Methods of preparing carbanucleosides using amides

A method of preparing a compound of Formula (II-a) or Formula (II-b):

• comprising:
• (a) preparing a first input mixture, wherein the first input mixture comprises an amine protecting agent, a first base, a metalating agent, and a compound of Formula (IV):
• to provide a first output mixture;
• and
• (b) preparing a second input mixture comprising the first output mixture and a compound of Formula (V) to provide a second output mixture comprising the compound of Formula (II-a) or Formula (II-b), wherein the compound of Formula (V) has the structure:
• wherein
• Ra is
• Ma is Li or MgXa;
• Xa is Cl, Br, or I;
• Rb is hydrogen or —OH;
• and
• Xb is Cl, Br, or I.