The structure and (local) stability constants of borate esters of mono- and di-saccharides as studied by 11B and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

The formation of borate esters of various mono- and di-saccharides in aqueous solution was studied by 11B and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Association constants K(B-L) at a carbohydrate-borate molar ratio of 1:1, pH 7, and 25 degrees C were determined and compared with literature values obtained from potentiometry. The association constants K(B-L) were converted into local association constants Kloc(B-L) by using the distribution of the various anomeric forms in D2O. In this way, values of Kloc(B-L) were obtained, which appear to be characteristic of the configuration concerned. They explain the favourable effect of borate in the alkaline isomerisation of lactose into lactulose. At a low molar ratio (1:3) of carbohydrate-borate, predominantly diborate esters (B-)2L were formed.