Enzyme-catalyzed preparation of novel fatty acid derivatives of pyridoxine with surfactant activity

A series of novel fatty acid derivatives of pyridoxine, one of the three members of the vitamin B-6 group, has been prepared. These products were obtained using an enzymatic approach. Several lipases catalyzed esterification and transesterification reactions of pyridoxine with carboxylic acid or alkyl carboxylates showed a remarkable regioselective behavior; only monoacyl derivatives were obtained. The surfactant activity, composition and clean enzymatic methodology applied in the preparation of these products make them useful as ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations or food additives.