Synthesis and anti-HCV activity Of 2''-beta-hydroxymethylated nucleosides.

Synthesis of 2' -beta-hydroxymethyl nucleosides 3-6 was accomplished, using stereoselective hydroxymethylation as a key step. Adenine nucleoside 3 showed potent anti-HCV activity, implying that 2' -beta-hydroxymethyl group has the appropriate electronic properties interfering with HCV polymerase.