METHOD FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF SUCROSE-6-ESTERS

The present application discloses a process for the synthesis of a sucrose-6-ester comprising: (a) forming a first reaction mixture comprising sucrose, a polar aprotic solvent, and an organotin-based acylation promoter; (b) removal of water from said first reaction mixture by contacting, in a continuous counter-current manner, with gas or solvent vapour capable of removing water at a temperature, pressure and residence time sufficient to afford a second reaction mixture which is substantially free from water; followed by (c) adding a carboxylic anhydride to said second reaction mixture to afford a third reaction mixture, and maintaining said third reaction mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to produce a sucrose-6-ester. The sucrose-6-ester can be used to make sucralose.