1-Bromo-1-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl cyanide (II) was obtained by radical bromination of the corresponding glucopyranosyl cyanide (I). Partial hydrolysis of the cyanide group of (II) by means of TiCl4 in aqueous AcOH afforded amide (III). Subsequent ring closure of (III) with AgSCN or KSCN in nitromethane gave the spiro thiohydantoin (IV). The acetate esters of (IV) were finally eliminated using NaOMe in MeOH.