The stereospecific formation of alpha-D-mannosyl glycosidic linkages has be
en achieved in high yield using tetra-O-pivaloyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl flu
oride and boron trifluoride diethyl etherate in dichloromethane. Examples o
f the alpha-D-mannosylation of primary, secondary, benzylic and phenolic hy
droxyl groups are described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese
rved.