Lipase catalysed synthesis of sugar ester in organic solvents

The synthesis of sugar esters catalysed by lipase in organic solvents was studied. Immobilized Candida and Mucor miehei lipase catalysed the synthesis of fructose and glucose esters of stearic acid in tertiary butyl alcohol with yields of 10 to 24 %. In the presence of phenyl or butyl boronic acid synthesis of glucose ester was achieved in hexane, heptane, benzene and toluene. The only positive reaction on disaccharides was found with palatinose.