Processes for the synthesis of lipochitooligosaccharides were developed. A fully acylated oligoglucosamine precursor is prepared and reacted with a glucosamine monomer that has an amine protecting phthaloyl group. With removal of the phthaloyl group, a fatty acid may be added on the terminal glucosamine unit, forming a lipochitooligosaccharide. The processes can be adapted for use on a commercial scale.