(361b) Pure Ester Produced Via A Water Removing Membrane Reactor

For thermodynamically-limited reactions, selective removal of a product can create an environment in which complete conversion of the substrates are possible. In this presentation, we'll discuss the esterification of an alcohol with an acid to produce an ester plus water. To promote the forward reaction, the water level in the reaction mixture should be minimized. The current study evaluates the use of membrane technology for water concentration in the reaction mixture. The process operates by contacting the reaction mixture with a synthetic membrane. On the opposite side of the membrane, a vacuum is applied to minimize the activity of water and provide a driving force for the mass transport. This presentation will evaluate the impact of applying this technology to the enzyme-catalyzed esterification of geraniol.

The synthesis of geranyl acetate by esterification of geraniol with acetic acid catalyzed by an immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica is the model reaction investigated. Geranyl acetate is an important flavor and fragrance compound. All reactions were completed in n-hexane solvent. Highly permeable, chemically and thermally resistant membranes manufactured by Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. were used to selectively remove water from the reaction mixture.

Conversion beyond the conventional equilibrium limitation was studied through the selective removal of water from the reaction mixture. Significant enhancement in reaction rate was observed. The impact of processing conditions and membrane properties on the reaction product spectrum will be discussed in this presentation.