Total synthesis of acosamine and daunosamine utilizing a diastereoselective intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition

A total synthesis of daunosamine (3) and acosamine (4) has been accomplished via a diastereoselective intramolecular nitrone-olefin cyclization. In the key step the chiral nitrone 12a cyclized to give two isoxazolidines 13a and 14a in an 82:18 ratio. Further elaboration of 13a led to daunosamine and acosamine. The effects of olefin substitution on the diastereoselectivity of the cycloaddition was also examined.