Thioglycuronides:: Synthesis and application in the assembly of acidic oligosaccharides

Partially protected thioglycuronic acids are prepared efficiently by chemo- and regioselective oxidation of the corresponding thioglycosides using the TEMPO/BAIB reagent combination. After esterification, the thioglycuronic acids proved to be useful as both donor and acceptor in sulfonium-mediated condensations toward acidic di- and trisaccharides.