Total Synthesis of Mono-Rhamnolipids Using Organophotoacid-Catalyzed Glycosylation and Their Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Mono-rhamnolipids are glycolipid biosurfactants that exhibit both antibacterial and surface-active properties. In this study, we achieved the total synthesis of a mono-rhamnolipid library consisting of 12 members that differ in fatty chain length, number, and stereochemistry via organophotoacid-catalyzed glycosylation. We then performed a structure–activity relationship study to evaluate their antibacterial activities.