Lipase‐Mediated Selective Synthesis of Aldopentofuranoses

The selective modification of carbohydrates using enzymatic approaches has attracted significant interest for its efficiency, specificity and sustainability. In our study, we systematically examined the conversion of aldopentoses to their corresponding furanose derivatives using immobilised Candida antarctica lipase B (NVZ‐435) and vinyl benzoate, exploring various solvents and reaction times. The 5‐ O ‐mono‐protected furanoses of seven d ‐ and l ‐aldopentoses were obtained with yields up to 100%. In cases where lower yields were observed, such as with d ‐arabinofuranose and l ‐lyxofuranose, the 2,5‐ and 1,5‐ O ‐dibenzoylated furanosyl products were obtained in 73% and 40% yield, respectively. These findings broaden the scope of biocatalysis as a selective, sustainable and highly efficient approach for challenging carbohydrate synthesis.