wherein Z1 is hydrogen or an amino-protecting group selected from the group consisting of acyl of the formula R—C(O)—, wherein R is alkyl of 1-6 carbon atoms; trityl, optionally substituted with methoxy; and N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl); Y1 is halo, aralkyloxy or acyloxy, wherein acyl is as defined above; and Y2 is aralkyloxy. These intermediates are useful in a novel process for preparing the mono-L-valine ester of 2-(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-purin-9-yl) methoxy-1,3-propanediol (ganciclovir). The mono-L-valine ester of ganciclovir and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts are of value as antiviral agents with improved absorption.