The optically pure Diels-Alder adduct of furan to 1-cyanovinyl (1R)-camphanate was converted to methyl(methyl 5-bromo-5-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-beta-L-allo-hexo-furanosid)uronate. Ester reduction, followed by HBr elimination afforded (+)-methyl 5,6-anhydro-2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-beta-talo-hexofuranoside. Applying the method of Adley and Owen, (+)-methyl 5,6-dideoxy-5,6-epithio-2,3-O-isopropylidene-L-beta-allo-hexofuranoside was obtained and acetolysed to give, after deprotection, (-)-5-deoxy-5-thio-L-allose.