Synthesis of low molecular weight flavor esters using plant seedling lipases in organic media

Powders from germinated seedlings of wheat, barley, rapeseed, maize, and li nola synthesized low molecular weight flavor esters in an organic medium (h exane), Direct esterification of acetic, butyric, and caproic acids, with e thanol, butanol, isopentanol, or (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol was achieved. Of the syst ems examined, germinated rapeseed showed the highest degree of flavor synth esis. (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl butyrate and (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl caproate were produced with yields of about 96%. Butyl butyrate, isopentyl butyrate, butyl caproa te and isopentyl caproate were produced at 80% yield. Linola seedling powde r gave yields of less than or equal to 63% for ethyl acetate and butyl acet ate. More moderate (40%) yields were obtained with barley and maize seedlin g powders. Rapeseed seedling powder is a convenient and inexpensive catalys t for preparing low molecular weight esters in organic media.