Applications of organoboron compounds in carbohydrate chemistry and glycobiology: analysis, separation, protection, and activation

•Organoboron compounds interact strongly and selectively with carbohydrates.•Boronic acids have been applied broadly in carbohydrate analysis and separation.•Organoboron compounds enable protection or activation of carbohydrate OH groups.

The reversible covalent interactions between organoboron compounds and diols have been applied for many years in carbohydrate chemistry. They form the basis of efficient methods for the detection of carbohydrates, and applications in cellular imaging and glycoprotein analysis are beginning to emerge. The interactions are also of widespread utility in carbohydrate synthesis: depending upon the coordination geometry at boron, either protection or activation of a bound diol motif may be achieved. This review article uses recent examples to illustrate the breadth of applications of organoboron compounds in carbohydrate chemistry.

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