Direct ribosylation of nucleobases for regioselective ribonucleoside synthesis is a challenge. Now, a prebiotic Ti-catalysed ribosylation of nucleobases is reported, providing selective access to N9 purine nucleosides. Mechanistic analysis reveals key substrate–surface interactions are the origin of the regiocontrol.
- Qian-Qian Chen
- Ze-Run Zhao
- Xiao Wang