A highly stereoselective synthesis of d-erythrose derivatives by one-carbon homologation of 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-glyceraldehyde with (R)-methyl p-tolyl sulfoxide
A highly diastereoselective three-step synthesis of 2-O-benzyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-d-erythrose 9 is described (de >98%; 50% overall yield) starting fromd-glyceraldehydeacetonide and (R)-methyl p-tolyl sulfoxide. Treatment of 9 with trifluoroacetic acid gives 2-O-benzyl-d-erythrofuranose.