CG base pair recognition within DNA triple helices by modified N-methylpyrrolo-dC nucleosides

3-Aminophenyl-modified analogues of the bicyclic nucleoside N-methyl-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidin-2(7H)-one were synthesised and incorporated directly into triplex-forming oligonucleotides in order to utilise their extended hydrogen bonding motif for recognition of the CG base pair. All analogues demonstrated strong binding affinity and very good selectivity for CG from pH 6.2 to 7.0; a marked improvement on previous modifications.