Synthesis and antileukemic activity of certain D-fucopyranosyl nucleosides.

Based upon previously discovered antileukemic properties of 9-beta-D-fucopyranosyladenine (1) in cell culture, four new nucleosides containing naturally occurring bases have been prepared from D-fucose. alpha-D-Fucopyranose tetraacetate was condensed with the silylated bases in either acetonitrile or 1,2-dichloroethane with tin(IV) chloride as the catalyst. The intermediate blocked nucleosides were obtained in crystalline form and deacetylated with methanolic sodium methoxide.