N-Pivaloyl imidazole was prepared and used as a selecttive protective reage
nt of different monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-mannose, D-galactose, 2-aceta
mido-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl azide)
and lactose. A variety of pivalates were obtained with moderate or good re
gioselectivity.