Glycosyl thiocyanates having hydroxyl groups protected with acetyl or
benzoyl groups react readily at -40 degrees C with Grignard reagents t
o afford the corresponding alkyl or aryl thioglycosides in good yields
. Monosaccharide derivatives having the SCN grouping at other position
s form under similar conditions thioethers. Axial thiocyanates do nor
react. Elevated temperatures induce side reactions leading to mercapta
ns.