1-(2,3-Anhydro-beta-D-lyxofuranosyl)cytosine derivatives as potential inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus.

We report here that 1-(2,3-anhydro-beta-D-lyxofuranosyl)cytosine has activity against the human immunodeficiency virus in vitro. A number of 2',3'-anhydro-beta-D-lyxofuranosyl nucleoside derivatives were prepared, but none had the activity of the title compound. New efficient procedures were developed for the synthesis of 3'-deoxy-3'-alkyl- and 3'-deoxy-beta-D-arabinosylpyrimidine derivatives.