After you methylate say a disaccaride...

[csx]

i understand all the hydroxyl groups are converted to methoxy groups, but how come when hydrolyzed under acidic conditions only the carbons involved in the linkage will be converted to hydroxyl groups and none of the other methoxy groups?

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[kraskadva]

If I'm reading your question right... The R-O-Ch3 groups are ethers, not methoxy, so they're protecting groups and won't be hydrolyzed.
Also I think this thread may help...similar question and there are pictures.