Synthesis of modified pyrimidine nucleosides via Vorbrüggen-type N-glycosylation catalyzed by 2-methyl-5-phenylbenzoxazolium perchlorate

Several acidic azolium salts prepared from oxazole, thiazole, and imidazole derivatives were investigated as catalysts in N-glycosylation reaction using a silylated modified pyrimidine and an acylated ribose or glucose to afford the corresponding pyrimidine nucleoside. Among the salts, 2-methyl-5-phenylbenzoxazolium perchlorate showed the highest catalytic activity. This salt is a nonhygroscopic crystalline compound that shows higher activity than the frequently used trimethylsilyl triflate. Reactions with this salt can be conducted in gram scales.