Diversification of Glycosyl Compounds via Glycosyl Radicals

Glycosyl radical functionalization is one of the central topics in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. Recent advances in metal-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry and metallaphotoredox catalysis provided powerful platforms for glycosyl radical diversification. In particular, the discovery of new glycosyl radical precursors in conjunction with these advanced reaction technologies have significantly expanded the space for glycosyl compound synthesis. In this Review, we highlight the most recent progress in this area starting from 2021, and the reports included will be categorized based on different reaction types for better clarity.     

Generation and Use of Glycosyl Radicals under Acidic Conditions: Glycosyl Sulfinates as Precursors

We herein report a method that enables the generation of glycosyl radicals under highly acidic conditions. Key to the success is the design and use of glycosyl sulfinates as radical precursors, which are bench-stable solids and can be readily prepared from commercial starting materials. This development allows the installation of glycosyl units onto pyridine rings directly by the Minisci reaction. We further demonstrate the utility of this method in the late-stage modification of complex drug molecules, including the anticancer agent camptothecin. Experimental studies provide insight into the reaction mechanism.     

Donor‐Bound Glycosylation for Various Glycosyl Acceptors: Bidirectional Solid‐Phase Semisynthesis of Vancomycin and Its Derivatives

The glycosidation of a polymer‐supported glycosyl donor, N‐phenyltrifluoroacetimidate, with various glycosyl acceptors is reported. The application of the polymer‐supported N‐phenyltrifluoroacetimidate is demonstrated in the synthesis of vancomycin derivatives. 2‐O‐[2‐(azidomethyl)benzoyl]glycosyl imidate was attached to a polymer support at the 6‐position by a phenylsulfonate linked with a C13 alkyl spacer. Solid‐phase glycosidation with a vancomycin aglycon, selective deprotection of the 2‐(azidomethyl)benzoyl group, and glycosylation of the resulting 2‐hydroxy group with a vancosamine unit were performed. Nucleophilic cleavage from the polymer support with acetate, chloride, azido, and thioacetate ions provided vancomycin derivatives in pure form after simple purification. The semisynthesis of vancomycin was achieved by deprotection of the acetate derivative.     

Mapping the Relationship between Glycosyl Acceptor Reactivity and Glycosylation Stereoselectivity

The reactivity of both coupling partners—the glycosyl donor and acceptor—is decisive for the outcome of a glycosylation reaction, in terms of both yield and stereoselectivity. Where the reactivity of glycosyl donors is well understood and can be controlled through manipulation of the functional/protecting‐group pattern, the reactivity of glycosyl acceptor alcohols is poorly understood. We here present an operationally simple system to gauge glycosyl acceptor reactivity, which employs two conformationally locked donors with stereoselectivity that critically depends on the reactivity of the nucleophile. A wide array of acceptors was screened and their structure–reactivity/stereoselectivity relationships established. By systematically varying the protecting groups, the reactivity of glycosyl acceptors can be adjusted to attain stereoselective cis‐glucosylations.     

Mechanistic Investigations into the Application of Sulfoxides in Carbohydrate Synthesis

The utility of sulfoxides in a diverse range of transformations in the field of carbohydrate chemistry has seen rapid growth since the first introduction of a sulfoxide as a glycosyl donor in 1989. Sulfoxides have since developed into more than just anomeric leaving groups, and today have multiple roles in glycosylation reactions. These include as activators for thioglycosides, hemiacetals, and glycals, and as precursors to glycosyl triflates, which are essential for stereoselective β‐mannoside synthesis, and bicyclic sulfonium ions that facilitate the stereoselective synthesis of α‐glycosides. In this review we highlight the mechanistic investigations undertaken in this area, often outlining strategies employed to differentiate between multiple proposed reaction pathways, and how the conclusions of these investigations have and continue to inform upon the development of more efficient transformations in sulfoxide‐based carbohydrate synthesis.     

Stereoselective C-Aryl Glycosylation by Catalytic Cross-Coupling of Heteroaryl Glycosyl Sulfones

Stereoselective C-glycosylation reactions are increasingly gaining attention in carbohydrate chemistry because they enable glycosyl precursors, readily accessible as anomeric mixtures, to converge to a single diastereomeric product. However, controlling the stereochemical outcome through transition-metal catalysis remains challenging, and methods that leverage bench-stable heteroaryl glycosyl sulfone donors to facilitate glycosylation are rare. Herein, we show two complementary nonprecious metal catalytic systems, based on iron or nickel, which are capable of promoting efficient C−C coupling between heteroaryl glycosyl sulfones and aromatic nucleophiles or electrophiles through distinct mechanisms and modes of activation. Diverse C-aryl glycosides were secured with excellent selectivity, scope, and functional-group compatibility, and reliable access to both α and β isomers was possible for key sugar residues.     

β‐Selective Glycosylation by Using O‐Aryl‐Protected Glycosyl Donors

New glycosyl donors have been developed that contained several para‐substituted O‐aryl protecting groups and their stereoselectivity for the glycosylation reaction was evaluated. A highly β‐selective glycosylation reaction was achieved by using thioglycosides that were protected by 4‐nitrophenyl (NP) groups, which were introduced by using the corresponding diaryliodonium triflate. Analysis of the stereoselectivities of several glycosyl donors indicated that the β‐glycosides were obtained through an S_N2‐type displacement from the corresponding α‐glycosyl triflate. The NP group could be removed by reduction of the nitro group and acylation, followed by oxidation with ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN).     

Radical Dehydroxymethylative Fluorination of Carbohydrates and Divergent Transformations of the Resulting Reverse Glycosyl Fluorides

A mild and convenient method for the synthesis of reverse glycosyl fluorides (RGFs) has been developed that is based on the silver‐promoted radical dehydroxymethylative fluorination of carbohydrates. A salient feature of the reaction is that furanoid and pyranoid carbohydrates furnish structurally diverse RGFs bearing a wide variety of functional groups in good to excellent yields. Intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer experiments revealed that the reaction involves an underexploited radical fluorination that proceeds via β‐fragmentation of sugar‐derived primary alkoxyl radicals. Structurally divergent RGFs were obtained by catalytic C?F bond activation, and our method thus offers a concise and efficient strategy for the synthesis of reverse glycosides by late‐stage diversification of RGFs. The potential of this method is showcased by the preparation and diversification of sotagliflozin, leading to the discovery of a promising SGLT2 inhibitor candidate.     

A Simple and Convenient Synthesis of Glycosyl Azides

Treatment of glycosyl halides with NaN₃ in aqueous acetone or acetonitrile is a convenient method for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-trans-per-O-acetyl-glycosyl azides.     

Synthesis and Pd-catalyzed coupling of1-C-stannylated glycals

Abstract

1-Tributylstannyl glycals were applied as versatile tools in the Pd(0)-mediated synthesis of glycal phthalonitrile conjugates. Likewise, selective homo-coupling of 1-tributylstannyl glycals furnishing C1-C1’ linked glycal dimers was investigated by using Pd(II)-species. For both Stille type couplings the rate-accelerating effect of copper(I) thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC) was exploited. The synthesis of stannylated glycal precursors was significantly improved by establishing a one-pot two-step procedure via glycosyl sulfoxides.     

N‐Linked Glycosyl Auxiliary‐Mediated Native Chemical Ligation on Aspartic Acid: Application towards N‐Glycopeptide Synthesis

A practical approach towards N‐glycopeptide synthesis using an auxiliary‐mediated dual native chemical ligation (NCL) has been developed. The first NCL connects an N‐linked glycosyl auxiliary to the thioester side chain of an N‐terminal aspartate oligopeptide. This intermediate undergoes a second NCL with a C‐terminal thioester oligopeptide. Mild cleavage provides the desired N‐glycopeptide.     

Protecting Group Manipulations on Glycosyl Phosphate Triesters

Glucosyl and mannosyl phosphate triester building blocks were differentially protected by protecting group manipulations on competent glycosyl donors. Dibutyl 3,4‐di‐O‐benzyl‐6‐O‐(fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐2‐O‐pivaloyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside phosphate, not accessible by other methods, was prepared this way.     

C‐Glycosyl Amino Acids through Hydroboration–Cross‐Coupling of exo‐Glycals and Their Application in Automated Solid‐Phase Synthesis

O‐Glycosylation is one of the most important post‐translational modifications of proteins. The attachment of carbohydrates to the peptide backbone influences the conformation as well as the solubility of the conjugates and can even be essential for binding to specific ligands in cell–cell interactions or for active transport over membranes. This makes glycopeptides an interesting class of compounds for medical applications. To enhance the long‐term availability of these molecules in vivo, the stabilization of the glycosidic bond between the amino acid residue and the carbohydrate is of interest. The described modular approach affords β‐linked C‐glycosyl amino acids by a sequence of Petasis olefination of glyconolactones, stereoselective hydroboration and a mild B‐alkyl‐Suzuki coupling reaction. The coupling products were transformed to C‐glycosyl amino acid building‐blocks suitable for solid‐phase synthesis and successfully incorporated into a partial sequence of the tumor‐associated MUC1‐glycopeptide. The resulting C‐glycopeptides are candidates for the development of long‐term stable mimics of O‐glycopeptide vaccines.     

Synthesis of Glycosyl Esters and Glycosyl Hemiacetals From Methylthioglycosides

ABSTRACT

Glycosyl esters constitute a widespread family of natural products such as anti-tumor agents,¹ antibiotics,² terpenoid glycosides,³ plant pigments⁴ and other substances.⁵ It has been shown that aromatic carboxylic acids are metabolized by humans as glycosyl esters,⁶ and D-glucopyranosyl fatty acid esters were found to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells⁷ and plant growth.⁸ The synthesis of a prodrug in the g form of a glycosyl ester has been reported.⁹ In synthetic chemistry glycosyl acetates are frequently used glycosyl donors in Lewis-acid catalyzed glycosylation reactions¹⁰ and other transformations.¹¹     

Efficient Synthesis of Glycosyl Enaminoesters Directly from Glycosyl Azides*

A convenient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of glycosylenaminoesters directly from glycosyl azides under hydrogenation conditions. Yields were moderate to good in all cases.     

N-Bromosuccinimide-Mediated Conversion of Allyl Glycosides to Glycosyl Hemiacetals

A novel reaction condition has been developed for the hydrolysis of differentially functionalized allyl glycosides to their corresponding glycosyl hemiacetal derivatives in the presence of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). The reaction condition is exceptionally fast, mild, and compatible with most of the functional groups used in the oligosaccharide synthesis, and yields were excellent.     

A Catalytic and Stereoselective Glycosylation with β‐Glycosyl Fluorides

A catalytic and stereoselective glycosylation of several glycosyl acceptors with β‐D ‐glycosyl fluoride was successfully performed in the presence of a catalytic amount of trityl tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TrB(C₆F₅)₄) or trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH). When TrB(C₆F₅)₄ was used as a catalyst in the solvent pivalonitrile/(trifluoromethyl)benzene 1 : 5, the glycosylation proceeded smoothly to afford the glycosides in high yields with high β‐D ‐stereoselectivities (see Table 3). Further, the glycosylation by the armed‐disarmed strategy in the presence of this catalyst was established (see Table 4). Similarly, glycosylation catalyzed by the strong protic acid TfOH afforded the corresponding β‐D ‐glycosides in good‐to‐excellent yields on treating β‐D ‐ glycosyl fluorides having a 2‐O‐benzoyl group with various glycosyl acceptors including thioglycosides (see Tables 6 and 7).     

Diastereoselective Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of Glycosyl Isoxazolines

Abstract

Glycosyl nitrile oxides, generated in situ by reaction of glycosyl oximes (3a, 3b, 4) with N‐chlorosuccinimide and DBU, on 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with substituted alkenes resulted in glycosyl isoxazolines (5, 7–28) in diastereoselective manner. The extent of diastereoselection varies with the nature of substituents both in sugar and alkenes. The compounds synthesized were screened in vitro against many fungi wherein two of the compounds (12, 23) showed significant inhibition against Sporothrix schenckii, Trychophyton mentagrophytes, and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC of 12.5 and 6.25 µg/mL, respectively.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Unprotected Anomeric Glycosyl Thiols in Water for Glycan Ligation Reactions with Highly Functionalized Sugars

Chemical synthesis of oligosaccharide conjugates is essential for studying the functional relevance of carbohydrates, and this task would be facilitated considerably if reliable methods for the anomeric ligation of unprotected sugars in water were available. Here, a method for the preparation of anomeric glycosyl thiols from complex unprotected mono‐, di‐, and oligosaccharides is presented. By exploiting the neighboring‐group effect of the 2‐acetamido‐group, 1,2‐oxazolines are generated and converted into 1‐glycosyl thioesters through treatment with 1‐thioacids. The unprotected anomeric glycosyl thiolates released in situ were conjugated to Michael acceptors, aliphatic halogenides, and aziridines to furnish versatile glycoconjugates. Conjugation of amino acids and proteins was accomplished using the thiol–ene reaction with terminal olefins. This method gives efficient access to anomeric glycosyl thiols and thiolates, which enables anomeric ligations of complex unprotected glycans in water.     

Internally Protected Amino Sugar Equivalents from Enantiopure 1,2‐Oxazines: Synthesis of Variably Configured Carbohydrates with C‐Branched Amino Sugar Units

A stereodivergent synthesis of differently configured C2‐branched 4‐amino sugar derivatives was accomplished. The Lewis acid mediated rearrangement of phenylthio‐substituted 1,2‐oxazines delivered glycosyl donor equivalents that can directly be employed in glycosidation reactions. Treatment with methanol provided internally protected amino sugar equivalents that have been transformed into the stereoisomeric methyl glycosides 28 , ent‐ 28 , 29 , ent‐ 29 and 34 in two simple reductive steps. Reaction with natural carbohydrates or bicyclic amino sugar precursors allowed the synthesis of homo‐oligomeric di‐ and trisaccharides 44 , 46 and 47 or a hybrid trisaccharide 51 with natural carbohydrates. Access to a bivalent amino sugar derivative 54 was accomplished by reaction of rearrangement product 10 with 1,5‐pentanediol. Alternatively, when a protected L ‐serine derivative was employed as glycosyl acceptor, the glycosylated amino acid 60 was efficiently prepared in few steps. In this report we describe the synthesis of unusual amino sugar building blocks from enantiopure 1,2‐oxazines that can be attached to natural carbohydrates or natural product aglycons to produce new natural product analogues with potential applications in medicinal chemistry.