I should like to propose to simplify determining structures of saccharides so that more time can be devoted to the study of their functions. For this purpose,
1) all saccharides thus far identified should be synthesized and made available for use as standards,
2) their NMR data should be compiled in a databank accessible to everybody, and also
3) their (or their derivatives') retention times on HPLC under at least two different conditions should be recorded and entered into the databank.
Thus, structural characterization will be possible through the use of these data and the standard oligosaccharide.
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