A synthetic strategy to a new class of cycloalkane ring-fused pyridine nucleosides as potential anti HIV agents.

Condensation of cyanothioacetamide or cyanoacetamide with sodium salts of 2-formyl-1-cycloalkanones afforded the corresponding cycloalkane ring fused pyridine-2(1H)-thiones and -2-pyridones. The latter compounds served as a key intermediates for the synthesis of a new class of cycloalkane ring fused pyridine glycosides.