We describe a novel stereoselective total synthesis of d-ribo-[1, 1-2H-1, 2-13C] phytosphingosine (12). Chirality at the incipient C-4 position was derived from asymmetric dihydroxylation of 1-hexadecene. The remaining chiral centers were formed by Sharpless epoxidation of an allylic alcohol, followed by benzoylcarbamate cyclization to furnish a 2- amino-1, 3, 4-triol derivative with the desired stereochemistry. The 2H and 13C labels ...