Abstract
Glycosyl sulfonium ions are positively charged organosulfur compounds having the positive charge on a sulfur atom that is covalently attached to the anomeric carbon. These species have received attention because of their potential as glycosylation intermediates. Recently, novel methods for the preparation of glycosyl sulfonium ions have been reported. The reactivity of glycosyl sulfonium ions can be controlled by changing the substituents on the sulfur atom and the protecting groups of the hydroxyl groups. Recent studies have also shown that glycosyl sulfonium ions are unique glycosylation intermediates that have modifiable reactivity.
