Solid support synthesis of ester linked hydrophobic conjugates of oligonucleotides

Abstract

Novel non-nucleosidic phosphoramidite building block 2 was employed for multiple modification of oligonucleotides with hydrophobic octyl groups. Hydrophobic sites are attached via potentially biodegradable ester bonds that are demonstrated to withstand the conditions of DNA deprotection. The chimeric oligonucleotides are capable of forming triple helix complexes that are stabilized by forming a hydrophobic clamp consisting of terminal octyl groups.