Synthesis of glycosyl disulfides containing an α-glycosidic linkage

A wide range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical glycosyl disulfides is synthesized with focus on the use of α-glycosyl thiols. Oxidation of α-glycosyl thiols with iodine leads to symmetrical α,α-glycosyl disulfides, while unsymmetrical disulfides are readily synthesized from α- and β-glycosyl thiols under the action of DDQ. Thus, glycosyl disulfides containing at least one α-glycosidic linkage are made available.