Further optimization of detritylation in solid-phase oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis

Various conditions for optimum detritylation (i.e., the removal of 5'-O-trityl protecting groups) during solid-phase synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides were investigated. Di- and tri-chloroacetic acids of variable concentrations were used to study the removal of the 4,4'-dimethoxytrityl (DMTr) group. It was found that the DMTr group could be completely removed under much milder acidic conditions than what are currently used for automated solid-phase synthesis. The 2,7-dimethylpixyl (DMPx) is proposed as an alternative and more readily removable group for the protection of the 5'-OH functions both in solid- and solution-phase synthesis. The improved detritylation conditions are expected to minimize the waste and offer a protocol for incorporation of acid sensitive building-blocks in oligonucleotides.