Copper-mediated O-arylation of lactols with aryl boronic acids

Abstract

An efficient and novel methodology to access phenolic glycosides has been established by using copper-mediated coupling reaction of aryl boronic acids with hemiacetals. The reaction takes place normally in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 (1.0 equiv.) and pyridine (2.0 equiv.) at 40 °C. This protocol distinguishes itself by wide substrate scope, operational simplicity and giving rise to a myriad of phenolic glycosides in good to excellent yields.