Stereoselective deoxygenation of myo-inositol monotosylates with lithium triethylborohydride

The stereoselective deoxygenation of myo-inositol monotosylates using lithium triethylborohydride (LTBH) provides a convenient entry into a series of compounds that are inaccessible by conventional methods. The deoxygenation reaction produces a ketone intermediate. LTBH deoxygenates primary alcohols by the reduction of their p-toluenesulfonyl esters. The observed stereoselectivity of the products depends on the reduction of free ketone.