From l -Rhamnose to Rare 6-Deoxy- l -Hexoses

Efficient and rapid transformation of cheaply available l-rhamnose into all the isomeric 6-deoxy-l-hexoses via regio- and stereoselective nucleophilic displacements of triflates is reported. The synthesis entails regioselective protections, one-pot double displacements of triflates, and cascade inversions. The methodology allows facile access to all the rare 6-deoxy-l-hexoses as stable thioglycoside building blocks.