A high-yield saponification of galactosylceramide I(3)-sulfate.

A method for the deacylation of galactosylceramide I(3)-sulphate using aqueous methanolic KOH is described. The combination of a relatively low concentration of the alkali (0.3 M) and a moderate reaction temperature (reflux point of 90% methanol) results in the formation of galactosylsphingosine I(3)-sulphate in consistently high yields (61%) with a minimum of side reactions. The product was purified by column chromatography and its identity established by thin layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, determination of galactose content and organic sulphate assay using established methods or their modifications.