An industrially scalable two-step process for preparing a .beta.-L-2'-deoxy-nucleoside that results in a predominance of the .beta.- over the .alpha.-anomeric form of the compound is described. An optional third step may be used to prepare 3'-prodrugs of desirable .beta.-L-2'-deoxy-nucleosides for the delivery of these pharmaceuticals effective for treating viral diseases. The synthetic process is applicable in particular to the formation of .beta.-L-2'-deoxy-cytidine, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof. The process can provide a relatively uncontaminated product that may require no further isolation or purification, thereby making the synthesis easily scalable for industrial manufacture.