Synthesis of (Z)-(2,3-bis-hydroxymethyl)methylenecyclopropane analogues of purine nucleosides

Synthesis of (Z)-(2,3-bis-hydroxymethyl)methylenecyclopropane analogues of nucleosides adenosine 10a, 10b, 10c and 17 is described. Epimerization of Feist's acid (11) using acetic anhydride gave cyclic anhydride 12 which was reduced in situ to give diol 13. Acetylation (compound 14) followed by addition of bromine led to dibromo derivative 15. Alkylation-elimination of adenine with 15 afforded, after deacetylation, analogue 10a. Similar treatment of 2-amino-6-chloropurine and 2,6-diaminopurine led to diacetates 16 and 18. Deprotection then gave compounds 17 and 10c. Hydrolysis of 17 furnished guanine analogue 10b. Compounds 10a, 10b or 10c were inactive against HCMV, HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV VZV and HBV. Analogues 10a and 10b were also assayed for anti-HIV activity. Compound 10a was effective in HIV-1/MT-2 culture with EC50/CC50 33/> 100 microM but 10b was inactive. Analogue 10a was not a substrate for adenosine deaminase.