Enzymatic synthesis of citronellol laurate in organic media and in supercritical carbon dioxide

Short-chain esters of carboxylic acids and monoterpene alcohols are very important compounds in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Lipase-catalyzed esterification of β-citronellol and lauric acid was performed in organic solvents and in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2). The optimal conditions found in organic solvents at atmospheric pressure were: an equimolar ratio of substrates, a temperature of 60 °C, an agitation speed of 500 rpm, 12% (w/w of substrates) enzyme preparation of lipase B from Candida antarctica. The highest conversion in SC CO2 was obtained at 60 °C and 10 MPa with ethyl methylketone serving as a co-solvent.