Abstract
2-Triarylmethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazoles 1–3 were synthesized and tested as activators in the methylphosphonamidite approach. TpN dinucleoside methylphosphonates generated showed diastereoselectivity of up to 8 / 1 (Rp / Sp). The influence of the different triarylmethyl substituents on diastereoselectivity is shown.