A quantum leap: By means of quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics metadynamics simulations, a front-face SNi-type reaction for glycosyl transfer with retention of the anomeric configuration is shown to be feasible. A short-lived oxocarbenium-like species (see picture; O red, P gold, N blue, C black) is identified and provides the complete itinerary of this long sought after molecular mechanism.
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Ardèvol et al. (2011) studied this question.
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