Reaction of 1‐α‐Cyano‐1‐deoxynojirimycin with Grignard Compounds—Complete Exchange of the CN— Group

Starting from 1-deoxynojirimycin 1-sulfonic acid, 1-α-cyano-1-deoxynojirimycin can be prepared in 80% yield. Silylation of all the OH groups produces (1), which reacts with alkyl and aryl Grignard reagents in good yields with complete exchange of the CN group. 1-Deoxynojirimycin derivatives are pharmacologically effective as α-glucosidase inhibitors.