Synthesis of Deoxyglycosides by Desulfurization under UV Light.

This study was performed to develop a highly efficient method whereby desulfurization could be completed in 0.5 h under ultraviolet light, at room temperature, and in the presence of trialkylphosphine. Using this method, deoxyglycosides could be produced from sulfur-containing glycosides in almost quantitative yields. The much higher reactivity of desulfurization with triethylphosphine versus that with triethylphosphite is also discussed.