Triterpenoid saponins from the flower buds of Fatsia japonica

Six triterpenoid saponins isolated from the flower buds of Fatsia japonica were identified as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1 → 4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid, 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-hederagenin, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1 → 4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-hederagenin, 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-echinocystic acid, 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-16-epiechinocystic acid and 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid. Of these saponins, three are new.     

Structures of 3,28-O-bisglycosidic triterpenoid saponins of Fatsia japonica

Four novel 3,28-O-bisglycosidic triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the mature fruits of F. japonica. They were characterized as the 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β- d-glucopyranosides of 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid, 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid and 3-O-β- d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin respectively.     

Synthesis of oleanolic acid saponins mimicking components of Chinese folk medicine Di Wu

3,28-Di-O-rhamnosylated oleanolic acid saponins, mimicking components of Chinese folk medicine Di Wu, have been designed and synthesized. One-pot glycosylation and ‘inverse procedure’ technologies have been applied thus significantly simplifying the preparation of desired saponins. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (3), 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl- (1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl] ester (4), 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl] ester (5), and 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[6-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)hexyl] ester (6) was preliminarily evaluated against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. The natural saponin 3 and designed saponin 4 exhibited comparable moderate cytotoxic activity under our testing conditions.     

Struktur der microphyllinsäure aus dem harz von Convolvulus microphyllus

The structure of microphyllic acid, the main glycosidic acid from the ether soluble resin of Convolvulus microphyllus has been elucidated as the O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-[O-α-l-rhamopyranosyl -(1 → 4)]-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l5-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-fucopyranoside of 11-hydroxypalmitic acid, using mainly GLC and mass spectrometry of the derivatized sugars.     

New trans- and cis-p-coumaroyl flavonol tetraglycosides from the leaves of Mitragyna rotundifolia

Two new flavonol tetraglycosides, quercetin 3-O-(4-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2) [α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (krathummuoside A) and quercetin 3-O-(4-O-cis-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2) [α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (krathummuoside B) were isolated from the leaves of Mitragyna rotundifolia in addition to eight known compounds, quercetin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopuranosyl (1→2) [α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, rutin, (−)-epi-catechin, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl β-d-glucopyranoside, (6S, 9R)-roseoside, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl quinovic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, (+)-lyoniresinol 3α-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and (+)-syringaresinol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. The structure elucidation of these compounds was based on analyses of spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR.     

Monoacylation of 2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid by protease in N,N-dimethylformamide with low water content

2-O-α-d-Glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (AA-2G) laurate was synthesized from AA-2G and vinyl laurate with a protease from Bacillus subtilis in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with low water content. Addition of water to DMF dramatically enhanced monoacyl AA-2G synthesis. Maximum synthetic activity was observed when 3% (v/v) water was added to the reaction medium. Under the optimal reaction conditions, 5-O-dodecanoyl-2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid, 2-O-(6′-O-dodecanoyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-ascorbic acid, and 6-O-dodecanoyl-2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid were synthesized in yields of 5.5%, 3.2%, and 20.4%, respectively.     

Cycloartane-type glycosides from Astragalus amblolepis

Five cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of Astragalus amblolepis Fischer along with one known saponin, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-16-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane. Structures of the compounds were established as 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-25-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-25-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-24,25-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16,24-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane, 6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16,25-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(S),25-pentahydroxy-cycloartane by using 1D and 2D-NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. To the best of our knowledge, the glucuronic acid moiety in cycloartanes is reported for the first time.     

Unusual oleanane-type saponins from Arenaria montana

Three oleanane-type saponins, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosylcaulophyllogenin 28-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→3)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl ester (3) were isolated from the whole plant of Arenaria montana. Their unusual structures for the Caryophyllaceae family were established mainly by 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis of phenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-α-l-fucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and related compounds

The reaction of phenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6- O-(p-methoxybenzylidene)-β-d-glucopyranoside with 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-α-l-fucopyranosyl bromide under halide ion-catalyzed conditions proceeded readily, to give phenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6-O-(p-methoxybenzylidene)-3-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-α-l-fucopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (8). Mild treatment of 8 with acid, followed by hydrogenolysis, provided the disaccharide phenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-α-l-fucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. Starting from 6-(trifluoroacetamido)hexyl 2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside, the synthesis of 6-(trifluoroacetamido)hexyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-β-l-fucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside has been accomplished by a similar reaction-sequence. On acetolysis, methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-α-l-fucopyranosyl-α-d-glucopyranoside gave 2-methyl-[4,6-di-O-acetyl-1,2-dideoxy-3-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-l-fucopyranosyl)-α-d-glucopyrano]-[2, 1-d]-2-oxazoline as the major product.     

Synthese von O-(3-desoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosylonsäure)-(2→4)-O-(3-desoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosylonsäure)- (2→6)-O-(2-amino-2-desoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-(1→6)-2-amino-2-desoxy-d-glucopyranose

Benzyl-3-O-benzyl-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-6-O-[2-benzyloxycarbonyl-amino-2-deoxy-3,4-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl)- β-d-glucopyranosyl]-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside was coupled with methyl (4,5,7,8-tetra-O-acetyl-3-deoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosyl bromide)onate (13) to yield the α-glycosidically linked trisaccharide. After deacetylation and selective introduction of a second 7′,8′-O-tetraisopropyldisiloxane group, a further glycosidation reaction with 13 led regioselectively to the tetrasaccharide benzyl O-[methyl (4,5,7,8-tetra-O-acetyl-3-deoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosyl)onate]-(2→4)-O-{methyl [3-deoxy-7,8-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl)-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosyl]-onate}-(2→6)-O- [2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-deoxy-3,4-O-(tetraisopropyldisiloxane-1,3-diyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]- (1→6)-3-O-benzyl-2-benzyloxycarbonyl-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside. A series of deblocking steps gave O-(3-deoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosylonic acid)-(2→4)-O-(3-deoxy-α-d-manno-2-octulopyranosylonic acid)- (2→6)-O-(2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-(1→6)-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose which was identical with a tetrasaccharide that had been isolated by hydrazinolysis of the lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella minnesota R 595. Hence, synthetic proof is provided for the linkages in this part of the inner core region of lipopolysaccharides.     

Synthesis of a branched d-mannopentaoside and a branched d-mannohexaoside: Models of the outer chain of the glycan of soybean agglutinin

Synthetic routes are described to the d-mannopentaoside methyl 3-O-(3,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranoside, and the d-mannohexaoside methyl 3-O-(3,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-(2-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α- d-mannopyranoside, formed in a regio- and stereo-controlled way by employing the properly protected d-mannobioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-3-O-(2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannotrioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-3-O-(2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-6-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-d- mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside as key intermediates.     

Covalent structure of the extracellular polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris: evidence from partial hydrolysis studies.

Partial, acid hydrolysis of the extracellular polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris gave products that were identified as cellobiose, 2-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-d-mannose, O(β-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→2)-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-(1→3)-d-glucose, O-(β-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→2)-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-(1→3)-[O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-d-glucose, and O-(β-d-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1→2)-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-(1→3)-[O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-d-glucose. This and other evidence supports the following polysaccharide structure (1) which has been proposed independently by Jansson, Kenne, and Lindberg:

     

Oleanane-type glycosides from Weigela x Styriaca and two cultivars of W. florida: “Minor black” and “Brigela”

Sixteen oleanane-type glycosides were extracted from three Weigela hybrids and cultivars: W. x Styriaca, W. florida “Minor black” and W. florida “Brigela”, and four of them were previously undescribed ones: 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyloleanolic acid, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid, 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid, and 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid. Their full structural elucidation required extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as mass spectrometry analysis. Six compounds among the known ones were in sufficient amount to be tested for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans, and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Synthesis of a branched d-mannopentaoside and a branched d-mannohexaoside: Models of the inner core of cell-wall glycoproteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Synthetic routes are discussed to the branched d-mannopentaoside methyl 6-O-(2,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannohexaoside methyl 6-O-(2,6-di-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-(2-O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)- α-d-mannopyranoside, employing the properly benzylated d-mannobioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-6-O-(3,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside and d-mannotrioside methyl 2,4-di-O-benzyl-6-O-(3,4-di-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-3-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d- mannopyranoside as key intermediates.     

Differences in the floral anthocyanin content of violet–blue flowers of Vinca minor L. and V. major L. (Apocynaceae)

Two novel delphinidin 3-(tri or di)-glycoside-7-glycosides were isolated from the violet–blue flowers of Vinca minor L. and V. major L. (Family: Apocynaceae), and determined to be delphinidin 3-O-[2-O-(β-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranoside]-7-O-(α-rhamnopyranoside) [= delpphinidin 3-(2^G-xylosylrobinobioside)-7-rhamnoside] as major floral anthocyanin of V. minor and delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranoside]-7-O-(α-rhamnopyranoside) [= delpphinidin 3-robinobioside-7-rhamnoside] as major floral anthocyanin of V. major by chemical and spectroscopic methods. In addition, chlorogenic acid and kaempferol 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-galactopyranoside]-7-O-(α-rhamnopyranoside) [= kaempferol 3-robinobioside-7-rhamnoside (robinin)] were identified in these flowers. In this paper, the relation between the structure of floral anthocyanins and classification of Vinca species was discussed.     

Quinovic acid glycosides from Guettarda angelica

Two new triterpene glycosides isolated from the root bark Guettarda angelica were proven to be quinovic acid-3β-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside] and quinovic acid-3β-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(28 → 1)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester. In addition quinovic acid and two known glycoside derivatives (quinovic acid-3β-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and quinovic acid-3β-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside) were isolated. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis of the peracetyl methyl ester derivatives.     

New triterpene saponins from Phryna ortegioides

Four new and three known oleanane-type saponins have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Phryna ortegioides, a monotypic and endemic taxon of Caryophyllaceae.The structures of the new compounds were determined as gypsogenic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-gypsogenic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-gypsogenic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-]-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (3), 3-O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-16α-hydroxyolean-12-en-23,28-dioic acid-28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)]-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (4). Their structures were established by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, and mass spectrometry. Noteworthy, none of isolated compounds possesses as aglycone moiety gypsogenin, considered a marker of Caryophyllaceae family.The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against three cancer cell lines including A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma), A375 (human melanoma) and DeFew (human B lymphoma) cells. Only compound 6 showed a weak activity against A375 and DeFew cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 77 and 52 μM, respectively. None of the other tested compounds, in a range of concentrations between 12.5 and 100 μM, caused a significant reduction of the cell number.     

Pendulaosides A and B. Two acylated triterpenoid saponins from Harpullia pendula seed extract

Two new acylated triterpenoid saponins named pendulaosides A and B as well as the known phenolic compounds methyl gallate, gallic acid, 1,2,3,6-tera-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, were isolated from the seeds of Harpullia pendula. The structures of pendulaosides A and B were determined using extensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis and mass spectrometry as well as acid hydrolysis, as 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-22-O-angeloyl-3β,16α,22α,24β,28-pentahydroxylolean-12-ene and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-16-O-(2-methylbutyroyl)-3β,16α,22α,24β,28-pentahydroxylolean-12-ene, respectively. To the best of our knowledge the two triterpene parts 22-O-angeloyl-3β,16α,22α,24β,28-pentahydroxylolean-12-ene and16-O-(2-methylbutyroyl)-3β,16α,22α,24β,28-pentahydroxylolean-12-ene have never been characterized before. The two isolated saponins were assayed for their in-vitro cytotoxic activity against the three human tumor cell lines HepG2, MCF7 and PC3. The results showed that pendulaoside A exhibited moderate activity on PC3 cell line with IC50value equal to 13.0 μM and weak activity on HepG2 cell line with IC50 value equal to 41.0 μM. Pendulaoside B proved to be inactive against the three used cell lines.     

Synthesis and 13C-N.M.R. spectroscopy of 2-O- and 6-O-acetyl-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-d-galactose,constituents of bacterial cell-wall polysaccharides

Benzyl 2-O-acetyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside (11) has been synthesised by two routes. Partial deacetylation of 11 and then acid hydrolysis yielded benzyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-β-d-galactopyranoside, catalytic hydrogenolysis of which gave the first title compound in excellent yield. Benzyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-β-d-galactopyranoside was benzylated, and hydrogenolysis (LiAlH₄-AlCl₃) of the product gave the disaccharide derivative 16 with only HO-6 unsubstituted. Acetylation of 16 followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis gave the crystalline, second title compound. As model compounds for comparative n.m.r. studies, 2-O-, 3-O-, and 6-O-acetyl-d-galactose were also synthesised.     

Isolation from a softwood xylan of oligosaccharides containing two 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid residues

Partial hydrolysis of a larch arabino(4-O-methylglucurono)xylan afforded two series of oligouronides composed of 4-O-methyl- d-glucuronic acid and d-xylose residues. The first series included aldouronic acids up to the aldopentaouronic acid. Methylation analysis indicated that the aldopentao- and aldotetrao-uronic acids were mixtures of isomers. One aldotetraouronic acid was isolated and identified as O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-d-Xyl. The two isomeric aldotriouronic acids were separated from each other. The acids of the second series, which were composed of two uronic acids and 2-4 d-xylose residues, were identified as follows: O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-d-Xyl, O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-β-d -Xylp-(1 → 4)-D-Xyl, O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-(4-O-Mec-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-D-Xyl, and O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-Xylp-(1 → 4)-O-(4-O-Me-α-d-GlcAp)-(1 → 2)-D-Xyl. The first three compounds were new acidic oligosaccharides. The 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid in the second series was present in a larger proportion than in the first series, indicating that a large proportion of the uronic acid side-chains were located on two contiguous D-xylose residues in the backbone of the softwood xylan.