Modifications at the 6-O-position of 1-deoxynojirimycin: facile and efficient synthesis of 6-O-alkylated-N-octyl-1-deoxynojirimycin derivatives

A straightforward synthesis of N-alkylated 1-deoxynojirimycin derivatives modified at the 6-O-position has been described. The key intermediate in the synthesis of target compounds was 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol, which was prepared from 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol. Optimal conditions have been established for the synthesis of the key intermediate by varying reaction parameters. Reductive amination and subsequent alkylation of the 6-O-position followed by hydrogenolysis were the main reaction steps, which gave target compounds 6-O-ethyl-N-octyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol and 6-O-butyl-N-octyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol. This synthetic route is flexible and can be useful for the synthesis of other lipophilic iminosugar derivatives.