Thermolysin catalyses the synthesis of cyclodextrin esters in DMSO

Heptakis(2-O-decanoyl)-β-cyclodextrin was synthesised from native β-cyclodextrin and vinyl decanoate in a one-step reaction catalysed by thermolysin in DMSO. The regioselectivity was directed primarily at the C-2 position but depended on the chain length of the acyl donor.