Sialylation reactions with 5-N,7-O-carbonyl-protected sialyl donors: unusual stereoselectivity with nitrile solvent assistance

A 5-N,7-O-carbonyl-protected sialyl donor was synthesized, and, unexpectedly, this donor showed beta-selectivity (alpha/beta = 1/2.4-1/20) on coupling with sugar acceptors in acetonitrile upon treatment with various promoter systems. For the coupling reaction in dichloromethane, a modified Ellervik's method (IBr and AgClO(4).H(2)O) was highly effective in activating the 5-N,7-O-carbonyl donor, providing moderate alpha-selectivity (alpha/beta = ~1.8/1).