An efficient route to deoxyadenosine derivatives labeled on both the amino group and nitrogen 1 is uncovered. First, 3',5'-di-O-acetyI-2'deoxy-1 -(2-nitrobenzenesuIfonyl)inosine (2a) and only 1.1 equiv of (NH4CI)-N-15 are used for labeling position 1 (1a*) through the isolation of the open intermediate and its cyclization with DBU in anhydrous CH3CN. Inosine 1a* is then converted to [N,1-N-15(2)]-3',5'-di-O-acetyl-N-6-benzoyl2'-deoxyadenosine (5a**, the precursor of 6a**) via a Pd/dppf-catalyzed chloride-to-benzamide replacement, by using again only 1.1 equiv of the labeling source.