Preparation of short chain esters by the lipase from mucor miehei using heptane and silica gel

Butyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and isoamyl valerate were prepared by Mucor miehei lipase catalyzed esterification of free acids and alcohols carried out in non-aqueous systems using heptane and silica gel which removes water formed in the reaction. For butyl and isoamyl acetate 1:3 and for isoamyl acetate 1:2 molar proportions of acid to alcohol were found to be optimal. Heptane(5 ml) and 0.01g silica gel per 0.1M acid were found to improve the yields. Under optimum conditions using 60°C, within 48 hours 40% butyl acetate, 53% isoamyl acetate and 61% isoamyl valerate conversions were observed.