Mannosyl pyridylsulfones with varying C2-OH protecting groups were rea
cted with cyclohexanone in the presence of SmI2. With SiMe(2)tBu and B
n, high yields of an alpha-C-mannoside were obtained. In the former ca
se no beta-elimination was observed. The relative configuration of the
major diastereomer obtained upon coupling with aldehydes was determin
ed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.