Synthesis and Anti‐HIV Activity of 4′‐Cyano‐2′,3′‐didehydro‐3′‐deoxythymidine

A new anti‐HIV agent 4′‐cyano‐2′,3′‐didehydro‐3′‐deoxythymidine (9) was synthesized by allylic substitution of the 3′,4′‐unsaturated nucleoside 14, having a leaving group at the 2′‐position, with cyanotrimethylsilane in the presence of SnCl₄. Evaluation of the anti‐HIV activity of 9 showed that this compound is much less potent than the recently reported 2′,3′‐didehydro‐3′‐deoxy‐4′‐(ethynyl)thymidine (1).