Synthesis and reactions of a nucleoside derivative of phosphoric sulfonic anhydride. Studies related to the mechanisms of coupling reactions in the chemical synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides by phosphotriesier procedures

The synthesis of a model compound, diphenylphosphoric toluene-p-sulfonic anhydride, an arylsubstituted phosphoric sulfonic mixed anhydride, is described. Using the same procedure a thymidyl substituted derivative was prepared. The phosphoric sulfonic anhydride is the presumed intermediate in oligonucleotide coupling reactions involving phosphodiester activation by arenesulfonyl derivatives. This mixed anhydride reacts with a variety of nucleophiles. It can be converted to phophotriester derivatives in the presence of simple alcohols. Phosphotriester formation using the 5'-hydroxyl of a thymidine derivative requires additionally a catalyst such as N-methylimidazole. The reactive intermediate produced upon the addition of N-methylimidazole to the phosphoric sulfonic anhydride has been observed spectroscopically using 31P-NMR.