Glycodendrimer synthesis without using protecting groups

Oligoantennary neoglycoconjugates can act as powerful inhibitors of carbohydrate-protein interactions and thus serve as antiadhesives in carbohydrate-based adhesion systems. They were obtained by a procedure that doesn't require protecting groups. Various unprotected NCS-functionalized saccharides were coupled with oligoamines in aqueous solution. This versatile method is generally applicable to the synthesis of thiourea-bridged glycodendrimers. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.