Benzyl 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3,4-di-O-acetyl-α-D-galactopyranoside (CAS 55652-76-1)

Benzyl 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3,4-di-O-acetyl-α-D-galactopyranoside is a synthetic sugar derivative widely used in the field of carbohydrate chemistry for the study of glycosylation reactions and enzyme specificity. This compound, featuring acetyl and benzyl protective groups, is instrumental in exploring the properties of glycosyltransferases, enzymes that catalyze the transfer of sugar moieties from activated donor molecules to specific acceptor molecules. Its structure enables researchers to mimic natural glycosylation processes, which are critical for the synthesis of complex carbohydrates found on the surfaces of cells. By employing this chemical, scientists can dissect the mechanisms by which these enzymes recognize specific substrates, which aids in the understanding of cellular communication and molecular recognition processes. Additionally, the protective groups can be selectively removed, allowing the synthesis of targeted molecules with desired structural features, which is crucial for constructing models of biologically active glycoconjugates. This approach helps in elucidating the roles of carbohydrates in biological systems and contributes to the development of biochemical tools for studying interactions that are fundamental to cellular function and pathogen recognition.