Catalytic Oxidation of Glucosides to Glucuronides

Abstract

STUDIES of the structure and metabolism of the conjugated glucuronides formed from alcohols and phenols in the animal body have been hindered by the lack of a convenient method for the synthesis of these compounds. Controlled oxidation of the corresponding glucoside would appear to hold most promise as a method of glucuronide synthesis. This oxidation has been carried out with α-menthol and α- and β-methyl glucosides^1–4. The reagents so far employed (bromine, hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen tetroxide) have, however, given very poor yields of the glucuronides.