Solvent free lipase catalyzed synthesis of butyl caprylate

The ester, butyl caprylate has wide applications in commercial market and it also possesses characteristic fruity flavor. The work exhibits the effect of various reaction parameters and the optimization study for the synthesis of butyl caprylate in presence of bio-catalyst. To achieve maximum conversion the optimum parameters thus established include; temperature 60 ∘ C , mole ratio of caprylic acid and butanol as 1:2, lipase loading 2% (w/v), 250 rpm speed of agitation and 4g of molecular sieves. The immobilized enzyme was also recycled and reused for 7 cycles with only 30% loss from its initial activity. The thermodynamic parameters at different temperatures were also determined. The esterification was conducted successfully with 92% as maximum conversion in 5 h in a stirred batch reactor under solvent free system and in presence of molecular sieves that was used to adsorb water formed in reaction. Graphical Abstract Synopsis: Lipase catalysed synthesis of butyl caprylate is carried out in a stirred batch reactor. Novozym 435 was used as biocatalyst, butanol and caprylic acid are used as substrates. The esterification reaction was successfully performed in 5 h to yield 92% butyl caprylate.