1. Synthesis of C-glycoside sulfones via oxirane-thirane exchange 2. Preparation of sialic acid derivatives amenable to solid-phase synthesis 3. Conformational analysis of complex polysaccharides

Abstract

As part of a program directed toward the synthesis of novel glycosyl transferase inhibitors possessing a sugar-CH₂-SO₂-CH₂-SO₂-CH₂-nucleoside structure, β-C-glycoside sulfones have been prepared with high stereoselectivity. Both glucose and fucose derivatives were prepared. Sulfur incorporation was achieved by free radical addition of thiolacetic acid to exocyclic glycals. As part of a program directed toward the preparation of amide-linked sialic acid oligomers, a strategy was developed for the synthesis of sialic acid derivatives possessing either a free amine or a free acid functionality. Solution phase coupling of these monomers using standard peptide coupling techniques resulted in the synthesis of (1 → 5)-amide linked sialic acid dimers. As part of a program directed toward the identification of novel helical structures, the solution phase conformation of the polylactone of colominic acid was examined by NMR and molecular modeling. The two structures generated from molecular modeling that were consistent with the NOE data were both helical.