Reactions of Nucleosides with 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). Syntheses of N(3)-Methylene-Bridged Bis-uridines and Secouridine-Dinucleoside Analogs

Diasteroisomeric secouridine derivatives, appropriately protected and activated, served as starting compounds in the reactions with 1,8-diazabicyclo5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) in various solvents (CH₂Cl₂, MeCN, or dimethylformamide (DMF)). Reactions with DBU/CH₂Cl₂ gave N(3)-methylene-bridged bis-secouridines and bis-uridines (Scheme 3), while the reactions with DBU in non-alkylating solvents resulted in formation of secdinucleosides as the result of intermolecular ‘dimerizations’ (Scheme 2).