The efficient synthesis of D-xylulose and formal synthesis of Syringolide 1

Abstract Wittig reaction and asymmetric dihydroxylation were used as the key steps in the synthesis of D-xylulose, a commercially available but costly carbohydrate. The effects of protecting groups and reactions conditions on asymmetric dihydroxylation are demonstrated. Optically pure D-xylulose was obtained after 4-6 steps from readily available hydroxyacetone and ethylene glycol. The method also involves some other valuable intermediates along the synthesis. Those intermediates were applied in the formal synthesis of Syringolides. A key precursor butenolide to Syringolide 1, the first non-proteinaceous specific elicitors of plant hypersensitive response, was obtained after 3 steps from the intermediate (8–10 steps from hydroxyacetone and ethylene glycol).