Concise Stereoselective Synthesis of (−)‐MK7607 and 1‐ Epi ‐(−)‐MK7607, and Preliminary Evaluation as Glycosidase Inhibitors

(−)‐MK7607 and its C‐1 epimer, 1‐ epi ‐(−)‐MK7607, were stereoselectively synthesized through a concise and efficient chemoenzymatic route, which involves, as a first key step, the TDO‐mediated dihydroxylation of benzyl acetate with the recombinant E. coli JM109 (pDTG601) strain. A preliminary evaluation of glycosidase inhibition of both final products and some intermediate compounds was carried out. (−)‐MK7607 and 1‐ epi ‐(−)‐MK7607 exhibited low inhibitory potency against A. oryzae β ‐galactosidase, likely due to an unfavorable orientation within the active site.