Synthesis of 2′-Deoxyisoguanosine 5′-Triphosphate and 2′-Deoxy-5-methylisocytidine 5′-Triphosphate

The syntheses of the 5′-triphosphates of 2′-deoxyisoguanosine (=p3isoGd) and 2′-deoxy-5-methylisocytidine (=p3me5isoCd), two new bases for the genetic alphabet, are described. The triphosphates were synthesized from the corresponding nucleosides using a transient-protection procedure. The introduction of a methyl group at the 5-position of 2′-deoxyisocytidine remarkably improved the stability of the triphosphate. Characterization of the triphosphates included enzymatic incorporation opposite the complementary base in a template oligonucleotide.