Site‐Selective Direct Intermolecular C(sp3)−H Alkylation of Saccharides and Switching of Reaction Sites by Changing Photocatalysts

Abstract We developed a site‐selective intermolecular C( sp 3 )−H alkylation of saccharides with electron‐deficient alkenes using photocatalysis by anthraquinone and tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT). The main reaction site of anthraquinone‐catalyzed C( sp 3 )−H alkylation is determined by the weakness of the C−H bond. The reaction site can be switched by changing the photocatalyst to TBADT, and the site‐selectivity is controlled by the steric hindrance between the bulkier TBADT photocatalyst and the substituents of the saccharides. The reaction is compatible with several electron‐deficient alkenes and saccharides, and provides C ‐saccharides in good yields. Furthermore, the monoalkylated product was obtained in excellent yield, even on the gram scale, under TBADT photocatalysis. Applicability was demonstrated by site‐selective C( sp 3 )−H alkylation of glycosyl derivatives. The reactions proceed via a site‐selective hydrogen atom transfer between the photocatalyst and saccharide, and the generated carbon radical reacts with an electron‐deficient alkene to give alkylated products.