A method for the synthesis of racemic and optically active 2‐substituted 9‐(2′,3′‐dihydroxypropyl)‐8‐azahypoxanthines and 8‐azaadenines

Several 9‐(2′,3′‐O‐isopropylidene)‐ and 9‐(2′,3′‐dihydroxypropyl)‐8‐azahypoxanthines and 8‐azaadenines were synthesized by a “one pot” method starting from the acetonide of racemic or (S)‐1‐azido‐2,3‐dihydroxypropane, obtained from D‐mannitol. 9‐(2′,3′‐Dihydroxypropyl)‐8‐azapurines were tested as adenosine deaminase inhibitors.