Green synthesis of methyl-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate

In the current paper, methyl-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate was synthesized by biocatalytic transesterification of castor oil with methanol in presence of two different indigenously immobilized lipase preparations. Aiming for optimum yield (94% methyl-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate), the batch reaction was conducted to evaluate the influence of reaction time, oil to methanol ratio, and water content. The atom economy (91.67%) and E-factor (0.297) for the studied reaction was uncovered, as well as an analysis of the adherence of the twelve principles of green chemistry was summarized. The green credentials were assessed using an efficient tool in strategic planning, a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis. The operational stability of immobilized lipase reactor column (60 °C) was determined for a prolonged period (>300 h) with the intermittent water addition to maintaining live enzyme. Furthermore, the purification of methyl-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate using liquid-liquid extraction aided purity of 98%, confirmed by HPLC and GC-MS analysis. [Display omitted] •Green production of methyl-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate (methyl ricinoleate) using castor oil and methanol.•Indigenously immobilized CAL-B and DETRALIP NL-GX lipase synthesizes methyl ricinoleate.•Operationally stable immobilized lipase preparation (15 days /350 h).•Liquid-liquid extraction provided >98% pure methyl ricinoleate.