Efficient synthesis of α-C-galactosyl ceramide immunostimulants:: Use of ethylene-promoted olefin cross-metathesis

Olefin cross-metathesis has been used to prepare alpha-C-galactosylceramide derivatives. The metathesis process merged vinyl and propenyl glycosides with vinyl derivatives of phytosphingosine. The use of ethylene enhanced the yield of the methathesis step.