Synthesis of the Polysaccharide, (1 5)--D-Ribofuranan and Its Catalytic Activities for the Hydrolysis of Phosphates and the Cleavage of Nucleic Acids

The polysaccharide, (1\longrightarrow5)-$\alpha$-D-ribofuranan, was synthesized by a cationic ring-opening polymerization of 1,4-anhydro-2,3-di-O-benzyl-$\alpha$-D-ribopyranose with the aid of boron trifluoride etherate and subsequent debenzylation. This polysaccharide catalyzed the hydrolysis of ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, uridylyl(3'\longrightarrow5')uridine ammonium salt, and 4-tert-butylcatechol cyclic phosphate N-methyl pyridinium. The polymer also catalyzed the cleavage of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The hydrolysis of ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate in the presence of the polymer was accelerated by 1.5 ${\times}$ 10$^3$ times relative to the uncatalyzed reaction. The catalytic activity was attributable to the vic-cis-diols of the riboses being located inside the active center that is formed by polymer chain folding; these diols form hydrogen bonds with two phosphoryl oxygen atoms of the phosphates so as to activate the phosphorus atoms to be attacked by nucleophile ($H_2O$).