Rapid Preparation of Glycolipid Libraries by Cross Metathesis

A new strategy for the synthesis of a well-defined glycolipid library is presented. A highly selective cross metathesis reaction is used to diversify the lipid moiety of anomerically pure α- or β-glycosides, and subsequent functionalization of the double bond allows further expansion of the diversity. These glycolipids are being investigated for their effect on the immune system, especially the CD1-mediated T-cell activation.