Visible-light-induced electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex-initiated synthesis of non-anomeric S-aryl glycosides

A visible-light-induced protocol for the preparation of S-aryl thioglycosides has been reported. This metal- and photocatalyst-free protocol is based on electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes formed between glycosyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters and thiophenol. This method avoids the use of high temperature, transition metals and photocatalysts, providing an environmentally friendly, simple and efficient protocol. This process gives access to a series of S-aryl thioglycosides in moderate to excellent yields with good control of the anomeric configuration.