Synthesis of chiral esters and alcohols via enantioselective esterification with Citrus aurantium peels as biocatalyst

The enzymatic enantioselective esterification of (±)-alcohols with Citrus aurantium peels occurred with conversions and enantiomeric excesses in the ranges of 28.8 to 70.2% and 52 to 97%, respectively. The reactions were conducted using whole plant parts as biocatalysts. The processes have low energy requirements because of their ambient temperature and pressure, presenting a valuable tool for environmentally friendly chemical transformations. The reactions were performed also under various conditions in order to optimize the procedure with respect to time, solvent, temperature, and donor acyl group, as well as recycling and storage of the biocatalyst.