Stereoselective synthesis of L-threo-sphingosine, L-threo-sphinganine, D-threo-sphingosine, and D-threo-sphinganine via oxazoline formation and olefin cross-metathesis; potent protein kinase C inhibitor analogues.

In this study, we explored a convenient and concise route for synthesis of L-threo-sphingosine, D-threo-sphingosine, L-threo-sphinganine and D-threo-sphinganine from commercially available L- or D-serine. The key steps are the simple preparation of trans-oxazoline and intermolecular olefin cross metathesis.