Synthesis of Oligoribonucleotides Using 4-Methoxybenzyl Group as a New Protecting Group of the 2′-Hydroxyl Group of Adenosine

Abstract 4-Methoxybenzyl group was introduced directly to the 2′-hydroxyl group from the reaction of adenosine with 4-methoxybenzyl bromide in the presence of sodium hydride. The 2′-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)adenosine can be successfully used in the synthesis of oligoribonucleotides via phosphotriester approach. The 4-methoxybenzyl group was removed rapidly from the oligoribonucleotides by triphenylmethyl fluoroborate and the completely deblocked oligoribonucleotides were characterized by emzymatic hydrolysis.