LIPASE-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXY STEARATES AND THEIR PROPERTIES

Hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) esters of long-chain alcohols, such as hydrox y stearates, have potential applications from lubricants to cosmetics. These esters were synthesized enzymatically to overcome the problems associated with chemical processes. An immobilized lipase, Rhizomucor miehei, was employed as catalyst in the esterification reaction betwee n hydroxy-stearic acid as a source of HFA and monohydric fatty alcohol s (C-8-C-18). The yields of esters were in the range of 82-90% by cond ucting the reactions at 65 +/- 2 degrees C, 2-5 mm Hg pressure, and 10 % lipase concentration. The products were analyzed by infrared spectro scopy, and some of their analytical characteristics were determined.