A High-Yielding Synthesis of EIDD-2801 from Uridine

A simple reordering of the reaction sequence allowed the improved synthesis of EIDD-2801, an antiviral with promising activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, starting from uridine. Compared to the original route, the yield was enhanced from 17% to 61%, and fewer isolation/purification steps were needed. In addition, a continuous flow procedure for the final acetonide deprotection was developed, which proved to be favorable toward selectivity and reproducibility.