Stereoselective transformations leading to pentono-1,4-lactones

The readily available 2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-erythrose has been stereoselectively transformed into L-ribono and D/L lyxonolactone derivatives via dihydroxylation, iodolactonisation and epoxidation. Also D-ribono-1,4-lactone was converted into L-lyxono-1,4-lactone. These lactones are considered as important starting materials for the synthesis of several chiral compounds. Our observations during these transformations are also presented.