A CD‐Spectroscopic Alternative to Methylation Analysis of Oligosaccharides: Reference Spectra for Identification of Chromophoric Glycopyranoside Derivatives

Abstract

Abstract A microscale method for identifying the monosaccharide units and their linkages in oligosaccharides is presented. Sugar components are identified by UV and CD spectroscopy of chromophoric degradation products. CD spectral data for approximately 150 different glycopyranoside components are provided for use as reference spectra in the identification of unknown derivatives. Procedures for the conversion of oligosaccharides to monosaccharide subunits bearing 4‐bromobenzoate and 4‐methoxycinnamate chromophores have been developed based on acetolysis/bromination reactions for glycosidic cleavage of per (bromobenzoylated) oligosaccharides. The method offers an alternative means to conventional methylation analysis of oligosaccharides.