De novo synthesis of a wide range of nucleoside analogs using simple achiral starting materials

A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University and Merck & Co. has developed a de novo synthesis technique for creating a wide range of nucleoside analogs using simple achiral starting materials. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their technique and ways it can be used. Gavin Miller with Keele University has published a Perspective piece in the same journal issue outlining the importance of finding new ways to synthesize nucleosides and the work done by the team in this new effort.