Chapter 12: Sucrose as chiral platform in the synthesis of macrocyclic receptors

This review presents the syntheses of different analogs of sucrose. Transformations of this di-saccharide at the terminal positions (C1′, or C6, or C6′) provide modified sucroses such as amines, uronic acids, thiols, or phosphorus derivatives. Preparation of so-called ‘higher sucroses’ i.e. derivatives in which the terminal positions are elongated by a polyhydroxylated carbon chain is also reviewed. Special attention is directed to the synthesis and properties of macrocyclic derivatives: crown- and aza-crown ethers with sucrose scaffold. Such macrocyclic receptors exhibit interesting complexing properties towards chiral ammonium salts.