HSAB-driven regioselectivity difference in the Lewis-acid catalyzed reactions of 2-C-substituted glycals with sulfur and oxygen nucleophiles: direct versus allylic substitution

A remarkable regioselectivity difference in the Lewis-acid catalyzed reactions of 2-C-acteoxymethyl glycals with thiophenols and phenols has been observed. The reaction with thiophenols led to preferential formation of a new class of compounds viz. 2-C-arylthiomethyl glycals via direct attack at the C-2 side chain primary carbon bearing the leaving group. In contrast, phenols were reported to afford predominantly 2-C-methylene-O-aryl glycosides via allylic attack at the anomeric carbon. The observed results correlate well with the HSAB principle proposed earlier for similar type of reactions with simple glycals. In addition, formation of an unusual bis-thioarylated product in presence of an excess of thiophenol is also reported.