[reaction: see text] A novel total synthesis of 3',5'-C-branched uridine azido acid has been accomplished using stereoselective aldehyde alkynylation, Ireland-Claisen rearrangement, and iodolactonization as the key reactions. Compared to traditional routes that start from carbohydrates, the present methodology is more efficient, flexible for future optimization, and provides access to both enantiomers