Preparation of trans Diequatorial 2,3-Pyruvate Acetals in a Di- and a Trisaccharide Related to the K-Antigen from E. Coli 0101:K103:H⁻

Abstract

Using methyl 2,2-bis(ethylthio)propionate as acetalating agent and triflic acid-sulfuryl chloride as catalyst, synthesis of 2,3-trans diequatorial pyruvate ketal was achieved. Starting from D-galactose and L-rhamnose derivatives, methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-6-O-benzyl-2,3-O-(1-methoxycarbonyl)ethylidene- α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and methyl 4,6-di-O-benzyl-2,3-O-(1-methoxy-carbonyl)ethylidene-α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-2,4-di-O-benzyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside were synthesized. Removal of the protecting groups from the former, afforded the trisaccharide repeating unit of the K-antigen from E.coli O101:K103:H⁻ in the form of its methyl glycoside methyl ester.