LIPASE-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF PRIMARY TERPENYL ACETATES BY TRANSESTERIFICATION - STUDY OF REACTION PARAMETERS

Transesterification of geraniol and citronellol with triacetin catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase, SP435, was investigated. The reaction was carried out in n-hexane containing 0.1 M terpene alcohol, 0.03 M triacetin, and 10% (w/w reactants) lipase. Time course, effect of added water, temperature, solvent type, and lipase reuse were studied. Yields greater than 96% molar conversion were obtained after 10 h of incubation. Optimum yields were obtained at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees C with no added water. Yields ranging from 62 to 97% were obtained for solvent-free synthesis and for solvents with log P value greater than or equal to 0.85. The yields of citronellyl acetate were greater than those of geranyl acetate. The lipase remained active after 17 times of reuse.