Compositions for improving the health of a subject comprise alpha-(1,2)-branched alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans, preferably with an average molecular weight between about 10 kDa and 70 kDa, between about 10% and 50% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains, and having at least partial indigestibility in the subject. Methods for improving the health of a subject comprise administering the composition to a subject in an amount effective to improve gut health, or to prevent or treat a gastrointestinal disorder, a cholesterol-related disorder, diabetes, or obesity. Methods for making oligodextrans having controlled size and controlled degree of branching comprise providing alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans having an average molecular weight between 0.5 and 100 kDa and introducing at least 10% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains onto the alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans.

The present invention provides novel methods for the chromatographic analysis of glycans using high purity chromatographic materials comprising a chromatographic surface wherein the chromatographic surface comprises a hydrophobic surface group and one or more ionizable modifier and a labeling reagent which is capable of providing amphipathic and strongly basic labeling moieties to a sample to be analyzed.

A palladium(II) complex which catalyzes the Sonogashira coupling reaction efficiently under aerobic condition and a method of employing the palladium(II) complex to synthesize internal alkynes. The palladium(II) complex is an effective catalyst for the coupling reactions of aryl iodo and diiodo compounds with unactivated alkyl alkynes and terminal dialkynes to produce various novel symmetrical dialkynes and disubstituted internal alkynes in excellent yields.