Aryl(trifluoroethyl)iodonium Triflimide and Nitrile Solvent Systems: A Combination for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Armed 1,2-<i>trans</i>-β-Glycosides at Noncryogenic Temperatures

Abstract

Armed thioglycosides can be activated with aryl(trifluoroethyl)iodonium triflimide in 2:1 CH2Cl2/pivalonitrile or a solvent combination of CH2Cl2, acetonitrile, isobutyronitrile, and pivalonitrile (6:1:1:1) at 0 °C for glycosylation reactions that proceed in good yield and moderate to excellent selectivity (up to 25:1 β/α). Comparison to other common glycosylation promoters reveals that both the mixed solvent and the iodonium salt promoter are required for stereoselectivity.