The first total synthesis of a novel alpha-galactoglycosphingolipid clarhamnoside has been achieved through a straightforward strategy. A thiogalactosyl donor with a benzylidene group at C-4 and C-6 and nonparticipating p-methoxybenzyl group at C-2 was successfully employed in the stereocontrolled syntheses of alpha-GalGSLs. The N-Phth-protected trifluoroacetimidate donor for terminal disaccharide was successfully applied in constructing the [GalNAc beta-(1-->6)-Gal] glycosidic linkage.
