Efficient synthesis of cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol: A crucial precursor of glycerophospholipids biosynthesis

Cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) is a crucial precursor in forming several glycerophospholipids comprising lipid membranes. However, achieving efficient condensation of phosphatidic acid with cytidine monophosphate (CMP) in the chemical synthesis of CDP-DAG remains challenging. This study demonstrated the efficient synthesis of liponucleotides using sulfonyl imidazolium triflate as an activator. The pyridinium salts of CMP and phosphatidic acid were rapidly activated with sulfonylimidazolium salt, yielding CDP-DAG in high yields. Therefore, sulfonylimidazolium salt is a useful activator in synthesizing CDP-DAG. This approach facilitates the development of essential tools for elucidating the biosynthetic and regulatory mechanisms of glycerophospholipids, essential constituents of cell membranes. This study provides valuable insights into the synthesis of liponucleotides, such as CDP-DAG, and their significance in understanding cellular membrane formation.