Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of disaccharides, such as glucosaminyl muramic acids peptides and derivatives. The method includes condensing a protected muramic acid ester with a 1-organothio- or 1-fluoroglucosamine derivative in the presence of a suitable promoter to produce a protected glucosaminyl muramic acid ester. The protected glucosaminyl muramic acid ester may be used to prepare disaccharide peptides, such as N-acetylglucosaminyl-N-acetylmuramyl dipeptides, which have demonstrated immunological activity. Protected muramic acid esters and 1-organothio- or 1-fluoro-glucosamine compounds which may be employed as intermediates in the method are also provided.