The site-selective acylation of saccharides without extensive pre-protection of alcohol units has been a longstanding objective in organic synthesis. Here, the authors demonstrate that by simply altering the chirality of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organic catalysts, the site-selectivity of saccharide acylation can be effectively modulated.
- Ying-Guo Liu
- Zetao Zhong
- Yonggui Robin Chi