This invention relates to a method for the production of a sphingoid base according to formula
1
comprising the steps of
(1) dissolving a starting compound according to formula III or a salt thereof in a substantially inert solvent,
2
(2) protecting the NH
2
group with a NH
2
protecting group,
(3) activating the C-4 HR
3
group for an elimination reaction with the C-5 HR
4
group,
(4) causing an elimination reaction to take place to form a double bond between the C-4 and C-5 carbon atom, and
(5) removing the NH
2
protecting group.