Elimination Reactions of 2-Deoxy 2-C-Methyl Sugars : Application to the Synthesis of Methyl 2,3,4-Trideoxy-2,4-Di-C-Methyl-6-O-Triphenylmethyl α-D-Lyxo Hexopyranoside and its X Ray Crystal Structure

Abstract
A facile and regiospecific dehydration of 2-deoxy 2-C-methyl sugars using the triphenylphosphine-diethylazodicarboxylate reagent is reported. This reaction allowed us to prepare the title compound which is a crucial intermediate in the total synthesis of natural products. Its absolute configuration is firmly established by X Ray analysis.