Synthesis of mycobacterial triacylated phosphatidylinositol dimannoside containing an acyl lipid chain at 3-O of inositol.

A seven-step synthesis of triacylated phosphatidylinositol dimannoside is described from myo-inositol 1,3,5-orthoformate. It proceeded in 31% overall yield via a highly regioselective and stereoselective 2,6-di-O-d-mannosylation as the key step.