Solid phase synthesis of oligoribonucleotides using o-nitrobenzyl protection of 2'-hydroxyl via a phosphite triester approach.

The hepta and undecaribonucleotide were synthesized on a controlled pore glass beads using o-nitrobenzyl protection of 2'-hydroxyls via a phosphite approach. By using 5-p-nitrophenyltetrazole for the activation of nucleoside-phosphoramidite, the condensation reaction was carried out very rapidly (2.5 min). The time required for one cycle was only 16 min. The hepta-(UACUAAC) and undecaribonucleotides (GUAUGUUAAUA) were obtained in yields of 28 and 17% respectively from the original resin.