1-Deoxy-D-erythro-hexo-2,3-diulose (1-DG) was prepared by the reaction of e
thoxyvinyllithium with an erythrono-lactone derivative. Characterization by
H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy and NOE difference experiments revealed the
C-2(5)-chair beta -pyranose as the major isomer in solution. Experiments as
sessing browning and polymerization reactivity proved I-DG to be a much mor
e potent protein modifier than 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hexos-2-ulose. (C) 2000 El
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