The simple synthesis of new O,N,O'-tridentate ligands derived from carbohydrates is illustrated. The ligands are obtained by condensing 2-amino-alpha-D-glucosides or 2-amino-alpha-D-alloside with several 3,5-disubstituted-2-hydroxybenzaldehydes. The efficiency of the imines in the V(IV)-promoted asymmetric oxidation of thioanisole has been examined and ee's up to 60% have been achieved. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.