Glycosides are produced by the interaction of monosaccharide residue with the hydroxyl group of a second compound, which may be a monosaccharide or some other compound. The non-carbohydrate compound is called an aglycone. The glycosidic bond is formed as an acetal link between a hemiacetal and a —OH group.

Sugar—H + R—OH  Sugar—R (Glycoside) + H₂O

For example, if the sugar is glucose, then it is called glucoside; if it is fructose, it is called fructoside.

1. If the side chain (R) is another sugar, the glycoside becomes a disaccharide. Sugar₁—H + OH—Sugar₂  Sugar₁—Sugar₂ + H₂O
2. If the side chain is of sterol group, then it forms the basis for drug formation.