Synthesis of 6-deoxy-L-idose and L-acovenose from 1,2: 5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glucofuranose.

A practical route toward the synthesis of 6-deoxy-L-idose and L-acovenose from 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glucofuranose is described. Key steps include the stereoselective hydrogenation of 6-deoxy-1,2:3,5-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-xylo-hex-5-enofuranose, regioselective protection of 6-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-beta-L-idofuranose at 0-5, and epimerisation of 6-deoxy-5-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-beta-L-idofuranose at C-3.