Synthesis and Elimination of C‑3-Labeled Thiosialosides

The synthesis of C-3-labeled phenylthio sialic acid derivatives and an investigation of stereoselectivity in elimination reactions for the synthesis of 2,3-dehydro derivatives (glycals) is described. The experimental results are consistent with the existence of a conformational change and may be indicative of the intermediacy of an all-axial oxacarbenium ion.