n-Butyl levulinate synthesis using lipase catalysis: comparison of batch reactor versus continuous flow packed bed tubular microreactor

Novozym 435: the “perfect” lipase immobilized biocatalyst?

“…291 In another paper, n-butyl levulinate was synthesized by esterification using Lipozyme RM-IM, Lipozyme TL-IM, and N435 in both a stirred tank batch reactor and a continuous flow packed bed tubular microreactor. 292 N435 was the best catalyst (yields of 85%). Solventfree production of cetyl laurate, myristate, palmitate and stearate has been also reported to be catalyzed by N435 (conversion was higher than 98.5%).…”

Catalytic Transformation of Biomass Derivatives to Value‐Added Chemicals and Fuels in Continuous Flow Microreactors

“…[154][155][156][157] Besides biodiesel synthesis, catalytic esterification of biobased acids (e. g., lactic acid and succinic acid obtained by fermentations) with (biobased) alcohols may also benefit from biphasic processing in microreactors. [334,335] These reactions could be intensified as compared to batch reactors, mainly due to the increased catalytic surface area and enhanced heat control in the microreactor. [10] Chemocatalytic esterification of biomass derivatives, apart from biodiesel synthesis, has not yet been reported in microreactors to the best of the authors' knowledge.…”

“…The single liquid phase esterification of caffeic acid (hydroxycinnamic acid), an aromatic acid abundantly present in plants, to alkyl caffeates (i. e., methyl caffeate and caffeic acid phenethyl ester), [332,333] and the synthesis of alkyl levulinates by the esterification of levulinic acid with an alcohol (1-butanol or ethanol) have been reported in packed bed microreactors. [334,335] These reactions could be intensified as compared to batch reactors, mainly due to the increased catalytic surface area and enhanced heat control in the microreactor.…”

Continuous Flow Upgrading of Selected C2–C6Platform Chemicals Derived from Biomass

“…51,939 The esterification of nbutanol with levulinic acid was investigated by Bhavsar and Yadav using immobilized lipases as catalysts in a packed-bed borosilicate glass tubular microreactor. 940 In comparison with a batch process, superior performance was highlighted. After a systematic optimization of the process, the reaction was most efficiently carried out at 60 °C and with Novozym 435 as the catalyst, 3 equiv of n-butanol and MTBE as the solvent.…”

“…Enzymes, in particular lipases, can also catalyze such reactions, and flow processes can be implemented upon immobilization of the enzyme on a suitable support. , The esterification of n -butanol with levulinic acid was investigated by Bhavsar and Yadav using immobilized lipases as catalysts in a packed-bed borosilicate glass tubular microreactor . In comparison with a batch process, superior performance was highlighted.…”