A highly efficient synthesis of unnatural L-sugars from D-ribose

Abstract

A preparative and short synthesis of l-ribose and l-apiose was accomplished starting from d-ribose via stereoselective cis-dihydroxylation and C2-hydroxymethylation, respectively. These l-sugars can serve as versatile intermediates for the synthesis of l-nucleosides. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.