The initial step in this method involves the formation of a silyl ether at the C-2 hydroxy group of the glycosyl donor upon addition of dimethyldichlorosilane in the presence of a strong base such as butyllithium (BuLi); then the glycosyl acceptor is added to form a mixed silaketal. Activation of the anomeric leaving group in the presence of a hindered base then leads to the β-glycoside.
A modified silicon-tethering method involves mixing of the glycosyl donor with the glycosyl acceptor and dimethyldichlorosilane in the presence of imidazole to give the mixed silaketal in one pot. Activation of the tethered intermediate then leads to the β-glycoside product.