The reaction of 5'-protected ribonucleosides with diphenyl H-phosphonate in
pyridine furnished rapid formation of the corresponding 2',3'-cyclic H-pho
sphonates 3, which upon sulfurisation and the subsequent removal of the 5'-
protecting group, afforded nucleoside 2',3' -O,O-cyclophosphorothioates 5 i
n high yields. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.