Synthesis of a Pentasaccharide Corresponding to the Antithrombin III Binding Fragment of Heparin

The synthesis of a protected pentasaccharide 27b corresponding to the antithrombin III binding region of heparin is presented. This pentasaccharide was prepared from two disaccharides (12c and 23) and a monosaccharide (1). The glucuronic acid containing disaccharide 12c was prepared from easily available monomers 6 and 7. Oxidation to the uronic acid was performed in the disaccharide stage. L-Idose derivative 16, prepared via a new route, was coupled with 1,6-anhydro derivative 17, oxidized and transformed into disaccharide 23. Coupling of 12c and 23 to tetrasaccharide 24a has been investigated. Better yields were obtained without collidine, the reason for which is explained. Coupling of 24b and 1 afforded the pentasaccharide 27b, protected with acetyl at the positions to be sulphated, benzyl at the other hydroxyl functions and azide at the 2-position of the glucosamine residues. Conversion of 27b into the sulphated pentasaccharide Ib can be performed according to published procedures.