Protected diols for prostaglandin synthesis

A process for the preparation of prostaglandin compounds having the formula (I): wherein A is selected from the group consisting of C 1 –C 6 alkyl groups; C 7 –C 16 aralkyl groups wherein an aryl portion thereof is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C 1 –C 6 alkyl groups, halo and CF 3 ; and (CH 2 ) n OR′ wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3 and R′ represents a C 6 –C 10 aryl group which is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C 1 –C 6 alkyl groups, halo and CF 3 ; B is selected from OR″ and NHR″ wherein R″ is C 1 –C 6 alkyl groups; and represents a double bond or a single bond, is disclosed. Novel intermediates are also disclosed.