Synthesis of α- and β-Methyl NEU5Ac α-(2→8) NEU5Ac Disaccharides

Abstract
Acid hydrolysis of colominic acid, an α-(2→8)-linked oligomer of sialic acid, yielded Neu5Ac α-(2→8) Neu5Ac (di-Neu5Ac) 2 as one of the products. Starting from this disaccharide, it was possible to prepare two potential di-Neu5Ac donors, 5 and 8, as their corresponding 2-chloro derivatives. Subsequent reaction of the donor 8 with methanol as a simple acceptor led to the α- and β-methyl Neu5Ac α-(2→8) Neu5Ac glycosides.