Factors Affecting Lipase Catalyzed n-Butyl Oleate Synthesis

Abstract

Abstract Four commercial lipases were employed in a study of factors affecting the direct synthesis of n-butyl oleate from n-butanol and oleic acid without an additional organic solvent. The effect of initial water content on the initial rate and yield of n-butyl oleate synthesis varied with the lipase used. Without addition of water, only Chromobacterium viscosum lipase exibited a significant biocatalytic activity with a 98% yield based on oleic acid, reached in 12 hours with 0.3% of enzyme. With 3.2% water content, a similar yield was reached at a higher initial reaction rate. Alcohol to acid molar ratio also affected butyl oleate synthesis. With Candida cylindracea, Chromobacterium viscosum and Pseudomonas fluorescens lipases, the high rate of synthesis and high yield were obtained at an alcohol to acid molar ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 With an oleic acid excess the high yields of ester were obtained with Chromobacterium viscosum, Mucor miehei and Candida cyclindracea lipases.