A modular approach for the construction and modification of glyco-SAMs utilizing 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

We report the synthesis of a broad variety of functionalized molecules for assembly on gold, allowing the formation of biologically relevant SAMs by a modular approach: either utilizing 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes and azides in solution or by 'click on SAM'. Extensive studies into the various parameters of SAM formation and stability have been carried out, leading us to deduce reliable conditions under which glyco-decorated self-assembled monolayers can be formed and studied such as in SPR-supported binding assays.