Synthesis of Some 2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-C-Fluoromethyl and 3′-C-Azidomethyl Nucleosides

Abstract

The synthesis of 3′-C-fluoromethyl and 3′-C-azidomethyl nucleosides is reported. The 3′-C-fluoromethyl furanoside 4 was synthesized via fluoride ion induced displacement of the corresponding trifluoromethanesulfonate. The 3′-C-hydroxymethyl furanoside 3 was converted to the corresponding 3′-C-azidomethyl furanoside 6 using triphenylphosphine-carbon tetrabromide-lithium azide. The 3′-C-fluoromethyl furanoside derivative 5 and the 3′-C-azidomethyl furanoside derivative 7 were subsequently condensed with silylated purine and pyrimidine bases. Deblocking and separation of the anomers by chromatography afforded the α- and β-nucleoside analogues. The nucleosides were tested for inhibition of HIV multiplication in vitro and were found to be inactive in the assay.