The synthesis, cell growth-inhibitory activity, in vivo antileukemic activity, and extent of DNA binding of the alpha- and beta-anomeric 7-O-(3-amino-3,5-dideoxy-D-ribofuranosyl)daunomycinones and their trifluoroacetamides are described. These compounds are unique in that they are the first reported furanoside analogues of the antitumor antibiotics daunorubicin and adriamycin. Continuing analysis of structure-activity relationships amongst natural and semisynthetic anthracyclines fails to reveal a predictable relationship between in vivo antitumor activity and the in vitro properties of DNA complexation and cell growth inhibition.