A novel linker for solid-phase synthesis cleavable under neutral conditions

A novel linker cleavable under neutral conditions has been developed for the solid-phase synthesis of base-labile compounds. The linker is comprised of a 3-azidomethyl-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol moiety, and the azidomethyl group in the linker is readily converted to an aminomethyl group by treatment with a phosphine reagent in the presence of water to result in an intramolecular cyclization to release the compounds. Using the linker, a base-labile dinucleoside methyl phosphate was synthesized on a highly cross-linked polystyrene (HCP) support and cleaved successfully from the resin without decomposition of the product.