WAX ESTER SYNTHESIS IN A MEMBRANE REACTOR WITH LIPASE-SURFACTANT COMPLEX IN HEXANE

A lipase-surfactant complex (LSC) was prepared by mixing an aqueous so lution of lipase (E.C. 3.1.1.3) derived from Pseudomonas sp, with an a lcoholic solution of sorbitan monostearate. This LSC was applied to th e catalysis of esterification of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid to sy nthesize wax ester in hexane. A membrane reactor system was investigat ed for the repealed batch synthesis of wax ester with LSC. High conver sions were maintained during repeated experiments; however, the flux d ecreased during the run. Sponge washing of the membrane restored the f lux to 70% of its original value.