Regioselective lipase‐catalyzed transesterification of tributyrin. Influence of salt hydrates on acyl migration

Abstract

The influence of the nature of solid salt hydrates on the rate of hexanoic acid catalyzed acyl migration in 1,2‐dibutyrin has been examined in hexane. The results show that the rate of acyl migration is faster when hydrogen phosphate salts are included compared to sulfate salts. The rate is essentially the same in the presence of sulfate salts and without salts. In regioselective lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of tributyrin with hexanoic acid, the use of hydrogen phosphate salts to control water activity leads to a higher rate of migration than the use of sulfate salts. Minor differences are observed in interesterification with ethyl hexanoate.