Nature Chose Phosphates And Chemists Should Too: How Emerging P(V) Methods Can Augment Existing Strategies

Phosphate linkages govern life as we know it. The unique properties provide the foundation for many natural syste from cell biology and biosynthesis to the backbone of nucleic acid Phosphates are ideal natural moieties; existing as ionized species i a stable P(V)-oxidation state, they are endowed with high stabilit but exhibit enzymatically unlockable potential. Despite inten s interest in phosphorus catalysis and condensation chemistr organic chemistry has not hilly embraced the potential of P( reagents. To be sure, within the world of chemical oligonucleotide synthesis, modern approaches utilize P(III) reagent systems to create phosphate linkages and their analogs. In this Outlook, we present recent studies from our laboratories suggesting that numerous exciting opportunities for P(V) chemistry exist at the nexus of organic synthesis and biochemistry. Applications to the synthesis of stereopure antisense oligonucleotides, cyclic dinucleotides, methylphosphonates, and phosphines are reviewed as well as chemoselective modification to peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Finally, an outlook into what may be possible in the future with P(V) chemistry is previewed, suggesting these examples represent just the tip of the iceberg.