Concise synthesis of C-1-cyano-iminosugars via a new Staudinger/aza Wittig/Strecker multicomponent reaction strategy.

A new Staudinger/aza Wittig/Strecker multicomponent reaction sequence to C-1-cyano iminoalditols has been developed. When applied to 5-azidodeoxy-d-xylose and -d-glucose as substrates the method leads smoothly in good yield and with excellent stereoselectivity to respectively, 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-d-idurono nitrile and 2,6-didesoxy-2,6-imino-d-glycero-d-ido-heptononitrile.