The synthesis of oligoribonucleotides. III. The use of silyl protecting groups in nucleoside and nucleotide chemistry. VIII

The synthesis of all isomeric mono- and disilyl derivatives of cytidine, guanosine, and their N-benzoyl analogues using the tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting group is described. These compounds and those containing a 5′-monomethoxytrityl group have been condensed via the phosphodichloridite procedure to produce nucleotides rapidly and in good yields. The synthesis of 2′–5′-linked nucleotides is described. A cautionary note is introduced in regard to the preparation of 5′-monomethoxytritylguanosine and a novel methanolysis of certain N-benzoylcytidines is mentioned.