Synthesis of N-substituted morpholine nucleoside derivatives

Herein, we report the synthesis of substituted morpholino nucleoside derivatives starting from ribonucleosides. The present protocol shows high functional group tolerance, uses mild reaction conditions, and gives moderate to good yields. This transformation is based on two sequential pathways: (i) the oxidation of the ribonucleosides to the corresponding dialdehyde using sodium periodate and (ii) the reductive amination of the in situ generated dialdehydes with the hydrochloride salts of various the alkylamines.