BRANCHING STUDIES WITH ALPHA-1-]6 LINKAGE OF TRACE OLIGOSACCHARIDES USING ACETOLYSIS

We have investigated the usefulness of preferential partial acetolysis of the alpha 1 --> 6 linkages in establishing homogeneity and branchi ng of the oligosaccharide. The ethyl ester of p-aminobenzoic acid has been used to derivative the reducing termini of intact carbohydrates. The HPLO is effective to separate the trace products of acetolysis. Af ter determining the molecular weights using negative ion LSIMS, the br anching can be characterized easily. using positive ion LSIMS The a 1 --> 6 linkages of isomaltooctaose have been determined satisfactory us ing the advanced acetolysis. The branching of an high mannose oligosac charides isolated from IgM have been determined at micromole level.