A series of 2',3'-dideoxy-4'-thionucleoside analogues of purines and pyrimidines, including 4'-thioddI (17), 4'-thioddC (27), and 4'-thioAZT (34), were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A stereospecific synthesis of the 2,3-dideoxy-4-thioribofuranosyl carbohydrate precursor 11 starting with L-glutamic acid is described. 2',3'-Dideoxy-4'-thiocytidine (27) displayed significant, but modest activity in vitro against human immunodeficiency virus.