Radical deoxygenation of alcohols and intermolecular carbon–carbon bond formation with surfactant-type radical chain carriers in water

An efficient and mild method is developed for radical deoxygenation of alcohols and formation of carbon–carbon bonds in water without adding additives such as surfactants. The reaction was applied to synthesis of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides that are potent anti-HIV agents. The reaction afforded environmentally benign reaction conditions.