Structure of the O-specific polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245

An O-specific polysaccharide was isolated from the lipopolysaccharide of a plant-growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 and studied by sugar analyses along with one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including NOESY. The polysaccharide was found to be a new rhamnan with a pentasaccharide repeating unit having the following structure:-->2)-beta-D-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->     

The O-chain structure from the LPS of the bacterium Naxibacter alkalitolerans YIM 31775T

The O-chain polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide from the bacterium Naxibacter alkalitolerans strain YIM 31775(T) was characterized. The structure was studied by means of chemical analysis and 2D NMR spectroscopy and shown to be built up by the following tetrasaccharide repeating unit: -->3)-alpha-D-FucpNAc-(1-->2)-beta-D-Quip3NHBu-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->)-beta-D-Galp-(1--> where HBu is hydroxy-butanoyl.     

Isolation and characterization of lectin from the surface of Grifola frondosa (FR.) S.F. Gray mycelium

For the first time, from the surface of the dikaryotic mycelium of the xylotrophic basidiomycete Grifola frondosa 0917 a lectin has been isolated with a molecular mass of 68 +/- 1 kDa, consisting of two subunits of 33-34 kDa each. The lectin is a hydrophilic glycoprotein with the protein : glycan ratio of 3 : 1. It exhibits high affinity to native rabbit erythrocytes and to human erythrocytes of the 0 blood group, but not to trypsin-treated ones. The hemagglutination (HA) caused by lectin was not blocked by any of the 25 tested mono-, di-, and amino sugars; it was also not blocked by some of glyco derivatives. Only 13.9 microg/ml of the homogeneous preparation of a polysaccharide, a linear D-rhamnan with the structure of the repetitive component --> 2)-beta-D-Rhap-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1 --> 2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1 --> blocked hemagglutination completely. The analysis of the amino acid composition of the lectin showed the greatest percentage of amino acids with positively charged R groups, arginine, lysine, and histidine, as well as the complete absence of sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine, and methionine. D-glucose and D-glucosamine were detected in the carbohydrate part.     

A comparison of the lipopolysaccharides and O-specific polysaccharides of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 and its omegon-Km mutants KM018 and Km252

The lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) extracted from the outer membrane of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 and its Omegon-Km mutants KM018 and KM252 with a hot aqueous solution of phenol were found to differ in the content of carbohydrates, glucosamine, and total phosphorus and in the proportion of octadecenoic and hexadecanoic acids in the lipid moieties of the LPSs. The carbohydrate moieties of the LPSs were heterogeneous in charge. The analysis of the O-specific polysaccharides (O-PSs) of the mutants KM018 and KM252 by gas-liquid chromatography, IR spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy showed that they are composed of the same linear pentasugar repeating units-->2)-beta-D-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->2)- alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->as the O-PSs of the parent strain Sp245. The reported differences in the biological activity of the LPSs of the parent and mutant strains can be due to their different chemical structure.     

Nitrogen-fixing bacterium Burkholderia brasiliensis produces a novel yersiniose A-containing O-polysaccharide

Burkholderia brasiliensis, a Gram-negative diazotrophic endophytic bacterium, was first isolated from roots, stems, and leaves of rice plant in Brazil. The polysaccharide moiety was released by ammonolysis from the B. brasiliensis lipopolysaccharide (LPS), allowing the unambiguous characterization of a 3,6-dideoxy-4-C-(1-hydroxyethyl)-D-xylo-hexose (yersiniose A), an uncommon feature for Burkholderia LPS. The complete structure of the yersiniose A-containing O-antigen was identified by sugar and methylation analyses and NMR spectroscopy. Our results show that the repeating oligosaccharide motif of LPS O-chain consists of a branched tetrasaccharide with the following structure:-->2-alpha-d-Rhap-(1-->3)-[alpha-YerAp-(1-->2)]-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Rhap-(1-->.     

The structure of the O-specific polysaccharide from Salmonella cerro (serogroup K, O:6,14,18)

The following structure of the Salmonella cerro LPS O-chain repeating unit has been determined using NMR and chemical methods: -->4)-alpha-D-Man(1-->2)-alpha-D-Man(1-->2)-beta-D-Man(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalNAc-(1-->.     

The structure of the O-specific polysaccharide chain of the Shewanella algae BrY lipopolysaccharide

An acidic O-specific polysaccharide was obtained by mild acid degradation of the Shewanella algae strain BrY lipopolysaccharide and was found to contain L-rhamnose, 2-acetamido-4-[D-3-hydroxybutyramido)]-2,4,6-trideoxy-D-glucose (D-BacNAc4NHbu), and 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-L-galactose, N-acylated by the 4-carboxyl group of L-malic acid (L-malyl-(4-->2)-alpha-L-FucN) in the ratio 2:1:1. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy was applied to the intact polysaccharide, and the following structure of the repeating unit was established:-3)-alpha-D-BacNAc4NHbu-(1-->3)-alpha-L-Rha-(1-->2)-alpha-L-Rha-(1-->2)-L-malyl-(4-->2)-alpha-L-FucN-(1-. The repeating unit includes linkage via the residue of malic acid, reported here for the first time as a component of bacterial polysaccharides.     

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of tetra-, penta-, and hexasaccharide fragments of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14

The chemo-enzymatic synthesis is described of beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (1), beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (2), beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (3), and beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (4), representing fragments of the repeating unit of the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14 capsular polysaccharide. Linear intermediate oligosaccharides 5-8 were synthesized via chemical synthesis, followed by enzymatic galactosylation using bovine milk beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase as a catalyst. The title oligosaccharides form suitable compounds for conjugation with carrier proteins, to be tested as potential vaccines in animal models.     

Triterpenoid saponins and phenylethanoid glycosides from stem of Akebia trifoliata var. australis

A detailed phytochemical study on the 70% aqueous ethanol extract of stems of Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. var. australis (Diels) Rehd led to isolation of five compounds, together with 12 known triterpenoid saponins and three known phenylethanoid glycosides. The structures of the five compounds were elucidated on the basis of analysis of spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties as: 2alpha, 3beta, 23-trihydroxy-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 2alpha, 3beta, 23-trihydroxy-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-D-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 2alpha, 3beta, 23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), 3-beta-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-23-hydroxy-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4) and 3-beta-[(alpha-L-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (5), named mutongsaponin A, B, C, D and E, respectively.     

Structural relation of the antigenic polysaccharides of Escherichia coli O40, Shigella dysenteriae type 9, and E. coli K47

O-polysaccharides were isolated from the lipopolysaccharides of Escherichia coli O40 and Shigella dysenteriae type 9 and studied by chemical analyses along with (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The following new structure of the O-polysaccharide of E. coli O40 was established: -->2)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Manp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1--> TheO-polysaccharide structure of S. dysenteriae type 9 established earlier was revised and found to be identical to the reported structure of the capsular polysaccharide of E. coli K47 and to differ from that of the E. coli O40 polysaccharide in the presence of a 3,4-linked pyruvic acid acetal having the (R)-configuration (RPyr): -->2)-beta-D-Galp3,4(RPyr)-(1-->4)-beta-D-Manp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->     

Saponins and acylated saponins from Dizygotheca kerchoveana

Four new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the leaves and stem of branches of Dizygotheca kerchoveana along with seven known ones. The new saponins were respectively characterized as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-D-3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[beta-d-3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, FAB-MS as well as chemical means.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Oreopanax guatemalensis

Seven oleanane-type saponins were isolated from the leaves and stems of Oreopanax guatemalensis, together with ten known saponins of lupane and oleanane types. The new saponins were respectively characterized as 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta-hydroxy olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta- D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]3beta-hydroxy olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]3beta, 23 dihydroxy olean-18-en-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-6-O-acetyl glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2 )-]beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-]beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester. The structures were determined by spectral analyses. The NMR assignments were made by means of HOHAHA, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC spectra and NOE difference studies.     

Synthesis of pentose-containing disaccharides using a thermostable alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase

To date, the enzymatically-catalysed synthesis of pentose-containing compounds has been limited to the production of oligo-beta-(1-->3) and oligo-beta-(1-->4)-linked xylopyranosides. To our knowledge, no such syntheses have involved arabinofuranose or, indeed, any other sugars in the furanose configuration. In this report, we describe the use of a thermostable alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase for the synthesis of p-nitrophenyl alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranoside and benzyl alpha-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside. Importantly, this latter compound is synthesised in a highly regiospecific reaction, which leads to the production of a single disaccharide.     

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of a tetra- and octasaccharide fragment of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14

The chemo-enzymatic synthesis is described of tetrasaccharide beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (1) and octasaccharide beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->O(CH(2))(6)NH(2) (2), representing one and two tetrasaccharide repeating units of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14 capsular polysaccharide. In a chemical approach, the intermediate linear trisaccharide 3 and hexasaccharide 4 were synthesized. Galactose residues were beta-(1-->4)-connected to the internal N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine residues by using bovine milk beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Both title oligosaccharides will be conjugated to carrier proteins to be tested as potential vaccines in animal models.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Schefflera arboricola

Nine triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the leaves and stems of Schefflera arboricola. The saponins were characterised, on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, as 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] echinocystic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-ramnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid and 3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-] beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester.     

Facile synthesis of a pentasaccharide mimic of a fragment of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 15C

A pentasaccharide mimic of a fragment of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 15C beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->6)-[alpha-D-Galp-(1-->2)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1-->OCH2CH2N3) (1) was synthesized in a regio- and stereoselective manner. The 2-azidoethyl-spacered pentasaccharide mimic 1 can be used to construct a neoglycoconjugate antigen.     

Further saponins from Meryta lanceolata

Five new oleanane-type saponins along with 11 known ones were isolated from the leaves and stems of Meryta lanceolata. The new saponins were characterised by spectroscopic analysis including FAMS, 1 and 2D NMR experiments and the results of hydrolysis as 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-d-glucuronopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-d-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-d-glucuronopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-6-O-acetyl glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-l-arabinopyranosyl] oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-d-glucuronopyranosyl] hederagenin, respectively.     

Triterpene glycosides of Lupinus angustifolius

Investigation of whole seeds of Lupinus angustifolius L. (Leguminosae) yielded the two triterpenoid saponins with branched monosaccharide chain 3 beta,21 beta,22 beta,24-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (3) and 3 beta,21 beta,22 beta,24-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4) along with the known compounds soyasaponin I (1) and 3 beta,21 beta,22 beta,24-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (2). The structures of the compounds were elucidated using hydrolysis, FAB-MS and extensive NMR experiments. Compounds 2-4 showed moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans with MIC values of 25, 25 and 30 microg/ml, respectively. Only soyasaponin I was found weakly hemolytic (HC(50) >500 microg/ml).     

Refinement of the structures of cell-wall glucans of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by chemical modification and NMR spectroscopy

Alkali extraction and methylation analyses in the 1970s revealed that the cell walls of the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contain a (1-->3)-alpha-d-glucan, a (1-->3)-beta-d-glucan, a (1-->6)-beta-d-glucan, and a alpha-galactomannan. To refine the structures of these polysaccharides, cell-wall glucans of S. pombe were extracted, fractionated, and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. S. pombe cells were treated with 3% NaOH, and alkali-soluble and insoluble fractions were prepared. The alkali-insoluble fraction was treated with 0.5M acetic acid or Zymolyase 100T to yield an alkali-insoluble, acetic acid-insoluble fraction, an alkali-insoluble, Zymolyase-insoluble fraction, and an alkali-insoluble, Zymolyase-soluble fraction. (13)C NMR and 2D-NMR spectra disclosed that the cell wall of S. pombe is composed of three types of glucans, specifically, a (1-->3)-alpha-d-glucan, a (1-->3)-beta-d-glucan, which may either be linear or slightly branched, and a highly branched (1-->6)-beta-d-glucan, in addition to alpha-galactomannan. The highly branched (1-->6)-beta-d-glucan was identified by selective periodate degradation of side-chain glucose as a highly (1-->3)-beta-branched (1-->6)-beta-d-glucan with more branches than that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Flexibility of these polysaccharides in the cell wall was analyzed by (13)C NMR spectra in D(2)O. The data collectively indicate that (1-->3)-alpha- and (1-->3)-beta-d-glucans are rigid and contribute to the cell shape, while the highly branched (1-->6)-beta-d-glucan and alpha-galactomannan are flexible.     

Carbohydrates from Cynanchum otophyllum

Four new carbohydrates were isolated from the acidic hydrolysis part of the ethyl acetate extract of Cynanchum otophyllum Schneid (Asclepiadaceae). Their structures were determined as methyl 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1-->4)-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1-->4)-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-alpha-L-ribo-hexopyranoside (1), methyl 6-deoxy-1,3-di-O-methyl-beta-D-ribo-hexosyl-(1-->4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-alpha-D-arabino-hexopyranoside (2), methyl 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1-->4)-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-alpha-L-ribo-hexopyranoside (3), and 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-alpha-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-lyxo-hexopyranose (4), respectively, by spectral methods.