Parallel solution synthesis of a "Carbohybrid" library designed to inhibit galactose-binding proteins

Parallel solution S-alkylations of a 1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside derivative with Michael acceptors and alpha-chloroketones, followed by ketone reductions, reductive aminations, and acylations were developed to yield a library of 1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranosides carrying small and diverse polar-neutral, hydrophobic, aromatic, cationic, or anionic non-carbohydrate aglycon structures. Screening of the library against a panel of galactose recognizing plant lectins revealed microM inhibitors of toxin A of A. precatorius superior to the reference ligands lactose and N-acetyl lactosamine. Such small, monosaccharide based inhibitors are attractive lead-molecules for therapeutic development, since they are low-molecular, hydrolytically stable and more hydrophobic than natural oligosaccharides.