A versatile method for the synthesis of orthogonally protected d-xylose 1-thioethers is described using unusual silyl group migrations which were pivotal in the synthesis of 4,8-dimethyl-6-O-(2鈥?4鈥?di-O-methyl-尾-d-xylopyranosyl)hydroxyquinoline confirming the structure and absolute configuration of the natural product.