ZnI2-Directed Stereocontrolled α-Glucosylation

Here we report a glucosylation strategy mediated by ZnI2, a cheap and mild Lewis acid, for the highly stereoselective construction of 1,2-cis-O-glycosidic linkages using easily accessible and common 4,6-O-tethered glucosyl donors. The versatility and effectiveness of the alpha-glucosylation strategy were demonstrated successfully with various acceptors, including complex alcohols. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of the modular synthesis of various alpha-glucans with both linear and branched backbone structures.

Automated summary

This study presents a glucosylation strategy using ZnI2 for stereoselective construction of 1,2-cis-O-glycosidic linkages. The versatility of this approach was demonstrated with various acceptors, including complex alcohols, indicating the potential for modular synthesis of various alpha-glucans.