Stereoselective synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclohexanediols: a set of molecular scaffolds for the synthesis of glycomimetics.

The practical, stereoselective synthesis of the three diastereoisomeric 1,2-trans-dicarboxy-4,5-cyclohexanediols 1-3 (DCCHDs) is described, starting from a common precursor, easily available in both enantiomeric forms. The regioselective derivatization of all functional groups of 1 is also reported. The three DCCHDs are locked in a single chair conformation and thus can be used to mimic vicinally disubstituted monosaccharides of any relative configuration.