A process of stereoselectively synthesizing β-nucleoside of formula (I), e.g., 2-deoxy-2,2-difluorocytidine, is described. The process includes reacting a tetrahydrofuran compound of the following formula:in which wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and L as defined in the specification, with a nucleobase derivative in the presence of an oxidizing agent.