N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a non-human sialic acid, which may play a 
significant role in human pathologies, such as cancer and vascular disease. 
Further studies into the role of Neu5Gc in human disease are hindered by limited 
sources of this carbohydrate. Using a chemo-enzymatic approach, Neu5Gc was 
accessed in six steps from glucose. The synthesis allows access to gram-scale 
quantities quickly and economically and produces Neu5Gc in superior quality to 
commercial sources. Finally, we demonstrate that the synthesized Neu5Gc can be 
incorporated into the cell glycocalyx of human cells, which do not naturally 
synthesize this sugar. The synthesis produces Neu5Gc suitable for in vitro or in 
vivo use.