Aldol reactions on 1-deoxy-3,4:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-l-fructose as a route to higher-carbon carbohydrates

With a view to preparing higher-carbon carbohydrates, crossed-aldol reactions of the methyl ketone 1-deoxy-3,4:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-l-fructose with a representative series of aldehydes have been investigated, and the feasibility has been demonstrated of constructing a C-11 unit containing some of the key functionality found in the carbohydrate component of the herbicidins.