Synthesis of a Trisaccharide Related to the Cytotoxic Triterpenoid Saponins Isolated from the Bark of Albizia procera

Chemical synthesis of a trisaccharide related to the cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins isolated from the bark of Albizia procera has been accomplished through a concise stepwise glycosylation strategy starting from commercially available D ‐xylose, 2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐D ‐glucose and L ‐arabinose. The target trisaccharide was designed with a 4‐methoxyphenyl (MP) aglycone to extend the scope of conversion to suitable glycoconjugates via selective removal of 4‐methoxyphenyl (MP) group. An unexpected phenomenon, i.e., the arabinosyl residue assumed the ¹C₄ conformation instead of the typical ⁴C₁ form, was observed. Deprotection could restore the normal conformation.