Synthesis of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-iminoheptitol and 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-iminooctitols from d-xylose Original Research Article

The synthesis of iminosugars from inexpensive d-xylose in high yields has been developed. The key step in this synthesis involves Wittig olefination or chelation-controlled attack of Grignard reagents on lactol and ring-closing metathesis using first or second generation Grubbs’ catalysts.