Microwave-Assisted Enzymatic Esterification Production of Emollient Esters

Abstract

Currently, esterification production of isopropyl myristate (IPM) or isopropyl palmitate (IPP) uses a homogeneous or heterogeneous acid substance as a catalyst and is conducted at high temperatures and pressures. Utilization of this type of catalyst requires an additional postproduction process (neutralization and purification), which burdens the production cost. Microwave enzymatic esterification is a simple and fast method. The results showed that reaction time, ratio molar of fatty acids to isopropyl alcohol, catalyst weight, and microwave power have a significant effect on the IPM or IPP conversion. Further, the energy consumption of this process is less than other enzymatic esterification and is certainly more energy efficient, which could save 99 and 29% of processing time.