QUANTITATIVE ENZYMATIC PRODUCTION OF 1,6-DIACYL SORBITOL ESTERS

The enzymatic synthesis of several sorbitol diesters whose HLB values are similar to those of monoglycerides (the largest single type of foo d-grade emulsifiers) has been studied. The procedure is carried out by the simple addition of the polyol to a solution of the fatty acid and is based on continuous precipitation of the diester formed at a low t emperature. A solvent of relatively low toxicity (acetone) was used. P ure fatty acids of different chain lengths (lauric and caprylic acids) were employed. The procedure was also tested using the acids obtained from total hydrolysis of olive oil, as an example of industrial feeds tocks of fatty acids. This synthesis strategy gave complete conversion of sorbitol and >95% yields of the corresponding 1,6-diesters. In add ition, a strategy to reduce the reaction time is reported. The enzymat ic procedure permits minimization of the solvent/sugar ratio because i t does not require complete dissolution of the sugar in the organic so lvent. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.