Synthesis of 2-C-Methyl- d -Erythritol 2,4-Cyclopyrophosphate

[reaction: see text] The synthesis of 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclopyrophosphate, a biochemical intermediate in the deoxyxylulose pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis, was accomplished in four steps. Bisphosphorylation of 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 1,3-diacetate, followed by carbodiimide cyclization and deprotection, led to the title compound in 42% overall yield.