LIPASE-MEDIATED HYDROLYSIS AND ESTERIFICATION

Catalytic properties of commercially available lipases from Candida cy lindracea, Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium roquefort i, Geotrichum candidum, and porcine pancreas, and those of a crude lip ase isolated from G. candidum were studied. Esterification of the race mic cis- and trans-isomers of 2-(4-methoxymethoxybenzyl)-1-cyclohexyl in organic solvents and hydrolysis of the racemic cis- and trans-isome rs of 2-(4-methoxymethonybenzyl)-1-cyclohexy acetates were investigate d, and all existing enantiomers of 2-(4-methoxymethoxybenzyl)-1-cycloh exanol were prepared, isolated, and characterized by their physicochem ical properties. Alcohols 2a and 2b and acetates 4a and 4b were found to be the principle products of enzyme-mediated reactions. The optimum reaction conditions for the enzyme-mediated hydrolysis of 1a and 1b a nd for the enzyme-mediated esterification of 3a or 3b were found, when G, candidum was used. We also compare the advantages and disadvantage s of employing the appropriate enzymes.