A total synthesis of phosphatidylcholines

A new general method for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholines is illustrated by the preparation of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine. The molar rotation, MD + 55.5°, observed for the product is about 10% greater than the currently accepted value of + 50.1°, and reinforces doubts about the structural and stereochemical purity of synthetic phosphatidylcholines described in the earlier literature.