Stereospecific synthesis of β-D-allopyrano sides by dihydroxylation of β-D-erythro-2,3-dideoxyhex-2-enopyranosides

The synthesis of 4,6-O-benzylidene-beta -D-erythro-2-3-dideoxyhex-2-enopyranosides and their osmium and ruthenium catalysed dihydroxylation reactions have been investigated. These reactions have been shown, for a range of monosaccharides and a disaccharide, to proceed stereospecifically to give beta -D-allopyranosides in moderate to excellent yield. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.