[chrisso80b]

Hi, just wondering if anyone knew a link/ or could explain to me the mechanism of converting D-glucose (seen here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Beta-D-Glucose.svg) to the penta-acetate derivative (seen here: http://www.lcsci.com/chemicals/products/img/enlarge/PG102L.jpg)

The reagent used is Acetic anhydride and ZnCl₃, im guessing the acetic anhydride is attacked by the -OH group on the glucose or something? any help appreciated!
thanks

[AWK]

ZnCl₂ not ZnCl₃ is a Lewis acid. This is just an esterification catalysed by the Lewis acid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fischer%E2%80%93Speier_esterification