Synthesis of C-5a-substituted derivatives of 4-epi-isofagomine: notable β-galactosidase inhibitors and activity promotors of GM1-gangliosidosis related human lysosomal β-galactosidase mutant R201C.

From an easily available partially protected analog of 1-deoxy-L-gulo-nojirimycin, by chain-branching at C-4 and suitable modification, lipophilic analogs of the powerful β-D-galactosidase inhibitor 4-epi-isofagomine have been prepared. New compounds exhibit considerably improved inhibitory activities when compared with the unsubstituted parent compound and may serve as leads toward new pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis and Morquio B disease.