From d-xylose to terminal polyols: a simple synthetic route

A simple and efficient synthetic approach toward different terminal alkyl tetraols and triols, starting from d-xylose, is described. The opening of the oxetane ring in a suitably protected 3,5-anhydro-d-xylose derivative with Grignard reagents leads to d-xylose-derived 5-deoxy-5-C-alkyl derivatives, which are suitable for reduction to terminal polyols after protecting group hydrolysis.