Asymmetric synthesis of D2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-endo-methylene nucleoside
s was achieved via the intermediate 2,3-endo-methylene pentofuranoyl c
hloride 6, which was prepared from 1,2:5,6-Di-O-isopropylidene-D-manni
tol 1 with high stereoselectivity (only a chlorosugar). The SN2 type c
ondensation of 6 with sodium salt of adenine and silyated N-4-benzoylc
ytosine gave the desired beta-nucleosides as major isomers (beta:alpha
= 2.5:1 and 2:1, respectively). (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri
ghts reserved.