Glycosylation of α-amino acids by sugar acetate donors with InBr3. Minimally competent Lewis acids

Abstract A simplified method for the preparation of Fmoc-serine and Fmoc-threonine glycosides for use in O-linked glycopeptide synthesis is described. Lewis acids promote glycoside formation, but also promote undesired reactions of the glycoside products. Use of ‘minimally competent’ Lewis acids such as InBr 3 promotes the desired activation catalytically, and with greatly reduced side products from sugar peracetates.