Enzymatic synthesis of rapeseed oil-based lubricants

The application of enzyme preparations, such as immobilized lipases from Candida Antarctica, Pseudomonas cepacia and Rhizomucor miehei, in the synthesis of rapeseed oil fatty acid esters with selected alcohols has been tested. The synthesis was based on transesterification reactions of rapeseed oil fatty acid methyl ester with 2-ethylhexanol, neopentyl glycol and trimethylolpropane, using immobilized lipases as catalysts in a solvent free medium. Using C. Antarctica lipase, above 98% conversion degree of substrates was achieved after 50, 150 and 200 h for 2-ethylhexyl esters, neopentyl glycol esters and esters of trimethylolpropane, respectively. The synthesized esters are characterized by better viscosity properties, lower pour point and higher thermo-oxidative stability as compared with native rapeseed oil.

► Fatty acid esters of 2-ethylhexanol and some neopentyl alcohols were prepared.
► Enzymatic catalyzed transesterification reaction was applied for synthesis.
► Immobilized lipases (RML, CAL, PCL) were used as catalysts in solvent free medium.
► S-(+)-2-ethylhexanol was more reactive compared to R-(−)-2 ethylhexanol.