Peptide nucleic acids (PNA) have received great attention as
tools in molecular biology and biotechnology, diagnostic agents,
and potential antisense drugs. Many derivatives and analogues of
PNA were designed and prepared to improve their physico-chemical
and biological properties. In most cases, PNA oligomers were synthesized
by peptide synthesis from N-protected monomers. In this work, a
new method to obtain PNA monomers and PNA chain prolongation by
Ugi four-component condensation reaction was tested by synthesizing
PNA monomers and dimers. This method differs from classical peptide
chemistry in that no prior preparation of PNA monomers is needed
as they are built up along with the extension of chain. The synthesis
of the key component isocyanide is also presented.
peptide nucleic acids (PNA) - condensation - isocyanide - Ugi four-component reaction
