Single-step enzymatic synthesis of (R)-2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl glycerate, a compatible solute from micro-organisms that functions as a protein stabiliser.

Regioselective glucosylation of R-glycerate catalysed by sucrose phosphorylase in the presence of sucrose as the donor substrate provided the natural compatible solute (R)-2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl glycerate with complete regioselectivity in an optimised synthetic yield of 90% R-glycerate converted and a concentration of about 270 mM.