Synthesis and Characterization of Abasic β-Diol-C-nucleosides

Abstract

Modified nucleobases are potentially useful building blocks when containing catalytically active functionalities and could be introduced in chiral tridimensional molecules such as nucleic acids, which creates the premises for the development of novel catalytic species. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a novel β-C-nucleoside bearing a diol group at anomeric position, amenable as a metal ligand or organocatalyst. An abasic ligand was successfully prepared and inserted into a complementary DNA strand.

1. Introduction

DNA has a central role in chemical evolution due to its ability to store and transfer genetic information. This feature is due to the specific Watson–Crick hydrogen bond exerted by nucleobases (C:G, A:T) [1] that allows for DNA interstrand molecular recognition. In order to obtain novel materials that could be used for storage of information, synthetic chemists engaged in the design and development of alternative base pairs that could exert the same role in a new, unnatural genetic code [2,3,4]. The design of an unnatural base pair can be based on different hydrogen bonding patterns [5,6] or on shape complementarity [7]. Among the variety of approaches to DNA mimetic supramolecular chemistry, the strategy of replacing DNA natural bases using alternative heterocyclic moieties capable of metal complexation is of particular interest, as metals inserted in a chiral environment, such as DNA, may open the opportunity to use artificial DNAs as catalysts [8,9,10]. In these new molecular objects, the hydrogen bond base pairing is replaced by metal coordination that supplies the energy required for interstrand pairing. Hence, by choosing an appropriate ligand nucleoside and a metal ion, duplexes or other higher order complexes were formed, paving the way to metal-responsive functional DNAs, DNA nanomachines, and DNA-based nanomaterials, wires, and magnetic devices [11,12]. Natural nucleobases (C, G, T, A) could form metal mediated base pairs; [13,14,15,16] however, most of the unnatural nucleosides used for the generation of artificial DNAs contained unnatural bases, i.e., imidazole [17], salen [18], 6-substituted purines [19], Dipic/pyridine [20], and hydroxypyridone [21]. For example, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate nucleobase (Dipic) 1 [20] was reported to form a copper-mediated complex with a pyridine nucleobase (Py) (Figure 1). Dipic and Py formed, in the presence of Cu²⁺, a (3 + 1) coordination compound possessing a square planar geometry (1, Figure 1). When inserted in double strand of complementary DNAs, the dipic–Cu²⁺–Py pairing furnished a duplex characterized by higher thermal stability compared to the native natural DNA [20].

Shionoya reported the Cu²⁺-mediated base pairing of hydroxypyridone 2 (Figure 1) [21]. Interestingly, in the absence of Cu²⁺, the hydroxypyridone (H) bases inserted in complementary DNA strands behaved as a mis-pair. However, following deprotonation, a square planar complex with Cu²⁺ was formed that gave rise to a stabilized duplex. The artificial DNA strands described by Shionoya were extremely efficient and formed double helices quantitatively through H–Cu²⁺-H pairing, where H stands for a hydroxypyridone. It was also demonstrated that several consecutive H–Cu²⁺-H pairings could be introduced in a sequence providing the opportunity to assemble a one-dimensional array of metals inserted in a double strand of DNAs [4,21]. The same authors reported, the enzymatic polymerization of dHTP, an activated form of nucleotide H recognized by the cell enzymatic machinery, that furnished unnatural DNA strands containing up to five H nucleotides at 3′ [4]. These strands successfully formed copper-mediated metal DNA duplexes through the formation of the pair H–Cu²⁺-H. Based on these findings and intrigued by the potential applications of DNA as molecular wires, organic catalysts, and magnets, we posed the question of whether or not a nucleobase should be indispensable for the formation of metal bound complexes [4]. The assumption was that an abasic nucleoside, having a simpler functionality capable of coordinating divalent metal ion, could be sufficient to work as a ligand, then generating a new class of DNA based materials capable of asymmetric catalysis.

Importantly, for catalysis, the formation of a double helix would not be indispensable for the creation of an asymmetric environment around the metal center. With this in mind, we set out to synthesize a new β-C-nucleoside bearing a β-diol group at the anomeric position and derive preliminary results regarding its suitability for being inserted in oligomeric materials.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. General Experimental

This section is part of the Ph.D. thesis submitted by G.B. [22]. ¹H, ¹³C, NMR spectra were recorded using a Varian AS 300 and Bruker 400 and 600 spectrometer. ¹H- and ¹³C- NMR for compounds 4–18 can be found in Supplementary Materials. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in ppm relative to residual solvent signals for ¹H and ¹³C NMR (1H NMR: 7.26 ppm for CDCl₃; ¹³C NMR: 77.0 ppm for CDCl₃. ¹³C NMR spectra were acquired using ¹H broadband decoupled mode. DMSO-d6 was used (referenced to 2.52 and 3.35 ppm for 1H and 40.0 for ¹³C). Coupling constants (J) are in Hz. Multiplicities are reported as follows: s—singlet; d—doublet; dd—doublets of doublets; t—triplet; q,—quartet; m—multiplet; c—complex; and br—broad. ¹H-NMR spectral assignments are supported by ¹H-¹H COSY and ¹³C-¹H-COSY where necessary. Carbon spectra are supported by DEPT analysis where necessary. Infrared spectra (IR) were obtained in CCl₄ using a Bruker Tensor 27 FT-IR instrument. Absorption maximum (ν_max) was reported in wave numbers (cm⁻¹) and only selected peaks are reported. High resolution mass spectra were obtained using a Waters Micro mass LCT and low-resolution mass spectra were recorded using Waters Micro mass Quattro LCMS spectrometers at 70 eV. Optical rotations were measured on a Perkin-Elmer 241 polarimeter. Tetrahydrofuran was freshly distilled over sodium benzophenone prior to use according to standard procedure. All other reagents and solvents were used as purchased from Aldrich. Reactions were checked for completion using TLC (EM Science, silica gel 60 F254), which were visualized by quenching of u.v. fluorescence (λ_max = 254 nm) or by staining with either 10% w/v ammonium molybdate in 2M sulfuric acid or basic potassium permanganate solution (followed by heat) as appropriate. Flash chromatography was performed using silica gel 60 (0.040–0.063 mm, 230–400 mesh). Retention factors (R_f) are reported to ±0.05.

2.2. Synthesis of (2R,3S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-methoxytetrahydrofuran-3-ol 4

Acetyl chloride (690 μL, 6.5 mol%) was added To a stirred solution of 2-deoxy-D-ribose (20.0 g, 149.0 mmol) in methanol (240 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h; then, sodium bicarbonate (7.70 g) was added and the reaction stirred for a further 10 min. The solid formed was filtered through celite, and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to afford 4 as a mixture of two diastereoisomers as an orange oil (22.0 g, >99% yield). This product did not require any further purification. (α + β anomers): R_f = 0.53 (chloroform/methanol 8:2). δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.19–4.95 (m, 2H), 4.39–4.32 (m, 1H), 4.11–4.08 (m, 1H), 3.99 (q, J = 4.4, 1H) 3.92 (q, J = 4.4, 1H), 3.70–3.55 (m, 4H), 3.32 (s, 3H, -CH₃), 3.30 (s, 3H, -CH₃), 2.19–2.10 (m, 2H), 2.06–2.00 (m, 1H), 1.92–1.88 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 105.60, 105.56, 87.7, 87.5, 72.9, 72.3, 63.6, 63.2, 55.5, 54.9, 42.7, 41.6. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₆H₁₂O₄Na: 171.0633; found: 171.0638.

2.3. Synthesis of (2R,3S)-3-(Benzyloxy)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl)-5-methoxytetrahydrofuran 5

The reaction was split in two round-bottom flasks. To a stirred solution of 4 (22.7 g, 153.4 mmol) in THF (160 mL), powdered KOH (77.0 g, 1380.0 mmol, 9.0 eq.), and benzyl chloride (247.0 mL, 2148.0 mmol, 14.0 eq.) were added sequentially, and the reaction mixture was heated to reflux conditions for 24 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature; then, the solution was filtered, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was purified using flash chromatography on silica gel eluting the first time with petroleum ether to eliminate excess benzyl chloride, the second time with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2 to afford the title compound 5 as a yellow oil (42.6 g, 85% yield); (α + β anomers): R_f = 0.39 and 0.57 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl3): 7.45–7.20 (m, 20H), 5.13–5.07 (m, 2H), 4.63–4.47 (m, 8H), 4.29–4.21 (m, 2H), 4.16–4.12 (m, 1H), 4.00–3.92 (m, 1H), 3.57–3.43 (m, 4H), 3.41 (s, 3H, -CH3), 3.31 (s, 3H, -CH3), 2.26–2.19 (m, 2H), 2.19–2.15 (m, 1H), 2.05–2.00 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl3):138.3, 138.23, 138.20, 138.1, 128.5, 128.4, 127.9, 127.8, 127.7, 127.6, 105.5, 105.3, 82.9, 82.2, 80.0, 78.6, 73.5, 73.4, 72.1, 71.7, 71.6, 70.2, 55.3, 55.0, 39.5, 39.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₂₀H₂₄NaO₄: 351.1572; found: 351.1568.

2.4. Synthesis of (4S,5R)-4-(Benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-ol 6

The reaction was split in two round-bottom flasks. A stirred solution of 5 (25.0 g, 76.0 mmol) in AcOH/H₂O 80:20 (740 mL) was heated to 49 °C (external temperature) for 24 h. A solution of AcOH/H₂O (80:20, 500 mL) was then added, and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at the same temperature for another 24 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Heptane was added to the resulting crude mixture and then removed under reduced pressure to eliminate the residual acetic acid. The crude residue was then purified using column chromatography eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 9:1. The title compound 6 was obtained as yellow oil (19.9 g, 83% yield). (α + β anomers): R_f = 0.18 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3300, 3032, 2937, 1590, 1310, 1042, 870. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.42–7.27 (m, 20H), 5.56–5.49 (m, 2H), 4.62–4.47 (m, 11H), 4.29–4.22 (m, 2H), 4.13–4.10 (m, 1H), 3.67–3.62 (m, 1H), 3.59–3.50 (m, 2H), 3.39–3.35 (m, 1H), 2.28–2.20 (m, 2H), 2.17–2.10 (m, 2H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 138.1, 138.0, 137.9, 137.5, 137.3, 128.7, 128.6, 128.5, 128.48, 128.46, 128.44, 128.3, 128.1, 128.0, 127.98, 127.96, 99.4, 83.3, 82.7, 79.83, 79.8, 79.0, 78.8, 73.2, 72.1, 71.9, 71.8, 41.8, 39.2. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₁₉H₂₂NaO₄: 337.1416; found: 337.1421.

2.5. Synthesis of (2R,3S)-1,3-Bis(benzyloxy)hept-6-ene-2,5-diol 7

The reaction was split in two round-bottom flasks. A solution of vinyl magnesium bromide (1M in THF, 190 mL, 190 mmol, 3.0 eq.) was added to a stirred solution of 6 (19.9 g, 63.3 mmol) in dry THF (220 mL) at 0 °C under controlled atmosphere. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and stirred for a further 24 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and quenched with ammonium chloride-saturated solution (50 mL), then stirred for a further 10 min at room temperature. The solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure and the salts formed were filtered off; water (30 mL) was added, and the product was extracted using EtOAc (3 × 100 mL). The organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified using column chromatography on silica gel eluting with dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 8:2 to afford the mixture of two diastereoisomers 7 as a yellow oil (19.8 g, 91% yield). (α + β anomers): R_f = 0.30 and 0.46 (dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 8:2). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3422, 3064, 3031, 2868, 1737, 1643, 1497, 1454, 1371, 1245, 1208, 1092, 923, 737, 699. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.45–7.23 (m, 20H), 5.93–5.84 (m, 2H), 5.30–5.20 (m, 2H), 5.12–5.08 (m, 2H), 4.67–4.54 (m, 8H), 4.40–4.32 (m, 2H), 4.05–3.95 (m, 2H), 3.81–3.70 (m, 2H), 3.62–3.55 (m, 4H), 1.90–1.70 (m, 4H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 141.1, 140.8, 138.0, 137.9, 128.7, 128.6, 128.2, 128.1, 128.09, 128.06, 114.6, 114.2 78.4, 77.7, 77.4, 73.6, 72.6, 72.2, 71.8, 71.7, 71.0, 70.9, 70.6, 69.8, 37.2, 37.1. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₂₁H₂₆NaO₄: 365.1729; found: 365.1741.

2.6. Synthesis of (2R,3S,5R)-3-(Benzyloxy)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran 8β and (2R,3S,5S)-3-(Benzyloxy)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran 8α

Toluene-p-sulphonyl chloride (5.49 g, 28.8 mmol, 1.1 eq.) and KOH (5 M in H₂O, 13 mL, 2.5 eq.) were sequentially added to a stirred solution of 7 (9.00 g, 26.2 mmol) in acetone (250 mL). The reaction was stirred for 52 h at 35 °C (external temperature). The reaction mixture was then diluted using water and extracted using ethyl acetate (3 × 100 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The two diastereoisomers were separated using column chromatography eluting with petroleum ether/diethyl ether 85:15 to afford the title compounds 8α and 8β as pale yellow oils (8α 1.93 g, 23% yield; 8β 3.03 g, 36% yield).

(2R,3S,5R)-3-(benzyloxy)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran 8β: [α]_D²⁰ = +21.4 (c = 4.3 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.56 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.39–7.21 (m, 10H), 6.01–5.93 (m, 1H), 5.25–5.08 (m, 2H), 4.65–4.39 (m, 4H), 4.37–4.31 (m, 1H), 4.16–4.13 (m, 1H), 4.04–4.02 (m, 1H), 3.86–3.82 (m, 1H), 3.77–3.73 (m, 1H), 2.35–2.28 (m, 1H), 1.91–1.86 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 139.4, 138.5, 138.4, 128.5, 128.4, 127.9, 127.6, 127.5, 116.0, 81.5, 79.4, 79.2, 73.6, 71.3, 69.3, 38.5. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + H]⁺, C₂₁H₂₅O₃: 325.1804; found: 325.1808.

(2R,3S,5S)-3-(benzyloxy)-2-((benzyloxy)methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran 8α: [α]_D²⁰ = +34.0 (c = 6.0 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.63 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 2864, 1454, 1094, 925, 787, 697. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.39–7.21 (m, 10H), 5.91–5.81 (m, 1H), 5.30–5.25 (m, 1H), 5.13–5.10 (m, 1H), 4.65–4.46 (m, 5H), 4.25–4.19 (m, 2H), 3.79 (dd, J₁ = 10.0, J₂ = 5.6, 1H), 3.72 (dd, J₁ = 9.6, J₂ = 6.4, 1H), 2.32–2.26 (m, 1H), 1.78–1.71 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 138.33, 138.29, 138.2, 128.51, 128.46, 127.8, 127.74, 127.7, 116.6, 83.7, 81.5, 80.0, 77.4, 73.5, 71.2, 38.8. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + H]⁺, C₂₁H₂₅O₃: 325.1804; found: 325.1810.

2.7. Synthesis of 1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(Benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol (9a/b)

N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (540 mg, 4.60 mmol, 1.5 eq.) and OsO₄ (78 mg, 0.31 mmol, 0.1 eq.) were sequentially added to a solution of 8β (1.00 g, 3.08 mmol) in THF/H₂O (1:1, 80 mL). After stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the reaction mixture was quenched using Na₂S₂O₅/NaHSO₃ (765 mg, 1.3 eq.) and stirred 1 h at the same temperature. The reaction was then extracted using ethyl acetate (3 × 50 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 1 N HCl (1 × 50 mL), followed by H₂O (1 × 50 mL) and brine (1 × 50 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo to afford 9a/b as a mixture of two diastereoisomers (dr 80:20) as a brown oil. This product did not require any further purification for the next step (1.10 g, 99% yield). R_f = 0.24 (dichloromethane/methanol 9:1). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3384, 2936, 1445, 1064. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.42–7.22 (m, 20H), 4.69–4.51 (m, 6H), 4.42–4.39 (m, 2H), 4.27–4.11 (m, 4H), 3.99–3.97 (m, 2H), 3.91–3.89 (m, 2H), 3.79–3.61 (m, 8H), 2.29–2.20 (m, 2H), 2.14–2.08 (m, 2H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 138.1, 137.7, 128.6, 128.54, 128.52, 128.0, 127.93, 127.9, 127.8, 127.7, 81.5, 80.9, 79.5, 78.8, 78.73, 78.67, 78.5, 73.6, 73.1, 72.8, 71.5, 71.4, 68.9, 68.8, 64.9, 64.0, 33.7, 32.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₂₁H₂₆NaO₅: 381.1678; found: 381.1681.

2.8. Synthesis of (R)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(Benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl Diacetate 10a and (S)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(Benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl Diacetate 10b

Acetic anhydride (6.2 mL, 65.0 mmol, 18.3 eq.), pyridine (3.1 mL, 38.5 mmol, 10.7 eq.), and a catalytic amount of N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (22 mg, 0.18 mmol, 0.05 eq.) were sequentially added to a stirred solution of 9a/b (1.30 g, 3.60 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then diluted using CH₂Cl₂ and washed using HCl 10% (2 × 30 mL), followed by NaHCO₃-saturated solution (2 × 30 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and then concentrated in vacuo. The reaction afforded a mixture of two diastereoisomers that were separated using column chromatography eluting with petroleum ether/diethyl ether 8:2 to afford 10a and 10b as yellow oils (10a 1.01 g, 60% yield; 10b 0.25 g, 20% yield).

(R)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl diacetate 10a: [α]_D²⁰ = +26.6 (c = 6.17 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.76 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 6:4). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 1748, 1224, 793. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.36–7.28 (m, 10H, Ar), 5.18 (ddd, J₁ = 6.4, J₂ = 3.6, J₃ = 2.8, 1H, H-8), 4.61–4.50 (m, 4H, H-6, and H-7), 4.36 (d, J = 12, 1H, H-9), 4.18–4.01 (m, 4H, H-3, H-1, H-9′, and H-4), 3.78 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 4.8, 1H, H-5), 3.68 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 6.4, 1H, H-5′), 2.20–2.04 (m, 2H, H-2, and H-2′), 2.07 (s, 3H, H-11), 2.05 (s, 3H, H-10). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 171.0, 170.4, 138.3, 138.1, 128.5, 127.9, 127.82, 127.8, 127.76, 127.72, 82.3, 78.3, 76.2, 73.6, 73.4, 71.3, 68.9, 63.0, 33.7, 21.2, 21.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₂₅H₃₀NaO₇: 465.1889; found: 465.1883.

(S)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl diacetate 10b: [α]_D²⁰ = +21.4 (c = 5.43 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.68 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 6:4). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 1748, 1224, 793. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.34–7.27 (m, 10H, Ar), 5.24 (ddd, J₁ = 6.4, J₂ = 3.6, J₃ = 2.8, 1H, H-8), 4.62–4.52 (m, 4H, H-6, and H-7), 4.42 (m, 1H, H-9), 4.37–4.33 (m, 1H, H-3), 4.18–4.10 (m, 2H, H-1, and H-9′), 4.04–4.00 (m, 1H, H-4), 3.80 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 4.8, 1H, H-5), 3.70 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 6.4, 1H, H-5′), 2.20–2.14 (m, 1H, H-2), 2.04 (s, 3H, H-11), 2.02 (s, 3H, H-10), 1.94–1.89 (m, 1H, H-2′). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.8, 128.54, 128.5, 127.9, 127.8, 127.74 127.7, 127.52, 127.5, 81.6, 78.4, 76.3, 73.6, 72.5, 71.6, 69.0, 63.6, 33.7, 21.2, 20.9. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₂₅H₃₀NaO₇: 465.1889; found: 465.1891.

2.9. Synthesis of (2S,4R)-2-(Anthracen-9-yl)-4-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,3-dioxolane 12a and (2R,4R)-2-(Anthracen-9-yl)-4-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,3-dioxolane 12b

Anthraldehyde dimethyl acetal (59 mg, 0.23 mmol, 1.25 eq.) and p-toluensulfonic acid (0.8 mg, 2 mol%) were added to a stirred solution of 9a (67 mg, 0.19 mmol) in CH₃CN (1.7 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature 48 h; then, it was neutralized using Et₃N and the solvent was evaporated. The crude material was purified using column chromatography on silica gel eluting using petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 9:1 to afford the title compound 12a and 12b (dr 78:22) as a yellow oil (18 mg, 18%) and as individual compounds. (4R)-2-(anthracen-9-yl)-4-((2R,4S,5R)-4-(benzyloxy)-5-((benzyloxy)methyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,3-dioxolane.

12a: [α]_D²⁵ = +8.6 (c = 1.4 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.44 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3012, 1592, 1220, 780. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 8.59–8.52 (m, 2H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 7.97–7.92 (m, 2H), 7.60–7.36 (m, 5H), 7.32–7.11 (m, 9H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 4.61–4.50 (m, 4H), 4.42–4.32 (m, 3H), 4.32–4.23 (m, 1H), 4.23–4.11 (m, 2H), 3.84–3.70 (m, 2H), 2.20–2.15 (m, 2H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 138.4, 138.3, 131.6, 131.1, 130.6, 129.2, 128.5, 128.0, 127.8, 127.6, 126.3, 125.0, 124.7, 101.8, 82.3, 79.34, 79.28, 79.0, 73.7, 71.3, 69.2, 68.5, 35.1. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + H]⁺, C₃₆H₃₅O₅: 547.2484; found: 547.2491.

12b: [α]_D²⁵ = −20.0 (c = 0.4 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.36 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹:3012, 1592, 1220, 780. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 8.53–8.40 (m, 3H), 8.10–7.91 (m, 2H), 7.52–7.40 (m, 4H), 7.40–7.17 (m, 10H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 4.73–4.50 (m, 4H), 4.42–4.17 (m, 4H), 4.20–4.10 (m, 2H), 3.90–3.71 (m, 2H), 2.29–2.15 (m, 2H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 138.4, 138.2, 131.6, 131.0, 130.5, 129.3, 128.6, 128.0, 127.8, 127.79, 127.7, 127.6, 126.4, 125.1, 124.9, 124.4 101.4, 82.3, 79.5, 79.0, 78.3, 73.7, 71.3, 70.0, 69.3, 35.1. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + H]⁺, C₃₆H₃₅O₅: 547.2484; found: 547.2488.

2.10. Synthesis of (R)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-Hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl Diacetate 13

Pd/C 10% (144 mg, 1.36 mmol, 2.0 eq.) was added to a stirred solution of 10a (300 mg, 0.678 mmol) in methanol/formic acid 9:1 (24 mL). The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature under atmospheric hydrogen pressure (balloon) for 16 h. The solution was then filtered on celite, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a colorless oil. This product did not require any further purification for the next step (163 mg, 92% yield). [α]_D²⁵ = +53.3 (c = 0.3 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.2 (dichloromethane/methanol 9:1). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3584, 2946, 1740. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.26–5.23 (m, 1H), 4.53–4.48 (m, 2H), 4.17–4.10 (m, 2H), 4.00–3.91 (m, 2H), 3.88–3.85 (m, 1H), 2.37–2.30 (m, 1H), 2.11 (s, 3H, CH₃C(O)-), 2.07 (s, 3H, CH₃C(O)-), 1.97–1.95 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.9, 170.4, 77.3, 76.4, 73.5, 72.6, 62.5, 61.8, 37.2, 21.1, 21.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₁₁H₁₈NaO₇: 285.0950; found: 285.0954.

2.11. Synthesis of (R)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2diyl Diacetate 14

4,4’-dimethoxytrityl chloride (274 mg, 0.810 mmol, 1.3 eq.) was added to a stirred solution of 13 (163 mg g, 0.621 mmol) in dry pyridine (3.3 mL) under an inert atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, then quenched using a solution of chloroform/methanol 9:1 (8 mL), diluted using CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) and washed using H₂O (1 × 10 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated in vacuo and purified using column chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 7:3 containing 3% of Et₃N to afford 14 as a yellow oil (210 mg, 60% yield). [α]_D²⁵ = +1.8 (c = 21.0 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.86 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 1:1). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3584, 3029, 2946, 1740. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.39–7.28 (m, 4H), 7.45–7.21 (m, 5H), 6.90–6.79 (m, 4H), 5.26–5.23 (m, 1H), 4.53–4.46 (m, 2H), 4.21–4.10 (m, 1H), 3.95–3.91 (m, 1H), 3.79 (s, 6H, ArOCH₃), 3.39–3.37 (m, 2H), 2.66–2.65 (m, 1H), 2.33–2.25 (m, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H, CH₃C(O)-), 2.04 (s, 3H,—CH₃C(O)-), 1.97–1.91 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.9, 170.3, 158.7, 144.7, 135.8, 130.1, 128.08, 128.04, 127.0, 113.4, 86.8, 81.7, 76.1, 73.0, 72.7, 62.9, 62.6, 55.4, 37.1, 21.2, 21.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₃₂H₃₆NaO₉: 587.2257; found: 587.2263.

2.12. Synthesis of (1R)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-(((2-cyanoethoxy)(diisopropylamino)phosphanyl)oxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl Diacetate 15

N,N-diisopropylethylamine (181 μL, 1.04 mmol, 2.5 eq.) and 2-cyanoethyl N,N-diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite (204 μL, 0.915 mmol, 2.2 eq.) were sequentially added to a stirred solution of 14 (235 mg, 0.416 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) under an inert atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight, then poured into ice-cold water (15 mL) and extracted using CH₂Cl₂ (3 × 15 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed using water (1 × 10 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2 containing 3% Et₃N) to afford 15 as a yellow oil (303 mg, 95% yield). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3029, 2946, 1740; 1380. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.49–7.57 (m, 2H), 7.38–7.19 (m, 7H), 6.91–6.77 (m, 4H), 5.11–5.07 (m, 1H), 4.61–4.53 (m, 1H), 4.47–4.05 (m, 4H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.65–3.12 (m, 5H), 2.58–2.51 (m, 1H), 2.45–2.20 (m, 2H), 2.15–2.12 (m, 1H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.97–1.91 (m, 1H), 1.21–0.90 (m, 12H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 171.0, 170.9, 170.3, 170.1, 158.47, 158.45, 145.13, 145.1, 136.47, 136.46, 136.24, 136.21, 130.31, 130.25, 128.5, 128.4, 127.8, 126.8, 126.7, 117.9, 117.7, 113.09, 113.06, 86.23, 86.21, 83.2, 83.1, 76.01, 76.0, 73.3, 73.1, 64.3, 64.0, 62.9, 62.7, 58.7, 58.5, 58.1, 58.0, 55.33, 55.29, 43.4, 43.3, 43.2, 43.1, 36.7, 36.5, 24.74, 24.67, 24.63, 24.60, 24.55, 24.4, 24.3, 21.2, 21.1, 21.0, 20.97. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₄₁H₅₃N₂NaO₁₀P: 787.3336; found: 787.3340.

2.13. Synthesis of (S)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-4-Hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl Diacetate 16

Pd/C 10% (96 mg, 0.90 mmol, 2.0 eq.) was added to a stirred solution of 10b (200 mg, 0.452 mmol) in methanol/formic acid 9:1 (19 mL). The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature under atmospheric hydrogen pressure (balloon) for 16 h. The solution was then filtered on celite, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a colorless oil. This product did not require any further purification for the next step (51 mg, 43% yield). [α]_D²⁵ = +40.0 (c = 0.6 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.2 (dichloromethane/methanol 9:1). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3584, 2946, 1740. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ_H 5.27–5.23 (m, 1H), 4.47–4.44 (m, 1H), 4.29–4.26 (m, 1H), 4.17–4.10 (m, 2H), 3.93–3.79 (m, 3H), 2.30–2.26 (m, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.85-1.80 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 171.7, 171.2, 81.5, 77.4, 73.8, 73.7, 63.3, 62.0, 38.3, 21.4, 21.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₁₁H₁₈NaO₇: 285.0950; found: 285.0954.

2.14. Synthesis of (S)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-hydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diyl 17

4,4’-dimethoxytrityl chloride (83 mg, 0.25 mmol, 1.4 eq.) was added to a stirred solution of 16 (46 mg g, 0.175 mmol) in dry pyridine (1.0 mL) under an inert atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 16 h, then quenched using a solution of chloroform/methanol 9:1 (2 mL), diluted using CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) and washed using H₂O (1 × 5 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, concentrated in vacuo and purified using column chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 7:3 containing 3% of Et₃N to afford 17 as a yellow oil (42 mg, 43% yield). [α]_D²⁵ = +2.0 (c = 2.0 in CH₂Cl₂). R_f = 0.86 (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 1:1). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3584, 3029, 2946, 1740. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.47–7.21 (m, 9H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.8, 4H), 5.26–5.24 (m, 1H), 4.42–4.38 (m, 2H), 4.26–4.15 (m, 2H), 3.89–3.88 (m, 1H), 3.79 (s, 6H), 3.42 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 5.2, 1H), 3.32 (dd, J₁ = 10, J₂ = 4.8, 1H), 2.87–2.85 (m, 1H), 2.36–2.29 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.87–1.75 (m, 1H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.84, 170.82, 158.7, 144.8, 135.9, 135.8, 130.1, 128.2, 128.1, 113.4, 86.8, 81.3, 75.9, 72.7, 72.3, 63.5, 62.7, 55.4, 37.4, 21.1, 21.0. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₃₂H₃₆NaO₉: 587.2257; found: 587.2261.

2.15. Synthesis of (1S)-1-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-(((2-cyanoethoxy)(diisopropylamino)phosphanyl)oxy)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)ethane-1,2diyl Diacetate 18

N,N-diisopropylethylamine (20 μL, 0.12 mmol, 2.5 eq.) and 2-cyanoethyl N,N-diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite (24 μL, 0.449 mmol, 2.2 eq.) were sequentially added to a stirred solution of 17 (27 mg, 0.048 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ (1.2 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight under argon atmosphere, then poured into ice-cold water (5 mL) and extracted using CH₂Cl₂ (3 × 5 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed using water, dried over MgSO₄, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified using silica gel column chromatography (petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 8:2 containing 3% Et₃N) to afford 18 as a yellow oil (15 mg, 41% yield). IR: v_max (neat)/cm⁻¹: 3029, 2946, 1740; 1380. δ_H (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.29–7.20 (m, 18H), 6.76–6.74 (m, 8H), 5.27–5.22 (m, 2H) 4.45–3.98 (m, 8H), 3.71 (s, 6H), 3.70 (s, 6H), 3.65–3.12 (m, 10H), 2.54–2.50 (m, 2H), 2.78–2.55 (m, 6H), 2.39–2.32 (m, 2H), 2.09 (s, 6H), 2.01 (s, 6H), 1.92–1.81 (m, 2H), 1.25–0.79 (m, 24H). δ_C (100.6 MHz, CDCl₃): 170.84, 170.76, 170.5, 158.43, 158.4, 145.1, 136.6, 136.3, 132.5, 131.0, 130.4, 130.31, 130.28, 130.22, 128.9, 128.5, 128.4, 127.8, 126.8, 126.7, 117.8, 116.7, 113.1, 86.2, 82.1, 76.3, 76.0, 73.3, 72.7, 63.8, 63.6, 63.4, 58.2, 58.2, 55.31, 55.27, 45.42, 45.4, 43.2, 43.1, 35.9, 24.84, 24.63, 24.6, 24.59, 24.55, 24.4, 24.3, 21.2, 21.1, 21.0, 20.97. HRMS (ESI): calculated for [M + Na]⁺, C₄₁H₅₃N₂NaO₁₀P: 787.3336; found: 787.3341.

2.16. Preparation of Oligonucleotides A and B

Oligonucleotides A and B were synthesized on an AB 3400 DNA synthesizer using standard β-cyanoethyl phosphoramidite chemistry. Reagents and concentrations applied were the same as those for syntheses of natural DNA oligomers. DNA solid phase synthesis was performed on 1 μmol dA^Bz 500 A CPG resin and 1 μmol dG^iBU 500A CPG (Applied Biosystem) and using scale standard protocol. Syntheses were performed using a 1 μmol scale in trityl-on mode, according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The only change made to the usual synthesis cycle for the monomer 15 was the prolongation of the coupling time to 3 min. Coupling efficiency during the automated synthesis was estimated spectrophotometrically using the DMT cation, released during the detritylation steps. The oligomers, were removed from the support and deprotected using treatment with 35% NH₃ 16 h at 60 °C. The crude oligonucleotides were submitted to the protocol for PoliPak II (Glen Research) where first the DMT was removed and then the oligo purified (attached HPLC profile after Poli-Pak II treatment). After the treatment using Poli-Pak II, the sequences were submitted to RP-HPLC using a C12 Jupiter Proteo column and a gradient of 20% of B (CH₃CN) in A (H₂O, 0.1M TEEA, pH = 7). The products were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectra using the Applied Biosystems Voyager DE-PRO spectrometer with 3-hydroxy picolinic acid matrix. Sequence A (MALDI): calculated for [M − H + Na⁺]⁻ 4575.61; found: 4575.66. Sequence B (MALDI): calculated for [M − H + Na]⁻ 4610.67; found: 4610.71.

2.17. Procedure for UV Absorption Measurements and UV-Melting Experiments

UV measurements were obtained using a JASCO V-550 UV/VIS spectrophotometer equipped with a Peltier block by using 1 cm quartz cells of both 0.5 and 1 mL internal volume (Hellma). Oligomer quantification was achieved by measuring the absorbance (l = 260 nm) at 80 °C, using the molar extinction coefficients calculated for the unstacked oligonucleotides. The molar extinction coefficients used for the calculations were A: 15.4; T: 8.8; G: 11.7; C: 7.3 m⁻¹M⁻¹ (for the DNA monomers). The epsilons used for the quantification of the oligonucleotide are ε₂₆₀ = 152.6 m⁻¹M⁻¹ for sequence A (A₄C₂G₂T₆) and 165.6 m⁻¹M⁻¹ for sequence B (A₆C₂G₂T₄). UV quantification of the oligos provided the following values: a = 135 nmol (0.62 mg, 13% yield); b = 125 nmol (0,58 mg, 12% yield). Annealing of all the duplexes was performed by dissolving equimolar amounts of the two complementary strands in milliQ water, heating the solution at 85 °C (5 min), and then allowing to cool slowly to room temperature. Melting curves (at 260 nm) were recorded for a consecutive heating (10–85 °C)–cooling–heating protocol with a linear gradient of 0.5 °C/min.

3. Results and Discussion

A large number of synthetic approaches towards C-nucleosides have been established to date [23,24]. Our group has developed a diversity-oriented strategy to provide access to a range of unnatural C-nucleosides [25,26]. Taking advantage of this methodology, we set out to prepare a number of abasic nucleosides holding nonheterocyclic metal ligand templates, for example, β-diols, β-aminoalcohols, β-diamines, or β-hydroxamic acid. We set out with the synthesis of β-diol C-nucleoside 15 (Scheme 1) since naturally occurring nucleosides possess the β-anomeric configuration. Desired target 15 contains the protecting group required for its introduction into an oligonucleotide using solid phase synthesis. Hence, starting from commercially available 2-deoxy-D-Ribose 3, treatment with methanol in presence of catalytic AcCl generated compound 4 with a 99% yield. Subsequent exhaustive benzylation produced 5 that, in turn, was selectively deprotected on the anomeric position to provide the desired 6. Compound 6 was obtained in overall 70% yields for the steps (a)–(c) (Scheme 1). Compound 6 was treated with an excess of vinylmagnesium bromide at room temperature to provide the corresponding ring that opened product 7 as a diastereoisomeric mixture in overall 91% isolated yields.

Diastereoisomeric mixture 7 was treated using p-toluenesulfonyl chloride and KOH resulting in the formation of 8α/β (dr 1:1.5), which were successfully separated using column chromatography to obtain enantiomerically pure 8β. The ¹H-NMR spectroscopy data of 8β (and therefore the stereochemistry at the anomeric position) were consistent with those already reported in the literature [27]. The next step involved the dihydroxylation of 8β to afford diols 9a/b. Hence, treatment of 8β with OsO₄ (10 mol%) and NMO as the terminal oxidant provided 9 in near to quantitative yield and as an inseparable mixture of two diastereoisomers. The same result was also obtained when the reaction was carried out at −78 °C. In order to increase the diastereoisomeric ratio of compound 9 and obviate to the separation of a single diastereomer, compound 8β was subjected to the condition reported by Sharpless for asymmetric dihydroxylation [28]. Therefore, 8β was reacted in the presence of cinchona alkaloid ligand hydroquinidine 1,4-phthalazinediyl diether (DHQD)₂PHAL [21] (10 mol%), NMO (2.2 eq.), and OsO₄ (10 mol%). This experiment furnished 9a/b with an inseparable mixture of two diasteroisomers. However, diols 9a/b were then reacted with Ac₂O, pyridine and in the presence of 5% of N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to provide 10a/b as a mixture of diastereoisomers, which, satisfactorily, could be separated using column chromatography in pure compounds 10a and 10b, respectively. Noteworthy, the preparation of compounds possessing the same scaffold as 9 and 10 has been reported using an alternative route [29,30,31]. Compound 10a (major isomer) was tested for configurational stability under the standard reaction conditions adopted in oligonucleotide-automated synthesis. Hence, a solution of 7 μmol of 10a in CD₃CN (0.75 mL) was submitted to cycle reactants, including ammonia, and the progression of reaction monitored using ¹H-NMR. We were delighted to observe that 10a underwent acetyl hydrolysis to provide expected 9a as a single diastereoisomer, hence proving its configurational stability under oligonucleotide synthesis conditions. The stereochemistry of the C6–O bond of 9a and 10a was determined by converting 9a to acetal 12a and 12b and conducting n.O.e. studies on these derivatives. 9-anthraldehyde dimethyl acetal 11 has been reported as a protecting group for diols as a means to obtain crystalline structures [21]. 9-anthraldehyde dimethyl acetal 11 (Scheme 2) [32] was synthesized according to the procedure reported then reacted with 9a (Scheme 2) in MeCN under the catalysis of p-TSA to provide expected compound 12a/b as a mixture of two diastereoisomers (dr 78:22). Compounds 12a/b could not be crystallized; however, it was possible, once again, to separate 12a and 12b as a single diastereoisomer using column chromatography.

With pure compounds 12a and 12b in hand, we carried out n.O.e experiments aimed at elucidating the stereochemistry of the C4–O bond of the 1,3-dioxolane nucleus. While n.O.e. experiments carried out on 10a were unconclusive, n.O.e. run on conformationally locked 12a and 12b pointed out at the spatial orientation of the C4–O bond in compounds compatible with an absolute (R) stereochemistry, which can be extended to the parent compounds 9a, 10a, 12a, and 12b. In particular, upon irradiation of C6–H in 12a, no enhancement was observed for C1′–H but significant enhancement was observed for C2′–H, therefore confirming a trans relationship between C6–H and C1′–H; lack of enhancement of benzylic C–H upon irradiation of C6–H was observed for compound 12a, which was in contrast to that evidenced for compound 12b. Major diastereoisomer 10a was therefore employed to obtain desired compound 15 (Scheme 3). Firstly, hydrogenation of 10a using an excess of Pd/C (2.0 eq.) in methanol and 10% of HCOOH under an H₂ atmosphere removed the benzylic groups providing expected diol 13 in 92% isolated yields. The 5′–O was then functionalized with a 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl group (DMT), to provide 14 at a 60% yield. In turn, compound 14 was converted to the correspondent phosphoramidite 15, which was obtained in 95% isolated yield (Scheme 3).

With compound 10b in hand, we repeated the synthetic route highlighted above to prepare solid phase synthesis-activated nucleoside 18 (Scheme 4). Hence, 10b was first debenzylated under reductive conditions to generate diol 16. In turn, 16 was reacted with DMTr to provide intermediate 17 that was finally converted to the desired 18. We noted that the reaction yields for each of the steps leading to 18 were significantly lower compared to those observed for the synthesis of diastereoisomeric compound 15. These data may account for the steric hindrance provided by the C6-acetoxy group that in compounds 16 and 17 may slow the reaction of the 5′–O and 3′–O with their electrophilic counterparts.

In order to evaluate the ability of abasic nucleoside 15 to be introduced on single and double strands of unnatural DNAs, compound 15 was inserted in a sequence of DNA. Hence, two strands of complementary DNAs, namely A and B (Figure 2), were prepared, in which compound 15 was located in the central portion of each strand. This was achieved using standard automated DNA synthesis, demonstrating that compound 15 could efficiently be introduced in a DNA framework. This was a significant milestone, as it was shown that 15 could be used nested in a biomolecule with the prospect of becoming a catalyst upon introduction in a DNA and their subsequent deacetoxylation to become diol 19 (Figure 2). The sequence of A and B was selected as reported for similar studies [16].

Unnatural strands A and B were then mixed and allowed to hybridize using established thermal protocols; then, the thermal stability of duplex A/B was recorded by carrying out UV-monitored thermal denaturation. The results obtained (Figure 3) showed duplex A/B possessing a melting temperature (T_m) of 24 °C. It should be noted that in a natural-type duplex, in which the 15/15 base pair was replaced by A-T base pair, T_m was 44.2 °C [16]. Thus, these data show that the introduction of 15 in a natural sequence of DNA perturbed the overall stability of the duplex, resulting in a significant decrease in melting temperature (ΔT_m = 20.2 °C). The data were significant, as the lower meting temperature obtained by introducing nucleobase 15 indicated the formation of a new groove with potential for nucleophilic catalysis or for metal coordination.

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, we herein reported the synthesis of a novel abasic, unnatural C-nucleoside bearing a β-diol at the anomeric position. We also demonstrated that (i) β-diol 15 could be efficiently incorporated into DNA strands; (ii) DNA strands bearing 15 do hybridize, forming a double helix that, according to the melting point, holds a new type of groove containing polyhydroxylated functionalities. Studies regarding the ability of single strand DNAs and double strands including 15 and their diastereoisomeric analogues in catalysis are ongoing.