Efficient stereoselective synthesis of oligosaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6A and 6B containing multiple 1,2-cis glycosidic linkages

The synthesis of the repeating units of pneumococcal polysaccharide serotypes 6A and 6B and derivatives thereof is described. Application of S-benzoxazolyl and S-thiazolinyl glycosides allowed rapid oligosaccharide assembly and provided complete stereoselectivity in challenging 1,2-cis glucosylations and galactosylations. The oligosaccharide assembly was accomplished in an efficient manner by selective activation of thioimidoyl leaving groups over thioglycosides.