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

D ‐Galactofuranose (D ‐Galf) 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 ‐Galf‐containing molecules for corresponding glycobiological studies. The synthesis of oligosaccharides, glycoconjugates, and mimetics of D ‐Galf 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 ‐Galf linkages. This review summarizes the different strategies developed for the preparation of partially protected derivatives of D ‐Galf, suitable as acceptors for the construction of (1→2), (1→3), (1→5), and (1→6) link‐ ages, and describes recent applications.