Semi-continuous enzymatic production and membrane assisted separation of isoamyl acetate in alcohol — ionic liquid biphasic system

Enzymatic production of an important natural flavor ester, isoamyl acetate, was studied by using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B in [bmim]PF6 ionic liquid. The reaction was completed by removing water produced in the reaction by zeolite adsorption, and practically 100% yield was achieved. An integrated system was developed for the separation of the isoamyl alcohol‒water‒isoamyl acetate ternary azeotropic mixture, combining pervaporation and osmotic distillation. The Sulzer “Pervap 2256” flat sheet hydrophobic pervaporation membrane was found to be 100% selective for isoamyl alcohol.