4′-Fluoro-nucleosides and nucleotides: from nucleocidin to an emerging class of therapeutics

The history and development of 4 '-fluoro-nucleosides is discussed in this review. This is a class of nucleosides which have their origin in the discovery of the rare fluorine containing natural product nucleocidin. Nucleocidin contains a fluorine atom located at the 4 '-position of its ribose ring. From its early isolation as an unexpected natural product, to its total synthesis and bioactivity assessment, nucleocidin has played a role in inspiring the exploration of 4 '-fluoro-nucleosides as a privileged motif for nucleoside-based therapeutics.

Automated summary

This review discusses the history and development of 4'-fluoro-nucleosides, tracing their origin from the discovery of the rare fluorine-containing natural product nucleocidin. Nucleocidin, which contains a fluorine atom at the 4'-position of its ribose ring, has played an important role in inspiring the exploration of 4'-fluoro-nucleosides as a privileged motif for nucleoside-based therapeutics.