LAUSR

Abstract Anomeric sugar lactones are important intermediates for the synthesis of C-glycosides, carbasugars and iminosugars. Herein we present a facile synthesis of anomeric sugar lactones via the DAIB/TEMPO oxidation of anomeric hydroxides. The reactions are very efficient providing the lactones in 2–4 h in almost quantitative yields. The reaction conditions tolerate several common protecting groups used in carbohydrate synthesis. The advantages of the present methodology over previously reported non-metal based methods have also been demonstrated through head to head comparisons. Finally, we have applied the reaction for the sequential conversion of anomeric thioglycosides to the lactones through sequential reactions with NBS followed by the oxidation with DAIB/TEMPO.