2-Acetamido-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-a-D-galactopyranose (CAS 10385-50-9)

2-Acetamido-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-a-D-galactopyranose is a chemically modified sugar widely used in carbohydrate chemistry for the synthesis of complex glycostructures, particularly those involving N-acetylgalactosamine moieties. This compound acts as a protected form of N-acetylgalactosamine, where acetyl groups shield the hydroxyl functionalities, preventing unwanted side reactions during the synthetic processes. This protection is crucial for enabling selective modifications and deprotection steps that are needed to construct specific glycosidic linkages in a controlled manner. The use of this derivative is essential in the study of glycosylation, where it helps researchers understand the enzymatic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Its role extends to the development of neoglycoconjugates, which are used as tools to probe carbohydrate-protein interactions involved in cell communication and pathogen recognition. By providing insights into the precise control of glycan assembly, this chemical is pivotal in advancing fundamental research in glycoscience, facilitating the exploration of biochemical processes that govern cellular function and contribute to the understanding of complex biological systems.