A facile synthesis of 1-(5′-O-acetyl-3′-O-benzyl-β-d-xylofuranosyl)thymidine: a potentially viable intermediate for the preparation of the anti-AIDS drugs, AZT and D4T

The title compound has been synthesized by smooth condensation of 1,2-anhydro-5-O-acetyl-3-O-benzyl-α-d-xylofuranose, obtained from d-xylose through a series of mild and effective reactions, with activated thymine in the absence of catalyst.