The present invention provides (i) processes for preparing a2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-methyl-D-ribonolactone derivatives, (ii) conversion ofintermediate lactones tonucleosides with potent anti-HCV activity, and their analogues, and (iii)methods toprepare the anti-HCV nucleosides containing the2-deoxy-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-.beta.-D-ribofuranosylnucleosides from a preformed, preferably naturally-occurring,nucleoside.(see formula 49B)