Every synthetic DNA strand begins with molecular building blocks called phosphoramidites. Each one represents one of DNA's four letters, carefully protected so that only the correct chemical reaction can occur at each step.
This remarkably long molecule is one of those building blocks.
It is a protected form of deoxycytidine, the ""C"" in the genetic alphabet.
Its bulky dimethoxytrityl (DMT) group temporarily shields one end of the molecule. The phosphoramidite group activates the other end so it can connect to the growing DNA chain. Additional protecting groups prevent unwanted reactions until the synthesis is complete.
Global Chemical Database