Synthesis of 4-deoxy-D-xylo-hexose and 4-azido-4-deoxy-D-glucose and their effects on lactose synthase.

Syntheses are reported of 4-deoxy-D-xylo-hexose and 4-azido-4-deoxy-D-glucose as potential inhibitors for lactose synthase [uridine 5'-(alpha-D-galactopyranosyl pyrophosphate):D-glucose 4-beta-D-galactopyranosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.22]. These syntheses involved SN2 displacement of the 4-methylsulfonyloxy group of methyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl-4-O-methylsulfonyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside by iodide and azide ions. In both cases, inversion in configuration was observed. The resulting intermediates, methyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl-4-deoxy-4-iodo-alpha-D-glucopyranoside and methyl 4-azido-2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl-4-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, were obtained in crystalline form. Both 4-deoxy-D-xylo-hexose and 4-azido-4-deoxy-D-glucose were found to be inhibitors for lactose synthase in the presence of alpha-lactalbumin, but had no effect in the absence of alpha-lactalbumin. Both D-glucose analogues bind to the enzyme system far more weakly than D-glucose, suggesting that the recognition of the 4-OH group of the acceptor substrate is an important factor in binding.