Synthesis and Protecting Groups

Abstract

The protecting groups used in carbohydrates are generally the same as those of mainstream organic chemistry; the difference, however, is that even a monosaccharide presents a myriad of hydroxyl groups that need protection, in either an individual (regioselective) or a unique (orthogonal) manner. Also, the introduced protecting groups may affect the reactivity of the resulting molecule or even participate in some of its reactions. Esters, together with ethers and acetals, constitute the main protecting groups for the hydroxyl groups of sugars. The popularity of esters derives from their ease of formation, generally employing readily available acid anhydrides or acid chlorides, and also the ea..