Nitroethanol synthesis preparation

D-manno-Heptulose also may be prepared readily from D-arabinose by the nitroethanol synthesis (see p. 111). 

Extension and elaboration of the original nitromethane work continued to occupy the attention of Sowden and his collaborators until his death. A convenient synthesis of 2-deoxy-D-er2/f/tro-pentose was a particularly noteworthy achievement, and the substitution of 2-nitroethanol for nitromethane opened the door to the ketoses. The addition of sodium meth-oxide or ammonia to C-nitro-olefins also provided convenient means for preparing 2-0-methyl derivatives and 2-amino sugars, respectively. 

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