A number of new glycosyl donors, O-(1-phenyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl) glycosides, are prepared from the corresponding hemiacetals, commercially available 5-chloro-1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole (2), and tetrabutylammonium fluoride (Bu(4)NF) in either THF or DMF. The mild reaction conditions are compatible with a variety of protecting groups. The glycosyl donors are treated with hydrogen fluoride-pyridine complex (HF . py) to rapidly provide glycosyl fluorides in good-to-excellent yields, apparently by a (single or double) S(N)2 mechanism as studied by both H-1- and F-19-NMR spectroscopy. Under acidic conditions, glycosyl fluorides equilibrate partially or completely, equilibration requiring a large excess of HF . py.