Synthesis of acylated methyl beta-D-xylopyranosides and their enzymic deacylations by rabbit serum esterases.

Selective pivaloylations of methyl beta-D-xylopyranoside have been studied under various reaction conditions. Partially pivaloylated products were submitted to additional acetylations. The structures were established by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Representatives of acylated methyl beta-D-xylopyranosides (acyl being pivaloyl, acetyl, or a combination of both) were submitted to hydrolysis catalyzed by rabbit serum and esterases isolated from rabbit serum.