Cap-dependent translation is initiated by the binding of eIF4E to capped mRNA (m(7) GpppN). We have prepared a small library of 7-methyl guanosine nucleoside and nucleotide analogs and evaluated their ability to inhibit eIF4E binding to 7-methyl GTP with a competitive eIF4E binding immunoassay. 5 '-H-Phosphonate derivatives in which the 2 '- and 3 '-riboside hydroxyls were tethered together by an isopropylidene group were shown to be a new class of inhibitors of eIF4E binding to capped mRNA. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.