Combination of 3- O-Levulinoyl and 6- O-Trifluorobenzoyl Groups Ensures α-Selectivity in Glucosylations: Synthesis of the Oligosaccharides Related to Aspergillus fumigatus α-(1 → 3)-d-Glucan

J Org Chem. 2023 Sep 1;88(17):12542-12564. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01283. Epub 2023 Aug 18.

Abstract

Stereospecific α-glucosylation of primary and secondary OH-group at carbohydrate acceptors is achieved using glucosyl N-phenyl-trifluoroacetimidate (PTFAI) donor protected with an electron-withdrawing 2,4,5-trifluorobenzoyl (TFB) group at O-6 and the participating levulinoyl (Lev) group at O-3. New factors have been revealed that might explain α-stereoselectivity in the case of TFB and pentafluorobenzoyl (PFB) groups at O-6. They are of conformational nature and confirmed by DFT calculations. The potential of this donor, as well as the orthogonality of TFB and Lev protecting groups, is showcased by the synthesis of α-(1 → 3)-linked pentaglucoside corresponding to Aspergillus fumigatus α-(1 → 3)-d-glucan and of its hexasaccharide derivative, bearing β-glucosamine residue at the non-reducing end.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus fumigatus*
  • Density Functional Theory
  • Electrons
  • Glucans
  • Oligosaccharides*

Substances

  • Oligosaccharides
  • Glucans