Preparation of alpha-C-glycosides from glycals.

[reaction: see text]. A novel approach to simple C-glycosides is reported. Reductive ring opening of 1,2-anhydro sugars with titanocene(III) chloride produces an anomeric radical that can be trapped with a variety of agents. The reaction stereospecifically affords alpha-glycosides and produces a free C-2 hydroxyl group allowing for further elaboration.