A novel synthesis of antineoplastic 4'-thionucleosides using D-glucose as a chiral synthon.

We have synthesized 2'-deoxy-2'-methylene-4'-thiocytidine as a potential antineoplastic agent. Isopropylidene-3-O-benzylxylose, readily obtained from D-glucose in 5 steps, was converted to 1,4-anhydro-4-deoxy-4-thio-arabinitol. After manipulation at 2-position, unique Pummerer type glycosylation at the alpha-position of sulfoxides gave the target compound. Antineoplastic effect of this compound is also reported.