The class of compounds known as 2', 3'-dideoxynucleosides have been used as both anticancer and antiviral drugs. 1 Recently, they have received increased attention due to their activity against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 2 In fact, the emergence of 3'- azido-3'-de-oxythymidine (1, Scheme 1) as an eflective anti-HIV agent has demonstrated the biological importance of nucleosides lacking a 3'-hydroxy functionality. These compounds ...
