An alternative method for the rapid synthesis of partially O-methylated alditol acetate standards for GC–MS analysis of carbohydrates

Abstract

Mixtures of partially O-methylated alditol acetate standards (PMAAs) of Glc, Gal, and Man were synthesized rapidly. Methylation of methyl glycosides was carried out in the presence of BaO/Ba(OH) 2·8H 2O giving rise to mixtures of partially methylated glycosides (PMGs), whose degree of methylation was monitored by TLC. The batch containing the largest mixture of methyl ethers was converted into partially O-methylated alditol acetate derivatives (PMAAs), via successive hydrolysis, reduction, and acetylation, and then subjected to GC and GC–MS analysis. Detailed data on retention times, TIC, and EIMS are now provided.