Sulfoxide-metal exchange for the synthesis of the 2'-tributylstannyl derivative of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (d4u): a general entry to 2'-carbon-substituted analogues of d4U.

Methods are described for the synthesis of the 2'-tributylstannyl derivative of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (d4U). Two approaches were investigated: radical-mediated desulfonylative stannylation of the 2'-benzenesulfonyl derivative of d4U and sulfoxide-metal exchange reaction of the 2'-benzenesulfinyl derivative. The latter approach was found to give the desired 2'-stannyl derivative in good yield. It was also shown that manipulations of the stannyl group allowed the introduction of a variety of carbon-substituents to the 2'-position by applying the Stille reaction. The whole reaction sequence has opened up a highly general entry to 2'-carbon-substituted analogues of d4U.