The dipicolinic amide motif (dpa) is well known tridentate coordinating motif for lanthanides and transition metals. Ligand 1Gal was prepared as described previously, while glucose and lactose analogues (1Glc and 1Lac) were also synthesised for this study. In brief, fully acetylated saccharide azide derivatives were prepared conveniently from acetylated α-bromoacetylglycopyranosides and NaN3. From these azides, protected triazoles 1 OAc were prepared through Cu(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne 'click' reactions (CuAAC) with alkyne scaffold 2. Acetylated triazoles were quite polar and could be easily purified by flash chromatography in ethyl acetate, with good overall yields (60-70%).