Synthesis of allobetulin-based asialoglycoprotein receptor-targeted glycoconjugates

New allobetulin conjugates were obtained through its O-esterification with hex-5-ynoic acid followed by [3+2]-cycloaddition with three azido derivatives of N-acetyl- d -galactosamine. The conjugates are non-toxic in micromolar range against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and have a high affinity towards the HO asialoglycoprotein receptor of hepatocytes based on molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance data.