A general method has been developed for the formation of glycosyl chlorides and bromides from picolinic esters under mild and neutral conditions. Benchtop stable picolinic esters are activated by a copper (II) halide species to afford the corresponding products in high yields with a traceless leaving group. Rare β glycosyl chlorides are accessible via this route through neighboring group participation. Additionally, glycosyl chlorides with labile protecting groups previously not easily accessible can be prepared.
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