Abstract
A survey of our recent work on synthetic polynucleotide analogs is given. Propionic acid and 3-methyl butyric acid derivatives substituted in the 2-position with nucleic acid bases have been used as chiral pendants for attachment to hydrophilic polyamine backbones. Hindered rotation about the amide bonds formed promotes a base-stacked structure as shown by ultraviolet hypochromic effects versus model compounds. If the pendant has been resolved, an optically active polymer results which may be studied by circular dichroism (CD). Thus, poly(ethylenimine) containing the (−)-2-(thymin-1-yl)-propionyl group as the grafted pendant showed exciton coupling of the B2u transition of the base chromophores in the CD, as observed in polynucleotides. This implies at least a local helical order in the stacking. The biological activity of such structures is briefly discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
