Efficient Synthesis of 2′-Deoxynucleoside 3′-C-Phosphonates: Reactivity of Geminal Hydroxyphosphonate Moiety

In this report we present a novel, simple way for the synthesis of 3'-C-phosphonate derivatives of all four basic 2'-deoxynucleosides in both fully protected and deprotected forms. The reactivity of the geminal hydroxy phosphonate moiety located at the 3'-carbon atom of the nucleoside was studied with respect to the use of this type of nucleoside phosphonic acid for the preparation of short oligonucleotides, namely, dinucleoside monophosphate analogues.