From IUPAC. Guidelines for publication of research from force-field calculations

Abstract

A synthesis of N-acetyl-4-deoxyneuraminic acid (11) from N-acetylneuraminic acid (1) via the corresponding unsaturated derivative (4) is described. This synthesis of the important N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase (EC 4.1.3.3) inhibitor overcomes several difficulties associated with two previously published syntheses.