Nucleic Acid Related Compounds. 86. Nucleophilic Functionalization of Adenine, Adenosine, Tubercidin, and Formycin Derivatives via Elaboration of the Heterocyclic Amino Group into a Readily Displaced 1,2,4-Triazol-4-yl Substituent

Mapping the tRNA modification landscape of Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse

Transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications play a crucial role in maintaining translational fidelity and efficiency, and they may function as regulatory elements in stress response and virulence. Despite their pivotal roles, a comprehensive mapping of tRNA modifications and their associated synthesis genes is still limited, with a predominant focus on free-living bacteria. In this study, we employed a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating comparative genomics, mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing, to predict the set of tRNA modification genes responsible for tRNA maturation in two intracellular pathogens-Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse, which are causative agents of cat-scratch disease and trench fever, respectively. This analysis presented challenges, particularly because of host RNA contamination, which served as a potential source of error. However, our approach predicted 26 genes responsible for synthesizing 23 distinct tRNA modifications in B. henselae and 22 genes associated with 23 modifications in B. quintana. Notably, akin to other intracellular and symbiotic bacteria, both Bartonella species have undergone substantial reductions in tRNA modification genes, mostly by simplifying the hypermodifications present at positions 34 and 37. Bartonella quintana exhibited the additional loss of four modifications and these were linked to examples of gene decay, providing snapshots of reductive evolution.

Chemoproteomic capture of RNA binding activity in living cells

Proteomic methods for RNA interactome capture (RIC) rely principally on crosslinking native or labeled cellular RNA to enrich and investigate RNA-binding protein (RBP) composition and function in cells. The ability to measure RBP activity at individual binding sites by RIC, however, has been more challenging due to the heterogenous nature of peptide adducts derived from the RNA-protein crosslinked site. Here, we present an orthogonal strategy that utilizes clickable electrophilic purines to directly quantify protein-RNA interactions on proteins through photoaffinity competition with 4-thiouridine (4SU)-labeled RNA in cells. Our photo-activatable-competition and chemoproteomic enrichment (PACCE) method facilitated detection of >5500 cysteine sites across ~3000 proteins displaying RNA-sensitive alterations in probe binding. Importantly, PACCE enabled functional profiling of canonical RNA-binding domains as well as discovery of moonlighting RNA binding activity in the human proteome. Collectively, we present a chemoproteomic platform for global quantification of protein-RNA binding activity in living cells.

1,2,3-Triazoles as leaving groups: SNAr reactions of 2,6-bistriazolylpurines with O- and C-nucleophiles

A new approach was designed for the synthesis of C6-substituted 2-triazolylpurine derivatives. A series of substituted products was obtained in SNAr reactions between 2,6-bistriazolylpurine derivatives and O- and C-nucleophiles under mild conditions. The products were isolated in yields up to 87%. The developed C-O and C-C bond forming reactions clearly show the ability of the 1,2,3-triazolyl ring at the C6 position of purine to act as leaving group.

Synthesis and evaluation of a collection of purine-like C-nucleosides as antikinetoplastid agents

The kinetoplastid parasites Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are the causative agents of neglected tropical diseases with a serious burden in several parts of the world. These parasites are incapable of synthesizing purines de novo, and therefore rely on ingenious purine salvage pathways to acquire and process purines from their host. Purine nucleoside analogs that may interfere with these pathways therefore constitute a privileged source of new antikinetoplastid agents. In this study, we synthetized a collection of C-nucleosides employing five different heterocyclic nucleobase surrogates. C-nucleosides are chemically and enzymatically stable and allow for extensive structural modification. Inspired by earlier 7-deazaadenosine nucleosides and known antileishmanial C-nucleosides, we introduced different modifications tailored towards antikinetoplastid activity. Both adenosine and inosine analogs were synthesized with the aim of discovering new antikinetoplastid hits and expanding knowledge of structure-activity relationships. Several promising hits with potent activity against Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum were discovered, and the nature of the nucleobase surrogate was found to have a profound influence on the selectivity profile of the compounds.

Synthesis of Triazole-Linked SAM-Adenosine Conjugates: Functionalization of Adenosine at N-1 or N-6 Position without Protecting Groups

More than 150 RNA chemical modifications have been identified to date. Among them, methylation of adenosine at the N-6 position (m⁶A) is crucial for RNA metabolism, stability and other important biological events. In particular, this is the most abundant mark found in mRNA in mammalian cells. The presence of a methyl group at the N-1 position of adenosine (m¹A) is mostly found in ncRNA and mRNA and is mainly responsible for stability and translation fidelity. These modifications are installed by m⁶A and m¹A RNA methyltransferases (RNA MTases), respectively. In human, deregulation of m⁶A RNA MTases activity is associated with many diseases including cancer. To date, the molecular mechanism involved in the methyl transfer, in particular substrate recognition, remains unclear. We report the synthesis of new SAM-adenosine conjugates containing a triazole linker branched at the N-1 or N-6 position of adenosine. Our methodology does not require protecting groups for the functionalization of adenosine at these two positions. The molecules described here were designed as potential bisubstrate analogues for m⁶A and m¹A RNA MTases that could be further employed for structural studies. This is the first report of compounds mimicking the transition state of the methylation reaction catalyzed by m¹A RNA MTases.

C6-O-alkylated 7-deazainosine nucleoside analogues: Discovery of potent and selective anti-sleeping sickness agents

African trypanosomiasis, a deadly infectious disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei spp., is spread to new hosts by bites of infected tsetse flies. Currently approved therapies all have their specific drawbacks, prompting a search for novel therapeutic agents. T. brucei lacks the enzymes necessary to forge the purine ring from amino acid precursors, rendering them dependent on the uptake and interconversion of host purines. This dependency renders analogues of purines and corresponding nucleosides an interesting source of potential anti-T. brucei agents. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a series of 7-substituted 7-deazainosine derivatives and found that 6-O-alkylated analogues in particular showed highly promising in vitro activity with EC₅₀ values in the mid-nanomolar range. SAR investigation of the O-alkyl chain showed that antitrypanosomal activity increased, and also cytotoxicity, with alkyl chain length, at least in the linear alkyl chain series. However, this could be attenuated by introducing a terminal branch point, resulting in the highly potent and selective analogues, 36, 37 and 38. No resistance related to transporter-mediated uptake could be identified, earmarking several of these analogues for further in vivo follow-up studies.

cAMPS derivatives. A minireview over synthetic medicinal chemistry

Cyclic nucleosides belonging to the cAMPS system can exert antagonistic or agonistic effects on the cAMP/PKA type 1 inhibitory pathway affecting T-lymphocyte replications. The stereochemistry at the phosphorus atom in the phosphate group is important for the expressed selectivity. The two stereoisomers at the phosphorus atom in the phosphate arise by selective replacements of one of the oxygens pendant from the phosphorus atom by a sulfur atom. Methods for the preparation of cAMPS derivatives as stereochemical mixtures at the phosphorus atom and separation of stereoisomers have been developed into highly stereoselective syntheses. Methods for halogenation in the purine 8-position afford corresponding halides. Heteronucleophilic substitution of the halides afford corresponding amines, ethers or sulfides. Transition metal catalysis for carbylation of the 8-halides affords simple and efficient routes for the preparation of 8-aryl, 8-hetaryl or 8-alkyl cAMPS derivatives. Preparations of prodrugs for improved cell membrane penetration are described. The prodrugs are S-alkylated derivatives which are constructed for selective cleavage of the SP bond by an esterase to regenerate the bioactive cAMPS species at the site of the desired action.

Phenylethynyl-substituted Heterocycles Inhibit Cyclin D1 and Induce the Expression of Cyclin-dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21Wif1/Cip1 in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Fluorinated, phenylethynyl-substituted heterocycles that possessed either an N-methylamino or N,N-dimethylamino group attached to heterocycles including pyridines, indoles, 1H-indazoles, quinolines, and isoquinolines inhibited the proliferation of LS174T colon cancer cells in which the inhibition of cyclin D1 and induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor-1 (i.e., p21^Wif1/Cip1) served as a readout for antineoplastic activity at a cellular level. On a molecular level, these agents, particularly 4-((2,6-difluorophenyl)ethynyl)-N-methylisoquinolin-1-amine and 4-((2,6-difluorophenyl)ethynyl)-N,N-dimethylisoquinolin-1-amine, bound and inhibited the catalytic subunit of methionine S-adenosyltransferase-2 (MAT2A).

Synthesis of purine and 7-deazapurine nucleoside analogues of 6-N-(4-Nitrobenzyl)adenosine; inhibition of nucleoside transport and proliferation of cancer cells

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is a prototypical nucleoside transporter protein ubiquitously expressed on the cell surface of almost all human tissue. Given the role of hENT1 in the transport of nucleoside drugs, an important class of therapeutics in the treatment of various cancers and viral infections, efforts have been made to better understand the mechanisms by which hENT1 modulates nucleoside transport. To that end, we report here the design and synthesis of novel tool compounds for the further study of hENT1. The 7-deazapurine nucleoside antibiotic tubercidin was converted into its 4-N-benzyl and 4-N-(4-nitrobenzyl) derivatives by alkylation at N3 followed by a Dimroth rearrangement to the 4-N-isomer or by fluoro-diazotization followed by SN Ar displacement of the 4-fluoro group by a benzylamine. The 4-N-(4-nitrobenzyl) derivatives of sangivamycin and toyocamycin antibiotics were prepared by the alkylation approach. Cross-membrane transport of labeled uridine by hENT1 was inhibited to a weaker extent by the 4-nitrobenzylated tubercidin and sangivamycin analogues than was observed with 6-N-(4-nitrobenzyl)adenosine. Type-specific inhibition of cancer cell proliferation was observed at micromolar concentrations with the 4-N-(4-nitrobenzyl) derivatives of sangivamycin and toyocamycin, and also with 4-N-benzyltubercidin. Treatment of 2',3',5'-O-acetyladenosine with aryl isocyanates gave the 6-ureido derivatives but none of them exhibited inhibitory activity against cancer cell proliferation or hENT1.

Convenient and efficient syntheses of N(6)- and N(4)- substituted adenines and cytosines and their 2'-deoxyribosides

Convenient and efficient methods of the synthesis of N(6)- and N(4)-substituted derivatives of adenine and cytosine and their 2'-deoxyribosides were developed. The reactions of either unprotected nucleobases (adenine, cytosine) or unprotected 2'-deoxyribosides with aryl or alkyl aldehydes give corresponding Schiff bases that can be reduced to the target title compounds with high overall yields. In the case of aryl aldehydes the imine derivatives are obtained in the presence of methoxides in methanol and reduced with sodium borohydride. The corresponding reactions with alkyl aldehydes require the use of acetic acid and borane dimethyl sulfide complex instead.

Two-step, one-pot synthesis of inosine, guanosine, and 2'-deoxyguanosine O6-ethers via intermediate O6-(benzotriazol-1-yl) derivatives

A simple method for the etherification at the O(6)-position of silyl-protected inosine, guanosine, and 2'-deoxyguanosine is described. Typically, a THF solution of the silylated nucleoside is treated with 1H-benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and Cs(2)CO(3) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Conversion to the O(6)-(benzotriazol-1-yl) ethers occurs within about 10 min for inosine, and within about 60 min for guanosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine. Then, for reaction with alcohols, the reaction mixture is evaporated and the O(6)-(benzotriazol-1-yl) ether is treated with Cs(2)CO(3) and an appropriate alcohol, at room temperature. On the other hand, for reaction with phenols, Cs(2)CO(3) and the appropriate phenol are added to the reaction mixture without evaporation, and the reaction is carried out at 70°C. Subsequently, workup, isolation, and purification lead to the requisite O(6)-alkyl or O(6)-aryl ethers in good to excellent yields.

Efficient synthesis of exo-N-carbamoyl nucleosides: application to the synthesis of phosphoramidate prodrugs

An efficient protection protocol for the 6-exo-amino group of purine nucleosides with various chloroformates was developed utilizing N-methylimidazole (NMI). The reaction of an exo-N(6)-group of adenosine analogue 1 with alkyl/and aryl chloroformates under optimized conditions provided the N(6)-carbamoyl adenosines (2a-j) in good to excellent yields. The reaction of N(6)-Cbz-protected nucleosides (5a-c) with phenyl phosphoryl chloride (7) using t-BuMgCl followed by catalytic hydrogenation afforded the corresponding phosphoramidate pronucleotides (8a-c) in excellent yield.

Postsynthetic on column RNA labeling via Stille coupling

Stille Coupling is a versatile C-C bond forming reaction with high functional group tolerance under mild conditions. Our on column synthesis concept for RNA modification is based on the incorporation of iodo substituted nucleotide precursors to RNA during automated standard solid phase synthesis via TBDMS-, TC-, and ACE- protecting group strategies. Subsequently, the RNA, still bound on solid support, is ready for orthogonal postsynthetic functionalization via Stille cross-couplings utilizing the advantages of solid phase synthesis. Several monomer test reactions were employed with 2-iodo adenosine and 5-iodo uridine and organostannanes as coupling partners under different conditions, changing the catalyst/ligand system, temperature, and reaction time as well as conventional heating and microwave irradiation. Finally, Stille cross-couplings under optimized conditions were transferred to fully protected 5-mer and 12-mer RNA oligonucleotides on-column. Deprotection and cleavage from solid support resulted in site-specifically labeled oligonucleotides. Derivatizations via Stille cross-couplings were performed initially with vinyltributylstannane as well as later with 2-furanyl-, 2-thiophene-, and benzothiophene-2-tributylstannanes yielding fluorescently functionalized RNA.

Stereoselective synthesis of (RP)-8-substituted-N⁶-acylated and N⁶-alkylated adenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphorothioic acids as cAMP antagonists

N(6)-Monoalkylated, N(6)-dialkylated and N(6)-acylated (R(P))-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphorothioic acids have been prepared by stereoselective syntheses from cAMP for a study of protein kinase A antagonist activity. The antagonist activity of the parent primary 6-amino cAMP derivative was reduced after N-monoalkylation. No significant activity was detected in the N,N-dialkylated derivative. Mono N-acylation had little effect on the activity. Hydrogen bonding involving the 6-amino group in cAMPS seems necessary for activity.

Regiospecific N9 Alkylation of 6-(Heteroaryl)purines: Shielding of N7 by a Proximal Heteroaryl C−H1

Purine alkylations have been plagued with formation of mixtures of N9 (usually desired), N7, and other regioisomers. We have developed methods for synthesis of 6-(azolyl)purine derivatives whose X-ray crystal structures show essentially coplanar conformations of the linked azole-purine rings. Such ring orientations position the C-H of the azole above N7 of the purine, which results in protection of N7 from alkylating agents. Treatment of 6-(2-butylimidazol-1-yl)-2-chloropurine (9) with sodium hydride in DMF followed by addition of ethyl iodide resulted in exclusive formation of 6-(2-butylimidazol-1-yl)-2-chloro-9-ethylpurine (10), whereas identical treatment of 2-chloro-6-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)purine (11) produced a regioisomeric mixture 12/13 (N9/N7, approximately 5:1). The linked imidazole and purine rings are coplanar in 9 (the butyl side chain is extended away from the purine ring and C-H is over N7) but are rotated approximately 57 degrees in 11, and the more bulky azole substituent in 11 did not prevent formation of the minor N7 regioisomer 13. Access to various regioisomerically pure 9-alkylpurines is now readily available.

Structure and Synthesis of 6-(Substituted-imidazol-1-yl)purines: Versatile Substrates for Regiospecific Alkylation and Glycosylation at N91

X-ray crystal structures of several 6-(azolyl)purine base and nucleoside derivatives show essentially coplanar conformations of the purine and appended 6-(azolyl) rings. However, the planes of the purine and imidazole rings are twisted approximately 57 degrees in a 2-chloro-6-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)purine nucleoside, and a twist angle of approximately 61 degrees was measured between the planes of the purine and pyrrole rings in the structure of a 6-(2,5-dimethylpyrrol-1-yl)purine nucleoside derivative. Shielding "above" N7 of the purine ring by a proximal C-H on the 6-azolyl moiety is apparent with the coplanar compounds, but this effect is diminished in those without coplanarity. Syntheses of 6-(azolyl)purines from both base and nucleoside starting materials are described. Treatment of 2,6-dichloropurine with imidazole gave 2-chloro-6-(imidazol-1-yl)purine. Modified Appel reactions at C6 of trityl-protected hypoxanthine and guanine derivatives followed by detritylation gave 6-(imidazol-1-yl)- and 2-amino-6-(imidazol-1-yl)purines. Imidazole was introduced at C6 of 2',3',5'-tri-O-acetylinosine by a modified Appel reaction, and solvolysis of the glycosyl linkage gave 6-(imidazol-1-yl)purine. Guanosine triacetate was transformed into the protected 2,6-dichloropurine nucleoside, which was subjected to S(N)Ar displacement with imidazoles at C6 followed by glycosyl solvolysis to provide 2-chloro-6-(substituted-imidazol-1-yl)purines. Potential applications of these purine derivatives are outlined.

Selective removal of the 2'- and 3'-O-acyl groups from 2',3',5'-tri-O-acylribonucleoside derivatives with lithium trifluoroethoxide

Selective cleavage of O2' and O3' ester groups from ribonucleoside derivatives has been accomplished with Dowex 1 x 2 (CF3CH2O-) in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) or lithium trifluoroethoxide/TFE. Deacylations with Li+ -OCH2CF3/TFE proceed at ambient temperature (or with mild heating) to give the 5'-O-acyl derivatives in superior yields and higher purity than prior approaches for selective O2' and O3' ester deprotection.

6-(2-Alkylimidazol-1-yl)purines Undergo Regiospecific Glycosylation at N9

[reaction: see text] Regioselective control of glycosylation of purines at N9 (versus N7) has been a continuing challenge. We now report Lewis acid catalyzed regiospecific glycosylations of 6-(2-alkylimidazol-1-yl)purines at N9. The 6-(2-alkyl)imidazole moiety also functions as a versatile leaving group that can be replaced by nucleophiles (S(N)Ar) and aryl groups (Suzuki cross-coupling).

Fluoro, Alkylsulfanyl, and Alkylsulfonyl Leaving Groups in Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reactions of Purine 2‘-Deoxynucleosides and Nucleosides

[reaction: see text] Protected 2'-deoxynucleoside and nucleoside derivatives of 6-fluoropurine, 6-(3-methylbutyl)sulfanylpurine, and 6-(3-methylbutyl)ylsulfonylpurine undergo nickel- or palladium-mediated C-C cross-coupling with arylboronic acids to give good yields of 6-arylpurine products.

Functionalization of guanosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine at C6: a modified Appel process and S(N)Ar displacement of imidazole

Treatment of sugar-protected 2-N-trityl derivatives of guanosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine with imidazole/triphenylphosphine/iodine/ethyldiisopropylamine gives the corresponding 6-(imidazol-1-yl)-2-(tritylamino)purine nucleosides. S(N)Ar displacement of the imidazole moiety with nucleophiles provides 2-amino-6-substituted-purine nucleosides and 2'-deoxynucleosides.

Azoles as Suzuki Cross-Coupling Leaving Groups: Syntheses of 6-Arylpurine 2‘-Deoxynucleosides and Nucleosides from 6-(Imidazol-1-yl)- and 6-(1,2,4-Triazol-4-yl)purine Derivatives1

[reaction: see text] 6-(Imidazol-1-yl)-, 6-(benzimidazol-1-yl)-, and 6-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)purine nucleosides undergo a nickel-mediated C-C cross-coupling of azole-substituted purine derivatives with arylboronic acids to give good yields of 6-arylpurine nucleosides.

Use of 13C as an indirect tag in 15N specifically labeled nucleosides. Syntheses of [8-13C-1,7,NH2-15N3]adenosine, -guanosine, and their deoxy analogues

We have previously reported the use of a 13C tag at the C2 of 15N-multilabeled purine nucleosides to distinguish the adjacent-labeled 15N atoms from those in an untagged nucleoside. We now introduce the use of an indirect tag at the C8 of 15N7-labeled purine nucleosides. This tag allows unambiguous differentiation between a pair of 15N7-labeled purines in which only one is 13C8 labeled. Although the very small C8-N7 coupling (<1 Hz) precludes its direct detection in 1D 15N spectra, 2D 1H-15N NMR experiments display the large C8-H8 coupling (>200 Hz) because H8 is coupled to both N7 and C8. The 13C8 atom is introduced by means of a ring closure of the exocyclic amino groups of a pyrimidinone using [13C]sodium ethyl xanthate. Here, we present methods for the syntheses of [8-13C-1,7,NH2-15N3]adenosine, -guanosine, and their deoxy analogues.

Protection of the amino group of adenosine and guanosine derivatives by elaboration into a 2,5-dimethylpyrrole moiety

[reaction: see text] Protection of the amino group of adenine and guanine nucleosides was effected by heating the substrates in 2,5-hexanedione. The resulting 2,5-dimethylpyrrole adducts were stable toward bases but were hydrolyzed with TFA/H(2)O to regenerate the amino function.

Syntheses of puromycin from adenosine and 7-deazapuromycin from tubercidin, and biological comparisons of the 7-aza/deaza pair

Protection (O5') of 2',3'-anhydroadenosine with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride and epoxide opening with dimethylboron bromide gave the 3'-bromo-3'-deoxy xylo isomer which was treated with benzylisocyanate to give the 2'-O-(N-benzylcarbamoyl) derivative. Ring closure gave the oxazolidinone, and successive deprotection concluded an efficient route to 3'-amino-3'-deoxyadenosine. Analogous treatment of the antibiotic tubercidin [7-deazaadenosine; 4-amino-7-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine] gave 3'-amino-3'-deoxytubercidin. Trifluoroacetylation of the 3'-amino function, elaboration of the heterocyclic amino group into a (1,2,4-triazol-4-yl) ring with N,N'-bis[(dimethylamino)methylene]hydrazine, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution with dimethylamine gave puromycin aminonucleoside [9-(3-amino-3-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-(dimethylamino)purine] and its 7-deaza analogue. Aminoacylation [BOC-(4-methoxy-L-phenylalanine)] and deprotection gave puromycin and 7-deazapuromycin. Most reactions gave high yields at or below ambient temperature. Equivalent inhibition of protein biosynthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte system and parallel growth inhibition of several bacteria were observed with the 7-aza/deaza pair. Replacement of N7 in the purine ring of puromycin by "CH" has no apparent effect on biological activity.

Efficient synthesis of fused isothiazolo C-nucleosides. III. Synthesis of substituted isothiazol

The Divakar-Reese procedure has been successfully applied for transforming 7-oxo-isothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine C-nucleosides (4a,b, 5a,b, 6a) via 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl intermediates (7a,b, 8a,b) into various 7-substituted C-nucleosides 15a,b, 16a,b, 17a, 18a, 19a,b, 20a,b; their subsequent deprotection provides novel types of unusual C-glycosides 22b, 23a, 24a,b, 25b, 26b. C-Nucleosides, possessing on its heterocyclic base other than naturally occuring oxo- or amino substituents, are important model compounds for biological or medicinal studies (2,3). We want to report on the synthesis of novel 7-substituted isothiazolo = [4,5-d]pyrimidine C-nucleosides. As we could show in previous papers (1,4), there exists a simple approach to the protected C-glycosides 4-6.

Mild and efficient functionalization at C6 of purine 2'-deoxynucleosides and ribonucleosides

[reaction: see text] Treatment of sugar-protected inosine and 2'-deoxyinosine derivatives with a cyclic secondary amine or imidazole and I(2)/Ph(3)P/EtN(i-Pr)(2)/(CH(2)Cl(2) or toluene) gave quantitative conversions into 6-N-(substituted)purine nucleosides. S(N)Ar reactions with 6-(imidazol-1-yl) derivatives gave 6-(N, O, or S)-substituted products. The 6-(benzylsulfonyl) group underwent S(N)Ar displacement with an arylamine at ambient temperature.