An improved synthesis of 2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyarabinofuranosyl pyrimidine nucleosides

Several potent anti-herpes virus nucleosides, 2'fluoro-2'-deoxyarabinofuranosyl pyrimidine nucleosides, were prepared in good yields by a new condensation method using sodium iodide and a new solvent system, and FMAU could be also prepared directly from thymine by this method.