A new method of solvent free O- and N-glycosylation using activated carbon fiber (ACF) as a promoter. Application to the synthesis of saponin and nucleoside analogues.

By using activated carbon fiber (ACF) as solid acid promoter, we display a new system for solvent free O- and N-glycosylation, with a simple process which takes place in a drying oven; this method has been applied to the synthesis of sterol and triterpene O-glycosides (saponin analogues), as well as nucleoside analogues.