Synthesis of flavonoid 2-deoxyglucosides via the Mitsunobu reaction

The Mitsunobu reaction of flavonoids and 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose or 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose is a very effective method for the stereoselective synthesis of flavonoid 2-deoxyglucosides. Since there is no C2 substituent on the sugar moieties, the observed α- or β-stereoselectivity was mainly controlled by the (acetyl or benzyl) protecting groups. Possible mechanistic insights are offered to explain the dual stereoselectivity.