Highlights in Organic Chemistry (Strategic Approach to the Chemical Synthesis of Oligosaccharides)

The invention of new methods and strategies for stereoselective glycoside synthesis and convergent oligosaccharide assembly has been critical for the area of glycosciences. At the heart of this account is the discussion of the strategies for convergent oligosaccharide synthesis that have emerged during the past two decades. The introductory part provides general background information and describes the key features of traditional (linear) approach to oligosaccharide synthesis. Subsequently, in order to answer the key question "can we synthesize oligosaccharides more efficiently?", such novel strategies and concepts as convergent block synthesis, armed-disarmed, active-latent, orthogonal, temporary deactivation and others are categorized and discussed. The conclusions part evaluates the current standing in the field and provides a perspective for future developments.