A synthesis of the highly functionalized bicyclic core of the zaragozi
c acids is described, in which the key step involves the construction
of the C4 quaternary carbon center by a CeCl3-promoted aldol reaction
between the alpha-D-xylofuranuronic acid derivative 2 and D-(R)-glycer
aldehyde acetonide. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri
ghts reserved.