| abstract |
The present invention provides a process for converting D-glucose into L-fucose, where a first aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a compound of formula (1) wherein R is independently H,alkyl or phenyl or, preferably, wherein the two germinal R groups together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3-s cycloalkylidene group, comprising the step of treating a compound of formula (2) wherein R is defined above and R 1 is a sulphonate leaving group, with a reducing complex metal hydride and, preferably, a base to form the compound of formula (1); a compound of formula (13). |