Synthesis and mannosidase inhibitory activity of 3-benzyloxymethyl analogs of swainsonine

Swainsonine (3), an inhibitor of Golgi α-mannosidase II, is a clinical candidate for cancer treatment. In order to avoid potential problems arising from its co-inhibition of lysosomal mannosidases, we have synthesized 3-benzyloxymethyl analogs of swainsonine (17 and 18). Initial screening of these new compounds is reported.