Anomeric deoxygenation of D-glucopyranoside derivatives afforded suitable starting compounds for the synthesis of protected 2-azido-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy-D-mannitols. The latter intermediates were converted after removal of the protecting groups, into the following analogues of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-mannose:i.e.2-acetamido-1,5-anhydro-2,6-dideoxy-D-mannitol, 2-acetamido-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy-D-mannitol, 2-acetamido-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy-D-mannitol 6-(disodium phosphate) and 2-acetamido-1,5-anhydro-2-deoxy-D-mannitol 6-(hexadecyl sodium phosphate).