A novel method for preparation of C-glycopyranosyl-methanal oximes is descr
ibed. Treatment of per-O-acetylated C-glycopyranosylnitromethanes of the be
ta-D-gluco, beta-D-manno, beta-D-galacto, beta-D-xylo, and beta-L-rhamno co
nfigurations with tributyltin hydride and a catalytic amount of 1,1'-azobis
(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) afforded the corresponding methanal oximes in iso
lated yields of 84-97%.