Ester preparation.

摘要

The invention provides a process for preparing an ester by reacting a C7 - C36 mono- or dicarboxylic acid and a C2 - C8 monoalcohol in the presence of a lipase catalyst whereby water of reaction is removed by azeotropic distillation of a mixture of C2 - C8 monoalcohol and water. Preferably the azeotropic distillation of alcohol and the addition of alcohol are carried out at substantially the same rates and under reduced pressure. The process can be conducted in a single vessel system at a temperature below 80 DEG C . Esterification and azeotropic distillation can also be are carried out in separate vessels in which case higher temperatures and higher pressures can be applied.