Deoxygenation at the C3 position of d- and l-arabinofuranose: stereospecific access to enantiomeric cordycepose derivatives

Efficient synthesis of 3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-d- and β-l-threo-pentofuranose (1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-d- and β-l-cordycepose) was accomplished starting from d- and l-arabinofuranose derivatives, respectively, by the action of LiBH(Et)3 on corresponding intermediate 3-O-lyxofuranosyl trifluoromethanesulfonates.