Traceless linkers--only disappearing links in solid-phase organic synthesis?

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Synthetic Chemistry

Background:

• Traceless linkers are crucial for solid-phase synthesis.
• They enable modification of polymer-bound molecules.
• Cleavage without residual functionality is key for library purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in traceless linker technology.
• To highlight the utility of linkers for creating diverse compound libraries.
• To discuss various linker designs based on heteroatoms.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on traceless linker development.
• Analysis of synthetic strategies employing different heteroatoms (Groups 14-16).
• Examination of applications in diverse compound library synthesis.

Main Results:

• Traceless linkers facilitate attachment of arenes and alkanes to polymers.
• These linkers allow for chemical transformations on solid supports.
• Cleavage yields products free of residual linker functionality.

Conclusions:

• Traceless linkers are increasingly important in modern synthesis.
• Diverse linker designs offer flexibility in solid-phase chemistry.
• The development of these linkers supports the creation of unbiased compound libraries.