Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and development, manufacturing, and sales of fine chemicals. Headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China, we are committed to delivering high-quality products to our global partners. Currently, over 90% of our products are exported to developed markets, including North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Product Description
L-Fucose (CAS: 2438-80-4), also known as 6-deoxy-L-galactose, is a naturally occurring L-configured 6-deoxyhexose monosaccharide. It is one of the few L-sugars found in mammals, distinguished by the absence of a hydroxyl group at the C-6 position, which differentiates it from other common hexoses such as glucose and galactose. Typically appearing as a white to off-white crystalline powder, it is odorless, highly soluble in water, and soluble in methanol and ethanol. L-Fucose is widely present in mammalian glycoproteins, glycolipids, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), and brown algae polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidan), playing critical roles in glycobiology, immunology, and cell recognition processes.
Uses
Biomedical Research: Serves as a key substrate for studying fucosylation, blood group antigen structure, selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion, and host-microbe interactions. It is widely used to identify and characterize enzymes such as fucosidases, L-fucose isomerases, and dehydrogenases, and to explore the role of fucosylated glycans in cell signaling and disease progression (e.g., cancer, inflammation).
Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical: Applied in protein drug modification to enhance stability, improve solubility, and reduce immunogenicity by masking antigenic epitopes. It is utilized in vaccine development (e.g., glycoconjugate vaccines) and as a component in glycan-based therapeutics targeting infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, it serves as a reference standard for pharmaceutical quality control.
Food & Nutrition: A functional food additive with anti-inflammatory and gut health-promoting properties. As a major component of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), it supports infant immune system development, balances intestinal flora, and enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium). It is also used in functional beverages, infant formula supplements, and dietary supplements.
Other Applications: Used as a reference standard in carbohydrate analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC) and a building block for synthesizing fucosylated glycans and oligosaccharides. In the cosmetics industry, it is employed for its moisturizing and skin-barrier repair benefits, helping to improve skin hydration and reduce irritation. It also finds use in the development of diagnostic reagents for glycan-related diseases.
Molecular Formula & Structure
- Molecular Formula: C?H??O?
- Molecular Weight: 164.16 g/mol
- IUPAC Name: 6-Deoxy-L-galactose
- Synonyms: 6-Deoxy-L-galactose; L-(-)-Fucose; L-Fucose;
- EINECS Number: 219-452-7
- MDL Number: MFCD00135607
- Chemical Structure: A pyranose ring with a methyl group at the C-6 position (lacking a hydroxyl group), maintaining an L-configuration. Its SMILES string is C[C@H]1OC[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H]1O; the unique structure contributes to its specific biological activities and solubility properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder; odorless; no visible impurities.
- Melting Point: 150–153 °C (lit.).
- Specific Rotation: -73° to -77° (c=4, H?O, 24 hr) (lit.), a key parameter for identifying its L-configuration.
- Solubility: Soluble in water (50 mg/mL, clear solution at 25 °C), methanol, and ethanol; practically insoluble in non-polar organic solvents (e.g., ether, hexane).
- Density: Approximately 1.6 g/cm3 (predicted).
- pKa: 12.50±0.20 (predicted), indicating weak acidity under aqueous conditions.
- Stability: Hygroscopic; stable under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon); avoid strong oxidants, high humidity, and high temperatures; may undergo degradation upon prolonged exposure to light and moisture.
- Chemical Traits: A reducing sugar with a free aldehyde group, capable of undergoing typical monosaccharide reactions (e.g., oxidation, condensation). Its 6-deoxy structure enhances its lipophilicity compared to other hexoses, facilitating its incorporation into glycoconjugates.
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; non-hazardous for transport (UN number: Not regulated); no acute toxicity reported. Avoid inhalation of dust and skin/eye contact; wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) during handling.
Synthesis & Storage
- Synthesis: There are two main methods for production: ① Extraction from natural sources: Isolated from brown algae (e.g., Laminaria japonica) or human milk, followed by purification via chromatography (ion exchange, gel filtration) to obtain high-purity L-fucose. ② Chemical synthesis: Prepared by deoxygenation of L-galactose at the C-6 position using reducing agents (e.g., sodium borohydride) or enzymatic catalysis, with a yield of 60–75%. The product is further purified by recrystallization to meet industrial and pharmaceutical standards.
- Storage: Sealed in dry, airtight containers; stored under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) in a freezer at -20 °C (recommended for long-term storage); short-term storage (≤3 months) can be at 2–8 °C in a dark, dry place. Avoid high humidity, light, and strong oxidants; shelf life is 3 years under proper storage conditions; packaging options include 100 g, 500 g glass bottles, and 25 kg sealed drums.
- Safety: Operate in a well-ventilated, dry environment; wear protective gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask); avoid inhalation of dust and skin/eye contact; do not eat, drink, or smoke during operation; wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling; if accidentally inhaled or in contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water; dispose of waste in accordance with pharmaceutical or food-grade waste regulations.
...
Product
