The alkaline hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucoside, alpha-D-galacto
side, and beta-D-mannoside was selectively accelerated by addition of methy
l boronic acid, as compared to that of the corresponding beta-D-glucoside,
beta-D-galactoside, and alpha-D-mannoside. In the case of p-nitrophenyl a (
or beta)-D-glucoside, the alpha/beta selectivity was increased up to 110 wh
en four molar equivalents of methyl- or phenylboronic acid were added.