Methyl 2,3-O-Isopropylidene-5-O-benzyl-β-D-ribofuranoside (CAS 33019-63-5)

Methyl 2,3-O-Isopropylidene-5-O-benzyl-β-D-ribofuranoside is an organically modified ribose derivative extensively used in biochemical research, particularly in the study of nucleoside analogs and RNA-related processes. This compound primarily serves as a protective agent for ribose moieties during chemical synthesis, allowing for the selective modification of other parts of nucleoside molecules without interference from unwanted reactions at the ribose site. The chemical′s structure includes an isopropylidene group which protects the 2,3-diols of ribose, while the benzyl group at the 5-position serves to stabilize the molecule against nucleophilic attack. This dual protection is crucial for the synthesis of various modified nucleosides, which are valuable tools in exploring RNA function and structure. In research, this compound has facilitated advancements in understanding RNA mechanisms, such as splicing, reverse transcription, and RNA replication processes. Researchers value this chemical for its efficacy in enabling the precise manipulation of nucleoside structures, providing insights into RNA behavior under various synthetic conditions and contributing significantly to the field of molecular biology.