The tunicate-associated strain Streptomyces sp. JP90 produces the unprecedented metabolite cinnamoylphosphoramide (1) among several other compounds. Structure elucidation was accomplished by NMR spectroscopic studies and efficient total synthesis. The absolute configuration at phosphorus was determined by synthesis of both enantiomers of 1 performing a resolution of the corresponding diastereomeric phosphoramides of L -phenylalanine ethyl ester. Unusual cinamic acid derivative 1 represents the first bacterial organophosphoramide. As it matches the Schrader's formula for insecticidal organophosphates, its biological activity was investigated. A weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed in in vitro tests, and water-soluble analogues of 1 were prepared.
