A method of synthesis of a 2-substituted adenosine of formula I which comprises converting a compound of formula II to a compound of formula (I), wherein: R is C 1-6 alkoxy (straight or branched), a phenoxy group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3-, cyano, nitro, C 1-6 alkyl, or C 1-6 alkoxy), a benzoyl group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3-, cyano, nitro, C1_6 alkyl, or C1_6 alkoxy), or a benzoyl group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3-, cyano, nitro, C 1-6 alkyl, or C 1-6 alkoxy); R'.dbd.H, or a protecting group.