The synthesis of unprecedented branched pyrrolizidines and indolizidines was accomplished via nitrone chemistry. The required ketonitrone, a known intermediate usually obtained as a mixture of regioisomers, was prepared in a pure form from D-arabinose by a sequence of oximation/reduction/oxidation steps. Nucleophilic vinylation or allylation followed by ring-closing metathesis of the corresponding N-allylpyrrolidines furnished the targeted iminosugars, which proved potent and selective inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase from rice (GH31 family).

Condensation reactions of unprotected tetroses and pentoses with hydroxylamines afforded nitrones, which were easily converted to densely functionalized isoxazolidines in the presence of electron-poor alkenes. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition occurred with good facial discrimination of the chiral nitrone but under rather low endo/exo control. Stereochemistry of isomers was ascertained by chemical correlation with known derivatives from the literature. Microwave activation appeared as the most efficient reaction mode, affording the expected adducts within several minutes whereas hours were needed under standard heating. Alternatively, the transformation proved also possible under high pressure conditions by using a hand pump system, avoiding any energy source. Although water could not be used as the solvent, leading to hydrolysis of the nitrone substrate, a large variety of organic solvents proved efficient. The method has potential use in the preparation of non-ionic carbohydrate-based amphiphiles.