Direct Evidence for Remote Participation in Galactose Building Blocks during Glycosylations Revealed by Cryogenic Vibrational Spectroscopy

The stereoselective formation of 1,2-cis-glycosidic bonds is challenging. However, 1,2-cis-selectivity can be induced by remote participation of C4 or C6 ester groups. Reactions involving remote participation are believed to proceed via a key ionic intermediate, the glycosyl cation. Although mechanistic pathways were postulated many years ago, the structure of the reaction intermediates remained elusive owing to their short-lived nature. Herein, we unravel the structure of glycosyl cations involved in remote participation reactions via cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy and first principles theory. Acetyl groups at C4 ensure alpha-selective galactosylations by forming a covalent bond to the anomeric carbon in dioxolenium-type ions. Unexpectedly, also benzyl ether protecting groups can engage in remote participation and promote the stereoselective formation of 1,2-cis-glycosidic bonds.