Synthesis of C-pyrimidyl nucleosides starting from alkynyl ribofuranosides

Abstract The synthesis of four C -pyrimidyl nucleosides is described by condensation of small nitrogen molecules (amidines and ureas) onto alkynyl riboside derivatives. These last compounds were obtained by indium mediated stereoselective alkynylation of suitably protected ribose derivatives and the condensation reaction conditions were studied in order to favor the N -attack of the nitrogen molecules leading to the pyrimidine ring formation.