Gold-catalyzed synthesis of α-D-glucosides using an o-ethynylphenyl β-D-1-thioglucoside donor

A gold-catalyzed glucosylation method using an o-ethynylphenyl β-D-1-thioglucoside as donor is described. The reaction proceeds in a mostly S(N)2 pathway. A series of α-D-glucosides are obtained in good yields and with up to 19:1 α-selectivity.