A simple stereoselective synthesis of per-O-benzoyl-beta-D-mannopyranosyl azide from per-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl bromide using phase transfer catalysis was developed. The stereochemistry at C-1 of the anomeric O-benzoylated alpha- and beta-D-mannopyranosyl azides was unambiguously established using 2D NOESY NMR spectroscopy. Pure deprotected beta-D-mannopyranosyl azide was prepared by debenzoylation with sodium methoxide in methanol. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.