Optimized synthesis of phosphatidylserine

The synthesis of phosphatidyl serine containing saturated fatty acids was thoroughly studied and optimized in order to establish a protocol amenable to large-scale synthesis. The key step was a one-pot multicomponent reaction involving an O-benzyl phosphorodiamidite, protected serine and diacylglycerol, followed by in situ oxidation of the resulting phosphite. In order to replace expensive and poorly stable tetrazole, a screening of substitutes was carried out and imidazolium chloride was selected as the best suited one.