The development of etheno-nucleoside derivatives, including 1,N⁶-ethenoadenosine, N²,3-etheno- adenosine, 1,N²-ethenoguanosine, N²,3-ethenoguanosine, 1,N⁶-etheno-deoxyadenosine, 1,N²-etheno-2'- deoxyguanosine and N²,3-etheno-2'-deoxyguanosine is reviewed. Their fluorescent and biochemical properties are discussed. The study prospects of synthesis of novel fluorescent ring expansion nucleoside derivatives and their application to fluorescent probes and high though-put screening for drug are suggested.

Key words: synthesis, review, fluorescence, biochemical property, ethenonucleoside