Synthesis of D-(6R) - and D-(6S) -(6-2H1) glucose

Chemical synthesis ofD-(6R)- and D(6S)-(6-²H₁) glucose is described comprising (i) formation of 6-²H₁)-3-o-benzyl-5,6-dideoxy-l, 2-0-isopropylidene-α-D-xylo-hex-5-ynofuranose from D-glucose; (ii) stereospecific reduction of the deuterated acetylene functionality to (E)- or (Z)-deuterated olefin; (iii) stereospecific cis-dihydroxylation of the deuterated olefin; and (iv) separation of stereoisomers based on the intrinsic chirality of D-glucose and subsequent deprotection.