4,4'-dimethoxytrityl cation

Description

The 4,4'-dimethoxytrityl cation, also known as DMT or trityl cation, is a common protecting group for hydroxyl groups, particularly in DNA synthesis. It is synthesized by reaction of 4,4'-dimethoxybenzhydrol with an acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. The cationic nature of the DMT group allows it to readily react with alcohols, forming an ether linkage that protects the hydroxyl group from unwanted reactions. The DMT group is stable under basic conditions, but can be removed under acidic conditions, which is advantageous for DNA synthesis as it allows for controlled deprotection of the hydroxyl groups during oligonucleotide synthesis. The DMT group is particularly useful in DNA synthesis because it can be selectively removed at the 5' end of the growing oligonucleotide chain, allowing for the addition of new nucleotides. Its importance lies in its ability to facilitate the efficient and controlled synthesis of oligonucleotides, which are essential for a variety of applications in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine.'

4,4'-dimethoxytrityl cation: RN given refers to non-ionic form; structure in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]