Chemical Synthesis of Enantiopure 2-C-Methyl-d-Erythritol 4-Phosphate, the Key Intermediate in the Mevalonate-Independent Pathway for Isoprenoid Biosynthesis

Optically pure 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate, a key intermediate in the mevalonate-independent route for isoprenoid biosynthesis, is conveniently synthesized from 1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-xylofuranose, including the possibility of radiolabeling of this substrate.