Double Suzuki coupling was achieved with vinyl bromide 7, synthesized from the bromobenzene microbial oxidation metabolite bromocyclohexadienediol 6 and alpha,omega-diborane coupling partners derived from the hydroboration of the corresponding diene. Ozonolysis and selective reduction protocols served to provide selectively the aia or pip tethered polyhydroxylated piperidine ring systems (bis-azabugars). The C-8 linked DMJ analogue 1 showed inhibitory activity against glycosidase enzymes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.