Chiral catalyst-directed site-selective functionalization of hydroxyl groups in carbohydrates

Carbohydrates perform essential roles in living organisms. Recently, a series of breakthroughs emerged in chiral catalyst-directed site-selective functionalization of carbohydrates. In this review site-selective functionalization of cis-diols, trans-diols and others mediated by chiral catalysts was discussed. The reaction types covered are mainly acylation, acetalization, glycosidation, thiocarbonylation, silylation, phosphorylation, sulfonylation, and so on. Some important site-selective methodologies used in the synthesis of saccharides are also elaborated.