A Facile Synthesis of (S)-2-Benzyloxybutanal and (S)-3-Benzyloxy-2-Pentanone From 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose

Abstract
The versatile chiral synthons, (S)-2-benzyloxybutanal and (S)-3-benzyloxy-2-pentanone, were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-ribose in acceptable overall yields. 2-Deoxy-D-ribose was converted into (2R, 3S)-3-O-benzyl-pentane-1,2,3-triol in a straightforward manner. From this compound, both desired chiral aldehyde and ketone were obtained by periodate oxidation and by deoxygenation of the primary hydroxyl group followed by oxidation of the secondary hydroxyl group.