Synthesis of methyl alpha-caryophylloside

The convergent synthesis of caryophyllose, a new C-4 branched dodecose isolated from Pseudomonas caryophylli, is described from two monosaccharidic precursors. The key step is the diiodosamarium-promoted coupling of two six-carbon fragments: an acid chloride and a cyclic ketone. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.