Stereoselective synthesis of azasugars by electrochemical oxidation

A new method using electrochemical oxidation has been exploited for the stereoselective synthesis of 2,3,6-trihydroxylated 5S-piperidine derivatives. The electrochemical method was successively used for the conversion of N-protected piperidines to N-protected 1-methoxypiperidines and for the conversion of 1-methoxy-2,3-didehydropiperidine derivatives to 1,2,3-triacetoxypiperidine derivatives. The method provided a new synthetic route to 2S,3S,6-triacetoxy-5S-methylpiperidine and 2R,3R,6-triacetoxy-5S-methylpiperidine.