Selective reduction of anomeric azides to amines with tetrathiomolybdate: synthesis of beta-D-glycosylamines

A number of beta-d-glycosyl azide derivatives undergo reduction on treatment with tetrathiomolybdate to produce the corresponding beta-d-glycosylamines exclusively without anomerization under very mild and neutral reaction conditions. Acetyl, allyl, benzoyl, and benzyl protective groups are left untouched under the reaction conditions. An exclusive selectivity in the reduction of anomeric azides is observed, while the C-2 and C-6 azides are left untouched.