SYNTHESIS OF THE 2,4-DI-O-METHYL TETROSES

Abstract
The four isomeric 2,4-di-O-methyl tetroses were prepared by periodate oxidation of known methylated sugars. 2,4-Di-O-methyl-D- and L-erythroses were prepared from 4,6-di-O-methyl-D-glucose and 3,5-di-O-methyl-L-arabinose respectively. 2,4-Di-O-methyl-D- and L-threoses were prepared from 3,5-di-O-methyl-D-xylose and 1,4,6-tri-O-methyl-L-sorbose.The tetroses were characterized by their crystalline 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones. The RFand RGvalues of the free sugars were recorded in a variety of solvents including a silica gel thin-layer chromatography system.