Synthesis of thio-C-glycosides from 2′-carbonylalkyl C-glycosides by a tandem β-elimination and intramolecular hetero-Michael addition

2′-Carbonyl 5-S-acetyl-C-glycofuranosides and 2′-carbonyl 4-S-acetyl-C-glycopyranosides were converted in good yields to respective 5-thio-C-glycopyranosides and 4-thio-C-glycofuranosides under base treatment. The transformation was resulted from β-elimination on 2′-carbonyl C-glycoside to form α,β-conjugated aldehyde (or ketone) and following intramolecular hetero-Michael addition by the thiol group.