C-4′ Truncated carbocyclic formycin derivatives

Formycin is a naturally occurring C-glycoside (C-nucleoside) that possesses antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. In connection with our ongoing interest in the design and syntheses of C-nucleoside derived antiviral agents this report describes the preparation of carbocyclic formycin and its 7-hydroxy (oxo) analog lacking the C-4′ hydroxylmethylene moiety in racemic form (4 and 6, respectively). An antiviral analysis of (±)-4 did not disclose any activity.