Synthesis and structural studies of a self-complementary decadeoxynucleotide d(AATTGCAATT). I.-Synthesis and chemical characterization of the decanucleotide.

The synthesis of the self-complementary decadeoxynucleotide d(AATTGCAATT) is described. The phosphotriester method has been used with several modifications. Protected nucleotides have been prepared in a one-step reaction involving a new monofunctional phosphorylating agent: p-chlorophenyl-beta-cyanoethyl phosphate. Triethylammonium salts of mononucleoside 3'-phosphodiesters were obtained either by decyanoethylation of the triesters or, in the case of thymine, by a one-step reaction starting from 5'-0-methoxytritylthymidine and the mixture pyridine-para-chlorophenyl-methyl-phosphorobromidate. The usual coupling reactions were then used to prepare the decadeoxynucleotide in large quantities.