Synthesis of some new deoxy sugar lactone derivatives

The preparation of 3-deoxy- and 2,3-dideoxy-aldonolactone derivatives from the corresponding esters of α,β-unsaturated aldono-1,5-lactones in good to excellent yields by hydrogenation is described. It is shown that, depending on the reaction conditions and the type of catalyst used, the 3-deoxy-aldonolactone or a mixture of 3-deoxy- and 2,3-dideoxy-aldonolactones is obtained.