A norbornyl route to azasugars: a new synthesis of deoxynojirimycin analogues

A new synthesis of deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) analogues (galacto- and altrose configuration) has been achieved through a functionalized cyclopentene derivative crafted from the norbornyl system, employing double reductive amination as the key step. The new DNJ analogues have been evaluated against various glycosidases and found to be moderate to strong inhibitors.