Reaction of glycal derivatives with alcohols in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide and diphenyldiselenide: preparation of 2-deoxy-2-phenylselenyl glycosides.

Reaction of glycal derivatives with alcohols or glycosyl acceptors in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and diphenyldiselenide resulted in the formation of alkyl 2-deoxy-2-phenylselenyl glycosides or disaccharide derivatives in excellent yield. The reactions are reasonably fast and considerable stereo-selectivity was observed in the preparation of disaccharide derivatives.