Phenylethyl-beta-D-galactoside (PEGal) synthesis by transglycosylation can be catalysed by Aspergillus oryzae beta-galactosidase and was studied using high concentrations of glycosyl donor (lactose). The amount of PEGal formed reached a maximum value after 10h in the presence of 0.5M lactose. Beyond this time, PEGal was slowly hydrolysed. LiCl between 0.4M and 0.7M in the reaction medium prevented the progressive disappearance of the product.