Abstract: Synthesis of 2-substituted adenosines of formula (I) using 2-nitro pentabenzoyl adenosine, or 2-nitro pentaacetyl adenosine, as intermediate is described: Formula (I) wherein R=C1-6 alkoxy (straight or branched), a phenoxy group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3—, cyano, nitro, C1-4 alkyl, or C1-4 alkoxy), a benzyloxy group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3—, cyano, nitro, C1-6 alkyl, or C1-6 alkoxy), or a benzoyl group (unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted by halo, amino, CF3—, cyano, nitro, C1-6 alkyl, or C1-6 alkoxy). The methods provide improved yield and purity of product.