Condensation of L-Ascorbic Acid and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids by Immobilized Lipase in Acetonitrile with Low Water Content

Lipase from Candida antarctica immobilized on a macroporous acrylic resin, Novozym®435, could catalyze the condensation of L-ascorbic acid and medium-chain fatty acids with chain lengths of 6 to 12 in acetonitrile. The chain length did not significantly affect the progress of the condensation. The water content of acetonitrile significantly affected the equilibrium conversion of the condensation of L-ascorbic acid and lauric acid. A higher conversion was achieved at a lower water content. The equilibrium constant for the condensation was determined to be about 1.6 at 60°C.