Synthesis of α-C-glycosides via tandem Tebbe methylenation and Claisen rearrangement

A variety of α-C-glycosides may be accessed in an entirely stereoselective fashion from 3-OH glycal esters, by way of the tandem reaction sequence of Tebbe methylenation and Claisen rearrangement. In contrast with previous studies in the corresponding β-series, careful control of conditions for Claisen rearrangement is required in order to avoid loss of integrity of anomeric stereochemistry; thermal rearrangements are best carried out in xylene in a sealed tube.