Synthesis of 4′-substituted thymidines was investigated based on nucleophilic substitution using organosilicon and organoaluminum reagents. Two substrates having a benzenesulfonyl leaving group at the 4′-position were prepared for this purpose: 1-[4- benzenesulfonyl-3, 5-bis-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2-deoxy-α-l-threo-pentofuranosyl] thymine (8α) and the 4′-(benzenesulfonyl) thymidine derivative (8β). The reaction of 8α ...