The stereoselective enzymatic synthesis of 9-beta-D-2'-deoxyribofuranosyl 1-deazapurine.

The transfer of 2-deoxyribose from thymidine to 1-deazapurine which is catalysed by N-deoxyribosyl transferases from Lactobacillus leichmanii occurs in high yield. This is a very stereoselective process and only one product, 9-beta-D-2'-deoxyribofuranosyl 1-deazapurine, is formed. Nmr spectroscopy, and in particular, nuclear Overhauser enhancement experiments, confirm that the 2-deoxyribose moiety is bound to N-9 rather than N-7 and that the glycosidic link has the beta-configuration.