Synthesis of an orthogonally protected d-(+)-erythro-sphingosine

The synthesis presented provides rapid access to an orthogonally protected d-(+)-erythro-sphingosine: 1-methoxymethyl, 2-azido, 3-benzoyl. After selective deprotection the resulting sphingosine derivative is suitable for coupling to a wide variety of saccharides or other molecules at either the 1- or 3-position.