The Synthesis of Some Mercurial Derivatives of Simple Sugars

Abstract
A number of organomercurials have been produced by oxymercuration of 3,4,6‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucal and 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐2‐hydroxy‐D‐glucal followed by replacement of mercury‐bound acetate with a variety of ions. Data collected in connection with investigating the structure of one of the products suggest that reductive demercuration by NaBH4 may proceed with retention of configuration of the mercury‐bound carbon atom.