The de novo synthesis of racemic 1â²,4â²-dimethyluridine was accomplished in 12 steps starting from 2,5-dimethylfuran and vinylene carbonate. Key steps of the sequence include the stereoconvergent preparation of a meso diacid, and a stereoselective glycosylation without neighboring group participation. Such 1â²,4â²-disubstituted ribonucleoside analogues are undisclosed compounds, which may present interesting biological activities.