Synthesis of 3'-C-(hydroxymethyl)thymidine: introduction of a novel class of deoxynucleosides and oligodeoxynucleotides

5'-O-(4, 4-dimethoxytrityl)thymidine facilitated stereoselective preparation of the novel 3'-C-(hydroxymethyl)thymidine in four stages. Destabilization of the resultant DNA:DNA duplex does not result or occurs marginally from incorporation of this nucleoside into oligodeoxynucleotides. A phospharamidite synthon was used in the incorporation.