Asymmetric Synthesis of Optically Active 1,3-Oxathiolane Nucleoside Analogues

Abstract

A ready asymmetric synthesis of 3′-oxa-4′-thionucleosides has been accomplished in three main steps from benzoyloxyethanal. The synthesis is characterized by high overall yield and appreciable enantiomeric excesses. It represents a general synthetic scheme to prepare a wide range of heterosubstituted sulfur-containing nucleoside analogues.