Abstract:

A novel way for the synthesis of L-ascorbyl fatty acid esters (AFAE) from low-cost lard and L-ascorbic acid under the catalysis of lipase was developed and the optimal reaction conditions were investigated. It was found that a higher substrate conversion ratio was obtained in single organic solvents than in their pairwise combinations and the optimal solvent system consisted of t-pentanol and isooctane (30:70, V/V). The optimal reaction conditions for maximum substrate conversion ratio were as follows: L-ascorbic acid/lard methyl ester molar ratio 1:10; enzyme amount 10%; and reaction temperature 55 ℃ for a reaction duration of 24 h. The conversion ratio of L-ascorbic acid under these reaction conditions reached up to (52.7±2.8)%.

Key words: lipase, lard, enzymatic synthesis, L-ascorbyl fatty acid esters