Methyl α-D-galactopyranoside

Methyl α-D-galactopyranoside is a chemically synthesized methyl glycoside derivative of D-galactose, where the anomeric hydroxyl group is substituted with a methyl group in the α-configuration. This compound typically appears as a white crystalline solid and is widely used as a stable, non-reducing sugar analog in carbohydrate chemistry and biochemical research. The methylation stabilizes the sugar ring, prevents mutarotation, and enhances its suitability for synthetic glycosylation reactions, oligosaccharide assembly, and glycomimetic design. It exhibits specificity for the α-D-galactopyranose form, making it valuable in enzyme substrate studies and glycobiology investigations. With a molecular formula of C7H14O6 and a molecular weight of approximately 194.18 g/mol, methyl α-D-galactopyranoside is produced through acid-catalyzed glycosylation of D-galactose with methanol. It is supplied with rigorous purity (>98%) and identity verification by NMR and chromatographic methods. Produced under sterile conditions, it has negligible microbial contamination. Proper storage under refrigerated, light-protected conditions ensures stability and a shelf life of 1–2 years. Its applications span synthetic organic chemistry, enzyme assay substrates, drug development, and molecular probe formulation.​

IUPAC Name:

• Methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-OH-α-D-galactopyranoside​

Appearance:

• White crystalline powder​

Source:

• Chemically synthesized by acid-catalyzed glycosylation of D-galactose with methanol under laboratory-controlled conditions​

Molecular Weight and Structure:

• Molecular Formula: C7H14O6
• Molecular Weight: 194.18 g/mol​
• Structure: α-D-galactopyranose ring with methyl group at the anomeric carbon and free hydroxyl groups at the other ring carbons​
• SMILES: CO[C@@H]1C@HC@@HC@HC@HO1​

Sugar Specificity:

• Specific for the α-anomer of D-galactopyranose; utilized in enzymology and molecular recognition studies​

Biological Activity:

• Stable sugar analog with limited direct pharmacological action; important as an enzyme substrate analog and glycomimetic scaffold in biochemical research​

Purity and Microbial Contamination:

• Typically ≥98% purity confirmed by NMR and chromatographic techniques; synthetic route and processing reduce microbial contamination​

Identity and Quality Control:

• Detailed NMR, MS, and HPLC data confirm identity and quality; accompanied by Certificates of Analysis and Safety Data Sheets; melting point and optical rotation reported​

Shelf Life and Storage:

• Store in sealed containers at 2–8 °C; protect from moisture and light; stable for 1–2 years under recommended storage​

Application:

• Employed in synthetic oligosaccharide chemistry, enzymatic assays, glycomimetic and glycoconjugate synthesis, and molecular probe development. Serves as a model substrate for enzyme studies and drug design​

Key Characteristics:

• Methylated α-D-galactopyranoside derivative
• CAS 3615-38-7
• Molecular weight: 194.18 g/mol
• White crystalline solid with high purity
• Supports selective glycosylation and biochemical studies
• Supplied with full quality assurance and batch documentation
• Stable under refrigerated, dry conditions
• Widely used in glycobiology and pharmaceuticals

Citations:

• AnaxLab chemical info​
• CalpacLab supplier data​
• PubChem molecular profile​
• Sigma-Aldrich glycoside reagents​
• MedChemExpress biological substrates
• PMC enzyme-substrate research​
• Synthose synthetic intermediates
• Patent documents on glycosylation​
• Benchchem carbohydrate catalog​
• ScienceDirect synthetic carbohydrate chemistry