An advanced-level organic synthesis experiment is described. The experiment accomplishes the synthesis of α-and β-D-(+)-glucopyranose pentaacetates in a convenient and safe manner, avoiding the use of zinc chloride and fused sodium acetate. Students isolate the pure acetates in a regular laboratory period and identify them by melting points and their characteristic NMR spectra.
Pandita et al. (Mon,) studied this question.