Efficient Synthesis of α-C-Galactosyl Ceramide Immunostimulants: Use of Ethylene-Promoted Olefin Cross-Metathesis

Olefin cross-metathesis has been used to prepare α-C-galactosylceramide derivatives. The metathesis process merged vinyl and propenyl glycosides with vinyl derivatives of phytosphingosine. The use of ethylene enhanced the yield of the methathesis step.