Branched-chain five-membered ring aza-sugar analogues, synthesized from ami
no acids by an intramolecular oxime-olefin cycloaddition reaction, the IOOC
route, were found to be selective glycosidase inhibitors. The derivative 2
,4(S)-di(hydroxymethyl)-3(S)-aminopyrrolidine, obtained from D-serine, was
about 1 order of potency more active than its enantiomer obtained from L-se
rine.