Lipase Catalysis in Ionic Liquids and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide at 150 °C

Abstract

Free and immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B dispersed in ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bistriflimide and 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium bistriflimide) were used as catalyst for the continuous kinetic resolution of rac-1-phenylethanol in supercritical carbon dioxide at 120 and 150 degrees C and 10 MPa. Excellent activity, stability and enantioselectivity levels were recorded in continuous operation.