Post-synthetic modification of oligonucleotides containing 5-trifluoromethylpyrimidine bases

A practical and operationally simple post-synthetic modification of oligonucleotides containing 5-trifluoromethylpyrimidine bases is described. Trifluoromethyl group was used as a post-synthetic precursor and 5-trifluoromethylpyrimidine bases within oligonucleotides were converted into the corresponding 5-carboxy-, 5-cyano-, 5-amidinyl-, and 5-carbamoyl derivatives by treatment with an alkaline solution and amines. Moreover, post-synthetic treatment of fully protected and controlled pore glass (CPG)-attached oligonucleotides proceeded successfully with the simultaneous removal of all protecting groups, cleavage from CPG, and conversion of the trifluoromethyl group to afford the corresponding modified oligonucleotides. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.