Synthesis of 3-C-(hydroxymethyl)erythritol and 3-C-methylerythritol.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0008-6215(84)85201-5

3-C-(Hydroxymethyl)erythritol was prepared from 3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-erythro-tetrofuranose (4) by hydrolysis followed by reduction, or by reduction followed by hydrolysis. Monotosylation of 4, followed by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride and hydrolysis, afforded 3-C-methylerythritol.