Lipase-catalyzed solid-phase synthesis of sugar fatty acid esters - Removal of byproducts by azeotropic distillation

6-O-beta-D(+)-Glucose fatty acid monoesters were synthesized from non-activated beta-D(+)-glucose and fatty acids or fatty acid methyl esters (C-8, C-16, C-18) with lipase from Candida antarctica B immobilized on polypropylene EP 100. Highest yields (up to 90%) were achieved in ethyl methylketone or acetone as solvent by conducting the reactions under reduced pressure at 60 degrees C in order to remove the byproducts water (produced in the esterification of free fatty acids) or methanol (produced in the transesterification of fatty acid methyl esters) by creating an azeotropic mixture. Both solvents could be easily removed from the reaction mixture and are regarded as biocompatible in the preparation of food additives. In case of caprylic acid, highest conversion (76%) was achieved at 25 degrees C. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.