Rapid synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides. V. Further studies in solid phase synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides through phosphotriester intermediates.

The phosphotriester solid phase method of oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis on a polyamide support [M.J. Gait et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Research 8, 1081-1096] has been applied to purine rich oligodeoxyribonucleotides of 10-12 units. Use of trichloroacetic acid as reagent for removal of terminal dimethoxytrityl groups reduced depurination during chain assembly. Improvements to reaction and isolation conditions for the preparation of monomer and dimer building blocks are also described. The new methods provide a simple, quick and efficient procedure for medium length oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis on a scale adequate for most requirements of molecular biology.