Disaccharide mimics of the sialyl Lewis X (sLe(x)) ligands have been p
repared as potential antagonists of binding to the lectin domains-of t
he E-selectin adhesion molecule. Versatile derivatives of sialic acid
provide an entry to a series of simplified linker groups supporting th
e fucose and sialyl residues. The stereoselectivity of nucleophilic ad
dition to the fucosyl ketone derivative 7 is determined by the conditi
ons employed; basic and Lewis acid conditions give opposite results(1)
.