Abstract 6-Arylthio and 6-arylselenoacyclonucleosides was synthesized and tested for the ability to inhibit replication of HIV-1. Lithiation of acyclonucleosides with LDA followed by reaction with the electrophiles phenyl disulfide, diphenyl diselenide, 2, 2′-dipyrdyl disulfide or 2, 2′-dipyridyl diselenide afforded 6-(arylthio or arylseleno) acyclonucleosides 5a-c, 6, 7, 9, 15a-c, 17a-c. Compounds 19a-c and 20a-c were obtained by deprotection of ...