The composition and methods of synthesis of several prodrugs are described. These methods may be used to convert negatively charged phosphorous bearing drugs into neutrally charged; lipid soluble prodrugs which are able to passively diffuse into cells and through biological membranes. Prodrugs for a variety of antiviral and anti-leukemic agents are described. A class of prodrugs which undergo degradation by an elimination reaction to form a carbon-carbon double bond is described. This elimination reaction is triggered by esterase.
