Synthesis of geranyl and citronellyl esters of coconut oil fatty acids through alcoholysis by Rhizomucor miehei lipase catalysis

Synthesis of geranyl and citronellyl esters of mixed fatty acids has been investigated by alcoholysis of coconut oil (CNO) using Rhizomucor miehei lipase. CNO fatty acid esters of geraniol and citronellol have unique mild flavors that can be used in food materials. Both geraniolysis and citronellolysis of CNO produce flavor esters in good yield. Depending on substrate concentration the molar yield is more than 50%. The optimized reaction conditions were: pressure, atmospheric; temperature, 50°C; incubation period, 5 h; and Lipozyme, 10% (w/w).