Versatile and selective synthesis of "click chemistry" compatible heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol)s possessing azide and alkyne functionalities

Bioconjug Chem. 2010 Feb 17;21(2):248-54. doi: 10.1021/bc900253p.

Abstract

Versatile route for "click chemistry" compatible heterobifunctional PEGs was established through preparation of alpha-tetrahydropyranyloxy-omega-hydroxyl poly(ethylene glycol) (THP-PEG-OH) via ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide using 2-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yloxy)ethanol as an initiator, followed by the functionalization of omega-OH group to either the azido or alkyne group. Quantitative azidation of THP-PEG-OH was confirmed from the analysis of molecular functionality of the derivatives. While the conversion efficiency of omega-alkynation was appropriately 70%, the unreacted THP-PEG-OH fraction was successfully removed by ion-exchange chromatography after the carboxylation of the hydroxyl group with succinic anhydride. Then, the protecting group of the alpha-end, THP, was removed in mild acidic media, followed by two- or three-step modification of the resulting alpha-hydroxyl group to primary amino or thiol groups. Consequently, "click chemistry" compatible heterobifunctional PEG derivatives (X-PEG-Y; X = NH(2) and SH, Y =Azide and Alkyne) were synthesized with high efficiency and controlled molecular weight.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Azides / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemical synthesis*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Ethylene Oxide / chemistry
  • Hydroxides / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemical synthesis*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Azides
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydroxides
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • hydroxide ion
  • Ethylene Oxide