Synthesis of deoxy sugar esters: a chemoenzymatic stereoselective approach affording deoxy sugar derivatives also in the form of aldehyde.

A chemoenzymatic synthesis of deoxy sugar esters is described. The synthesis is based on the O-alkylation of carboxylic acid with 2-bromo-5-acetoxypentanal. The method allows treatment of hydroxy carboxylic acids without protection of alcoholic hydroxyl groups.