A new method for the synthesis of 2', 3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues has been developed. An electrochemical activation of 2-substituted furans is followed by the coupling with a pyrimidine or purine base. This gives planar furyl nucleosides as key intermediates, which are hydrogenated cis-selectively to give the corresponding β-2', 3'-dideoxynucleosides as racemic mixtures. An enzymatic kinetic resolution gives rise to β-d-and β-l-configured ...