Provided is a method for the synthesis of an aralkyloxyadenosine or an alkoxyadenosine. The method includes protecting the hydroxyl sugar groups with a protecting group to produce a protected halogenated adenosine. The protected halogenated adenosine is alkoxylated, and the hydroxyl sugar groups of the protected halogenated adenosine are deprotected to provide the aralkyloxyadenosine or alkoxyadenosine.