± 1.5</td><td>6.2</td><td>91.2</td><td>14.7</td></tr><tr><td>NP@94</td><td>Dendritic-PAMAM bisphosphonate</td><td>30 ± 1.5</td><td>7.7</td><td>53.8</td><td>7.0</td></tr></tbody></table>

elimination pathway: NPs covered with small dendrons are more rapidly and completely eliminated within 24 hours post intravenous injection, predominantly by urinary elimination.

## Conclusions

The chemistry of phosphonates and related multifunctional hybrids has witnessed an exponential growth, due to the potential applications of these compounds in medicine and nanobiomaterial research. A variety of discretely sized hydrophilic dendritic or linear phosphonic acids useful for the functionalization of metal oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized with high yields. A number of them were successfully grafted onto iron or manganese oxide nanoparticles through a ligand exchange method to afford stable and bio-compatible nano-colloids, the bioelimination of which was mainly renal. This library of phosphonates may stimulate the development of advanced hybrid materials for better *in vivo* performance and sensitivity.

## Experimental

### General

All reactions were performed under an argon atmosphere. All the solvents, dichloromethane ($CH_2Cl_2$), tetrahydrofurane (THF), acetonitrile ($CH_3CN$), toluene, acetone, ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH), chloroform ($CHCl_3$), dimethylformamide (DMF), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and cyclohexane (CH), were of HPLC grade (chromasolv®, Sigma-Aldrich) further purified in a solvent system containing drying columns or dried over 4 Å molecular sieves. All commercially available reagents were used without further purification. Flash column chromatography was performed on silica gel (high-purity grade, 230–400 mesh, 40–63 µm, Sigma-Aldrich) according to a standard technique. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra ($^1$H, $^{13}$C and $^{31}$P) were recorded on a Bruker spectrometer (300 MHz). Chemical shifts for $^1$H and $^{13}$C spectra are recorded in parts per million and are calibrated to solvent residual peaks (for example: $CHCl_3$: $^1$H 7.26 ppm, $^{13}$C 77.16 ppm; MeOH: $^1$H 3.31 ppm, $^{13}$C 49.00 ppm) according to ref. 35. Multiplicities are indicated by s (singlet), bs (broad singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quadruplet), quint (quintuplet) and m (multiplet). Coupling constants, J, are reported in Hertz. Exact mass was obtained through Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time Of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

The experimental section is composed of the syntheses of phosphonated anchors and final compounds. All the other

syntheses are described in the ESI† ($^1$H, $^{13}$C, $^{31}$P, Maldi-TOF, see ESI†).

### Part I: amino or hydroxy-bearing mono- or bi-phosphonates

**Compound 12.** Palladium activated on carbon 10% (0.4 g, 0.75 mmol) was added to a solution of 11 (2.0 g, 2.6 mmol) dissolved in ethanol (30 mL). The mixture was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 16 h. The product was filtered through a plug of Celite before being concentrated and purified by column chromatography ($SiO_2$, $CH_2Cl_2/MeOH 95:5$) to afford 12 (2.5 mmol, 96%). Pale yellow oil. Spectroscopic data of 12 have already been reported in the literature.²⁹

**Compound 15.** (2-Bromo-ethyl) carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (1.4 g, 6.3 mmol, 3 equiv.), $K_2CO_3$ (0.87 g, 6.3 mmol, 3 equiv.) and KI (0.05 g, 0.4 mmol, 0.2 equiv.) were added to a solution of 14 (0.5 g, 2.1 mmol) in acetone (25 mL). The mixture was stirred for 72 h at 65 °C, filtered over Celite and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product was diluted in $CH_2Cl_2$ (50 mL) and washed twice with an aqueous saturated solution of $NaHCO_3$ and with brine. After drying over $MgSO_4$, filtration and evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was purified by column chromatography ($SiO_2$, $CH_2Cl_2/MeOH 95/5$) to afford the protected amine as yellow oil in 63% yield. Trifluoroacetic acid (1.1 mL, 13 mmol, 10.0 equiv.) was added dropwise at 0 °C to a solution of Boc-protected amine (0.5 g, 1.3 mmol) in $CH_2Cl_2$ (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, and then the volatiles were evaporated. The crude product was dissolved in a mixture of $CH_2Cl_2/MeOH 9/1$ (20 mL) and was washed with NaOH 1 N (2 × 10 mL). The organic layer was dried over $MgSO_4$, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 15 (1.97 mmol, 94%), which was used without further purification. White foam. $^1$H NMR (300 MHz, $CD_3OD$) $\delta$ 7.20 (dd, $J$ = 2.7 and 8.0 Hz, 2H, Ar-2,6-H), 6.85 (d, $J$ = 8.0 Hz 2H, Ar-3,5-H), 4.02 (m, 6H, $OCH_2CH_2NH$ and $PO(OCH_2CH_3)_2$), 3.08 (m, 4H, $OCH_2CH_2NH$ and $Ar^1CH_2P$), 1.21 (t, $J$ = 7.0 Hz, 6H, $PO(OCH_2CH_3)_2$); $^{13}$C NMR (75 MHz, $CD_3OD$) $\delta$ 157.8 ($J$ = 3.3 Hz) (Ar), 130.7 ($J$ = 6.6 Hz) (Ar), 123.6 ($J$ = 9.3 Hz) (Ar), 114.6 ($J$ = 2.7 Hz) (Ar), 70.0 ($OCH_2$), 62.0 ($J$ = 6.6 Hz) ($CH_2CH_3$), 41.4 ($CH_2NH_2$), 32.5 ($J$ = 138.9 Hz) (CH-P), 16.3 ($J$ = 6.1 Hz) ($CH_2CH_3$); $^{31}$P NMR (81 MHz, $CD_3OD$) $\delta$ 26.81. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for $C_{13}H_{23}NO_4P$: 288.13, obtained: 288.19.

**Compound 18.** (2-Bromo-ethyl) carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3.1 g, 13.9 mmol, 2.4 equiv.), $K_2CO_3$ (4.8 g, 34.6 mmol, 6 equiv.) and KI (0.2 g, 1.1 mmol, 0.2 equiv.) were added to a solution of 17 (1.5 g, 5.8 mmol) in acetone (120 mL). The mixture was stirred for 72 h at 65 °C, filtered over Celite and evaporated

<figure><img src="image_34.png" /></figure>
under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product was diluted in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) and washed twice with an aqueous saturated solution of NaHCO₃ and with brine. After drying over MgSO₄, filtration and evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was purified by chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 100 to 98/2) to afford the protected diamine as yellow oil in 65% yield. 2.4 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (27.4 mmol, 20.0 equiv.) was then added dropwise to a solution of protected diamine (0.75 g, 1.4 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (35 mL) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, and then the volatiles were evaporated. Compound 18 was obtained as a salt (1.3 mmol, 95%) and was used without further purification. White foam. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 6.55 (t, *J* = 2.3 Hz, 2H, Ar-2,4-*H*), 6.42 (m, 1H, Ar-6-*H*), 4.11 (t, *J* = 5.0 Hz, 4H, OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.98–3.87 (m, 4H, PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂), 3.23–3.20 (m, 4H, OCH₂CH₂NH₂), 3.11 (d, *J* = 21.8 Hz, 2H, ArCH₂P), 1.18 (t, *J* = 7.0 Hz, 6H, PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 158.8 (*J* = 2.6 Hz) (Ar), 133.5 (*J* = 8.8 Hz) (Ar), 108.7 (*J* = 6.6 Hz) (Ar), 99.6 (*J* = 3.3 Hz) (Ar), 63.5 (OCH₂), 61.9 (*J* = 7.1 Hz) (CH₂CH₃), 38.2 (CH₂NH₂), 31.8 (*J* = 137.8 Hz) (CH-P), 14.8 (*J* = 6.0 Hz) (CH₂CH₃); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 27.24. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₅H₂₇Na₂N₂O₁₃P: 369.17, obtained: 369.12; calculated for C₁₅H₂₇Na₂N₂O₁₃P: 392.17, obtained: 392.15.

**Compound 22.** (2-Bromo-ethyl)carbamic acid *tert*-butyl ester (1.1 g, 4.95 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), K₂CO₃ (2.1 g, 15.2 mmol, 4 equiv.) and KI (0.1 g, 0.4 mmol, 0.1 equiv.) were added to a solution of 21 (1.5 g, 3.8 mmol) in acetone (40 mL). The mixture was stirred for 48 h at 65 °C, filtered over Celite and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product was diluted in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) and washed twice with an aqueous saturated solution of NaHCO₃ and with brine. After drying over MgSO₄, filtration and evaporation of the solvent, the crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 98/2 to 95/5) to afford the (Boc-amino) derivative as a white solid (76%). The compound (1.2 g, 2.2 mmol) was then dissolved in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) at 0 °C and trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL, 22.0 mmol, 10.0 equiv.) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, and then the volatiles were evaporated. The crude product was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) and was washed with NaOH 1 N (2 × 10 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 21 (1.9 mmol, 88%) as a white foam, which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.72 (m, 3H, Ar-2,4,6-*H*), 5.25 (br s, 2H, OCH₂CH₂NH₂), 4.03–3.92 (m, 10H, PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂ and OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.10 (d, *J* = 21.7 Hz, 4H, ArCH₂P), 3.02 (m, 2H, OCH₂CH₂NH), 1.25 (t, *J* = 7.1 Hz, 12H, PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.0 (*J* = 2.8 Hz) (Ar), 133.1 (*J* = 6.0 Hz) (Ar), 123.8 (*J* = 6.8 Hz) (Ar), 114.5 (*J* = 5.0 Hz) (Ar), 70.0 (OCH₂), 62.1 (*J* = 7.0 Hz) (CH₂CH₃), 41.5 (CH₂NH₂), 33.5 (*J* = 138.2 Hz) (CH-P), 16.5 (*J* = 2.7 Hz) (CH₂CH₃); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 26.24. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₈H₃₄NO₇P₂: 438.17, obtained: 438.18; calculated for C₁₈H₃₄NaO₇P₂: 460.17, obtained: 460.16.

**Compound 26.** Trifluoroacetic acid (780 µL, 8.0 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 25 (0.4 g, 0.4 mmol) in CH₂Cl² (15 mL) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at

room temperature, and then the volatiles were evaporated. The compound 26 was obtained as a salt (0.39 mmol, 98%) and was used without further purification. White foam. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.74 (m, 1H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 8.55 (m, 4H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH₂), 6.95 (m, 2H, Ar¹-2,6-*H*), 6.85–6.78 (m, 3H, Ar²-2,4,6-*H*), 6.69 (m, 1H, Ar¹-4-*H*), 4.21 (m, 2H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 4.05–3.90 (m, 12H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH and PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂), 3.78 (m, 2H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.58–3.50 (m, 4H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.08 (d, *J* = 22.0 Hz, 4H, Ar¹CH₂P), 1.25 (t, *J* = 7.0 Hz, 12H, PO(OCH₂CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 167.8 (CONH), 158.7 (Ar), 136.2 (Ar), 132.5 (Ar), 123.3 (Ar), 114.1 (*J* = 4.9 Hz) (Ar), 105.8 (Ar), 104.4 (Ar), 65.6 (OCH₂-CH₂NH), 63.8 (OCH₂CH₂NH₂), 61.9 (*J* = 3.3 Hz) (CH₂CH₃), 38.8 (CH₂NHCOAr), 38.2 (CH₂NH₂), 31.4 (*J* = 147.8 Hz) (CH-P), 14.8 (*J* = 2.7 Hz) (CH₂CH₃); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 27.41. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₂₉H₄₈N₃O₁₄P₂: 660.27, obtained: 660.24; calculated for C₂₉H₄₈NaN₃O₁₄P₂: 682.27, obtained: 682.22.

### General procedure for the conversion of phosphonate ester to phosphonic acid by TMSBr (McKenna's method²⁸)

(40–43)
TMSBr (10.0 equiv. per ethyl phosphonate and *tert*-butyl ester function) was added dropwise to a solution of ethyl phosphonate (36–39) in CH₂Cl₂ at 0 °C. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the volatiles were evaporated and MeOH was added to the crude product, and then evaporated. The phosphonic acid was obtained without further purification.

**Compound 40.** Starting from 36 (0.13 g, 0.10 mmol) and TMSBr (0.26 mL, 2 mmol, 20 equiv.), 40 was obtained (0.09 mmol, 93%) as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.307.25 (m, 4H, Ar¹-2,6-*H* and Ar²-2,6-*H*), 6.97 (d, *J* = 8.3 Hz, 2H, Ar¹-3,5-*H*), 4.31–4.18 (m, 8H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH and Ar²OCH₂-CH₂O), 3.93 (m, 6H, OCH₂CH₂O), 3.85–3.50 (m, 56H, OCH₂-CH₂O), 3.41 (s, 6H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.12 (d, *J* = 21.3 Hz, 2H, Ar¹CH₂P), 2.63 (t, 2H, *J* = 6.1 Hz, Ar²OCH₂CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 171.8 (COOH), 167.8 (NHCO), 157.2 (Ar), 151.8 (Ar), 140.4 (Ar), 130.1 (*J* = 6.0 Hz) (Ar), 128.5 (Ar), 124.3 (*J* = 9.3 Hz) (Ar), 113.8 (Ar), 106.1 (Ar), 71.8 (PEG), 71.0 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.8 (PEG), 69.7 (PEG), 69.6 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 69.3 (PEG), 68.9 (PEG), 68.2 (PEG), 65.8 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 65.6 (CH₂CH₂COO), 57.2 (OCH₃), 50.1, 39.0 (CH₂NHCOAr), 33.9 (CH₂COO), 32.8 (*J* = 135.5 Hz) (CH-P); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.32. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₅₃H₉₀NaNO₂₆P: 1210.55 obtained: 1220.57; calculated for C₆₁H₁₀₆KNO₂₆P: 1226.55, obtained: 1226.58.

**Compound 41.** Starting from 37 (0.1 g, 0.04 mmol) and TMSBr (0.16 mL, 1.2 mmol, 30 equiv.), 41 was obtained (0.034 mmol, 86%) as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.28 (s, 4H, Ar²-2,6-*H*), 6.62 (t, 2H, *J* = 2.0 Hz, Ar¹-2,6-*H*), 6.51 (t, *J* = 2.0 Hz, 1H, Ar¹-4-*H*), 4.30–4.25 (m, *J* = 4.3 Hz, 12H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂O), 4.20 (t, 4H, *J* = 5.3 Hz, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.95–3.75 (m, 16H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH and OCH₂CH₂O), 3.80–3.55 (m, 108H, OCH₂CH₂O), 3.41 (s, 12H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.12 (d, *J* = 21.4 Hz, 2H, Ar¹CH₂P), 2.62 (t, 4H, *J* = 6.6 Hz, Ar²OCH₂CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 172.2 (COOH), 168.2 (NHCO), 159.8 (*J* = 3.3 Hz) (Ar), 152.2 (Ar), 141.1 (Ar), 129.2 (Ar), 108.7 (*J* = 6.6 Hz) (Ar), 106.4 (Ar), 72.2 (PEG), 71.6 (PEG),
70.3 (PEG), 70.2 v, 70.1 (PEG), 70.0 (PEG), 70.3 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.5 (PEG), 68.7 (PEG), 66.3 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 66.1 (CH₂CH₂COO), 57.8 (OCH₃), 50.8, 39.5 (CH₂NHCOAr), 33.8 (CH₂COO), 32.6 (J = 133.4 Hz) (CH-P); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 24.22. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₉₉H₁₇₁NaN₂O₄₉P: 2223.07 obtained: 2223.09.

**Compound 42.** Starting from 38 (0.2 g, 0.14 mmol) and TMSBr (0.55 mL, 3 mmol, 30 equiv.), **42** was obtained (0.13 mmol, 94%) as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.28 (s, 2H, Ar²-2,6-H), 6.92-6.86 (m, 3H, Ar¹-2,4,6-H), 4.35-4.20 (m, 8H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂O and Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.92-3.82 (m, 8H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH and OCH₂CH₂O), 3.80-3.53 (m, 54H, OCH₂CH₂O), 3.38 (s, 6H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.18 (d, J = 21.8 Hz, 4H, Ar¹CH₂P), 2.62 (t, 2H, J = 6.0 Hz, Ar²OCH₂CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 172.2 (COOH), 167.1 (NHCO), 158.8 (Ar), 152.3 (Ar), 141.0 (Ar), 134.8 (J = 6.0 Hz) (Ar), 128.8 (Ar), 123.8 (Ar), 114.3 (Ar), 106.4 (Ar), 72.2 (PEG), 71.7 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 70.25 (PEG), 70.15 (PEG), 70.1 (PEG), 70.0 (PEG), 69.95 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 68.8 (PEG), 66.3 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 66.1 (CH₂CH₂COO), 57.8 (OCH₃), 50.8, 39.6 (CH₂NHCOAr), 34.6 (CH₂COO), 33.6 (J = 134.5 Hz) (CH-P); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.19. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₅₄H₉₄NO₂₉P₂: 1282.53, obtained: 1282.46; calculated for C₅₄H₉₃NaN₂O₂₉P₂: 1304.53, obtained: 1304.45.

**Compound 43.** Starting from 39 (0.08 g, 0.03 mmol) and TMSBr (0.16 mL, 1.2 mmol, 40 equiv.), **43** was obtained (0.028 mmol, 93%) as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 7.27 (s, 4H, Ar³-2,6-H and Ar²-4-H), 7.11 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 2H, Ar²-2,6-H), 6.90-6.85 (m, 3H, Ar¹-2,4,6-H), 6.82 (m, 1H, Ar²-4-H), 4.30-4.18 (m, 18H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH and Ar³OCH₂CH₂O), 3.95-3.83 (m, 18H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH and OCH₂CH₂O), 3.80-3.53 (m, 108H, OCH₂CH₂O), 3.38 (s, 12H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.12 (d, J = 21.6 Hz, 4H, Ar¹CH₂P), 2.63 (t, 4H, J = 6.6 Hz, Ar³OCH₂CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 172.1 (COOH), 168.2 (NHCO), 159.9 (Ar), 158.8 (Ar), 152.2 (Ar), 140.8 (Ar), 136.2 (Ar), 134.3 (Ar), 129.0 (Ar), 114.3 (Ar), 106.5 (Ar), 105.8 (Ar), 104.5 (Ar), 72.2 (PEG), 71.5 (PEG), 70.3 (PEG), 70.2 (PEG), 70.1 (PEG), 70.0 (PEG), 69.95 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 68.6 (PEG), 66.2 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 65.8 (CH₂CH₂COO), 57.8 (OCH₃), 50.8, 39.4 (CH₂NHCOAr), 34.5 (CH₂COO), 34.1 (J = 136.2 Hz) (CH-P); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 24.03. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₇₉H₁₂₇N₃O₃P₂: 1723.78, obtained: 1723.46; calculated for C₂₉H₅₃NaO₁₄P: 679.31, obtained: 679.24.

### General procedure for the conversion of phosphonate ester to phosphonic acid by TMSBr (McKenna's method²⁸) (52, 54, 56, 58, and 60)

TMSBr (10.0 equiv. per ethyl phosphonate) was added dropwise to a solution of ethyl phosphonate (51, 53, 55, 57, 59) in CH₂Cl₂ at 0 °C. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the volatiles were evaporated and MeOH was added to the crude product and then evaporated several times. The phosphonic acid was obtained without further purification.

**Compound 52.** Starting from 51 (0.12 g, 0.07 mmol), **52** was obtained (0.06 mmol, 90%) as a dark yellow-green foam without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.77 (s, 1H,

ArTriazole-*H*), 8.54 (d, *J* = 1.9 Hz, 1H, Ar dye-2-*H*), 8.09 (dd, *J* = 1.7 and 7.9 Hz, 1H, Ar dye-6-*H*), 7.62 (d, 4H, *J* = 8.2 Hz, Ar dye-AA'-*H*), 7.52 (d, *J* = 7.8 Hz, 1H, Ar dye-5-*H*), 7.44 (d, 4H, *J* = 9.4 Hz, Ar dye-BB'-*H*), 6.68 (d, *J* = 2.2 Hz, 2H, Ar¹-2,6-*H*), 5.34 (s, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.89 (t, *J* = 4.6 Hz, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.18 (t, *J* = 4.4 Hz, 4H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂), 4.04 (t, *J* = 4.6 Hz, 2H, CH₂-CH₂NHO₂), 3.88-3.80 (m, 12H, OCH₂CH₂O and N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.72-3.50 (m, 50H, OCH₂CH₂O), 3.32 (s, 6H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.18 (t, *J* = 5.2 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.14 (d, *J* = 22.0 Hz, 2H, Ar¹CH₂P), 1.31 (t, *J* = 7.1 Hz, 12H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 158.5 (*J* = 3.3 Hz) (Ar dye = N), 145.2 (Ar), 142.1 (ArTriazole), 140.6 (Ar), 139.5 (Ar), 139.1 (Ar), 134.2 (Ar), 131.8 (Ar), 129.5 (*J* = 8.8 Hz) (Ar), 127.6 (ArTriazole), 127.2 (Ar), 127.1 (Ar), 125.8 (Ar), 116.0 (Ar), 107.8 (*J* = 6.6 Hz) (Ar), 71.9 (OCH₂ArTriazole), 71.0 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 70.6 (PEG), 70.5 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 68.8 (PEG), 68.6 (PEG), 67.5 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 62.5 (PEG), 60.2 (PEG), 57.2 (OCH₃), 52.2 (ArTriazole-CH₂), 48.4 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 42.1 (CH₂NHSO₂), 33.9 (*J* = 138.5 Hz) (CH-P), 10.8 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 24.09. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₇₁H₁₁₂N₆O₂₆PS₂: 1559.67, obtained: 1559.56; calculated for C₇₁H₁₁₁NaN₆O₂₆PS₂: 1581.67, obtained: 1581.55.

**Compound 54.** Starting from 53 (0.11 g, 0.06 mmol), **54** was obtained (0.055 mmol, 94%) as a dark yellow-green foam without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.82 (s, 1H, ArTriazole-*H*), 8.61 (m, 1H, Ar dye-2-*H*), 8.18 (m, 1H, Ar dye-6-*H*), 7.72-7.52 (m, 9H, Ar dye-5-*H*, Ar dye-AA'-*H* and Ar dye-BB'-*H*), 7.36 (s, 2H, Ar2-2,6-*H*), 7.28 (d, 2H, *J* = 7.6 Hz, Ar¹-2,6-*H*), 6.97 (d, 2H, *J* = 7.6 Hz, Ar¹-3,5-*H*), 5.49 (s, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.95 (m, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.30 (m, 4H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂), 4.21 (t, 2H, *J* = 4.7 Hz, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 4.08 (t, *J* = 4.7 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.88-3.80 (m, 6H, OCH₂CH₂O and Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.82-3.50 (m, 58H, OCH₂CH₂O and N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.38 (s, 6H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.22 (t, *J* = 5.2 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.20 (d, *J* = 22.0 Hz, 2H, Ar¹CH₂P), 1.38 (t, *J* = 7.1 Hz, 12H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 167.8 (NHCO), 157.9 (*J* = 3.3 Hz) (Ar), 152.1 (Ar dye = N), 145.2 (Ar), 142.7 (ArTriazole), 140.6 (Ar), 139.5 (Ar), 138.1 (Ar), 130.8 (*J* = 8.8 Hz) (Ar), 130.3 (Ar), 128.9 (Ar), 128.1 (ArTriazole), 126.5 (Ar), 124.7 (*J* = 9.6 Hz) (Ar), 120.1 (Ar), 114.4 (Ar), 106.1 (Ar), 72.1 (OCH₂ArTriazole), 71.5 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 70.6 (PEG), 70.5 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 69.2 (PEG), 68.5 (PEG), 67.8 (PEG), 66.1 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 62.5 (PEG), 60.8 (PEG), 57.8 (OCH₃), 53.2 (ArTriazole-CH₂), 48.6 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 42.8 (CH₂NHSO₂), 39.4 (CH₂NHCOAr), 32.9 (*J* = 135.1 Hz) (CH-P), 11.2 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 26.69. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₈₀H₁₂₁N₇O₂₈PS₂: 1722.74, obtained: 1722.61; calculated for C₈₀H₁₂₀NaN₇O₂₈PS₂: 1744.74, obtained: 1744.63.

**Compound 56.** Starting from 55 (0.1 g, 0.03 mmol), **56** was obtained (0.028 mmol, 95%) as a dark yellow-green foam without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.68 (s, 2H, ArTriazole-*H*), 8.57 (m, 2H, Ar dye-2-*H*), 8.08 (m, 1H, Ar dye-6-*H*), 7.62-7.55 (d, 8H, *J* = 9.2 Hz, Ar dye-AA'-*H*), 7.48 (d, 2H, *J* = 8.0 Hz, Ar dye-5-*H*), 7.38-7.30 (m, 8H, Ar dye-BB'-*H*), 7.27 (s, 4H, Ar²-2,6-*H*), 6.53 (m, 2H, Ar¹-2,6-*H*), 6.45 (m, 1H, Ar¹-4-*H*),
5.41 (s, 4H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.84 (t, *J* = 4.6 Hz, 4H, OCH₂-ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.22 (m, 8H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂), 4.18–4.11 (m, 4H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.98 (t, *J* = 4.6 Hz, 4H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.90–3.84 (m, 12H, OCH₂CH₂O, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.82–3.48 (m, 116H, OCH₂CH₂O and N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.32 (s, 12H, OCH₂-CH₂OCH₃), 3.18 (t, *J* = 5.0 Hz, 4H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.12 (d, *J* = 21.5 Hz, 2H, Ar¹CH₂P), 1.28 (t, *J* = 7.0 Hz, 24H, N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 166.7 (NHCO), 159.9 (Ar), 152.2 (Ardye = N), 145.7 (Ar), 142.6 (ArTriazole), 140.8 (Ar), 139.7 (Ar), 139.1 (Ar), 138.4 (Ar), 132.2 (Ar), 130.5 (Ar), 128.4 (Ar), 127.8 (ArTriazole), 126.6 (Ar), 124.8 (Ar), 119.1 (Ar), 108.9 (Ar), 106.2 (Ar), 72.1 (OCH₂-ArTriazole), 71.6 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 70.6 (PEG), 70.55 (PEG), 70.5 (PEG), 70.45 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 69.5 (PEG), 69.3 (PEG), 68.5 (PEG), 68.2 (PEG), 66.2 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 62.8 (PEG), 60.7 (PEG), 57.8 (OCH₃), 52.7 (ArTriazole-CH₂), 48.5 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 42.8 (CH₂NHSO₂), 39.3 (CH₂NHCOAr), 33.1 (*J* = 135.2 Hz) (CH-P), 11.2 (N(CH₂CH₂)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 23.91. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₅₂H₂₂₉N₁₄O₅₃PS₄: 3259.74, obtained: 3260.41.

**Compound 58.** Starting from 57 (0.22 g, 0.11 mmol), 58 was obtained (0.10 mmol, 98%) as a dark yellow-green foam without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.78 (s, 1H, ArTriazole-*H*), 8.55 (m, 1H, Ardye-2-*H*), 8.11 (m, 1H, Ardye-6-*H*), 7.70–7.50 (m, 9H, Ardye-5-*H*, Ardye-AA'-*H* and Ardye-BB'-*H*), 7.30 (s, 2H, Ar²-2,6-*H*), 6.88 (m, 3H, Ar¹-2,4,6-*H*), 5.51 (s, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.91 (m, 2H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.30 (m, 4H, Ar²OCH₂CH₂), 4.26 (m, 2H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 4.04 (m, 2H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.90–3.82 (m, 6H, OCH₂CH₂O and Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.82–3.50 (m, 58H, OCH₂CH₂O and N(CH₂-CH₃)₂), 3.31 (s, 6H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.21 (d, *J* = 22.0 Hz, 4H, Ar¹CH₂P), 3.19 (m, 2H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 1.32 (m, 12H, N(CH₂-CH₃)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 167.8 (NHCO), 158.8 (Ar), 152.1 (Ardye = N), 142.7 (ArTriazole), 140.4 (Ar), 139.5 (Ar), 138.3 (Ar), 133.2 (Ar), 131.1 (Ar), 130.4 (Ar), 128.9 (Ar), 128.1 (Ar), 127.5 (ArTriazole), 126.2 (Ar), 123.7 (Ar), 123.3 (Ar), 120.2 (Ar), 114.8 (Ar), 106.2 (Ar), 72.1 (OCH₂-ArTriazole), 71.5 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 70.6 (PEG), 70.5 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 69.2 (PEG), 68.5 (PEG), 67.8 (PEG), 66.1 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 62.5 (PEG), 60.9 (PEG), 57.8 (OCH₃), 53.8 (ArTriazole-CH₂), 48.4 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 42.6 (CH₂NHSO₂), 39.5 (CH₂NHCOAr), 33.8 (*J* = 135.1 Hz) (CH-P), 11.2 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 24.21. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₈₁H₁₂₃NaN₇O₃₁P₂S₂: 1838.72, obtained: 1838.64.

**Compound 60.** Starting from 59 (0.2 g, 0.06 mmol), 60 was obtained (0.058 mmol, 98%) as a dark yellow-green foam without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.82 (m, 2H, Ardye-2-*H*), 8.58 (s, 2H, ArTriazole-*H*), 8.14 (m, H, Ardye-6-*H*), 7.72–7.47 (m, 18H, Ardye-5-*H*, Ardye-AA'-*H* and Ardye-BB'-*H*), 7.31 (s, 4H, Ar3-2,6-*H*), 7.11 (m, 2H, Ar2-2,6-*H*), 6.95–6.88 (m, 3H, Ar¹-2,4,6-*H*), 6.75 (m, 1H, Ar²-4-*H*), 5.48 (s, 4H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.91 (m, 4H, OCH₂ArTriazole-CH₂), 4.30–4.15 (m, 14H, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH, Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH and Ar²OCH₂-CH₂), 4.02 (m, 4H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂), 3.85–3.70 (m, 14H, OCH₂-CH₂O, Ar¹OCH₂CH₂NH and Ar²OCH₂CH₂NH), 3.75–3.45 (m, 116H, OCH₂CH₂O and N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 3.34 (s, 12H, OCH₂CH₂OCH₃), 3.22–3.12 (m, 8H, CH₂CH₂NHO₂ and Ar¹CH₂P), 1.32 (m, 24H,

N(CH₂CH₃)₂); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 167.8 (NHCO), 159.9 (Ar), 158.6 (Ar), 151.9 (Ardye = N), 145.0 (Ar), 142.2 (ArTriazole), 140.0 (Ar), 139.5 (Ar), 138.3 (Ar), 135.5 (Ar), 133.4 (Ar), 131.8 (Ar), 130.1 (Ar), 128.3 (Ar), 127.9 (ArTriazole), 126.2 (Ar), 119.3 (Ar), 114.1 (Ar), 105.5 (Ar), 104.2 (Ar), 71.5 (OCH₂-ArTriazole), 71.3 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 70.6 (PEG), 70.5 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 69.4 (PEG), 69.2 (PEG), 68.5 (PEG), 67.8 (PEG), 66.8 (OCH₂CH₂NH), 62.1 (PEG), 60.2 (PEG), 57.1 (OCH₃), 53.2 (ArTriazole-CH₂), 48.4 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂), 42.3 (CH₂NHSO₂), 38.8 (CH₂NHCOAr), 33.8 (*J* = 135.1 Hz) (CH-P), 10.7 (N(CH₂CH₃)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.11. MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₆₃H₂₄₃N₁₅O₅₈P₂S₄: 3530.95, obtained: 3530.84.

## Part II: click-chemistry with phosphonates

**Compound 67.** Sodium azide (0.9 g, 13.9 mmol) was added to a solution of 66 (1.92 g, 6.94 mmol) in CH₃CN (35 mL) and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 16 h. The solvent was then removed under pressure and the residue dissolved in water. The aqueous phase was washed with EtOAc and the organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated *in vacuo* to yield 67 (6.56 mmol, 95%) as yellow oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.35–7.25 (m, 4H, Ar), 4.32 (s, 2H, CH₂N₃), 4.01 (qt, 4H, *J* = 6.99 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 3.20 (d, 4H, *J* = 21.7 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 1.25 (dd, 3H, *J* = 7.02 and 6.99 Hz, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 133.8 (*J* = 3.84 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂N₃), 131.8 (*J* = 9.27 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 130.0 (*J* = 6.54 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 128.2 (*J* = 2.72 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂N₃), 61.9 (*J* = 6.54 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 54.1 (CH₂N₃), 34.1, 32.3 (d, *J* = 136.9 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 16.1 (*J* = 6.54 Hz, CH₃); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 26.48; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₂₂H₁₈N₃₀P 283.11, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 284.13.

**Compound 72.** The preparation procedures and analytical data are similar to those reported in the literature.²²c

**Compound 81.** Propargylbromide (2.1 mL, 19 mmol) was added to a solution of 21 (6.2 g, 16 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (22.0 g, 160 mmol) in acetone (150 mL). A pinch of 18-crown-6 was added and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 16 h. The solvent was then removed *in vacuo* after filtration. The crude product was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated *in vacuo* to yield 81 (13.4 mmol, 84%). Colourless oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.85–6.83 (m, 3H, H Ar), 4.67 (d, 2H, *J* = 2.19 Hz, CH₂ alkyne), 4.02 (qt, 8H, *J* = 6.99 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 3.14, 3.06 (d, 2H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 2.50 (dd, 1H, *J* = 2.43 and 2.40 Hz, H alkyne), 1.25 (dd, 12H, *J* = 4.59 and 7.02 Hz, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 157.6 (C Ar next to alkyne), 133.1 (*J* = 11.45 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 124.4 (*J* = 13.09 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 114.8 (*J* = 8.72 Hz, CH Ar next to alkyne), 78.3 (C alkyne), 75.4 (CH alkyne), 61.9 (*J* = 7.63 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 55.7 (CH₂ alkyne), 34.5, 32.6 (*J* = 137.46 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 16.2 (*J* = 5.45 Hz, CH₃); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 26.63; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₉H₃₀O₇P₂ 432.14, obtained [*M* + H]⁺ = 434.12, [*M* + Na]⁺ = 455.09.

## Bisphosphonic acid anchors final deprotection

The pegylated PAMAM dendrons were deprotected in the last step to give the bisphosphonic acid anchors necessary for
grafting onto nanoparticles. For dendron 75, two steps were necessary to get the OH-functionalized bisphosphonic acid **92**. On the other hand, for dendrons **73, 74, 79, 80, 86, 87, 90** and **91**, one step was enough to deprotect both of the esters and obtain COOH-functionalized bisphosphonic acids **93–100**.

**Compound 92.** A solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF, 1 M) in THF (1.6 mL, 0.17 mmol) was added to a solution of 75 (0.85 g, 0.58 mmol) in THF (6 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h at room temperature and quenched with acetic acid (140 µL). The solvent was then removed *in vacuo*. The crude product was directly purified by column chromatography (SiO₂, CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 90:10-80:20) to yield the corresponding protected dialcohol (0.53 mmol, 75%). Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.74 (m, 2H, NH), 7.59 (s, 1H, H triazole), 7.20-7.11 (m, 3H, H Ar), 5.48 (s, 2H, CH₂N next to triazole), 4.00 (qt, 8H, *J* = 7.23 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 3.81-3.51 (m, 30H, PEG, NCH₂ PAMAM, CH₂N PAMAM), 3.52 (q, 4H, *J* = 5.25 and 10.53 Hz, CH₂OH), 3.14, 3.07 (d, 2H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 2.75 (dd, 4H, *J* = 6.36 and 6.57 Hz, CONHCH₂), 2.41 (dd, 4H, *J* = 6.36 and 6.33 Hz, CH₂CONH), 1.23 (t, 12H, *J* = 7.02 Hz, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 171.1 (CONH), 143.0 (*J* = 6.50 Hz, C Ar next to triazole), 134.4 (*J* = 11.91 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 132.0 (*J* = 13.00 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 130.4 (C alkyne), 127.0 (*J* = 9.21 Hz, CH Ar next to triazole), 122.3 (CH alkyne), 72.1 (CH₂CH₂OH), 70.0 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.6 (PEG), 69.5 (PEG), 69.3 (PEG), 61.7 (*J* = 7.05 Hz, CH₂CH₃), 60.8 (CH₂OH), 53.2 (CH₂N next to triazole), 48.9 (NCH₂ PAMAM), 47.4 (CH₂N PAMAM), 38.7 (CH₂CONH), 33.9, 32.1 (d, *J* = 136.54 Hz, CH₂PO(OEt)₂), 33.3 (CONHCH₂), 16.2 (*J* = 5.96 Hz, CH₃). An excess of bromotrimethylsilane (TMSBr, 2 mL, 15.3 mmol) was then added at room temperature to a solution of bisphosphonate ester (0.51 g, 0.52 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h then quenched with MeOH. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to give **92** (0.51 mmol, quant) without further purification. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.33 (s, 1H, H triazole), 7.27-7.21 (m, 3H, H Ar), 5.66 (s, 2H, CH₂N next to triazole), 5.66 (s, 2H, CH₂N PAMAM), 3.69-3.38 (m, 32H, PEG, NCH₂ PAMAM, CH₂OH), 3.19, 3.12 (d, 2H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 2.86 (m, 4H, CONHCH₂), 2.67 (m, 4H, CH₂CONH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 171.9 (CONH), 136.7 (C Ar next to triazole), 134.2 (C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 132.3 (CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), C alkyne), 129.1 (CH Ar next to triazole, CH alkyne), 73.1 (CH₂CH₂OH), 70.9 (PEG), 70.8 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 61.9 (CH₂OH), 54.6 (CH₂N next to triazole), 50.86 (NCH₂ PAMAM), 47.5 (CH₂N PAMAM), 40.3 (CH₂CONH), 35.5, 33.7 (d, 4H, *J* = 134.18 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 29.9 (CONHCH₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.76; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₃₄H₆₀N₆O₁₆P₂ 870.35, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 871.31.

**General procedure for the conversion of phosphonate ester to phosphonic acid by TMSBr (McKenna's method²⁸)** (93–100)

TMSBr (30 equiv.) was added at room temperature to a solution of bisphosphonate ester **73, 74, 79, 80, 86, 87, 90** or **91** (1 equiv.) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h then quenched with MeOH. The solvent was evaporated under

vacuum 3 times to give the desired compound without further purification.

**Compound 93.** Starting from 73 (0.15 g, 0.14 mmol), compound **93** was obtained (0.13 mmol, 98%). Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (s, 1H, CH triazole), 7.36 (s, 4H, Ar), 5.68 (s, 2H, CH₂N triazole), 4.66 (s, 2H, CH₂N PAMAM), 3.74 (dd, 4H, *J* = 6.15 and 5.91 Hz, CH₂CH₂COOH), 3.70-3.34 (m, 36H, PEG), 3.25, 3.18 (d, 2H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 2.62 (dd, 4H, *J* = 5.19 and 6.12 Hz, CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 172.4 (COOH), 170.7 (CONH), 135.9 (C Ar next to triazole), 133.7 (*J* = 2.73 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 133.1 (C triazole), 130.3 (*J* = 6 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 128.1 (*J* = 2.18 Hz, CH Ar next to triazole), 127.3 (CH Ar next to triazole), 127.3 (CH triazole), 70.2 (PEG), 70.1 (PEG), 70.0 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.0 (CONHCH₂CH₂O), 66.3 (CH₂CH₂COOH), 53.5 (CH₂N PAMAM), 49.9 (CH₂N triazole), 46.4 (NCH₂ PAMAM), 39.1 (CONHCH₂), 34.3 (CH₂COOH), 34.4, 32.9 (*J* = 133.64 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 28.6 (CH₂COOH); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.10; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for 920.41, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 921.36.

**Compound 94.** The preparation procedures and analytical data are reported in the literature.²²c

**Compound 95.** Starting from 79 (0.19 g, 0.29 mmol), compound **95** was obtained (0.29 mmol, 98%) as an yellow oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.41 (s, 1H, H triazole), 7.31 (m, 3H, H Ar), 5.73 (s, 2H, CH₂N next to triazole), 4.76 (s, 2H, CH₂O next to triazole), 3.73-3.52 (m, 12H, PEG), 3.35 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.25, 2.18 (d, 4H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 141.6 (C triazole), 134.0 (*J* = 10.16 Hz, C Ar next to triazole), 132.8 (C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 131.7 (*J* = 11.77 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 128.2 (*J* = 8.55 Hz, CH Ar next to triazole), 126.2 (CH triazole), 73.0 (CH₂OCH₃), 72.3 (PEG), 71.2 (PEG), 71.1 (PEG), 69.8 (PEG), 71.0 (PEG), 70.9 (PEG), 70.8 (PEG), 70.7 (PEG), 62.6 (CH₂-OCH₂CH₂O next to triazole), 61.8 (CH₂O next to triazole), 58.8 (OCH₃), 57.0 (CH₂N next to triazole), 36.4, 34.7 (d, *J* = 131.07 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.15; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₉H₃₁N₃O₁₀P₂ 523.14, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 524.03, [*M* + Na]⁺ = 545.99, [*M* + K]⁺ = 561.94.

**Compound 96.** Starting from 80 (0.17 g, 0.18 mmol), compound **96** was obtained (0.18 mmol, 99%) as an orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.67 (s, 1H, CH triazole), 7.36 (s, 3H, H Ar), 5.86 (s, 2H, CH₂N next to triazole), 4.84 (s, 2H, CH₂O triazole), 3.77-3.52 (m, 36H, PEG), 3.35 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.25, 3.18 (d, 4H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 2.57 (t, 2H, *J* = 6.15 Hz, CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 141.7 (C triazole), 134.0 (*J* = 9.09 Hz, C Ar next to triazole), 132.9 (C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 131.8 (*J* = 5.34 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 128.3 (CH Ar next to triazole), 126.4 (CH triazole), 73.0 (CH₂OCH₃), 72.4 (PEG), 71.2 (PEG), 70.9 (PEG), 70.9 (PEG), 62.6 (CH₂OCH₂CH₂O next to triazole), 61.9 (CH₂O next to triazole), 58.9 (OCH₃), 57.0 (CH₂N next to triazole), 36.5, 34.7 (d, *J* = 130.53 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 25.08; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₃₁H₅₅N₃O₁₆P₂ 787.30, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 788.13, [*M* + Na]⁺ = 810.09.

**Compound 97.** Starting from 86 (0.68 g, 0.87 mmol), compound **97** was obtained (0.85 mmol, 98%). Yellow oil. ¹H NMR

<figure><img src="image_35.png" /></figure>
(300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H, CH triazole), 6.98 (s, 3H, Ar), 4.79 (dd, 2H, *J* = 5.04 and 4.62 Hz, OCH₂ triazole), 4.04 (dd, 2H, *J* = 5.25 and 4.62 Hz, NCH₂ triazole), 3.79–3.64 (m, 16H, PEG), 3.23, 3.16 (d, 4H, *J* = 21.93 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 2.63 (t, 2H, *J* = 6.12 Hz, CH₂COOH); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ. 173.7 (COOH), 158.7 (C Ar next to triazole), 141.2 (C triazole), 135.5 (*J* = 12 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 129.0 (CH triazole), 126.1 (*J* = 6.00 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 115.9 (CH Ar next to triazole), 71.2 (PEG), 71.1 (PEG), 71.0 (PEG), 69.0 (NCH₂CH₂O next to triazole), 67.4 (OCH₂ next to triazole), 60.3 (NCH₂CH₂O), 54.1 (NCH₂-CH₂O), 52.2 (CH₂CH₂COOH), 35.6 (CH₂COOH), 36.0, 34.3 (*J* = 133.09 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 25.77; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₂₂H₃₅N₃O₁₇P₂ 611.16, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 612.12.

**Compound 98.** Starting from **87** (0.53 g, 0.56 mmol), compound **98** was obtained (0.54 mmol, 97%) as a Burgundy oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.35 (s, 1H, CH triazole), 6.95 (bs, 3H, Ar), 5.28 (s, 2H, OCH₂ triazole), 4.71 (dd, 2H, *J* = 4.80 and 4.83 Hz, NCH₂ triazole), 3.99 (dd, 2H, *J* = 5.04 and 4.80 Hz, NCH₂CH₂O triazole), 3.82–3.66 (m, 26H, PEG), 3.20, 3.13 (d, 4H, *J* = 21.48 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂), 2.65 (dd, 2H, *J* = 6.15 and 6.12 Hz, CH₂COOH). ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 173.7 (COOH), 158.9 (*J* = 2.73 Hz, C Ar next to triazole), 135.7 (*J* = 9.27 Hz, C Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 153.2 (C triazole), 126.0 (*J* = 6.54 Hz, CH Ar next to CH₂PO(OH)₂), 125.4 (CH triazole), 115.9 (CH Ar next to triazole), 71.3 (PEG), 71.1 (PEG), 69.3 (NCH₂CH₂O next to triazole), 67.4 (OCH₂ next to triazole), 60.7 (NCH₂CH₂O), 53.6 (NCH₂CH₂O), 52.2 (CH₂CH₂COOH), 35.6 (CH₂COOH), 36.3, 34.5 (*J* = 133.0 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 25.79; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₃₀H₅₁N₃O₁₇P₂ 787.26, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 788.12.

**Compound 99.** Starting from **90** (0.37 g, 0.84 mmol), compound **99** was obtained (0.69 mmol, 83%). Orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 10.34 (s, 3H, PO(OH)₂, COOH), 3.78–3.52 (m, 12H, PEG), 2.50 (qt, 2H, *J* = 4.38 Hz, CH₂COOH), 2.17 (m, 2H, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 172.1 (COOH), 70.5 (PEG), 70.4 (PEG), 70.3 (PEG), 70.2 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 66.4 (CH₂CH₂COOH), 51.7 (*J* = 5.45 Hz, OCH₂CH₂PO(OH)₂), 34.7 (CH₂COOH), 28.0, 26.2 (*J* = 135.27 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 33.18; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₁H₂₃O₉P 330.10, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 331.11, [*M* + Na]⁺ = 353.10.

**Compound 100.** Starting from **91** (0.09 g, 0.14 mmol), compound **100** was obtained (0.14 mmol, 99%). Orange oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.61 (s, 3H, PO(OH)₂, COOH), 3.84–3.42 (m, 32H, PEG), 2.55 (m, 2H, CH₂COOH), 2.26 (m, 2H, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 172.1 (COOH), 70.3 (PEG), 70.2 (PEG), 70.1 (PEG), 69.9 (PEG), 69.6 (PEG), 66.4 (CH₂CH₂COOH), 51.7 (OCH₂CH₂PO(OH)₂), 34.7 (CH₂COOH), 28.1, 26.3 (*J* = 135.27 Hz, CH₂PO(OH)₂); ³¹P NMR (81 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 29.03; MS (MALDI-TOF) *m/z* calculated for C₁₉H₃₉O₁₃P 506.21, obtained [*M* + *H*]⁺ = 507.15, [*M* + Na]⁺ = 529.12.

## Acknowledgements

We thank the CNRS, UDS and the French Ministry of Research (fellowship to A. Walter) for financial support. This work was

also supported by the Région Alsace (fellowships to A. Parat, C. Bordeianu), by the University of Mons, Belgium (fellowship to C. Bordeianu), by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund – ERDF) in the framework of the program “Nano@matrix” INTERREG IV Upper Rhine Valley. “Transcending borders with every project” (fellowships to A. Garofalo and J. Jouhannaud) and by the ANR (fellowship to C. Ghobril). We also thank Emilie Voirin and Emilie Couzigné for technical assistance and Dr Jean-Marc Strub for Mass Spectrometry measurements.

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<figure><img src="image_36.png" /></figure>