Oxidatively induced glycosylation starting from hydroquinone glycosides

As a new class of glycosyl donors, hydroquinone glycosides can be used for glycosylation reactions. Their activation can be performed either electrochemically or under homogeneous chemical conditions. Conventionally, several glucosides were produced with yields greater than 77% using DDQ in CH₂Cl₂ as oxidizing agent. For electrolyses, glycosides of trimethylhydroquinone are preferably used because their low oxidation potentials allow the utilization of an undivided cell. The synthesis of the glycosyl donors was achieved with high efficiency by direct coupling of the phenols with peracetylated monosaccharides employing boron trifluoride etherate as the catalyst. The oxidation of hydroquinone derivatives can also be applied to the generation of other stabilized cations.