Fucose

  • 6 -deoxy -galactose
  • Methylpentose
  • L-(- ) -fucose
  • (2R, 3S, 4S, 5R) -2,3,4,5 - Tetrahydroxyhexanal (D -fucose )
  • (2S, 3R, 4R, 5S) -2,3,4,5 - Tetrahydroxyhexanal (L -fucose )
  • 2438-80-4 ( β -L -fucose )
  • 3615-37-0 (D -fucose )

White solid

Fixed

150-153 ° C

Soluble in water and ethanol

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Fucose (not to be confused with fructose) is a monosaccharide and one of the essential sugars, which are required for cell -cell communication. It is also called methylpentose, since it is a methylated deoxysugar. Fucose comes in two enantiomeric forms: L- fucose (also Isodulcit ) and D -fucose (CAS 3615-37-0 ). The L- form is the most widespread in nature (which in sugars rarely the case), while the D-form is an artificially produced galactose analogue. In humans fucose occurs inter alia in extracellular muco - and glycoproteins in human milk ( bifidus factor) and in blood group substances (A, B, H, Lea ). In bacteria it is used as antigenic polysaccharide present in the bacterial cell wall.

Production and representation

Fucose is biosynthesized from fructose -6 industrial phosphate.

Chemical Properties

Fucose is a monosaccharide having six carbon atoms (ie, a hexose ) and an aldehyde group at the C1 - atom ( aldose ). In contrast to most hexoses but lacking the hydroxyl group at the C6 atom.

Use

Fucose is used for the production of Fucosiden ( cardioactive digitalis ).

Biological Significance

Since fucose is an important compound, occur in disorders of fucose metabolism in humans to diseases ( Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type II). The compound can be used for the treatment of disease.

CAS registry number PubChem Blood type
15060
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