Beta-glycosidation of sterically hindered alcohols.

The 2-chloro-2-methylpropanoic ester serves as a steering group in the Schmidt glycosidation reaction. Rapid and efficient glycosidation of a range of sterically hindered alcohols takes place under mild, acidic conditions to afford the glycoside products in high yield and beta-selectivity and without formation of orthoester side products. The 2-chloro-2-methylpropanoic ester is readily cleaved under mild, basic conditions.