Studies on the boronation of methyl-β-d-cellobioside—a cellulose model Original Research Article

The conversion of phenylboronic acid (PBA) with methyl-β-d-cellobioside (Me-β-d-clb) and cellodextrins (DPw 12) was investigated to gain a basic understanding of the interactions of boric acid derivatives with oligo- and polyglucans. By means of MS and NMR experiments, it was possible to show a first stage formation of a six-membered ring at C-4 and C-6 of the non-reducing glucose occurs as in the case of monosaccharides. If the amount of reagent is increased the formation of seven-membered rings at the secondary OH moieties is observed. Even the existence of two of these large ring-systems in the direct neighborhood was found. Application of an excess of boronation reagent led to dimerization reactions of Me-β-d-clb via the primary reducing glucose residue as confirmed by DOSY NMR studies. Preliminary 13C NMR studies for the interaction of cellodextrins with PBA in DMSO solution confirmed a functionalization at the trans-1,2-diol moieties of these oligomers. The amount of reagent applied may either was shown to lead to soluble products or to insoluble cross-linked material.