Abstract: Glucosepane is a structurally complex protein post-translational modification (PTM) believed to exist in all living organisms. Glucosepane possesses a unique chemical structure that incorporates a surprising, never-before-prepared non-aromatic tautomer of imidazole, rendering it a challenging target for chemical synthesis. In this application, the inventors report the first total synthesis of glucosepane and related compounds according to the chemical structure: Methods of synthesis, compounds obtained therefrom, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment provide embodiments of the present invention.