Cyclitols. Part XXIV. Selective acetolysis of myoinositol benzyl ethers

The acetolysis of benzyl ethers of myoinositol is selective and its rate varies with the nature and configuration of the neighbouring groups. The penta-acetate of 1-O-benzylmyoinositol is readily obtained from 1,4,5,6-tetra-O-benzylmyoinositol; hydrogenolysis gives 1,2,4,5,6-penta-O-acetylmyoinositol.