Stereoselective synthesis of new rac-quercitols containing hydroxymethyl groups as glucosidase inhibitors

Stereoselective and efficient synthesis of hydroxymethyl-substituted rac-quercitols (13–15) was achieved, starting from cis-furan (Kobayashi, 2008) with photooxygenation reaction, which is readily available by the reduction of cis-phtalic anhydride. α- and β-Glucosidase enzyme activity of the target molecules was evaluated and good inhibitor activity was seen. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography were utilized in the structure characterization of products.