Selective Monoacylation of Aldonolactones by Lipase-Catalyzed Transeterification

Abstract Fade esterifidon of carbohydrates can be accomplished using base catalyzed tmnsesterification.1 However, to achieve selective esterificatian this procedure is often inadequate, frequently leading to unwanted by-products.2 The selective esterification of aldonolactones is finthea coflpllicateed by the tendency of some aldanolactones to form esters both by intermolecular self-condensation and by reaction with alcohol.3 Consequently, as part of our study of carbohydrate based surfactants, we have investigated alternative approaches fop the selective esterification of aldonolactones.