Alternative conditions for the classical glycosidation method of Koenigs-Kn
orr allowed us to prepare selectively beta -D-glucosides of several hindere
d alcohols in good yields in a weakly acidic to almost neutral medium. To i
llustrate the versatility of our conditions, we prepared the beta -D-glucos
ide of an acid-sensitive aglycone, a key-intermediate for the total synthes
is of a natural cyanoglucoside, bauhinin.