Efficient and highly selective glycosylation reactions of peracetylated β-D-N-acetyl gluco- and galactosamine are described using catalytic iron(III) triflate under microwave conditions or in a continuous flow process. Simple β-glycosides and β-(1 → 6), β-(1 → 2) and β-(1 → 3) linked disaccharides bearing various protecting groups were obtained in high yields. Insights into the glycosylation mechanism are discussed.