Formylation of primary hydroxyl groups in sugars.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0008-6215(90)84006-G

Application of 99% formic acid at 25 degrees formylates primary hydroxyl groups as shown by the easy formation of 6-O-formyl-D-glucopyranose and 6-O-formyl-D-fructofuranose, isolated as their tetra-acetates in yields of 77% and 31%, respectively. Likewise