A Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed glycosylation protocol using glycosyl ortho-N-phthalimidoylpropynyl benzoates (NPPBs) as donors was disclosed, which features an inexpensive copper catalyst, operationally convenient conditions, high to excellent yields, and a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies indicated an isochromen-4-yl copper(II) intermediate arising from the departure of the leaving group.
<i>S</i>-<i>o</i>-(<i>p</i>-Methoxyphenylethynyl)benzyl (SMPEB) Glycosides for Catalytic Glycosylation and Their Application in the Synthesis of <i>Polyporus Umbellatus</i> Polysaccharides