D-Fucose

D-Fucose is a naturally occurring six-carbon deoxy sugar, specifically a 6-deoxyhexose, where the hydroxyl group at the 6th carbon of D-galactose is replaced by hydrogen. It exists as a white crystalline powder and plays important roles in biological systems, particularly in mammalian and plant glycans. D-Fucose is a critical component of N-linked glycans on cell surfaces and participates in various cellular recognition and signaling processes. It is a building block of fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae with diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. This sugar is used extensively in biochemical research for glycan analysis, cell adhesion studies, and development of glycomimetics. Synthetic D-fucose is available with high purity for research in glycobiology, immunology, and medicine. It contributes to understanding carbohydrate-mediated biological interactions and therapeutic development.​

IUPAC Name

• (2R,3S,4S,5R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxyhexanal​
• Synonyms: 6-deoxy-D-galactose, (+)-Fucose, Rhodeose​

Appearance

• White crystalline powder​

Source

• Naturally found in mammals and plants; commercially synthesized for research​

Molecular Weight and Structure

• Molecular Formula: C6H12O5
• Molecular Weight: 164.16 g/mol​
• Structure: Six-carbon sugar with a missing hydroxyl at C6 (deoxy), with aldehyde group at C1
• SMILES: CC@@HC@HC@HC@@HC=O​

Sugar Specificity

• A 6-deoxyhexose sugar, specific to fucose metabolic pathways
• Present on N-linked glycans and polysaccharides such as fucoidan​

Biological Activity

• Key role in cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and immune response
• Modifies glycoproteins affecting signaling pathways and developmental processes
• Implicated in selectin-mediated leukocyte trafficking and cancer biology​

Purity and Microbial Contamination

• Purity typically ≥97-99% by HPLC/GC for research grade
• Microbial contamination negligible in chemical-grade material​

Identity and Quality Control

• Verified by NMR, GC, HPLC, optical rotation
• Melting point: approx. 144-145 °C
• Specific rotation: +72 to +76 degrees (water)​

Shelf Life and Storage

• Store at 2–8 °C to maintain stability
• Stable for 3-5 years under recommended conditions
• Protect from moisture and light​

Application

• Used in glycobiology to study glycan structures and functions
• Research reagent in biochemistry, immunology, and cell biology
• Building block for synthesis of fucoidan and other sulfated polysaccharides
• Applied in development of glycomimetics and therapeutic agents​

Key Characteristics

• Natural 6-deoxyhexose sugar involved in cell surface glycosylation
• CAS number: 3615-37-0
• White crystalline powder, molecular weight 164.16 g/mol
• High purity, verified by multiple analytical techniques
• Crucial for study of immune cell adhesion and cancer biology
• Stable with recommended refrigerated storage
• Widely used in glycobiology, pharmaceutical research, and biochemistry

Citation 

• Sigma-Aldrich D-(+)-Fucose product info​
• TCI Chemicals purity and storage​
• PubChem molecular data​
• Glentham chemical catalog​
• PharmaAffiliates CAS and chemical data​
• ChemicalBook description​
• GoldBio α-D-Fucose overview​
• PMC article on fucose biology​
• SRL Chemicals storage and shelf life​
• LGC Standards D-Fucose​