Galactose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.9, GAO) is an extracellular copper-containing enzyme that utilizes molecular oxygen to convert the C6-primary hydroxyl Moiety Of D-galactopyranosides to hydrated aldehydes. Subsequent dehydratative Coupling with hydroxylamines produces oximes (3a-f), which, when subjected to conditions of hydrogenolysis, give rise to polyhydroxyazepanes (11-17). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.