Gold-catalyzed synthesis of α-D-glucosides using an o-ethynylphenyl β-D-1-thioglucoside donor

Abstract A gold-catalyzed glucosylation method using an o -ethynylphenyl β -D-1-thioglucoside as donor is described. The reaction proceeds in a mostly S N 2 pathway. A series of α -D-glucosides are obtained in good yields and with up to 19:1 α-selectivity.