Stereoselective synthesis of α-aminonitriles at non-anomeric positions of monosaccharides

α-Aminonitriles have been stereoselectively introduced at non-anomeric positions of monosaccharides, in which the carbon C-α is one of the atoms of the sugar ring. Target compounds were prepared from various ulose derivatives and amines using titanium(IV) isopropoxide as a mild and effective Lewis acid.