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Enzyme‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Esters in Water
Author(s) -
Mestrom Luuk,
Claessen Jord G. R.,
Hanefeld Ulf
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201801991
Subject(s) - chemistry , catalysis , alcohol , transesterification , reagent , hydrolysis , organic chemistry , primary (astronomy) , vinyl acetate , ethyl acetate , physics , polymer , astronomy , copolymer
MsAcT catalyzes the esterification of primary alcohols in water. When utilizing acid and alcohol as starting materials low yields dictated by thermodynamics were observed. However, with activated esters such as ethyl acetate and vinyl acetate very high yields of the desired ester can be achieved in combination with the appropriate alcohol. This study investigated both the intrinsic kinetic properties of MsAcT for the hydrolysis and transesterification of esters in water as well as the thermodynamics of the reaction. In comparison to the chemical or enzymatic ester synthesis using either toxic reagent, and harsh organic solvents, the MsAcT‐catalyzed synthesis of esters of primary alcohols can be achieved efficiently in water without neutralization steps.