Synthesis of lauroyl saccharides through lipase-catalyzed condensation in microaqueous water-miscible solvents

Lauroyl saccharides were synthesized at 50 degrees C through condensation i n acetonitrile, acetone and tert-butanol with various water contents using the immobilized lipase Novozym(R)435. Saccharides used were glucose, galact ose, mannose and fructose. The equilibrium yields of the monoesters in acet onitrile were significantly different among the saccharides tested. The app arent equilibrium constants based on the concentrations of substrates and p roducts in acetonitrile could be correlated to the dynamic hydration number s of the saccharides, indicating that the water activity played an importan t role during the condensation in the microaqueous water-miscible solvent. However, a significant correlation between the equilibrium constant for lau royl fructose formation and parameters characterizing the solvent property could not be found. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.