The synthetic utility of (alpha R, 6R)- or (alpha R, 6S)-N-(methylbenzyl)-6-difluoromethyl-5,6-dihydro-4-pyridone 2, which was produced from the reaction of 1-methoxy-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1,3-butadiene and (alpha R)- or (alpha S)-N-(2,2-difluoroethylidene)methylbenzylamine 1, is described. These materials are found to be potential intermediates for a highly stereocontrolled synthesis of 1,6-dideoxy-6,6-difluoroazasugar analogues.