Direct syntheses of S-alkylthio-d-galactono-, d-mannono-1,4-lactones, S-alkylthio-l-galactitols and d-mannitols displaying amphiphilic and mesophasic properties

Alkylthio-l-galactitols and d-mannitols were obtained in good yields (70–81%) by reduction, with NaBH4, of the corresponding 6-S-alkyl-6-thio-d-hexono-1,4-lactones.