Synthesis of C-5a-chain extended derivatives of 4-epi-isofagomine: Powerful β-galactosidase inhibitors and low concentration activators of GM1-gangliosidosis-related human lysosomal β-galactosidase.

From an easily available partially protected formal derivative of 1-deoxymannojirimycin, by hydroxymethyl chain-branching and further elaboration, lipophilic analogs of the powerful β-d-galactosidase inhibitor 4-epi-isofagomine have become available. New compounds exhibit improved inhibitory activities comparable to benchmark compound NOEV (N-octyl-epi-valienamine) and may serve as leads towards improved and more selective pharmacological chaperones for GM1-gangliosidosis.