New Platform Synthesizes C-Glycoside Molecules

A new platform for synthesizing C-glycoside molecules from sugar has been developed, as published online in Nature on July 22, 2026. This approach employs glycosyl sulfonyl hydrazides, which serve as readily accessible free-radical precursors. The strategy facilitates the targeted formation of carbon-carbon bonds within carbohydrate scaffolds.

The key innovation lies in the platform's ability to achieve specificity for the desired three-dimensional arrangement of atoms during the synthesis process. This targeted approach is crucial for creating complex C-glycoside structures, which are highly desirable in various scientific fields, including drug discovery and materials science. The use of free-radical chemistry offers a distinct advantage over traditional methods that may struggle with regioselectivity and stereoselectivity.

Researchers have demonstrated that this method allows for precise control over the glycosylation reaction, ensuring that the carbon-carbon bond is formed at the correct position on the sugar molecule and with the intended spatial orientation of substituents. This level of control is essential for producing molecules with specific biological activities or material properties. The accessibility of the glycosyl sulfonyl hydrazide precursors further enhances the practicality and potential scalability of this synthetic strategy.