Introduction of a Benzyl Group onto the 2′-OH of 6-Chloropurine 3′-O-Benzoylriboside

Abstract

A new method to introduce a benzyl group onto the 2′-OH of purine ribonucleoside is described. Thus, 6-chloropurine 3′-O-benzoylriboside and its 5′-O-trityl congener were condensed with benzyl alcohol using the Mitsunobu reaction to give the 2′-O-benzyl derivative. The yields were varied from 4.6 to 62.9% depending on the solvent. The product was converted to adenosine, indicating that the stereochemistry at C-2′ is retained.