# Patent

## Title
Stereoselective methods for the preparation of nucleosides

## Abstract

A process for producing predominantly cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues and derivatives of formula (A):




wherein R1 is a pyrimidine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and Q is oxygen, carbon or sulphur, comprising a coupling step of the pyrimidine base with a molecule of formula (B) described herein in a suitable coupling solvent, in the presence of catalytic amounts of an element or combination of elements of groups IB or IIB of the periodic table, a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid to obtained an intermediate of formula (D) which is deprotected in the subsequent step to generate the product of formula (A).

## Background
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application 60/298,079 filed Jun. 15, 2001.


The present invention relates to a novel process for producing cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues and derivatives of formula (A):




wherein R1 is a pyrimidine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and Q is oxygen, carbon or sulphur.

Classes of compounds of formula (A), particularly the 2-substituted 4-substituted 1,3-oxathiolanes have been found to have potent antiviral activity. In particular, these compounds have been found to act as potent inhibitors of HIV-1 replication in T-lymphocytes over a prolonged period of time with less cytotoxic side effects than compounds known in the art (see Belleau et al (1993) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. Vol. 3, No. 8, pp. 1723–1728). These compounds have also been found active against 3TC-resistant HIV strains (see Taylor et al (2000) Antiviral Chem. Chemother. Vol 11, No. 4, pp. 291–301; Stoddart et al (2000) Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 783–786). These compounds are also useful in prophylaxis and treatment of hepatitis B virus infections.
Methods for the preparation of these compounds have been disclosed in PCT publications WO 92/08717 and WO 95/29176 as well as in publications by Belleau et al (1993) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. Vol. 3, No. 8, pp. 1723–1728; Wang et al (1994) Tetrahedron Lett. Vol. 35, No.27, pp. 4739–4742; Mansour et al , (1995) J. of Med. Chem. Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 1–4 and Caputo et al in Eur. J. Org. Chem. Vol. 6, pp. 1455–1458 (1999). These processes involve a multitude of steps that increase the cost of production and reduce the yield of the desired compounds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The process object of the present invention comprise the step of coupling the intermediate of formula (B):




wherein

    R2 is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group such as C7-10 arylalkyl, C1-16 acyl or Si(Z1) (Z2) (Z3), where Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; and
    Q is carbon, oxygen or sulfur; with
    R1, a pyrimidine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof in the presence of a catalytic amount of an element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB, a Lewis acid and a tertiary amine. The resulting intermediate of formula (D)






     is deprotected to obtain the cis nucleoside of formula (A):






The compound of formula (B) may be either:




or a mixture of the two enantiomers.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the deprotection of intermediate of formula (D) is achieved by dissolving said intermediate in a suitable solvent in the presence of a deprotection agent.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention a simple two step preparation method for cis nucleosides of formula (A) wherein the coupling step results in a product wherein the ratio of cis to trans is greater than 2 to 1 is provided.
In a further embodiment the cis to trans ratio of the intermediate product of formula (D) is inversely proportional to the reaction temperature of the coupling step.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the deprotection step results in the selective precipitation of the cis nucleoside of formula (A) by the selection of an appropriate deprotection agent and solvent.
The processes of this invention have the advantages of allowing preparation of a nucleoside of formula (A), analogues or derivatives thereof without using expensive starting materials, cumbersome protection and deprotection steps or addition and removal of 2′- or 3′-substituents.
The process of this invention produces cis nucleosides of formula (A) in high yields, with high purity and high stereoselectivity.
The process of this invention has the further advantage of generating nucleosides whose stereochemical configuration can be easily controlled simply by the selection of the appropriate starting conditions.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a stereoselective process for making predominantly cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues and derivatives of formula (A):




wherein

    R1 is a pyrimidine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and
    Q is carbon, oxygen or sulfur;
    consisting of coupling step of the a compound of formula (B):






wherein

    R2 is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group such as C7-10 aralalkyl, C1-6 acyl or Si(Z1)(Z2)(Z3), where Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; with a base R1, wherein R1 is a pyrimidine base or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in a suitable coupling solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of an element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB ; a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid of formula (C):






wherein

    R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; and
    R7 is selected from the group consisting of fluoro; bromo; chloro; iodo; C1-20 sulphonate esters, optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; C1-20 alkyl esters optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; triiodide; a silyl group of the general formula (R4)(R5)(R6)Si (wherein R4, R5, and R6 are as defined above); C6-20 arylselenenyl; C6-20 arylsulfenyl; C6-20 alkoxyalkyl; and trialkylsiloxy; to yield an intermediate or formula (D):






The coupling step is followed by a deprotection step to yield the cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues or derivatives of formula (A).
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention a simple two step preparation method for cis nucleosides of formula (A) wherein the process results in a product of formula (A) wherein the ratio of cis to trans is greater than 2 to 1. The invention includes a process wherein the ratio of cis to trans is greater than or equal to 3 to 1.
The term “alkyl”, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, refers to a saturated straight, branched, or cyclic, primary, secondary, or tertiary hydrocarbon of C1-30, particularly C1-6, unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, N3, CN, SH, amino, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro. It specifically includes methyl, ethyl, cyclopropyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, cyclopentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, and 2,3-dimethylbutyl.
The term “acyl”, as used hereinafter refers to a functional group derived from an aliphatic carboxylic acid, by removal of the —OH group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, particularly 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Like the acid to which it is related, an aliphatic acyl radical may be substituted (by a hydroxy, N3, CN, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro) or unsubstituted, and whatever the structure of the rest of the molecule may be, the properties of the functional group remain essentially the same (e.g., acetyl, propionyl, isobutanoyl, pivaloyl, hexanoyl, butyryl, pentanoyl, 3-methylbutyryl, hydrogen succinate, mesylate, valeryl, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, 3-chlorobenzoate, trifluoroacetyl, chloroacetyl, and cyclohexanoyl ).
The terms “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” represent substituted (by a N3, CN, halogen, hydroxyl or C6-20 aryl) or unsubstituted straight, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon chains having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and containing at least one unsaturated group (e.g. allyl).
The term “alkoxy” represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms and preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl group is covalently bonded to an oxygen atom (e.g., methoxy and ethoxy).
The term “aryl” represents a aromatic moiety which may be mono, bi, tri, tetra or penta-substituted by hydroxy, nitro, N3, CN, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) or combinations thereof and containing at least one benzenoid-type ring, the group may contain from 6 to 14 carbon atoms (e.g., phenyl and naphthyl), particularly 6 to 10 carbon atoms.
The term “aryloxy” represents a substituted (by a halogen, trifluoromethyl or C1-5 alkoxy) or unsubstituted aryl moiety, having 6 to 14 carbon atoms, covalently bonded through an oxygen atom (e.g., benzyloxy, phenoxy).
The term “aralalkyl” represents a substituent comprising an aryl moiety attached via an alkyl chain (e.g. benzyl, phenylethyl) wherein the sum total of carbon atoms for the aryl moiety and the alkyl chain is 7 to 21. The aryl or chain portion of the group is optionally mono- or di-substituted with OH, SH, amino, halogen or C1-6 alkyl.
The term “thiol” represents C1-6 alkyl, C6-15 aryl, C7-21 aralkyl, C2-6 alkenyl or C2-6 alkynyl groups covalently bonded to an adjacent sulfur atom bearing a hydrogen.
The terms “alkylthio” (e.g. thiomethy, thioethyl) and “arylthio” (e.g. thiophenyl, thiobenzyl), refers to C1-6 alkyl or C6-10 aryl groups, unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro, covalently bonded to an adjacent sulfur atom.
The terms “acyloxy” and “alkoxycarbonyl” refer to 1 to 30 carbon atoms chains, particularly 1 to 6 carbon atoms, that are either saturated or unsaturated and may also be straight or branched (e.g.: acetyloxy). The chains may be unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, N3, CN, SH, amino, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro.
The term “alkoxyalkyl” represents a C1-6 alkoxy group attached to an adjacent C1-6 alkyl group (e.g., methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl). They may be unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, N3, CN, SH, amino, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro.
The term “heterocycle” represents a saturated or unsaturated mono- or polycyclic (i.e. bicyclic) ring incorporating 1 or more (i.e. 1–4) heteroatoms selected from N, O and S. It is understood that a heterocycle is optionally mono- or di-substituted with OH, SH, amino, halogen, CF3, oxo or C1-6 alkyl. Examples of suitable monocyclic heterocycles include but are not limited to pyridine, piperidine, pyrazine, piperazine, pyrimidine, imidazole, thiazole, oxazole, furan, pyran and thiophene. Examples of suitable bicyclic heterocycles include but are not limited to indole, benzimidazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, purine, and carbazole.
The term “aralkyl” represents a substituent comprising a C6-10 aryl moiety attached via a C1-6 alkyl chain (e.g. benzyl, phenethyl). The aryl or chain portion of the group is unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, N3, CN, SH, amino, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro.
The term “amino” represents C1-6 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, or C7-12 aralkyl groups, unsubstituted or optionally mono- or di-substituted by hydroxy, N3, CN, SH, amino, halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), C6-12 aryl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl or nitro, wherein the carbon atoms are covalently bonded to an adjacent element through a nitrogen atom (e.g., pyrrolidine). They include primary, secondary and tertiary amines and quaternary ammonium salts.
The term “protected” as used herein and unless otherwise defined refers to a group that is added to an oxygen, nitrogen, or phosphorus atom to prevent its further reaction or for other purposes. A wide variety of oxygen and nitrogen protecting groups are known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis. Suitable protecting groups are described, for example, in Greene, et al., “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,” John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, hereby incorporated by reference.
By pyrimidine base derivative or analogue is meant a pyrimidine base found in nucleoside or an analogue thereof which mimics such bases in that their structures (the kinds of atoms and their arrangement) are similar to the normal bases but may possess additional or lack certain of the functional properties of the normal bases. Derivatives of such bases or analogues include those obtained by replacement of a CH moiety by a nitrogen atom (for example, 5-azapyrimidines such as 5-azacytosine) or may have ring substituted by halogen, hydroxyl, azido, cyano, amino, substituted amino, thiol, C1-6 alkyl and C6-10-aryl.
By the term “pharmaceutically acceptable derivative” of a pyrimidine is meant any pyrimidine base which may give rise to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or salt of such ester of a compound of formula (A), or any other compound which, upon administration to the recipient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of formula (A) or an antivirally active metabolite or residue thereof. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds of formula (A) may be modified to provide pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, at functional groups in the base moiety.
The compound of formula (B) may be either:




or a mixture of the two enantiomers. The sulfoxide may be a single enantiomer or a mixture of enantiomers including but not limited to a racemic mixture.

The coupling step of the process object of the present invention includes the addition of one or more elements of group IB or IIB. The element or combination of elements used may be in their oxidized state. This element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB catalyzes the coupling step. The chosen element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB are present in amounts between about 0.25 molar % and about 100 molar %. In another embodiment, the concentration of the element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB may be between about 5% to about 35%.
The process object of the present invention includes a coupling step wherein the element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB are selected from the group comprising Cu+, Cu2+, Ag+, Au+, Au3+, Zn2+ Cd2+ and combinations thereof.
The process object of the present invention includes a coupling step wherein the element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB are selected from Cu+, Cu2+ or Zn2+.
The term tertiary amine includes tertiary amines with high basicity. The tertiary amine is of the form N(Z4)(Z5)(Z6) wherein (Z4),(Z5),(Z6) are independently selected from the group consisting C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted with C1-3 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, halogen. Examples of the tertiary amine include triethylamine, diethylcyclohexylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, dimethylbutylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, tributylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine and diisopropylethylamine.
The amount of tertiary amine can vary between about 1 eq to about 4 eq. The amount of tertiary amine used may vary between about 1 eq and 2 eq.
The coupling step of the process object of the present invention is preformed in a suitable coupling solvent. A suitable coupling solvent includes C1-10 chlorinated organic solvents. Suitable coupling solvents also include C1-8 chloroalkyls, C1-8 chloroalkenyls, C6-10 chloroaryls, C1-8 alkylonitriles and combinations thereof. The coupling solvents may be selected from chloromethanes, chloroethanes, methanonitriles or mixtures thereof. The coupling solvents of interest include dichloromethane, chloroform, acetonitrile, dichloroethane, chlorobenzene and combinations thereof.
The amount of coupling solvent used may vary between about 5 mL per g of sulfoxide to 50 mL per gram of sulfoxide. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the amount of coupling solvent is between 10 mL per g of sulfoxide to 30 mL per gram of sulfoxide.
The coupling step of the process object of the present invention is affected by the temperature of the reaction. The cis to trans ratio of the product of formula (D) is inversely proportional to the reaction temperature. The coupling step is preformed at a temperature between about 40 degrees C. and about −50 degrees C. In an alternate embodiment, the coupling step reaction temperature is between about 30 degrees C. and about −40 degrees C.
The second step in the process object of the present invention is a deprotection step. The deprotection crystallization step is preformed in a suitable solvent. Of particular interest are solvents that favor the crystallization of the product of formula (A). Suitable solvents include water, methanol, ethanol, toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether or combinations thereof.
The deprotection may also include the presence of adequate amounts a deprotection agent. Of particular interest are deprotection agents that will aid in the separation of the cis product of formula (A). Suitable deprotection agents are selected according to the identity of the protecting group on the intermediate of formula (D) as shown in Greene, et al., “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,” John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991. Deprotection agents may be alkaline. Deprotection agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and methanolic ammonia.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the deprotection agent is present in catalytic amounts. In another embodiment the deprotection agent is present in concentrations between about 0.1 molar percentage and about 50 molar percentage. An alternative embodiment includes deprotection agent concentrations between about 5 to about 20 molar percentage of the deprotection agent.
Conveniently, the base R1 is selected from:




wherein:

    
    
        x is oxygen, NH or sulfur.
        y is oxygen, NH or sulfur.
    
    
    R8 and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkyl or C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-10 acyl, C6-10 aryl, C6-11 carbonylaryl, C1-7 carbonyloxyalkyl, C6-11 carbonyloxyaryl, C2-7 carbonylaminoalkyl, or amino acids.
    R8 may be a saturated or unsaturated C3-8 carbocyclic ring optionally substituted with COOH, C(O)NH2, OH, SH, NH2, NO2, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, halogen, C(O)R14 wherein R14 is a C1-6 alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl and C(O)OR15 wherein R15 is a C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl; and R9 is chosen from H, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl and C2-6 alkynyl.


R8R9 can also be connected to the nitrogen atom to form a saturated or unsaturated C3-8 heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with C(O)OH, C(O)NH2, OH, SH, NH2, NO2, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, halogen, C(O)R14 wherein R14 is a C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl and C(O)OR15 wherein R15 is a C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl.

    R10, R11, R12 and R13 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, amino, cyano, carboxyl, carbamoyl, C2-7 alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, C6-10 arylthio, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl substituted or unsubstituted with halogen or azido, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 acyloxy, thiocarboxy, thiocarbamoyl, carbamate, ureido, amidino, or C6-10 aryloxy.


In another embodiment of the present invention R1 is




wherein R8 and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, C1-10 alkyl or C2-10 alkenyl, C2-10 alkynyl, C1-10 acyl, C6-10 aryl, C6-16 carbonylaryl, C1-10 carbonyloxyalkyl, C6-16 carbonyloxyaryl, C2-12 carbonylaminoalkyl, or amino acids;

    R10 and R11 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl substituted or unsubstituted with halogen, azido, C2-6 alkynyl, or C6-10 aryloxy; and
    X and Y are independently selected from O or S.


In an alternate embodiment R1 is a pyrimidine base selected from N4-alkylpyrimidines, N4-acylpyrimidines, 4-halopyrimidines, N4-acetylenic pyrimidines, 4-amino and N4-acyl pyrimidines, 4-hydroxyalkyl pyrimidines, 4-thioalkyl pyrimidines, thymine, cytosine, 6-azapyrimidine, including 6-azacytosine, 2- and/or 4-mercaptopyrimidine, uracil, C5-alkylpyrimidines, C5-benzylpyrimidines, C5 halopyrimidines, C5-vinylpyrimidine, C5-acetylenic pyrimidine, C5-acyl pyrimidine, C5-amidopyrimidine, C5-cyanopyrimidine, C5-nitropyrimidine, C5-aminopyrimidine, 5-azacytidinyl, 5-azauracilyl, triazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl or pyrazolopyrimidinyl.
The functional oxygen and nitrogen groups on R1 can be protected as necessary or desired. Suitable protecting groups are well known to those skilled in the art, and include trimethylsilyl, dimethylhexylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, and t-butyldiphenylsilyl, trityl, C1-12 alkyl groups, C1-12 acyl groups such as acetyl and propionyl, benzoyl, methanesulfonyl, and p-toluenesulfonyl.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention R1 is selected from cytosine, uracil, thymine, 5-fluoropyrimidine or protected analogs of these bases.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a stereoselective process for making predominantly cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues and derivatives of formula (A):




wherein

    R1 is a pyrimidine base selected from N4-alkylpyrimidines, N4-acylpyrimidines, 4-halopyrimidines, N4-acetylenic pyrimidines, 4-amino and N4-acyl pyrimidines, 4-hydroxyalkyl pyrimidines, 4-thioalkyl pyrimidines, thymine, cytosine, 6-azapyrimidine, including 6-azacytosine, 2- and/or 4-mercaptopyrimidine, uracil, C5-alkylpyrimidines, C5-benzylpyrimidines, C5 halopyrimidines, C5-vinylpyrimidine, C5-acetylenic pyrimidine, C5-acyl pyrimidine, C5-amidopyrimidine, C5-cyanopyrimidine, C5-nitropyrimidine, C5-aminopyrimidine, 5-azacytidinyl, 5-azauracilyl, triazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and
    Q is oxygen,

consisting of coupling step of the a compound of formula (B):







wherein

    
    
        R2 is C7-10 aralalkyl, C1-16 acyl or Si(Z1)(Z2)(Z3), where Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo;

with a base R1, as defined above, in a suitable coupling solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of an element or combination of elements of group IB or IIB; a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid of formula (C):

    
    






wherein

    
    
        R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; and
        R7 is selected from the group consisting of fluoro; bromo; chloro; iodo; C1-20 sulphonate esters, optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; C1-20 alkyl esters optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; triiodide; a silyl group of the general formula (R4)(R5)(R6)Si (wherein R4, R5, and R6 are as defined above); C6-20 arylselenenyl; C6-20 arylsulfenyl; C6-20 alkoxyalkyl; and trialkylsiloxy;

to yield an intermediate or formula (D):

    
    






wherein Q, R1 and R2 are as defined above. The coupling step is followed by a deprotection step wherein said intermediate (D) is dissolved in a suitable solvent in the presence of appropriate amounts of a deprotection agent to yield the cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues or derivatives of formula (A).

The present invention includes the embodiment wherein the stereoselective process for making predominantly cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues and derivatives of formula (A):




wherein

    R1 is a pyrimidine base selected from cytosine, uracil, thymine, 5-fluoropyrimidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof; and
    Q is oxygen,

consisting of coupling step of the a compound of formula (B):







wherein

    R2 is






     wherein W is halogen, C1-16 alkyl, C2-16 alkoxyalkyl, C6-10 aryl, C1-6 alkoxy or nitro; or






     wherein E is C6-10 aryl, C1-16 alkoxy, C2-16 alkoxyalkyl or C1-16 alkyl; or
    Si(Z1)(Z2)(Z3), where Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo; C7-10 aralalkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; and C6-10 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; with
    a base R1, as defined above, in a suitable coupling solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu or Zn or mixtures thereof; a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid selected from trimethylsilyl triflate bromotrimethylsilane or iodotrimethylsilane; to yield an intermediate or formula (D):






wherein Q, R1 and R2 are as defined above. The coupling step is followed by a deprotection step wherein said intermediate (D) is dissolved in a suitable solvent in the presence of appropriate amounts of a deprotection agent to yield the cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues or derivatives of formula (A).

The process object of the present invention includes the reaction scheme shown in Scheme 1:




The various steps as illustrated in Scheme 1 may be briefly described as follows:

    Step 1: The sulfoxide of formula (B) may be obtained using several methods including those disclosed in PCT publications WO 92/08717 and WO 95/29176, J. Med. Chem. 38(1) 1–4 (1995), Tetrahedron Lett. 35(27) 4739–4742 (1994), Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 3 (8) 1723–1728 (1993) and Eur. J. Org. Chem. 6:1455–1458 (1999). The sulfoxide may be a single enantiomer or a mixture of enantiomers including but not limited to a racemic mixture.


The sulfoxide of formula (B) is coupled with base R1. The base R1 may be previously protected, for example silylated (or silylated in situ) pyrimidine base or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative may be used. The coupling reaction takes place in the presence of a tertiary amine, a Lewis acid of formula (C) and catalytic amounts of an element of groups IB or IIB in a suitable coupling solvent to give the cis/trans pyrimidine nucleoside of formula (D). In the resulting intermediate of formula (D), the cis isomer predominates over the trans isomer in a ratio equal to greater than 2 to 1. The ratio of cis to trans isomer is inversely proportional to the temperature of the reaction temperature. The coupling reaction may be preformed at or below room temperature. The temperature of the coupling step may be between about 0 degrees C and about −50 degrees C.
If a silylated base is used, adequate silylating agent may include t-butyldimethylsilyl triflate 1,1,1,3,3,3 hexamethyldisilazane, TMSI, N,O,bis(TMS) acetonide and trimethylsilyl triflate. Additional protective agents are disclosed in Greene, et al., “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,” John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.
The tertiary amine used in step 1 include triethylamine, diethylcyclohexylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, dimethylbutylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, tributylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine and diisopropylethylamine and combinations thereof.
The element or combination of elements of groups IB or IIB used in step 1 include Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, or Cd in oxidized state.
The suitable coupling solvent is an organic solvent with one to ten carbons. The suitable coupling solvents include CH2Cl2, CH3CN and mixtures thereof.
Suitable Lewis acids include trimethylsilyl triflate bromotrimethylsilane iodotrimethylsilane and combinations thereof. The amount of the Lewis acid may be between about 2 eq to about 5 eq.
Step 2: The cis/trans pyrimidine 1,3-oxathiolane nucleoside of formula (D) is dissolved in a suitable deprotection solvent in the presence of adequate amounts of a deprotection agent to yield the cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues or derivatives of formula (A). The deprotection step is preformed at a temperature below the boiling point of the suitable deprotection solvent. The reaction temperature of the deprotection step may be between −30 degrees C. and 60 degrees C. The reaction may be preformed at a temperature between about 0 degrees C. to about 35 degrees C.
A deprotection suitable solvent favors the crystallization of the product of formula (A). Suitable solvents include water, methanol, ethanol, toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether or combinations thereof.
Suitable deprotection agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and methanolic ammonia. Of particular interest are deprotection agents which will aid in the separation of the product of formula (A).




The various steps as illustrated in Schemes la may be briefly described as follows:
Step 1: The sulfoxide of the 1,3 oxathiolane of formula (Bx) may be obtained using several methods including those disclosed in PCT publications WO 92/08717 and WO 95/29176, J. Med. Chem. 38(1) 1–4 (1995), Tetrahedron Lett. 35(27) 4739–4742 (1994), Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 3 (8) 1723–1728 (1993). The asymmetric synthesis of the sulfoxide of formula (Bx) is disclosed by Caputo et al in Eur. J. Org. Chem. 6:1455–1458 (1999).
The sulfoxide of the 1,3 oxathiolane of formula (Bx) is coupled with base R1. The base R1 may be previously protected, for example silylated (or silylated in situ) pyrimidine base or pharmaceutically acceptable derivative. The coupling reaction takes place in the presence of a tertiary amine, a Lewis acid of formula (C) and catalytic amounts of an element of groups IB or IIB in a suitable coupling solvent to give the cis/trans pyrimidine 1,3 oxathiolane nucleoside of formula (Dx). In the resulting intermediate of formula (Dx), the cis isomer predominates over the trans isomer in a ratio equal to greater than 2 to 1. The ratio of cis to trans isomer is inversely proportional to the temperature of the reaction temperature. The reaction may be preformed at or below room temperature.
The silylating agent that may be used for the protection of R1 include t-butyldimethylsilyl triflate 1,1,1,3,3,3 hexamethyldisilazane, TMSI, N, O, bis(TMS) acetonite and trimethylsilyl triflate.
The tertiary amine used in step 1 include triethylamine, diethylcyclohexylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, dimethylbutylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, tributylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine and diisopropylethylamine and combinations thereof.
The element or combination of elements of groups IB or IIB used in step 1 include Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, or Cd in oxidized state.
The suitable coupling solvent is an organic solvent. The suitable coupling solvents include CH2Cl2, CH3CN or mixtures thereof.
The Lewis acid that may be used in this step include trimethylsilyl triflate bromotrimethylsilane iodotrimethylsilane and mixtures thereof. The amount of the Lewis acid may be between about 2 eq to about 5 eq.
Step 2: The cis/trans pyrimidine nucleoside of formula (Dx) is dissolved in a suitable deprotection solvent in the presence of adequate amounts of a deprotection agent to yield the cis nucleosides or nucleoside analogues or derivatives of formula (Ax).
A suitable deprotection solvent favors the crystallization of the product of formula (A). Suitable solvents include water, methanol, ethanol, toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether or combinations thereof. Suitable combinations of solvents include methanol and water, methanol and toluene, methanol and tert-butyl methyl ether mixtures.
Suitable deprotection agents include sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and methanolic ammonia. Of particular interest are deprotection agents that will aid in the separation of the product of formula (A).
The deprotection step is preformed at a temperature below the boiling point of the suitable deprotection solvent
The following examples illustrate the present invention in a manner of which it can be practiced but, as such, should not be construed as limitations upon the overall scope of the processes of this invention.




Compound (1) was dissolved in toluene and the solution was heated up to 90–100° C. Catalyst was added followed by mercaptoethanol (portionwise). 5 molar % of catalyst were used. Reactions were carried out on 15 g scale at 0.3M concentration of (1). The reaction mixture was refluxed with water removal by Dean-Stark trap. Results for this step are shown in Table 1.










TABLE 1









Reaction after 20 min
Reaction after 40 min












Conversion

Conversion



Catalyst
%
Yield of (2) %
%
Yield of (2) %





BF3OEt2
100
79
100
71


pTsOH
100
82
100
80









Compound (2) was identified by 1H- and 13C-NMR.
Rf: 0.39 (hexane: ethyl acetate) 1H-NMR: δ (ppm in CDCl3) 8.03 (m, 2H, aromatic) 7.53 (m, 1H, aromatic) 7.39 (m, 2H, aromatic) 5.41 (dd, 1H, C2—H) 4.43 (m, 2H, C2—CH2OCC6H5) 4.21 (m, 1H, C5—H) 3.96 (m, 1H, C5—H) 2.98 (m, 2H, C4—H) 13C-NMR: δ(ppm in CDCl3) 166.82, 133.74, 130.35, 128.97, 83.58, 71.87, 66.62 and 32.74




Cold 30% hydrogen peroxide (46 ml, 0.44 mol) was added to (2) (82 g, 0.366 mol) in toluene (8 ml). 10M sulfuric acid (4.5ml, 0.044 mol, 10 mol %) was added dropwise (addition time approximately 1 min). The reaction mixture was vigorously stirred at 25–30° C. for 2 h followed by 1 h string at 30° C. Water (100 ml) was added followed by sodium bicarbonate (3.7 g 0.044 mol) followed by sodium metabisulfite (8 g). Organic layer was separated and aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×20 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried over sodium sulfite, concentrated to dryness and triturated with hexane to form a solid. 83 g (94% ) of target compound (3) was obtained.
m.p.: 70–72°1H-NMR: δ (ppm in CDCl3) 8.05 (m, 2H, aromatic, cis-isomer) 7.95 (m, 2H, aromatic, trans-isomer) 7.56 (m, aromatic) 7.23 (m, aromatic) 4.77 (m, 4H, C2—H, C5—H, and C2—CH2OOCC6H5) 4.43 (m, 1H, C5—H, trans-isomer) 4.09 (m, 1H, C5—H, cis-isomer) 3.11 (m, 2H, C4—H, trans-isomer) 2.75 (m, 2H, C4—H, cis-isomer) 13C-NMR: δ(ppm in CDCl3) cis-isomer: 166.64, 134.02, 130.42, 129.88, 129.06, 96.16, 68.83, 59.47 and 54.30 trans-isomer: 166.36, 134.12, 130.29, 129.68, 129.15, 108.07, 70.09, 61.83 and 53.47




Compound (3) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (20 mL/g) and cooled to −15° C. The amine (between 1 and 2 eq) was added followed by addition of TMSI (between 2 and 5 eq) while keeping the internal temperature below −5° C. stirred at −5° C. to −10° C. until the compound (3) disappeared. The CuCl (20%) and the pyrimidine (1.1 eq) was added. The reaction mix was warmed up and kept between 5–10° C. until TLC indicated the reaction is complete. The reaction mixture was poured into 5% NH4OH and stirred for 10 minutes until no solid precipitate was detected. The organic layer was separated and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was washed with water, 2% HCl, dilute Na2SO3. The washed organic layer was evaporated to give the product, compound (4). Results for this step are shown in Table 2.
These were characterized by 1H and 13C-NMR. cis-isomer: 1H-NMR: δ (ppm in CDCl3) 9.61 (b, 1H, C4′—NhCOCH3) 8.29 (d, 1H, C6′—H) 8.06 (m, 2H, aromatic) 7.65 (m, 1H, aromatic) 7.51 (m, 2H, aromatic) 7.25 (d, 1H, C5′—H) 6.61 (d, 1H, C4—H) 5.50 (t, 1H, C2—H) 4.80 (m, 2H, C2—CH2OOCC6H5) 4.48 (d, 1H, C5—H) 4.05 (dd, 1H, C5—H) 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3) 13C-NMR: δ (ppm in CDCl3) 170.93, 166.28, 162.80, 155.76, 146.06, 133.91, 129.90, 128.84, 97.45, 85.88, 78.25, 64.60, 63.53 and 24.71. trans-isomer: 1H-NMR: δ (ppm in DMSO d6) 10.88 (s, 1H, C4′—NhCOCH3) 8.13 (d, 1H, C6′—H) 7.96 (m, 2H, aromatic) 7.68 (m, 1H, aromatic) 7.52 (m, 2H, aromatic) 7.20 (d, 1H, C5′—H) 6.35 (d, 1H, C4—H) 5.96 (dd, 1H, C2—H) 4.58 (dd, 1H, C2—CH2OOCC6H5) 4.44 (d, 1H, C5—H) 4.29 (m, 2H, C5—H and CH2OOCC6H5) 2.07 (s, 3H, CH3) 13C-NMR: δ (ppm in DMSO d6) 171.53, 165.84, 162.76, 155.21, 146.59, 134.00, 129.64, 129.23, 96.54, 83.78, 74.24, 64.58, 64.01 and 24.35










TABLE 2









Yield













Catalyst
(Cis +
Cis/
Yield













Pyrimidine
Base
(molar eq)
Conditions
Trans)
Trans
% Cis





N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA

CH2Cl2, −15° C.
80%
2.0:1
53


1.1eq
1.2eq

RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 3 h
91%
3.9:1
72


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
TEA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
75%
3.8:1
59


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DMCA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
80%
3.4:1
62


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DECA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C.
71%
3.9:1
57


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 3 h
80%
2.4:1
56


1.1eq
1.2eq
(2%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
CuBr2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
80%
3.7:1
63


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
Cu(acac)2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
85%
3.7:1
67


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
CuCl
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
80%
3.6:1
63


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
Cul (20%)
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
74%
3.5:1
58


1.1eq
1.2eq

RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
CuSCN
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
70%
3.1:1
53


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


N—Ac—Cy
DIPEA
ZnBr2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
53%
3.1:1
40


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N


Cy
DIPEA
CuCl2
CH2Cl2, −15° C., 5 h
72%
2.4:1
51


1.1eq
1.2eq
(20%)
RT, O/N





Cy = cytosine


DIPEA = diisopropylethylamine


TEA = Triethylamine


DECA = diethylcyclohexylamine


DMCA = dimethylcyclohexylamine


Cu(acac)2 = Copper (II) acetylacetonate










A suspension of the substrate, sodium methoxide, 10 mole percentage, and the appropriate solvent was stirred at RT for 2 h before it was filtered. The filter cake as dried and weighed before checking the C/T ratio (by 1H NMR ) and yield. Results for this step are shown in table 3.








TABLE 3







Weight



of













Cis/
Cis/


% of
Recovery


Trans
Trans

Strong
trans
of Cis













mix (g)
ratio
Solvent
base
Conditions
(NMR)
(%)
















4
3.4:1
MeOH,
MeONa
Mix and stir at
0
89






RT


10
3.4:1
MeOH
MeONa
Mix and stir at
0
88.5






RT


4
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
Mix and stir at
0
90




tBME

RT




(7:3)


25
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
Mix and stir at
traces
91




tBME

RT




(7:3)


1
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
RT
0
98




EtOH




(1:1)


4
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
Mix and stir at
traces
92.5




EtOH

RT




(1:1)


25
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
Mix and stir at
traces
93




EtOH

RT




(1:1),




150 mL


1
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
RT
traces
92.5




Toluene




(6:4)


4
3.4:1
MeOH:
MeONa
Mix and stir at
traces
90




Toluene

RT




(6:4)


25
3.4:1
MeOH/
MeONa
Mix and stir at
traces
91




Toluene

RT




(6:4) L


1
3.4:1
MeOH/
NaOH
RT
20
90




H2O




(95:5)


1
3.4:1
MeOH/
NaOH
At 50° C.
20
90




H2O




(95:5)









5) Synthiesis of 2benzoylmethyl-4-(N-acetylcytosine-1′-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane using (−) or (+) 2-benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-oxathiolane-S-oxide




The enantiomerically pure Compound (3a) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (10 mL/g) and cooled to reaction temperature. The amine was added followed by addition of TMSI while keeping the internal temperature below −5° C. stirred at −5° C. to −40° C. until the compound (3a) disappeared. The CuCl (20%) and the pyrimidine (1.1 eq) was added. The reaction mix was warmed up and kept between −40 to 30° C. until TLC indicated the reaction is complete. The reaction was cooled to 0° C.-5° C. Celite (12 g, 100% w/w) was added to the suspension and stirred. Concentrated ammonium hydroxyde (was added slowly and the suspension temperature was kept between 0° C.–10° C. Stirred at 0° C.–5° C. The suspension was filtered and the cake was resuspended in dichloromethane. Stirred then filtered. The phases were separated and the aqueous was extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with a 2% solution of ammonium hydroxyde, water, 2% hydrochloric solution, 2% sodium metabisulfite solution and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered then reduced in volume in vacuo to give crude base-coupled material as a beige solid. The solids were dissolved in EtOAc and allowed to crystallize. The suspension was stirred at 0–5° C. then filtered. The solids were dried in vacuo to give pure base-coupled product as a pale beige solid. Results for this step are shown in Table 4 and Table 5.
1H NMR (300 MHz)(CDCl3) δ: 2.27 (s, 3H, CH3 cis), 2.29 (s, 3H, CH3 trans), 4.06 (dd, J=4.5 Hz & J=10.8 Hz, 1H, C5 cis), 4.30 (dd, J=3.4 Hz & J=12.4 Hz, 1H, C5 trans), 4.49 (dd, J=3.1 Hz & J=10.8 Hz, 1H, C5 cis) 4.72 (dd, J=8.3 Hz & J=12.4 Hz, 1H, C5 trans), 4.77, (AB, J=4.5 Hz, 2H, CH2OBz cis), 4.84 (AB, J=2.3 Hz, 2H, CH2OBz trans), 5.50 (dd, J=3.1 Hz & J=4.5 Hz, 1H, C4 cis), 5.92 (dd, J=3.4 Hz & J=8.3 Hz 1H, C4 trans), 6.61 (dd, J=2.3 Hz trans & J=4.5 Hz cis, 1H, C2), 7.25 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C5′), 7.5–8.1 (m, 10H, aromatic cis & trans), 8.30 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H, C6′), 9.50 (s 1H, NH). 13C NMR (300 MHz) (CDCl3) δ: 25.9 (cis & trans), 64.3 (cis), 65.1 (trans), 65.3 (cis & trans), 76.1 (trans), 78.7 (cis), 84.7 (trans), 86.2 (cis), 97.9 (cis), 98.1 (trans), 128.6 (cis & trans), 128.7 (cis & trans), 129.2 (cis & trans), 129.4 (cis & trans), 129.8 (cis & trans), 133.5 (trans), 133.7 (cis), 145.3 (trans), 145.6 (cis), 155.2 (trans), 155.3 (cis), 162.5 (cis & trans), 162.6 (trans), 165.7 (cis), 171.0 (cis), 171.1 (trans).














TABLE 4







Reaction Temp.
(−)Cis
(+)Cis
(−)Trans
(+)trans
Cis/Trans


Sulfoxide
Base
(° C.)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)


























DIPEA
−15
48.9
27.4
6.7
17
3.2:1


 






TEA
−15
70.4
5.2
1.6
22.8
3.1:1


 






TEA
−15
4.9
73.6
20
1.5
3.6:1


 






DMCA
−25
72.4
4.5
1.25
21.8
3.3:1


 






TEA
−30(internal temp),warm up to RTafter addingsilylated base
1
74.4
24.6
0
  3:1




















TABLE 5







Reaction






Temperature
Yield
Cis/Trans


Sulfoxide
Base
° C.
%
(%)











TEA +DIPEA
−20
74
3.3:1


 






(i-pro)NMe2
−20
72
3.7:1


 






TEA
−20
63
  4:1


 






(i-pro)NMe2
−20
72
3.3:1


 






TEA
−20
70
3.3:1





TEA = Triethylamine


DIPEA = Diisopropylethylamine


DMCA = Dimethylcyclohexylamine


(i-pro)NMe2 = Isoproplydimethylamine

## Claims

1. A stereoselective process for making predominantly cis compounds of formula (A):




wherein
R1 is a base selected from:





X is oxygen, NH or sulfur;
Y is oxygen, NH or sulfur;

R8 and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-10 acyl, C6-10 aryl, C6-11 carbonylaryl, C1-7 carbonyloxyalkyl, C6-11 carbonyloxyaryl, C2-7 carbonylaminoalkyl, and amino acids;
R8 can also be a saturated or unsaturated C3-8 carbocyclic ring optionally substituted by COOH, C(O)NH2, OH, SH, NH2, NO2, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, halogen, C(O)R14 or C(O)OR15, and R9 H, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl or C2-6 alkynyl;
R8 and R9 can also together be connected to the nitrogen atom to form a saturated or unsaturated C3-8 heterocyclic ring optionally substituted by C(O)OH, C(O)NH2, OH, SH, NH2, NO2, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, halogen, C(O)R14 C2-6 alkynyl or C(O)OR15;
R14 is C1-6 alkyl or C2-6 alkenyl;
R15 is C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, or C2-6 alkynyl; and
R10, R11, R12 and R13 are each independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, amino, cyano, carboxyl, carbamoyl, C2-7 alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, C6-10 arylthio, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl substituted or unsubstituted with halogen or azido, C2-6 alkynyl, C1-6 acyloxy, thiocarboxy, thiocarbamoyl, carbamate, ureido, amidino, or C6-10 aryloxy; and
Q is carbon, oxygen or sulfur;

said process comprising:
coupling a compound of formula (B):




 wherein
R2 is benzoyl, and
Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo;

with a base R1 in a C1-10 coupling solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu+, Cu2+,Ag+, Au+, Au3+,Zn2+, Cd2+or combinations thereof, in each case being in an oxidized state, a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid to yield an intermediate of formula (D):




 wherein R1, R2 and Q are defined above; and

deprotecting the intermediate of formula (D) to yield the cis compound of formula (A).

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein said Lewis acid is a compound of formula (C):




wherein
R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; and
R7 is selected from fluoro; bromo; chloro; iodo; C1-20 sulphonate ester; optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; C1-20 alkyl esters optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; triiodide; a silyl group of the formula (R4)(R5)(R6)Si; C6-20 arylsulfenyl; C6-20 arylsulfenyl; C6-20 alkoxyalkyl; and trialkylsiloxy.

3. A process according to claim 1, wherein the tertiary amine is of the form N(Z4)(Z5)(Z6) wherein (Z4),(Z5), and (Z6) are independently selected from C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by C1-3 alkyl, C6-10 aryl or halogen.

4. A process according to claim 1, wherein the organic solvent is a C1-8 chloroalkyl, a C1-8 chloroalkenyl, a C6-10 chloroaryl, C1-8 alkylonitrile or mixtures thereof.

5. A process according to claim 4, wherein the organic solvent is selected from chloromethanes, chloroethanes, methanonitriles and mixtures thereof.

6. A process according to claim 3, wherein the tertiary amine is triethylamine, diethylcyclohexylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, dimethylbutylamine, dimethylcyclohexylamine, tributylamine, diethylmethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, diisopropylethylamine or combinations thereof.

7. A process according to claim 1, wherein Q is oxygen.

8. A process according to claim 1, wherein coupling is preformed at a temperature equal to or less than 30 degrees Celsius.

9. A process according to claim 1, wherein the deprotection step is preformed in the presence of a deprotecting agent and a deprotecting solvent which favors the crystallization of the cis compounds of formula (A).

10. A process according to claim 9, wherein the deprotection agent is alkaline.

11. A process according to claim 10, wherein the deprotection agent is sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, methanolic ammonia or combinations thereof.

12. A process according to claim 9, wherein the deprotecting solvent is water, methanol, ethanol, toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether or combinations thereof.

13. A process according to claim 1, wherein R1 is selected from N4-alkylpyrimidines, N4-acylpyrimidines, 4-halopyrimidines, N4-acetylenic pyrimidines, 4-amino and N4-acyl pyrimidines, 4-hydroxyalkyl pyrimidines, 4-thioalkyl pyrimidines, thymine, cytosine, 6-azapyrimidine, 2- mercaptopyrimidine, 4-mercaptopyrimidine, uracil, C5-alkylpyrimidines, C5-benzylpyrimidines, C5-halopyrimidines, C5-vinylpyrimidine, C5-acetylenic pyrimidine, C5-acyl pyrimidine, C5-amidopyrimidine, C5-cyanopyrimidine, C5-nitropyrimidine, C5-aminopyrimidine, 5-azacytidinyl, and 5-azauracilyl.

14. A stereoselective process for making predominantly cis compounds of formula (A):




wherein
R1 is a base selected from N4-alkylpyrimidines, N4-acylpyrimidines, 4-halopyrimidines, N4-acetylenic pyrimidines, 4-amino and N4-acyl pyrimidines, 4-hydroxyalkyl pyrimidines, 4-thioalkyl pyrimidines, thymine, cytosine, 6-azapyrimidine, including 6-azacytosine, 2- and/or 4-mercaptopyrimidine, uracil, C5 -alkylpyrimidines, C5 -benzylpyrimidines, C5 halopyrimidines, C5 -vinylpyrimidine, C5 -acetylenic pyrimidine, C5 -acyl pyrimidine, C5 -amidopyrimidine, C5 -cyanopyrimidine, C5 -nitropyrimidine, C5 -aminopyrimidine, 5-azacytidinyl, 5-azauracilyl, triazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, and pyrazolopyrimidinyl; and
Q is oxygen;
said process comprising coupling a compound of formula (B):




 wherein
R2 is benzoyl, and
Z1, Z2 and Z3 are independently selected from hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo;
with a base R1 in a coupling solvent in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu+, Cu2+, Ag+, Au+, Au3+, Zn2+, Cd2+ or combinations thereof, in each case being in an oxidized state, a tertiary amine and a Lewis acid of formula (C):




 wherein
R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen; C1-20 alkyl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-6 alkoxy or C6-20 aryloxy; C7-20 aralkyl optionally substituted by halogen, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; C6-20 aryl optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro, iodo, C1-20 alkyl or C1-20 alkoxy; trialkylsilyl; fluoro; bromo; chloro and iodo; and
R7 is selected from fluoro; bromo; chloro; iodo; C1-20 sulphonate esters optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; C1-20 alkyl esters optionally substituted by fluoro, bromo, chloro or iodo; triiodide; a silyl group of the formula (R4)(R5)(R6)Si; C6-20 arylselenenyl; C6-20 arylsulfenyl; C6-20 alkoxyalkyl; and trialkylsiloxy;
to yield an intermediate of formula (D):




 deprotecting intermediate D wherein said intermediate (D) is dissolved in a solvent which favors the crystallization of the cis compounds of formula (A) in the presence of an appropriate amounts of a deprotection agent to yield the cis compounds of formula (A).

15. A process according to claim 1, wherein R1 is a base selected from cytosine, uracil, thymine, and 5fluoropyrimidine.

16. A process according to claim 1, wherein said catalytic amount of Cu+, Cu2+, Ag+, Au+, Au3+, Zn2+, Cd2+ or combinations thereof, is 0.25 molar % to 100 molar %.

17. A process according to claim 1, wherein said coupling is performed in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu+, Cu2+ or Zn2+.

18. A process according to claim 1, wherein the amount of tertiary amine is 1 eq to 4 eq.

19. A process according to claim 1, wherein the amount of coupling solvent used is 5 mL per g of sulfoxide to 50 mL per gram of sulfoxide.

20. A process according to claim 19, wherein the amount of coupling solvent is between 10 mL per g of sulfoxide to 30 mL per gram of sulfoxide.

21. A process according to claim 1, wherein the coupling step is preformed at a temperature of 40 degrees C. to −50 degrees C.

22. A process according to claim 1, wherein the coupling step is preformed at a temperature of 30 degrees C. to −40 degrees C.

23. A process according to claim 1, wherein deprotection is preformed in a solvent selected from water, methanol, ethanol, toluene, tert-butyl methyl ether and combinations thereof.

24. A process according to claim 1, wherein the amount of deprotection agent is 0.1 molar percentage to 50 molar percentage.

25. A process according to claim 24, wherein the amount of deprotection agent is 5 to about 20 molar percentage of the deprotection agent.

26. A process according to claim 24, wherein if functional oxygen and nitrogen groups are present on R1 they are protected using protecting selected from trimethylsilyl, dimethylhexylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, and t-butyldiphenylsilyl, trityl, C1-12 alkyl groups, and C1-12 acyl.

27. A process according to claim 1, wherein said coupling is performed in the presence of a catalytic amount of CuC12, CuC1, CuBr, CuI, CuSCN, ZnBr2, Cu(II)acetylacetonate or combinations thereof.