Thermodynamics of the lipase-catalyzed esterification of 1-dodecanoic acid and 1-dodecanol in organic solvents

Lipase immobilized on controlled-pore glass beads was used to catalyze the esterification of 1-dodecanol and 1-dodecanoic acid in organic solvents. Equilibrium measurements were performed in hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, and toluene at the temperature T = 298.15 K. The equilibrium constants correlate well with the (octanol + water) partition coefficients and the dielectric constants of the solvents. The saturation molalities and the (2,2,4-trimethylpentane + water) partition coefficients of 1-dodecanol, 1-dodecanoic acid, and dodecyl dodecanoate have been determined at T = 298.15 K. The equilibrium constant of the esterification reaction in water has also been calculated.