A highly stereoselective (6.5- > 20:1) synthesis of aryl 2-deoxy-beta-D-glycosides is described. This method involves the Mitsunobu coupling of phenols and 2-alpha-(thiophenyl)- or 2-alpha-(selenophenyl)-alpha-D-pyranoses 3-6, 18, and 19 followed by Bu3SnH reduction of the PhS- and PhSe-groups.