New 4-deoxy aromatic analogs of S3P and EPSP have been synthesized as
potential substrate-based inhibitors of EPSPS to evaluate various 3-ph
osphate replacements in combination with the aromatic ring system. The
se studies identified 3-malonate ethers and alpha-hydroxymethylphospho
nates as suitable 3-phosphate mimics in this series and led to the dis
covery of two unexpectedly potent symmetrical aromatic inhibitors 6 an
d 7.