Efficient and direct synthesis of saccharidic 1,2-ethylidenes, orthoesters, and glycals from peracetylated sugars via the in situ generation of glycosyl iodides with I2/Et3SiH

Peracetylated sugars can be efficiently converted into the corresponding 1,2-ethylidenes, -orthoesters, and -glycals via the in situ generation of glycosyl iodides promoted by I2/Et3SiH. The approach is straightforward and avoids isolation of the sensitive iodinated intermediates.