Synthetic applications of the title glycals, prepared from S-glycoside
dioxides using the Meyers' variant of the Ramberg-Backlund rearrangem
ent are described. These include a formal total synthesis of a novel b
eta-glycosidase inhibitor, and an efficient route to spirocyclic gluco
se derivatives. In addition, silyl methodology has been developed whic
h allows unprotected exo-glycals to be synthesised. (C) 1998 Elsevier
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