Fluorinated hydroxypiperidines as selective β-glucosidase inhibitors.

A new series of fluoroallylamines derived from hydroxypiperidines was prepared and evaluated against various glycosidases. The short synthesis of target molecules involved the modified Julia reaction between aldehydes and functionalized fluoroaminosulfones. Biological studies revealed good and selective β-glucosidase inhibition in the micromolar range for two compounds, while the non-fluorinated analogue of the most active compound was selective towards α-glucosidase.