NUCLEOTIDE ANALOGUES

Abstract

The present invention provides methods, compositions, mixtures and kits utilizing deoxynucleoside triphosphates comprising a 3′-O position capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide as a cleavable protecting group and a detectable label reversibly connected to the nucleobase of said deoxynucleoside. Such compounds provide new possibilities for future sequencing technologies, including but not limited to Sequencing by Synthesis.

Claims

1.-47. (canceled)

48. A composition comprising: i) at least one deoxynucleoside triphosphate according to the following structure: ##STR00081## wherein B is a nucleobase; and ii) at least one labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphate according to the following structure: ##STR00082## wherein D is selected from the group consisting of an azide, disulfide alkyl, disulfide substituted alkyl groups, disulfide allyl, and disulfide substituted allyl groups; B is a nucleobase; Linker comprises a cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide-containing site core, wherein said cleavable site core is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00083## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected alkyl groups; and Label is a label.

49. The composition according to claim 48, wherein the nucleobase of i) or ii) is a non-natural nucleobase analog selected from the group consisting of 7-deaza guanine, 7-deaza adenine, 2-amino, 7-deaza adenine, and 2-amino adenine.

50. The composition according to claim 49, wherein the nucleobase of i) and ii) is identical.

51. The composition according to claim 49, wherein the nucleobase of i) and ii) is not identical.

52. The composition according to claim 48, wherein said label is selected from the group consisting of fluorophore dyes, energy transfer dyes, mass-tags, biotin, and haptenes.

53. The composition according to claim 48, wherein the composition further comprises a polymerase.

54. The composition according to claim 53, wherein the composition further comprises a primer.

55. The composition according to claim 54, wherein the primer is hybridized to a nucleic acid template.

56. The composition according to claim 55, wherein said nucleic acid template is immobilized.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0072] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The figures are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows examples of nucleoside triphosphates with 3′-O capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide, where the R represents alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, n-butyl, or their analogs with substituent group containing hetero-atoms such as O, N, S etc.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows labeled analogs of nucleoside triphosphates with 3′-O methylenedisulfide-containing protecting group, where labels are attached to the nucleobase via cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide linker (—OCH.sub.2—SS—). The analogs are (clockwise from the top left) for Deoxyadenosine, Thymidine or Deoxyuridine, Deoxycytidine and Deoxyguanosine.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows a step-wise mechanism of deprotection of the 3′-O protection group with a reducing agent, such as TCEP.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows the cleavage reactions products a traditional sulfide and oxymethylene sulfide linked labeled nucleotides.

[0077] FIG. 5 shows an example of the labeled nucleotides where the spacer of the cleavable linker includes the propargyl ether linker. The analogs are (clockwise from the top left) for Deoxyadenosine, Thymidine or Deoxyuridine, Deoxycytidine and Deoxyguanosine.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows an example of the labeled nucleotides where the spacer of the cleavable linker includes the propargylamine linker. The analogs are (clockwise from the top left) for Deoxyadenosine, Thymidine or Deoxyuridine, Deoxycytidine and Deoxyguanosine.

[0079] FIG. 7 shows an example of the labeled nucleotides where the spacer of the cleavable linker includes the methylene (—(CH.sub.2).sub.n— directly attached to the nucleobases at 5-position for pyrimidine, and at 7-de-aza-carbon for purines. This linker may be methylene (n=1) or polymethylene (n>1) where after cleavage, the linker generates —(CH.sub.2).sub.nOH group at the point of attachment on the nucleobases, and where the L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 represent spacers, and substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are group of atoms that provide stability to the cleavable linker as described earlier. The analogs are (clockwise from the top left) for Deoxyadenosine, Thymidine or Deoxyuridine, Deoxycytidine and Deoxyguanosine.

[0080] FIG. 8 shows a synthesis of the unlabeled dT analog (compound 5).

[0081] FIG. 9 shows the synthesis of 3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-dCTP (10).

[0082] FIG. 10 shows a synthetic route of the labeled nucleotides specific for labeled dT intermediate.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows a cleavable linker synthesis starting from an 1,4-dutanediol.

[0084] FIG. 12 shows another variant of cleavable linker, where the stabilizing gem-dimethyl group is attached to α-carbon of the cleavable linker.

[0085] FIG. 13 shows the synthesis of a cleavable linker, where the disulfide is flanked by gem-dimethyl groups and attached to a flexible ethylene glycol linker (PEG). The linker is attached to the PA-nucleotide via carbamate group (—NH—C(═O)O—). The resulting nucleotide analogue in such case can be as in compound 35 (dUTP analogue).

[0086] FIG. 14 shows the synthesis of a cleavable linker for dATP analogue where the cleavable disulfide is flanked by gem-dimethyl group and the linker is attached to PA-nucleotide via urea group (—NH(C═O)NH—). For other nucleotide analogues (e.g. for analogues of dCTP, dGTP, dUTP) can be synthesized similarly replacing 42 by appropriate PA-analogues at the last step of the reaction sequence.

[0087] FIG. 15 shows the synthesis of a cleavable linker compound 45, where the linker is tethered to PA-nucleotides via urea functionality and the disulfide is connected to the dye by a two carbon linker. The resulting nucleotide analogue in such case can be as in compound 49 (dGTP analogue). Other nucleotide analogues (e.g. analogues of dATP, dUTP, dCTP) can be synthesized similarly by replacing nucleotide 46 with appropriate PA-nucleotide analogues in the third step of the reaction sequence.

[0088] FIG. 16 shows that when labeled nucleotide 50 was exposed to 10 eq of TCEP at 65° C. it generated a number of side products including compound 52 along with the expected product 51.

[0089] FIG. 17 shows an LC-MS trace of the TCEP exposed product of compound 50, extracted at 292 nm (bottom) and 524 nm (top), analyzed after 5 minutes exposure, where peak at 11.08 min corresponds to compound 51, peak at 10.88 min to compound 52 and other peaks to side products.

[0090] FIG. 18 shows an LC-MS trace of the TCEP exposed product of compound 50, extracted at 292 nm (bottom) and 524 nm (top), analyzed after 15 minutes exposure; where peak at 11.32 min corresponds to compound 51 and other peaks to side products.

[0091] FIG. 19 shows that under identical cleavage conditions, the oxymethylenedisulfide linked nucleotide 35 cleanly produced the desired cleavage products, compounds 53 and 54. The methylene thiol segment (—CH.sub.2SH) of the linker was fully eliminated from the nucleotide upon cleavage of the disulfide group

[0092] FIG. 20 shows an LC-MS trace of the TCEP exposed product of compound 35, extracted at 292 nm (bottom) and 524 nm (top), analyzed after 5 minutes exposure, where peak at 11.24 min corresponds to compound 53 and peak at 34.70 min to compound 54.

[0093] FIG. 21 shows LC-MS trace of the TCEP exposed product of compound 35, extracted at 292 nm (bottom) and 524 nm (top), analyzed after 15 minutes exposure, where peak at 11.25 min corresponds to compound 53 and peak at 34.70 min to compound 54.

[0094] FIG. 22 shows the synthesis of 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Me analogues with the replacement of mercaptoethanol (EtSH) by methanethiol or sodium thiomethoxide at the appropriate step, different from that of 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Et (FIG. 10).

[0095] FIG. 23 shows the coupling of PA-nucleotide (e.g. 57) to the appropriate cleavable —OCH.sub.2—SS— linkers, and finally to fluorophore dye using the activated linker 32.

[0096] FIG. 24 shows nucleotide analogues with different linker achieved, compounds 60 and 61.

[0097] FIG. 25 shows the structure of 4-nucleotide analogues labeled by different fluorophore reporting groups, where R=Me- or Et-.

[0098] FIG. 26 shows the structure of 4-nucleotide analogues labeled by different fluorophore reporting groups, where R=Me- or Et-group.

[0099] FIG. 27 shows the structure of 4-nucleotide analogues labeled by different fluorophore reporting groups, where R=Me- or Et-group.

[0100] FIG. 28 shows Generic universal building blocks structures comprising new cleavable linkers of present invention. PG=Protective Group, L1, L2-linkers (aliphatic, aromatic, mixed polarity straight chain or branched). RG=Reactive Group. In one embodiment of present invention such building blocks carry an Fmoc protective group on one end of the linker and reactive NHS carbonate or carbamate on the other end. This preferred combination is particularly useful in modified nucleotides synthesis comprising new cleavable linkers. A protective group should be removable under conditions compatible with nucleic acid/nucleotides chemistry and the reactive group should be selective. After reaction of the active NHS group on the linker with amine terminating nucleotide, an Fmoc group can be easily removed using base such as piperidine or ammonia, therefore exposing amine group at the terminal end of the linker for the attachment of cleavable marker. A library of compounds comprising variety of markers can be constructed this way very quickly.

[0101] FIG. 29 shows generic structure of nucleotides carrying cleavable marker attached via novel linker of present invention. S=sugar (i.e., ribose, deoxyribose), B=nucleobase, R═H or reversibly terminating group (protective group). Preferred reversibly terminating groups include but are not limited to: Azidomethyl (—CH.sub.2N.sub.3), Dithio-alkyl (—CH2-SS—R), aminoxy (—ONH.sub.2).

[0102] FIG. 30 shows another generic structure for nucleotides carrying cleavable marker attached via the cleavable linker of present invention, wherein D is selected from the group comprising an azide, disulfide alkyl and disulfide substituted alkyl groups, B is a nucleobase, A is an attachment group, C is a cleavable site core, L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are connecting groups, and Label is a label (in the compounds with a label).

[0103] FIG. 31 shows the chemical structures of compounds (L-series (96), B-series (97), (A-series, (98), and (G-series (99) family) tested in FIG. 32A-C.

[0104] FIG. 32A shows a time course of incorporation of 3′-O-azidomethyl Alexa488 labeled nucleotide analogs with various disulfide based cleavable linkers: L-Series (96), B-series (97), A-series (98), and G-series (99) family.

[0105] FIG. 32B shows reaction rates of incorporation for 3′-O-azidomethyl Alexa488 labeled nucleotide analogs with various disulfide based cleavable linkers: L-series (96), B-series (97), A-series (98), and G-series (99) family.

[0106] FIG. 32C shows reaction rates of incorporation for 3′-O-azidomethyl Alexa488 labeled nucleotide analogs with various disulfide based cleavable linkers: L-series (96), B-series (97), A-series (98), and G-series (99) family vs concentration of nucleotides.

[0107] FIG. 33 shows incorporation kinetics for the dA 3′-reversibly terminating nucleotides: —CH.sub.2—N.sub.3, —CH.sub.2—SS-Et, —CH.sub.2—SS-Me.

[0108] FIG. 34 shows incorporation kinetics of dC 3′-reversibly terminating nucleotide with 3′-O—CH2—SS-Et terminating group with 3 different DNA polymerases: T9, J5 and J8.

[0109] FIG. 35 shows optimized concentrations of nucleotides used in Extend A reactions on GR sequencer [nM].

[0110] FIG. 36 shows sequencing performance of A-series (98) nucleotides as measured by raw error rate.

[0111] FIG. 37 shows sequencing performance of A-series (98) nucleotides as measured by percentage of perfect (error free) reads.

[0112] FIG. 38 shows sequencing performance of A-series (98) nucleotides as measured by variety of sequencing metrics.

[0113] FIG. 39 shows sequencing performance of G-series (99) nucleotides as measured by raw error rate.

[0114] FIG. 40 shows sequencing performance of G-series (99) nucleotides as measured by percentage of perfect (error free) reads.

[0115] FIG. 41 shows identification of multiplex barcodes from sequencing runs containing 3′-O—CH.sub.2—SS-Et nucleotides in ExtB and in both ExtB and A.

[0116] FIG. 42 shows a comparison of stability at elevated temperature in Extend A buffer of labeled, reversibly terminating dC with various cleavable linkers: B=B-series (97, 116, 117, and 118), G=G-series (99, 103, 104, and 105), A=A-series (98, 100, 101, and 102), and SS=L-series (96, 50, 106, and 115).

[0117] FIG. 43 shows a synthetic scheme illustrating the synthesis of compounds 63-67 from compound 62. The synthesis is described in Example 33, Example 34 and Example 35.

[0118] FIG. 44 shows a synthetic scheme illustrating the synthesis of compounds 69-71 and 119-120 from compound 68. The synthesis is described in Example 36, Example 37, and Example 3S.

[0119] FIG. 45 shows complete chemical structures of four labeled nucleotides corresponding to dCTP, dTTP, dATP and dGTP from top to bottom (A-series, 98, 100, 101, and 102).

[0120] FIG. 46 shows complete chemical structures of four labeled nucleotides corresponding to dCTP, dTTP, dATP and dGTP from top to bottom (G-series, 99, 103, 104, and 105).

[0121] FIG. 47 shows complete chemical structures of four labeled nucleotides corresponding to dCTP, dTTP, dATP and dGTP from top to bottom (L-series, 96, 50, 106, and 115).

[0122] FIG. 48 shows complete chemical structures of four labeled nucleotides corresponding to dCTP, dTTP, dATP and dGTP from top to bottom (B-series: compounds 97, 116, 117, and 118).

[0123] FIG. 49 shows example concentrations of nucleotides used in sequencing on GR instrument (labeled, compounds 72, 74, 76, 78) and non-labeled (compounds 120, 126, 132, 138), all carrying the —CH.sub.2—SS-Me on their 3′ as reversibly terminating group.

[0124] FIG. 50 shows example of intensities generated in sequencing run on GR using novel nucleotides (labeled and non-labeled as in described for FIG. 49), all carrying the —CH.sub.2—SS-Me).

[0125] FIG. 51 shows a series of non-linker examples of nucleoside triphosphates with 3′-O capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide methyl.

[0126] FIG. 52 shows the structure of 4-nucleotide analogues labeled by different fluorophore reporting groups with 3′-O capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide methyl.

[0127] FIG. 53 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of a synthesis of NHS activated form of common linker.

[0128] FIG. 54 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdATP.

[0129] FIG. 55 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdCTP.

[0130] FIG. 56 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdGTP.

[0131] FIG. 57 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdTTP.

[0132] FIG. 58 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdATP-PA.

[0133] FIG. 59 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of 76.

[0134] FIG. 60 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdCTP-PA.

[0135] FIG. 61 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of 72.

[0136] FIG. 62 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdGTP-PA.

[0137] FIG. 63 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdGTP-ARA-Cy5.

[0138] FIG. 64 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of MeSSdUTP-PA.

[0139] FIG. 65 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of 74.

[0140] FIG. 66 is a schematic that shows the structures of 3′-OCH.sub.2S-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTPs.

[0141] FIG. 67 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of 3′—(OCH.sub.2SSMe)-dNTPs from 3′-OCH.sub.2S-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTPs.

[0142] FIG. 68 shows the key intermediates for the synthesis of 3′—(OCH.sub.2SSMe)-dNTP-PAs.

[0143] FIG. 69 is a schematic that shows one embodiment of the synthesis of 3′-(OCH.sub.2SSMe)-dNTP-PA from 3′-OCH.sub.2S-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTP-PAs.

[0144] FIG. 70 is a schematic that shows linker installation and conjugation of fluorescent dye.

[0145] FIG. 71 shows structures of hydroxymethyl derivatives nucleobases derivatives that could be used to attach linkers and terminating groups of the present invention. R=reversibly terminating group, CL=cleavable linker of the present invention.

[0146] FIG. 72 shows structures of hydroxymethyl derivatives nucleobases derivatives after cleavage has been performed.

[0147] FIG. 73A-73I shows examples of compounds carrying thiol, function that could be used to perform cleavage of dithio-based linkers and terminating groups of the present invention: 73A)—cysteamine, 73B)—dithio-succinic acid, 73C)—cysteamine, 73D)—dithiothreitol, 73E)—2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt, 73F)—dithiobutylamine, 73G)—meso-2,5-dimercapto-N,N,N′,N′-tetra ethyladipamide, 73H) 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate, 73I)—N,N′-dimethyl, N,N′-bis(mercaptoacetyl)-hydrazine.

[0148] FIG. 74A-74C shows an example of selective and stepwise cleavage of linker and 3′-protective group-chemical structures and reaction scheme.

[0149] FIG. 75A-75C shows an example of selective and stepwise cleavage of linker-chromatograms associated with each step of the cleavage.

[0150] FIG. 76 shows an example of selective and stepwise cleavage of linker-absorption spectar extracted from peaks corresponding to all steps of selective cleavage reactions.

[0151] FIG. 77 shows cleavage reaction scheme for nucleotide bearing dithio protecting group on to 3′ and ditho based linker.

[0152] FIG. 78A shows chromatograms of starting material and cleavage reaction mixtures analyzed by RP-HPLC after 10 minutes of incubation with cleave reagents: dithiosuccinic acid, L-cysteine, DTT and cysteamine.

[0153] FIG. 78B shows compositions of reaction mixtures as analyzed by RP-HPLC.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0154] The present invention provides methods, compositions, mixtures and kits utilizing deoxynucleoside triphosphates comprising a 3′-O position capped by group comprising methylenedisulfide as a cleavable protecting group and a detectable label reversibly connected to the nucleobase of said deoxynucleoside. Such compounds provide new possibilities for future sequencing technologies, including but not limited to Sequencing by Synthesis. The present invention contemplates, as compositions of matter, the various structures shown in the body of the specification and the figures. These compositions can be used in reactions, including but not limited to primer extension reactions. These compositions can be in mixtures. For example, one or more of the labeled nucleotides (e.g. such as those shown in FIG. 25) can be in a mixture (and used in a mixture) with one ore more unlabeled nucleotides (e.g. such as those shown in FIG. 51). They can be in kits with other reagents (e.g. buffers, polymerases, primers, etc.)

[0155] In one embodiment, the labeled nucleotides of the present invention require several steps of synthesis and involve linking variety of dyes to different bases. It is desirable to be able to perform linker and dye attachment in a modular fashion rather than step by step process. The modular approach involves pre-building of the linker moiety with protecting group on one end and activated group on the other. Such pre-built linker can then be used to couple to apropargylamine nucleotide; one can then, deprotect the masked amine group and then couple the activated dye. This has the advantage of fewer steps and higher yield as compare to step-by-step synthesis.

[0156] In one embodiment, the labeled nucleotides of the present invention are used in DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing is a fundamental tool in biology. It is a widely used method in basic research, biomedical, diagnostic, and forensic applications, and in many other areas of basic and applied research. New generation DNA sequencing technologies are changing the way research in biology is routinely conducted. It is poised to play a critical role in the corning years in the field of precision medicines, companion diagnostics, etc.

[0157] Sequencing by synthesis (SBS) is a revolutionary next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, where millions of DNA molecules, single or cluster thereof can be sequenced simultaneously. The basis of this technology is the use of modified nucleotides known as cleavable nucleotide terminators that allow just a single base extension and detection of the DNA molecules on solid surface allowing massive parallelism in DNA sequencing (for comprehensive reviews: Cheng-Yao, Chen, Frontiers in Microbiology, 2014, 5, 1 [22]; Fei Chen, et al, Genomics Proteomics Bioinformatics, 2013, 11, 34-40 [5]; C. W. Fuller et al, Nature Biotechnology, 2009, 27, 1013 [2]; M. L. Metzker, Nature Reviews, 2010, 11, 31 [1])—all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0158] Modified nucleotides, with 3′-OH positions blocked by a cleavable protecting group, which after incorporation into DNA primers and subsequent detection, can be removed by chemical reaction, are the key to the success of the SBS chemistry (Ju et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,869, 2011 [23]; Ju et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,575, 2012 [24]; Ju et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,796,432, 2014 [25]; Balasubramanian, U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,246, 2004 [26]; Balasubramanian et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,796B2, 2010 [27]; Milton et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,414,116 B2, 2008 [28]; Metzker, M. L., et al, Nucleic Acids Res, 1994, 22:4259-4267 [29]; Ju et al, Proc. Nat. Acad, Sci. USA, 103 (52), 19635, 2006 [30]; Ruparel et. al, Proc. Nat. Acad, Sci. USA, 102 (17), 5932, 2005 [31]; Bergmann et al, US 2015/0140561 A1 [32]; Kwiatkowski, US 2002/0015961 A1 [33])—all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0159] There have also been attempts to develop nucleotide analogs, known as virtual terminators, where the 3′-OH is unprotected but the bases are modified in such a manner that the modifying group prevents further extension after a single base incorporation to the DNA templates, forcing chain termination event to occur (Andrew F. Gardner et al., Nucleic Acids Res 40(15), 7404-7415 2012 [34], Litosh et al, Nuc. Acids, Res., 2011, vol 39, No. 6, e39 [35], Bowers et al, Nat. Methods, 2009, 6, 593 [36])—all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0160] Also disclosed were ribo-nucleotide analogs, where the 2′-OH is protected by removable group, which prevents the adjacent 3′—OH group from participating in chain extension reactions, thereby stopping after a single base extension (Zhao et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,399,188 B2, 2013 [37]), incorporated by reference.

[0161] On the other hand, Zon proposed the use of dinucleotide terminators containing one of the nucleotides with the 3′-OH blocked by removable group (Gerald Zon, U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,338 B2, 2011 [38]), incorporated by reference.

[0162] Previously a cleavable disulfide linker (—SS—) has been used to attach fluorescent dye in the labeled nucleotides for use in the GeneReader sequencing. It is believed that the —SH scars left behind on the growing DNA strain after cleaving step, causes a number of side reactions which limit achieving a longer read-length.

[0163] It is known that —SH residues can undergo free radical reactions in the presence of TCEP used in cleaving step, creating undesired functional group, and it potentially can damage DNA molecules (Desulfurization of Cysteine-Containing Peptides Resulting from Sample Preparation for Protein Characterization by MS, Zhouxi Wang et all, Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom, 2010, 24(3), 267-275 [39]).

[0164] The —SH scars can also interact with the incoming nucleotides inside the flow-cell cleaving the 3′ OH protecting group prematurely causing further chain elongation and thereby it can cause signal de-phasing.

[0165] The end result of the detrimental side reactions of —SH is the reduction of the read-length and increased error rates in the sequencing run.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0166] The present invention provides methods, compositions, mixtures and kits utilizing deoxynucleoside triphosphates comprising a 3′-O position capped by group comprising methylenedisulfide as a cleavable protecting group and a detectable label reversibly connected to the nucleobase of said deoxynucleoside. Such compounds provide new possibilities for future sequencing technologies, including but not limited to Sequencing by Synthesis.

[0167] The present invention, in one embodiment involves the synthesis and use of a labeled nucleoside triphosphates comprising a cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide linker between the label and nucleobase, with a 3′-O group comprising methylenedisulfide as a protecting group, having the formula —CH.sub.2—SS—R, in DNA sequencing (e.g. sequencing by synthesis), where the R represents alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, n-butyl, or their analogs with substituent group containing hetero-atoms such as O, N, S etc (see FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the R group may contain a functional group that could modulate the stability and cleavability of the 3′-O capping group, while being acceptable to DNA polymerase enzymes.

[0168] In another aspect, the invention relates to a labeled nucleoside triphosphates comprising a cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide linker between the label and nucleobase, with 3′-O positions capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide wherein the nucleobases can be natural, or non-natural bases which can form DNA duplex by hydrogen bond interactions with natural nucleobases of the DNA templates, and that can be 7-deaza analog of dG and dA, and 2-amino-dA. 7-deaza analogs of dA and dG can reduce the formation of DNA tertiary structures due to the lack of 7-N atom. It is envisioned that in one embodiments, such nucleosides could potentially improve DNA sequencing read-length by enhancing DNA templates and polymerase interaction. It may also be possible that the 2-amino-dA can increase DNA duplex stability due to its ability to form more stable 3 hydrogen bonds with its complimentary base (rather than 2 bond in natural state), therefore, it can reduce the risk of losing DNA primers during sequencing run (A Jung et all, Mol. Pathol., 2002, 55 (1), 55-57 [40]; 2-amino-dATP: Igor V. Kutyavin, Biochemistry, 2008, 47(51), 13666-73 [41]).

[0169] In another embodiment, said nucleotides may have detectable reporter molecules, such as fluorescent dyes linked to nucleobases via cleavable linker —OCH.sub.2SS—. Labeled nucleotides, where the —OCH.sub.2—SS— group is directly attached to the nucleobases and the use thereof as cleavable linker are not known in prior-art. Contrary to the traditional, widely used disulfide linkers (—SS—), this class of cleavable linker (—OCH.sub.2—SS—) leaves no sulfur trace on the DNA molecule, cleanly converting it to —OH group by rapid hydrolysis of the resulting intermediate, —OCH.sub.2—SH, after reductive cleavage. Because of this, such linkers may be better alternatives to the traditional disulfide linkers. In traditional disulfide based linkers (—SS—), the resulting thiol group (—SH) can undergo side reactions when cleaved by reducing reagents such as TCEP as presented in the following FIG. 4 (Ref: Desulfurization of Cysteine-Containing Peptides Resulting from Sample Preparation for Protein Characterization by MS, Zhouxi Wang et all, Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom, 2010, 24(3), 267-275 [39]).

[0170] In another embodiment, the reporter groups may be attached to the pyrimidine bases (dT, dC) at 5-C position and to purine bases (dA, dG) at 7-N of natural bases, or 7-C of de-aza analogs.

[0171] In another embodiment, the structure of the labeled nucleotides may be as shown in FIG. 5, where the spacer of the cleavable linker includes the propargyl ether linker. The nucleobases with progargyl ether can be synthesized following prior arts of chemical synthesis. The L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 represent chemical spacers, and substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are group of atoms that modulate stability and cleavability to the cleavable linker. They can be hydrogen atom, geminal dimethyl, or any alkyl, phenyl, or substituted alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, phenyl, etc. They may also contain a hydrocarbon chain with —O, ═O, NH, —N═N, acid, amide, poly ethyleneglycol chain (PEG) etc. The label on the nucleotides may be fluorescent dyes, energy transfer dyes, radioactive label, chemi-luminiscence probe, heptane and other form of label that allows detection by chemical or physical methods.

[0172] In another embodiment, the structure of the labeled nucleotides may be as shown FIG. 6. The spacers of the cleavable linker include the propargylamine linker. Again, the L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 represent spacers, and substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are group of atoms that provide stability and modulate cleavability of the linker as described earlier. They may be hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl and other substituted groups or their salts. Geminal dialkyl group on the α-carbon of the cleavable disulfide linker (e.g. germinal dimethyl analogue according to the following structure:

##STR00080##

provides better stability to the linker allowing modular synthesis of labeled nucleotides. It presumably prevents disproportional reactions prevalent among disulfide based organic compounds. It also adds greater hydrophobicity to the linker which helps the synthesis and purification of labeled nucleotide analogues [42-44]. The gem dimethyl functionality present in the linker is believed to not only serve to stabilize the disulfide bond electronically, but also prevents disulfide exchange from occurring both inter- and intra-molecularly, likely via sterric effects. It has been demonstrated that in the presence of cystamine, the disulfide functionality on the terminator participates in disulfide exchange, while linkers equipped with gem dimethyl groups do not. The linker study in FIG. 42 compares linkers with and without the gem dimethyl group. As can be seen from this study, linkers G and L without the gem dimethyl group quickly exchange with cystamine leading to degradation of the product. As expected, this phenomenon is not observed with our chosen linker A, nor with analogous linker B. In addition, since the labelled nucleotides contain two disulfides, one on the terminator and one on the linker portion of the molecule, it is believed that this stabilizing effect prevents scrambling between the dye and the terminator from occurring. This stability is important to performance of our nucleotides in sequencing.

[0173] In another embodiment, the structure of the labeled nucleotides may be as in FIG. 7. The spacer of the cleavable linker include the methylene (—(CH.sub.2).sub.n— directly attached to the nucleobases at 5-position for pyrimidine, and at 7-de-aza-carbon for purines. This linker may be methylene (n=1) or polymethylene (n>1) where after cleavage, the linker generates —(CH.sub.2).sub.nOH group at the point of attachment on the nucleobases, and where the L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 represent spacers, and substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are group of atoms that provide stability to the cleavable linker as described earlier.

[0174] In another embodiment, the invention relates to synthetic methods for the nucleotides claimed. The capping group and linker may be synthesized modifying prior arts described For example, the unlabeled dT analog (compound 5) can be synthesized as shown in FIG. 8.

[0175] In one embodiment the invention involves: (a) nucleoside triphosphates with 3′-O capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide (e.g. of the formula —CH.sub.2—SS—R) as a cleavable protecting group (see FIG. 1); and (b) their labeled analogs (see FIG. 2), where labels are attached to the nucleobases via a cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide linker (—OCH.sub.2—SS—). Such nucleotides can be used in nucleic acid sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technologies. General methods for the synthesis of the nucleotides claimed are also described.

[0176] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the general structures of unlabeled nucleotides have the 3′-O group protected by a group comprising methylenedisulfide with a common structure —CH.sub.2—SS—R, where the R can be regular alkyl or substituted alkyl groups such as -Me, -Et, -nBu, -tBu, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NH.sub.2, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NMe etc., and B, can be natural or non-natural nucleobases. Some specific examples of non-natural nucleobases are 7-deaza dG and dA, 2-amino-dA etc.

[0177] In FIG. 2, the general structures of labeled analogs are shown with 3′-O protected by a group comprising methylenedisulfide as in FIG. 1, in addition to that a detectable reporter (label) such as fluorophore is attached to the nucleobases via a cleavable linker having a general structure-L.sub.1-OCH.sub.2—SS-L.sub.2-. L.sub.1 represents molecular spacer that separates nucleobase from the cleavable linker, while L.sub.2 between cleavable linker and the label, respectively. Both L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 can have appropriate functional groups for connecting to the respective chemical entities such as —CO—, —CONH—, —NHCONH—, —O—, —S—, —C═N, —N═N—, etc. The label may be fluorophore dyes, energy transfer dyes, mass-tags, biotin, haptenes, etc. The label may be different on different nucleotides for detection of multiple bases simultaneously, or the same for step-wise detection of spatially separated oligonucleotides or their amplified clones on solid surface.

[0178] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a new class of nucleotide that has 3′-O capped with —CH.sub.2—SS—R group and a label attached to the nucleobase through a cleavable linker having a general structure —O—CH.sub.2—SS—. Such capping group and linker can be cleanly cleaved simultaneously by single treatment with TCEP or related chemicals leaving no sulfur traces on the DNA molecules.

[0179] This class of nucleotides may be stable enough to endure the relatively high temperature (˜65° C.) necessary for nucleotide incorporation onto the DNA templates catalyzed by thermo active polymerases, yet labile enough to be cleaved under DNA compatible conditions such as reduction with TCEP etc. In some embodiments, cleavage may be accomplished by exposure to dithiothreitol.

[0180] The nucleotide when exposed to reducing agents such as TCEP de-cap the 3′-O protection group via step-wise mechanism shown in FIG. 3, thus restoring the natural state of the 3′-OH group. TCEP and its analogs are known to be benign to bio-molecules which is a pre-requisite for application in SBS.

[0181] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a generic universal building blocks structures comprising new cleavable linkers, shown in FIG. 28. PG=Protective Group, L1, L2-linkers (aliphatic, aromatic, mixed polarity straight chain or branched). RG=Reactive Group. In one embodiment of present invention such building blocks carry an Fmoc protective group on one end of the linker and reactive NHS carbonate or carbamate on the other end. This preferred combination is particularly useful in modified nucleotides synthesis comprising new cleavable linkers. A protective group should be removable under conditions compatible with nucleic acid/nucleotides chemistry and the reactive group should be selective. After reaction of the active NHS group on the linker with amine terminating nucleotide, an Fmoc group can be easily removed using base such as piperidine or ammonia, therefore exposing amine group at the terminal end of the linker for the attachment of cleavable marker. A library of compounds comprising variety of markers can be constructed this way very quickly.

[0182] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a generic structure of nucleotides carrying cleavable marker attached via novel linker, shown in FIG. 29. S=sugar (i.e., ribose, deoxyribose), B=nucleobase, R═H or reversibly terminating group (protective group). Preferred reversibly terminating groups include but are not limited to: Azidomethyl (—CH.sub.2N.sub.3), Dithio-alkyl (—CH2-SS—R), aminoxy (—ONH.sub.2).

EXAMPLES

[0183] The following examples are provided in order to demonstrate and further illustrate certain preferred embodiments and aspects of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Example 1

Synthesis of 3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxythymidine (2)

[0184] 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxythymidine (1) (2.0 g, 5.6 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture consisting of DMSO (10.5 mL), acetic acid (4.8 mL), and acetic anhydride (15.4 mL) in a 250 mL round bottom flask, and stirred for 48 hours at room temperature. The mixture was then quenched by adding saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution until evolution of gaseous CO.sub.2 was stopped. The mixture was then extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL) using a separating funnel. The combined organic extract was then washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO.sub.3 (2×150 mL) in a partitioning funnel, and the organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The organic part was concentrated by rotary evaporation. The reaction mixture was finally purified by silica gel column chromatography (Hex:EtOAc/7:3 to 1:1), see FIG. 8. The 3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxythymidine (2) was obtained as white powder in 75% yield (1.75 g, R.sub.f=0.6, hex:EtOAc/1:1). .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 6.28 (m, 1H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.78-3.90 (m, 2H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 2.14, 2.14 (s, 3H), 1.97 (m, 1H), 1.92 (s, 3H), 0.93 (s, 9H), and 0.13 (s, 3H) ppm.

Example 2

Synthesis of 3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-2′-deoxythymidine (4)

[0185] Compound 2 (1.75 g, 4.08 mmol), dried overnight under high vacuum, dissolved in 20 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added with Et.sub.3N (0.54 mL, 3.87 mmol) and 5.0 g molecular sieve-3A, and stirred for 30 min under Ar atmosphere. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-bath to bring the temperature to sub-zero, and slowly added with 1.8 eq 1M SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1.8 mL) and stirred at the same temperature for 1.0 hour. Then the ice-bath was removed to bring the flask to room temperature, and added with a solution of potassium thiotosylate (1.5 g) in 4 mL dry DMF and stirred for 0.5 hour at room temperature.

[0186] Then 2 eq EtSH (0.6 mL) was added and stirred additional 40 min. The mixture was then diluted with 50 mL CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and filtered through celite-S in a funnel. The sample was washed with adequate amount of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 to make sure that the product was filtered out. The CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 extract was then concentrated and purified by chromatography on a silica gel column (Hex:EtOAC/1:1 to 1:3, R.sub.1=0.3 in Hex:EtOAc/1:1). The resulting crude product was then treated with 2.2 g of NH.sub.4F in 20 mL MeOH. After 36 hours, the reaction was quenched with 20 mL saturated NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 by partitioning. The CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 part was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and purified by chromatography (Hex:EtOAc/1:1 to 1:2), see FIG. 8. The purified product (4) was obtained as white powder in 18% yield, 0.268 g, R.sub.f=0.3, Hex:EtOAc/1:2).

[0187] .sup.1H NMR in CDCl.sub.3: δ.sub.H 11.25 (1H, S), 7.65 (1H, S), 6.1 (1H, m), 5.17 (1H, m), 4.80 (2H, S), 4.48 (1H, m), 3.96 (1H, m), 3.60 (2H, m), 3.26 (3H, s), 2.80 (2H, m), 2.20 (2H, m) and 1.14 (3H, m) ppm.

Example 3

Synthesis of the triphosphate of 3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-2′-deoxythymidine (5)

[0188] In a 25 mL flask, compound 4 (0.268 g, 0.769 mmol) was added with proton sponge (210 mg), equipped with rubber septum. The sample was dried under high vacuum for overnight. The material was then dissolved in 2.6 mL (MeO).sub.3PO under argon atmosphere. The flask, equipped with Ar-gas supply, was then placed on an ice-bath, stirred to bring the temperature to sub-zero. Then 1.5 equivalents of POCl.sub.3 was added at once by a syringe and stirred at the same temperature for 2 hour under Argon atmosphere. Then the ice-bath was removed and a mixture consisting of tributylammonium-pyrophosphate (1.6 g) and Bu.sub.3N (1.45 mL) in dry DMF (6 mL) was prepared. The entire mixture was added at once and stirred for 10 min. The reaction mixture was then diluted with TEAB buffer (30 mL, 100 mM) and stirred for additional 3 hours at room temperature. The crude product was concentrated by rotary evaporation, and purified by C18 Prep HPLC (method: 0 to 5 min 100% A followed by gradient up to 50% B over 72 min, A=50 mM TEAB and B=acetonitrile). After freeze drying of the target fractions, the semi-pure product was further purified by ion exchange HPLC using PL-SAX Prep column (Method: 0 to 5 min 100% A, then gradient up to 70% B over 70 min, where A=15% acetonitrile in water, B=0.85M TEAB buffer in 15% acetonitrile). Final purification was carried out by C18 Prep HPLC as described above resulting in ˜25% yield of compound 5, see FIG. 8.

Example 4

Synthesis of N.SUP.4.-Benzoyl-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-2′ deoxycytidine (7)

[0189] The synthesis of 3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-dCTP (10) was achieved according to FIG. 9. N.sup.4-benzoyl-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (6) (50.0 g, 112.2 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (210 mL) in a 2 L round bottom flask. It was added sequentially with acetic acid (210 mL) and acetic anhydride (96 mL), and stirred for 48 h at room temperature. During this period of time, a complete conversion to product was observed by TLC(R.sub.f=0.6, EtOAc:hex/10:1 for the product).

[0190] The mixture was separated into two equal fractions, and each was transferred to a 2000 mL beaker and neutralized by slowly adding saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution until CO.sub.2 gas evolution was stopped (pH 8). The mixture was then extracted with EtOAc in a separating funnel. The organic part was then washed with saturated solution of NaHCO.sub.3 (2×1 L) followed by with distilled water (2×1 L), then the organic part was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.

[0191] The organic part was then concentrated by rotary evaporation. The product was then purified by silica gel flash-column chromatography using puriflash column (Hex:EtOAc/1:4 to 1:9, 3 column runs, on 15 um, HC 300 g puriflash column) to obtain N.sup.4-benzoyl-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (7) as grey powder in 60% yield (34.0 g, R.sub.f=0.6, EtOAc:hex/9:1), see FIG. 9.

[0192] .sup.1H-NMR of compound 7 (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.40 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (m, 2H), 7.64 (1H), 7.54 (m, 3H), 6.30 (m, 1H), 4.62 & 4.70 (2Xd, J=11.59 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.19 (m, 1H), 3.84 & 3.99 (2Xdd, J=11.59 & 2.79 Hz, 2H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 2.21 (m, 1H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 0.99 (s, 9H), and 0.16 (s, 6H) ppm.

Example 5

N.SUP.4.-Benzoyl-3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (8)

[0193] N.sup.4-Benzoyl-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (7) (2.526 g, 5.0 mmol) dissolved in dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (35 mL) was added with molecular sieve-3A (10 g). The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. It was then added with Et.sub.3N (5.5 mmol), and stirred for 20 minutes on an ice-salt-water bath. It was then added slowly with 1M SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2, in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (7.5 mL, 7.5 mmol) using a syringe and stirred at the same temperature for 2 hours under N.sub.2-atmosphere. Then benzenethiosulfonic acid sodium salt (1.6 g, 8.0 mmol) in 8 mL dry DMF was added and stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Finally, EtSH was added (0.74 mL) and stirred additional 50 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite-S, and washed the product out with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2. After concentrating the resulting CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 part, it was purified by flash chromatography using a silica gel column (1:1 to 3:7/Hex:EtOAc) to obtain compound 8 in 54.4% yield (1.5 g), see FIG. 9. .sup.1H-NMR of compound 8 (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.40 (m, 1H), 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.64 (m, 1H), 7.54 (m, 3H), 6.25 (m, 1H), 4.69 & 4.85 (2Xd, J=11.60 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 3.84 & 3.99 (2Xdd, J=11.59 & 2.79 Hz, 2H), 2.75 (m, 3H), 2.28 (m, 1H), 1.26 (m, 3H), 0.95 (s, 9H), and 0.16 (s, 6H) ppm.

Example 6

N.SUP.4.-Benzoyl-3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (9)

[0194] N.sup.4-Benzoyl-3′-O-(ethyldithiomethyl)-5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-deoxycytidine (8, 1.50 g, 2.72 mmol) was dissolved in 50 mL THF. Then 1M TBAF in THF (3.3 mL) was added at ice-cold temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. Then the reaction was quenched by adding 1 mL MeOH, and solvent was removed after 10 minutes by rotary evaporation. The product was purified by silica gel flash chromatography using gradient 1:1 to 1:9/Hex:EtOAc to result in compound 9 (0.78 g, 65% yield, Rf=0.6 in 1:9/Hex:EtOAc), see FIG. 9. .sup.1H-NMR of compound 9 (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.41 (m, 1H), 8.0 (m, 2H), 7.64 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 6.15 (m, 1H), 4.80 & 4.90 (2Xd, J=11.60 Hz, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 4.00 & 3.85 (2Xdd, J=11.59 & 2.79 Hz, 2H), 2.80 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), and 1.3 (s, 3H) ppm.

[0195] Finally, the synthesis of compound 10 was achieved from compound 9 following the standard synthetic protocol described in the synthesis of compound 5 (see FIG. 8).

Example 7

[0196] The synthesis of the labeled nucleotides can be achieved following the synthetic routes shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. FIG. 10 is specific for the synthesis of labeled dT intermediate, and other analogs could be synthesized similarly.

Synthesis of 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-5-(N-trifluoroacetyl-aminopropargyl)-2′-deoxyuridine (12)

[0197] 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (11, 25.0 g, 53.4 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (200 mL) in a 2-neck-round bottom flask. The reaction flask is flushed with Ar-gas filled balloon. It was then added with, freshly opened, vacuum dried tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (6.16 g, 5.27 mmol) and CuI (2.316 g, 12.16 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes under argon atmosphere. Next, N-trifluoroacetyl-propargylamine (23.99 g, 157.8 mmol, 2.9 eq) and Et.sub.3N (14.7 mL, 105.5 mmol) were added sequentially. The mixture was stirred for 3.0 hours at room temperature and reaction completion was confirmed by TLC(R.sub.f=0.5 in EtOAc:Hex/3:2 for the product).

[0198] Solvent was then removed by rotary evaporation. The resulting crude product was dissolved in 500 mL EtOAc and transferred into a separating funnel. The organic part was then washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 (2×400 mL) and saturated NaCl (2×400 mL) solutions, respectively. The EtOAc part was then dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. After filtering off the Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 salt, the filtrate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator. It was then purified by a silica gel flash chromatography (1:1 Hex:EtOAc to 2:3 Hex:EtOAc, 200 gm, 15 um HP puriflash column, 3 column runs) after binding to 3×40 gm silica gel resulting in 21.994 g of 12 (83.88% yield), see FIG. 10.

[0199] .sup.1H-NMR in compound 12 (DMF-d.sub.7): δ.sub.H 11.65 (brs, 1H), 10.15 (brs, 1H), 8.15 (brs, 1H, H6), 6.37 (t, J=5.99 Hz, 1H, H1′), 5.42 (m, 1H), 4.41 (m, 1H), 4.37 (brs, 2H, for NH—CH.sub.2 of propargylamine group), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.84-3.97 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 1H, H2′), 2.20 (m, 1H, H2′), 0.97 (s, 9H, 3X—CH.sub.3, TBDMS) and 0.19 (s, 6H, 2X CH.sub.3, TBDMS) ppm.

Example 8

Synthesis of 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3′-O-(methylthiomethyl)-5-(N-trifluoroacetyl-aminopropargyl)-2′-deoxyuridine (13)

[0200] Compound 12 (21.99 g, 44.77 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (90 mL) in a 1000 mL round bottom flask. It was then added sequentially with AcOH (40 mL) and acetic anhydride (132 mL) and stirred for 48 hours at room temperature. The reaction completion was confirmed by TLC(R.sub.f=0.5; Hex:EtOAc/1:1 for the product).

[0201] The reaction mixture was then transferred to 2,000 mL beaker, and neutralized by saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 until the evolution of CO, gas was ceased (˜pH 8.0). The mixture was then transferred into a separating funnel and extracted (2×500 mL CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2). The combined organic part was then washed with saturated NaHCO.sub.3 (1×500 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. After filtering off the Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, the organic part was concentrated by rotary evaporation and purified by silica gel flash chromatography (Hex:EtOAc/7:3 to 1:1) producing 12.38 g of compound 13 (˜50% yield), see FIG. 10. TLC: R.sub.f=0.5; Hex:EtOAc/1:1, .sup.1H-NMR of compound 13 (DMSO-d.sub.6): δH 11.69 (s, 1H), 10.01 (s, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H, H6), 6.07 (m, 1H, H1′), 4.69 (m, 2H), 4.38 (m, 1H), 4.19 (2H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 2H), 2.34 (m, 1H), 2.14 (m, 1H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 0.86 (s, 9H) and 0.08 (s, 6H) ppm.

[0202] The synthesis of the compounds 14, 15 and 16 can achieved following the synthetic protocols of the related steps described for compounds 5 and 10. Synthesis of other N-trifluoroacetyl-aminopropargyl nucleobases by described as in U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,338 [38], incorporated herein by reference. Removal of the N-trifluoroacetyl group to produce the aminopropargyl nucleobases may be produced by solvolysis under mild conditions [45].

[0203] On the other hand, the cleavable linker synthesis can be achieved as shown in FIG. 11, starting from an 1,4-dutanediol and is described in Example 9.

Example 9

Synthesis of 4-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-butane-1-O-(methylthiomethyl), 18

[0204] 18.3 g 1,4-butanediol, 17 (18.3 g, 203.13 mmol) dissolved in 100 mL dry pyridine in a 1 L flask was brought to sub-zero temperature on an ice-bath under nitrogen atmosphere. It was added with tert-butyldiphenylsilylchloride (TBDPSCl, 19.34 g, 70.4 mmol) slowly with a syringe. The reaction flask was allowed to warm up to room temperature with the removal of the ice-bath and stirring continued for overnight at room temperature. The solvent was then removed by rotary evaporation and purified by flash chromatography using silica gel column (7:3 to 1:1/Hex:EtOAc) resulting in 4-O-(tort-butyldiphenylsilyl)-butane-1-ol (13.7 g, 59.5% yield, R.sub.f=0.7 with 1:1/Hex:EtOAc, .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δH 7.70 (4H, m), 7.40 (4H, m), 3.75 (2H, m), 3.65 (m, 2H), 3.70 (4H, m) and 1.09 (9H, m) ppm. Of the resulting product, 6.07 g (18.5 mmol) was dissolved in 90 mL dry DMSO, see FIG. 11. It was then added with acetic acid (15 mL) and acetic anhydride (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature. It was then transferred to a separating funnel and washed with 300 mL distilled water by partitioning with the same volume of EtOAc. The EtOAc part was then transferred to a 1,000 mL beaker and neutralized with saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution. The aqueous part was removed by partitioning and the EtOAc part was then further washed with distilled water (3×300 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4. The EtOAc part was then concentrated and purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column (Hex:EtOAc/97:3 to 90:10) to obtain 4-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-1-O-(methylthiomethyl)-butane, 18 (5.15 g, 71.7% yield, R.sub.f=0.8 in 9:1/Hex:EtOAc). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δH 7.70 (4H, m), 7.40 (6H, m), 4.62 (2H, s), 3.70 (2H, m), 3.50 (2H, m), 2.15 (2H, s), 1.70 (4H, m) and 1.08 (9H, m) ppm.

Example 10

Synthesis of Compound 19

[0205] Compound 18 (2.0 g, 5.15 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, and added with 10 g molecular sieve-3A and 0.78 mL Et.sub.3N (5.66 mmol). The mixture was stirred under N.sub.2 gas at room temperature for 30 min. Then the flask was placed on an ice-bath to bring the temperature to sub-zero. It was then added slowly with 7.7 mL of 1M SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2/CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 solution (7.7 mmol) and stirred under N.sub.2 for 1 hour. Then the ice-bath was removed and benzenethiosulfonic acid-Na salt (1.6 g, 8.24 mmol) in 8 mL DMF was added and stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid (1.73 g, 10.3 mmol, 2.0 eq) in 7 mL dry DMF was added and stirred for 2 hours. The entire crude sample was then filtered through celite-S and the product was washed out by EtOAc. EtOAc extract was then concentrated by rotary evaporation and purified on a silica gel column (1:1 to 3:7/Hex:EtOAc) to obtain 1.19 g of compound 19 in 43% yield, see FIG. 11, R.sub.f=0.5 Hex:EtOAc/3:7. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): 7.65 (4H, m), 7.55 (2H, m), 7.45 (6H, m), 7.20 (2H, s), 4.80 (2H, m), 3.65 (4H, m), 3.50 (2H, m), 1.60 (4H, m), and 1.09 (9H, s) ppm.

Example 11

Synthesis of Compound 20

[0206] Compound 19 (0.6 g, 1.11 mmol) dissolved in 20 mL dry DMF was treated with DSC (0.426 g, 1.5 eq) and Et.sub.3N (0.23 mL) at room temperature and stirred for 1.5 hours under nitrogen atmosphere. Then a mixture consisting of 11-azido-3,6,9-trioxadecan-1-amine (2.0 eq) and Et.sub.3N (2.0 eq) was prepared in 5 mL DMF. The entire solution was added to the reaction mixture at once and stirred for 1 hour. The solvent was then removed under vacuum and purified by silica gel flash chromatography using gradient 0 to 10% CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:MeOH to obtain compound 20 in 36% yield (0.297 g, R.sub.f=0.8, 10% MeOH:CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2), see FIG. 11. .sup.1H NMR (MeOH-d.sub.4): δ.sub.H 7.70 (4H, m), 7.55 (2H, m), 7.40 (6H, m), 7.45 (2H, m), 4.85 (2H, s), 3.65-3.30 (22H, m), 1.65 (4H, m), and 1.09 (9H, m) ppm.

[0207] Then, the product 20 (0.297 g) was dissolved in 7 mL dry THF in a flask and placed on an ice-bath to bring to sub-zero temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. Then 0.6 mL 1M TBAF in THF was added drop-wise and stirred for 3 hours at ice-cold temperature. The mixture was quenched with 1 mL MeOH and volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation and purified by flash chromatography to obtain 65 mg of the product 21, see FIG. 11, .sup.1H NMR (MeOH-d4): δH 7.55 (2H, m), 7.25 (2H, m), 4.85 (2H, s), 3.75-3.30 (22H, m) and 1.50 (4H, m) ppm. This product can be coupled to alkyne substituted dye using click chemistry and to nucleotide using CDI as activating agent to result in compound 22.

[0208] Another variant of cleavable linker, where the stabilizing gem-dimethyl group attached to α-carbon of the cleavable linker, can be achieved following FIG. 12.

Example 12

[0209] In another aspect, the cleavable linker can be compound 30, where the disulfide is flanked by gem-dimethyl groups and attached to a flexible ethylene glycol linker (PEG). The linker is attached to the PA-nucleotide (e.g. compound 33) via carbamate group (—NH—C(═O)O—). The resulting nucleotide analogue in such case can be as in compound 35 (dUTP analogue), which can be synthesized according to the FIG. 13. Other nucleotide analogues (e.g. analogues of dATP, dGTP, dCTP) can be synthesized similarly by replacing PA-nucleotide 33 with appropriate PA-nucleotide analogues at the last step of the reaction sequence.

Example 13

Synthesis of Compound 28

[0210] Compound 18 (15.53 g, 40 mmol) (see Example 9) for synthesis of compound 18) was dissolved in 450 mL of dry dichloromethane in a round bottom flask. Molecular sieves (3 Å, 80 g) and triethylamine (5.6 mL) were added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 0.5 hour under nitrogen atmosphere. Next, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 M in DCM, 64 mL) was added slowly by a syringe and stirred for 1.0 hour at 0° C. temperature. Then, ice-water bath was removed, and a solution of potassium-thiotosylate (10.9 g, 48.1 mmol) in 20 mL anhydrous DMF was added at once and stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then poured into 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-01 (4.4 mL, 36 mmol) dissolved in 20 mL DMF in a 2 L round-bottom flask. The resulting mixture was stirred for 0.5 hours at room temperature, and filtered through celite. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with distilled water in a separatory funnel, followed by concentrating the crude product by rotary evaporation. The product (28) was obtained in 26% yield (5.6 g) after purification by flash chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc:Hexane as mobile phase, see FIG. 13. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.67-7.70 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.47 (m, 6H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 3.81 (t, J=6.73 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (t, J=6.21 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (t, J=6.55, 2H), 1.90 (t, J=6.95 Hz, 2H), 1.58-1.77 (m, 4H), 1.34 (s, 6H), and 1.07 (s, 9H) ppm.

Example 14

Synthesis of Compound 29

[0211] Compound 28 (5.1 g, 10.36 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL anhydrous pyridine in a 500 mL round bottom flask. To this solution, 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) (3.36 g, 20.7 mmol) was added in one portion and the reaction was stirred for 1.0 hour at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Then, the reaction mixture was poured into a solution consisting of 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) (7.6 mL, 51.8 mmol) and anhydrous pyridine (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for 1.0 hour at room temperature, and the volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation. The resulting crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica using MeOH:CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/9.5:0.5 to furnish pure compound 29 (4.4 g, 65% yield), see FIG. 13. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.63-7.68 (m, 4H), 7.34-7.44 (m, 6H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 4.17 (t, J=7.07 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (t, J=6.16 Hz, 2H), 160 (s, 4H), 3.49-3.51 (m, 6H), 3.31-3.39 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 1.9 (t, J=7.06 Hz, 2H), 1.57-1.73 (m, 4H), 1.31 (s, 6H) and 1.03 (s, 9H) ppm.

Example 15

Synthesis of Compound 31

[0212] Compound 29 (0.94 g, 1.42 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL dry THF and treated with 1M TBAF in THF (1.6 mL, 1.6 mmol) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2.0 hours at 0° C., during which time LC-MS confirmed complete removal of the TBDPS protecting group. After removing solvent by rotary evaporation, the product was purified by flash chromatography on C18 Flash Column (gradient: 0-100% B over 50 minutes, where A=50 mM TEAB and B=acetonitrile). The target fractions were combined and lyophilized resulting in pure compound 30 (0.284 g, 47% yield), MS (ES+) calculated for (M+H) 429.21, observed m/z 429.18. Next, compound 30 (0.217 g, 0.51 mmol) was dissolved in 13 mL of dry acetonitrile under a nitrogen atmosphere. To this solution, DIPEA (97.7 uL, 0.56 mmol) and Fmoc-NHS ester (273.6 mg, 0.81 mmol) were added at 0° C. temperature and stirred for 2.0 hours at the same temperature. The product was then purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, 1:1 to 1:9/hex:EtOAc gradient, leading to a semi-pure product, which was further purified using 2-5%/MeOH—CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 gradient to obtain compound 31 (0.245 g, 74% yield), see FIG. 13. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.70 (2H, d, J=7.3 Hz), 7.59 (2H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.32 (2H, m), 7.24 (2H, m), 4.69 (2H, s), 4.35 (2H, m), 4.16 (1H, m), 4.09 (2H, m), 3.60-3.45 (12H, m), 3.36-3.26 (4H, m), 1.82 (2H, m), 1.60 (4H, m) and 1.22 (6H, s) ppm.

Example 16

Synthesis of Compound 32

[0213] Compound 31 (93 mg, 0.143 mmol) was dissolved in dry acetonitrile (12.0 mL) in a round bottom flask equipped with magnetic bar and a nitrogen gas source. To this solution, DSC (56 mg, 0.21 mmol) and DIPEA (37.44, 0.21 mmol) were added sequentially, and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5.0 hours. Additional DSC (48 mg, 0.18 mmol) and DIPEA (37.44, 0.21 mmol) were added and stirring continued for 15.0 hours at room temperature, during which time TLC showed full conversion to the activated NHS ester. The product 32 was obtained (59 mg, 53% yield) as a thick oil following silica gel flash chromatography purifications using hexane-ethyl acetate (3:7 to 1:9) gradient and was used in the next step, see FIG. 13. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.70 (2H, d, J=7.53 Hz), 7.53 (2H, d, J=7.3 Hz), 7.33 (2H, m), 7.24 (2H, m), 4.69 (2H, s), 4.34 (2H, m), 4.28 (2H, m), 4.16 (1H, m), 4.09 (2H, m), 3.57-3.46 (10H, m), 3.35-3.26 (4H, m), 2.75 (4H, s), 1.74 (4H, m), 1.62 (2H, m) and 1.23 (6H, s) ppm.

Example 17

Synthesis of Compound 34

[0214] An aliquot of compound 33 (10 μmols) (synthesized according to Ref. US 2013/0137091 A1) was lyophilized to dryness in a 15 mL centrifuge tube. It was then re-suspended in 1.0 mL of dry DMF with 60 μmols DIPEA. In a separate tube, compound 32 (30 μmols, 3 eq) was dissolved in 3.33 mL dry DMF, and added all at once. The reaction was mixed well by rigorous shaking by hand and placed on the shaker for 12 h at room temperature. Next, piperidine (0.33 mL) was added and shaking continued for 30 minutes at room temperature. The product was then purified by HPLC using CH column (gradient: 0-70% B over 40 minutes, where A=50 mM TEAB and B=acetonitrile). The product 34 was obtained in 73.3% yield (7.33 umols) after lyophilization of the target fractions, see FIG. 13.

Example 18

Synthesis of Compound 35

[0215] An aliquot of compound 34 (4.9 μmols) was dissolved in 1.0 mL distilled water and 0.5M Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (0.49 mL) in a 15 mL centrifuge tube. In a separate tube, 10 mg of 5-CR.sub.6G-NHS ester (17.9 μmol) was dissolved in 0.9 mL of dry DMF. This solution was then added to the reaction mixture all at once and stirred at room temperature for 6.0 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with 50 mM TEAB (25 mL). The product was purified by HPLC C18 (gradient: 0-60% B over 70 minutes). Compound 35 was obtained after lyophilization of the target fractions (2.15 μmol, 44% yield in ˜98% purity by HPLC, and the structure was confirmed by MS (ES+): calculated for (M−H) C.sub.58H.sub.76N.sub.10O.sub.25P.sub.3S.sub.2.sup.−, 1469.36, found m/z 1469.67, see FIG. 13.

[0216] Similarly, analogs of dATP, dCTP and dGTP were synthesized following similar procedure described for compound 35, and characterized by HPLC and LC-MS resulting a full set of A-series (98, 100, 101, and 102, FIG. 45). For dATP analog calculated for (M−H) C.sub.66H.sub.83N.sub.12O.sub.23P.sub.3S.sub.2, 1,568.4348, found m/z 1,568.4400; For dCTP analog calculated for (M−H) C.sub.52H.sub.65N.sub.12O.sub.30P.sub.3S.sub.4, 1,545.2070, found m/z 1,545.2080 and for dGTP analog calculated for (M−H) C.sub.66H.sub.93N.sub.17O.sub.27P.sub.3S.sub.4, 1,706.4369, found m/z 1,706.4400. In another aspect, the invention involves nucleotides with cleavable linker as in compound 43 for dATP analogue where the cleavable disulfide is flanked by gem-dimethyl group and the linker is attached to PA-nucleotide via urea group (—NH(C═O)NH—). The compound can be synthesized according to FIG. 14 (for dATP analogue). For other nucleotide analogues (e.g. for analogues of dCTP, dGTP, dUTP) can be synthesized similarly replacing 42 by appropriate PA-analogues at the last step of the reaction sequence.

Example 19

Synthesis of Compound 37

[0217] In a 1 L round bottom flask with equipped with stir bar, 5-(fmoc-amino)-1-pentanol (36, 20 g, 62 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (256 mL) at room temperature. To the solution, AcOH (43 mL) and Ac.sub.2O (145 mL) were added sequentially. The flask was closed with a rubber septum, placed under N.sub.2, and stirred at room temperature for 20 h. Reaction completion was confirmed by TLC. The reaction mixture was then transferred to a 3 L beaker and the flask was washed with water. The beaker was cooled in an ice bath and the reaction mixture was neutralized with 50% saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (400 mL) for 30 minutes. The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel and extracted with EtOAc (2×700 mL). The organic phase was then washed with 50% saturated K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (2×400 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude oil was purified by silica gel chromatography (0 to 20% B over 20 min, A=Hex, B=EtOAc). Collection and concentration of fractions yields compound 37 (17.77 g, 75%) as a white solid, see FIG. 14. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.79 (d, J=7.33, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=7.83, 2H), 7.441 (t, J=7.33, 2H), 7.357 (t, J=7.58, 2H), 4.803 (bs, 1H), 4.643 (s, 2H), 4.43 (d, J=6.82, 2H), 4.24 (t, J=6.82, 1H), 3.54 (t, J=6.32, 2H), 3.251 (m, 1H), 2.167 (s, 3H), 1.657-1.550 (m, 4H), and 1.446-1.441 (m, 2H) ppm.

Example 20

Synthesis of Compound 38

[0218] Compound 37 (2.77 g, 7.2 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (60 mL) in a 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with stir bar and septum under N.sub.2. To the flask, triethylamine (3.0 mL, 21.6 mL, 3 eq) and 4 Å Molecular Sieves (28 g) were added. The suspension was stirred for 10 min at room temperature, followed by 30 min in an ice bath. To the flask was added SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1M solution in DCM, 14.4 mL, 14.4 mmol, 2 eq) and the reaction mixture was stirred in the ice bath for 1 h. Reaction progress was monitored by the disappearance of starting material via TLC (1:1 Hex:EtOAc). Once SO.sub.2Cl.sub.7 activation was complete, a solution of potassium thiotosylate (2.45 g, 10.8 mmol, 1.5 eq) in DMF (60 mL) was rapidly added. The reaction mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature for 1 h. The flask was then charged with 3-mercapto-3-methylbutanol (1.8 mL, 14.4 mmol, 2 eq) and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo at 40° C. Purification by FCC (0 to 50% B over 30 min, A=Hex, B=EtOAc) afforded 38 (482 mg, 14%) as a yellow oil, see FIG. 14. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.76 (d, J=7.81, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=7.32, 2H), 7.40 (t, J=7.32, 2H), 7.31 (t, J=7.32, 2H), 4.87 (bs, 1H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 4.40 (d, J=6.84, 2H), 4.21 (t, J=6.84 1H), 3.78 (t, J=6.84, 2H), 3.57 (t, J=6.35, 2H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 1.88 (t, J=6.84, 2H), 1.64-1.50 (m, 4H), 1.42-1.39 (m, 2H) and 1.32 (s, 6H) ppm.

Example 21

Synthesis of Compound 39

[0219] Compound 38 (135 mg, 0.275 mmol) was desiccated under vacuum for 2 h in a 50 mL round bottom flask. The vacuum was removed and the flask placed under N.sub.2. Compound 38 was dissolved in DMF (3.1 mL) and the flask was charged with DIPEA (96 μL, 0.55 mmol, 2 eq). The solution was stirred for 10 min and then DSC (120 mg, 0.468 mmol, 1.7 eq) was added in one dose as a solid. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 211 and completion was verified via TLC (1:1 Hex:EtOAc). The reaction was then concentrated in vacuo at 35° C. and further dried under high vacuum for 1 h. The crude oil was loaded on to silica gel and purified by FCC (0 to 50% B over 14 min, A=hex, B=EtOAc). The fractions were checked by TLC and concentrated to afford compound 39 (133 mg, 76%) as an oil that crystallized over time, see FIG. 14. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.78 (d, J=7.58, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=7.58, 2H), 7.42 (t, J=7.58, 2H), 7.33 (t, 7.58, 2H), 4.87 (bs, 1H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 4.48 (t, J=7.07, 2H), 4.44 (d, J=6.82, 2H), 4.24 (t, J=7.07, 1H), 3.58 (t, J=6.32, 2H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 2.83 (s, 4H), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.649-1.562 (m, 4H), 1.443-1.390 (m, 2H) and 1.366 (s, 6H) ppm.

Example 22

Synthesis of Compound 40

[0220] 2,2′-(Ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) (92 μL, 635 μmol, 10 eq) and triethylamine (176 μL, 1270 μmol, 20 eq) were dissolved in DMF (10 mL). A separate solution of 6-ROX, NHS ester (40 mg, 64 umol, 1 eq) in DMF (2.7 mL) was also prepared. The 6-ROX, NHS ester solution was added drop-wise to a rapidly stirring solution containing the diamine. The reaction stirred for 2 h and progress was monitored by C18 HPLC-MS (0 to 100% B over 10 min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=MeCN). Once complete, the reaction was purified via preparative C18-HPLC (10 to 100% B over 50 min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=MeCN). The fractions were combined and lyophilized to yield compound 40 (20 mg, 48%) as a purple-red solid, see FIG. 14. MS (ES−) calculated for (M−H) C.sub.39H.sub.45N.sub.4O.sub.6 664.33, found m/z 664.56.

Example 23

Synthesis of Compound 41

[0221] Compound 40 (10 mg, 15 μmol) was dissolved in DMF (1 mL) and charged with DIPEA (8 μL, 45 μmol, 3 eq). Separately, compound 39 (28 mg, 45 μmol, 3 eq) was dissolved in DMF (0.21 mL). The solution of compound 39 was rapidly added to the solution with compound 40. The reaction was placed on a shaker plate for 1.5 h at which time analytical C18-HPLC (0-100% B over 10 min, A=50 mM Acetate Buffer pH 5.2, B=MeCN) revealed remaining compound 40. Additional compound 39 (13 mg, 21 μmol, 1.44 was added and the reaction was placed on a shaker plate for an additional hour. Without additional analytics, piperidine (300 μL) was added and allowed to react for 10 min. The reaction mixture was then directly injected on to a preparative C18-HPLC (10-100% B over 50 min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=MeCN). The fractions were collected and lyophilized to yield compound 41 (4.7 mg, 34%) as a purple-red solid, see FIG. 14. MS (ES+) calculated for (M+H) C.sub.51H.sub.68N.sub.5O.sub.9S.sub.2.sup.+959.45, found m/z 959.76.

Example 24

Synthesis of Compound 43

[0222] A 5 mL sample vial was charged with amine 41 (2 mg, 2 μmol), DSC (0.8 mg, 3 μmol, 1.5 eq), DIPEA (0.7 μL, 4 μmol, 2 eq), and N,N-dimethylformamide (1.7 mL). The reaction mixture was placed on a shaker for 1 h. Reaction progress was monitored by C18-HPLC (0 to 100% B over 10 min, A=50 mM Acetate Buffer pH 5.2, B=MeCN). Next, nucleotide 42 (6 umol, 3 eq, Ref. US 2013/0137091 A1) in 0.1 Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (3.3 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was placed on a shaker overnight. The reaction was next diluted with water and purified by preparative C18-HPLC (0 to 60% B over 70 min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=MeCN) to give the title compound 43 (0.5 μmol, 25%), see FIG. 14. MS (ES−) calculated for (M−H) C.sub.67H.sub.87N.sub.13O.sub.22P.sub.3S.sub.2 1581.47, found m/z 1581.65.

Example 25

[0223] In another aspect, the cleavable linker can be compound 45, where the linker is tethered to PA-nucleotides via urea functionality and the disulfide is connected to the dye by a two carbon linker. The resulting nucleotide analogue in such case can be as in compound 49 (dGTP analogue), which can be synthesized according to the FIG. 15. Other nucleotide analogues (e.g. analogues of dATP, dUTP, dCTP) can be synthesized similarly by replacing nucleotide 46 with appropriate PA-nucleotide analogues in the third step of the reaction sequence.

Example 26

Synthesis of Compound 44

[0224] A 100 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 37 (1.00 g, 2.59 mmol) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, molecular sieves and triethylamine (0.72 mL, 5.18 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature and cooled to 0° C. Sulfuryl chloride (4.40 mL, 4.40 mmol) was added slowly and the resultant mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. TLC analysis using 20% ethyl acetate in hexanes indicated the disappearance of starting material, and a solution of benzenethionosulfonic acid sodium salt (648 mg, 3.89 mmol) in N′,N′-dimethylformamide (5 mL) was added in one portion at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at room temperature. Next, N-(trifluoroacetamido)ethanethiol (896 mg, 5.18 mmol) was added in one portion and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. The molecular sieves were filtered off and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel using 0-20% ethyl acetate-hexanes gradient, to give the title compound 44 (529 mg, 39%) as a yellowish oil. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3), see FIG. 15: δ.sub.H 7.76 (d, J=7.52 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, J=7.50 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 2H), 4.82 (s, 2H), 4.42 (d, 2H), 4.21-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.70-3.67 (m, 2H), 3.59-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.17-3.16 (m, 2H) and 1.64-1.40 (m, 6H) ppm.

Example 27

Synthesis of Compound 45

[0225] A 25 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with carbamate 44 (100 mg, 0.184 mmol), and 1 mL of 20% piperidine solution in N,N-dimethylformamide at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, then diluted with acetonitrile (5 mL) and purified via reverse phase preparative HPLC using a 0-30% acetonitrile-TEAB buffer gradient to give the title compound 45 (11 mg, 20%) as a clear oil, see FIG. 15. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD) δ.sub.H 4.90 (s, 2H), 3.64-3.60 (m, 2H), 3.32 (s, 2H), 2.98-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.86-2.82 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.48 (m, 2H) and 1.33-1.30 (m, 2H) ppm.

Example 28

Synthesis of Compound 47

[0226] A 5 mL sample vial was charged with amine 45 (0.960 mg, 3.0 μmol), DSC (1.15 mg, 4.5 Mmol) and triethylamine (60 μL, 6.0 μmol) and shaken for 2 hours at room temperature. Then a solution consisting of 3 eq of nucleotide 46 in 200 μL (ref. US 2013/0137091 A1) in N,N-dimethylformamide was added. The reaction mixture was placed on a shaker for 12 hours. The reaction was next diluted with TEAB buffer and purified by preparative reverse phase HPLC using a 0-30% acetonitrile: 50 mM TEAB buffer gradient to give the title compound 47 (in 14% yield), see FIG. 15. MS (ES−): calculated for (M−H) C.sub.26H.sub.37F.sub.3N.sub.10O.sub.16P.sub.3S.sub.2.sup.−, 959.10, found m/z 959.24.

Example 29

Synthesis of Compound 48

[0227] Nucleotide 47 (1 μmol) was dissolved in TEAB buffer (200 μL of 50 mM aqueous soln.) and treated with 200 μL of ammonium hydroxide (30% aqueous soln.) for 50 minutes at room temperature. The reaction was then diluted with TEAB buffer (1 mL of 1M solution) and distilled water (5 mL). The resulting mixture was purified via C18-HPLC, 0-30% Acetonitrile: 50 mM TEAB buffer gradient to afford the title compound 48 (0.40 μmol, 90%), see FIG. 15. MS (ES−): calculated for (M−H) C.sub.24H.sub.38N.sub.10O.sub.15P.sub.3S.sub.2.sup.−, 863.12, found m/z 863.45.

Example 30

Synthesis of Compound 49

[0228] An aliquot of compound 48 (0.04 μmols) was dissolved in 0.1 mL distilled water and 0.5M Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (20 μL) in a 3 mL eppendorf tube. In a separate tube, 1 mg of ROX-NHS ester (0.168 μmop was dissolved in 48 μL of dry DMF. This solution was then added to the reaction mixture all at once and stirred at room temperature for 6.0 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with 50 mM TEAB (5 mL). The product was purified by C18-HPLC using (0-60% B gradient, A=50 mM TEAB, B=acetonitrile). Compound 49 was obtained after lyophilization of the target fractions (0.03 μmol, 30% yield), see FIG. 15. MS (ES−) calculated for (M−H), C.sub.57H.sub.67N.sub.12O.sub.19P.sub.3S.sub.2.sup.−1380.33, found 1380.25.

Cleavage Comparison with Regular Disulfide Linked Nucleotides

[0229] This new class of nucleotides containing cleavable oxymethylenedisulfide (—OCH.sub.2—SS—) linker, disclosed herein, was compared with regular disulfide (—SS—) linked nucleotide (e.g. nucleotide 50, described in US Pat. Appln. 2013/0137091 [46]) under reducing phosphine based cleavage conditions. A stark difference in these two classes of nucleotides was observed. When labeled nucleotide 50 was exposed to 10 eq of TCEP at 65° C., it generated a number of side products including compound 52 along with the expected product 51 identified by LC-MS (FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, 5 minutes exposure). The proportion of the unwanted side products increased over time (FIG. 18, 15 minutes exposure). Under identical cleavage conditions, the oxymethylenedisulfide linked nucleotide 35 cleanly produced the desired cleavage products, compounds 53 and 54. The methylene thiol segment (—CH.sub.2SH) of the linker was fully eliminated from the nucleotide upon cleavage of the disulfide group (FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, 5 minutes exposure). In addition, a prolonged exposure to TCEP did not generate further side products as revealed by LC-MS (FIG. 22, 15 minutes exposure). Therefore, this new class of nucleotides could offer significant advantages in the use of DNA sequencing by synthesis (SBS) by eliminating side reactions inherent to the presence of a thiol group as shown in FIG. 4.

Example 31

Synthesis of Compound 57

[0230] In another embodiment, the 3′—OH group of the nucleotides can be capped with —CM-SS-Et or —CH.sub.2—SS-Me, and the fluorophore dyes are attached to the nucleobases via one of the cleavable —OCH.sub.2—SS— linkers described earlier (e.g. as in compound 35, 43, and 49).

[0231] The synthesis of PA nucleotides with 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Et and —OCH.sub.2—SS-Me, can be achieved according to FIG. 10 and FIG. 22, respectively. The difference in the synthesis of 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Me analogues from that of 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Et (FIG. 10) is the replacement of mercaptoethanol (EtSH) by methanethiol or sodium thiomethoxide at the appropriate step as shown in FIG. 22. The —OCH.sub.2—SS-Me group is the smallest structure among all possible 3′-O—CH.sub.2—SS—R analogues. Therefore, nucleotide analogues with 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Me capping group should perform better than those of other analogues in terms of enzymatic incorporation rates and cleavability by reducing agents such as TCEP.

[0232] Next, the resultant PA-nucleotide (e.g. 57) can be coupled to the appropriate cleavable —OCH.sub.2—SS— linkers, and finally to fluorophore dye as shown in the FIG. 23 using the activated linker 32. And other nucleotides with differing dyes can be synthesized similarly using the appropriate PA-nucleotides (e.g. PA analogues of dATP, dGTP, dCTP) and NHS activated dyes (Alexa488-NHS, ROX-NHS, Cy5-NHS ester etc.) achieving nucleotide analogues labeled with different fluorophore reporting groups.

Example 32

[0233] Nucleotide analogues with different linker can be achieved following the protocols described, as shown in in the synthesis of compounds 60 and 61 (FIG. 24).

[0234] Diverse sets of 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Et and 3′-OCH.sub.2—SS-Me nucleotides with cleavable linkers —OCH.sub.2—SS—, but differing in the chain lengths and substitution at the α-carbons can be synthesized similarly. The resulting classes of nucleotides are shown in the FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27. Among nucleotides shown in the FIG. 25, the cleavable linker is flanked by stabilizing gem-dimethyl group attached to flexible ethylene-glycol linker and attached to PA-nucleobase via carbamate functional group (—NH—C(C═O)—O—), while in FIG. 26, the carbamate group is replaced by urea group (—NH—C(C═O)—NH—). On the other hand, among nucleotides shown in FIG. 27, the disulfide group is attached to primary carbon chain, and tethered to the PA-nucleobase by urea functional group.

Example 33

Synthesis of Compound 64

[0235] A 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with compound 62 (3.0 g, 4.58 mmol), 25 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 3-Å molecular sieves (5.0 g) and cyclohexene (0.55 mL, 5.4 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-bath and SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (6.8 mL, 1M in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 1.5 eq) was added slowly via a syringe, and stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. Next, an extra 0.5 eq of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 were added to ensure complete conversion to compound 63. The volatiles were removed under vacuum while keeping the temperature close to 10° C. The resulting solid was re-suspended in 20 mL of dry DMF and kept under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0236] In a separate flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (2.45 g, 11.44 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (30 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, and treated with NaH (274.5 mg, 60% in oil) producing a grey slurry. To this, compound 63 was added at once and stirred at room temperature for 3 hrs under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite®-S (20 g) in a funnel eluting the product with EtOAc (100 mL). The EtOAc solution was then washed with distilled water (2×100 mL). The EtOAc extract was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, concentrated by rotary evaporation, and purified by flash chromatography (column: 120 g RediSepRfGold, gradient: 80% Hex to 50 Hex:EtOAc). See FIG. 43. The target compound (64) was obtained as white solid (1.2 g, 32% yield, R.sub.E: 0.4, Hex:EtOAc/3:2). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δH 8.13 (m, 3H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 6.12 (m, 1H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 4.31 (m, 3H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.82-3.60 (m, 13H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 1.84 (m, 1H), 0.78 (m, 9H), and 0.01 (m, δH) ppm.

Example 34

Synthesis of Compound 65

[0237] Compound 64 (1.2 g 1.46 mmol) was dried under high vacuum with P.sub.2O.sub.5 in a desiccator overnight and dissolved in 30 mL of anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.7 in a 100 mL flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer. To this was added dimethyldisulfide (0.657 mL, 7.3 mmol), and the reaction flask was placed on an ice-bath. Dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate (DMTSF, 316 mg, 1.1 eq) was then added and stirred for 1.5 hr at 0° C. The reaction mixture was transferred to a 250 mL separatory funnel and neutralized with 50 mL of 0.1M aq. solution of NaHCO.sub.3, and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2×50 mL). See FIG. 43. The organic portion was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated by rotary evaporation. The crude product was purified on a silica gel column (80 g RediSepRf gold) using gradient 80-50% Hex-EtOAc to result in 0.82 g of compound 65 (82% yield, R.sub.F=0.5, Hex:EtOAc/3:2). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δH 8.15 (m, 3H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 6.11 (m, 1H), 4.80-4.65 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.83-3.67 (m, 2H), 2.49 (m, 1H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 0.78 (m, 9H), and 0.10 (m, 6H) ppm.

Example 35

Synthesis of Compound 66

[0238] A round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer was charged with compound 65 (0.309 g, 0.45 mmol) and 10.0 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (10.0 mL) and placed on an ice-bath under a nitrogen atmosphere. TBAF (0.72 mL, 0.72 mmol, in 1M solution) was added slowly via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 0° C. The reaction mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel and quenched with 0.5 M NaHCO.sub.3 solution (50 mL). The resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The product 66 was obtained as a white powder after silica gel column chromatography in 76% yield (196 mg, R.sub.f=0.3, Hex:EtOAc/1:1) on a 40 g RediSepRf column using gradient 7:3 to 2:3 Hex:EtOAc. See FIG. 43. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δH 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.25 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 6.21 (m, 1H), 4.90-80 (m, 2H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.85 (m, 2H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H) and 2.31 (m, 1H) ppm.

[0239] The product 67 was obtained after phosphorylation of compound 66 (confirmed by LC-MS m/z (M−H) 611.19 for C.sub.14H.sub.23N.sub.4O.sub.13P.sub.3S.sub.2 for 67) via standard triphosphate synthesis method (see the synthesis of compound 5 for detail and see FIG. 8). It was further converted to dye labeled products according to procedure described for compounds presented in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15.

Example 36

Synthesis of Compound 70

[0240] Compound 68 (7.3 g, 13.8 mmol) was dried in a desiccator overnight and dissolved in anhydrous DCM (70 mL) in a dry 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with a stirbar and rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2. Cyclohexene (1.54 mL, 15.2 mmol, 1.1 equiv) and dry 3-A molecular sieves (16.6 g) were added to the reaction mixture and the resulting suspension was stirred for 20 min at 0° C. in an ice-water bath. Next, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 M solution in DCM, 32.7 mL, 2.36 eqiv) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. Reaction progress was monitored by the disappearance of the starting material via TLC (100% EtOAc). Once the SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 activation was complete, a mixture of (MeO).sub.3BnSH (7.4 g, 34.5 mmol, 2.5 eqiv) and NaH (1.32 g, 33.12 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in DMF (120 mL) was prepared and rapidly added in one portion. The reaction was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo at 40° C. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes gradient 15 mins, followed by 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes for 45 mins) afforded the desired compound 70 (4.2 g, 43.7% yield) as a clear oil. See FIG. 44. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 7.94 (m, 2H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 6.03 (s, 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.73 (m, 13H), 2.52 (m, 2H), 0.81 (s, 9H) and 0.002 (d, 6H) ppm.

Example 37

Synthesis of Compound 71

[0241] Compound 70 (2 g, 2.87 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DCM (38 mL) in a 200 mL round bottom flask equipped with stirbar and a rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled on an ice-water bath. To this mixture was added dimethyldisulfide (1.3 mL, 14.36 mmol, 5 equiv), followed by addition of DMTSF (620 mg, 3.15 mmol, 1.1 equiv) as a solution in DCM (20 mL), in one portion. The resulting mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and then stirred for an additional 4 h. The reaction was quenched by addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO.sub.3 (100 mL), extracted with DCM (150 mL×2) and EtOAc (200 mL) dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes gradient 15 mins, followed by 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes for 45 mins) afforded the desired compound 71 (1 g, 62% yield) as a white powder. See FIG. 44. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 4.82 (m, 2H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 3.77 (m, 2H), 2.61 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 0.81 (s, 9H) and 0.00 (d, 6H) ppm.

Example 38

Synthesis of Compound 72

[0242] Compound 71 (562 mg, 1.25 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (30 mL) in a 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a stirbar and rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled on an ice-water bath. TBAF (1.5 mL of 1 M soln. in THF, 1.5 equiv) was then added dropwise and stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC (100% ethyl acetate R.sub.f for compound 72=0.205, R.sub.f for compound 71=0.627). Upon reaction completion methanol (5 mL) was added, the reaction was concentrated on the rotary and the residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes gradient 15 mins, followed by 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes for 45 mins) to afford the desired compound 72 (280 mg, 62% yield) as white powder. See FIG. 44. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 6.25 (m, 1H), 4.83 (m, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 3.93 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 2.99 (m, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H) and 2.41 (m, 1H) ppm.

[0243] Compound 72 was then converted to triphosphate 73 following standard triphosphate synthesis described earlier (see the synthesis of compound 5 in FIG. 8).

Example 39

Synthesis of Compound 108

[0244] A 1 L round bottom flask equipped with a stirbar was charged with 1,4-butanediol (18.3 g, 203.13 mmol) in 100 mL of anhydrous pyridine and cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. tert-Butyldiphenylsilylchloride (13.8 mL, 70 mmol) was then added dropwise via syringe, the reaction was allowed to gradually warm to room temperature and stirring continued at rt for 12 h. The volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation and the residue absorbed onto 80 grams of silica gel. Purification via flash column chromatography on silica gel using 30 to 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient resulted in 4-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-butane-1-ol, 108 (13.7 g, 59.5% yield, R.sub.f=0.7 with 1:1/hexanes:ethyl acetate, .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.70 (m, 4H), 7.40 (m, 6H), 3.75 (m, 2H), 3.65 (2H, m), 1.70 (m, 4H), 1.09 (m, 9H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 40

Synthesis of compound 109

[0245] A 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar and was charged with compound 108 (6.07 g, 18.5 mmol) and 90 mL anhydrous DMSO. Acetic acid (15 mL) and acetic anhydride (50 mL) were sequentially added and the reaction was stirred for 20 h at room temperature, transferred to a separatory funnel and partitioned between 300 mL distilled water and 300 mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was then transferred to a 1 L beaker and neutralized using a saturated aqueous K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution (500 mL). The organic layer was washed with distilled water (3×300 mL) and dried over MgSO.sub.4. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified via flash column chromatography on a silica gel (hexanes:ethyl acetate/97:3 to 90:10) to obtain 4-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-1-O-(methylthiomethyl)-butane, 109 (5.15 g, 71.7% yield, R.sub.f=0.8 in 9:1/hexanes:ethyl acetate). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.70 (m, 4H), 7.40 (m, 6H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 3.70 (m, 2H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 2.15 (s, 2H), 1.70 (m, 4H), 1.08 (in, 9H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 41

Synthesis of Compound 110

[0246] A 1 L round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirbar was charged with compound 109 (15.5 g, 40 mmol), anhydrous dichloromethane (450 mL), 3 Å molecular sieves (80 g) and triethylamine (5.6 mL) and the reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min under a nitrogen atmosphere. Next, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (64 mL of 1 M soln. in dichloromethane) was added slowly via syringe and stirred for 1 h at 0° C. Ice bath was then removed and a solution of potassium-thiotosylate (10.9 g, 48.1 mmol) in 20 mL anhydrous DMF was added at once. The resulting mixture was stirred for 20 min at room temperature, added at once to a 2 L round bottom flask containing a solution of 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol (4.4 mL, 36 mmol) in DMF (20 mL). The reaction was stirred for 30 min at room temperature, and then filtered through celite-S. The product was partitioned between equal amounts of ethyl acetate and water. The organic extracts were washed with distilled water in a reparatory funnel, followed by concentrating the crude product by rotary evaporation. Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate:hexanes gradient gave the title compound 110 (5.6 g, 26%). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.67-7.70 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.47 (m, 6H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 3.81 (t, J=6.73 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (t, J=6.21 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (t, J=6.55, 2H), 1.90 (t, J=6.95 Hz, 2H), 1.58-1.77 (m, 4H), 1.34 (s, 6H), and 1.07 (s, 9H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 42

Synthesis of Compound 111

[0247] A 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 110 (5.1 g, 10.36 mmol), anhydrous pyridine (100 mL) and 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) (3.36 g, 20.7 mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature and poured into a solution of 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) (7.6 mL, 51.8 mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (50 mL). Stirring continued for 1 h and the volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation. The resulting crude was purified via flash column chromatography on silica gel using (0-15% methanol in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2) to furnish compound 111 (4.4 g, 65% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.63-7.68 (m, 4H), 7.34-7.44 (m, 6H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 4.17 (t, J=7.07 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (t, J=6.16 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (s, 4H), 3.49-3.51 (m, 6H), 3.31-3.39 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 1.9 (t, J=7.06 Hz, 2H), 1.57-1.73 (m, 4H), 1.31 (s, 6H) and 1.03 (s, 9H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 43

Synthesis of Compound 113

[0248] A 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 111 (0.94 g, 1.42 mmol), anhydrous THF (40 mL) and of TBAF (1.6 mL of 1 M soln. in THF, 1.6 mmol) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2.0 h at 0° C., during which time LC-MS showed complete removal of the TBDPS protecting group. After removing the volatiles on the rotary, the product was purified via flash chromatography on silica gel (0-5% methanol in dichloromethane gradient, to give pure compound 112 (0.284 g, 47% yield), MS (ES+) calculated for (M+H) 429.21, observed m/z 429.18.

[0249] Next, compound 112 (0.217 g, 0.51 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (13 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere and cooled to 0° C. DIPEA (97.7 μL, 0.56 mmol) and Fmoc-NHS ester (273.6 mg, 0.81 mmol) were added and the reaction stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel, using 50 to 90% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient, produced a semi-pure product, which was further purified via column chromatography on silica gel using 2-5% methanol in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 gradient to furnish compound 113 (0.245 g, 74% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.70 (2H, d, J=7.3 Hz), 7.59 (2H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 7.32 (2H, m), 7.24 (2H, m), 4.69 (2H, s), 4.35 (2H, m), 4.16 (1H, m), 4.09 (2H, m), 3.60-3.45 (12H, m), 3.36-3.26 (4H, m), 1.82 (2H, m). 1.60 (4H, m) and 1.22 (6H, s) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 44

Synthesis of Compound 114

[0250] A 50 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 7 (170 mg, 0.26 mmol), anhydrous acetonitrile (15 mL), DSC (100 mg, 0.39 mmol) and DPIEA (68 μL, 0.39 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h and additional DSC (100 mg, 0.39 mmol) and DIPEA (68 μL, 0.39 mmol) were added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. Reaction progress was followed by TLC(R.sub.f=0.4 for starting material, product R.sub.f=0.8 in 9:1/ethyl acetate:hexanes). The volatiles were removed by rotary evaporation, and the residue remaining was purified via 3-successive silica gel columns using hexanes-ethyl acetate gradient to give compound 114 (121 mg, 59% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.81 (m, 2H), 7.63 (m, 2H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 4.37 (t, J=7.65 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (m, 2H), 4.18 (m, 2H), 3.67-3.55 (m, 10H), 3.39 (m, 4H), 2.84 (s, 4H), 1.88 (m, 4H), 1.73 (m, 4H), and 1.32 (s, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 53.

Example 45

Synthesis of Compound 117

[0251] A 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 68 (7.3 g, 13.8 mmol, pre-dried in a desiccator overnight), anhydrous dichloromethane (70 mL), cyclohexene (1.54 mL, 15.2 mmol) and 3-Å molecular sieves (16.6 g) and the resulting suspension was stirred for 20 min at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Next, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 M solution in dichloromethane, 32.7 mL, 2.36 equiv) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. Reaction progress was monitored via TLC for disappearance of the starting material (100% ethyl acetate). Once the SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 activation was complete, a mixture of (MeO).sub.3BnSH (7.4 g, 34.5 mmol, 2.5 eqiv) and NaH (1.32 g, 33.12 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in DMF (120 mL) was prepared and rapidly added in one portion. The reaction was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo at 40° C. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel using 0 to 60% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient afforded the desired compound 70 (4.2 g, 43.7% yield) as a clear oil. H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 7.94 (m, 2H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 6.03 (s, 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.73 (m, 13H), 2.52 (m, 2H), 0.81 (s, 9H) and 0.002 (d, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 54.

Example 46

Synthesis of Compound 71

[0252] A 200 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 117 (2.0 g, 2.87 mmol) and dichloromethane (38 mL) under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled on an ice-water bath. To this mixture was added dimethyldisulfide (1.3 mL, 14.36 mmol, 5 equiv), followed by addition of DMTSF (620 mg, 3.15 mmol, 1.1 equiv) as a solution in dichloromethane (20 mL). The resulting mixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and stirred for an additional 4 h. The reaction was then quenched by addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO.sub.3 (100 mL), extracted with dichloromethane (150 mL×2) and ethyl acetate (200 mL) dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 60% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient) gave the desired compound 71 (1.0 g, 62%) as a white powder. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 4.82 (m, 2H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 3.77 (m, 2H), 2.61 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 0.81 (s, 9H) and 0.00 (d, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 54.

Example 47

Synthesis of Compound 119

[0253] Compound 71 (562 mg, 1.25 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (30 mL) in a round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar and rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled on an ice-water bath. TBAF (1.5 mL of 1 M soln. in THF, 1.5 equiv) was then added dropwise and stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC (100% ethyl acetate R.sub.f for compound 119=0.2, R.sub.f for compound 71=0.6). Upon reaction completion methanol (5 mL) was added, the reaction was concentrated on the rotary and the residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 60% ethyl acetate:hexanes gradient 15 mins, followed by 60% ethyl acetate in hexanes for 45 mins) to afford the desired compound 119 (280 mg, 62% yield) as white powder. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.44 (m, 2H), 6.25 (m, 1H), 4.83 (m, 2H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 3.93 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 2.99 (m, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H) and 2.41 (m, 1H) ppm.

[0254] Compound 119 was then converted to triphosphate 120 using the standard triphosphate synthesis method vide infra, except the de-protection was carried out by treating with 10% NH.sub.4OH for 5 h at room temperature to minimize —SSMe cleavage. Yield 25%; HRMS-ES.sup.+: calculated for C.sub.12H.sub.20N.sub.5O.sub.12P.sub.3S.sub.2, 582.976, observed m/z 582.975 The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 54.

Example 48

Synthesis of Compound 123

[0255] Compound 121 (2.5 g, 4.94 mmol) was dried in a desiccator overnight and dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (25 mL) in a dry round bottom flask equipped with a stirbar and rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2. Cyclohexene (0.55 mL, 1.1 equiv) and dry 3-A molecular sieves (6.0 g) were added to the reaction mixture and the resulting suspension was stirred for 20 min at room temperature. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-salt-water bath to bring the temperature to sub-zero and SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (7.4 mL, 1 M solution in dichloromethane) was added slowly with a syringe. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h followed by addition of 0.5 equivalents of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 to bring the reaction to completion. Reaction progress was monitored via TLC by the disappearance of the starting material. Next, a suspension of (MeO).sub.3BnSH (2.65 g, 12.35 mmol, 2.5 eqiv) and NaH (0.472 g, 11.85 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in DMF (40 mL) was prepared in a separate flask. The reaction mixture was combined and slowly warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then filtered through a glass sintered funnel to remove MS, the filtrate was quenched by addition of 50 mM aqueous NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4 solution (50 mL) and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organics were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography on silica gel using hexanes:ethyl acetate gradient gave the desired compound 123 (1.4 g, 42.2% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.29 (m, 1H), 7.77 (m, 2H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 2H), 6.15 (m, 1H), 5.99 (m, 2H), 4.55 (m, 2H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.69 (m, 9H), 2.52 (m, 1H), 1.97 (m, 1H), 0.80 (m, 9H) and 0.01 (m, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 55.

Example 49

Synthesis of Compound 124

[0256] Compound 123 (1.4 g, 2.08 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (42 mL) in a 200 mL round bottom flask equipped with stirbar and a rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled to at 0° C. To this mixture was added dimethyldisulfide (0.93 mL, 10.4 mmol, 5 equiv), followed by addition of DMTSF (450 mg, 2.28 mmol, 1.1 equiv). The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The reaction was quenched by addition 50 mM NaHCO.sub.3 (100 mL), extracted with dichloromethane (100 mL×2) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. The product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluted with 0 to 30% ethyl acetate in dichloromethane gradient to afford the desired compound 124 (0.93 g, 83.1%) as a white powder. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.48 (m, 1H), 7.93 (m, 2H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.37 (m, 2H) 6.00 (m, 1H), 4.73 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.07 (m, 1H), 3.84 (m, 1H), 3.73 (m, 1H), 2.44 (m, 1H), 2.33 (m, 3H), 2.25 (m, 1H), 0.76 (m, 9H) and 0.01 (m, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 55.

Example 50

Synthesis of Compound 125

[0257] Compound 124 (930 mg, 1.73 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (52 mL) in a 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a stirbar and rubber septum under an atmosphere of N.sub.2 and cooled to 0° C. on an ice-water bath. TBAF (3.5 mL of 1 M soln. in THF, 1.5 equiv) was then added drop-wise and stirred at 0° C. for 4 h. Upon reaction completion methanol (5 mL) was added to quench the reaction, the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel (0 to 75% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient) to afford the desired compound 125 (425 mg, 58% yield) as white powder. .sup.1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.24 (m, 1H), 7.81 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 6.09 (m, 1H), 4.80 (m, 2H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.17 (m, 1H), 3.94 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 2.58 (m, 1H), 2.40 (m, 3H) and 2.41 (m, 1H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 55.

Example 51

Synthesis of Compound 126

[0258] Compound 125 was then converted to triphosphate 126 using the standard triphosphate synthesis procedure vide infra; the final de-protection step was carried out by treating with 10% NH.sub.4OH for 2 h at room temperature to minimize —SSMe cleavage. 30% yield, HR MS-ES.sup.+: calculated for C.sub.11H.sub.20N.sub.3O.sub.13P.sub.3S.sub.2, 558.965; observed m/z 558.964. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 55.

Example 52

Synthesis of Compound 130

[0259] A 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 127 (2.0 g, 2.8 mmol) and dried in a desiccator over P.sub.2O.sub.5 under high vacuum for 12 h. Dichloromethane (40 mL) was added under N.sub.2 and the resulting solution cooled on a salt-ice bath for 15 minutes. Cyclohexene (0.34 mL, 3.4 mmol) was added, followed by dropwise addition of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3.4 mL, 1 M soln. in dichloromethane, 3.4 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, and the reaction progress was monitored by TLC (ethyl acetate:hexanes/1:1, 127 R.sub.f=0.5, 128 R.sub.f=0.15 for —CH.sub.2Cl decomposed product). Additional SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3.1 mL, 1 M soln. in dichloromethane, 3.1 mmol) was added drop-wise and the reaction mixture was stirred for another 40 minutes to ensure complete conversion to compound 128. This mixture was then concentrated under high vacuum at 0° C.

[0260] Anhydrous dichloromethane (40 mL) was then added to the residue under N.sub.2 and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. until all solids dissolved. A solution of potassium p-toluenethiosulfonate (0.96 g. 425 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added slowly and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The mixture was first concentrated under reduced pressure at 0° C., and then at room temperature. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel column using 0 to 100% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient to give compound 130 as a cream solid (1.1 g, 51%; TLC R.sub.f: 0.35, ethyl acetate:hexanes 2:1). MS (ES) m/z: 733 [M+1.sup.+]. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): δ.sub.H 8.02 (br.s, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.88 (d, J8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (m, 4H), 7.38 (m, 6H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 6.01 (t, J=6.6 Hz 1H), 5.46 & 5.38 (AB, J.sub.AB=12.1 Hz, 2H), 4.97 (m, 1H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 3.74 (dd, J=12.5, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (dd, J=12.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.87 (m, 1H), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 1.26 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 56.

Example 53

Synthesis of Compound 131

[0261] To a solution of 130 (1.1 g 1.5 mmol) in dichloromethane (anhydrous, 40 mL) cooled in on an ice-water bath was added dimethyldisulfide (0.66 mL, 7.5 mmol) under N.sub.2. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 min and NaSMe (0.23 g, 3.3 mmol) was added in one portion. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 4 h (the reaction progress was monitored by TLC (ethyl acetate:hexanes/2:1, 130 R.sub.f=0.35, 131 R.sub.f=0.45). The mixture was filtered through Celite-S and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified on silica gel column, eluted with ethyl acetate in hexanes (0˜100%)) to afford compound 131 as a white solid (0.68 g, 75%; TLC R.sub.f: 0.45, Ethyl acetate/hexanes/2:1). MS (ES) m/z: 625 [M+1.sup.+]. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.00 (br. s, 1H), 7.45 (m, 4H), 7.39 (m, 4H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 6.24 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 5.05 (m, 1H), 4.99 & 4.94 (AB, J.sub.AB=11.4 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (m, 1H), 3.99 (dd, J=12.5, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (dd, J=12.5, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (m, 1H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 1.30 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H) and 1.29 (m, 3H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 56.

Example 54

Synthesis of Compound 132

[0262] Compound 131 was then converted to triphosphate 132 via standard triphosphate synthesis method described in standard method section. 25% yield; HRMS-ES.sup.+: calculated for C.sub.12H.sub.20N.sub.5O.sub.13P.sub.3S.sub.2, 598.971, observed m/z 598.970. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 56.

Example 55

Synthesis of Compound 134

[0263] Compound 133 (4.47 g, 10.7 mmol) and (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (TMPM-SH) were dried under high vacuum for 2 h and then placed in a desiccator with P.sub.2O.sub.5 for 12 h. Compound 133 was dissolved in anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (50.0 mL) and cyclohexene (10 mL, 96.6 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at −10° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Next a freshly prepared solution of 1 M SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (25 mL, 26.75 mmol) was added drop-wise via addition funnel, and the resulting mixture stirred for 1 hour at −10° C. The volatiles were removed in vacuo while keeping the bath temperature at 10° C. The residue was then dissolved in anhydrous DMF (52 mL) and kept under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0264] In a separate flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (4 g, 18.7 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (48 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere and cooled to 0° C. NaH (1.1 g, 26.8 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) was then added and the resulting grey slurry was stirred for 15 minutes at 0° C. It was added to the former solution in one portion and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then partitioned in a reparatory funnel (150:300 mL/brine:ethyl acetate). The organic layer was then washed with brine (2×150 mL). The aqueous layer was back-extracted (4×50 mL ethyl acetate). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed and product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel column (column: 120 g RediSepRfGold-ISCO, gradient 0-100% ethyl acetate in hexanes). The target compound 134 was obtained as white solid in 22% yield (1.35 g). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 6.30 (m, 1H), 6.12 (s, 2H), 4.71 (dd, 2H), 4.43 (m, 1H), 4.04 (m, 1H), 3.87 (m, 1H), 3.83 (m, 9H), 3.74 (dd, 1H), 2.74 (ddd, 1H), 2.34 (ddd, 1H), 1.93 (m, 2H) 1.53 (s, 3H), 0.93 (m, 9H), 0.11 (m, 6H) ppm. LCMS (ESI) [M−H.sup.+] observed 581, R.sub.f=0.59 (4:6/hexanes-ethyl acetate). And compound 135 was also isolated as a side product in 22.5% yield (1.13 g). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.41 (m, 1H), 6.12 (M, 3H), 4.76 (dd, 2H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.01 (m, 1H), 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.82 (m, 9H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 2.29 (m, 2H), 2.04 (s, 3H) and 1.91 (m, 2H) ppm. LCMS (ESI) [M−H.sup.+] observed 467. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 57.

Example 56

Synthesis of Compound 136

[0265] Compound 134 (3.6 g, 6.2 mmol) in a 100 mL round bottom flask was dried under high vacuum for 2 h and then placed in a vacuum desiccator with P.sub.2O.sub.5 for 12 h. Anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (96 mL) and dimethyldisulfide (2.8 mL, 30.9 mmol) were added, and the reaction cooled to 0° C. Dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate (DMTSF, 1.34 g, 6.82 mmol) was then added and the reaction stirred for 1 h at 0° C. The reaction mixture was next transferred to a 250 mL separatory funnel and neutralized with 90 mL of 0.1 M aqueous solution of NaHCO.sub.3, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×200 mL). Combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated on the rotary. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel column using 30-50% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient. The target compound 136 was obtained as white solid (2.1 g, 77% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.29 (dd, 1H), 4.87 (dd, 2H), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.13 (m, 1H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 3.5 (m, 1H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 2.45 (dd, 1H), 2.04 (dd, 1H) and 1.54 (s, 2H), 0.93 (m, 9H) and 0.13 (m, 6H) ppm. LCMS (ESI) [M−H.sup.+] observed 447.0. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 57.

Example 57

Synthesis of Compound 137

[0266] Compound 136 (2.16 g, 4.8 mmol) in a 100 mL round bottom flask dried under high vacuum for 2 h, was dissolved in anhydrous THF (40 mL) followed by addition of acetic acid (1.2 mL) and TBAF in THF (6.7 mL of 1 M solution, 6.72 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. and then for 2 additional hours at room temperature. The volatiles were removed in vacuo and the residue purified via flash chromatography on 40 g RediSepRf gold column using 0-8% Methanol in dichloromethane gradient. The target compound 137 was obtained as white solid (1.45 g, 90% yield). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 6.11 (t, 1H), 4.87 (dd, 2H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 4.14 (q, 1H), 3.94 (dd, 1H), 3.83 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.93 (s, 3H) ppm; LCMS (ESI) [M−H.sup.+] observed 333. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 57.

Example 58

Synthesis of Compound 138

[0267] The product 138 was obtained after phosphorylation of compound 137 using the standard triphosphate synthesis method vide infra. 40% yield, HR LC-MS: calculated for C.sub.12H.sub.21N.sub.2O.sub.14P.sub.3S.sub.2, 573.965; observed m/z 573.964. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 57.

Example 59

Synthesis of Compound 141

[0268] A 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 139 (2.23 g, 3.55 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (20 mL), 3-Å molecular sieves (3.5 g) and cyclohexene (0.60 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (5.4 mL, 1 M in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 1.5 equiv) were added slowly via a syringe. The reaction was stirred for 1.5 h at 0° C. and an additional 1.8 mL of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 M soln. in dichloromethane) was added and stirring continued for 40 minutes at 0° C. to ensure complete conversion to compound 140. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure while keeping the bath temperature close to 10° C. The resulting solid was re-suspended in 20 mL of anhydrous DMF and kept under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0269] In a separate flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (1.98 g, 9.25 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (15 mL) and treated with NaH (247 mg, 60% in mineral oil, 6.17 mM) producing a dark grey slurry. Next, compound 140 solution was added in one portion and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between distilled water (150 mL) and ethyl acetate (150 mL). The organic layer was further washed with distilled water (2×150 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel column using 80 to 100% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient. The target compound 141 was obtained as white solid (798 mg, 28%). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.33 (s, 1H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 6.53 (m, 2H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 4.44 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.97 (m, 1H), 3.80-3.60 (m, 11H), 3.10 (m, 6H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 0.80 (m, 9H) and 0.01 (m, 6H) ppm. Further confirmed by LC-MS: observed m/z 795.25 for (M−H). The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 58.

Example 60

Synthesis of Compound 142

[0270] A 100 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 141 (0.779 gm, 0.98 mmol, vacuum dried over P.sub.2O.sub.5 for 12 h) and dry THF (20.0 mL and cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. TBAF (1.17 mL, 1M solution in THF, 1.17 mmol) was added slowly via a syringe and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at 0° C. Next, an additional TBAF (1 mL, 1M solution in THF, 1 mmol) was added and reacted for 3 h at 0° C. The reaction mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel and quenched by addition of methanol (5 mL), distilled water (100 mL) was added and the reaction extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL). The organics were dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated in vacuo. Column chromatography of the residue on silica gel using 80-100% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient afforded compound 142 as a white powder (525 mg, 79%). .sup.1H NMR (Methanol-d4): δ.sub.H 8.33 (s, 1H), 7.19 (m, 1H), 6.06 (m, 2H), 6.03 (m, 1H), 4.72 (m, 2H), 4.64 (m, 1H), 4.57 (m, 1H), 4.35 (m, 2H), 4.17 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 9H), 3.16 (m, 6H), 2.80 (m, 1H) and 2.28 (m, 1H) ppm; LC-MS: M−H observed m/z 680.0. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 58.

Example 61

Synthesis of Compound 143

[0271] Compound 143 was synthesized from compound 142 via standard triphosphate synthesis procedure described in the standard methods section. Yield 65%, LRMS-ES.sup.−: calculated for C.sub.25H.sub.33N.sub.5O.sub.15P.sub.3S—, 768.09; observed m/z 768.54 (M−H). The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 58.

Example 62

Synthesis of Compound 144

[0272] A 50 mL conical tube was charged with compound 143 (3.80 mL of 5.25 mM soln. in HPLC grade water, 20 μmols) and pH 4.65 acetate buffer (4.75 mL), and quickly combined with 9.0 mL of freshly prepared DMTSF (80 mM) solution in pH 4.65 acetate buffer. The resulting mixture was shaken at room temperature for 2 h and quenched by addition of saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO.sub.3 (2 mL). The product was immediately purified on preparative HPLC (column: 30×250 mm C.sub.18 Sunfire, method: 0 to 2.0 min 100% A, followed by 50% B over 70 min, flow: 25 mL/min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=acetonitrile). The appropriate fractions were lyophilized and combined after dissolving in HPLC grade water to furnish 23.4 umols of compound 144 (73% yield). LRMS-ES.sup.−: calculated for C.sub.16H.sub.23N.sub.5O.sub.12P.sub.3S.sub.2—, 634.00, m/z observed 634.42 for (M−H). The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 58.

[0273] Compound 144 was converted to dye labeled product (76) according to procedure described in standard methods section (FIG. 59). Compound 146 was obtained in 75% yield in two steps, LRMS-ES.sup.+: calculated for C.sub.34H.sub.59N.sub.7O.sub.19P.sub.3S.sub.4, 1090.20, m/z observed 1090.24 for (M+H). Compound 76 was obtained in 50-70% yield from 146, HRMS-ES.sup.−: calculated for C.sub.67H.sub.86N.sub.9O.sub.23P.sub.3S.sub.4, 1605.393; observed m/z 1605.380 for (M−H).

Example 63

Synthesis of Compound 150

[0274] A 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with compound 148 (3.0 g, 4.58 mmol), 25 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.7, 3-Å molecular sieves (5.0 g) and cyclohexene (0.55 mL, 5.4 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-bath, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (6.8 mL, 1M in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 1.5 eq) was added slowly via a syringe, and the reaction stirred for 1 h at 0° C. Next, an extra 0.5 eq of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added to ensure complete conversion to compound 149. The volatiles were removed under vacuum while keeping the temperature close to 10° C. The resulting solid was re-suspended in 20 mL of dry DMF and kept under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0275] In a separate flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (2.45 g, 11.44 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (30 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, and treated with NaH (274.5 mg, 60% in silicon oil) producing a grey slurry. To this, compound 149 was added at once and the reaction stirred at room temperature for 3 h under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite®-S washed with ethyl acetate (100 mL). The ethyl acetate solution was washed with distilled water (2×100 mL), the organic extract was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, concentrated in vacuo and purified via flash column chromatography on silica gel column using 20 to 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient. The target compound 150 was obtained as white solid (1.2 g, 32% yield, R.sub.f: 0.4, hexanes:ethyl acetate/3:2). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.13 (m, 3H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 2H), 6.12 (m, 1H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 4.31 (m, 3H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.82-3.60 (m, 13H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 1.84 (m, 1H), 0.78 (m, 9H), and 0.01 (δH) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 60.

Example 64

Synthesis of Compound 151

[0276] Compound 150 (1.2 g 1.46 mmol) was dried under high vacuum with P.sub.2O.sub.5 in a desiccator overnight and dissolved in 30 mL of anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 in a 100 mL flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. To this was added dimethyldisulfide (0.657 mL, 7.3 mmol), and the reaction flask was placed on an ice-bath. Dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate (DMTSF, 316 mg, 1.1 eq) was added and stirred for 1.5 hr at 0° C. The reaction mixture was transferred to a 250 mL separatory funnel and neutralized with 50 mL of 0.1 M aq. solution of NaHCO.sub.3, and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated by rotary evaporation. The crude product was purified on a silica gel column using gradient 80-50% ethyl acetate in hexanes gradient to result in 0.82 g of compound 151 (82% yield, R.sub.F=0.5, hexanes:ethyl acetate/3:2). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.15 (m, 3H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 6.11 (m, 1H), 4.80-4.65 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.83-3.67 (m, 2H), 2.49 (m, 1H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 0.78 (m, 9H), and 0.10 (m, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 60.

Example 65

Synthesis of Compound 152

[0277] A 100 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 151 (0.309 g, 0.45 mmol), and 10.0 mL dry THF (10.0 mL) and placed on an ice-bath under a nitrogen atmosphere. TBAF (0.72 mL, 1 M soln. in THF, 0.72 mmol) was added slowly via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at 0° C. The reaction mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel and quenched with 0.5 M aqueous soln. of NaHCO.sub.3 (50 mL). The resulting mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The product 152 was obtained as a white powder after silica gel column chromatography in 76% yield (196 mg, R.sub.f=0.3, hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1) on silica gel column using gradient 7:3 to 2:3 hexanes:ethyl acetate. .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.25 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 6.21 (m, 1H), 4.90-80 (m, 2H), 4.65 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.85 (m, 2H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H) and 2.31 (m, 1H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 60.

Example 66

Synthesis of Compound 153

[0278] Compound 153 was obtained after phosphorylation of compound 152 in 30% yield using the standard triphosphate synthesis method vide infra (LC-MS: calculated for C.sub.14H.sub.23N.sub.4O.sub.13P.sub.3S.sub.2, 610.98; observed m/z 611.11 (M−H). It was further converted to dye labeled product (72) according to procedure described in standard method section (FIG. 61). Compound 155 was obtained in 49% yield in two steps, and compound 72 in 60-85% yield, HRMS-ES″: calculated C.sub.53H.sub.68N.sub.8O.sub.30P.sub.3S.sub.6, 1581.156 (M−H); found m/z 1582.160.

Example 67

Synthesis of Compounds 159 & 160

[0279] A 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 157 (2.04 g, 2.39 mmol) and was dried on high vacuum over 12 h. After flushing the reaction vessel with argon, 13 mL anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and cyclohexanesene (0.30 mL, 2.86 mmol) were added sequentially. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-water-salt bath and stirred for 10 min to bring the mixture below 0° C. SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (4.0 mL, 1M in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 4.0 mmol) was added drop-wise via a syringe over 2 min, and the reaction mixture stirred for 1 h at 0° C. An additional 0.8 equiv. of SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2.0 mL, 2.0 mmol) was added drop-wise over 1 min and the reaction was stirred for an additional ½ h at 0° C. Next, the volatiles were removed in vacuo while keeping the bath temperature at ˜10° C. The resulting solid was re-suspended in 15 mL of dry DMF and kept under an argon atmosphere.

[0280] In a separate 100 mL flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (TMPM-SH, 1.27 g, 6.0 mmol, vacuum dried overnight) was dissolved in dry DMF (16 mL) under argon atmosphere and treated with NaH (195 mg, 60% in oil, 4.88 mmol) producing a grey slurry TMPMT-SNa salt. The mixture was stirred until gas formation subsided (Ca. 10 min). To this, TMPMT-SNa salt was added at once and the mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon atmosphere until TLC (micro-workup:dichloromethane/water; solvent:hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1) confirmed complete conversion (1 h). The reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite®-S (10 g) in a filtration funnel eluting the product with dichloromethane (100 mL). The dichloromethane solution was then washed with water (3×100 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with 3×100 mL dichloromethane. Combined dichloromethane extract was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated by rotary evaporation. It was then purified by flash chromatography (column: 100 g, gradient: 25%-50% hexanes:ethyl acetate 5 CV, then 50% EE 10 CV). The target compound 160 was obtained as a white foam (1.22 g, 51% yield). .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): δ.sub.H 10.63 (s, 1H), 10.15 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.3-7.5 (m, 8H), 7.20-7.3 (m, 2H), 6.40 (m, 1H), 6.15 (m, 1H), 4.69 (m, 2H), 4.50 (dd, 1H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.95 (m, 1H), 3.81 (m, 11H), 3.3 (m, 4H), 2.7 (m, 1H), 1.05 (m, 8H), 0.8 (m, 9H) and 0.11 (m, 6H) ppm. LCMS: 1019.371 Da. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 62.

[0281] Additionally, the TBDMS-deprotected product 159 was obtained as a side product in 25% yield (0.48 g). R.sub.f=0.2/hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1. .sup.1H NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6): δ.sub.H 10.63 (s, 1H), 10.15 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.3-7.5 (m, 8H), 7.20-7.3 (m, 2H), 6.40 (m, 1H), 6.15 (m, 1H), 4.69 (m, 2H), 4.50 (dd, 1H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.95 (m, 1H), 3.81 (m, 11H), 3.5 (m, 1H), 3.3 (m, 4H), 2.7 (m, 1H), and 1.04 (m, 8H) ppm. LCMS: 905.286 Da.

Example 68

Synthesis of Compound 161

[0282] A 100 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar and rubber septum was charged with compound 160 (0.36 g, 0.35 mmol) and dried for 12 h on high vacuum. After flushing with argon, 7 mL dry dichloromethane and dimethyldisulfide (0.16 mL, 1.76 mmol) were added. The reaction flask was placed on an ice-bath and stirred for 10 min to bring the mixture to 0° C. Dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate (DMTSF, 80 mg, 0.4 mmol) was then added and the reaction was stirred for at 0° C. until TLC (micro-workup:dichloromethane/water; solvent:Hexanes:Ethyl acetate/1:1). The reaction mixture was transferred to a 250 mL separatory funnel, neutralized with 50 mL of 0.1 M aq. solution of NaHCO.sub.3 and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated by rotary evaporation. The crude product was purified on a silica gel column (column: 25 g, gradient: 10%-50% hexanes:ethyl acetate 3 CV, then 50% ethyl acetate 5 CV). The target compound 161 was obtained as yellow foam (0.23 g, 74% yield). The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 62.

Example 69

Synthesis of Compound 162

[0283] A 100 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 161 (0.18 g, 0.20 mmol), dissolved in 7.0 mL dry THF and placed on an ice-bath under an argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 10 min to bring it to 0° C. and 0.28 mL Acetic acid were added. TBAF (1 M in THF, 0.47 mL, 0.47 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe over 1 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for 0.5 h at 0° C. and then 1 h at rt. TLC (hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1) still showed starting material. Additional TBAF (1 M in THF, 0.47 mL, 0.47 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe over 1 min and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. Next, the mixture was quenched with 2 mL methanol and stirred for 10 min at rt. The solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (column: 10 g, hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1 to 100% over 2 CV, then 100% Ethyl acetate over 20 CV to yield compound 162 as a white foam (96 mg, 62%). The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 62.

Example 70

Synthesis of Compound 163

[0284] Compound 163 was obtained after phosphorylation of compound 162 using the standard triphosphate synthesis method vide infra; except in the de-protection step AMA or methanolic ammonia were used instead of ammonium hydroxide. It was further converted to the dye labeled product 78 according to the standard procedure below. Compound 78 was obtained in 97% yield from compound 165. HRMS-ES.sup.− calculated C.sub.67H.sub.96N.sub.9O.sub.27P.sub.3S.sub.6 (M−H) 1743.395, found 1743.390. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 62.

Example 71

Synthesis of Compound 169

[0285] A 100 mL round bottom flask was charged with compound 167 (3.120 g, 5.66 mmol), 30.0 mL dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 3-Å molecular sieves (5.0 g) and cyclohexanesene (0.70 mL, 6.9 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction flask was then placed on an ice-bath. To this, SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (8.5 mL, 1M in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 1.5 equiv) was added slowly via a syringe, and stirred for 1 hour at 0° C. Next, an additional 4.0 mL of 1 M SO.sub.2Cl.sub.2 was added and stirred for 40 minutes to ensure complete conversion to compound 168. The volatiles were removed under vacuum while keeping the temperature close to 10° C. The resulting solid was re-suspended in 20 mL of dry DMF and kept under a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0286] In a separate flask, (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methanethiol (3.028 g, 14.15 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (40 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere, and treated with NaH (566 mg, 60% in oil, 14.15 mM) producing a grey slurry. To this, compound 168 solution was added at once and stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite®-S (20 g) with ethyl acetate (200 mL). The ethyl acetate solution was then washed with distilled water (3×200 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, concentrated by rotary evaporation, and purified by flash chromatography on 120 g RediSepRfGold, gradient: hexanes:ethyl acetate (7:3 to 3:7). The target compound (169) was obtained as white solid (1.43 g, 35.5% yield, R.sub.f: 0.5, hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.98 (m, 1H), 6.09 (m, 1H), 6.00 (m, 2H), 4.67-4.51 (m, 2H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 4.22 (m, 2H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.80-3-60 (m, 11H), 2.31 (m, 1H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 0.80 (m, 9H) and 0.01 (m, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 64.

Example 72

Synthesis of Compound 170

[0287] Compound 169 (1.43 g 1.99 mmol) was dried under high vacuum over P.sub.2O.sub.5 for 12 h and dissolved in of anhydrous CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (25 mL) in a flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar and a nitrogen gas source. To this was added dimethyldisulfide (0.89 mL, 9.88 mmol), and the reaction flask was stirred on an ice-bath. Dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate (DMTSF, 430 mg, 2.19 mmol) was then added and stirred for 1.0 h at 0° C. The reaction mixture was transferred to a 500 mL separatory funnel and quenched with 100 mL of 50 mM aq. solution of NaHCO.sub.3, and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.7 (2×150 mL). The organic portion was dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated by rotary evaporation. The crude product was purified on a silica gel column (80 g RediSepRf gold) using hexanes-ethyl acetate (8:2 to 3:7) gradient to result in 0.622 gm of compound 170 (54% yield, R.sub.F=0.6, hexanes:ethyl acetate/1:1). .sup.1H NMR (CDCl.sub.3): δ.sub.H 7.99 (brs, 1H, NH), 7.98 (s, 1H), 6.12 (m, 1H), 4.69 (m, 2H), 4.35 (m, 1H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 4.06 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 3.60 (m, 2H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 1.88 (m, 1H), 0.78 (m, 9H), and 0.10 (m, 6H) ppm. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 64.

Example 73

Synthesis of Compound 171

[0288] A 100 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with compound 170 (0.623 g, 1.06 mmol, vacuum dried over P.sub.2O.sub.5 for 12 h) and anhydrous THF (20.0 mL) and placed on an ice-bath under a nitrogen atmosphere. TBAF (1.27 mL, 1 M solution in THF, 1.27 mmols) was added slowly via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at 0° C., and an additional 0.9 mL of 1 M TBAF soln. in THF was added and stirred a total of 4 h at 0° C. The reaction mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel and quenched with 0.5 M NaHCO.sub.3 solution (50 mL). The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL) and dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The product 171 was obtained as a white powder after silica gel column chromatography in 63% yield (311 mg) on a 80 g RediSepRf column using gradient 7:3 to 3:7 ethyl acetate in hexanes. .sup.1H NMR (methanol-d.sub.4): δ.sub.H 8.16 (s, 1H), 6.06 (m, 1H), 4.79 (m, 2H), 4.69 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 1H), 3.63 (m, 2H), 2.36 (m, 3H), 2.32 (m, 1H), and 2.08 (m, 1H) ppm, LRMS-ES−: M−H observed m/z 468.0 Da. The synthesis is illustrated in FIG. 64.

Example 74

Synthesis of Compound 172

[0289] The product 172 was obtained in 58% yield after phosphorylation of compound 171 using via standard triphosphate synthesis method. LRMS calculated C.sub.14H.sub.21N.sub.3O.sub.14P.sub.3S.sub.2.sup.− (M−H), 611.97, found 612.15. Compound 171 was further elaborated to the dye labeled product (74) according to standard procedure described in standard method section vide infra (FIG. 65). Compound 174 was obtained in 74% yield in two steps (HRMS-ES.sup.− calculated C.sub.32H.sub.55N.sub.5O.sub.21P.sub.3S.sub.4.sup.− (M−H) 1066.15, found 1066.42. Compound 74 was obtained in 62% yield (HRMS-ES.sup.− calculated C.sub.59H.sub.80N.sub.7O.sub.25P.sub.3S.sub.4.sup.− (M−H), 1507.330, found 1507.325.

Example 75

Standard Method for Triphosphate Synthesis

[0290] Nucleoside (160 μmop and proton sponge (1.5 equiv) pre-dried under high vacuum over P.sub.2O.sub.5, were dissolved in trimethylphosphate (0.8 mL) in a 25 mL pear-shaped flask under N.sub.2-atmosphere and stirred for 20 minutes until all solids were completely dissolved. The flask was then placed on an ice-water bath to bring the reaction to (−5 to 0° C.). Then, POCl.sub.3 (1.5 eq.) was added in one portion via syringe and the reaction stirred for 1 h.

[0291] A mixture of n-butylammonium-pyrophosphate (0.36 g), n-Bu.sub.3N (0.36 mL) and anhydrous DMF (1.3 mL) was prepared in a 15 mL conical tube producing a thick slurry. Once completely dissolved, it was rapidly added at once to the vigorously stirring mixture and stirred for 15 mins at room temperature.

[0292] The reaction mixture was then poured into 100 mL of 0.1 M TEAR buffer in a 250 mL round bottom flask and stirred for 3 h at room temperature. It was then concentrated down to 25 mL in vacuo and treated with 25 mL of ammonium hydroxide (28-30% NH.sub.3 content) for 8 h at room temperature. After removing most of the volatiles under reduced pressure, the reaction crude was resuspended in 0.1M TEAB buffer (30 mL) and purified by C18 preparative-HPLC (30×250 mm, C18 Sunfire column, method: 0 to 2 min 100% A, followed by 50% B over 70 mins, flow 25 mL/min; A=50 mM TEAB, B=ACN). The target fractions were lyophilized, and combined after dissolving in HPLC grade water (20 mL). This semi-pure product was further purified by ion exchange HPLC on PL-SAX Prep column (method: 0 to 5 min 100% A, then linear gradient up to 70% B over 70 min, where A=15% acetonitrile in water, B=0.85 M TEAB buffer in 15% acetonitrile). Final purification was carried out by C18 Prep HPLC as described above. The nucleoside triphosphates were obtained in 20-65% yield following lyophilization.

Example 76

Standard Method for Converting of 3′-OCH.SUB.2.S-(2,4,6-Trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTP to 3′—(OCH.SUB.2.SSMe)-dNTP Using DMTSF

[0293] A 50 mL conical tube was charged with 3′-OCH.sub.2S-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTP (3.80 mL of 5.25 mMolar soln. in HPLC grade water, 20 μmols) and pH=4.65 acetate buffer (5.20 mL), and quickly combined with 9.0 mL of DMTSF (80 mMolar soln. in pH=4.65 acetate buffer). The resulting mixture was shaken at room temperature for 2 h and the reaction was quenched by 2.0 mL of saturated NaHCO.sub.3 solution, and immediately purified by prep-HPLC on 30×250 mm C18 Sunfire column, method: 0 to 2.0 min 100% A, followed by linear gradient up to 50% B over 70 min, flow: 25 mL/min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=acetonitrile. The target fractions were lyophilized and combined after dissolving in HPLC grade water to result in 50-75% yield of 3′—(OCH.sub.2SSMe)-dNTP depending on nucleotide. Structural examples of 3′-OCH.sub.2S-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methane-dNTPs are illustrated in FIG. 66.

Example 77

Standard Method for Conjugation of NHS Activated Linker

[0294] MeSSdNTP-PA (10 ummol) dissolved in HPLC grade water (2 mL) was diluted with freshly prepared 0.5 M aqueous soln. of Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (1 mL). In a conical tube, the NHS-activated linker (NHS-A-Fmoc, 114, 35 mg, 2.5 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (2.0 mL). It was then added to the MeSSdNTP-PA/Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 solution at once and stirred for 8 h at room temperature.

[0295] The reaction was then diluted with 0.1 M TEAB buffer (2.0 mL) and treated with piperidine (0.6 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, diluted further with 0.1 M TEAB (10 mL) and quickly purified by prep HPLC on 30×250 mm C18 Sunfire column, method: 0 to 2.0 min 100% A, followed by linear gradient up to 50% B over 70 min, flow rate: 25 mL/min, A=50 mM TEAB, B=acetonitrile. The target fractions were lyophilized and combined after dissolving in HPLC grade water resulting in 45-75% yield of MeSSdNTP-A-NH.sub.2.

Example 78

Standard Method for Labeling with NHS Dye

[0296] MeSSdNTP-A-NH.sub.2 (4.55 μmol) in 2.0 mL of HPLC grade water was diluted with Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4 (0.8 mL of 0.5 Molar aqueous soln.) in a 15 mL conical tube, and combined with NHS-activated dye (2.5 eq.) in 1.4 mL of anhydrous DMF. The reaction mixture was stirred for 8 h at room temperature, diluted with 0.1 M TEAB buffer (40 mL) and purified by prep-HPLC on 30×250 mm C18 Sunfire column, method: 0 to 5 min 100% A, followed by linear gradient up to 50% B over 70 mins, flow rate 25 mL/min). The target fractions were lyophilized and combined after dissolving in HPLC grade water to result in 50-80% yield of labeled product.

Example 79

Attachment of Cleavable Linkers and Markers to Nucleobases

[0297] One of the preferred moieties used to attach cleavable linkers is propargyl based or allyl based. Other means of attaching cleavable linkers and dyes are also contemplated. In particular, attachments to the base moiety that result with little or no residual linker after dye cleavage are particularly preferred. Attachments to the base that result with residual linkers after cleavage that do not carry charge are also preferred. These features are important to ensure that the nucleotides are incorporated in the efficient manner by the enzyme into growing strand of nucleic acid after the cleavage of the label/dye. One particular embodiment contemplated by the present invention comprises the use of hydroxymethyl modified base moieties to attach cleavable dyes. Examples of such compounds are shown in FIG. 71. FIG. 72 shows the structures of hydroxymethyl derivatives after cleavage of the dye and the 3′-O protective group.

Example 80

Cleavage of Cleavable Linkers and 3′-O Protective Groups

[0298] A variety of cleaving agents can be used to cleave the linkers and protective groups of the present invention. For example, a variety of thiol carrying compounds can be used as described in (“Thiol-Disulfide Interchange”, Singh, R., and Whitesides, G. M., Sulfur-Containing Functional Groups; Supplement S, Patai, S., Eds., J. Wiley and Sons, Ltd., 1993. p 633-658) [15]. In particular compounds with reduced thiol groups pKas can be used to achieve fats and efficient cleavage yields, for example dithiobutylamine, DTBA (Lukesh et. al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2012, 134 (9), pp 4057 4059 [16]). Examples of thiol bearing compounds that can be used to perform cleavage of the current invention are shown in FIG. 73A-73I.

[0299] Another class of compounds that are suitable for cleaving the dithio terminating groups and linkers of the present invention are phosphines (Harpp et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1968 90 (15) 4181-4182 [12], Burns et al., J. Org. Chem. 1991, 56, 2648-2650 [13], Getz et al., Analytical Biochemistry 273, 73-80 (1999) [14]). Examples of phosphines useful to cleave dithio based protective groups and linkers of the present invention include: triphenylphosphine, tributylphosphine, tris-hydroxymethyl-phosphine (THMP), tris-hydroxypropyl-phosphine (THPP), tris-carboethoxy-phosphine (TCEP). In certain cases it may be desired to be able to selectively cleave either the linker or the 3′-protective group selectively. This can be achieved by designing protective group and linker as well as selection of cleavage reagents. For example, a combination of 3′-azidomethyl ether protecting group and disulfide linker bearing nucleotide can be used for this purpose. In this case, selective cleavage of the disulfide bridge can be accomplished by using thiol based cleaving reagent and removal of 3′-azidomethyl ether protecting groups can be achieved by using phosphine such as TCEP. Example of such procedure is illustrated in FIG. 74A-74C, FIG. 75A-75C, and FIG. 76. FIG. 74A-74C shows schemes of chemical reactions taking place and structures of the compounds formed; FIG. 75A-75C shows HPLC chromatograms collected at each stage and FIG. 76 absorption spectra extracted from each peak. Step A) Labeled, 3′-O-protected nucleotide shows one peak (1) and absorption at both nucleotide (280 nm; note the max for the propargyl cpds is shifted towards 280-290 nm) and the dye (575 run). Step B) Treatment with DTT produces peak 2 with absorption peak of the dye (575 nm) and migrating slower (more hydrophobic) and peak 3 with (278 nm) absorption and faster migration due to more hydrophilic character. Step C) Additional treatment with TCEP produces peak 4 with absorption max at 278 and without the dye at even lower retention time consistent with the loss of the 3′-OH protective group. The cleaved dye splits into additional peak (5, 6) but both peaks have identical absorption.

[0300] Another example of cleavage is shown in FIG. 77 and FIG. 78A-78B. FIG. 77 shows scheme for cleavage reaction using nucleotide carrying dithio based protective group on the 3′ end and dithio based linker. As this figure shows the cleavage reaction could be performed as one step or 2 step process. FIG. 78A-78B shows results of cleavage experiments performed using variety of cleavage agents: dithiosuccinic acid, L-cysteine, DTT and cysteamine. FIG. 78 (A) shows RP-HPLC chromatograms generated for starting material and reaction mixtures after incubation with cleavage agents dithiosuccinic acid, L-cysteine, DTT and cysteamine. FIG. 78 (B) shows identified compositions of reaction mixtures indicating full cleavage of both linker and the 3′-protective groups in case of L-cysteine, DTT and cysteamine, and selective cleavage of 3′-O-protective group in case of dithiosuccinic acid. This indicates that selectivity can be achieved by choosing structures of linker, protecting group and the nature of cleaving agent (i.e., with varying pKa of the SH groups and degree of steric hindrance). In addition to these a variety of suitable cleaving agents can be used such as Bis(2-mercaptoethyl)sulfone (BMS) and N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(mercaptoacetyl)hydrazine (DMH) (Singh et al., Bioorg. Chem., 22, 109-115 (1994) [17]. Reactions can be further catalyzed by inclusion of selenols (Singh et al. Anal Biochem. 1995 Nov. 20; 232(1):86-91 [18]). Borohydrides, such as sodium borohydrides can also be used for this purpose (Stahl et al., Anal. Chem., 1957, 29 (1), pp 151 155 [19]) as well as ascorbic acid (Nardai et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276, 8825-8828 (2001) [20]). In addition, enzymatic methods for cleavage of disulfide bonds ae also well known such as disulfide and thioreductase and can be used with compounds of the present invention (Holmgren et. al., Methods in Enzymology, Volume 252, 1995, Pages 199-208 [21]).

Example 81

Scavengers

[0301] Accordingly to the cleave agent used one skilled in the art needs to choose a scavenger agent which will remove excess of cleave agent after cleavage reaction is completed. For example, for thiol bearing cleave agents, a scavenger capable of reacting with free SH group can be used. For example, alkylating agents such as iodoacetamide or maleimide derivatives can be used (U.S. Pat. No. 8,623,598 [47], herein incorporated by reference). For borohydrides, one skilled in the art could use ketone bearing compounds, for example levulinic acid or similar compound. Finally, one could also use oxidizing reagent to oxidixe excess cleave agent to non-reactive species, for example periodate (Molecules 2007, 12(3), 694-702 [48]).

Example 82

Modular Synthesis

[0302] Labeled nucleotides of the present invention require several steps of synthesis and involve linking variety of dyes to different bases. It is desirable to be able to perform linker and dye attachment in a modular fashion rather than step by step process. The modular approach involves pre-building of the linker moiety with protecting group on one end and activated group on the other. Such pre-built linekr can then be used to couple to propargylamine nucleotide, deprotect the masked amine group and then couple the activated dye. This has the advantage of fewer steps and higher yield as compare to step-by-step synthesis. For example, Compound 32 in FIG. 13 is an example of preactivated linker comprising cleavable functionality, with activated eactive group (disuccinimidyl carbonate) and masked/protected amine (Fmoc). After coupling to free amine on propargylaamine nucleotide the protective group can be conventiently removed for example by treatment with base (aq. Ammonia, piperidine) and can be coupled to activated (NHS) dye molecule.

Example 83

[0303] Linkers of the present invention were tested to measure their hydrophobicity. The log P value of a compound, which is the logarithm of its partition coefficient between n-octanol and water log(c.sub.octanol/c.sub.water) is a well-established measure of the compound's hydrophilicity (or lack water, thereof) [49]. Low hydrophilicities and therefore high log P values cause poor absorption or permeation. In this case, the log P value was calculated using predicative software, the table below shows the results, indicating that the linkers (such as those in FIG. 25) are hydrophobic linkers, while some commercially used linkers are hydrophilic.

TABLE-US-00001 LogP Linker Molecular Formula Osiris* ChemDraw Molinsp. ** MarvinSketch Legacy C8H16N2O2S2 0.60 0.49 −0.14 −0.76 New C22H43N3O8S2 2.57 2.09 1.30 0.71 ILMN PEG11 C43H74N6O18 −1.80 −1.80 −2.37 −1.30 ILMN PEG23 C63H114N6O28 −2.74 −3.60 −4.34 −1.77

[0304] Although the invention has been described with reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all applications, patents, and publications cited above, and of the corresponding application are hereby incorporated by reference.

REFERENCES

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