Synthesis of novel 2-deoxy-β-benzyl-C-glycosides by highly stereo- and chemoselective hydrogenation of exo-glycals.

Novel 2-deoxy-β-benzyl-C-glycosides were prepared in good yields and excellent stereoselectivity by a route involving the Wittig reaction of glycosyl phosphonium salts and reduction of exo-glycals as key steps. Hydrogenation of benzyl protected enol ethers was performed with Pd/C(en) as an effective chemoselective catalyst to afford exclusively β anomers.