A mild and efficient synthesis of pseudoglycosides has been developed using metal free (S)-camphorsulfonic acid. (S)-CSA acts as an excellent catalyst for conversion of 2,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal to 2,3-unsaturated O-glycosides. A wide range of biologically active natural products, alcohols and thiols could be coupled with glucal to give the desired pseudoglycosides in good to excellent yields with exclusive alpha-stereoselectivity.
