- Two different approaches. with an unsaturated carbohydrate as a radical acceptor and a carbohydrate derived aldehyde as a radical precursor, led to key intermediates in the synthesis of 3-deoxy-D-oct-2-ulosonic acids (KDO). Manganese(III) acetate and cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate were the reagents of choice for the oxidative generation of radicals, whereas samarium(II) iodide was employed for reductive couplings. Both strategies were realized by using easily available starting materials, with acetic acid as C-2 and ethyl acrylate as C-3 building blocks, respectively
