Beta-anomeric selectivity in the glycosidation of D-mannofuranurono-6,3-lactone catalyzed by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate.

The BF3-promoted glycosylation of D-mannofuranurono-6,3-lactone with dodecanol or methanol afforded n-alkyl beta-D-mannofuranosidurono-6,3-lactone. Reduction of n-dodecyl beta-D-mannofuranosidurono-6,3-lactone with sodium borohydride yielded the corresponding alkyl beta-D-mannofuranoside.