A catecholborane mediated reaction of the lactam epoxide unexpectedly gave
the cis-diol a useful intermediate for adenosine agonists. The origin of th
is reaction is postulated to arise from the formation of a boronic anhydrid
e which is transferred to the electron deficient C-6 via transannular attac
k by the amide nitrogen. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
.