The stereospecific synthesis of a glycopeptide using a triply orthogonal protection scheme is described, in particular, the synthesis of N-acetylglucosaminyl-.beta.-[1,4]-N-acetylmuramylmonopeptide and derivatives thereof. The glycopeptide is useful for the preparation of GMDP and related compounds having a glucosaminyl-.beta.-[1,4]-N-acetylmuramic acid disaccharide core.