Olvera-Urena_2023_Molecules_29_

The present work proposes the optimization of enzymatic synthesis of alkyl stearates using stearic acid, alkyl alcohols (C(1)-OH, C(2)-OH, C(4)-OH, C(8)-OH and C(16)-OH) and Candida rugosa lipase by a L(9) (3(4)) Taguchi-type design of experiments. Four variables were evaluated (reaction time, temperature, kU of lipase and alcohol:stearic acid molar ratio), ensuring that all variables were critical. In optimal conditions, five stearates were obtained with conversions > 90%. The obtained products were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the defoaming capacity of the five stearates was evaluated, obtaining better performance for the compound synthesized from C(8)-OH alcohol.