Exploring a De Novo Route to Bradyrhizose and Its Diastereomers: Synthesis and Isomeric Equilibrium of Reducing Bicyclic Carbohydrates

A de novo asymmetric strategy for the synthesis of d ‐bradyrhizose diastereomers from an achiral ketoenolester precursor is described. Key transformations used in the stereodivergent approach include two Noyori asymmetric reductions, an Achmatowicz rearrangement, diastereoselective alkene oxidations, and the first example of a palladium(0)‐catalyzed glycosylation of a vinylogous pyranone. The isomeric composition of the bicyclic reducing sugars obtained was analyzed and their behaviour was compared to the natural product, revealing key stereocentres that impact the overall distribution.