Formation of the Glycosidic Linkage

Abstract

In forming the glycosidic linkage, close attention must be paid to the orientation of the hydroxyl group at C2 of the glycosyl donor; there are several common scenarios. Indeed, the glycosidic linkage is formed from a glycosyl donor and a glycosyl acceptor. A glycosyl donor, of either the α- or the β-configuration, is treated with a glycosyl acceptor to form, by the elimination of HX, the disaccharide containing the new glycosidic linkage, of either the α- or the β-configuration at C1´. In the process, there is no change in configuration at C4 in the glycosyl acceptor. In less common circumstances, the glycosyl acceptor may react through the hydroxyl group of the anomeric (hemiacetal) center..