Phenyl 4,6-O-Benzylidene-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside (CAS 87508-17-6)

Phenyl 4,6-O-Benzylidene-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside is a synthetic carbohydrate derivative primarily used in glycoscience research for studying carbohydrate-protein interactions. This compound has a thio-glycosidic linkage and a benzylidene protecting group, which makes it an excellent mimic of naturally occurring glycosides. In glycosidase inhibition studies, it has served as a valuable probe to explain the mechanisms of enzymatic hydrolysis due to its resistance to glycosidic cleavage. Its unique structure allows it to bind specifically to glycosidase active sites, providing insights into enzyme specificity. Additionally, this compound has proven useful in synthesizing more complex carbohydrate structures, facilitating the development of glycan libraries for high-throughput screening. Researchers have also utilized it as a structural scaffold for designing glycomimetics that modulate protein-carbohydrate interactions, vital in deciphering carbohydrate recognition mechanisms in cellular processes like signal transduction. Its stability and versatility in conjugation reactions have enabled the creation of labeled probes for glycan-binding studies, revealing complex details of carbohydrate-mediated molecular interactions. These applications collectively underscore its importance in glycobiology, offering tools to better understand carbohydrate roles in biological recognition and signaling pathways.