New synthesis of 3′-deoxypurine nucleosides using samarium(III) iodide complex

Regio- and stereoselective iodinative cleavage of 2′,3′-anhydropurine nucleosides was achieved with samarium diiodide and ethyl bromoacetate to produce the corresponding 3′-iodopurine nucleosides, which were then converted to 3′-deoxypurine nucleosides including the natural product cordycepin.