LIPASE-CATALYZED ESTERIFICATION OF OLEIC-ACID AND METHANOL IN HEXANE - A KINETIC-STUDY

The kinetics of immobilized lipase-catalyzed esterification of oleic a cid and methanol in hexane were investigated. The reaction follows Mic haelis-Menton kinetics as observed from the relationship of initial ra te of the reaction, both as a function of enzyme and of substrate conc entration. Inhibition by excess of methanol has been identified. The k inetic constants have been measured for the reaction in the absence of any significant external diffusional limitations. The kinetics of the enzymatic reaction are suggested to agree with a Ping Pong Bi Bi mech anism.