# Gold Mono- and Bis-N-heterocyclic Carbenes Based on mRNA cap0

## TL;DR

Scientists synthesized stable gold compounds from a modified RNA building block, which can still form DNA-like bonds.

## Contribution

A new method to synthesize gold-based compounds from 7-methylguanosine without needing to protect ribose hydroxyl groups.

## Key findings

- Gold mono- and bis-N-heterocyclic carbenes were successfully synthesized from 7-methylguanosine at room temperature.
- The compounds remain stable in air and can form Watson–Crick base pairs with cytosine.
- Protection of hydroxyl groups was unnecessary for effective synthesis, though acetate-protected nucleosides were also used.

## Abstract

Eukaryotic mRNA contains
a cap structure that consists of a methylated
guanosine (mRNA cap0) connected to the first transcribed nucleotide
by an unusual 5′-5′-triphosphate bridge. Herein, we
describe the synthesis of gold mono- and bis-N-heterocyclic carbenes
derived from 7-methylguanosine at room temperature. The compounds
can be synthesized directly from 7-methylguanosine, and the synthesis
does not require the protection of the hydroxyl groups of the ribose
to be effective. The synthesis was also performed successfully with
the acetate protected nucleoside, but deprotection of the sugar was
not effective. The compounds are stable under air, both in the solid
state and in solution. Gold monocarbene 1 retains its
ability to form Watson–Crick base pairs with cytosine, without
interference of the acetate protecting groups.