Monoacetylation of Carbohydrate Diols via Transesterification with Ethyl Acetate

Abstract

Monoacetylation of secondary diols in protected monosaccharides was achieved with ethyl acetate as acyl donor and sodium tert-butoxide as a base. The regioseletivity of the reaction varied depending on the substrate. This new method provides a simple, fast, and efficient method to access selectively acetylated carbohydrates that is compatible with acid-sensitive protecting groups.