Stereoselective Synthesis of D-5-Homo-4-selenoribose as a Versatile Intermediate for 4′-Selenonucleosides

Stereoselective synthesis of D-5-homo-4-selenoribose, serving as a versatile intermediate for the synthesis of 4'-selenonudeosides 12a-c, was accomplished using Sharp less asymmetric epoxidation, regioselective cleavage of the alpha,beta-epoxide, and stereoselective reduction of the ketone as the key steps.