The Asymmetric Dihydroxylation of Some Alkenyl 2-Acetylamino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosides: the Preparation of Optically Pure Epoxides as Putative Inhibitors of Chitinases

Abstract

Various alkenyl 2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosides have been subjected to the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation protocol to yield the corresponding diols, albeit with somewhat disappointing stereoselectivity. An alternative, more traditional approach has yielded the optically pure epoxyalkyl 2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosides as putative inhibitors of chitinases. As well, an epoxypropyl chito-bioside and -trioside have been prepared, each as mixtures of two diastereoisomers.