Catalytic and regioselective oxidation of carbohydrates to synthesize keto-sugars under mild conditions

Abstract

A new catalytic and regioselective approach for the synthesis of keto-sugars is described. An organotin catalyst, Oc2SnCl2, in the presence of trimethylphenylammonium tribromide ([TMPhA](+)Br3(-)) accelerates the regioselective oxidation at the "axial"-OH group of 1,2-diol moieties in galactopyranosides. The reaction conditions can also be used for the regioselective oxidation of various carbohydrates.