Preparation of phospholipid analogues using the phosphoramidite route

The phosphoramidite route has been used to prepare phospholipid analogues p ossessing biocompatible properties and the monomer 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine, utilised in the preparation of biocompatible polymers. M odifications to established methodology include, as an alternative to the t hermally unstable tetrazole, the use of 4,5-dichloroimidazole as an acid ca talyst for preparing phosphite esters from the corresponding phosphoramidit es, and the use of trimethylamine N-oxide as oxidant for the conversion of the phosphite esters into the corresponding phosphates.