Silver(I) oxide mediated selective monoprotection of diols in pyranosides

The reaction of 4, 6-O-benzylidene-D-pyranosides with a stoichiometric amount of TsCl, AcCl, and BzCl in the presence of silver(I) oxide and a catalytic amount of potassium iodide led to monosubstituted derivatives in high regioselectivity and in good yields.