The synthesis of the new C-nucleoside 6-deazaformycin A was achieved through the condensation of a suitably substituted lithiated 2-picoline with 2,3,5-tri-O-benzyl-D-ribonolactone, borohydride reduction of the resulting hemiacetals, followed by intramolecular Mitsunobu cyclization of the carbinols, manipulation of the protecting groups, and subsequent ring closure to result in the formation of 7-