Optimization of a solid-phase synthesis of a PNA monomer

[GRAPHICS] A new scheme for the synthesis of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is described. First, a resin-bound amino acid is alkylated under Fukuyama-Mitsunobu condi tions. A nucleobase is then incorporated via an acid fluoride. Subsequently , oligomerization may be achieved by deprotection, coupling of another amin o acid, and repetition of the cycle. Each step of the submonomer synthesis has been optimized to provide essentially quantitative yield.