Synthesis and biological activity of potential antimetabolites of L-fucose

6-Substituted 6-deoxy-L-galactose (L-fucose) derivatives were synthesized as potential antimetabolites of L-fucose. The cytotoxic effects of these compounds were evaluated on P388 leukemia cells in culture. The L-fucose analogues which showed the most potent growth inhibition were the sulfonyl ester, bromo, and iodo derivatives; since these compounds were all capable of alkylation, it is conceivable that their cytotoxic action is a consequence of this property. In agreement with this interpretation, none of the agents synthesized showed specific inhibition of the incorporation of L-[3H]fucose into glycoprotein.