Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Synthesis of Esters Via a Greener Steglich Esterification in Acetonitrile
Published on: October 30, 2018
Green synthesis of isopropyl ricinoleate
1Department of Oils, Oleochemicals and Surfactants Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology (University under Section 3 of UGC Act 1956; Formerly UDCT/ UICT), Nathalal Parekh Road, Matunga (East), Mumbai - 400 019, India.
Abstract:
Increased environmental awareness is slowly driving the industry to develop alternatives to chemical routes for synthesis. Lipase catalysed synthesis is one such alternative route that is environmentally more acceptable. In this study, immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (Lipozyme 435) was used for the esterification of ricinoleic acid and isopropyl alcohol. Molecular sieves were used to remove the water formed during esterification to drive the reaction in forward direction. The optimal conditions observed were 40°C temperature, 4% enzyme concentration, 1:1 acid: alcohol ratio and 4 hours time interval. Under the described conditions, the reusability of lipase was tested and it was found that above 80% esterification was observed for over three cycles.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Organic Acids
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Saponification
The reaction requires a base in stoichiometric amounts, which participates in the reaction and is not regenerated later. So, the base acts as a...
α-Hydroxy Ketones via Reductive Coupling of Esters: Acyloin Condensation Overview
Alkylation of β-Ketoester Enolates: Acetoacetic Ester Synthesis
Preparation of Diols and Pinacol Rearrangement
The reaction begins with transferring a proton from the acid catalyst to one of the hydroxyl groups, producing an oxonium ion.
Production of Biopesticides
