New glycosyl α-hydroxyesters as key intermediates in a convenient route to glycosyl α-aminoester chirons

This article examines the stereoselective preparation of glycosyl α-hydroxyesters via the asymmetric reduction of glycosyl α-ketoesters, using various chiral or achiral reagents and Bakersʹ yeast. The diastereomeric excess could exceed 98% for the galacto-series. These glycosyl α-hydroxyesters are used as chiral precursors for the diastereoselective synthesis of glycosyl α-aminoesters synthons.