A simple and efficient method to prepare thioesters in aqueous solutions

A simple method is described for the efficient synthesis of biologically-active thioesters in aqueous solutions. The method utilizes imidazole as a catalyst and easily synthesized acyl or aminoacyl adenylates to synthesize a variety of thioesters, from small molecules to macromolecules. Yields in excess of 90% can be achieved in less than 10 min at room temperature. Specifically, functional derivatization of RNA with biotin via thioester linkage is demonstrated.