Abstract: Water-soluble polysaccharide guar gum, guaran, is altered to convert its properties from those of producing a highly viscous stable dispersion to enable production of a sequence of products that may be separately produced through the selective removal of D-galactopyranosyl side units so as to produce different lengths of molecular segments containing no derivatizing .alpha.-D-galactopyranosyl groups. The structure therefore yields a high viscosity polysaccharide with the ability to form gels of various strengths ranging from very weak gels to strong gels by appropriate selection of the extent to which the .alpha.-D-galactopyranosyl groups are removed.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing daunosamine hydrochloride is disclosed. Intermediates useful for synthesizing daunosamine hydrochloride, and processes for preparing such intermediates, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing N-benzoyl-L-ristosamine is disclosed. Intermediates useful for synthesizing N-benzoyl-L-ristosamine, and processes for preparing such intermediates, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing daunosamine and related compounds is disclosed. Intermediates useful for synthesizing daunosamine, and processes for preparing such intermediates, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compound, namely 5-thio-D-glucose, and use thereof for a male contraceptive is disclosed herein. 5-Thio-D-glucose is administered periodically to inhibit development of sperm cells (spermatozoa). Sperm cells are arrested at the immature sperm cell level by administration of 5-thio-D-glucose, and this arrestment of cell development is maintained so long as administration of 5-thio-D-glucose is continued. After discontinuance of administration of 5-thio-D-glucose, however, the sperm cells again develop and normal sperm cell production is resumed.

Abstract: A particular compound, namely 5-Thio-D-glucose, and use thereof, is disclosed herein for control of body weight. 5-Thio-D-glucose is administered to thereby cause loss of weight without disrupting normal eating habits, the 5-Thio-D-glucose reducing carbohydrate assimilation to thereby cause reduction in calorie intake.

Abstract: A particular compound, namely 5-Thio-D-glucose and use thereof is disclosed herein for parasite control. 5-Thio-D-glucose is administered to effectively deny an energy supply to cells in which parasites are living to thus deny an energy supply to the parasites for eliminating the parasite.