N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Methyl Ester (CAS 22900-11-4)

N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Methyl Ester is a methylated derivative of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), a predominant form of sialic acid involved in numerous biological functions, particularly in cell surface glycoconjugates. This modified compound is extensively utilized in biochemical research to study sialic acid biology without the complications of managing the highly polar and reactive carboxyl group found in native sialic acids. The methyl ester modification at the carboxylic acid group enhances the compound′s stability and makes it more lipophilic, facilitating its use in various experimental settings, including enzymatic assays and synthetic chemistry applications. Researchers employ N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Methyl Ester to investigate the enzymatic pathways involved in the catabolism and anabolism of sialic acids, which are crucial for understanding cellular recognition, viral infection mechanisms, and intercellular communication. This chemical is particularly valuable in the synthesis of sialylated oligosaccharides in a more controlled manner, enabling studies on how these complex sugars influence biological processes such as immune response and cell adhesion. The insights gained from such research are critical for advancing our understanding of glycoscience.