Efficient Automated Solid-Phase Synthesis of DNA and RNA 5'-Triphosphates.

A fast, high-yielding and reliable method for the synthesis of DNA- and RNA 5'-triphosphates is reported. After synthesizing DNA or RNA oligonucleotides by automated oligonucleotide synthesis, 5-chloro-saligenyl-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite was coupled to the 5'-end. Oxidation of the formed 5'-phosphite using the same oxidizing reagent used in standard oligonucleotide synthesis led to 5'-cycloSal-oligonucleotides. Reaction of the support-bonded 5'-cycloSal-oligonucleotide with pyrophosphate yielded the corresponding 5'-triphosphates. The 5'-triphosphorylated DNA and RNA oligonucleotides were obtained after cleavage from the support in high purity and excellent yields. The whole reaction sequence was adapted to be used on a standard oligonucleotide synthesizer.