Synthesis of conformationally-constrained thio(seleno)hydantoins and α-triazolyl lactones from d-arabinose as potential glycosidase inhibitors

We have explored the rich structural diversity provided by an α-azido ester derived from d-arabinose as the source of sugar templates with reduced conformational flexibility. Using transient α-thioureido(selenoureido) esters we have prepared spiranic thio(seleno)hydantoins at the C-3 position of the sugar moiety. In this context, the first example of a stable spiranic α-lactam (or aziridinone) was isolated as a by-product in the hydrogenolysis of the starting α-azido ester. Furthermore, using copper(I)-catalyzed azido–alkyne cycloaddition (click chemistry), we have accessed bicyclic cis-fused α-triazolyl lactones fixed in the furanose form. Spiranic thiohydantoins turned out to be moderate, though selective, inhibitors of glycosidases, whereas their selenium isosters behaved as good free radical scavengers.