Efficient nitrogen alkylation with carbohydrates

Efficient nitrogen alkylation of various primary and secondary amines, including cyclic, heterocyclic and alkaloid type amines, with a sugar oxetane 3,5-anhydro-1,2-O-cyclohexylidene-α-d-xylofuranose is described. As a result, 5-amino-5-deoxy derivatives of xylofuranose were obtained in good yields.