Stereodefined methanephosphonate analogues of nucleic acids

In this review different approaches to the synthesis of stereodefined metha nephosphonate analogues of DNA (Oligo-PMe) are discussed, with special emph asis on the stereoselective methods of preparation of (R-P) dinucleoside (3 ',5')-methanephosphonates, which are building blocks for the preparation of chimeric analogues of DNA. The scope of the use of methanephosphonate anal ogues of DNA as potential therapeutic agents in antisense strategy is brief ly presented in the introduction.