Derivatives of 1,6-dideoxy-1,6-epithio- and 1,6-dideoxy-1,6-episeleno-β-D-glucopyranose have been shown to be effective glycosyl donors toward carbohydrate alcohols under the agency of N- iodosuccinimide/trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Reduction of the intermediate disulfides and diselenides affords 6-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosides. The synthesis of a range of such 6′-deoxy disaccharide derivatives is reported.