We describe the synthesis of sugar-fused beta-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactones, gamma-butyrolactams and a lipophilic beta-disubstituted GABA analogue as potential GABA receptor ligands, where the pharmacophore is engineered into the carbohydrate scaffold in the form of a C-fructoside. The products were characterized for receptor binding studies of GABA(A) receptors. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.