Selective alkylations of 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-glucitol (isosorbide)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0008-6215(94)84022-9

Each of the two hydroxyl groups of isosorbide can be alkylated selectively, either by direct alkylation with benzyl chloride or allyl bromide according to the reaction conditions, or by a three-step procedure involving selective monoacetylation, alkylation with four different reagents, and finally deacetylation.Monobutyl and monomethyl derivatives from isosorbide are also described.