Synthesis of glucuronic acid derivatives via the efficient and selective removal of a C6 methyl group

Abstract

This investigation is related to the development of a general strategy for the synthesis of certain glucuronic acid derivatives. In particular, we report exceptionally selective conditions for removing the C6 methyl protecting group by potassium hydroxide without affecting the benzoyl protecting groups on the C2, C3 and C4 hydroxyl groups in high yields (95–99%). The present method proves to be efficient and environmentally friendly in terms of short reaction time, high yield and the single product.