The S-xanthenyl group: potential for application in the synthesis of thioglycosides

The S-xanthenyl (Xan) group was demonstrated to have potential as a convenient protecting group for 1-thiosugars in the synthesis of thioglycosides. Easily introduced by reaction of a 1-thiosugar with 9-hydroxyxanthene in the presence of catalytic TFA, the S-Xan group is compatible with a wide range of functionalities and protecting groups.