Patent ID: 6861518

Claim:
A method for the preparation of an internucleotide linkage comprising the steps of: selecting a first nucleoside synthon having an activated phosphorus group; providing a second synthon having a free 5′-hydroxyl group, said second synthon being a mononucleoside synthon or a polynucleotide synthon; and reacting said first nucleoside synthon with said second synthon the presence of a catalyst to form said internucleotide linkage; said catalyst having the formula: wherein: R 14 is halogen, cyano, nitro, thio, alkyl having from one to 10 carbons, substituted alkyl having from one to 10 carbons, norbornyl, substituted norbornyl, aryl, substituted aryl wherein said substituents are electron withdrawing, or has the formula: wherein L is a protecting group; wherein said method is performed in solution or on a solid support.