Intermediate for sweetener with high sweetness and process for producing the same

The process as defined in claim 1, wherein the sulfonyl protecting group is represented by the formula: —SO2—R′, whereinnR′ is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted straight chain alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; an unsubstituted branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a substituted straight chain alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a substituted branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; an unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, a substituted aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms; an unsubstituted aralkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms; and a substituted aralkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atom.

The process as defined in claim 1, wherein said sulfonyl protecting group is selected from the group consisting of a benzene sulfonyl group, a p-toluene sulfonyl group, a p-bromobenzene sulfonyl group, a p-nitrobenzene sulfonyl group, a methane sulfonyl group, an ammonioalkane sulfonyl group, a trifluoromethane sulfonyl group, a nonafluorobuthane sulfonyl group, and a 2,2,2-trifluoroethane sulfonyl group.

The process as defined in claim 1, wherein said sulfonyl protecting group is selected from the group consisting of a methane sulfonyl group, a trifluoromethane sulfonyl group, and a p-toluene sulfonyl group.

The process as defined in claim 1, wherein said sulfonyl protecting group is a methane sulfonyl group.