Synthesis and biological evaluation of branched and conformationally restricted analogs of the anticancer compounds 3′-C-ethynyluridine (EUrd) and 3′-C-ethynylcytidine (ECyd) Original Research Article

The synthesis of branched and conformationally restricted analogs of the anticancer nucleosides 3′-C-ethynyluridine (EUrd) and 3′-C-ethynylcytidine (ECyd) is presented. Molecular modeling and 1H NMR coupling constant analysis revealed that the furanose rings of all analogs except the LNA analog are conformationally biased towards South conformation, and are thus mimicking the structure of ECyd. All target nucleosides were devoid of anti-HIV or anticancer activity.