Vibrational strong coupling (VSC) has recently been shown to change the rate and chemoselectivity of ground‐state chemical reactions via the formation of light–matter hybrid polaritonic states. However, the observation that vibrational‐mode symmetry has a large influence on charge‐transfer reactions under VSC suggests that symmetry considerations could be used to control other types of chemical selectivity through VSC. Here, we show that VSC influences the stereoselectivity of the thermal electrocyclic ring opening of a cyclobutene derivative, a reaction which follows the Woodward–Hoffmann rules. The direction of the change in stereoselectivity depends on the vibrational mode that is coupled, as do changes in rate and reaction thermodynamics. These results on pericyclic reactions confirm that symmetry plays a key role in chemistry under VSC.

Au(I) in combination with AgOTf enables the unprecedented direct and α-stereoselective catalytic synthesis of deoxyglycosides from glycals. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reaction proceeds via Au(I)-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of the enol ether glycoside. The room temperature reaction is high yielding and amenable to a wide range of glycal donors and OH nucleophiles.

Palladium(II) in combination with a monodentate phosphine ligand enables the unprecedented direct and α‐stereoselective catalytic synthesis of deoxyglycosides from glycals. Initial mechanistic studies suggest that in the presence of N‐phenyl‐2‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)pyrrole as the ligand, the reaction proceeds via an alkoxy palladium intermediate that increases the proton acidity and oxygen nucleophilicity of the alcohol. The method is demonstrated with a wide range of glycal donors and acceptors, including substrates bearing alkene functionalities.

A practical approach for the α-stereoselective synthesis of deoxyglycosides using cooperative Brønsted acid-type organocatalysis has been developed. The method is tolerant of a wide range of glycoside donors and acceptors, and its versatility is exemplified in the one-pot synthesis of a trisaccharide. Mechanistic studies suggest that thiourea-induced acid amplification of the chiral acid via H-bonding is key for the enhancement in reaction rate and yield, while stereocontrol is dependent on the chirality of the acid.