α-d-Mannose derivatives as models designed for selective inhibition of Golgi α-mannosidase II

► Oxidation of phenylalkyl 1-thio-α-d-mannopyranosides provides sulfoxides and sulfones as novel mannose derivatives. ► Novel mannose derivatives are models for design of selective inhibitors of Golgi α-mannosidase II (GM). ► Benzyl α-d-mannopyranosyl sulfone is a selective inhibitor of GM. ► Based on molecular modeling the sulfonyl group interacts with catalytic acid of GM and can block its function for the enzymatic hydrolysis.