A synthetic process is outlined in which an allylic alcohol is converted into its primary urethane derivative, which is then subjected to iodonium ion induced cyclization to give a single iodo-carbonate. The carbonate is then deiodinated reductively and hydrolyzed to afford the vicinal diol. By use of this process the two title sugars have been prepared from methyl 2.3.6-trideoxv-α-L-ervthro-hex-2-enopvranoside and its α-L-threo counterpart.