We describe a practical, large-scale synthesis of the “fairy-ring” plant-growth regulator 2-azahypoxanthine (AHX), and its biologically active hydroxyl metabolite (AOH) and riboside derivative (AHXr). AHXr, a biosynthetic intermediate, was synthesized from inosine via a biomimetic route. Biotinylated derivatives of AHX and AHXr were also synthesized as probes for mechanistic studies.

