The regioselective C-3-O-acylation and O-methylation of a range of 4,6-O-benzylidene-beta -D-gluco- and galactopyranosides has been studied. Regioselectivity is achieved by forming the copper chelate of the 2,3-diol using either sodium hydride and copper(II) chloride, or copper(II) acetylacetanoate, or copper(II) acetate, prior to introduction of the acylating or methylating agent. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.