A simple and inexpensive preparation of perdeuterated sorbitol for use as a biomacromolecule stabilization agent in NMR studies

Sorbitol is an excellent protein-stabilization agent, but it is typically u sed at high concentrations where the H-1 signals can interfere with NMR dat a collection and analysis. Deuteration of sorbitol can ameliorate this prob lem; however, perdeuterated sorbitol is not commercially available. We desc ribe a simple and inexpensive method for preparation of perdeuterated sorbi tol from perdeuterated glucose. The method is described explicitly and exam ples are given where the use of perdeuterated sorbitol has allowed the extr action of information, from NMR spectra, that is otherwise unobtainable.