Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrimidine and Purine α-L-2′,3′-Dideoxy Nucleosides

A series of α-L-2′,3′-dideoxy nucleosides was prepared as potential antiviral agents. The pyrimidine nucleosides were prepared by standard Vorbrüggen coupling reactions. The purine analogues were prepared by enzymatic transfer of the dideoxy sugar from a pyrimidine to a purine base. These compounds were inactive against HIV-1, HBV, HSV-1 and -2, VZV, and HCMV.