Rapid synthesis of linear homologous oligoarabinofuranosides related to mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan and a neoglycoconjugate thereof

Rapid and simple synthesis of oligosaccharides related to one of the terminal motifs of mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan is described. An array of homologous linear α(1 → 5)-linked oligoarabinofuranosides with 4-(2-chloroethoxy)phenyl aglycon and selectively unprotected 5-OH group at the non-reducing end was obtained by oligomerization of 3-O-benzoyl β-D-arabinofuranose 1,2,5-orthobenzoate. Subsequent introduction of β(1 → 2)-linked arabinofuranose disaccharide moiety by step-wise glycosylation furnished the target oligosaccharides which were conjugated with bovine serum albumin. [Display omitted] •Linear oligoarabinofuranosides related to mycobacterial LAM were synthesized.•The key building block used is the product of polymerization of arabinose orthoester.•The obtained oligosaccharides were converted into a conjugate with BSA.