Oxovanadium(IV) complexes of carbohydrates: a brief overview.

In this brief review the most recent studies and the most relevant aspects of the complexes generated by interaction of carbohydrates and related molecules with the oxovanadium(IV) cation, VO(2+), are presented and discussed. The survey includes complexes of mono-, di- and polysaccharides, and of other molecules related to simple sugars. First studies with conduritols and related molecules are also described. Moreover, complexes of ascorbic and quinic acids and of some peculiar flavonoids are also included. Some comments on the general physicochemical properties of these complexes are made and their biological activities and effects are also briefly discussed.