Hydrolysis of oligonucleotides containing 8-substituted purine nucleosides. A new route for preparing abasic oligodeoxynucleotides

Abstract

2′-Deoxyadenosine substituted at C-8 by a propylthio group was introduced into oligodeoxyribonucleotides by solid phase synthesis. Oxidation by potassium persulfate (oxone) occurred selectively on the sulfur containing nucleoside causing a weakening of the glycosidic bond. Subsequent hydrolytic treatment led to selective removal of the modified base and generation of an abasic site. This constitutes a novel and convenient route for the chemical synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing an abasic site at a preselected position in the sequence.