Effects of polar additives on the enzyme enantioselectivity of an esterification reaction in organic solvents

Summary The enantioselectivity ofcandida cylindracea lipase in esterification between ibuprofen and 1-butanol in organic solvents is influenced by adding a small amount of polar solvents. The results show that both the solvents and the amount added affected the reaction. Addition of 0.05% (v/v) N,N-dimethylformamide increase the ee value of the ester from 57.5% of no addition to that of 91%.