The ring opening of α-D-1,2-anhydrohexapyranoses with phenols proceeded smoothly in ethyl acetate (neutral conditions) in the absence of metal ion catalysts or additives to stereoselectively furnish 1,2-cis-α-aryl glycosides as the major product and 1,2-trans-β-aryl glycosides as the minor product in good yields. Under similar conditions, this ring opening reaction with alcohols afforded exclusively β-alkyl glycosides in excellent yields. © 2019