#$%^&*AU2011200941C120120510.pdf#####Abstract The present invention provides (i) a process for preparing a 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyl-D-ribonolactone derivative, (ii) conversion of the lactone to nucleosides with potent anti-HCV activity, and their analogues, and (iii) a method to prepare the anti-HVC nucleosides containing the 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-Cmethyl-o-D-ribofuranosyl nucleosides from a preformed, preferably naturally-occurring, nucleoside.