Intensification of enzyme catalysed synthesis of hexyl acetate using sonication

Abstract

Abstract This present study focuses on ultrasound assisted process intensification of hexyl acetate synthesis via lipozyme RMIM catalysed transesterification of hexanol with triacetin by using hexane as a solvent. Hexyl acetate, an ester with fruity odor and significant green note is mostly used as flavor and fragrance material in various areas. Effect of various parameters on conversion of hexyl acetate such as molar ratio, enzyme loading, temperature, power, agitation speed and duty cycle was studied systematically. With the molar ratio of 1:1 of hexanol to triacetin with 4% enzyme loading (w/v), at agitation speed of 100 rpm with application of sonication at 60 W power and 70% duty cycle resulted in to 83% conversion at 50°C temperature in 4 h when compared with conventional method which requires 9 h for 68% conversion.