LIPASE-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF TRICAPRYLIN IN A MEDIUM SOLELY COMPOSEDOF SUBSTRATES - WATER PRODUCTION AND ELIMINATION

The conditions for tricaprylin synthesis using Lipozyme (immobilized 1 ,3-specific Mucor miehei lipase) in a medium solely composed of glycer ol and caprylic acid (octanoic acid) in stoichiometric amounts are 60 degrees C with air ventilation in an open batch. The kinetics of mono- , di-, and trioctanoylglycerol synthesis and caprylic acid esterificat ion are correlated with those corresponding to water production and wa ter activity alone the esterification reaction, The technical feasibil ity of studying the time course of the reaction and water loss monitor ing only by weight and Karl-Fisher measurements is also described. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.