Methods for synthesis and preparation of alpha-glycosphingolipids are provided. Methods for synthesis of a-galactosyl ceramides, and pharmaceutically active analogs and variants thereof are provided. Novel alpha-glycosphingolipids are provided, wherein the compounds are immunogenic compounds which serve as ligands for NKT (natural killer T) cells. A process for preparing a chiral compound comprising an R-form or S- form of a glycosphingolipid of formula (1 ) is provided, wherein R1=OH, NH2, NHCOR2, R2 = H or an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkyl terminating in aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, or substituted heteroaryl, X=alkyl group, R3= OH or H, R4=OH or H, R5= aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, or substituted heteroaryl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound of formula 1 is prepared by (a) deprotecting a compound of formula (2): wherein PG is a hydroxyl protecting group, with hydrogen under hydrogenation catalysis.Se proporcionan métodos para la síntesis y preparación de alfa-glicoesfingolípidos. Se proporcionan métodos para la síntesis de a-galactosil ceramida, y análogos y variantes farmacéuticamente activos del mismo. Se proporcionan alfa-glicoesfingolípidos novedosos, en donde los compuestos son compuestos inmunogénicos los cuales sirven como ligandos para las células NKT (T asesinas naturales).
