Electrochemical synthesis of glycoconjugates of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroids by using non-activated sugars and steroidal thioethers

A new protocol for the electrochemical synthesis of glycoconjugates is presented. Thioether derivatives of cholesterol and other sterols were subjected to anodic oxidation in the presence of a sugar alcohol affording glycoconjugates with the sugar linked to a steroid moiety by an ether bond. The isomeric 6β-3α,5α-cyclo-steroidal thioethers proved to be better sterol donors than the normal 3β-Δ5-steroidal thioethers.

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