Azoliums and Ag(I)-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Thioglycosides: Synthesis, Reactivity and Bioactivity

A versatile protocol for the synthesis of azolium thioglycosides is reported. This protocol is based on a PdG3-catalyzed Migita cross-coupling between p-di-iodo azoliums and protected or unprotected beta-1-thioglucose partners. Moreover, a solvent-free mechanochemistry approach was developed as a unique access to the corresponding Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene thioglycosides. Finally, chemical reactivity and antiproliferative bioactivity were examined with azoliums and Ag(I)-NHC thioglycosides. This study demonstrates a promising potential of these newly synthesized carbohydrate-based N-heterocyclic derivatives.