Abstract Anomeric O-alkylation of mannopyranoses with various protecting groups was investigated using mannose derivatives and 2, 3-O-isopropylidene-lO-trifluoro- methanesulfonyl-D-glycerol (1) as alkylating agent. Generally, in polar solvents higher α/β ratios were obtained than in nonpolar solvents. Sterically demanding protecting groups at the 6-O-position and polar solvents led to higher yields. Reactivity differences were ...