Synthesis of pentacoordinate phosphorus haptens for catalytic antibody production. Bait and switch concept

Our objective is to obtain monoclonal antibodies which will catalyse the hydrolysis of phosphorus-based nerve agents. Our syntheses followed three strategies. The first was synthesis of stable pentacoordinate phosphoranes as haptens for the production of monoclonal catalytic antibodies based on the transition state for phosphonate hydrolysis. The second approach is based upon the potential addition of water to the phosphorus atom of a tetracoordinate fluorine containing phosphate to yield an intermediary pentacoordinate system. In the third approach the ''bait and switch'' concept was used.