Synthesis of novel 8-substituted carbocyclic analogs of 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine with activity against hepatitis B virus

Synthesis and antiviral activity of several new 8-substituted carbocyclic analogs of D-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine are described. The new 8-substituted analogs were synthesized via lithiation of carbocyclic 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine followed by quenching with electrophiles. This methodology allows for a divergent synthesis of a variety of 8-substituted analogs from carbocyclic 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine in high yields. 8-Methyl and 8-halogenated carbocyclic 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine analogs showed 6-25 fold more activity against hepatitis B virus than the unsubstituted carbocyclic D-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine.