Synthesis of 1-(2′-O-methyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-uracil (2′-O-methyluridine) and 3-(2′-O-methyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)uracil

1-O-Acetyl-3,5-di-O-benzoyl-2-O-methyl-β-d-ribofuranose has been prepared in five steps from benzyl 2-O-methyl-β-d-ribopyranoside. Reaction of the furanose derivative with 2,4-bis-(trimethylsilyl)uracil in the presence of stannic chloride provides a new synthesis of 2′-O-methyl uridine and also yields the hitherto unknown 3-(2′-O-methyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)uracil.