5'-O-ester prodrugs of potent and selective anti-HIV agent--2',3'-dideoxy-3'-fluoro-2-thiothymidine (S2FLT): synthesis and anti-HIV activity.

Novel synthesis of 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-fluoro-2-thiothymidine (SFLT) based on transformation of appropriately protected 1-beta-D-threo-ribofuranosylthymine is presented. The synthesis and evaluation of SFLT 5'-O-ester prodrugs enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as their anti-HIV activity, is also described.