Novel, Short, Stereospecific Synthesis of lyxo-(2R,3R,4R)-Phytosphingosine and erythro-(2R,3S)-Sphingosine^†

lyxo-Phytosphingosine and erythro-sphingosine have been elaborated from a common intermediate. The key step in the reaction sequence involves stereo- and regiospecific functionalization of an olefin by intramolecular nucleophilic sulfinyl group participation.