Abstract: The present invention is an improved multi-step process for the production of 9-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl-2-fluoroadenine (2-F-AraA) and an improvement over the process of Montgomery and Hewson, J. Med. Chem., 12:498 (1969). This compound is an important tool in antitumor therapy and has shown activity against leukemia L1210 and P388 in animals as well as being a potent antiviral agent. Its therapeutic effectiveness occurs because 2-F-AraA is not a substrate for adenosine deaminase which vitiated against the activity of the parent compound 9-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (araA) as indicated in experimental animal cancers.An advantage of making 2-F-AraA by the present process is that there is a sharply increased yield based on the chlorosugar up to about 400 percent.