An improved method for synthesising omega-stearoyldextran for the detection of plaque forming cells specific for the alpha-(1 replaces 6) determinant.

A method for synthesising omega-stearoyldextran for the detection of plaque forming cells specific for the alpha-(1 replaces 6) determinant is described. The omega-stearoyl derivative is obtained by reacting dextran with phenylboronic acid to give a 2,4-phenylboronate, which can be subsequently esterified in a pyridine solution with stearoyl chloride. Four different preparations of omega-stearoyldextran with increasing content of stearoyl were obtained. Chemical and immunochemical properties of these compounds are given.