The synthesis of a galactocerebroside-based photolabeling reagent is described. The reagent is a structural analogue of the native lipid, containing a diazomalonamide group incorporated in the acyl chain. Photolysis studies in THF-H20 resulted in the isolation and characterization of the water insertion product, demonstrating the molecule's capacity for intermolecular OH insertion. Photolysis of the reagent while incorporated into ...