This book presents the state of the art in the synthesis very complex saccharide structures, written by leading scientists at the forefront of this rapidly growing field. Reflecting the particular significance in recent years of efficient and selective procedures employing enzymes for preparative purposes in the carbohydrate field, a major proportion of the articles focus on these biocatalytic methods. In addition, recent strategies for the construction of unusual carbohydrates structures employing novel and creative methodologies are highlighted. Further, particular emphasis is placed on very complex saccharide structures as well as on special solutions to problems that are particularly challenging.

Synthesis and modification of carbohydrates using glycosidases and lipases

Chemical transformations employing glycosyltransferases
Enzymatic and chemical glycosylations of ergot alkaloids and biological aspects of new compounds
Enzymatic synthesis of peptide conjugates - Tools for the study of biological signal transduction
Tandem asymmetric C-C bond formations by enzyme catalysis
The synthesis of novel sialic acids as biological probes
Synthesis of oligosaccharides of bacterial origin containing heptoses, uronic acids and fructofuranoses as synthetic challenges
Pyruvated saccharides - Novel strategies for oligosaccharide synthesis.