The synthesis of 6-substituted 1-deazapurine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides i
s described. Glycosylation of the 1-deazapurine (imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin
e) anions with the alpha-D-halogenose 5 gives stereoselectively N-7- a
nd N-9-regioisomers. H-1-NMR NOE and C-13-NMR spectroscopy are used fo
r unambiguous assignment of isomers, and N-15-NMR chemical shifts are
correlated with sigma(para) Hammett constants and point charges.