Oligothymidylates: Formation by Thermal Condensation of O ² ,5′-Cyclothymidine 3′-Phosphate

Abstract

Thermal activation of O(2),5'-cyclothymidine 3'-phosphate in solution and in the solid state led to the formation of thymidine oligonucleotides containing up to approximately 12 nucleotide units. Only the 3',5' internucleotide diester bonds were formed. This polymerization occurs without the addition of any activating agent or catalyst.

The synthesis, of the internucleotide (phosphodiester) bond by a base-catalysed reaction

“…The second strategy, which is more specific, involves attack by phosphate anion on an activated sugar carbon of a nucleoside (4). This class of reaction is particularly effective in the synthesis of thiophosphate esters (5).…”