Cell surface carbohydrates in the form of glycoconjugates play vital roles in various important life processes. They are structurally complex and diverse. Since they are present in microheterogeneous forms in nature, they cannot be isolated in acceptable amount and purity. Chemical synthesis, however challenging, provides an opportunity for obtaining structurally well defined and chemically pure glycoconjugates for biological studies. Regio- and stereoselective approaches make the synthesis less arduous and more efficient. Recent examples from our studies on the synthesis of complex carbohydrates will be presented.
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