Anomeric control, problem glycosylations

To overcome the problems derived from formation of anomeric mixtures when O-benzylated glycosyl halides are used as precursors, Ledford and Carreira52 have disclosed an elegant synthesis of 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-a-D-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate (10) based on the use of l,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-0-benzyl-/t-i)-glucopyranose (9) as the glycosyl donor. Treatment of 9 with tetra-n-butylammonium thiocyanate and boron trifluoride-etherate complex provided 10 in 50% yield with total control of the anomeric configuration (Scheme 5). 

Enzymatic approaches to glycoside synthesis may circumvent these problems. Enzymes (i.e. nucleoside glycosyl transferases) are stereospecific and regioselective catalyzing glycosyl transfer reaction under mild conditions. Extensive protection-deprotection schemes are unnecessary and the control of anomeric configuration is managed. 

Stereo-controlled synthesis of fructofuranosides is regarded as a difficult problem, even with a participating group next to the anomeric center [36], The study of TMSOTf-catalyzed glycosylation using fructofuranosyl phosphite showed that a- or P-selectivity was highly dependent on the properties of the acceptor (Figure 7) [36]. 

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