2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-1-azido-1-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranosyl cyanide (CAS 168567-90-6)

2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-1-azido-1-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranosyl cyanide is a chemically synthesized carbohydrate derivative extensively utilized in the field of glycoscience research. The structure of this compound is characterized by its azido and cyanide functional groups attached to a galactopyranosyl skeleton, which is protected by acetyl groups. This configuration enables the molecule to act as an intermediate in the synthesis of complex glycostructures, essential for studying carbohydrate-mediated biological processes. The azido group in particular allows for subsequent conversion into amino functionalities, facilitating the incorporation of these modified sugars into neoglycoconjugates. These conjugates are valuable in studying cell-surface interactions and other biological recognition phenomena that are mediated by carbohydrates. Furthermore, the cyanide group provides a reactive site for further chemical transformations, expanding the versatility of this compound in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. Researchers use this chemical to produce specifically designed molecules that mimic natural glycoforms, which are crucial for unraveling the roles of glycosylation in various biological systems. The ability to manipulate its structure and functional groups makes it a powerful tool in the elucidation of glycan structures and functions, contributing significantly to advancements in glycoscience.