Synthesis of upper rim calix[4]arene divalent glycoclusters via amide bond conjugation.

Synthetic routes for linking two sugar units at the upper rim of cone calix[4]arenes, through the formation of amide bonds, have been explored. Steric effects prevent the coupling of calix[4]arene dicarboxylic acid with simple aminoglycosides, whereas the corresponding reaction with carbohydrates bearing a two or three carbon atoms spacer, terminating with a primary amino group, allows the synthesis of several difunctionalized calix[4]arene neoglycoconjugates, attractive in chemical glycobiology and supramolecular chemistry.