A proposal for a new stereochemical notation for P-chiral nucleotide analogues and related compounds.

A new stereochemical notation for P-chiral nucleotide analogues and related compounds is proposed In this notation, the names of configurations, designated as D(P) and L(P), are derived from a geometrical relationship, rather than from priority rules, of substituents at the phosphorus centre. This new stereochemical description offers clear advantages over the CIP R/S nomenclature, particularly when used for comparing the influence of absolute configuration at the phosphorus centre on physicochemical and biological properties of oligonucleotide analogues or in stereochemical correlation analysis of P-chiral nucleotide derivatives.