Synthesis and antiviral activity of 2-deoxy-1,5-anhydro-D-mannitol nucleosides containing a pyrimidine base moiety

Nucleoside analogues containing a 2-deoxy-1,5-anhydro-D-mannitol and a pyrimidine base moiety were synthesized starting from D-glucose via a nucleophilic opening of an epoxide with the heterocyclic base and an inversion of configuration at the 3′-position. Study of the conformation of these molecules, that show some activity against herpesviruses (HSV, VZV, CMV) should increase our understanding of the structural requirements of hexitol nucleosides for antiviral activity.