The synthesis of disaccharides containing alpha -linked GlcNAc or beta -lin
ked ManNAc units from shelf-stable, and yet highly reactive, 2-oximinoglyco
syl donors is described. Access to a preponderance of the disaccharide cont
aining either the alpha -linked GlcNAc or beta -linked ManNAc unit can be o
btained by careful choice of solvent and glycosidation conditions.