Methyl exo-2,3:4,6-di-O-benzylidene-α-D-mannopyranoside (CAS 71484-87-2)

Methyl exo-2,3:4,6-di-O-benzylidene-α-D-mannopyranoside is a carbohydrate derivative used extensively in glycoscience research. This compound features two benzylidene groups that protect the hydroxyl functionalities at specific positions on the mannose ring, which provides significant stability and selectivity in chemical reactions. One of the primary uses of this compound is in the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. The protective benzylidene groups allow for precise, stepwise deprotection, facilitating targeted glycosylation reactions essential for constructing complex carbohydrate structures. In research, this compound is instrumental in studying the stereochemistry of glycosylation reactions, helping to explain the mechanisms by which glycosidic bonds are formed and manipulated. This understanding is crucial for the development of synthetic methods to produce glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are vital for exploring cell-cell interactions, signaling pathways, and immune responses. Furthermore, methyl exo-2,3:4,6-di-O-benzylidene-α-D-mannopyranoside is utilized in the development of glycan arrays, which are platforms for high-throughput screening of carbohydrate-protein interactions. These arrays enable researchers to identify and characterize binding affinities and specificities of lectins, antibodies, and other carbohydrate-binding proteins, providing insights into the roles of glycans in biological processes. Overall, this compound is a crucial tool in advancing the field of glycoscience, contributing to the synthesis, analysis, and understanding of complex carbohydrate structures and their biological functions.