Facile synthesis of glycofuranosyl isothiocyanates

Peracylated glycofuranosyl isothiocyanates are obtained under smooth conditions starting from the corresponding glycosyl chloride by reaction with potassium thiocyanate in anhydrous acetone at room temperature, classical conditions for the synthesis of glycopyranosyl thiocyanates. In the case of furanoses, no glycosyl thiocyanates are obtained, and the procedure leads to the 1,2-trans isothiocyanates, stereoselectively, with over 80% yield.