Lipase-catalyzed protection of the hydroxy groups of the nucleosides inosine and 2′-deoxyinosine: A new chemoenzymatic synthesis of the antiviral drug 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine

The selective acylation of the hydroxy groups of the nucleosides inosine 1a and 2′-deoxyinosine 1b has been achieved in the presence of Candida antarctica and Pseudomonas sp. lipases in organic solvents; starting from the 5′-acetyl derivative of 2′-deoxyinosine, compound 5a, an efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of the antiviral drug 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine 1c has been achieved.