N-Octyl 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (CAS 197390-85-5)

N-Octyl 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside is a synthetic glycolipid that has gained attention in biochemical research due to its role as a model compound for studying membrane glycolipid interactions. This chemical is an analog of natural glycosphingolipids, which are pivotal in cellular recognition and signal transduction processes. Its structure includes an octyl aglycone linked to a glucose molecule, which is further linked to a galactose molecule through a β-glycosidic bond. This compound serves as a useful tool in the study of glycolipid organization and dynamics in synthetic lipid bilayers or micelles. Researchers utilize this chemical to investigate the biophysical properties of glycolipids, such as phase behavior, membrane domain (raft) formation, and protein-lipid interactions. These studies are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of cellular membrane organization and the role of glycolipids in modulating cell signaling pathways. By mimicking the natural glycosphingolipids, N-Octyl 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside enables researchers to dissect the fundamental aspects of glycolipid functionality in a controlled experimental setting, thus contributing to a broader comprehension of cellular communication mechanisms.