A simple, efficient alternative for highly stereoselective iodoacetoxylation of protected glycals

Protected glycals are converted in high yields and selectivities in less than 2 h at low temperatures to 2-deoxy-2-iodoglycosyl acetates using the simple, inexpensive reagent mixture of ammonium iodide, hydrogen peroxide and acetic anhydride/acetic acid in acetonitrile. The corresponding 2-deoxy-2-bromoglycosyl acetates are obtained using ammonium bromide instead of the iodide, although longer reaction times are required and selectivities are inferior.