(cleistetroside-2), was synthesized via '2+2' convergent strategy. Annonaceae is a family of large trees that grow in the rain forests of Africa. Extracts from the stem bark of this species are used to treat stomach pain, bronchial diseases and hepatitis. The root is believed to be a vermifuge, and the leaves are commonly employed for the treatment of fever.1,2 From the stem bark of Cleistopholis glauca and the leaves of Cleistopholis patens (Annonaceae), a number of partially acetylated oligorhamnoside derivatives were isolated.1-4 Among these -rhamnopyranoside] was found to show significant in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. 4 For investigation of the oligosaccharide's structure-bioactivity relationships in respect to antibacterial activities, 5 we have prepared a series of L L-rhamnose oligosaccharides. 6 Here we would like to report a facile synthesis of cleistetroside-2, a partially acetylated oligorhamnoside isolated from the stem bark of Cleistopholis glauca and the leaves of Cleistopholis patens (Annonaceae).As outlined in Scheme 1, fully acetylated L L-rhamopyranose 1 was converted into dodecanyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-a-L L-rhamnopyranoside (2) by a method similar to that of reported. 7 Similarly, compound 1 was transformed into isopropyl 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-thio-a-L Lrhamnopyranoside (3) under modified Helferich reaction conditions. 8 Deacetylation of 3 with NaOMe in methanol gave the acceptor, isopropyl 1-thio-a-L Lrhamnopyranoside (4). 2,3-O-Isopropylidenation of 4 with Me 2 C(OMe) 2 in the presence of TsOH in acetone, and acetylation with Ac 2 O in pyridine, afforded isopropyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-1-thio-a-L L-rhamnopyranoside (5) in 85.5% yield over three steps. Cleavage of the isopropylidene group from 5 using aq 80% AcOH at 55°C gave isopropyl 4-O-acetyl-1-thio-a-L L-rhamnopyranoside (6), which was then silylated with TBSCl and imidazol in DMF at 50°C to give the building block, isopropyl 4-O-acetyl-2,3-di-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-1-thio-a-L L-rhamnopyranoside (7) in 89% yield. Glycosyl donor 4-O-acetyl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-a-L L-rhamnopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (8) was obtained from 5 0008-6215/$ -see front matter Ó