In view of the marked antitumor activity of 3-deazauridine, the synthesis of 4-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dihydroxybenzene (1,3-dideazauridine) and its dibenzyl derivative was carried out. 4-Bromo-1,3-dihydroxybenzene was converted to its dibenzyl derivative, which, upon reaction with n-butyllithium followed by treatment with anhydrous cadmium chloride, gave bis(1,3-dibenzyloxyphenyl-4)cadmium. Condensation of this intermediate with 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranosyl chloride in refluxing toluene, and subsequent removal of the protecting benzoyl groups, afforded 4-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dibenzyloxybenzene which, upon catalytic hydrogenation over Pd/C, furnished the desired 4-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dihydroxybenzene. The beta configuration at the anomeric center was established by NMR and hydrogen bonding studies. 4-(Beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dibenzyloxybenzene inhibited the growth of leukemia L1210 cells by 50% at 7 x 10(-6) M, and that of mammary carcinoma TA3 cells at 5 x 10(-5) M. Dideazauridine itself was less active, inhibiting the leukemia L1210 but not the TA3 cells at 1 x 10(-4) M, but the compound was significantly active against herpes simplex (type I) virus in vitro.