A new experimental layout for non-aqueous enzymatic syntheses

The lipase-catalysed synthesis of geranyl caproate has been carried out in a stirred batch reactor. A continuous flow of nitrogen is provided. The gas is pre-equilibrated by b ubbling within different vessels upstream from the reactor, in order to ins ure controlled conditions in terms of water thermodynamic activity. In orde r to avoid a continuous stripping of the solvent, nitrogen is pre-saturated with the latter as well. Furthermore, nitrogen flow strips out the volatil e reaction products, thus beneficially affecting reaction thermodynamics. In order to further exploit the advantages of gas injection, a three-phase fluidised reactor configuration has been tested, where the gag-induced turb ulence avoids mechanical stirring. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.