Synthesis of a tetrasaccharide related to the triterpenoid saponin isolated from Schima noronhae

A concise synthesis of a tetrasaccharide related to the cell-growth inhibitory triterpenoid saponin isolated from Schima noronhae is reported. A late stage 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation of a primary hydroxyl group to carboxylic acid has been achieved under phase-transfer conditions. Stereoselective glycosylations were carried out using thioglycoside or glycosyl trichloroacetimidate activation using sulfuric acid immobilized on silica (H2SO4-silica) in conjunction with N-iodosuccinimide and alone, respectively.