| abstract |
The invention relates to a process for the selective oxidation of primary alcohols of oligosaccharides to form the corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives of the alcohols using catalytic amounts of a di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl free radical, characterized in that 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin or 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin is used as oxidant and the reaction is performed in neutral to basic conditions at a pH < 10. The process of the invention is useful for the production of (partially protected) oligosaccharides comprising carboxylate groups, both intermediates and end products. |