Synthesis of a highly active new anti-HIV agent 2′,3′-Didehydro-3′-deoxy-4′-ethynylthymidine

Compounds having methyl, vinyl, and ethynyl groups at the 4′-position of stavudine (d4T: 2′,3′-didehydro-3′-deoxythymidine) were synthesized. The compounds were assayed for their ability to inhibit the replication of HIV in cell culture. The 4′-ethynyl analogue (15) was found to be more potent and less toxic than the parent compound stavudine.