Reductive amination of 3,5'-O-(tetraisopropyldisilyloxane-1,3-diyl)2'-deoxy
-5-formyluridine with several aliphatic and aromatic amines, in various sol
vents, is described. In the case of aliphatic amines, the expected C-5 subs
tituted methylamino pyrimidine nucleosides are formed along with by-product
s deriving from opening of the pyrimidine ring. Relative amounts of the by-
products depend upon the polarity of the solvent employed.