The Synthesis and Chemistry of Imidazole and Benzimidazole Nucleosides and Nucleotides

Abstract

The scope of this review has been to examine methods that have been used for the synthesis of imidazole and benzimidazole nucleosides and nucleotides and to discuss the reactions of these compounds. Imidazole nucleotides and nucleosides occur naturally as important intermediates in the de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides, as materials concerned with histidine biosynthesis and as products of plant, animal, or microorganism metabolism. A brief outline of the known function or role of these particular substances in biochemical systems is also included.