Donor Preactivation‐Based Glycosylation: An Efficient Strategy for Glycan Synthesis

Abstract

AbstractCarbohydrates have gained a lot of appreciation in the past few decades due to their important roles in numerous biological events. Acquiring a structurally well‐defined carbohydrate compound is essential for the understanding of its functions. Although some innovative methods have been developed for the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides, glycan synthesis is in general still a time‐consuming and difficult work. Herein, we will introduce the preactivation‐based glycosylation strategy, which is an efficient protocol independent of the reactivity of glycosyl donor. This review will focus on summarizing the versatile applications of preactivation strategy in stereoselective glycosylation and one‐pot assembly of biologically important oligosaccharides and even polysaccharides. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?Preactivation‐based one‐pot glycosylation strategy and applications.How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?I got into this field when I was a research associate in 1996. My supervisor, Prof. Chi‐Huey Wong, gave me a research topic for synthesis of oligosaccharide libraries. At that moment, as a beginner, I did not know too much carbohydrate chemistry, just to learn and to do it. The importance and challenge of carbohydrates attracted me.What is the most important personality for scientific research?Curiosity, passion, and creative thinking.How do you supervise your students?In my opinion, before the graduate students start a specific project, their experimental skills need to be well trained. During the period of graduate studies, the enhancement of abilities to analyze problems and to solve problems is very important. The graduate students should always keep an eye on the unusual experimental phenomena.What's your hobbies?Reading history books.What is your favorite journals?The journals publishing the latest research works in chemistry and medical science.