Telling Glycosyl Donors Where to Go

Natural Products And Glycotechnology Research Institute, Inc., Pittsboro NC

Investigators

Abstract

The focus of this research involves the use of Reciprocal Donor Acceptor Selectivity (RDAS) to carry out the production of oligosaccharides. Using the method, differential double-glycosidations can be achieved. The ability to lessen dependence on protecting groups and the ability of guiding a donor to a specific OH group give the method great potential for stereo-and regio-control in glycosidations. The method could have a great impact on the current synthetic methodologies used for the preparation of branched-chain oligosaccharides With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Dr. Bert O. Fraser-Reid at the Natural Products and Glycotechnology Research Institute, Inc. Dr. Fraser-Reid will focus his work on the synthesis of oligosaccahrides using the concept of donor/acceptor matching wherein the structure of a monosubstituted diol guides the reaction of the molecule with a second glycosidating agent to afford one of many possible oligosaccharides. The work has great potential for broader impact in the field of synthetic carbohydrate chemistry.