Tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl as a versatile protecting group for pentopyranosides.

The protecting group tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-yl has been investigated for simultaneous protection of two hydroxyls on pentopyranosides. Methyl α-D-xylopyranoside is protected in excellent regioselectivity and high yield to form the 2,3-protected xylopyranoside whereas methyl β-D-xylopyranoside gives the 3,4-protected product also with excellent regioselectivity.