Specificity ofGeotrichum candidum lipase with respect to double bond position in triglycerides containingcis‐octadecenoic acids

Fifteen approximately random, mixed, triacylglycerols, each of which contained 12∶0, 14∶0, 9, 12–18∶2, 16∶0 and only one positional isomer ofcis 18∶1 (Δ2 through Δ16), were synthesized. These mixtures were used as substrates for the lipase from the microorganismGeotrichum candidum to define the specificity of the enzyme for unsaturated fatty acids. Comparatively small quantities of the 18∶1 isomers, other than 9–18∶1, were hydrolyzed. Relatively large amounts of 18∶2 were released from all substrates. There was no preference between 9–18∶1 and 18∶2. The positional isomers other than 9–18∶1 accumulated in the di‐ and mono‐acylglycerols.