The de novo synthesis of racemic 1′,4′-dimethyluridine was accomplished in 12 steps starting from 2,5-dimethylfuran and vinylene carbonate. Key steps of the sequence include the stereoconvergent preparation of a meso diacid, and a stereoselective glycosylation without neighboring group participation. Such 1′,4′-disubstituted ribonucleoside analogues are undisclosed compounds, which may present interesting biological activities.