Synthesis of D ‐Galactofuranose‐Containing Molecules: Design of Galactofuranosyl Acceptors

D ‐Galactofuranose ( D ‐Gal f ) is present in glycoconjugates of several pathogenic microorganisms but is absent in mammals, so it is a good target for the development of chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of microbial infections. This fact has increased interest in the synthesis of D ‐Gal f ‐containing molecules for corresponding glycobiological studies. The synthesis of oligosaccharides, glycoconjugates, and mimetics of D ‐Gal f requires specific methods for the preparation of galactose derivatives in the furanosic configuration, the synthesis of appropriate acceptors, and efficient glycosylation methods for the construction of α‐ and β‐ D ‐Gal f linkages. This review summarizes the different strategies developed for the preparation of partially protected derivatives of D ‐Gal f , suitable as acceptors for the construction of (1→2), (1→3), (1→5), and (1→6) link‐ ages, and describes recent applications.