Improved Syntheses of Halofuranose Derivatives with the Desired α-Configuration

Chlorination of ribofuranose or 2-deoxyribofuranose derivatives was carried out in a 1,4-dioxane solution of hydrogen chloride. This improved procedure allowed the syntheses of 1-chloro-α-D -ribofuranose and 1-chloro-2-deoxy-α-D -ribofuranose derivatives and offered ease of handling, high yield, and the stereo-controlled α-configuration at C-I.