Selective Functionalization at N2-Position of Guanine in Oligonucleotides via Reductive Amination

Chemo- and site-specific modifications in oligonucleotides have wide applicability as mechanistic probes in chemical biology. Here we have employed a classical reaction in organic chemistry, reductive amination, to selectively functionalize the N²-amine of guanine/2’-deoxyguanine monophosphate. This method specifically modifies guanine in several tested DNA oligonucleotides, while leaving the other bases unaffected. Using this approach, we have successfully incorporated desired handles chemoselectively into DNA oligomers.