Structural analysis by fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry of the mixture of alditols derived from the O-linked oligosaccharides of murine glycophorins.

The O-glycosylically linked oligosaccharides from glycophorins of BALB/c mouse erythrocytes were released as a mixture of alditol derivatives on reductive beta-elimination. A new approach, based on periodate oxidation in combination with f.a.b.-m.s., was used to elucidate the structure of one of the branched derivatives in the mixture. Evidence for the anomeric configuration was obtained by 500-MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The following structures were found: (Formula: see text).