Breakthrough of glycobiology in the 21st century

Organocatalyzed O-glycosylation of glycosyl trichloroacetimidates donors: l-prolinethioamide as brønsted acid catalyst

In this study, we present the utilization of l-proline-derived thioamide small organic molecules as an effective organocatalyst for the O-glycosylation of various glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donors, eliminating the need for any cocatalysts or additives. The catalytic process achieves high yields with a wide array of alcohol and sugar nucleophiles, demonstrating a broad substrate scope and operational simplicity under mild reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate that l-prolinethioamide facilitates the glycosylation reaction via Brønsted acid/base catalysis, involving the formation of a catalyst-acceptor adduct.

Hydrogen-Bond-Mediated Glycosylation Reactions with Glycosyl Picolinates

Herein, we report a generally applicable hydrogen-bond-mediated glycosylation protocol of glycosyl picolinate donors with a charged (thio)urea hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst. A variety of nucleophiles, including complex natural products, glycosides, amino acids, and less nucleophilic phenolic acceptors were also glycosylated successfully. Hydrogen-bond-mediated glycosylation systems combined with different strategies were also explored to achieve stereoselective glycosylation. A mechanistic study revealed that catalysts form the donor-catalyst noncovalent complex through hydrogen bonds and then produce the oxocarbenium species.

N-(para-Methoxyphenylpropargyl) Pyrrole-2-carboxylate (PPPC) Glycosides as Donors for Glycosylation

We developed glycosyl N-(para-methoxyphenylpropargyl) pyrrole-2-carboxylates (PPPCs) as highly effective donors for chemical glycosylation. The modular design and exceptional stability of the acid precursor provide PPPC donors with synthetic versatility and ease of use. Activated by NIS/TMSOTf, PPPC donors exhibit a broad compatibility for both O- and N-glycosylation reactions. Their distinct reactivity gradient enables streamlined one-pot syntheses, complementing thioglycosides and imidates. These features position PPPC donors as promising tools for advancing carbohydrate chemistry.

Development of Glycosylation Protocols Using Glycosyl N-Phenylethynyl Pyrrole-2-carboxylates as Donors

We herein introduce glycosyl N-phenylethynyl pyrrole-2-carboxylates (PEPCs) as novel and highly efficient glycosyl donors. The unique inclusion of the pyrrole group, serving as both an electron-donating group and an ortho-tethering scaffold, imparts exceptional shelf stability while retaining reactivity for glycosylation reactions. PEPC donors exhibit broad utility for both O- and N-glycosylation across a variety of substrates. Additionally, their versatility and efficiency were further demonstrated in a one-pot saccharide synthesis, showcasing their potential for diverse synthetic applications.

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Gal-α-(1→3)-Gal-β-(1→3)-GlcNAc Trisaccharide: a new Ligand for DCAR and Mincle C-Type Lectin Receptors

In this work, we have discovered that the Gal-α-(1→3)-Gal-β-(1→3)-GlcNAc trisaccharide, a fragment of the B antigen Type-1, is a new ligand of two C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) i. e. DCAR and Mincle which are key players in different types of autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, we report here on a straightforward methodology to access pure Gal-α-(1→3)-Gal-β-(1→3)-GlcNAc trisaccharide. A spacer with a terminal primary amine group was included at the reducing end of the GlcNAc residue thus ensuring the further functionalization of the trisaccharide Gal-α-(1→3)-Gal-β-(1→3)-GlcNAc.