Short and efficient synthetic route to methyl α-trioxacarcinoside B and anomerically activated derivatives.

A 9-step synthetic route to the complex carbohydrate methyl α-trioxacarcinoside B from 2-acetylfuran is described. Anomerically activated forms, including 1-phenylthio, 1-O-(4'-pentenyl), 1-fluoro, and 1-O-acetyl derivatives are also prepared.