Palladium-catalyzed direct cross-coupling reaction of glycals with activated alkenes.

An efficient method for a Pd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of glycals with activated alkenes under mild conditions has been developed. This transformation provides an expedient synthetic method to C(2)-functionalized glycals, which are common structural building blocks in natural products and other biologically active compounds. The reaction scope includes different kinds of carbohydrates, protecting groups and substituents on alkene. Moderate to excellent yields and pure E configuration selectivity were obtained.