Synthesis of polyfunctional pentaerythritol-derivatives using a novel protective group strategy for the preparation of cluster-glycolipids

We describe new derivatives of pentaerythritol suitable for the synthesis o f polyantennary cluster glycolipids with different headgroups. Key substanc e is a pentaerythritol with one hydrophobic moiety as lipophilic anchor, an unprotected primary hydroxyl group and two differently protected hydroxyl groups.