Synthesis of Derivatives of 2,6-Dideoxy-2,2-Difluoro-3-O-Methyl-l-Arabinopyranose (2,2-Difluorooleandrose)

Abstract
L-Oleandrose is the carbohydrate constituent of the potent anthelmintic agents the avermectins. Diethylaminosulfur tri-fluoride treatment of appropriate uloses did not give gem-difluoro sugars. Trifluorofluoroxymethane or xenon difluoride addition to the double bond of 4-O-benzoyl-6-deoxy-2-fluoro-3-O-methyl-L-glucal produced protected 2,2-difluorooleandrose derivatives activated at their anomeric center and ready for glycosidation.