Thesis advisor: Larry W. McLaughlin / Nucleic acids are responsible for maintaining the biological information responsible for the activities of all known living organisms. Research of nucleic acids provides opportunities to help understand, prevent, and cure disease in addition to allowing us to gain a greater appreciation for the wonders of nature. This work presents the synthesis and properties of several modified nucleosides. Chapter 2 presents an improved synthesis of R and S 6,5'-cyclouridine, which are rigidified nucleosides locked in the anti conformation. This work helps to understand the properties of these interesting molecules and will allow scientists to synthesize large quantities of these monomers for future research. Chapter 3 presents the synthesis of novel 6,6'-(S)-cyclo-2'-deoxyuridine. This work is highlighted by a zinc mediated cyclization to form a seven-membered ring; the first published reaction of its kind. The compound itself is a mimic of thymidine that also has the base locked in the anti position. Lastly, Chapter 4 presents work on 6' extended backbone nucleosides. These molecules have the potential to form a new type of helical structure and will help us to gain a greater understanding of the properties and dynamics that contribute to duplex stability in DNA. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2012. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.