Asymmetric homogeneous hydrogenation of 2,5-disubstituted furans.

A homogeneous catalyst system for the asymmetric cis-hydrogenation of 2,5-disubstituted furans leading to 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues is described. Best enantioselectivities (ee values of up to 72%) were obtained with cationic rhodium complexes ligated by diphospholanes of the butiphane family. The selectivity of the hydrogenation was reversed by the addition of a base or a polar protic solvent in certain cases.

Structure-activity relationships of oligoguanidines-influence of counterion, diamine, and average molecular weight on biocidal activities.

A series of different oligomeric guanidines was prepared by polycondensation of guanidinium salts and four different diamines under varying conditions. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated against two to four microorganisms. MALDI-TOF-MS was used to analyze the different oligomers.

A new concept for the preparation of beta-L- and beta-D-2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues.

[reaction: see text] A new method for the synthesis of 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues has been developed. An electrochemical activation of 2-substituted furans is followed by the coupling with a pyrimidine or purine base. This gives planar furyl nucleosides as key intermediates, which are hydrogenated cis-selectively to give the corresponding beta-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides as racemic mixtures.