ESTERIFICATION OF 2-METHYLALKANOIC ACIDS CATALYZED BY LIPASE FROM CANDIDA-RUGOSA - ENANTIOSELECTIVITY AS A FUNCTION OF WATER ACTIVITY AND ALCOHOL CHAIN-LENGTH

Esterifications catalysed by immobilised lipase from Candida rugosa CR L) in cyclohexane at constant water activity (a(w) = 0.76) were studie d using 2-methyl substituted octa-, nona- or decanoic acids and n-alco hols of varying chain length as substrates. The importance of controll ing the water activity and choosing the right alcohol for obtaining ma ximum enantioselectivity is demonstrated. The immobilised lipase was e asily recovered without loss of activity and enantioselectivity.