Novel, efficient and stereospecific synthesis of xylo-(2R,3S,4S)-phytosphingosine and threo-(2R,3R)-sphingosine

The stereo- and regioselective elaboration of a bromohydrin from an olefinic precursor and Pummerer ene reaction for carbon-carbon bond formation are the key steps in a novel and flexible synthesis of xylo-phytosphingosine and threo-sphingosine. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.