Changed Reactivity Of Secondary Hydroxy Groups In C8-Modified Adenosine - Lessons Learned From Silylation

Synthesis of site-specifically modified oligonucleotides has become a major tool for RNA structure and function studies. Reporter groups or specific functional entities are required to be attached at a pre-defined site of the oligomer. An attractive strategy is the incorporation of suitably functionalized building blocks that allow post-synthetic conjugation of the desired moiety. A C8-alkynylmodified adenosine derivative was synthesized, reviving an old synthetic pathway for iodination of purine nucleobases. Silylation of the C8-alkynyl-modified adenosine revealed unexpected selectivity of the two secondary sugar hydroxy groups, with the 3' -O isomer being preferentially formed. Optimization of the protection scheme lead to a new and economic route to the desired C8-alkynylated building block and its incorporation in RNA.