Proteinase N-catalysed transesterifications in DMSO–water and DMF–water: preparation of sucrose monomethacrylate

The selective acylation of sucrose was catalysed by proteinase N (from Bacillus subtilis) in DMF suspensions, providing 1′-monoesters, and notably, methacryloyl esters. Presence of water up to 7% (vol.) led to faster reactions. Alternatively, a slurry of the enzyme with a minimum volume of DMSO could also be used, despite its ability to denature enzymes.