Mechanism of formation of N2-benzylguanine in the reaction of 2-amino- 6-chloropurine with sodium benzyl oxide, and benzylation of nucleic acid bases

Abstract

The mechanism of formation of N2-benzylguanine in the reaction of 2- amino-6-chloropurine with a large excess (12-13 molar eq) of sodium benzyl oxide in benzyl alcohol at 130°C was studied. N2,O6-Dibenzylguanine, a reaction intermediate, was isolated and a possible mechanism for its formation is discussed. Furthermore, using this sodium benzyl oxide system, benzylation at the amino group of nucleic acid bases was facilitated.