Abstract: A method that can be used to make a precursor of L-fucose from D-glucose that includes the steps of a) making a compound of formula (1) from D-glucose, formula (1) wherein R1 is acyloxy, and Q is a group (a), (b), (c) or (d), formula (a), (b), (c) or (d) or wherein R1 is OH, and Q is a group (e), (f) or (g); formula (e), (f) or (g) wherein R2 is acyloxy and R3 is a sulphonyl leaving group; and b) producing 6-deoxy-L-talose from the compound of formula (1) formed in step a), wherein the moiety is a highly lipophilic protecting group; compounds according to formula (1), and use of a compound according to formula (1) are provided.

Abstract: A process for converting D-glucose into L-fucose, where a first aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of making a compound of formula (1) wherein R is independently H, alkyl or phenyl or, preferably, wherein the two germinal R groups together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a C3-s cycloalkylidene group, including the step of treating a compound of formula (2) wherein R is defined above and R1 is a sulphonate leaving group, with a reducing complex metal hydride and, preferably, a base to form the compound of formula (1); a compound of formula (13).