4-Methoxyphenyl 3-O-Benzyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-beta-D-glucopyranoside (CAS 303127-81-3)

4-Methoxyphenyl 3-O-Benzyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-beta-D-glucopyranoside is a synthetic carbohydrate derivative used extensively in carbohydrate chemistry research. The compound features protective groups like benzyl and benzylidene, which provide selective protection for the hydroxyl functionalities at the 3, 4, and 6 positions of the glucopyranoside ring. This selective protection allows researchers to explore glycosylation reactions with various donor or acceptor molecules. The 4-methoxyphenyl moiety adds an aglycon anchor, which aids in downstream analysis and serves as a useful probe for subsequent conjugation or detection. In glycosylation studies, the protected 4,6-benzylidene group imparts significant stability and acts as a protecting group. This is important in synthetic pathways that require regioselective glycosylation at specific sites, which allows for the controlled formation of glycosidic linkages. The compound is used to prepare oligosaccharides and glycosylated derivatives, which are key tools in understanding protein-carbohydrate interactions. By incorporating it into glycan arrays or other glycomics tools, researchers can dissect glycosyltransferase and glycosidase enzyme activity, revealing patterns of carbohydrate metabolism and recognition. Furthermore, this compound aids in synthesizing glycoconjugates, enabling the study of carbohydrate structural biology and enzyme catalysis, thereby contributing to the field of carbohydrate research.