Improved Synthesis of Phytosphingosine and Dihydrosphingosine from 3,4,6-Tri-O-benzyl-D-galactal.

An efficient and facile synthesis of phytosphingosine and dihydrosphingosine derivatives is described with less steps and in improved overall yield (66–72) starting from commercially available tri-O-benzyl-D-galactal. The key steps include Wittigreaction, Mitsunobutransformation, reduction, and deprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]