ACETYLATION OF A BETA-1,6-BRANCHED BETA-1,3-GLUCAN, YIELDING SCHIZOPHYLLAN-ACETATE

Several enzymatic and chemical methods were employed to attempt to acylate the homoglucan Schizophyllan. The enzymatic attempts with an immobilized lipase and a protease failed because of the lack of a suitable organic solvent and for steric reasons. Of the chemical methods attempted, only strong add catalysis with a large excess of a carboxyl compound led to acetylation. The degree of acetylation is discussed.