Several 9-(2',3'-O-isopropylidene)- and 9-(2',3'-dihydroxypropyl)-8-azahypoxanthines and 8-azaadenines were synthesized by a "one pot" method starting from the acetonide of racemic or (S)-l-azido-2,3-dihydroxypropane, obtained from D-mannitol. 9-(2',3'-Dihydroxypropyl)-8-azapurines were tested as adenosine deaminase inhibitors.