[Nescafe]

Hello,

Is there any solvent that can prevent mutarotation in solution (neutral or weakly basic?). let us say we start with alpha glucose in DCM, it always tends to end up 2:1 Alpha:Beta (based on TLC). IS there any solvent that can just lock in alpha?

Thanks,

Nescafe.

[Dan]

I am not aware of any. I find it unlikely - any protic additive can theoretically facilitate mutarotation and glucose itself is protic.

There may be a solvent in which the thermodynamic distribution is biased more to the α-anomer, but I don't know.

[Nescafe]

"can theoretically facilitate mutarotation and glucose itself is protic"

Very good point sir. Yes, I tried a variety of solvent including CH3CN which according to a publication prevents mutarotiation, year right, that thing mutarotated like there is no tomorrow!

Thanks Dan,

Sina.