The present invention provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected α-O-glycolipid. The first step involves contacting a protected α-iodo sugar with a catalyst and a lipid comprising a hydroxy group, under conditions sufficient to prepare a protected α-O-glycolipid. The second step involves deprotecting the protected α-O-glycolipid under conditions sufficient to prepare the unprotected α-O-glycolipid, wherein the contacting and deprotecting steps are performed in a single vessel. The present invention also provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected β-O-glycolipid following the steps for the preparation of the unprotected α-O-glycolipid.