Frontiers in Chemistry (Nov 2022)

Efficient synthesis of α-galactosylceramide and its C-6 modified analogs

  • Huiting Li,
  • Hongzhao Mao,
  • Chao Chen,
  • Ying Xu,
  • Shuai Meng,
  • Tiantian Sun,
  • Chengli Zong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2022.1039731
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

Read online

The synthesis of α-galactosylceramide (KRN7000) and its C-6 modified analogs remains a challenge due to the difficult α-1,2-cis-glycosidic bond. A non-participating benzyl (Bn) protecting group has been commonly used to favor the α-glycosylation product. Here, we report the α-selective glycosylation by using a bulky 4,6-O-di-tert-butylsilylene (DTBS) galactosyl donor, regardless of the 2-benzoyl (Bz) participating group. Compared with Bn, Bz groups can be selectively removed in basic conditions without impacting the C-6 azide modification. The azide has the potential for clicking with alkyne or being easily transformed to other functional groups.

Keywords