Some novel N-fatty acyl derivatives of a microbial galactosaminan

Novel seven N-fatty acyl derivatives (degree of substitution 0.78-0.96) of a microbial galactosaminan were prepared in 59-79% yields by its reaction with fatty acid anhydrides in aqueous acetic acid-methanol. N-Acetyl and N-propionyl derivatives were soluble in water, aqueous 2% sodium hydroxide, and aqueous 2% acetic acid, but N-higher fatty acyl (> C6) derivatives were insoluble. Gel was not formed in these reactions.