Carbohydrate-2-deoxy-2-phosphonates: simple synthesis and Horner-Emmons reaction.

Phosphorus meets carbohydrates: Dimethyl phosphite reacts with ceric(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) to give phosphonyl radicals that add to glycals 1. The derivatives 2 were isolated in high yields and during a subsequent Horner-Emmons reaction underwent an interesting elimination to give 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyrans 3. The short sequence with simple precursors is applicable to the transformation of hexoses, pentoses, and disaccharides. Bn = benzyl.