A straightforward approach for the synthesis of 2′, 3′-unsaturated nucleosides starting from 2-deoxyribose is described. This novel route involves two new methods;(1) preparation of 2-deoxy-1-thioribofuranoside by direct condensation of 2-deoxyribose and thiophenol,(2) formation of the nucleoside skeleton by the direct coupling of 2, 3-unsaturated 1- thiopentofuranoside with pyrimidine bases.