A convenient synthesis of pseudoglycosides via a Ferrier-type rearrangement using metal-free H3PO4 catalyst

A mild and efficient synthesis of pseudoglycals has been developed using a metal-free catalytic system. Phosphoric acid proved to be an excellent catalyst for conversion of 2,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-d-glycal to 2,3-unsaturated O-glycosides. A wide range of alcohols including naturally bioactive compounds could be coupled with the glycal to give the desired products in good to excellent yields and with high levels of α-selectivity.