Epoxidation of protected (1,4,5)-cyclohex-2-ene-triols and their acid hydrolysis to synthesize quercitols from D-(-)-quinic acid

Highly stereoselective epoxidations have been achieved in both cyclohexylidene acetal and butane 2,3-bisacetal (BBA) protection of (1,4,5)-cyclohex-2-ene-triols. These epoxy derivatives are all derived from D-(-)-quinic acid and can be used for the synthesis of muco-, (+)-epi-, (+)-vibo, (-)-talo, and (-)-galaquercitols.