Process for the synthesis of sphingosine

摘要

This invention relates to a method for the production of a sphingoid base according to formula comprising the steps of (1) dissolving a starting compound according to formula III or a salt thereof in a substantially inert solvent, (2) protecting the NH2 group with a NH2 protecting group, (3) activating the C-4 HR<3 >group for an elimination reaction with the C-5 HR<4 >group, (4) causing an elimination reaction to take place to form a double bond between the C-4 and C-5 carbon atom, and (5) removing the NH2 protecting group.