Synthesis and anti HCMV activity of 3,4-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran derived nucleosides and nucleotides: A tethered series of PME derivatives

The synthesis of a novel series of 3,4-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran derived nucleosides and nucleotides analogues was achieved by a linear approach starting from azido intermediates 9 and 13. The trans cytosine nucleoside 19 emerged with good activity (IC50 = 3 μg/mL) against HCMV in vitro with a selectivity index of 33.