A Novel Stereoselective Access to Substituted l-2-Deoxypentono-1,4-lactones and l-2-Deoxypentoses

A stereoselective method to l-2-deoxypentose or l-2-deoxy-pentono-1,4-lactone units was developed employing the (S)-Hydroxynitrile lyase from Hevea brasiliensis. Additionally a diastereoselective reduction using either (d)- or (l)-tartaric acid in conjuction with sodium borohydride had been applied to control the ultimate stereochemistry of the bioactive compounds.