This invention relates generally to compounds and processes for synthesizing derivatives of 2-3-O-isopropylidene--L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonic acid. The compounds of this invention are useful, inter-alia, for the inhibition and prevention of cell adhesion and cell adhesion-mediated pathologies, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as bronchial asthma rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, allograft rejection and psoriasis. This invention also relates to pharmacological compositions containing derivatives of 2-3-O-isopropylidene--L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonic acid and the methods of treating such pathologies as listed above.