The present invention is directed to the process for the preparation of
2'-deoxy-2'-halo-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides, and in particular,
2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-.beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl thymine (L-FMAU), from
L-arabinose, which is commercially available and less expensive than
L-ribose or L-xylose, in ten steps. All of the reagents and starting
materials are inexpensive and no special equipment is required to carry
out the reactions.
