4‐Hydroxylation of Isoxazolines; Synthesis of rac‐Phytosphingosine (ribo‐2‐Amino‐1,3,4‐octadecanetriol)

The shortest and most effective phytosphingosine synthesis so far was achieved after a concept, according to which various amine sugars can be easily “assembled”. The two decisive steps in the preparation of the title compound 3, which proceed highly stereoselectively, are the hydroxylation of the isoxazoline 1 and the LiAlH₄‐reduction of 2. (Figure Presented.)