Entirely solvent-free biocatalytic synthesis of solketal fatty esters from soybean seeds

Rubén Torregrosa, Edinson Yara-Varón, Mercè Balcells, Mercè Torres, Ramon Canela-Garayoa*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Solvent-free reactions are the systems of choice in green chemistry. In addition to contributing to lowering the environmental impact of chemical processes, solvent-free systems can reduce production costs, reaction times, and the dimensions of reactors, thereby decreasing investment costs. An improved procedure to prepare 2,2-dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane (solketal) fatty esters from soybean seeds has been developed. Yields higher than 90% were achieved by combining 15 h of hydrolysis with 6 h of esterification with a stepwise addition of solketal. The synthesis was performed in a solvent-free medium, and the final extraction was accomplished using supercritical CO2. Hence, we have successfully prepared these esters from soybean beans without using organic solvents. In addition, given the non-toxicity of Rhizopus oryzae and the composition of the remaining solid, it might be used as a raw material for feedstock production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)749-753
Number of pages5
JournalComptes Rendus Chimie
Volume19
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 2,2-Dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-
  • Biocatalysis
  • Biomass
  • dioxolane
  • Resting cell
  • Rhizopus oryzae

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