fosforothioate

A phosphorothioate is a type of organophosphorus compound that contains a sulfur atom in place of one of the oxygen atoms in a phosphate group. The general formula for a phosphorothioate is R-O-P(S)(OR')2 or R-O-P(S)(OR')(O-R''). In this structure, R, R', and R'' represent organic groups. These compounds are analogous to their oxygen-containing counterparts, the phosphates, with the key difference being the presence of the sulfur atom.

Phosphorothioates play important roles in both biological and chemical contexts. In molecular biology and pharmaceuticals, phosphorothioate oligonucleotides are a significant class of modified nucleic acids. In these molecules, the phosphodiester backbone of DNA or RNA is modified by replacing one of the non-bridging oxygen atoms with sulfur. This modification enhances the stability of the oligonucleotide against enzymatic degradation, making them useful for therapeutic applications, such as antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs.

Beyond their biological relevance, phosphorothioates also find use in other areas of chemistry. They can be employed as intermediates in the synthesis of various organophosphorus compounds. The sulfur atom can influence the reactivity and properties of the molecule compared to its phosphate analog. Research continues to explore the diverse applications and synthesis of phosphorothioate derivatives.