The synthesis of 2-chloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole and (certain related derivatives

The synthesis of 2-chloro-1-(β-D -ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (3b) has been accomplished by a condensation of 1-trimethylsilyl-2-chloro-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (1) with 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-D -ribofuranosyl bromide (2) followed by subsequent deacetylation. Nucleophilic displacement of the 2-chloro group from 3b has furnished several interesting 2-substituted-1-(β-D -ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazoles. 1-(β-D -Ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (5) and 1-(β-D -ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole-2-thione (4) were prepared from 3b. Alkylation of 4 furnished certain 2-alkylthio-1-(β-D -ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dirnethylbenzimidazoles and oxidation of 4 with alkaline hydrogen peroxide produced 1-(β-D -ribofuranosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole-2-one D The assignment of anomeric configuration for all nucleosides reported is discussed.