An improved route to 1,2-dideoxy-β-1-phenyl- -ribofuranose

An efficient synthesis of the aryl nucleoside analogue 1,2-dideoxy-β-1-phenyl- -ribofuranose (1) is described. This route utilizes the addition of phenyllithium to a protected 2-deoxyribonolactone followed by reduction with triethylsilane/boron trifluoride etherate to selectively produce the β-anomer. Deprotection yields the desired aryl C-nucleoside in 27% overall yield from 2-deoxy- -ribose