Moenuronic acid (4-C-methyl-D-glucuronic acid), a branched-chain sugar component of moenomycin A, was synthesized by the introduction of an axial C-methylgroup into methyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-6-O-trityl-α-D-xylo-hexopyranosid-4-ulose by the reaction with methyllithium, followed by deprotection and platinum-catalyzed oxidation of the C-6 position. Stereoselectivities in a few reactions for the introduction