An efficient synthesis of 2,3-dideoxy-alpha,beta-unsaturated carbohydrate enals by mixed Lewis acid (HfCl4 and ZnI2) catalyzed hydration of glycals.

A new, efficient method has been developed for converting acyl-, arylalkyl- and alkyl-protected glycals into corresponding 2,3-dideoxy-alpha,beta-unsaturated carbohydrate enals utilizing the in situ generated push-pull effect resulting from the synergistic combination of HfCl4 and ZnI2 in catalytic amounts. This new procedure eliminates the use of highly toxic Hg2+ ions and acidic conditions (0.01-0.02 N H2SO4), besides radically shortening the reaction time.