6-Azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose (CAS 66927-03-5)

6-Azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose is a modified sugar where the hydroxyl group at the sixth carbon is replaced by an azido group. This compound is extensively utilized in biochemical and molecular research due to its unique chemical properties and reactivity. The azido group provides a bioorthogonal handle for click chemistry reactions, enabling the specific labeling and modification of biomolecules without interfering with natural biological processes. Researchers leverage 6-azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose in glycan engineering to incorporate azide groups into glycoconjugates. This allows for the subsequent attachment of probes, fluorophores, or other functional groups using copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), facilitating the study of glycan structure and function. In enzymology, 6-azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose is used as a substrate to investigate the activity and specificity of galactosyltransferases and other glycosylation enzymes. These studies are critical for understanding the biosynthesis of complex carbohydrates and their roles in cell-cell communication, immune recognition, and pathogen interactions. Additionally, the incorporation of 6-azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose into glycoproteins and glycolipids allows researchers to explore the dynamics of glycan turnover and trafficking within cells. Overall, 6-azido-6-deoxy-D-galactose is a valuable tool in glycobiology and bioorthogonal chemistry, providing insights into glycan biosynthesis, enzyme mechanisms, and the development of novel biomolecular probes.