A paradigm case for the merging of glycal and enzymatic assembly methods in glycoconjugate synthesis: A highly efficient chemo-enzymatic synthesis of GM(3)
A concise, regio- and stereoselective synthesis of the ganglioside GM(3) has been achieved. Use of an alpha-1,2-oxirane derived from lactal facilitated installation of the anomeric beta-ceramide side chain. Introduction of the sialic acid residue at C-3, of the lactose was accomplished regiospecifically by enzymatically mediated sialyl transfer from CMP-Neu-5-Ac.