Stereoselective synthesis of 3′-C-methylene- and 2′-methyl-3′-C-methylene-3′-deoxythymidine

Abstract Stereoselective synthesis of 3′- C -methylene- and 2′-methyl-3′- C -methylene-3′-deoxythymidine is described, the key reaction being the formation of 3- C -methylene function by catalytic isomerization of a chiral epoxyalcohol, prepared from commercially available 3-methyl-2-butenal and 3-methyl-2-pentenal.