Disaccharide mimics of the sialyl Lewis X (sLe(x)) ligands have been prepared as potential antagonists of binding to the lectin domains-of the E-selectin adhesion molecule. Versatile derivatives of sialic acid provide an entry to a series of simplified linker groups supporting the fucose and sialyl residues. The stereoselectivity of nucleophilic addition to the fucosyl ketone derivative 7 is determined by the conditions employed; basic and Lewis acid conditions give opposite results(1).