ZnBr2-CATALYZED AND MICROWAVE-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS OF 2,3-UNSATURATED GLUCOSIDES OF HINDERED PHENOLS AND ALCOHOLS

Zinc bromide (ZnBr2) under microwave irradiation efficiently catalyzed the Ferrier reaction of hindered phenols and alcohols to afford the corresponding alpha-2,3-unsaturated glucoside acetates in good yields and with good stereoselectivity. The reaction affords a facile access to new 2,3-dideoxyglucosides of important phenolic and alcoholic constituents of spices.