Silver(I) tetrafluoroborate as a potent promoter for chemical glycosylation

We have identified silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF 4) as an excellent promoter for the activation of various glycosyl donors including glycosyl halides, trichloroacetimidates, and thioimidates. Easy handling and no requirement for azeotropic dehydration prior to application makes AgBF 4 especially beneficial in comparison to the commonly used AgOTf. Selective activation of glycosyl halides or thioimidates over thioglycosides or n-pentenyl glycosides, including simple sequential one-pot syntheses, has also been demonstrated. Versatility of glycosyl thioimidates was further explored by converting these intermediates into a variety of other classes of glycosyl donors.