Convenient synthesis of 2-β-d-Glucopyranosylpyridines has been achieved by using Bohlmann–Rahtz heteroannulation reaction between a sugar alkynone and ethyl β-aminocrotonate. The synthesized compounds are analogues of Dapagaliflozin, an approved drug for lowering of blood glucose levels through inhibition of sodium-glucose transporters in the kidney. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim