1,2-Trans-selective synthesis of glycosyl boranophosphates and their utility as building blocks for the synthesis of phosphodiester-linked disaccharides

A highly 1,2-trans-selective synthesis of glycosyl boranophosphate derivatives by glycosylation of dimethyl boranophosphate with glycosyl iodides is described. The synthesis of boranophosphate-linked disaccharides and their conversion to the phosphodiester-linked disaccharides are achieved without loss of stereopurity at the anomeric position, demonstrating that the method is useful for preparing diastereopure glycosyl phosphate-containing biomolecules.