Scalable Synthesis of Human Ultralong Chain Ceramides

Ceramides with ultralong chains (≥30 carbons), also known as acylceramides, play a critical role in the survival of mammals on dry land. An efficient and scalable synthesis of four major classes of ultralong human skin ceramides is reported. The key approach involves the use of a succinimidyl ester that acts as a protective group, helps overcome the extremely low solubility, and simultaneously activates the fatty acid for its clean and high-yielding attachment to a sphingoid base.