Introduction to the Synthesis and Purification of Oligonucleotides

Modern nucleic acid synthesizers utilize phosphite triester chemistries that employ stable phosphoramidite monomers to build a growing polymer. These robust reactions allow easy generation of specific oligodeoxyribo‐ and oligoribonucleotides with a variety of labels, modified linkages, and nonstandard bases. Strategies are given for the maximization of synthetic yield, the generation of sequences containing site‐specific modifications, and the isolation of synthetic oligonucleotides. Protocols describe monitoring the progress of synthesis via the trityl assay and methods for deprotection.