Preferential oxidation of primary hydroxyls in unprotected sugars and sugar amino acids is reported using inexpensive and readily available reagents. This method offers a specific oxidation protocol for a variety of carbohydrates. The stereochemical integrity of the starting materials was preserved and a simple workup yielded the products in good yields with high purity. The procedure is compatible with base sensitive groups like Fmoc. Both mono and disaccharides undergo oxidation regioselectively.
Keywords: Disaccharides; Selective Oxidation; Sugar amino acids (SAAs); TEMPO; Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA).