Per-O-acetylated and - benzoylated beta-D-glucopyranosyl cyanides were transformed into the corresponding 5-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) tetrazoles, 2-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) benzothiazoles, and, via the benzoylated C-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) ethyl thioformimidate, 2-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)benzimidazoles. Acylation of the tetrazoles, either by acetic or trifluoroacetic anhydride, gave 5(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-methyl- and -2-trifluoromethyl- 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, respectively. Removal of the protecting groups furnished new inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase exhibiting inhibitor constants in the micromolar range.