Synthesis of LeX and LeY Oligosaccharides with Azido-Type Spacer-Arms. Comparison of 3- and 4-Methoxybenzyl Groups as Key Temporary Protective Groups

Abstract

5-Azido-3-oxa-l-pentanol was prepared from 2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethanol and used as a spacer in the chemical synthesis of the trisaccharide β-D-Gal-(1→4)-α-L-Fuc-(1→3)]-GlcNAc and the tetrasaccharide α-L-Fuc-α-(1→2)-β-D-Gal-(1→4)-α-L-Fuc-(1→3)]-GlcNAc that represent the epitopes defining the human blood groups Le^x and Le^y. The classical 4-methoxybenzyl group and the remarably acid-stable 3-methoxybenzyl group were compared as temporary protective groups for position 3 at the glucosamine unit to circumvent the problems associated with the simultaneous presence of allyl and azido groups. The resulting oligosaccharides were coupled to proteins with high efficiency.