Click chemistry enabled glyco-macrocycles

Carbohydrate-containing 1,2,3-triazole macrocycles have proven to be of great importance due to distinctive structural aspects and a wide range of chemical and biological applications. The modular "Click" reaction makes it easier to incorporate desired carbohydrate units into macrocyclic frameworks and has been established as the most prominent and consistent method for their synthesis with excellent regioselectivity. Together with the prominent 1,2,3-triazole moiety, the stability of the corresponding glycomacrocyclic scaffolds increases, improving molecular recognition, host-guest interactions, metal-ion coordination, and biological activities. This review highlights the advancements in the Click-mediated synthesis of carbohydrate-based 1,2,3-triazolyl macrocyclic scaffolds, emphasizing synthetic techniques and structural diversity. Moreover, the versatility of CuAAC endures to expand the variety of 1,2,3-triazolyl glycomacrocycles, accessing novel platforms for the development of bioactive systems and next-generation functional materials.