Lipase-catalyzed esterification of (S)-naproxen ethyl ester in supercritical carbon dioxide

A lipase-catalyzed esterification reaction of (S)-naproxen ethyl ester by CALB (Candida antarctica lipase B) enzyme was performed in supercritical carbon dioxide. Experiments were performed in a high-pressure cell for 10 h at a stirring rate of 150 rpm over a temperature range of 313.15 to 333.15 K and a pressure range of 50 to 175 bar. The productivity of (S)-naproxen ethyl ester was compared with the result in ambient condition. The total reaction time and conversion yields of the catalyzed reaction in supercritical carbon dioxide were compared with those at ambient temperature and pressure. The experimental results show that the conversion and reaction rate were significantly improved at critical condition. The maximum conversion yield was 9.9% (216 h) at ambient condition and 68.9% (3 h) in supercritical state. The effects of varying amounts of enzyme and water were also examined and the optimum condition was found (7 g of enzyme and 2% water content).