Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Fosmidomycin and its homologue FR900098 are inhibitors of 1‐deoxy‐<jats:sc>D</jats:sc>‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate reductoisomerase, which is part of the mevalonate‐independent isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. Replacement of the phosphonate moiety by uncharged sulfone or sulfonamide partial structures resulted in complete loss of activity. Dropping one of the two negative charges resulted in a marked decrease in activity. Through occupation of a hydrophobic binding site, some activity could be regained, leading to compounds with micromolar activity against cultured malaria parasites.</jats:p>