CuAAC ‘Click’ in Carbohydrate Chemistry

Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) ‘Click Chemistry’ has become an essential technique in carbohydrate chemistry, offering a reliable and efficient method for the selective modification and conjugation of diverse carbohydrates. This click chemistry reaction enables the formation of stable 1,2,3-triazole linkages, allowing them for the precise attachment of biocompatible carbohydrates to various functional groups, probes, and biomolecules. Mild reaction conditions and high specificity of modular CuAAC tool make it particularly suitable for the complex structures and functionalities of carbohydrates. Applications in this field include the synthesis of glycopolymers, glycoarrays, and glycan-based diagnostics, as well as the development of carbohydrate-based therapeutics and vaccines. This chapter explores the notable application of CuAAC in carbohydrate chemistry with highlighting its transformative impact on the synthesis and functionalization of carbohydrates, underscoring its significance in advancing glycoscience and biomedical research.