Lipase catalyzed synthesis of peroxycarboxylic acids and lipase mediated oxidations

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)81232-1

Lipase catalyzed synthesis of long chain peroxycarboxylic acids from hydrogen peroxide and free carboxylic acid was investigated. A 51% yield of peroxytetradecanoic acid was achieved when using a two phase system of toluene and water. The peroxy acids thus formed were applied for in situ oxidation of alkenes, in general leading to high yields of the corresponding epoxide. For example, a quantitative yield of cyclohexene oxide and a 94% yield of 1-hexadecene oxide was achieved in a solvent-free process.