Synthesis of α-S-linked glycopeptides in water containing solution

α-Thiols of N-acetylglucosamine and of N-acetylgalactosamine react with β-bromoalanine containing peptides at pH 8.5 under phase transfer conditions or, alternatively, in aqueous DMF, cleanly to α-S-linked glycopeptides. Thus, mimetics of important O-glycopeptides can be readily prepared.