Enzymatic synthesis of fatty alcohol esters by alcoholysis

Abstract

Abstract Lipase‐catalyzed conversions of some minor oils and fats like mowrah (Madhuca latifolia) , mango (Mangifera indica) kernel, and sal (Shorea robusta) fats into low, medium, and high molecular weight alcohol esters have been investigated. In solvent‐free medium, alcoholysis of the above‐mentioned fats with 10% (w/w) Mucor miehei lipase produced alcohol esters in good yield. The percentage molar conversions of C 4 , C 8 , C 10 , C 12 , C 14 , C 16 , C 18 , and C 18:1 alcohols into corresponding alcohol esters ranged from 86.8 to 99.2, while the percentage molar conversions on the basis of oil were in the range of 108.0 to 123.5.