Selective 4,6-O-benzylidene formation of methyl α-d-mannopyranoside using 2,6-dimethylbenzaldehyde

- A method to protect the C4 and C6 hydroxyls of α-mannopyranoside is provided.
- The use of 2,6-dimethylbenzaldehyde in benzylidene formation is investigated.
- Formation of benzylidenes using 2,6-dimethylbenzaldehyde is more selective.
- 2,6-Dimethylbenzaldehyde is compared to benzaldehyde for benzylidene formation.