Boranophosphate

One of the simplest examples is [(CH3O)2OPBH3]−, prepared by base hydrolysis of the adduct of borane and trimethylphosphite.

[2] Boranophosphates have gained attention as structural surrogates of phosphate group in living systems.

In some compounds, borane replaces of one of the oxygens of a triphosphate or diphosphate functional group.

Boranophosphates have been incorporated into nucleotides and studied as potential therapeutic and diagnostic agents.

The compounds are prepared by attaching the borane to the phosphoramidite stage in the synthesis of nucleosides.

Structure of a boranophosphate analogue of ATP, the borane substituent is highlighted in red. [ 1 ]