Selective synthesis of fluorinated carbohydrates using N,N-diethyl-α,α-difluoro-(m-methylbenzyl)amine

Deoxyfluorination of a hydroxy group in carbohydrates was carried out using N,N-diethyl-α,α-difluoro-(m-methylbenzyl)amine. A primary hydroxy group in carbohydrates was effectively converted to the corresponding fluoride under microwave irradiation or at 100 °C. Deoxyfluorination of hydroxy groups at the anomeric position proceeded at below room temperature, and glycosyl fluorides could be obtained in good yields. The reaction chemoselectively proceeded, and various protecting groups of carbohydrates can survive under the reaction conditions.