To gain deeper insight, we investigated the reactions of G>P with EA and each of its methylated derivatives in the absence of Ch. When an aqueous solution of G>P and EA at pH 9.5 was heated at 40°C, we observed the formation of GPEs after one day ( 31 P-NMR; Fig. ). Similar results were obtained for transformations involving MEA and DEA (Fig. ). At higher pH values (10.5) and temperatures (60 and 80°C), the reaction of G>P with EA resulted in the hydrolysis of the starting material, whereas at lower pH values (8.5) and temperatures (22°C), GPEs were generated with increasing efficiency over longer periods of time (Fig. ).