Abstract: A method for preparing hexose derivatives comprises the steps of providing a silylated hexose, treating the silylated hexose with a first carbonyl compound in the presence of a catalyst to form an ketalized hexose, treating the ketalized hexose with a second carbonyl compound followed by treating with a first reductant to form an etherized hexose, and converting the etherized hexose into a target hexose derivative, which can be 2-alcohol hexose, 3-alcohol hexose, 4-alcohol hexose, or a 6-alcohol hexose. In particular, the present invention can prepare the hexose derivatives with highly regioselective scheme to protect individual hydroxyls of monosaccharide units and install an orthogonal protecting group pattern in a one-pot manner.