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A simple procedure is described for preparing GM3 ganglioside, from a few milligrams to grams, from GM1-lactone (Sonnino et al., (1985) Glycoconjugate J 2: 343-54) [1]. The synthesis was carried out under the following optimal conditions: 30 mM GM1-lactone in 0.25 M H2SO4 in DMSO, 30 min, 70 degrees C, nitrogen atmosphere, strong stirring. The yield of GM3 was 55%. The procedure applied to milligram amounts of GD1b-dilactone gave GD3 ganglioside.