Synthesis of cyclic and acyclic oligocytidylates by uranyl ion catalyst in aqueous solution

Uranyl ion catalyses the oligomerization of cytidine-5′-phosphoroimidazolide in aqueous solution, yielding 3′–5′-linked cyclic di- and tri-cytidylates preferentially at high catalyst concentration, or 2′–5′-linked linear oligocytidylates at lower catalyst concentration. Addition of Ag+ affects the uranyl ion-catalysed oligocytidylate formation and alters the product distribution.