The stereoselectivity and yield in glycosylation reactions are paramount but unpredictable. We have developed a database of acceptor nucleophilic constants (Aka) to quantify the nucleophilicity of hydroxyl groups in glycosylation influenced by the steric, electronic and structural effects, providing a connection between experiments and computer algorithms. The subtle reactivity differences among the hydroxyl groups on various carbohydrate molecules can be defined by Aka, which is easily accessible by a simple and convenient automation system to assure high reproducibility and accuracy. A diverse range of glycosylation donors and acceptors with well-defined reactivity and promoters were organized and processed by the designed software program "GlycoComputer" for prediction of glycosylation reactions without involving sophisticated computational processing. The importance of Aka was further verified by random forest algorithm, and the applicability was tested by the synthesis of a Lewis A skeleton to show that the stereoselectivity and yield can be accurately estimated.

Automated Quantification of Hydroxyl Reactivities: Prediction of Glycosylation Reactions.

Chitin, a polymer composed of β(1-4)-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine monomers, and its partially deacetylated analogue chitosan, are abundant biopolymers with outstanding mechanical as well as elastic properties. Their degradation products, chitooligosaccharides (COS), can trigger the innate immune response in humans and plants. Both material and biological properties are dependent on polymer length, acetylation, as well as the pH. Without well-defined samples, a complete molecular description of these factors is still missing. Automated glycan assembly (AGA) enabled rapid access to synthetic well-defined COS. Chitin-cellulose hybrid oligomers were prepared as important tools for a systematic structural analysis. Intramolecular interactions, identified by molecular dynamics simulations and NMR analysis, underscore the importance of the chitosan amino group for the stabilization of specific geometries.

https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/chem.202005228

Systematic Structural Characterization of Chitooligosaccharides Enabled by Automated Glycan Assembly

Abstract Glycosidic bond formation is a continual challenge for practitioners. Aiming to enhance the reproducibility and efficiency of oligosaccharide synthesis, we studied the relationship between glycosyl donor activation and reaction temperature. A novel semi‐automated assay revealed diverse responses of members of a panel of thioglycosides to activation at various temperatures. The patterns of protecting groups and the thiol aglycon combine to cause remarkable differences in temperature sensitivity among glycosyl donor building blocks. We introduce the concept of donor activation temperature to capture experimental insights, reasoning that glycosylations performed below this reference temperature evade deleterious side reactions. Activation temperatures enable a simplified temperature treatment and facilitate optimization of glycosyl donor usage. Isothermal glycosylation below the activation temperature halved the equivalents of building block required in comparison to the standard “ramp” regime used in solution‐ and solid‐phase oligosaccharide synthesis to‐date.

Towards a Systematic Understanding of the Influence of Temperature on Glycosylation Reactions

The anomeric configuration can greatly affect the biological functions and activities of carbohydrates. Herein, we report that N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidoyl (PTFAI), a well-known leaving group for catalytic glycosylation, can act as a stereodirecting group for the challenging 1,2-cis α-glycosylation. Utilizing rapidly accessible 1,6-di-OPTFAI glycosyl donors, TMSOTf-catalyzed glycosylation occurred with excellent α-selectivity and broad substrate scope, and the remaining 6-OPTFAI group can be cleaved chemoselectively. The remote participation of 6-OPTFAI is supported by the first characterization of the crucial 1,6-bridged bicyclic oxazepinium ion intermediates by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy. These cations were found to be relatively stable and mainly responsible for the present stereoselectivities. Further application is highlighted in glycosylation reactions toward trisaccharide heparins as well as the convergent synthesis of chacotriose derivatives using a bulky 2,4-di-O-glycosylated donor.

More than a Leaving Group: N-Phenyltrifluoroacetimidate as a Remote Directing Group for Highly α-Selective 1,2-cis Glycosylation.

Synthesis of the α-Linked Digitoxose Trisaccharide Fragment of Kijanimicin: An Unexpected Application of Glycosyl Sulfonates.

The glycosylation reaction, which is key for the studies on glycoscience, is challenging due to its complexity and intrinsic side reactions. Thioglycoside is one of the most widely used glycosyl donors in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides. However, one of the challenges is its side reactions, which lower its yield and limits its efficiency, thereby requiring considerable effort in the optimization process. Herein, we reported a multifaceted experimental approach that reveals the behaviors of side reactions, such as the intermolecular thioaglycon transformation and N-glycosyl succinimides, via the glycosyl intermediate. Our mechanistic proposal was supported by low temperature NMR studies that can further be mapped by utilizing relative reactivity values. Accordingly, we also presented our findings to suppress the generation of side products in solving this particular problem for achieving high-yield glycosylation reactions.

Tsun-Yi Chiang

Papers

Mapping Mechanisms in Glycosylation Reactions with Donor Reactivity: Avoiding Generation of Side Products.

Thiocarbonyl as a Switchable Relay-Auxiliary Group in Carbohydrate Synthesis.