Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Carbocyclic Nucleosides

Abstract A number of nucleosides have been synthesized as potential antiviral and antitumor agents.1 More recently, various dideoxynucleosides have been synthesized and found to be potent anti-HIV agents.2 As a part of our drug discovery program for the treatment of HIV and HBV, we have initiated to synthesize cyclopropyl carbocyclic nucleosides as potential antiviral agents. Several papers regarding the synthesis of cyclopropyl carbocyclic nucleosides have appeared in the literature.3–5 However, they are all reported as racemic mixtures. In this abstract, we wish to report the asymmetric synthesis of cylopropyl carbocyclic nucleosides from optically active common intermediates, 6 and 11.