Synthesis, Reactions and Biological Activity of Phosphorus-Containing Derivatives of Chromone and Coumarin

Chromone and coumarin derivatives exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity, including spasmolytic, antiarrhythmic, cardiothonic, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Phosphorus-containing chromone and coumarin derivatives form a novel group of compounds, possessing remarkable cytotoxicity and alkylating and anticancer activity against selected tumor cell lines. Derivatives containing a phosphorus atom at position 2 of a γ-pyrone ring are known to be efficient antibacterial agents. This review presents methods developed for the synthesis of derivatives of chromone and coumarin that contain a phosphonate moiety. Among them, the reaction of derivatives of 2-hydroxyacetophenone with phosphonic compounds is the one most frequently used. Some analogues were characterized by X-ray crystallography.