Abstract: The present invention provides improved syntheses of oligosacchairdes. In accordance with preferred embodiments, anomeric specificity in such syntheses can be attained using polymer-supported liquid synthetic design with certain novel diether linkers. The present invention also provides novel strategies for capping imcompletely glycosylated hydroxyls.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced very rapidly in comparison with known methodologies. Thus, there is disclosed a process for the preparation of oligosaccharides which comprisesa) forming a synthon of a saccharide and a monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, the synthon having a linkage between the oligosaccharide and the monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which linkage can be severed under conditions that do not damage glycosidic or other bonds in a desired end product;b) subjecting the synthon to repeated additions of a suitable glycosylating agent to form a desired oligosaccharide-polyethylene glycol linked product;c) isolating the linked product as a solid;d) purifying this solid; ande) releasing the oligosaccharide from the polyethylene glycol.