The evaluation of synthetic strategies for oligonucleotides of defined sequence. Computer programs in nucleic acid synthesis: I.

A computer program has been developed to aid in the evaluation of strategies for the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides of defined sequence. The program reduces the time required for the development of the most cost-effective strategy from several hours to a few minutes. The chemist supplies the program with the order of internucleotide bond formation, the final amount of material desired and the data giving anticipated reaction yields and molar ratios of reactants. The Mr and amount required for each intermediate in the proposed synthetic approach is then calculated. All of this data can be stored, edited or printed. By changing various input parameters (e.g., order of internucleotide bond formation, expected reaction yield), the chemist can utilize this program to analyze multiple synthetic approaches rapidly. The synthetic approach that will minimize the amounts of the expensive starting materials needed to complete the synthesis of the desired DNA can thus be quickly identified.